Any recommendations for a nice hotel centrally located in Hanoi. Never been there. so looking for something in the "boutique" style, up to a max of 3000 baht a night. Want to be close to shopping etc.

We really liked the Paramount, a smaller hotel tucked in a small alley off an alley...very quiet location but in the heart of the old quarter, about 2 blocks from the cathedral.

Rooms are medium/small but nicely furnished...not deluxe, but comfortable. The place is clean and well maintained. Complementary breakfast, free coffee all day. We paid about $25/n using Agoda.

No pool.

We really liked the Paramount, a smaller hotel tucked in a small alley off an alley...very quiet location but in the heart of the old quarter, about 2 blocks from the cathedral.

Rooms are medium/small but nicely furnished...not deluxe, but comfortable. The place is clean and well maintained. Complementary breakfast, free coffee all day. We paid about $25/n using Agoda.

No pool.

Sounds good. Just been doing a bit of searching and one that seems nice with plenty of good reviews is the Essence Hanoi Hotel & Spa, bit more expensive at 1,742 Baht a night, includes buffet breakfast. Also in the Old Quarter.

Essence does get really positive reviews and is also in a good location. Looks somewhat more "upscale" than Paramount. When I'm traveling alone I like laid back and informal but if accompanied with a GF, a bit of deluxe pampering kind of adds to the occasion.

Essence and their chain is really good in Hanoi and hence the higher rates and the staff there mostly do deserve the insane reviews they get on TripAdvisor

They really want to help and in Vietnam always use the hotel transfers if the cost is not nutty ....I believe $10 is the going rate saves you lots of happiness at the airport if haggling is not your forte

If not head straight to the taxi queue and get a blue taxi