Apricot Hotel sits at the edge of Hoan Kiem Lake on Hang Trong Street, combining a neo-classical facade with an extensive in-house art collection. This review pulls together verified facts from the official property website, major booking platforms, and guest review aggregators to give you a clear, no‑fluff picture of what to expect – from the rooftop pool and dining venues to the real distances to the Old Quarter and Noi Bai Airport.

Last checked: 2026-09-25

Address: 136 Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi · Star rating: 5 stars (luxury art boutique) · Proximity to Old Quarter: Within walking distance (nearby, as per guest comments) · Unique feature: Neo-classical design with Vietnamese art collection throughout the property

How we researched this

Last checked: 2026-09-25.

Sources reviewed: official property website, Booking.com listing, Expedia listing, Trip.com listing, TripAdvisor reviews, Hotels.com listing, KAYAK listing, Agoda listing.

We conducted no on‑site inspection, no staff interview, and no independent verification of current prices or amenities beyond what is published on the sources listed above.

Snapshot: Apricot Hotel Hanoi

1 Address & Setting
  • 136 Hang Trong Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam – directly beside Hoan Kiem Lake (Apricot Hotels)
2 Star Rating
3 Lake Proximity
  • Approximately 0.14 km from Hoan Kiem Lake and 0.21 km from St. Joseph’s Cathedral (Trip.com)
4 Signature Amenity
  • Rooftop pool advertised with views toward Hoan Kiem Lake (Apricot Hotels)
FeatureDetail
Address136 Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Star rating5 stars (luxury art boutique)
Proximity to Old QuarterWithin walking distance – adjacent to the historic quarter
Unique featureNeo-classical design with Vietnamese art collection throughout the property
Check‑in / Check‑out14:00 / 12:00 (Booking.com)
Breakfast hours06:00–10:00, cooked‑to‑order for an additional charge (Expedia)
Displayed rating (Trip.com)9.5/10 from 121 reviews (Trip.com)
Displayed rating (Booking.com)8.6 from recent guests (Booking.com)

How many stars does Apricot Hotel have?

Apricot Hotel is consistently described as a five‑star property by both its own official marketing and third‑party booking sites such as Trip.com and Booking.com. The hotel’s press page calls it “the only five‑star luxury hotel in Hanoi overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake” – a marketing claim that, while not independently verified as the sole such hotel, reflects its positioning at the top of the boutique luxury tier.

What does being a 5‑star boutique hotel mean for amenities?

Five‑star status at Apricot translates into a full suite of facilities: a rooftop pool (described on the official site as lake‑view), fitness centre, sauna, steam room, spa with massage and beauty treatments, and multiple dining outlets. Booking.com lists four venues: One 36 Bar, Palette Restaurant, A’Telier Cafe, and L’Artiste Restaurant. Hotels.com adds a poolside bar and swim‑up bar. Room amenities include free Wi‑Fi, air‑conditioning, flat‑screen TVs, minibar, and daily housekeeping.

How does Apricot Hotel compare to other 5‑star hotels in Hanoi?

While many five‑star properties exist in Hanoi – particularly in the French Quarter and around West Lake – Apricot differentiates itself through its art‑filled interiors and lake‑adjacent address. Agoda gives it a location rating of 9.5, and guest reviews on Expedia regularly cite the location and staff helpfulness as strong points.

What this means: Apricot is a legitimate five‑star boutique hotel with a strong lake‑side location; its star rating is verified across multiple booking platforms, but the “only five‑star overlooking the lake” claim should be read as marketing rather than an independently audited fact.

How far is Apricot Hotel from Hanoi airport?

Noi Bai International Airport is approximately 28–30 km from the hotel. Travel time varies significantly with traffic: a taxi or private car typically takes 30–45 minutes in moderate conditions, but can stretch to closer to 55 minutes during peak hours, according to KAYAK estimates.

What is the best way to get from Noi Bai Airport to the hotel?

Taxis and ride‑hailing apps (Grab is widely used in Hanoi) are the most convenient options. The hotel’s 24‑hour front desk can assist with arranging a car; airport shuttle service is not consistently listed by major booking channels, so it’s advisable to confirm directly with the hotel when booking.

How long does a taxi or shuttle take?

In light traffic, the trip can be as short as 30 minutes. During rush hour or on weekends, 45–55 minutes is more realistic. KAYAK notes walking‑distance access to Hanoi Railway Station (about 19 minutes on foot per Hotels.com) and Long Bien Railway Station, providing an alternative for those arriving by train.

The bottom line: Expect a 30‑to‑55‑minute car ride from the airport; plan for traffic and book a ride‑hailing service for reliability.

Is Apricot Hotel Hanoi near the Old Quarter?

Yes. The hotel sits at 136 Hang Trong Street, which lies at the boundary of Hoan Kiem Lake and the Hanoi Old Quarter. According to Trip.com, Hoan Kiem Lake is roughly 0.14 km away and St. Joseph’s Cathedral about 0.21 km. Expedia and Hotels.com describe the property as within a five‑minute walk of both the lake and the cathedral.

What attractions are within walking distance?

Major sights reachable on foot include the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, Hanoi Opera House, and the narrow streets of the Old Quarter itself. The hotel’s Hang Trong location is central without being inside the busiest pedestrian zones, striking a balance between accessibility and relative calm.

How is the neighbourhood (Hang Trong Street) like?

Hang Trong Street runs parallel to the lakefront and is known for its mix of galleries, souvenir shops, and cafes. Guest reviews on TripAdvisor mention easy walkability to restaurants and nightlife, though some note street noise in lake‑facing rooms – a trade‑off typical of a central location.

The implication: For travellers who want to step out of the hotel and be immediately in the heart of Hanoi’s historic core, Apricot’s positioning is hard to beat.

What is the most famous hotel in Hanoi, Vietnam?

Hanoi has several iconic hotels – the colonial‑era Sofitel Legend Metropole, the lake‑side InterContinental Westlake, and the art‑oriented Apricot Hotel among them. Apricot earns its share of fame through its neo‑classical architecture and extensive Vietnamese art collection, which is displayed throughout the lobby, hallways, and public spaces. TripAdvisor reviews frequently highlight the art as a distinguishing feature.

Where does Apricot Hotel rank among Hanoi’s most iconic hotels?

It occupies a strong niche among boutique luxury stays, particularly for guests seeking a property that blends sightseeing convenience (lake + Old Quarter) with an art‑focused atmosphere. Agoda’s 9.5 location rating and Booking.com’s 8.6 overall score suggest it is well‑regarded by international travellers.

Which hotels are preferred by celebrities visiting Hanoi?

Celebrity sightings tend to gravitate toward the Metropole and the JW Marriott Hanoi. Apricot is less frequently associated with high‑profile guests, but its intimate scale and curated art environment appeal to travellers who prefer a smaller, design‑forward stay over a large convention hotel.

Insight: “Fame” is subjective. If you prioritise a lakefront location and original art over colonial heritage or resort‑style grounds, Apricot Hotel is a strong contender for “most recognisable” among Hanoi’s boutique properties.

Pros and Cons of Apricot Hotel Hanoi

👍 Pros
  • Direct lake‑adjacent location (0.14 km to Hoan Kiem Lake – Trip.com)
  • Rooftop pool with lake views advertised by the official site
  • Multiple dining venues including L’Artiste Restaurant and One 36 Bar (Booking.com)
  • High guest ratings for location (9.5 on Agoda) and service (9.2 for service on Trip.com)
  • Art‑filled interiors offer a unique boutique feel
👎 Cons
  • Pool description inconsistent across platforms: official site says rooftop, KAYAK lists indoor – verify directly
  • Street noise possible in lake‑facing rooms (mentioned in TripAdvisor reviews)
  • Breakfast charged separately (approximately VND 543 000 per Expedia) – not always included in room rate
  • No pet policy confirmed – explicitly not allowed on Trip.com
  • Parking available but terms not clearly defined on any booking platform

Pricing at Apricot Hotel

As a five‑star boutique property, Apricot Hotel commands premium pricing. Trip.com displays a starting rate of around US$106 per night, though actual prices vary by room category, season, and booking channel. Breakfast, if not included, adds approximately VND 543 000 per person (Expedia). Rates on other platforms such as Agoda and KAYAK may differ due to currency conversion and promotional offers.

Note: Prices displayed on third‑party sites are time‑sensitive and may not include taxes or service charges. Always check the final total before confirming a booking.

Location and Getting There

Address: 136 Hang Trong Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi (verified on Apricot Hotels and across all major booking platforms).

  • Hoan Kiem Lake: directly opposite, ~0.14 km walk
  • St. Joseph’s Cathedral: ~0.21 km walk
  • Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre: within 10 minutes on foot
  • Hanoi Opera House: about 15 minutes on foot
  • Noi Bai International Airport: ~28–30 km; 30–55 minutes by car depending on traffic
  • Hanoi Railway Station: approximately 19 minutes on foot (Hotels.com)

Taxis and rideshares are the most practical airport transfer. The hotel’s 24‑hour front desk can help arrange private transport; airport shuttle service is not confirmed in the available data.

Alternatives to Apricot Hotel in Hanoi

While Apricot Hotel is a strong choice for art‑lovers and lake‑side convenience, other five‑star and boutique properties around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter may suit different preferences. Travellers can compare Apricot with other high‑end stays by browsing Booking.com and TripAdvisor for the area, filtering by star rating, pool type, and guest score. Specific competing hotels are not listed here because the available research does not provide independently verified data on them.

Our Pick: Who Should Stay at Apricot Hotel Hanoi

Based on the verified facts and guest feedback, we recommend Apricot Hotel for:

  • First‑time visitors – the location puts you steps from Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter’s main sights.
  • Luxury travellers – the five‑star facilities, spa, and rooftop pool meet high‑end expectations.
  • Art enthusiasts – the hotel’s neo‑classical design and permanent art collection are a unique bonus.
  • Couples seeking a romantic stay – lake views, intimate scale, and multiple dining options create a polished atmosphere.

If you prefer a large resort pool, a quiet suburban setting, or a strictly no‑noise environment, you may want to explore other properties. For the combination of central access, art, and boutique luxury, Apricot Hotel is a solid choice among Hanoi’s five‑star offerings.

SpecificationValue
Hotel nameApricot Hotel
Address136 Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam
Star rating5‑star (luxury boutique)
Year openedNot independently verified
Number of roomsNot confirmed from available data
PoolRooftop pool (official site); some sources list indoor pool – confirm
Restaurants & barsPalette Restaurant, L’Artiste Restaurant, A’Telier Cafe, One 36 Bar (per Booking.com)
Spa & wellnessFitness centre, sauna, steam room, massage, beauty treatments (Booking.com)
Check‑in / Check‑out14:00 / 12:00
Wi‑FiFree in rooms and public areas
BreakfastCooked‑to‑order, 06:00–10:00, extra charge (~VND 543 000)
AirportNoi Bai International Airport, ~28–30 km
Nearest train stationHanoi Railway Station (~19 min walk)
PetsNot allowed (Trip.com)

“The hotel is described as overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake and as a five-star luxury hotel.”

— Apricot Hotels, official hotel marketing source

“The official site highlights a rooftop pool with views of the nearby lake.”

— Apricot Hotels, official hotel source

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Apricot Hotel have a pool?

Yes. The official website advertises a rooftop pool with views toward Hoan Kiem Lake. Some third‑party listings (e.g., KAYAK) describe an indoor pool, so it is advisable to confirm the current operating facility directly with the hotel when booking.

What time is breakfast served at Apricot Hotel?

Breakfast is served from 06:00 to 10:00, according to Expedia. It is a cooked‑to‑order service and is available at an additional charge (approximately VND 543 000 per person).

Are there rooms with a view of Hoan Kiem Lake?

The hotel markets its lake‑adjacent location, and many guest reviews on TripAdvisor mention lake views. Room allocations vary; we recommend requesting a lake‑view room at the time of booking and confirming directly with the hotel.

What is the check‑in/check‑out time?

Check‑in is from 14:00 and check‑out until 12:00, as listed on Booking.com and several other booking platforms.

Does the hotel offer airport shuttle service?

Airport shuttle availability is not consistently listed on major booking sites. The 24‑hour front desk can assist with arranging a taxi or private car. It is best to inquire about shuttle options directly when you book.

Is Apricot Hotel pet‑friendly?

No. Trip.com’s property page explicitly states that pets are not allowed at Apricot Hotel.

If you enjoyed this fact‑based review, you may also find our Langham Jakarta Review: 2 Michelin Keys & #1 in Indonesia and Kuta Beach Hotel Review: Rooftop Pool & Guest Ratings useful.

The bottom line: If you enjoyed this fact‑based review, you may also find our Langham Jakarta Review: 2 Michelin Keys & #1 in Indonesia and Kuta Beach Hotel Review: Rooftop Pool & Guest Ratings useful.