Hanoi Hotel Areas for Comparing Old Quarter and West Lake Stays Deciding where to base yourself in a city as layered as Hanoi often comes down to a conflict between two very different atmospheres. Many travelers find themselves torn between the high-energy, sensory overload of the center and the expansive, quiet greenery of the lakeside. This planning dilemma is common for those who want the convenience of sightseeing but also crave a sanctuary t...