Although Hanoi is undoubtedly a city of ancient wonder, there are a number of hotels with fantastic modern facilities which allow visitors to see the sites without roughing it. These are some of our favourites:

Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi This large hotel walking distance from the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake has 154 rooms and suites all with LCD flat screen televisions and international cable channels. All the usual mod cons plus wifi internet access is available. (83A Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoan Kiem District, hotel.hanoi.reservation@moevenpick.com, tel +84 4 3822 2800, from US$140)

Daewoo Hanoi Hotel This was the first five star in the city but despite recent renovations it most closely resembles an international four star hotel. Its position outside the city centre means that what you lose in convenience is made up for with peace and quiet. There are seven restaurants and cafes, two banks, discothèque, swimming pool, gym, business centre plus free broadband internet in rooms. (360 Kim Ma St, Ba Dinh, from US$170.)

Sofitel Plaza Hotel This hotel is renowned as the most picturesque in Hanoi with a charming zig-zag facade and striking stepped architecture. Formerly called the Meritus West Lake, the rooms are very well maintained and spotless with friendly staff. (1 Thanh Nien Road, Ba Dinh District)

InterContinental Hanoi Westlake This is the most recent addition to Hanoi’s choice of five star hotels and is found adjacent to the 800-year-old Golden Lotus Pagoda on the waters of Westlake (1A Nghi Tam, Tay Ho District, (84-4) 62708888)

Sofitel Metropole Hanoi Hotel This French Colonial style hotel within a short walk of the Hanoi Opera House is mostly used by older European travellers. The restaurant comes highly recommended. (15 Ngo Quyen St.)

Melia Hanoi Hotel Located within bried walking distance from both the Old Quarter and the Hanoi Towers, this hotel has big rooms with great views with international buffet breakfast included in the price. (Ly Thuong Kiet Street, from $139.)

Sheraton Hanoi Hotel This hotel and large gardens on the shore of West lake has lovely courtyards plus rooms furnished in traditional style but with all modern amenities. (K5 Nghi Tam, 11 Xuan Dieu Rd, Tay Ho District.)

The weather in Hanoi runs the gauntlet between being wet, hot and humid and severe cold. But rest assured there is always something special in the area to enjoy depending on what season you choose to visit.

Spring brings the annual Tet holiday and this is when flowers are blooming and the city is at its most glorious. Locals of Hanoi believe that the light rain of this time bring good luck for the new lunar year and prosperity.

When summer comes along the heat and humidity become unbearable. Mosquitos come out in force along with other nasty insects so diseases such as malaria and dengue fever can become a serious problem. It is always wise to cover up (despite the searing heat!) and wear repellent, especially during the evening.

The autumn in Hanoi becomes much more tolerable with less moisture in the air and temperatures dropping to such a degree that jacket and jumpers are often sported by the Hanoians. Plus the indigenous species of ‘cay hoa sua’ tree only flowers at this time of year so and wondering the ancient streets is characterised by the scent of this distinctive aroma.

Winter is in fact quite brutal as there is a strange combination of cold and humidity. Many houses in this city don’t have any system of heating, making Hanoi appear colder than elsewhere in the country. It is wise to pack carefully and wear layers as the midday sun is still very fierce.