Fleewinter

Red and white is the theme of this cute contemporary boutique hotel in Hanoi's bustling old quarter. The clean classic decor, charming staff and great breakfasts are all what makes this little place a great find. You will find the doormen waiting for you with a smile at all hours.

There are four different types of rooms available; all of which are tastefully decorated, bright and airy with wooden floors. Even the superior rooms, which do not have exterior windows as is common in Hanoi, have internal windows onto light shafts with pretty flower displays.

All rooms come with their own laptop computer, wi-fi, air conditioning, flat screen TVs, en-suite bathrooms with bath tubs and desks. The deluxe rooms are larger than the superior and have external windows, while the junior suites are bigger still with an extra single bed and some have balconies. The family suite, which also has a queen sized bed and a single bed, is incredibly spacious and has a balcony.

Downstairs, this small hotel has a smart lobby area and restaurant, which serves a great spread for breakfast including a continental buffet and a la carte menu.

The hotel is located in the heart of the Old Quarter but on a slightly less busy road than others. In saying that, the honking horns of whizzing motorbikes are almost what defines this part of Hanoi.

Our tips: The rooms with the balconies and best views at the Grand Calypso Hotel, as with most boutique hotels in Hanoi, are at the front of the property. Inevitably these rooms are slightly noisier than those at the back. We recommend upgrading to the rooms with external windows as they are much loftier and brighter.