A Relaxing Penthouse Stay in Hanoi’s West Lake Area
Vietnam, Hanoi
People ask me for travel recommendations all the time. So I decided to start documenting some of my favorite places around the world, starting with this fantastic penthouse apartment in Hanoi's West Lake district. If it makes your trip even a little better, I've done my job.
━8.6.2026
For a few weeks, this was home. A two-story penthouse overlooking Hanoi's skyline in the heart of West Lake.
When I arrived in Hanoi, I wanted a place that felt more like a home than a hotel room. Somewhere I could slow down, jam and enjoy good music, cook, work and experience everyday life in the city.
This penthouse apartment in the West Lake area delivered exactly that.
The apartment is spread across two floors and feels surprisingly spacious for a city stay. One of my favorite details was the large bathtub overlooking the city skyline. After a day of exploring Hanoi's busy streets, it was the perfect place to unwind and watch the city lights come alive.
The living room features a large television and a quality sound system that made evenings especially enjoyable. There's something about listening to good R&B while looking out across Hanoi from a penthouse that simply feels right.
The kitchen was another highlight. Vietnam is one of the world's great food destinations, and I loved being able to bring fresh local ingredients home and prepare simple meals inspired by the flavors I'd discovered around the city.
Why I Recommend the West Lake Area
The apartment is located in Hanoi's popular West Lake (Hồ Tây) area, known for its relaxed atmosphere and lakeside views.
One of the biggest advantages of staying here is convenience. The nearby Lotte Mall (West Lake Hanoi) offers excellent shopping, restaurants and one of the best supermarkets in the area. Whether you need groceries, local flavors, travel essentials or simply want to escape the city heat for a while, everything is close by.
The neighborhood is also ideal for walking, jogging and enjoying Hanoi at a slower pace. The lakeside routes offer some of the most pleasant outdoor spaces in the city and I found my self taking 20-30K steps per day.
Food delivery, grocery delivery and ride-hailing services were all reliable during my stay, making daily life effortless. Despite being close to everything, the building itself remained peaceful and quiet throughout my visit.
Who Is This Apartment Best For?
I would especially recommend this apartment for:
- Digital nomads looking for a comfortable base in Hanoi
- Longer stays where a hotel room starts to feel too small
- Couples who appreciate extra space and city views
- Food lovers who enjoy exploring local markets and cooking at home
- Travelers who prefer a quieter neighborhood over the Old Quarter
- Penthouse lovers who enjoy a little everyday luxury
- Solo travelers who need space to think, create and recharge
If you're looking for a comfortable home base in Hanoi that combines city convenience with a more relaxed atmosphere, this penthouse in West Lake is well worth considering.
For me, it became one of those places where I genuinely looked forward to returning after a day of exploring the city — whether that meant soaking in the bathtub with a view, listening to music with a glass of something cold, or simply watching Hanoi slow down for the evening.
This article contains an affiliate link to Booking.com. If you book through it, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. It's one of the ways I keep writing honest, independent travel content as a Pleasure Advisor.
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Samuli Makkonen — Pleasure Advisor
Live with more pleasure.
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