"Hoa Binh", our hotel
Sightseeing in Hanoi picture - was conveniently located in the heart of Hanoi, in the French quarter 2 blocks south of Hoan Kiem Lake, not far from the Opera House. Built in 1926 as "Le Splendide", it is a fine architectural specimen preserved from the French colonial past. The older cyclo guy I hired was 'attached' to the hotel, so that was handy. One web site: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/hanoi/H26367.html