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According to the CNN: Hanoi might be famous for its impenetrable walls of Vespas, but the city isn't quite as chaotic as it's chalked up to be. Wandering about the capital of Vietnam, travelers expecting a wild urban adventure might be pleasantly surprised to also find quiet, leafy streets and hidden coffee shops.
One of the most charming aspects of the city is the plethora of restored neoclassical and Gothic architecture -- a holdover from the city's stint as a French colony from 1883 to 1954. It's easy to romanticize the era, given the beautiful remains, but it's worth remembering that this was a difficult time for Hanoi, afflicted with opium addictions and oppression. Despite the turbulent history, the resulting architecture is worth admiring. One way to experience it is with a stay at one of the city's many boutique hotels. Located in Hanoi's Old Quarter -- a network of 36 streets, organized by trade -- these quaint addresses combine modern amenities with historic atmosphere for an authentic homebase while exploring the city. Here are eight of the best: 
Hotel de l'Opera is just a few steps from the beautiful Hanoi Opera House, which regularly hosts ballet, music and folk performances. On the same leafy boulevard, the 107-room Hotel de l'Opera is set in its own white colonial-era building. Rest assured, however, that all four l'Opera Grand Suites offer views of the Opera House.
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A new address in Hanoi, La Siesta Central Hotel & Spa opened earlier this August in the historic Old Quarter, near photogenic Hoan Kiem Lake. The 27-bedroom property showcases lake views from 19 of its rooms, and also features a fine-dining restaurant, a sunset rooftop bar and a spa that emphasizes Vietnamese therapies.
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Conveniently located inside Hanoi's Old Quarter, the O'Gallery Premier Hotel can be spotted by its narrow, colonial-style facade awash in green paint. The green accents continue inside where pops of emerald bring classically furnished rooms to life.
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Just south of Hanoi's central Hoan Kiem Lake, Zephyr Hotel is set inside a colonial white and gray building with stately pillars and high ceilings. The 40 rooms and suites are comfortable -- most include a wooden headboard, French-style antique desks and some also have private balconies.
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Maison d'Orient: Hidden down a quiet alleyway in the heart of the Old Quarter, this design-forward gem is home to eclectic furniture, funky mosaic tiles, vintage prints and local artwork. From the hotel, main attractions like St Joseph's Cathedral and Hoan Kiem Lake are just minutes away by foot.
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Essence Hanoi Hotel & Spa is located right next to the city's famous Beer Corner -- where travelers and locals like sit on tiny stools and enjoy drafts of light bia hoi late into the night. It's also a stone' throw from Dong Xuan market, which is frequented for its snacks, souvenirs and silk crafts.
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Though hardly a boutique hotel with 364 rooms, the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is packed with French colonial charm. Formerly the residence of the French Governor of Tonkin (the historic name of northern Vietnam), the hotel is conveniently located right around the corner from the Hanoi Opera house and the neo-Gothic St. Joseph's Cathedral.
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The first thing you'll notice at the sleek new Chi Boutique Hotel is a wall full of fresh flowers and leaves. The contemporary style and atmosphere continues in the 42 guestrooms, where travelers will find spacious bathrooms, lotus-inspired artwork and leafy street views
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