Sherman's Travel

Expert Review

The Metropole turns 107 this year; past guests include famous writers, Japanese invaders, Allied liberators, Communist potentates, the first President Bush, and, oh yeah, Jane Fonda while she was earning her moniker, Hanoi Jane. Yes, the city has a number of other perfectly great hotels (Hilton Hanoi Opera, InterContinental Hanoi Westlake Village) and sure, you can find equally luxurious appointments for a bit less money. But it would be a crime to miss the Metropole's French Colonial-meets-post-Communist aesthetic.

We love the vintage Citroëns out front, the dark wood, the fact that the hotel randomly, endearingly makes its own fish sauce on the roof and sells it in the gift shop. Stay in the old part of the hotel: Some rooms may be on the smaller side, but you'll have a front row seat to the hotel's living history. Best season for value: late fall/ early winter. 2008 Smart Luxury Award winner

Great Value Alternative: The Meliá Hanoi is a business hotel offering luxurious, spacious, modern rooms just steps from Hoan Kiem Lake, with its many scenic temples and peaceful old bridges. www.meliahanoi.com

Tags: luxury | smart splurge | expensive | classic | smart luxury winner