We will be traveling to Vietnam for 3 weeks next month. If money is no object, what would be the best hotels, according to western standard that we can stay at. My wife loves French cuisine and I love Japanese, Vietnamese and Chinese. Thank you for your suggestions. <BR>P.S. What about tipping custom in Vietnam hotel and restaurants. <BR>

Hi, Sheldon!<BR>I wouldn't know about the best hotels in Saigon, but there's no doubt about the best in Hanoi -- next to the Raffles in Singapore, the Metropole is the most famous and historic hotel in all of south-east Asia. Nowadays it is called the Sofitel Metropole... it has a website on www.sofitel-hanoi-vietnam.com Ask for a room in the old building. A nice bonus is that it is just a few minutes' stroll from the Opera House and the lake... slightly more from the Old Quarter.

Sheldon,<BR><BR>The Metropole in Hanoi is one of the best hotels in the world--in my opinion. I have stayed there 7 times since 1997 and have never been disappointed. It may not be on as grand of a scale as the new Hilton (which is nearby), but has a much more colonial feel to it. The staff at the Metropole are wonderful and they will cater to your every need. Once when I got sick, they even had the hotel car (a beautiful old Citroen) take me to see a doctor--that's service for you!<BR><BR>As for Saigon, there always the Rex. I havevn't stayed there yet, but it's supposed to have all that old world charm. <BR><BR>Have a great time!

I enjoyed staying in the Grand Hotel in Saigon-old French architecture-swimming pool in the center. There is the Majestic down near the Saigon River and the Renaissance. The New World is a more expensive away from the river that many business people use. I have not stayed in the Rex, but enjoyed a meal from the top overlooking the city. The Continental is another older hotel.

i second the recommendation for the sofitel in hanoi. it may not be the most comfortable or opulent, but it has the most french colonial ambience.<BR><BR>as for saigon, i lived there 4 yrs but left 2 yrs ago, so my info may be dated. but majestic, which was renovated several yrs ago, is best for french colonial atmosphere. other very good hotels, tho w/o the ambience, are the sofitel on le duan blvd and the delta caravelle. <BR><BR>rex is way past its heyday and has had some prblms w/ people getting in, knocking on guests' doors, and ripping them off when admitted into the rooms. the rooftop bar still has a kitschy 70s-style feeling, and the bar/restaurant atop the delta caravelle nearby, called saigon saigon, was my favorite.

In Hanoi, try the Horison for something de luxe, or go to the Galaxy next door to the Old Quarter. In Saigon, try the Majestic. Very French.