We booked our airline tickets but are having problems finding rooms at the hotels we had set our hearts on. (We are travelling end of December and through the new year 2007-2008) The travel agencies we have contacted have had no luck and I have contacted each of the hotels personally to no avail.

In Hoi An, the Nam Hai Resort is fully booked. Any hotel that comes close to the Nam Hai

In Hue, the La Residence is booked. Any other comparable hotels

In Hanoi, the Sofitel Metropole only has the smaller rooms in the historic wing. We are three of us and the 36 square meters room may be too small. Any other hotel recommendation that are as good.

Any ideas on a good local travel agent who can book us the rooms in the hotels we want.
Thanks.

In Hanoi, I have two suggestions. There is the Hanoi Hilton, rather institutional-looking, but the reviews are good, or the De Syloia. We stayed at the Desyloia and liked it a lot. They have a suite that might be just right for you.

Kathie and others are the experts on the hotels but as far as "finding rooms" when booking outside of Thailand we've done ok thru Australia based Asiaoz and Hotelclub. www.asiaoz.com go to Asia Hotel rates and then put in what you are looking for.
I had a quick look, I don't know it but end Dec /early Jan in Hoi An the Swiss-Belhotel ( 5 star ) on the beach shows available at about $115 with Instant confirmation

In Hue La Residence shows available between $95-135 ( I guess Christmas into new year days ) with Instant confirmation. I tried Dec 28 to 3rd Jan as an idea.

That is the one thing I do like and that is the 'instant confirmation', I don't know how rates compare but it saves waiting to find out what is/isn't available.

I had a look for the Nam Hai on a US booking service ( I actualy found some good deals for a Bangkok Airport hotel there, surprising ), anyhow they show it as available as an example Dec 26 to Jan 2 ?
But it is mega expensive, like $776.99 a night, is that the place?

But for those dates they 'do' show available.
Must be good !That's a 1 bedroom Villa with breakfast, they also do half board and full board deals.

If you are USA based they do 'telephone assiatnce/bookings' too.

If you're looking for a lux experience in vietnam, may I also suggest the Evason Hideaway in Nha Trang. I cannot recommend this resort more highly....amazing private pool villas directly on the beach, but still private. Very eco-chic...as opposed to the modern/cold chic of the Nam Hai. I checked the Evason website and there is availabiity at the end of Dec.
www.sixsenses.com

Kathie: thanks for your response. I will go back and check the Desolya, although the photos I have seen online, may not do it justice.

Re: the Soffitel: Are the rooms in the Historic wing really small or is it managable. (We are two adults and a child) They have a Classic Deluxe available. They also have rooms in the newer wing which I am assuming are larger, but I have read, these have no charm.

Do you have any suggestions for hotels in Hue and Hoi An.

Thanks as always

JamesA: I just saw your post. Thank you for these leads. It seems hopeful and I will check on them right away.

JamesA: What is the name or website of the US booking service your mentioned?

The DeSyloia is nice, but not deluxe. The staff are wonderful. It's a small boutique property.

I think the historic wing rooms at the Metropole would be too tight with an extra cot in the room. Any chance to get 2 adjoining rooms?

The Hilton is very close to the Metropole...not quite as nice but still in the same pleasant area and with a pool.

JamesA, I was able to find a room at the Nam Hai on www.asiaoz.com with immediate confirmation like you said. Thank you.

Cruisinred: Great idea. I just emailed the Metropole and asked them to give us an adjacent room. That should work out.

Kathie: I have heard so much about the Metropole that I think we should not pass it up on probably the only time we will visit Vietnam.

Thanks for everyone's help.

In Hanoi, we stayed and enjoyed The Galaxy Hotel. Great location next to the Old Quarter, very clean, helpful staff, good food.

In Hue, it's hard to beat The Morin Hotel. It overlooks the river opposite the Citadel, good food, immaculately clean, central courtyard with singing birds and open air dining. Old style French.

Glad that worked, Australian efficiency !

I will dig check the US based one for you, I added it to 'favorites' on my laptop at home, will let you know later, I recall they offer choices of rates, cheapest are payment upfront, higher if you want flexibility and award points etc.

monsoon99 - World choice, www.kooloola.com and go to World Choice search option or wait for the search box to load and put in the Vietnam destination and dates, it a comparison site that has like that one plus Hotelclub, Asiaoz and they have Venere for Europe, but World Choice came up with some for Vietnam, and they have phone assistance USA