ACCOMMODATIONS - Over $100

OVER $100

LA RESIDENCE
Lusciously art-deco – in a non-colonial, but very ’20s French way – this onetime governor’s mansion–turned-hotel is Hue’s best by a mile. Set up on the riverbank at the far end of the colonial-rich Le Loi St, the hotel’s golden sitting rooms and lobby bar – with free WiFi and billiards – begs for pre-dinner drinks; this building is the original, with nook-and-cranny rooms up the winding staircase. The two matching wings on either side are new additions, with more standardized rooms faithfully created to keep the art-deco vibe with period-style desk lamps, bathroom tile, arm chairs. Rooms have balconies overlooking the pool and Perfume River, and rates include a big breakfast buffet and access to the tennis court. The hotel can arrange dinner cruises too.
Tel 054-837-475; www.la-residence-hue.com, [email protected]; 5 Le Loi St; rooms incl breakfast from US$216, Internet rates often from US$165

IMPERIAL HOTEL
Some returning visitors roll their eyes over this new glitzy tower-hotel that looks like something from a strip of high-end resorts in a far-off place. But it’s certainly well done up, with a huge, elegant lobby and knock-out views from the stylish King Panorama Bar’s outside deck on the 17th floor. And, while the ‘soft opening’ promo rates last, it’s pretty good value. Rooms are modern and comfortable, with wood floors, traditional motifs on the padded headboards of the beds, armchairs by the big windows and flat-screen TVs for your CNN updates. It takes up a full block, a block away from the Trang Tien Bridge. There’s a fitness center and nice pool too use. Promo rates include breakfast at the third-floor restaurant. Rack rates will rise about US$60 in 2008.
Tel 054-882-222; www.imperial-hotel.com.vn, [email protected]; 8 Hung Vuong St; rooms incl breakfast with city/river view from US$100/115

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