Parquet flooring, shuttered windows and low ceiling fans set the tone at this French colonial-style hotel. Graham Greene stayed here in 1951 when he first arrived in Vietnam. More than 50 years later, the cast of The Quiet American frequently dined at the hotel during filming. Sofitel Metropole, 15 Ngo Quyen Street, Hanoi, Vietnam (00 84 4 826 6919; www.sofitel.com). Doubles start at US$248 (£131), room only.
