Location: This 5-star Sofitel is in a colonial-style building in Hanoi's French Quarter, on the steps of the Hanoi Opera House, on the eastern side of Hoan Kiem Lake.
Check-in experience: We didn't arrive until 3pm and our room wasn't quite ready so we waited for 15 minutes at the bar, where we were offered a drink. It was very professional and warm, but a little intimidating.
Room: A Premium room in the Opera Wing. Big, and decorated in a classical style, with lots of lamps and an old-fashioned pull-chain light, creating an extravagant, yet comforting environment. We felt like royalty.
Bathroom: The extravagance didn't stop with the bedroom — in the bathroom we had a large spa bath/shower and a gazillion plush towels.
The bed: I thought the room couldn't get much better until I collapsed on the king-sized bed — although it could have done with a top sheet because of the heat.
