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A Place To Bank On AirCon In Vietnam

Where: 1 Le Thanh Tong Street, Hanoi, Vietnam

Vietnam War buffs hoping to spend a night in the "Hanoi Hilton" -- where over 300 US pilots were held during the War, will be disapointed. All that remains of that Hilton aka Hoa Lo prison is a small museum.  

The NY Times checks in and discovers the Hilton Hanoi Opera, has very little to do with prisons.

Nope Hilton Hanoi, which opened in 1999, looks more like a bank. Colomns on the outside, ornate ceiling, 3 story lobby. And like banks, this hotel loves money. Hilton only slightly marks up the food: a bowl of rice-noodle soup costs 15 cents round the corner, and $4.50 (plus gratuity and tax) in one of the three restaurants. As for the $85/night room rates... well, you are paying to stay at the Hilton.

And also like banks, standardization is key. The rooms look like Hilton rooms anywhere. But, if traveling in Vietnam means some dingey diggs, this predictablilty can be just what you are looking for: The West.

Related Stories:
·  Hanoi: Hilton Hanoi Opera [NY Times]
·  Hilton Hanoi Opera Guest Reviews [Trip Advisor]