As the name suggests may be the case, Hotel de l’Opera is just a few steps away from Hanoi’s beautiful Opera House – placing it in the heart of town, within walking distance of the famous “36 streets” in the Old Quarter. Colonial accents can be found in the architecture, but it’s altogether a more theatrical design and the room interiors are very contemporary. This is a funky and glamorous hotel. There are just over a hundred rooms and suites, each with wooden floors, exotic fabrics and furnishings with effervescent splashes of jewel colours.

The central atrium is grandiose and the dining options include ‘Satine’, a sophisticated restaurant with a sumptuous menu of haute-cuisine inspired by the Mediterranean complimented by a carefully selected wine list and a sensual atmosphere. It has been recognised as one of Hanoi’s finest and is very popular with non-residents. ‘Café Lautrec’ is a more relaxed affair – a lively all-day dining venue with generous breakfasts, great coffees and pastries, inspired lunch choices from the buffet and plenty of a-la-carte selections. The hotel is also one of the few in Hanoi with an indoor swimming pool as well as a well-equipped modern gym.

The Hotel de l’Opera is the sister hotel to the prestigious nearby Metropole Hotel – it caters to a younger, more urban crowd than its more traditional stable-mate. In both hotels, service is beyond reproach.