Central Vietnam

Concierge.com's insider take:

Built in harmony with a riverfront block of colonnaded French-era buildings, the colonial-style Life Heritage Resort is Hoi An's best in-town hotel option. Its 94 large rooms mix Western touches with Eastern art like hill-tribe textile wall hangings. A large sitting area, oversize bathtub, and high ceilings give a sense of space, but the basic work desk and flimsy sliding closet doors aren't quite up to style code. On the plus side, the rooms have high-speed Internet access, safes, and AC, as well as private outdoor porches on the sun-drenched gallery. Second-floor rooms 201–209 have the choicest views of the Thu Bon River. Open-air Senses Restaurant, which serves up fine panoramas and a smorgasbord with omelet and pho stations, is a good bet for breakfast before exploring the old quarter, just a five-minute walk away. After reaching cultural overload, splash around the small infinity pool, relax with an affordable spa session ($35 for a one-hour deep-tissue massage), or take the complimentary shuttle to Cua Dai Beach. Life Heritage also offers free Vietnamese-language instruction, silk lantern-making sessions, and—just in time for Saturday happy hour—a cocktail-making class. Nguyen Thi Kim Lien and the rest of the highly capable front-desk staff can organize any excursion, change currency, and book train tickets. Bear in mind the normally sluggish Thu Bon River can rise dramatically during the monsoon, especially in October and November, and cause enough flooding for the resort to temporarily close.