Tiger Tales

Top 5 Historic Hotels

1 RAFFLES HOTEL, SINGAPORE

Opened as a 10-room bungalow in 1887, with the current main building dating back to 1899, Raffles remains entirely authentic and simply oozes colonial history. www.raffles.com

2 PENINSULA, HONG KONG

"I'd feel rich here even if I hadn't a dime in my pocket," said an American female guest at the 1928 opening of this hotel, owner of 70 Rolls-Royce cars over the years. www.peninsula.com/Hong_Kong

3 SOFITEL LEGEND METROPOLE, HANOI

Built in 1902 and a survivor of two world wars and the B-52s of the Vietnam conflict, this palatial inn now carries the prestigious Sofitel Legend brand. www.sofitel-legend.com/hanoi

4 CARAVELLE HOTEL, HO CHI MINH CITY

Renovated but retaining its original façade, this hotel boasts a storied past. Journalists once claimed they could cover the war without leaving their bar stools. www.caravellehotel.com

5 MANDARIN ORIENTAL, BANGKOK

For 135 years, celebrated writers have walked its halls. The spirits of Joseph Conrad, Somerset Maugham, Noel Coward and James Michener are said to inhabit the Authors' Suite. www.mandarinoriental.com/bangkok