Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Built in the French style in 1901, this historic building is steeped in the charm of a bygone era. Its green shutters, paneling, and lush courtyard lawn are archetypal of the colonial era and evoke scenes from The Quiet American, the novel Graham Greene finished here.

Over one hundred years of history means the hotel witnessed historical events, and there is no shortage of well-known names amongst the former guests. Here, the pacifist Jane Fonda lived during the war in the sixties, and Roger Moore had his Vietnamese dishes served in the Spice Garden restaurant. Charlie Chaplin chose to stay in Metropole during his honeymoon; his room is named after the actor. Other famous filmmaker hotel guests included Catherine Deneuve, Robert De Niro, Ralph Fiennes, and Oliver Stone. Among the politicians were Fidel Castro and Jaques Chirac.

Today, Sofitel Legend Metropole is still the best address in Hanoi and the place to be for celebrity spotting.

Two Hotel Wings

The historical Metropole Wing is like a journey back in time. Its traditional lobby, lined with dark wood, has bamboo furniture and attractive oval staircases. The rooms are decorated in traditional themes, with wooden floors, cane furniture, classic fixtures, and shutters.

The new Opera wing, which opened in 1996, is less colonial. The rooms have an open-plan setting and the feel of low-key luxury, with a shiny marble en suite bathroom. Here, the Club Lounge suites are especially worth recommending.

Restaurants and location

Metropole has two restaurants. Le Beaulieu is popular in Hanoi for its classic French cuisine, and the Spices Garden is a great place to sample local Vietnamese cuisine. Then there is Angelina Lounge, the trendiest spot in town. There are also three separate bars, each with a unique atmosphere.

The hotel benefits from a great location close to Hanoi’s Old Quarter—a must-visit neighborhood famous for labyrinthine streets and landmark sites. The Temple of Literature (Hanoi’s first university) and the 1400-year-old Tran Quoc Pagoda are among them. Much more recent is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. For shopping, see Hang Gai or Hang Dao streets, famous for their fine silk.

in our opinion

In contrast to the hustle and bustle of the busy Hanoi streets, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel is an oasis of peace and quiet, and its design a sophisticated journey back in time.

See Our Photos: Staying at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Vietnam —Through Our Lens

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What we love

• The beautiful décor of the old wing transporting guests to the age of colonial Indochina.
• The chocolate buffet at afternoon tea, where delightful chocolate is served in dozens of ways.
• Delicious food—the breakfast at Spice Garden is a highlight, with a decadent buffet that sets the tone of the day—and the Dinner at Le Beaulieu is the day's perfect finish.
• Two classic Citroen limousines from the 50s, which can be rented with a chauffeur. It's a great way to explore the old city—see our write-up about the experience!
• The hotel has an excellent location, close to Hanoi's old quarter.

What you should know

• The facilities include a stunning outdoor swimming pool amid lush gardens and a spa and fitness center.
• It is quite a large hotel, and breakfasts can be busy—sometimes, it is difficult to find a table if you want to eat outside on the terrace.
• We preferred the old Heritage Wing, and while the accommodation in the New Wing is spacious and comfortable, its lobby lacks character.