Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Combining Vietnamese hospitality with the European heritage of luxury lifestyle, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi exudes the charm of colonial Indochina.

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

Famous place celebrated names

Over one hundred years of history means there is no shortage of well-known names amongst the former guests.

It was here that the pacifist Jane Fonda lived during the war in the sixties, here Roger Moore had his Vietnamese dishes served in the Spice Garden restaurant. Charlie Chaplin chose to stay in Metropole during his honeymoon: the room he stayed in is named after the actor.

Today Sofitel Legend Metropole remains the best address in Hanoi—and offers a good chance for celebrity spotting.

Hotel

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, opened in 1996, is less colonial and the rooms are decorated in the best deco of low-key luxury and an open-plan setting, with a shiny marble en suite bathroom. Here the Club Lounge suites are especially worth recommending.

Restaurants

Metropole has two restaurants; Le Beaulieu is popular in Hanoi for classic French cuisine, and the Spices Garden is a great place to sample the local Vietnamese cuisine.

Then there is Angelina Restaurant and Lounge: the trendiest place in town. There are also three separate bars, each with its own atmosphere.

Check availability for Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi: Booking.com | Hotels.com | Expedia | Agoda | Tablet Hotels | Accorhotels or see what others think on TripAdvisor.

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.

What we love

• We loved the chocolate buffet at afternoon tea, where chocolate is served in dozens of ways;
• Delicious food;
• Well-trained staff;
• Beautiful décor of the old wing, the size and overall style of the new wing rooms;
• Two classic Citroen limousines from the 50’s—can be rented with a chauffeur, which is a great way to see the city;
• The hotel has a very good location, close to Hanoi’s old quarter.

What you should know

• Standard rooms are designed to a lower standard than could be expected;
• 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;
• The new wing lobby lacks character.