To stay at and review the Sofitel Legend Metropole was my key reason to visit Hanoi. Opening its doors in 1901, the Metropole is the grand dame of hotels in Vietnam and only one of two within the Accor hotel group to be afforded Legend status (the other is in Amsterdam).
With a reputation of flawless service and a guest list including Charlie Chaplin and Bill Clinton, I was excited to have the opportunity to experience the hotel.
In this post:
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Review
The Metropole Hotel consists of the Historical Wing and the modern Opera Wing, with a total of 364 rooms. A five star hotel in French colonial style, the ambience throughout the hotel is traditional without being stuffy.
Getting To Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
The Metropole is located in the central Hoàn Kiếm district, a half hour drive from Noi Bai International Airport or an hour and a half via a public bus. Given how affordable Grab rideshares and taxis are in Vietnam, the former is a no brainer.
Arrival & Check In
Upon arrival at the Opera Wing lobby, our bags were whisked away and check in was processed graciously. Despite being slightly before official check in time, we were upgraded to the Historical Wing and escorted to our room.
The contrast between the modern Opera Wing and the historical Metropole Wing is noticeable, with the latter being noticeably more intimate.
Historical Metropole Wing Luxury Room Review
A luxury room in the Historical Wing is a modest 32 m² but with a colonial charm and character that is exceptional. Every detail in the room was well thought out and rest assured the ceiling fan is mainly for decoration.
The desk was made from beautiful hardwood and had a welcome amenity of mango and chocolates. Each day there would be a new treat at turndown.
The bathroom was tastefully appointed with Hermes amenities though this particular room had a shower over bath.
Now you know that you’re staying at a quality colonial establishment when one can have one’s two-piece Safari Suit laundered.
Swimming Pool Review
The outdoor swimming pool was understandably crowded on both afternoons, but I managed to have a bit of a swim anyway. Being summer in Hanoi it was very much swimming weather.
There were many staff on hand to ensure the pool chairs were tidied between occupants and drinks were served from the Bamboo Bar, located behind the pool.
History & Bunker Tour
Speaking of the Bamboo Bar, the construction team discovered the entrance to the long sealed off air raid bunker under the hotel during a refurbishment in 2011. Since 2012, the Metropole has run twice daily tours at 5PM and 6PM to tour the bunkers exclusively for hotel guests.
The singer Joan Baez stayed at the Metropole during the American War and penned Where are you now my son?.
The hotel also served as an embassy for several countries during the war, including Italy (Room 218) and Switzerland (Room 220).
Le Beaulieu Buffet Lunch Review
The hotel’s French fine dining restaurant Le Beaulieu has also been open since 1091 and offers a good value seafood buffet.
Crabs, prawns and tuna sashimi were accompanied by a traditional selection of Vietnamese and Western dishes and desserts.
I used my Accor Plus membership to get 50% off lunch for two, which is applicable to all six hotel restaurants for all meals.
In the cooler winter months, you can even take your meal outside on the terrace.
Booking Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
The Metropole is consistently the most expensive hotel in Hanoi, even during the quieter summer season. Whilst I would have liked to visit Hanoi during the cooler winter months, the rates were higher and there was no Stay Plus free night availability.
I moved my trip to summer and was able to redeem the Stay Plus free night that came with my Accor Plus membership.
What Is Accor Plus?
Unlike a frequent guest program, Accor Plus is a paid membership that offers the following key benefits:
- An annual complimentary night’s stay in a standard room each year at participating Accor through the Stay Plus benefit
- Members can halve the bill in over 1100 hotel restaurants with up to 50% off dining across Asia Pacific
- Automatically qualify for Elite Silver status to ALL, Accor’s global lifestyle loyalty programme
The membership more than paid for itself between the free night and discounted meals at the Metropole. Plus you get up to 50% off meals at participating accor hotels including the new Sofitel Darling Harbour in Sydney and their fine dining restaurant Atelier.
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Review Summary
Stepping into the Metropole was like stepping back in time to an elegant, bygone era of French Indochina. The historical Metropole Wing has the atmosphere that no modern hotel can hope to match and the service at every interaction was exceptional.
I would love to stay here again and enjoy Hanoi, and the Metropole, in the cooler winter months.
Read more of our Iconic, Historic & Hip Hotel reviews
