Hotel Review: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Ramsey Qubein is a freelance travel journalist covering hotels, cruises,…

This is one of the world’s grande dame hotels that dates back to 1901. Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has hosted dignitaries, celebrities, writers, musicians and world leaders since its inception. These days, the history hotel is fresh from a renovation and is, no doubt, the city’s most famous hotel address.

But sadly, the property is also intertwined in the conflicts and war that have taken place over the decades. It even has its own bunker where guests and staff sought protection. In more recent years, the hotel has hosted summits that have brought world leaders together to solve problems. But, you should come for many other reasons, including that this is a Sofitel Legend (there are only seven in the world, and this was the first), which represent the world’s most iconic hotels. Here’s what you can expect.

The history

For decades, this was the place to see and be seen during the colonial period, and through the years, more of the social and diplomatic elite have checked in for a stay. It served as the official guest house for the Vietnamese government.

During the war, the hotel was a place of safety for guests, but it did not shield them with the fear, sights and sounds of what was happening outside. During a remodel of the property’s famous Bamboo Bar, the hotel was able to rediscover the long-sealed underground bomb shelters that were underneath the property. Today, guests can take a tour of these as well as learn more about the hotel’s role in Hanoi’s history.

With the renovation, much of the artwork was updated. There are photographs, paintings and clever designs that showcase scenes from daily life in Vietnam. The lobby of the Opera wing has a rotating photography exhibition that is worth checking out each month. During my visit, a Ukrainian photographer was showcasing historic images from the Vietnamese countryside.

The new lobby in the Heritage wing features sit-down reception, a glazed mirrored ceiling, bouquets of fresh flowers on every table and a famous painting that was created by an American artist who stayed here during the war. The wooden banisters along the stairway are just some of the many features that were preserved in the renovation.

The rooms

The hotel has two wings: the iconic Heritage wing, which was just renovated, and the newer Opera wing. The latter is much larger and hosts business and tour groups regularly. These rooms are in a more modern and contemporary style.

Heritage wing rooms blend modern comforts (like USB ports everywhere) with historic design details. The original hardwood floors were refurbished, and many of the reproduction furnishings like antique desks and tall cupboards are what guests would have experienced a century ago.

The centerpiece of each room is Sofitel’s MyBed featuring a pillowtop mattress, plush duvet and five enormous pillows. On either side are power and USB outlets, and even the light switches are designed to look like they came from the early 1900s. Antique phones sit in the corner, and tasseled door signs hang on gold hooks to indicate do not disturb or please make up the room.

Glass bottles of water fill every corner, and in suites, the finest china awaits in the coffee cupboard. Room categories range from Premium accommodations and step up the rate based on size, view and location. In the Opera wing, a club level provides access to a lounge for breakfast, all-day refreshments and evening cocktails.

Every room in the Heritage wing comes with extra perks like complimentary afternoon tea in the lounge, breakfast in the buffet or in the a la carte restaurant, butler service for laundry and shoeshine services and an impressive evening happy hour where appetizers arrive on a three-tiered stand with a flowing open bar selection.

Bathrooms are bastions of light and comfort featuring all Italian marble surfaces, glass-enclosed showers with soaking tubs, plush robes and Diptyque toiletries in large pump bottles.

There are several suite categories, including some named for famous past guests like Charlie Chaplin (who had one of his honeymoons here) and feature themed artwork. Several pairs of connecting rooms in the Historic wing were transformed into suites during the renovation. In total, this wing has 54 Luxury rooms, 40 Grand Luxury rooms and six Metropole suites. The three Legendary Suites are named for Chaplin, Graham Greene and Somerset Maugham.

Most of the diplomats and royals that stay here use the Opera wing since that’s where the largest Presidential Suites are. In total, it has 19 suites there.

The dining

Let’s start with its most famous restaurant, Le Beaulieu, which has been serving elegant French menus since its inception. This is one of the most sought-after dining rooms in the city, and its multi-course tasting menus with wine pairings are divine. I was impressed with the exquisite detail and caliber of the vegetarian tasting menu.

Just outside is La Terrasse, which is a café-style setting facing the street. It opens during seasonal weather and is popular with locals and tourists.

Angelina is the European bistro that spreads two floors with floor-to-ceiling glass windows facing the active street outside. Its menu of colorful cocktails come from an enormous bar stacked high with bottles used by the talented bartenders. The restaurant takes its name from Angelina Jolie, who stayed here when filming one of her Hollywood films.

In the evening, a DJ entertains diners as they dance and drink the night away. Tucked behind a velvet curtain is the hotel’s cigar and cocktail lounge. This swanky hideaway has whimsical framed photographs and a more hushed atmosphere than the pool-facing Bamboo Bar.

Le Club Bar serves drinks throughout the day, but is also home to the lavish breakfast buffet. Here, made-to-order dishes including traditional pho and an egg station welcome guests. Japanese, Indian and Vietnamese breakfast dishes are in beautiful display. Each evening, guests of the historic wing enjoy two hours of complimentary drinks and appetizers.

Spice Garden in the Opera wing serves Vietnamese food with an emphasis on all corners of the country. This is a must-visit venue if you don’t have time to explore beyond the hotel.

The location

Within walking distance of local attractions like the Opera House and the lake, this Hanoi landmark is convenient for travelers. Great dining options are within walking distance as are some of the city’s most expensive, high-end shopping. The hotel itself is home to some of these in its lobby shopping gallery.

In the central courtyard of the hotel is a delightful swimming pool with shaded lounge chairs and plentiful greenery. It’s hard to believe you are in the center of such a major metropolis. Traffic noise is hardly heard here. The courtyard is also where guests can access the full-service spa and fitness center.

The tour

Each day at 5 and 6pm, the hotel offers complimentary tours to hotel guests, including the underground bomb shelter that was a safe haven for guests like Joan Baez and Jane Fonda. The bunker had been sealed after the war ended. It was only rediscovered by chance during renovations in 2011. Today, it serves as a reminder of the tragedy of war and a memorial to the courage and perseverance of the hotel employees.

You will learn about all of the past famous guests who have visited the hotel. This includes the royals and celebrities whose photos line the wall. This was also the site where President Trump met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un although neither leader spent the night here. The “path of history” gallery outlines all of this in the historic wing. If you don’t have time for the tour, you can still peruse the history panels yourself.