I visited the historic Hanoi hotel beloved by the A-list

If walls could talk, they’d have much to say about the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, says Kate Wickers, who found out why this stalwart has been ‘the’ place to stay since 1901

Apr 4, 2026 - 15:15

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I visited the historic Hanoi hotel beloved by the A-list

Having weathered the Vietnam War and become a favourite of every passing Hollywood star or dignitary, this storied Hanoi hotel – which is now owned by Sofitel – is at its most radiant

Location

A 45-minute drive from Noi Bai International Airport in Vietnam’s capital of Hanoi, the Sofitel Legend Metropole hotel sits on an illustrious boulevard, lined with Indochina Dragonplum trees, within the up-market, central Hoan Kiem Ward district (where the likes of Dior and Louis Vuitton have recently moved in).

It’s an easy stroll from here to many historical and cultural landmarks such as the bustling Old Quarter, Water Puppet Theatre, Temple of Literature, and Hanoi Opera House.

The vibe

Buzzy Angelina bar offers cocktails and whiskey

Buzzy Angelina bar offers cocktails and whiskey (Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi)

From the minute you step through the door at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, you’ll feel like you’ve time-travelled back to a bygone era (think bellboys in buttoned uniforms, champagne on arrival, and a shoe clean service in the lobby).

Refined but relaxed, the hotel has the potential to feel stuffy but doesn’t. The clientele is mixed. At the Bamboo Bar, you’re just as likely to be sat next to a family as a Vietnamese socialite or the French ambassador.

While on paper the hotel appears quite large, with 358 rooms spread between the Heritage Wing (here you’ll find 94 guest rooms and nine suites), and the newer Opera Wing (built in 1996), it retains a boutique feel.

Service

Service is friendly and personal, and guests are never kept waiting, whether it’s to put in a drink order, or to be seated for afternoon tea. If you’ve booked a room in the Heritage Wing, you’ll be appointed a dedicated staff member, contactable by WhatsApp, who’ll assist with everything from booking restaurants to making spa appointments.

Leaving too early to catch breakfast? The team will pack you the most delicious bespoke takeaway (I was given almond croissants and ginger tea for my 6am departure).

Bed and bath

The Charlie Chaplin suite is among the rooms named after celebrity guests

The Charlie Chaplin suite is among the rooms named after celebrity guests (Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi)

The Heritage Wing has 103 recently renovated rooms, including nine suites (three of which are named for the famous guests who stayed there: Charlie Chaplin, Graham Green, and Somerset Maugham). The Opera Wing, which opened in 1996, has a further 255 rooms and is popular with business guests and tour groups. Still decadent, though a little tired, renovation of these rooms begins this summer (2026).

There was nothing weary about my Heritage Wing room, which combined 1920s French sophistication with Indochine touches (think polished hardwood floors, Art Deco style marble bathrooms, overhead fans, and original artworks). Pleasing details include a rotary telephone, fine bone china tea set, and silk slippers.

Food and drink

Fine dining restaurant Le Beaulieu serves French cuisine

Fine dining restaurant Le Beaulieu serves French cuisine (Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi)

Fine dining restaurant Le Beaulieu is reaching for the Michelin stars (currently it sits on the Michelin Guide’s Selected List), dishing up impeccable fare such as flambeed duck breast with carrot mille-feuille. The less formal Spice Garden offers Vietnamese food with a contemporary twist. Standouts on the tasting menu are the steamed snow fish with ginger, and young rice creme brulee. Both restaurants offer tailored dining experiences, and excellent vegetarian and vegan options.

You’ll find buzzy Angelina on a corner of the Opera Wing, offering a cocktail bar and whiskey lounge with a menu of international favourites that make it popular with expats.

French-style street cafe Cafe La Terrasse is lovely at any hour, and is where breakfast is served from 7am, with an a la carte menu spanning egg dishes to banh mi. At Bamboo Bar, nostalgia is stirred by the whirring rattan fans. Order a Charlie Chaplin, a heady blend of gin, apricot brandy and lime juice and let time stand still for a while.

British-inspired afternoon tea (included in the room rate for Heritage Wing guests) is served at Le Club Bar. Still hungry? Pop into The Metropole’s pretty-as-picture L’Epicerie (a fine food grocery store, beloved by Instagrammers) and snap up an indulgent paris-brest or delicate pistachio macaron.

Facilities

The hotel’s courtyard has a stunning medium-sized pool

The hotel’s courtyard has a stunning medium-sized pool (Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi)

Begin your stay with the complimentary “Path of History” tour led by historian Ms Huyen, which gives a fascinating overview of the hotel’s chequered fortunes; and finales in an air raid shelter that once gave refuge to ambassadors, foreign correspondents and the likes of Jane Fonda and singer Joan Baez during the Vietnam war.

SoFIT is the well-stocked gym, and Le Spa du Metropole has eight ravishing treatment rooms, all individually designed with Indochine flare (think silk screens and pops of bold colour). Luxurious French SOTHYS and Anne Semonin are the brands of choice.

In the hotel’s central courtyard there’s a medium-sized pool (be warned, at busy times, you may have to wait for a sunbed). Complimentary yoga or Tai Chi classes run at 7am daily.

Accessibility

Most spaces are wheelchair accessible and there are ramps at all entrances. Several adapted rooms feature bathrooms kitted out with grab bars and easy access showers, with wider doorways.