Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
By the Destination Traveller editors · 30 October 2026
Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam
The Metropole has been Hanoi's grand hotel since 1901, celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2026. Behind its white colonial façade are elegant rooms, a pool courtyard shaded by trees, celebrated restaurants and a remarkable history, from Graham Greene and Charlie Chaplin to the air-raid shelter beneath the pool.
Best for: Travellers who want a historic grand hotel at the heart of Hanoi.
Where it is
The hotel is in the French Quarter, a few minutes' walk from Hoan Kiem Lake, the Opera House and the Old Quarter's streets. Noi Bai airport is about 45 minutes by car; the hotel offers limousine transfers. See our Vietnam, Cambodia and the Mekong trip.
Rooms and suites
Choose between the original Heritage Wing, with wooden floors, high ceilings and colonial furniture, and the newer Opera Wing. The literary and theatrical suites, named after Graham Greene, Somerset Maugham and Charlie Chaplin, are the most atmospheric; Grand Luxury rooms are a lovely choice for a first visit.
Food, spa and the rest
Le Beaulieu serves French cuisine and a famous Sunday brunch, Spice Garden offers refined Vietnamese cooking, Angelina is the stylish bar and restaurant, and Le Club Bar serves afternoon tea in L'Orangerie. The Bamboo Bar sits by the pool. Le Spa du Metropole has treatment suites in a restored colonial house. The Path of History tour visits the wartime bunker under the pool.
The moment
Afternoon tea in Le Club as the city hums outside, before a tour of the bunker where guests sheltered during the war.
Why we chose it
Hanoi can be intense, and the Metropole is a beautiful refuge: historic, impeccably run and right in the centre. Few hotels in Asia have such a story, and staying here adds depth to a first trip to Vietnam.
When to go
October to April is best in Hanoi: cooler and drier, with December to February chilly and sometimes misty. May to September is hot and humid with summer rains.
The longer stay
Three nights lets you explore the Old Quarter, Temple of Literature and Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum, with time for the pool and a food tour, before a night on Ha Long Bay.
Part of our Big Trip
Vietnam, Cambodia and the Mekong
From about £5,500 per person
Questions
When did the Metropole open?
In 1901; it celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2026.
Which wing should I choose?
The Heritage Wing for colonial character; the Opera Wing for a more contemporary feel.
What is the Path of History?
A tour of the wartime air-raid shelter discovered beneath the pool bar.
Is it walking distance to the Old Quarter?
Yes, Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter are a short walk.
Does it have a pool?
Yes, an outdoor pool in a garden courtyard with the Bamboo Bar.
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