Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Vietnam
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
15 Ngo Quyen , Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Vietnam
www.sofitel-legend.com/hanoi
HOTEL INFORMATION
Group
Sofitel Hotels & Resorts
Shareholders
Investment fund and partially owned by a public company (government)
Date of Creation
1901
Hotel General Manager
A 37-year veteran of the international hospitality industry, Mr George Koumendakos has held senior leadership positions in 14 countries around the world. Over the past 15 years, the Dutch national has served as General Manager at a number of prestigious 5-star hotels, including most recently at Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara in Malaysia. A graduate of Hotelschool The Hague and fluent in three languages, Mr Koumendakos brings to Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi a deep understanding of luxury hospitality, operational excellence and cultural nuance.
Hotel Positioning
5-star Luxury
Development strategy
To maintain a market leading position in the luxury hospitality segment in Vietnam – to continue to be the ultimate luxury destination for travelers to Hanoi. The hotel is one of six ultra-luxury Sofitel Legend hotels in the world.
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
History & Story
Since its opening in 1901 as Hanoi’s first official luxury hotel during the French colonial era, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has stood as a prominent landmark in the heart of the city. From 1954 to 1988, under government management, the hotel served as the primary residence for visiting dignitaries and hosted various embassies and consular missions during times of conflict.
In 1988, Accor was appointed to manage the property, overseeing the addition of the Opera Wing and new facilities. The hotel officially joined the Sofitel brand in 1992 and was honoured as the world’s first Sofitel Legend property in 2009.
With a long-standing tradition of hosting prestigious events and welcoming illustrious guests—from playwrights and ambassadors to heads of state—the hotel remains a symbol of timeless elegance. Three of its Legendary Suites are named after notable past guests: Charlie Chaplin, Somerset Maugham and Graham Greene. A recipient of numerous international accolades for excellence in service, this iconic hotel continues to play an integral role in the cultural and social fabric of Hanoi.
Date Renewal
The historical Heritage Wing, originally established in 1901, has undergone restored a meticulous 21-month restoration and renovation. Construction was completed in December 2023, and the renewed wing officially reopened to guests on 8 March 2024. The new interiors maintain their traditional aesthetic and feel, and incorporate select original fixtures, while also introducing a considerable measure of bespoke comfort, advanced technology and vibrant color.
While the overall guestroom layouts remain unchanged, six pairs of connecting rooms have been reimagined as the new Metropole Suites, each featuring a master bedroom, a parlor area, and a living room with a sofa bed. As a result, the total key count has been reduced to 103.
Date added extensions
The neo-classical Opera Wing was completed in 1996 to complement the historical Heritage Wing. The Spa was built in 2009 and a new function room was added in 2010.
Main Strengths, Special Touch
• Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has stood as the city’s premier luxury address since 1901. With its distinctive French colonial architecture and rich historical character, the hotel offers an atmosphere of timeless romance and cultural significance. A setting for countless legendary stories and historic moments, the Metropole is truly unlike any other in Hanoi.
• Ideally located adjacent to the Old Quarter and surrounded by elegant colonial-era buildings, the hotel enjoys an unrivalled setting that captures the charm and heritage of the city.
• Guests are invited to indulge in some of Hanoi’s finest culinary and cultural offerings, with six exceptional restaurants and bars—serving French, Vietnamese, and artfully rustic cuisine—alongside the iconic Bamboo Bar and the innovative angelina cocktail bar. The award-winning Le Spa du Metropole and the hotel’s expertly trained concierge team further enrich the experience, ensuring every stay is as refined as it is unforgettable.
• La Boutique, the hotel’s elegant gift and lifestyle shop, offers a curated selection of artisanal souvenirs, designer accessories, and exclusive Metropole-branded items — perfect for taking home a touch of timeless elegance.
Location
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is adjacent to the Old Quarter known as the “36 streets and guilds,” and is a short walking distance from many historical and cultural landmarks including Hoan Kiem lake. The area is adjacent to the Hanoi Opera House and is the cultural centre of the city.
Key sites/activities in the area
Hanoi Opera House, History Museum, Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
Fun Facts
There are parks in the area where you can join the locals for ballroom dancing or other activities including badminton, Tai Chi, and aerobics. There are also many colorful coffee shops and restaurants near the hotel.
Children’s Corner
There are no restrictions on children. The hotel offers services related to children which include – babysitting service, Le Petit Prince children’s amenity program, a heated swimming pool , and children’s menus.
HOTEL FEATURES
Accommodation
Total Room Count: 358 units in two wings – the historical Heritage Wing built in 1901 and the neo-classical Opera Wing completed in 1996.
Historical Metropole Wing:
• Luxury room (queen bed or twin bed) – 54 units
• Grand Luxury room (king bed or twin bed) – 40 units (with exclusive Metropole Heritage Wing privileges)
• Metropole Suite (king bed) – 6 suites (with exclusive Metropole Heritage Wing privileges)
• Legendary Suite (king bed) – 3 suites (with exclusive Metropole Heritage Wing privileges)
Neo-classical Opera Wing:
• Premium room (queen bed or twin bed) – 163 units
• Grand Premium room (king bed or twin bed) – 73 units (with exclusive Club Metropole benefits)
• Prestige Suite (king bed) – 18 suites (with exclusive Club Metropole benefits)
• Grand Prestige Suite (king bed) – 1 suite (with exclusive Club Metropole benefits)
Restaurants & Bars
Beyond its historical significance, the Metropole offers exceptional culinary experiences that elevate every stay. Le Beaulieu showcases the finest French cuisine in Hanoi, while Spice Garden presents elevated Vietnamese dishes with a modern flair. angelina, a bespoke bar-lounge-restaurant, offers a cosmopolitan ambiance, and La Terrasse brings the charm of Parisian street cafes to Hanoi. Guests can also indulge in afternoon tea and jazz at Le Club Bar or unwind at Bamboo Bar, known for its relaxed poolside elegance.
• Le Beaulieu
Le Beaulieu, celebrated for its culinary excellence, impeccable service, and exceptional wines, blends the hotel’s 120-year history with a stunning new design that unites opulence, classic charm, and modern elegance. The menu showcases contemporary French haute cuisine, balancing tradition with innovation and a focus on seasonal ingredients. A must-visit for wine connoisseurs, it offers unparalleled expertise and an exceptional wine selection. Le Beaulieu is especially known for its extravagant brunch, which is the Sunday rendezvous for Hanoi.
• angelina – Cocktail Bar, Whisky Lounge and Restaurant
angelina is the place to be for people of all ages and personalities, where the very best from Europe and the New World comes in perfect measure. Diners can also settle down at the lounge post-meal with a rare cigar, glass of vintage wine, or innovative cocktails. The world-class whisky collection is unparalleled. The menu reflects the seasons and the chef’s creativity offering locals and travelers imaginative comfort food with a fresh attitude.
• Spice Garden
Spice Garden offers authentic Vietnamese cuisine with a comtemporary twist, featuring regional dishes and local specialties prepared with fresh, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients. Guests can enjoy flavorful meals in the charming courtyard or the comfort of the air-conditioned dining room.
• Le Club Bar
Overlooking the serene courtyard and pool, Le Club Bar is a refined space for dining, drinks, or relaxation. The all-day brasserie menu pairs perfectly with the Parisian-inspired High Tea, featuring teas, petit fours, and sandwiches. Evenings from Tuesday to Saturday come alive with live jazz by the Metropole Jazz Diva and band, complementing French and Vietnamese cuisine.
• Bamboo Bar
A serene poolside retreat with rattan armchairs and ceiling fans, Bamboo Bar offers light meals, refreshing cocktails, and beverages. A favorite gathering spot for local expatriates and Hanoi residents, it exudes charm and relaxation.
Situated beside the historic Metropole Bomb Shelter, used during the 1965–1975 conflict, Bamboo Bar invites guests to unwind while connecting with the hotel’s storied past.
• La Terrasse
Inspired by the iconic sidewalk cafés of Paris, La Terrasse offers a chic and stylish setting to relax while soaking in the vibrant energy of Hanoi. Nestled on the hotel’s picturesque outdoor patio, La Terrasse serves a casual al fresco menu with refined touches, featuring salades gourmandes, artisanal cheeses, and local specialties. It’s the perfect spot to savor a taste of Paris amidst the bustling streets of the capital.
Wellness
Nestled at the heart of the hotel, Le Spa du Metropole is a serene 400-square-metre retreat overlooking the garden courtyard and pool. Each treatment area is entirely private, offering guests a peaceful space to unwind and recharge.
The spa features two themed couples’ suites, six individually designed spa suites, a manicure and pedicure booth, and a steam bath. Treatments blend ancient Eastern rituals with modern Western therapies, using premium products such as Sothys and Anne Semonin.
At the rooftop garden balcony Le Balcon, the Metropole is delighted to offer complimentary Yoga classes (Mondays and Wednesdays) and Tai Chi classes (Tuesdays and Thursdays) from 7am to 8am – the perfect way to stay in shape and relax the spirit. Please reserve your space before 6pm the day before.
Extra Notable Features
The Metropole Path of History & Bomb Shelter Tour – Hidden beneath the hotel for decades, the wartime bomb shelter—once a refuge for guests including Joan Baez and Jane Fonda during the American War (1964–1974)—was rediscovered by chance during renovations in 2011. Today, guests staying at the hotel are invited to join a daily, guided journey through the Metropole’s rich past with the hotel historians, including an exclusive visit to this remarkable historical site.
SUSTAINABILITY
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is Green Globe certified, a distinction that underscores the hotel’s long-standing commitment to sustainable hospitality. With initiatives focused on energy efficiency, waste reduction, and responsible resource management, the hotel integrates eco-conscious practices throughout its operations, setting a benchmark for environmental stewardship in luxury travel.
Hotel & Restaurants Awards
2024
• Asian Green Hotel Award 2024 – ASEAN Tourism Awards
• 5-star rating for the 5th time – Forbes Travel Guide
• Top 25 Historic Hotels Worldwide Most Romantic Hotels – Historic Hotels Worldwide
• Best City Hotels in Vietnam (4th rank) – DestinAsia Reader’s Choice Award
• World’s 500 Best Hotels – Travel + Leisure
• Best City Hotels in Vietnam – Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific
• Traveler’s Choice – TripAdvisor
• MICHELIN Selected – Le Beaulieu – MICHELIN Guide
• Asia’s 20 Best City Hotels – Travel + Leisure
• Best Spa Hotel for Golfer – Vietnam Golf & Leisure Awards
• Customer Review Award 2024 – Agoda
• Top 25 Historic Hotels Worldwide Afternoon Tea Experiences List – Historic Hotels Worldwide
• Best Business Hotel in Hanoi – Business Traveler Asia-Pacific Awards
• Best Luxury Hotel in Asia – Smart Travel Asia Best in Travel Poll 2024
• Global 100 – Cultural Hotels 2024 – Trip.Best – Trip.com
• Top 25 Restaurants of Robb Report Gourmet Collection 2024 – Le Beaulieu – Robb Report Vietnam
• Hotels and Resorts with unique culinary experiences – Travellive Hotlist 2024
• The Best Hotels & Resorts in the World – the Gold List 2025 – Condé Nast Traveller
• Green Globe Certification – Green Globe
Number of employees
700