Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi • 125th Anniversary Celebrations
- Rosette Media
- 19 hours ago
- 8 min read
Originally opened in 1901 as the Grand Métropole Hotel, the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi stands as Vietnam's most renowned luxury hotel, merging French colonial elegance with contemporary five-star amenities across 358 rooms and suites in two distinct wings.
Sofitel Legend now includes five hotels, each more splendid than the previous, located in stunning and culturally-rich destinations worldwide: Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam, Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo, Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, and Sofitel Legend People's Grand Hotel Xi'an.
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is marking its 125th anniversary with a diverse array of immersive experiences throughout 2026. This milestone celebrates a timeless heritage while looking toward the future, showcasing the hotel’s enduring elegance, French art de vivre, and its iconic status as a living legend of Hanoi.
Under the theme “125 Years of a Legend,” these celebrations combine culture, artistry, entertainment, gastronomy, and hospitality to enhance experiential luxury in the capital. The Metropole’s “Live the Legend” experience includes a series of curated stays, along with inspired gastronomic and wellness journeys, designed to immerse guests in the heritage and glamour of Hanoi’s Grande Dame.
“We are thrilled to open a new chapter in the Metropole’s legendary story,” said George Koumendakos, General Manager of Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. “For 125 years this hotel has been the beating heart of Hanoi — witnessing history, welcoming the world, and setting the standard for refined hospitality. This anniversary allows us to honour that remarkable legacy while inviting guests to experience the timeless soul of the Metropole in fresh, unforgettable ways as we look confidently to the future.”
Historical Perspectives
The Hotel Metropole building in Hanoi was inaugurated in 1901.
1901: Established by French investors Gustave-Émile Dumoutier and André Ducamp as the Grand Métropole Hotel, it was the largest in Indochina at the time.
Colonial era to 1950s: Became a gathering place for writers, artists, diplomats, and royalty, hosting guests like Graham Greene, Somerset Maugham, and Charlie Chaplin.
War years: During the Vietnam War, it housed 11 embassies and three UN agencies, earning the nickname “Embassy House”; a bomb shelter was constructed on-site.
Post-war decline and revival: After a challenging period, the hotel was rejuvenated in the early 1990s under Accor, initially as Pullman Metropole, later affiliating with Sofitel.
2009: Became the first Sofitel Legend property, forming the cornerstone of Accor’s collection of historic luxury hotels.
2023–2024: The Heritage Wing underwent a 21‑month extensive renovation, reopening with updated rooms and suites while maintaining its colonial charm.
Rooms & Suites
The hotel features 358 rooms and suites divided between two unique wings: the historic Heritage Wing and the neo-classical Opera Wing (added in 1996).
Heritage Wing (original 1901 building) comprise of 103 guest rooms and suites after renovation, including:
54 Luxury rooms
40 Grand Luxury rooms
6 Metropole Suites
3 Legendary Suites named after Graham Greene, Somerset Maugham, and Charlie Chaplin.
The Décor combines French colonial architecture with Vietnamese elements: high ceilings, wooden floors, period furniture, and Indochine-style details and the rooms include Sofitel MyBed mattresses, modern technology, and luxurious bathrooms; some feature bathtubs and separate showers. We were pleasantly surprised on the design and maintenance of this hotel, exuding elegance and refined aesthetics in the entire tapestry of this heritage hotel.
We stayed at a Grand Luxury Room, and it exudes a refined sense and blend of colonial heritage and contemporary five‑star comfort, with spacious interiors, elevated service privileges. Sitting in the historic Heritage Wing and measuring 37 sqm, the interiors balance French colonial sensibility with Vietnamese touches: dark wood furniture, hardwood floors, neutral tones, and period details such as a teak ceiling fan, lacquer boxes with sweets, and blue‑and‑white porcelain accents.
The Art Deco–style marble bathroom, featuring a walk‑in shower and a modern Japanese washle, together with a pull-out stylized mini-fridge cladded in orange with unique lighting was delightful. The welcome snacks, drinks, small gifts and fruits were interesting as it portrayed the seasons and flavor of the month and a sense of personalized care. Our bed was lush, exceptionally comfortable, with a pillow menu available to tailor support and firmness. Soundproofing is strong, contributing to a quiet, restful atmosphere even in a central location.
The Opera Wing (1996 extension) comprise of 236 guest rooms, 18 suites, and 1 Grand Prestige Suite (up to 176 m²), offering a more contemporary, neo-classical style. It is typically favored by business travelers and tour groups; rooms are generally larger and more modern in finish while retaining heritage motifs in public areas. Club Metropole benefits are available for Grand Premium rooms and suites, with access to a private lounge, all-day refreshments, afternoon tea, evening cocktails, and dedicated butler (Majordome) service.
Guests in premium categories (Grand Luxury, Grand Premium, suites) benefit from 24‑hour Majordome (butler) service, private check-in, and exclusive lounge privileges.
‘Live the Legend’ Stay Experience
Guests can indulge in understated luxury and create cherished memories with the "Live the Legend Experience," a stay inspired by the Metropole's 125-year history. This package features a sumptuous daily breakfast buffet for two, a refined Vietnamese lunch at Spice Garden for two, and an exclusive Path of History (and bomb shelter) tour led by the hotel's resident historian.
Additional perks include guaranteed early check-in from 11am, late check-out until 2pm, and a complimentary upgrade to the next non-suite room category, subject to availability. The offer is available for bookings and stays until Sept. 30, with a minimum stay of two nights required.
Hotels Amenities present include:
Le Spa du Metropole: A full-service spa with 8 treatment suites (including 2 couples’ suites), steam bath, and a menu combining Thai/Vietnamese therapies with French skincare; open daily 10:00–22:00.
Heated outdoor swimming pool nestled in lush gardens, with sun loungers and poolside service.
Fitness centre with modern equipment; yoga classes and personal training available.
Additional facilities: sauna, steam room, hot tub/Jacuzzi, beauty salon, gift shop (La Boutique), gourmet deli/patisserie (L’Epicerie), meeting rooms, and 24‑hour room service.
Signature experiences include historical bunker tours, cooking classes, walking tours, and cultural talks.
Full-service meeting rooms
‘Sensations Orientales’ Wellness Journey
Drawing inspiration from ancient Oriental rituals and the timeless elegance that has characterized Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi for 125 years, “Sensations Orientales” presents a distinctive sensory experience where Eastern traditions merge with French sophistication.
This exclusive 90-minute ritual at Le Spa du Metropole starts with a body exfoliation using a rich enzymatic gel, followed by Sothys’ Digi-Esthétique® techniques that combine acupressure with refined modeling movements from both Eastern and Western traditions. Warm notes of amber and myrrh, along with flowing massage gestures, provide profound relaxation and rejuvenation, concluded with a special gift to extend comfort at home. The treatment is available now through the end of the year.
Food & Beverage Offerings
The Metropole offers three restaurants and three bars/cafés, each with its own unique identity and the 125th Anniversary draws it's inspiration to deliver unique experiences for their guests.
‘Carnet de Voyage’ at Bamboo Bar
Bamboo Bar introduces the enchanting "Carnet de Voyage" cocktail series, inspired by a 1920s journey through Indochina and beyond, as imagined for André Ducamp, the Metropole's co-founder and first "directeur." Visitors can follow his route while relaxing by the pool, savoring skillfully crafted cocktails that combine exotic flavors with the allure of a past era.
Timeless French Dining at Le Beaulieu
Celebrated for its culinary brilliance, outstanding service, and extraordinary wines - expertly crafted in both taste and presentation - Le Beaulieu, the "Grand Dame of 1901," is considered the oldest continuously operating restaurant in Vietnam. Visitors can enjoy a unique 3-course set menu featuring century-old classics like Lobster Bisque and Crêpe Suzette, served with guéridon service. These recipes have been handed down through generations of chefs, originating from the restaurant's early days.
Legendary Cocktails and Le Burger ‘1901’ at Club Bar
Le Club Bar honors taste and nostalgia by offering signature cocktails inspired by cultural icons and past hotel guests such as Charlie Chaplin, Graham Greene, and the Metropole’s co-founder André Ducamp. Patrons can now savor a unique addition to the Legendary Cocktail Collection menu, “The Last Telegram,” and enjoy the “1901” Burger, a sophisticated creation that combines French elegance with high-quality ingredients, certainly a must-try!
Golden Era ‘Pho’ at Spice Garden
Spice Garden, the Metropole's upscale Vietnamese restaurant, prepares a flavorful pho broth over 125 hours, using a recipe inspired by the culinary traditions that thrived at the hotel in the 1920s. The dish is served with Wagyu beef, a gold leaf short rib, and features a dramatic tableside pouring. This is more than just pho; it embodies a living piece of Hanoi's history and culinary essence.
Metropole Liquid Chapters at angelina
Angelina, the cocktail lounge, whisky bar, and restaurant, has introduced the “Metropole Liquid Chapters,” a unique menu celebrating significant historical events at the hotel. The cocktails feature “1901,” which pays tribute to the Metropole’s illustrious start; “1968,” inspired by the wartime bunker located beneath the hotel; and “2026,” highlighting a new era of Hanoi nightlife.
The 125th Anniversary Collection
Building on the Metropole's 125-year heritage, La Boutique and the gourmet deli and patisserie L’Epicerie present a selection of Metropole-branded items and exclusive special editions. These elegant souvenirs enable guests to bring a piece of the legend back with them, while the Metropole’s e-vouchers offer a convenient way to gift legendary Metropole experiences for any occasion.
Breakfast in a Heritage Setting
Breakfast at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is a combination of it's heritage setting, generous variety, and the ability to tailor the morning to either a refined French or vibrant Vietnamese mood.
We got a genuinely bicultural breakfast rather than a generic international buffet:
French/European side: viennoiserie (croissants, pain au chocolat), artisan breads, smoked salmon, charcuterie, cheeses, eggs Benedict variants, ricotta pancakes, French toast.
Vietnamese side: pho (beef, chicken, vegetarian), rice porridge, banh cuon, banh mi, fresh spring rolls, green papaya salad, grilled fish, fried rice, noodle soups, and even egg coffee and I tasted the Ban Be Be, a Halong bay delight with mantis shrimp.
We started the day with a light, European-style pastry-and-coffee ritual and also a hearty, local bowl of pho and herbs—both executed at a high level. We enjoyed the flavorful smoked salmon and cheeses, along with a well-made eggs Benedict, pancakes, and French toast, fresh juices, smoothies, and a good coffee program which we especially like which is the Vietnamese coffee (black or with condensed milk), and a range of teas.
125th Anniversary Exhibition: A Journey through Time Since 1901
The inaugural exhibition, marking the start of the series, opened in June at the Heritage Wing, located within the hotel's original 1901 building, and the Opera Wing, showcasing a visual homage to the Metropole's timeless elegance and lasting legacy. It includes rare photographs from early 20th-century colonial Indochina through periods of conflict up to the present day.
Throughout the year, the hotel will reveal additional exhibitions, thoughtfully curated to celebrate its 125th anniversary. Through painting, mixed media, and photography, these exhibitions honor the artistic legacy of the Indochine era, Hanoi's rich cultural heritage, and the enduring spirit of Vietnamese life that continues to inspire today.
Le Petit Journal and Metropole History Book
The hotel introduces Le Petit Journal, its exclusive bi-monthly newspaper that highlights the finest moments, exclusive updates, and legendary experiences at the Metropole. Guests can also delve into the Metropole History Book, which is an archive of untold stories and significant milestones of both the property and the city, available at La Boutique or through their E-Shop.
For more information or reservations, please contact Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi at +84 24 3826 6919, email metropolehanoi.info@sofitel.com or visit www.sofitel-legend-metropole-hanoi.com/.
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi 15 Ngo Quyen Street Hanoi, Vietnam 10000 Phone: +84 (0) 243 826 6919 |
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