Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

We enjoyed our 5-night stay at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. We had previously celebrated New Year's Eve here about 8 years ago for dinner, and although we had never stayed as hotel guests, we loved the service and ambiance enough that we knew we wanted to stay here on our return to Hanoi. We originally booked a Premium Room in the Opera Wing through AMEX Travel, which included an upgrade at check-in if available. We were told upon arrival that we had been upgraded to a slightly larger room in the Historical Wing. While the room was certainly reflective of the hotel's historic character and beautiful interior design, in hindsight, I think I would have preferred to remain in the room type we originally booked. The Opera Wing room was advertised as bright with natural light, whereas our Historical Wing room faced inward and was quite dark. The bed was also very old and uneven, to the point that we were essentially sinking into the mattress.  Service throughout our stay was attentive, although we found it to be more professional than warm. Breakfast was good and included with our booking, although we were surprised that at a 5-star luxury property it was buffet-only, without a separate à la carte menu. We did enjoy a room service meal of western food for dinner on our final night, and that too was done very well. One of the highlights of our booking was the very generous welcome amenity, afternoon tea, and happy hour set that were included in our rate. There was so much food, and everything we tried was very good. We could easily have enjoyed these offerings every day, but there was so much delicious Vietnamese food to explore outside the hotel. The pool area was quite busy with a lot of families during our stay, so we ended up skipping a pool day. The hotel's location, however, is excellent and made it incredibly easy to explore Hanoi on foot. The overall atmosphere of the Metropole was exactly what we had hoped for. The historic character of the property is evident throughout, and there is something special about staying at a hotel with such a long history in the heart of Hanoi. Overall, we enjoyed our stay, although the room and bed were not quite what we had expected for a property at this level. I would still recommend the Metropole for its history, atmosphere, location, and generous food and beverage offerings, but on a future visit I would specifically request a room in the Opera Wing if the option of a brighter room is your preference.

I have traveled a great deal and this I one of the nicest hotels I have seen, the staff is both over the top nice, and plentiful, the location is good, the three restaurants great.

I have written reviews about this wonderful hotel before, but I thought I would do another one, here on trip advisor, just to let everyone know what an exceptional an perfect experience it is staying there. If the idea of “old world” luxury and service conjures up a pleasant and nostalgic feeling, an image of a hotel where you are truly made to feel like a valued guest, then this hotel will deliver that experience. In a world, globally, where the service industry often feels lacking, this place stands far out in front, among it’s peers. Of course the facilities, and beds, and rooms, and bathtubs with bathsalts, are all of the highest quality. The hotel’s deep history obviously brings a graceful elegance and level of class, and it is coupled with a consistent attention to service that simply isa the best. During this recent stay, I had the pleasure of having Daphne and Mikey attending to my butler service, and both of them were exceedingly professional, intelligent, and excellent to communicate with. And finally, Mr. Thanh, who’s role is behind the scenes, in the security department, noticed I was leaving for a 2 week motorcycle, the next day. He, who also is an avid motorcyclist, met me at 730am, not for any other reason, than to just see me off, and make sure all my bag were tied on properly etc. A friend seeing you off on your adventure. To repeat my main point, every material thing at the hotel is of the highest quality, but what sets it apart, from countless other luxury hotels, is the genuine, and sincier service. Top notch. (ands if you're luckily enough to have access to the Club Lounge, you will be treated to excellent live piano playing from 5-7 each evening. I work in the music industry, so I can vouch for this quality.) Thank you Metropole, You’re the best.

We only stayed for one night. Wish we had stayed longer. Oozes style and old world sophistication. Such marvellous history wherever you look in the hotel. Stay in the heritage wing where your room may have a plaque with names of illustrious former guests. The Bamboo bar was like stepping back to the 30’s; great service, brilliant experience for cocktails or lunch. Very good Vietnamese food in the Spice Garden - if a little pricey by local standards. Very much hope we get to visit again.

I am fortunate to travel fairly widely. This is now my favorite hotel anywhere. The service is unparalleled. I was greeted with champagne and chocolates at check-in. The staff somehow seem to know every guest’s name, and go above and beyond to make you feel at home. The concierge assisted in making restaurant reservations and tour recommendations. My room in the Heritage Wing was really lovely, spacious, and spotlessly clean, with gorgeous historic features and strong air conditioning. It also came with two hours of free cocktails and canapés in the evening. The Sunday seafood brunch at Le Beaulieu was delightful. The cocktails at Bamboo Bar and Angelina were delicious, and the bartenders are adept at making delicious cocktails that are still drinkable in the extreme Hanoi heat. I read frequently at both bars, and the staff always brought me a book light. It is centrally located and an easy walk to most of the main sites. There is a hotel history tour, which takes you into the bomb shelter from the 1970s. Breakfast was extensive and of good quality (the egg coffee is a highlight!). And when it came time to leave, the staff offered to pack for me! There is some mild street noise, but this did not bother me at all. That said, I am from NYC and can sleep through a lot, so you may want to stay on a higher floor if you are very noise sensitive. This hotel has had more than its fair share of famous people stay—but the staff makes everyone feel like royalty. I cannot recommend staying here enough.