Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

The Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is more than just a hotel; it's a museum that tells the story of Hanoi and Vietnam. It's housed in a century-old French colonial building and has historically hosted dignitaries and celebrities visiting Hanoi. It even has an air-raid shelter preserved from wartime. During my stay, I not only experienced the rich French romantic atmosphere but also gained an in-depth understanding of its history through a guided tour led by the hotel's history professor. The hotel is located in Hanoi's most luxurious district, surrounded by French colonial architecture and flagship stores of major luxury brands. It also boasts Hanoi's first French restaurant, among a total of six restaurants and bars. The rooms are divided into the 'Historical Wing' and the 'Opera Wing'; this time, I stayed in a king-size room in the more modern Opera Wing. Overall, my stay was simply 'perfect'!

The hotel boasts an excellent location, within walking distance to all the attractions around Hoan Kiem Lake. With a history of 125 years, the hotel is rich in historical and cultural heritage. During my stay, there was even a hotel photo exhibition, making the hotel itself feel like a small museum. It's well worth spending half a day just exploring the premises. My room, located in the Opera Wing, featured a modern layout and decor. The facilities were well-maintained and didn't feel outdated, making for a very comfortable stay. This booking also included executive lounge access. The afternoon tea offerings were quite good, and the happy hour provided a wide selection of drinks, accompanied by a beautiful guzheng performance. The hotel's service is another major highlight, truly setting the standard for hospitality in Hanoi. I dined at the hotel's Executive Lounge, SPICE GARDEN, and LE CLUB BAR, and also used the swimming pool. The staff at all these venues provided outstanding service – they were enthusiastic, professional, and very courteous. When checking in, I simply mentioned that I would be moving to the hotel next door the following day. To my surprise, upon checkout, the front desk proactively arranged for my luggage to be transferred to the adjacent hotel. Such thoughtful service!

The most satisfying stay. The breakfast, afternoon tea, and lounge experience were all fantastic. I would definitely come back to Hanoi just for this hotel.

The Spice Garden Restaurant offers a complimentary semi-buffet Vietnamese lunch for two: This place is really bad. There were flies and hardly any food. Don't bother coming. Cleanliness: So-so. Are there really bugs in the room? The service was alright, but overall, the hotel gave off an arrogant vibe. Quite a few bugs, but it's decent for photos.

The breakfast was absolutely incredible, with high-quality ingredients that tasted amazing. The dining environment was superb, and the overall atmosphere was comfortable, steeped in history and culture. The staff provided exceptional service and made me feel very welcome. I stay here three to four times a year on average, and the quality is consistently excellent every single time.

I highly recommend the Historic Wing. When I first got into the taxi, the driver set the destination to another entrance (possibly the Opera Wing), and I was dismayed by how gaudy the decor looked inside. I only felt relieved after being taken to the Historic Wing. The breakfast was delicious, and the public areas are beautiful. The downsides are that the room was too small, and for some reason, the slippers were quite uncomfortable.