Smart Splurge
There’s no other way to say this: If you’re going to Vietnam, we think you absolutely must spend at least one night at the Sofitel Metropole Hanoi. Nowhere else can you find such a perfect snapshot of pre- and post-colonial Southeast Asia.
2008 SMART LUXURY WINNER
Can’t-Miss Colonial Gem
The Metropole turns 107 this year; past guests include famous writers, Japanese invaders, Allied liberators, Communist potentates, the first President Bush, and, oh yeah, Jane Fonda while she was earning her moniker, Hanoi Jane. Yes, the city has a number of other perfectly great hotels (Hilton Hanoi Opera, InterContinental Hanoi Westlake Village) and sure, you can find equally luxurious appointments for a bit less money. But it would be a crime to miss the Metropole’s French Colonial-meets-post-Communist aesthetic.
We love the vintage Citroëns out front, the dark wood, the fact that the hotel randomly, endearingly makes its own fish sauce on the roof and sells it in the gift shop. Stay in the old part of the hotel: Some rooms may be on the smaller side, but you’ll have a front row seat to the hotel’s living history. Best season for value: late fall/ early winter.
Great Value Alternative: The Meliá Hanoi is a business hotel offering luxurious, spacious, modern rooms just steps from Hoan Kiem Lake, with its many scenic temples and peaceful old bridges. From $229/night; www.meliahanoi.com
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If you are planning on staying in Hanoi this is the hotel to stay at, it has history and is graced with an excellent location in the French quarter but you do however, need to book the historic metropole wing as the opera wing lacks character and... more
We spent four nights in a standard room in the Opera wing in early May, at the beginning of the monsoon season. Quite enjoyed the hotel but have a few comments: Our (not inexpensive) room was small, or compact if you want to be nicer. More what I... more
Unbeliebale hotel. From the rugged streets, filled with motorbikes, and the smells of a Vietnam city, entering the Metrople is like entering nirvana. The hotel itself speaks to another time, with rich colonial traditions, antiques, etc. And the... more
Average Rating (38) Read 14 Reviews Write a Review In 8 Trip Plans|Add to Trip Travelers think it's best for: No entries yet.
it is a hotel with history,elegance and wonderful service. The location is also excellent. The room was very large with a wonderful bed
We arrived at the hotel was immediately taken upstairs to club lounge for welcome drinks whilst staff were checking us in. They were very welcoming and commutative. We were then taken to our executive suite which was heavenly amazing. It was big,... more
