Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, situated at 15 Ngo Quyen Street, Hoan Kiem District, is the oldest hotel in the capital, dating back to its establishment in 1901.
The hotel's published nightly rates range from VND10 million to VND40 million ($400 to $1,600). However, the Legendary Suite alone commands a price of VND170 million ($6,870). Guests staying in these exclusive rooms receive top-tier service, including the assistance of a personal butler.
Currently, this represents the highest-priced hotel room in Vietnam. Most other accommodations with similarly high rates, ranging from VND100 million or more, are predominantly found in beachfront and riverside resorts.
The hotel consists of two main buildings: the Heritage Wing, located at the corner of Ngo Quyen and Le Phung Hieu streets (pictured), constructed between 1901 and 1908, along with Opera Wing, added in 1992.
Over its history, the Metropole has played host to numerous guests, including heads of state, royalty, actors, writers, musicians, and business leaders.
Following nearly two years of closure for renovations, the Heritage Wing (pictured) reopened its doors to guests in early March this year.
The main lobby of the building continues to showcase the distinctive lines of Indochinese architecture, characterized by dominant hues of yellow and brown. The decorative elements adorning the floors, ceilings, and staircases have been preserved almost unchanged for over a century.
The floor corridors of the Heritage Wing have undergone substantial renovation aimed at enhancing natural light while maintaining a welcoming ambiance. Formerly, employees noted inadequate lighting throughout the lobby areas on all floors, coupled with dark carpets that contributed to an unwelcoming atmosphere.
In the revamped design, the carpets adorning the common areas draw inspiration from iconic Vietnamese cultural symbols, such as conical hats and traditional decorative motifs from the Indochinese period, with the use of bamboo and rattan materials.
The Heritage Wing comprises a total of 103 rooms, among which are three Legendary Suite rooms honoring famous British figures who graced the hotel in the early 20th century. These individuals include the comedic icon Charlie Chaplin, the writer and playwright Somerset Maugham, and the novelist and journalist Graham Greene.
Featured in the accompanying photo is the skylight area on the second floor, an architectural highlight characteristic of French Indochinese design. This architectural feature serves to illuminate the space with natural light, fostering an airy ambiance throughout the interior.
The three Legendary Suite rooms are situated on separate floors, each featuring an approximate area of 70 square meters.
In the image is the Graham Greene's suite, nestled on the second floor. Greene stayed at the hotel in 1951 during his tenure with Paris Match magazine. The suite features a living area, ensuring privacy for guests, which seamlessly connects to the adjoining bedroom. Moreover, a balcony offers captivating views of the Toad Flower Garden and the Ngo Quyen Street below.
Located on the first floor, the Somerset Maugham Room honors the guest who stayed at the hotel in 1923 while writing a section of his book "The Gentleman in the Parlour". With vibrant curtains, upholstery, and contemporary artworks, each area exudes a lively ambiance.
One standout feature of this room is its private garden, offering a vista overlooking the Bamboo Bar and the hotel's sparkling swimming pool.
This room also stands out as the only one in the hotel featuring a bed designed in the Indochinese style.
Charlie Chaplin's room occupies the top floor, boasting the hotel's most picturesque setting with panoramic views of both Ngo Quyen Street and the Toad Flower Garden. The room's furniture, including beds, desks, tea tables, and sofas, is designed in warm orange and brown tones.
The room is adorned with paintings and books featuring images of the comedian. Notably, Charlie Chaplin himself stayed in this room during his honeymoon with his third wife in 1936.
Each Legendary Suites has marble bathrooms, complete with modern amenities and with artwork. Furthermore, the toilets in these suites are modern, offering advanced functions for comfort.
Only these three rooms are furnished with glassware and cups bearing the Baccarat crystal brand, known for producing some of the finest crystal glassware in the world.
