Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel

Top choice in Hanoi


Hanoi's finest hotel is a slice of colonial history, with its restored French-colonial facade, mahogany-panelled reception rooms and haute cuisine. Rooms in the Heritage Wing have unmatched colonial style and have hosted Charlie Chaplin and Graham Greene – the latter wrote The Quiet American while staying here. The modern Opera Wing has sumptuous levels of comfort, if not the same character.

Even if you’re not a guest here, pop in for a poolside cocktail at the Bamboo Bar, which is surprisingly reasonably priced.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Hanoi attractions

1. Hanoi Opera House

0.15 MILES

This glorious neoclassical centrepiece of Hanoi's French Quarter is unmissable with its Gothic pillars and domes. The French-colonial 900-seat venue was…

2. National Museum of Vietnamese History

0.22 MILES

Built between 1925 and 1932, this architecturally impressive museum was formerly home to the École Française d’Extrême-Orient. Its architect, Ernest…

3. Thap Rua

0.29 MILES

Built in 1886, the ramshackle Thap Rua, on a tiny island in Hoan Kiem Lake, is topped with a red star on special occasions and is often used as an emblem…

4. Vietnamese Women’s Museum

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5. Hoan Kiem Lake

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6. Martyrs' Monument

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7. Ngoc Son Temple

0.42 MILES

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8. St Joseph Cathedral

0.5 MILES

Hanoi's neo-Gothic St Joseph Cathedral was inaugurated in 1886, and has a soaring facade that faces a little plaza that's usually stuffed with selfie…