Hotel Sofitel Metropole Hanoi

Description:

• Hanoi's top choice. Built in 1901, the Metropole is a historical treasure. It was here that invading, liberating, or civil armies found billet and raised their flags; the first film was shown in Indochina; Jane Fonda and Joan Baez took cover in a bomb shelter; and heads of state and embassy officials have resided over the years. The Metropole has been through numerous renovations, including the Opera wing (so named because it is nearer to the Hanoi Opera House), which was first added in 1996. Currently, the hotel is developing an executive floor geared to business visitors; the entire wing was closed for the renovation at time of writing. Rooms in the newer wing are more spacious, but go for the old wing and walk into a bit of history (keep an eye out for ghosts) in these medium-size rooms with wood floors, cane furniture, classic fixtures, and high ceilings. Modern bathrooms are large and have little touches like wood-frame mirrors, fresh flowers, and a fine line of in-house products. The staff couldn't be nicer or more efficient. The pool is small, but the adjoining Bamboo lounge is an oasis of calm in the city center. Le Beaulieu is popular in Hanoi for classic French fare, and the Spices Garden is a great place to sample local delights. The lunch buffet is a safe and tasty place to try Hanoi street fare like pho (Vietnamese noodle soup). The Sofitel's Met Pub is a casual spot to have a beer and listen to live music. The downtown location can't be beat, and there's a nice mix of tourists and businesspeople here.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Very Highly Recommended 2010