The Metropole opened in 1901 in the French Quarter of Hanoi, a short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake and the Opera House. Built by French investors when Hanoi was the capital of French Indochina, it is the oldest and most historic luxury hotel in Hanoi, operated by Sofitel under its Legend label.
History
In 1936 Charlie Chaplin and Paulette Goddard spent their honeymoon at the hotel. The writer Graham Greene stayed there, and the hotel has welcomed heads of state and celebrities throughout its history. During the bombing of Hanoi in 1972, guests and staff took refuge in an underground shelter, rediscovered in 2011 and now open to visitors.
Architecture and design
The historic wing keeps its white façade, green shutters and wrought-iron balconies, typical of French colonial architecture. A newer wing, the Opera wing, was added later; together they count 364 rooms, and the hotel has a spa and a pool. Inside, wooden floors, ceiling fans and period furniture preserve the colonial atmosphere.
Location
The hotel stands on Ngo Quyen street, near the Hanoi Opera House, Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter.
Weddings and events
The Metropole hosts weddings, receptions and conferences in its salons and courtyard.
At a glance
What sets it apart
- 01Opened in 1901 in the French Quarter
- 02Charlie Chaplin’s honeymoon address in 1936
- 03Wartime bomb shelter, rediscovered in 2011
- 04French colonial façade with green shutters
Chronology
Dates that matter
1901
The Grand Hôtel Métropole Palace opens in August, built by two French investors.
1936
Charlie Chaplin and Paulette Goddard spend their honeymoon at the hotel.
1951
Graham Greene stays at the hotel while working on The Quiet American.
1954
After the French leave, the hotel is renamed Thong Nhat, the Reunification Hotel.
1972
Joan Baez shelters in the hotel's bunker during the Christmas bombing of Hanoi.
1992
The restored hotel reopens as the Pullman Metropole after a joint venture with Accor.
1996
The Opera wing opens beside the historic building.
2011
The wartime bunker is rediscovered under the courtyard during works.
2019
Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un dine at the hotel on 27 February during their summit.
