Grande Dame of Vietnam: the Sofitel Legend Metropole in Hanoi

French flair and fine luxury: thanks to its magnificent architecture and rich historical heritage, the Sofitel Legend Metropole in Hanoi has long been one of the landmarks of the Vietnamese capital. In 2023, the oldest wing of the traditional hotel was extensively redesigned – with Dornbracht's opulent classic Madison fittings in the bathrooms. 

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Five-star hotel with history 
Narrow alleyways, honking mopeds, street kitchens, and ancient temples characterise the Old Quarter in Hanoi. Here, in the city's historic neighbourhood, stands the Sofitel Legend Metropole: built in 1901, it is considered a prime example of French colonial architecture, and its gleaming white façade is reminiscent of European aristocratic residences. The guests who have stayed there over the decades are as famous as the hotel itself: Charlie Chaplin once spent his honeymoon here, and today the five-star hotel, which is now part of the Sofitel Group, hosts political figures such as Emmanuel Macron and actors like Robert De Niro. 

Atmosphere of tropical elegance 
Inside the building, French colonial chic and Asian style merge into a coherent whole. The splendour of old Europe is combined with tropical elegance and lightness, such as in the Bamboo Bar with its rattan armchairs and floral fans in the shape of flowers. The Whisky Lounge and the legendary Le Club Bar, on the other hand, are reminiscent of the aristocratic smoking parlours and gentlemen's clubs of days gone by with their elegant wooden décor. The magnificent traditional restaurant “Le Beaulieu” impresses with its colour scheme of white, gold, and blue-grey tones. 

Careful modernisation 
The lobby as well as the rooms and suites in the oldest part of the building have now been extensively renovated during the latest remodelling work. The Singapore-based studio David Grace Designs demonstrated a keen sense of local specialities and the historical character of the Grand Hotel. The traditional interior was carefully complemented: coffered walls, dark woods, and customised antique-style furniture now meet modern elements, such as abstract paintings and expressive, hand-tufted carpets.  

Dornbracht icon Madison in the bathrooms 
The bathrooms have also been completely renovated. Cream-coloured walls and light-coloured marble interspersed with soft grey lines create an ambience that is as understated as it is elegant. The key elements of the bathroom architecture are the dark wood washbasins, which are framed by opulent mirrors and lantern-shaped lights. The Dornbracht icon Madison completes the ensembles: in Chrome, it harmonises perfectly with the white marble tabletops. The Art Deco look of the fitting is an integral part of the bathroom design. It can therefore also be found in the showers, as well as the towel rails. The freestanding bath taps, with their characteristic porcelain plates, quote the style of the early 20th century – and thus fit in perfectly with the nostalgic magic of the Sofitel Legend Metropole.  

Anya Wood Public Relations Limited
Anya Wood
Tel.: +44 7585 228987 
Email: anya@anyawoodpr.co.uk

Dornbracht
Julia Hesse
Tel.: +49 2371 433-2117
Email: press@dornbracht.com