Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Hanoi

The Sofitel Metropole Hanoi is probably the city's finest luxury hotel. It first opened its doors in 1901, and combines authentic colonial-era charm with modern international luxury, cementing itself as the city's most reputable and desirable property.

The hotels two wings the older Historical Wing and newer Opera Wing house 235 rooms and suites. Each room is luxuriously appointed with lavishly comfortable beds, polished hardwood floors, colonial-era decoration and high-speed internet. A welcoming swimming pool is located in the courtyard between the two wings.

The hotel has a reputation for some of the finest, most sophisticated cuisine in town. Le Beaulieu serves gourmet French cuisine in a fine dining setting, while the Spices Garden Restaurant serves high-end speciality Vietnamese cuisine. Both restaurants have won many awards.

The Metropole is within an easy walk of the Opera House, the Hoan Kiem Lake and just a short cycle ride from the rest of the city's main attractions. There are many cafes, restaurants and boutiques in the vicinity. The many in-house attractions include cookery classes, guided city tours by vintage Citroen cars, designer boutiques and lavish chocolate buffets.

The hotel has a long and illustrious list of former guests. Some of the more interesting include Charlie Chaplin, Jaques Chirac, Robert De Niro, Catherine Deneuve, Ralph Fiennes, Johny Hallyday, Stephen Hawking, Mick Jagger, Roger Moore and Oliver Stone. Some of the surprise inclusions on the list released by the hotel include geopolitical heavyweights such as Fidel Castro, Hun Sen and, last but not least, Peter Mandelson!

The Sofitel Metropole has won a host of international awards and is frequently recommended on luxury hotlists. If five-star luxury and service is what you desire, look no further when selecting a hotel in Hanoi.