artLIVE – In the heart of ancient Hanoi, the 124-year-old Sofitel Legend Metropole shines as it is honored by Fodor’s in the list of the top 100 finest hotels in the world for 2026, becoming the sole representative from Vietnam on this prestigious ranking.
With a history spanning over a century, the Metropole Hanoi is known not only as the capital’s oldest hotel but also as a cultural and historical icon. Having witnessed numerous pivotal moments, it remains a favorite destination for dignitaries, artists, scholars and connoisseurs of sophistication.
French flair blended with Hanoian charm
One of the aspects Fodor’s highly praises about the Metropole is its perfect harmony between classical and contemporary elements. The Heritage Wing, the hotel’s most veteran section, underwent a comprehensive renovation in 2023 yet retains the pristine beauty of 1901. White-painted wooden shutters, classic tiled corridors, a signature subtle fragrance and warm yellow lighting create a sense of familiarity and luxury without feeling distant.
The Heritage Wing bears not only the mark of French architecture but is also delicately accented with Vietnamese details—from ancient patterns and familiar materials to its gentle arrangement. This fusion makes every step in the Heritage Wing feel like a journey back in time, transporting guests to the early decades of the 20th century, to a Hanoi that is both ancient and elegant.
Many famous figures have stayed at the Heritage Wing, from Graham Greene and Charlie Chaplin to world leaders and royalty. This contributes to a quiet, luxurious atmosphere steeped in the color of time that cannot be replicated elsewhere.
If the Heritage Wing symbolizes noble classicism, the Opera Wing brings a modern and dynamic spirit, described by Fodor’s as “a visually emotional world”. The combination of black, white and red tones creates a look that is fluid yet strong, luxurious and somewhat dramatic, true to the theatrical inspiration this wing aims for.
The Opera Wing is the choice for travelers who love contemporary design but still wish to experience the refined, polished, yet not overly ostentatious Metropole quality. This space plays a crucial role in completing the Metropole’s multi-layered accommodation experience, where guests can find either classical romance or modern luxury depending on their preference.
A refined, standard – setting and distinctive culinary landscape
A crucial part of the Metropole experience highly rated by Fodor’s is its cuisine. Le Beaulieu, Hanoi’s oldest French fine dining restaurant, is seen as the culinary heart of the Metropole. Its presence on the MICHELIN Selected list proves that the restaurant’s quality and reputation are always maintained at the highest level, from ingredients and preparation to the art of service.
In contrast yet perfectly complementary to Le Beaulieu, Spice Garden offers a refined Vietnamese spirit. Here, familiar Vietnamese dishes are “elevated”, retaining their original flavor essence but presented with elegance and balance, true to the spirit of an international heritage hotel. Thanks to this, international guests can clearly feel Vietnamese culture through cuisine without losing its authenticity.
Marks of an exceptionally successful year
Being honored by Fodor’s adds to the extensive list of awards Metropole Hanoi has achieved over the past year. When the MICHELIN Key was first announced in Vietnam, the Metropole was praised as one of the rare hotels worthy of the “legend” title.
Business Traveller selected the hotel as one of the top destinations for business travelers in the Asia-Pacific region. Robb Report Hong Kong awarded it the title of “Iconic Historic Hotel” in its Best of the Best 2026 awards.
Travel + Leisure named Metropole the Top City Hotel in Vietnam at the Asia-Pacific Luxury Awards 2025, and prior to that, Condé Nast Traveler included the hotel in The Gold List 2025 as well as the list of the “500 Best Hotels in the World.”
These awards not only affirm the quality of service and the hotel’s serious investment but also demonstrate that the Metropole maintains its allure for global travelers after more than a century.
Since 1901, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has always been likened to a “living legend,” a keeper of Hanoi’s memories and a symbol of the intersection between French and Vietnamese cultures. Every generation of guests arrives with their own story and every person who departs keeps within them the impression of an elegant, sophisticated and artistic Hanoi.
The accolade from Fodor’s for 2026 once again affirms Metropole’s position on the world tourism map. Amidst a Hanoi that is transforming every day, the Metropole retains its core values and tirelessly reinvents itself to remain worthy of being the “crown jewel” of Vietnam’s hospitality industry.
Photo: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
