Sofitel Legend Metropole

Hanoi's 1901 grande dame, with its rediscovered wartime bomb shelter

🇻🇳 Hanoi, Vietnam·Est. 1901·French Colonial / Art Nouveau·$$

89 HHI Landmark

Heritage Landmark

About the Property

Standing in the heart of Hanoi since 1901, the Metropole is Vietnam's most storied hotel. Founded by French entrepreneurs Gustave-Émile Dumoutier and André Ducamp, its neoclassical facade and art nouveau interiors have sheltered Graham Greene as he wrote The Quiet American, hosted Charlie Chaplin's 1936 honeymoon with Paulette Goddard, and protected Joan Baez and Jane Fonda in its underground bunker during US bombing raids. The shelter, sealed after the war, was dramatically rediscovered during renovations in 2011.

🏛️

Original Purpose

French colonial grand hotel

Highlights

Historic bomb shelter rediscovered (2011)Graham Greene wrote The Quiet American hereCharlie Chaplin 1936 honeymoon suiteJoan Baez performed during bombing raidsOriginal French colonial facade preservedPath of History guided heritage tourTwo wings: historic Metropole and modern Opera

History Timeline

1901

Opened as Grand Hotel Metropole by French colonists

1936

Charlie Chaplin honeymoons with Paulette Goddard

1945

Served as headquarters during Vietnamese revolution

1952

Graham Greene begins writing The Quiet American during extended stay

1954

Hosted journalists covering the Battle of Dien Bien Phu

1967

Joan Baez shelters in underground bunker during US bombing raids

1972

Jane Fonda stays during controversial Vietnam visit

2011

Historic bomb shelter discovered during renovations

2020

Completed extensive restoration of heritage wing

Visit Official Website ↗