Stayed In: Sofitel Legend Metropole, Hanoi
Starting your honeymoon in Vietnam’s legendary Sofitel Legend Metropole in the heart of Hanoi isn’t quite the obvious choice for Omani newly weds, in fact ... the hotel told us that we are the first people arriving from Oman! Which - I cant lie - made me feel a bit special. “It’s the first time we see an Omani here” ... I felt rare. Lol. Omanis: we have to become a bit more visible to the world 😂
I personally chose this hotel for many reasons: one for the fact that it is undeniably gorgeously designed, and second for its history which dates back to 1901.
If you know me, I am all for vintage vintage vintage ... and Sofitel Keeps that antique vibe very well in its rooms and hallways. One of their staff informed us that in the historical wing of the hotel, they kept the same exact furniture in the hallways which were absolutely wonderful to look at for an antique lover like me.
Upon arrival, we were surprised by a room upgrade and beautiful bouquet of red roses to celebrate our honeymoon. The staff are so attentive to these small details of their guests and their comfort. This attentiveness also extended to breakfast time which was served for guests in I believe all their restaurants ... and you get to choose where to go. My husband and I started our day in Le Club which had serene views of the hotel’s gardens as we enjoyed the best breakfast I have ever had in a hotel.
It may seem unreal how everything was great at Sofitel legend metropole, but this was our experience and I am so glad to have paid every penny to experience staying in this hotel. Oh, and did I mention that Charlie Chaplin used to stay at Sofitel legend metropole when in Hanoi? He even has a suite named after him if you’re interested to stay in it!
Other more interesting history fact is how the hotel has once been used as a bomb shelter. As a guest in the hotel, you’ll get an exclusive tour of the hotel’s path of history and bomb shelter with the hotel’s own team of historians. Wonderful.
I consider myself a very educated wellness traveler: when I travel, I love to focus on my wellness and health. So the food I eat is very important ... and also the spas I visit.
The Sofitel legend metropole ‘Le Spa’ took me to experience a mixture of east and west with style. Everything about the experience was glamorous, from the moment I stepped to the changing rooms which were decorated in antique mirrors that you couldn’t help but take photos of. The privacy of each treatment room is spectacular as you get your own cabinet, safe box, vanity room, and bath/shower. The staff are very well trained and attend to your service very nicely, while respecting your privacy. The choice of oils used for your treatment are presented to you before your treatment begins.
As for the food, we reserved a table to have our first dinner as husband and wife at Le Beaulieu - a French restaurant located in the ground floor of the hotel (on your left as you enter from the main entrance). The restaurant demands a smart casual dress code, and serves amazing meat. That’s all I have to say about it. It was very romantic, very calm, very delicious.
Perhaps what I loved the most about Sofitel Legend Metropole is it’s history; and trust me you really feel it when you’re inside. It’s a mixture of glamour, and the sad past of sheltering away from the war. Ending your night in a jazzy atmosphere at the hotel’s Le Club was the icing of the cake. Being a jazz fan, and sitting beside my husband was beyond magic to me. It was wonderful.