Originally, Gustave-Émile Dumoutier, the owner of the land, and businessman André Ducamp collaborated to establish this hotel. With an initial capital of 500,000 francs, the Grand Métropole Hôtel officially welcomed its guests in August 1901 under the management of the Cie Française Immobilière.
Over the years, the Metropole Hanoi has witnessed various transformations and historical events. In 1916, it became the first venue in Indo-China to screen motion pictures. In the 1930s, the hotel chain expanded, operating properties in different locations such as Tam-Dao, Doson, and Langson.
In 1946, the hotel changed ownership and was purchased by a Chinese businessman named Giu Sinh Hoi. During this period, the renowned Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh utilized the Metropole as a meeting place for important discussions. In the 1950s, after Vietnam gained independence, the hotel was renamed the Thong Nhat Hotel and served as the official government guest house.
With the escalation of the Vietnam War in the 1960s, the hotel managers took precautions to protect guests by constructing a bomb shelter in the courtyard. The Thong Nhat Hotel later became the temporary residence for various embassies and UN agencies.
After the Vietnam War ended, the hotel underwent significant renovation and restoration efforts. In 1992, it reopened as the Pullman Hotel Metropole before transitioning to the Sofitel chain and eventually becoming the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi.
The hotel offers a total of 364 rooms, which are divided into two wings. In recent years, major renovations have been carried out, including the upgrading of guest rooms in the historical wing and improvements to the main entrance and lobby. Notably, the hotel’s air raid shelter, known as the ‘Bunker,’ was rediscovered in 2011 under the Bamboo Bar. It has since been restored and can be visited by hotel guests and tourists.
The Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi continues to be a symbol of luxury and heritage in the capital city of Vietnam. In fact, it was chosen as the venue for the second meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un in 2019.
Please take some time to explore the beauty and history of this remarkable hotel.
