Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, one of Asia’s true “grande dames”, has opened a new chapter in its storied 123-year history with the relaunch of its historic Heritage Wing.
The original wing, which has hosted a roll call of luminaries including numerous heads of state and royalty, along with world-renowned actors, writers, musicians, and others, has been meticulously restored and renovated under a 21-month construction project.
The new interiors maintain their traditional aesthetic and feel, and incorporate select original fixtures, while also introducing a considerable measure of bespoke comfort, advanced technology, and vibrant color.
The comprehensive reconstruction work was centered on the original wing of the hotel, which was established in 1901.The newly renovated wing reopened to guests in mid-December.
Under the project, approximately 60% of the wooden floors in guest rooms were either refurbished or replaced; bathrooms were enhanced with all-new Italian marble surfaces and floors, and new bathtubs and showers; luxurious hand-tufted carpets were installed in guest rooms and corridors; and rooms were outfitted with elegant and sophisticated new beds, desks, side tables and sofas. New upholstery and curtains, along with contemporary artwork, provide colorful accents to the bright and airy rooms.
“The timeless feel of the Heritage Wing has been carefully preserved and enhanced, offering guests an even more sophisticated, elegant, and luxurious environment. It embodies a seamless transition from the past to the future, creating a profound feeling of place and warmth, with an interplay of tradition, comfort, modernism, and authenticity,” says General Manager George Koumendakos.
Guest room layouts remain mostly the same, but six pairs of connecting rooms have been transformed into new suites, featuring a distinct master bedroom, a parlor area and a living room equipped with a sofa bed.
Technological enhancements include all-new IPTV, sound bars, mood lighting and air-conditioning units and control systems, along with new Wi-fi routers in each guest room and in the corridors to ensure seamless connectivity with maximum speeds. The lighting system has three modes, including “work,” “relax,” and “full,” along with a nightlight button.
The original wooden staircase that winds from the lobby up to the Heritage Wing’s guest room floors remains as elegantly charming as ever. The sturdy wooden banisters and handrails, and the landings, have also preserved the original wood from 1901. The exclusively designed carpets throughout the public areas of the building draw inspiration from iconic symbols of Vietnamese culture, including weaving patterns, conical hats and vintage Indochine decor.
The Heritage Wing lobby has been partially refurbished and restored, and features a new artisanal antique mirrored ceiling situated over the reception area, along with silver leaf-gilded, hand-painted artwork adorning the elevator car. The new reception desks, furniture and mood lighting provide a fresh design angle. All these elements combine to evoke a sense of nostalgia while exuding a more contemporary and opulent ambiance.
The updated interior design of the lobby and guest rooms in the Heritage Wing was completed by the Singapore-based David Grace Designs International.
“Our aim was to transcend mere design and create a timeless sanctuary of luxury and understated elegance, and to craft an environment that not only appeals to the senses but leaves an indelible mark, offering an experience that captures the essence of refined living and evokes the charm of days gone by,” said Grace Soh, Managing Director of David Grace.
The Heritage Wing comprises 54 Luxury rooms, 40 Grand Luxury rooms, six Metropole suites and three Legendary suites named after former guests of the hotel: Graham Greene, Somerset Maugham and Charlie Chaplin, who famously honeymooned at the Metropole.
The wing has demonstrated its durability throughout the years and previously underwent major renovations in 1992 and 2004. The Heritage Wing is complemented by the hotel’s contemporary Opera Wing, whose 236 guest rooms, 18 suites and one Grand Prestige Suite, as well as the Club Lounge, offer stylish neoclassical elegance.