Explore the historic Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, the luxury hotel hosting the Trump-Kim summit. From famous guests like Charlie Chaplin to its rediscovered wartime bunker, this iconic hotel blends French colonial charm with modern elegance.
The Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is once again in the global spotlight as the venue for the second summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on February 27-28. Although neither leader stayed at the hotel during the summit, the Metropole played a key role in the event, hosting important meals that brought together Western and Korean culinary influences.

The leaders enjoyed a special dinner on the 27th, which featured dishes prepared by the hotel's chefs, along with assistance from a few Korean chefs. According to summit sources, the menu included a shrimp cocktail with romaine leaves, avocado, and herbs, followed by grilled sirloin with pear kimchi, and topped off with a chocolate lava cake for dessert. A luncheon was also scheduled at the hotel on the 28th as part of the summit.

A Legacy of Famous Guests

Established in 1901, the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is one of the city's most iconic and luxurious hotels, blending French colonial charm with modern elegance. It has hosted a long list of dignitaries, celebrities, and historical figures throughout its storied history. Among its famous past guests are Charlie Chaplin, who honeymooned at the hotel, and Graham Greene, who reportedly worked on his classic novel “The Quiet American” within its walls.

Other notable patrons include Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook, and former U.S. President Bill Clinton. The hotel’s rich history is reflected in its 364 rooms, filled with antique furniture, preserved historical details, and a grandeur reminiscent of the French colonial period.

French Colonial Charm and Modern Luxury
Located near major landmarks such as the Hanoi Opera House and St. Joseph’s Cathedral, the Sofitel Legend Metropole is centrally situated in the heart of Hanoi. The hotel’s Metropole Wing, a favorite among guests, preserves the elegance of its early 20th-century design, featuring green shutters, silk tapestries, and wrought-iron details. This wing offers a step back in time, allowing visitors to experience the historic charm that the hotel has maintained for over a century.

For dining, the hotel boasts several high-end options, including the French restaurant Le Beaulieu and the charming Bamboo Bar, nestled in a tranquil courtyard by the pool. The mix of French-inspired cuisine and local flavors makes it a culinary destination in its own right.

Rediscovering History: The Underground Bunker
One of the most fascinating features of the Sofitel Legend Metropole is its underground bunker, which was rediscovered in 2011 during renovations of the Bamboo Bar. The bunker, hidden for decades after the Vietnam War, was used to protect guests, including prominent figures such as Joan Baez and Jane Fonda, from air raids during the war.

The bunker was reopened in 2012 as part of the hotel’s “Path of History” tour, which honors the courage and resilience of the hotel's staff during wartime. Guests can now visit the bunker, which serves as a memorial and reminder of the hotel's role during the war, through daily tours led by historians.

The Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi continues to captivate visitors with its blend of history, luxury, and cultural significance, making it one of the most prestigious and storied hotels not just in Vietnam, but in all of Southeast Asia.