Metropole Hanoi Awarded Five-Star Rating from Forbes Travel Guide for 3rd Straight Year

HANOI, Vietnam (April 28, 2022) — For the third consecutive year, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has been awarded Forbes Travel Guide’s prestigious Five-Star rating—the top level of recognition—in the independent rating agency’s assessment of luxury hotels, restaurants and spas.

Forbes Travel Guide describes the Metropole as “Hanoi’s grande dame” and praises it as “a supremely beautiful hotel, inside and out. Every corner is a compelling photo opportunity, especially in the gleaming historic wing and all-white inner courtyard.”

“Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi draws deeply from a century of stories to weave a rich, nostalgic guest experience in the heart of the Vietnamese capital,” the review says. “For those seeking a taste of Old Hanoi, the Metropole’s creaky central stairs, polished wood furnishings and elegant rooms are an authentic throwback to another era.”

In Vietnam, two hotels earned Five-Star ratings and three received Four-Star ratings for 2022.

Forbes Travel Guide, established in 1958 (then called Mobil Travel Guide), is the oldest travel guide in the United States, and is the creator of the original Five-Star rating system for hotels. The guide’s ratings are among the most highly respected in the hotel industry.

The Five-Star rating is meant to designate “outstanding, often iconic properties with virtually flawless service and amazing facilities.”

While Metropole’s luxurious accommodation and historic facilities came in for much praise in the 2022 guide, service reigns supreme at Forbes Travel Guide. However beautiful the hotel’s ‘hardware,’ it was its ‘software’ – its warm, personalized and attentive service both in the hotel and in its award-winning restaurants and spa – that secured the Forbes rating.

Metropole Hanoi’s rich history, including its Path of History (and wartime bunker) tour, are also spotlighted in Forbes Travel Guide’s review, while afternoon tea at Le Club Bar, coffee at La Terrasse and cocktails at Bamboo Bar are described as experiences that have evolved into “must-do Hanoi traditions.”

Moreover, Le Spa du Metropole “is a sublime urban retreat… ensconced in what feels more like an elegant residence than a wellness center,” the review adds.

In order to complete their evaluations, inspectors pay their own way and stay anonymously as typical guests for at least two nights. Forbes Travel Guide bills itself as the only independent, global rating agency for luxury hospitality, and says that only 20 percent of all hotels it rates earn a Five-Star rating.

Once again this year, Forbes Travel Guide also recognized Metropole Hanoi with its “Sharecare VERIFIED” badge for completing and maintaining verification on more than 360 global health security standards. Metropole Hanoi was one of three Vietnam hotels to receive this distinction.

The comprehensive assessment covers health and hygiene protocols, cleaning products and procedures, masks and personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilation, management accountability, and health safety communication with guests and employees.

“Health security verification gives you the peace of mind that each hotel is committed to expert-validated best practices for your safety and comfort,” Forbes Travel Guide says of the Sharecare VERIFIED badge on its website.

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