Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Vietnam

The Sofitel Legend Metropole (what a mouthful!) is a hotel with a history – between its amazing location in Hanoi’s French quarter (it looks like it has been zapped into Hanoi straight from Paris) and brilliant service, it’s a fab way to explore, and escape from, Hanoi’s crazy crowds. The hotel oozes a sophisticated, elegant and very old world charm – staying here is like taking a step back in time. Mingle with the international crowd by the poolside lit with pretty fairy lights or wander the corridors steeped with history and imagine you’re a true, old-fashioned Hollywood star …Greta Garbo eat your heart out.

And check out the rooms! The hotel has two wings – both the Opera wing, which is newer, and the historical Metropole wing will delight – full of character and historical details like original hardwood floors and French-style windows. We love the premium rooms in the opera wing where contemporary French design and Vietnamese touches ensure the rooms are sooo lovely you’ll never want to leave.

Vietnam’s colonial French past has left its mark too – from the chic La Terrasse du Metropole (Parisian-style café on the corner to the rest of us!) to the historical building itself, this hotel is utterly charming. Take afternoon tea in the hotel’s conservatory for the ultimate delicious experience, or get out and about and explore the city.

Hanoi’s Old Quarter is a short stroll away and one of the oldest parts of Vietnam – it can trace its history back almost 2,000 years. Check out the Ho Chi Min Mausoleum as well as the Ngoc Son (Jade Mountain) temple on the tranquil and peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake to get away from it all – and make sure you allow time for a cocktail at the trés chic Bobby Chin resto/bar.

Premium opera wing rooms from USD 175++ per room per night.

Recommended by QUINTESSENTIALLY, the world’s leading private members’ club with a global concierge service. Committed to the notion that quality matters, whether it be music, art, travel, food or – most importantly – service, they aim to bring Members and clients nothing but the best. www.quintessentially.com.