A hit with presidents, royalty and Hollywood's elite, the Sofitel Metropole is one of Hanoi's most legendary hotels. Set in the lively French Quarter, just a short walk from the Opera House, the belle époque building comprises two separate wings; the original, 1920's colonial house, and the modern Opera annexe. Rooms are decked out with polished wooden floors, taupe walls, and French Indochine flourishes; rich Vietnamese silks, hand-woven rugs and whirring ceiling fans. The best are named after the illustrious guests that once stayed in them, including Charlie Chaplin and Somerset Maugham.