Latest edition of Metropole sheds new light on life in Hanoi

Latest edition of Metropole sheds new light on life in old Hanoi

Every now and then, a hotel goes beyond
making up rooms, and goes on to make history

HANOI (24 March 2011) — Newly-uncovered pieces of Vietnam's past have been stitched together and showcased for the first time in an updated edition of Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, published last month by the Most Famous Hotels in the World.

The book, which chronicles the Metropole's 110-year story, is brimming with compelling characters and stories set in one of Asia’s most illustrious hotels. The 5th edition of Metropole Hanoi presents historically important anecdotes, excerpts and photographs freshly mined by author Andreas Augustin, who founded The Most Famous Hotels in the World in 1986 to research and safeguard the history of legendary hotels.

"With our findings we were able to establish a solid picture of this hotel, which was the center of social activity in Hanoi at a crucial time, from 1901 to the 1950s," said Augustin.

An interview with Andreas Augustin, detailing the book's production may be found at themetropoleblog.com.

Considered the most prestigious address in Northern Vietnam since its opening, the Metropole has seen the likes of Graham Greene, Somerset Maugham and Charlie Chaplin walk through its doors. The hotel also witnessed two wars, the first public film showing in the country, and some of Hanoi's most progressive and dramatic years.

Midway through the century, the country entered a period of turmoil. The hotel was turned over to the Vietnamese government and gradually fell into neglect. Then in 1987, negotiations were made to renovate the hotel, and after five years the Metropole reopened under new management.

Today the Metropole has regained its reputation as the social hub of modern Hanoi. Augustin's book is the first to shed light on its exceptional history.

With a lengthy VIP list and more than 200 striking photographs and illustrations, the book's 109 pages are a sensory feast. The cover features a retouched image of the hotel's distinctive French colonial façade, which was known to sweep away visitors with its grandeur.

Yet all Augustin had to go on when he began research for the book was a faded postcard.

"There was no information, no archive," he said. It seemed that nobody had ever written about the hotel."

Researchers scrutinized forgotten photographs, advertisements and records scattered across the globe. Journals and biographies yielded detailed descriptions of life in Hanoi at the turn of the century. More than two years were needed to compile the first history. The result is a sharp, elegant portrait of one of Asia's most iconic hotels.

In the past year alone, the Metropole has reaped more than 20 prestigious, international accolades, including the gold award in the Pacific-Asia Travel Association's Heritage category for preserving one of Asia’s most treasured properties.

Kai Speth, general manager of the Metropole, said keeping the hotel's ties to the past strong is not a burden, it's a responsibility.

"The Metropole is more than just a historical hotel -- it is an integral part of the city and a landmark where many historical events took place," he said. "Hopefully it will be here for future generations to enjoy, as well."

A copy of the 5th edition of Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is available at the hotel and for purchase online at famoushotels.org.

ENDS

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