Hanoi’s grand colonial hotel since 1901, with an outdoor pool and a famous spa, in the French Quarter where cruise shuttles collect.
From £266 a night
Average per night for two over 7 nights from 11 May 2027, on Expedia. Rate includes half board.
French Quarter, HanoiThe Metropole has been Hanoi’s landmark hotel since 1901: a white colonial facade with green shutters in the French Quarter, a short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake and the Opera House. Rooms are split between the original Heritage Wing and the newer Opera Wing, and there are six places to eat and drink, from Le Beaulieu to the Bamboo Bar.
It is the classic splurge at either end of a Ha Long Bay cruise. The hotel sits in the area where cruise shuttles collect, so you can step out of the lobby for an early pick-up, and after the boat the outdoor pool and Le Spa du Metropole make the most of a free afternoon. The rate we found for the dates we checked comes with half board.
Pool, spa and beach
An outdoor pool overlooking the Heritage Wing, and Le Spa du Metropole for treatments.
Getting around
On Ngo Quyen Street in the French Quarter, a short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake, where cruise shuttles collect from about 06:30 to 08:45. The drive to Ha Long Bay takes about 3.5 to 4 hours on overnight cruises.
Good for
Not for
The best-selling day cruise: Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave kayaking and Ti Top, with Hanoi pick-up for US$10 more.
Departs from Hanoi Old Quarter · About 13 hours
✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
The top-rated day trip, with a set-menu standard boat or a buffet and jacuzzi luxury boat.
Departs from Hanoi Old Quarter · About 13 hours
✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
The most-reviewed overnight, with Sung Sot Cave and a US$25 return transfer from Hanoi or Ninh Binh.
Departs from Hanoi or Ninh Binh · 2 days, 1 night
✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Ninh Binh with a hotel night, then a 5-star balcony cruise on Lan Ha Bay.
Departs from Hanoi · 3 days, 2 nights
✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
The quieter route into Bai Tu Long Bay: Cap La kayaking and Thien Canh Son Cave.
Departs from Hanoi Old Quarter · 2 days, 1 night
✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
The Taliya yacht to quiet Lan Ha Bay: bamboo boat through Dark and Bright Cave, kayaking at Ao Ech.
Departs from Hanoi Old Quarter · 7 hours on the bay
✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi · 5 stars · 123 rooms
An art-filled five-star hotel facing Hoan Kiem Lake, with a rooftop pool and bar, right where Ha Long Bay cruise shuttles collect.
From £92 a night
Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi · 5 stars · 120 rooms
A five-star hotel by Hoan Kiem Lake with a 12th-floor pool, O’Spa and a rooftop bar, in the area where Ha Long cruise shuttles collect.
From £104 a night
French Quarter, Hanoi · 5 stars · 107 rooms
A stylish 107-room MGallery hotel beside the Opera House, with a heated pool and spa, in the area where cruise shuttles collect.
From £135 a night
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Sources: sofitel-legend-metropole-hanoi.com, expedia.co.uk, bhayacruises.com. Last checked 15 November 2026.
