The Hollywood film star Charlie Chaplin famously honeymooned at the Metropole in Hanoi with his wife, actress Paulette Goddard, in 1936. Now, Chaplin is making an encore of sorts.
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, the iconic 124-year-old luxury hotel in Vietnam’s capital, has unveiled a new exhibition, “Charlie Chaplin: Echoes of a Legend,” featuring treasured items from the private collection of Australian collector Paddy Macdonald.
The display includes a rare selection of film posters, original century-old sheet music and the July 6, 1925 edition of TIME Magazine, which marked the first time the influential U.S. publication featured an actor on its cover. The memorabilia were sourced from nearly 50 countries around the world, including Australia, the U.S., Ireland, France and Cuba, offering an intimate look into the life and legacy of the legendary actor and filmmaker.
An opening event was held on June 24 at Metropole Hanoi, kicking off a month-long showcase in the hotel’s Heritage Wing and Opera Wing lobbies. The show runs until July 22.
At the opening event, Macdonald reflected on Charlie Chaplin’s legacy and the enduring power of culture, remarking that “a hallmark of the Metropole Hanoi hotel is culture,” and quoting Chaplin, who once said: “Culture does more to change things than legislation or academic papers – it gives us heroes and helps us accumulate inner strength.”
George Koumendakos, General Manager of Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, said: “What makes this event even more special is that this marks the very first time that part of Macdonald’s collection has been exhibited in Asia. We are truly honored that Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is its next destination. Today, one of our Heritage Wing suites proudly bears Chaplin’s name, and this curated tribute is a celebration of that enduring connection.”
The actor’s legacy at the hotel is indeed a special one. The elegant Charlie Chaplin Suite, located on the third floor of the hotel’s newly renovated Heritage Wing, features beautiful natural wood flooring, hand-tufted carpets, and bespoke furniture, in addition to a separate living room offering privacy and comfort. The suite exudes a romantic atmosphere with individual artwork, a dining table and a balcony facing Con Coc Park.
The Heritage Wing, with 103 guest rooms and suites, was meticulously restored and renovated under a 21-month construction project before reopening in early 2024. The new interiors maintain their traditional aesthetic and feel, and incorporate select original fixtures, while also introducing a considerable measure of bespoke comfort, advanced technology and vibrant color.
This comprehensive reconstruction centered on the original wing of the hotel, which was established in 1901 and has played host over the decades to numerous heads of state and royalty, along with world-renowned actors (like Chaplin), writers, musicians and other cultural luminaries.
About Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
A prominent fixture in the heart of Hanoi since 1901, the Hotel Metropole Hanoi has a long tradition as a luxury venue for prestigious events and a popular rendezvous for business and leisure travelers such as playwrights, ambassadors, royalty, and heads of state. Blending colonial heritage with neo-classical luxury and a dash of modernity, the hotel is the first Sofitel Legend in the world and the recipient of numerous international awards for its fine service, this legendary landmark has contributed to the richness of local heritage.
The hotel includes 358 rooms that are divided into two wings – the historical Heritage Wing and the neo-classical Opera Wing. There are three legendary suites that are named after famous residents and visitors to the hotel (Graham Greene, Charlie Chaplin, Somerset Maugham).
With six exquisite restaurants and bars, Metropole Hanoi offers a diverse array of culinary experiences: Le Club Bar treats guests to its signature Metropole brasserie, iconic high tea and jazz evenings; Le Beaulieu presents contemporary French fine dining at its finest; Spice Garden offers elevated Vietnamese cuisine; meanwhile, angelina – Hanoi’s bespoke cocktail bar – lounge - restaurant delivers a world-class beverage experience alongside imaginative comfort food; La Terrasse brings Parisian-inspired al fresco dining to the sidewalks of Hanoi; and the Bamboo Bar invites guests to unwind in a serene Indochine setting by the pool.
At this legendary hotel, guests can indulge in luxurious facilities featuring lush gardens, a tranquil heated outdoor pool, a well-equipped fitness centre, and full-service meeting rooms. Rejuvenating treatments await at the enchanting Le Spa du Metropole, while curated treasures can be found at the hotel’s luxury gift shop, La Boutique, and its gourmet deli and patisserie, L’Epicerie.
About Sofitel Legend
A pioneer of French luxury hospitality since 1964, Sofitel today embodies heartfelt and committed luxury, with a French zest. Alongside its 120 elegant and unique properties, the brand inaugurated in 2009 a collection of emblematic hotels under the Sofitel Legend banner: unrivalled luxury addresses with a legendary heritage and highly personalised service. Each stay is timeless, offering sumptuous surroundings, renowned restaurants and modern comforts for an inspiring luxury experience. Noble, rare and soulful, Sofitel Legend hotels captivate with their architectural beauty, breathtaking views and mesmerizing ambience.
Sofitel Legend now comprises 6 hotels, each more magnificent than the last, set within beautiful and culturally-rich destinations around the world: Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam, Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo, Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena, Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi and Sofitel Legend People's Grand Hotel Xi'an.
Sofitel Legend is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,500 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL - Accor Live Limitless – a lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.
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