Vietnam and Mexico commemorated 50 years of diplomatic relations in May. For Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, this historic milestone holds a particularly special significance, as the hotel was once home to the very first Embassy of Mexico in Vietnam, from 1976 until the early 1980s.
On May 30, Metropole Hanoi unveiled a commemorative plaque on the hotel grounds honoring the former embassy, which was located in Room 215. The occasion was part of a broader cultural diplomacy effort by the Mexican Embassy and its partners to strengthen ties of friendship and mutual understanding with Vietnam.
“It is especially fitting that this unveiling takes place in 2025 – a year that marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our two countries. This gesture not only celebrates the past, but also reaffirms our shared values of respect, collaboration and cultural understanding,” Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi General Manager George Koumendakos said.
Ambassador of Mexico to Vietnam Alejandro Negrin said, “The unveiling of this plaque commemorates a significant chapter in the relationship between Mexico and Vietnam. It reflects the early presence of Mexican diplomacy in Hanoi and the values of friendship, solidarity and mutual respect that have guided our relationship ever since.”
“Celebrating this legacy at the Metropole, then known as the Reunification Hotel, is a reminder of our shared history and an expression of our ongoing commitment to strengthening the ties between our nations,” Negrin added.
The 124-year-old luxury heritage hotel also marks this legacy with the return of the “Mexican Culinary Fiesta” from May 16 to June 15 at the hotel’s cocktail bar, whisky lounge and restaurant angelina. This vibrant culinary journey, following its successful inaugural edition last year, hails the rich flavors and longstanding heritage of Mexican cuisine – recognized by UNESCO as an “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.”
This year at angelina, the festivities spotlight a curated menu celebrating Mexico’s rich culinary heritage. Complementing the cuisine, Metropole Hanoi’s expert mixologists have crafted a bespoke cocktail selection featuring the finest tequila.
For more information on Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi or to make a reservation for the “Mexican Culinary Fiesta,” please call 0243 826 6919, email metropolehanoi.info@sofitel.com or visit www.sofitel-legend-metropole-hanoi.com/.
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 and heads of state. 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).
The Metropole restaurants and bars are all famous dining venues, each offering a different exotic experience: Le Beaulieu has the best French fare in this corner of the world; Spice Garden offers elevated Vietnamese cuisine with a contemporary twist; angelina is Hanoi’s bespoke bar-lounge-restaurant; La Terrasse brings Parisian-style to the sidewalks of Hanoi; Le Club Bar treats guests to its famous afternoon high tea and cool jazz performances; and, finally, Bamboo Bar brings poolside lounging to the next level.
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.
Ambassador of Mexico to Vietnam Alejandro Negrin and Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi General Manager George Koumendakos unveil the plaque outside Room 215
The plaque is mounted outside Room 215 at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, which hosted the Embassy of Mexico in Vietnam from 1976 to 1980
