March 7, 2012
Metropole Hanoi Lends Historic Charm to Same-Sex Nuptials
Robert Doyle READ TIME: 2 MIN.
HANOI, Vietnam - You won't find Indochine-era romance more alive anywhere else.
The Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, one of Vietnam's most celebrated landmarks, is opening its doors to newlyweds from all over the globe with three new packages showcasing the 110-year-old hotel's distinctive blend of French savor faire and Vietnamese tradition.
Located in Hanoi's scenic French Quarter near Hoan Kiem Lake, the hotel where Charlie Chaplin spent his honeymoon has long been a prime venue for Hanoian nuptials and photo shoots.
Named "One of the World's 50 Most Romantic Hotels" by Travel + Leisure Magazine in 2011, this year the Metropole is hoping to entice couples and culture-lovers with a set of customizable wedding packages, an overnight photo package, and a honeymoon escape.
The Metropole's 'Legendary Wedding Package' bundles a range of customizable packages and the services of a personal wedding planner. Three venues within the hotel - La Veranda, Le Balcon and Thang Long Hall - can be tailored to the couple's wishes, as can a French or Vietnamese menu for the dinner reception.
The use of the hotel's classic Citroen, a jazz band, spa vouchers, bespoke gifts for guests and other options are incorporated into the various packages, including accommodation in the hotel's most luxurious quarters for the couple on their wedding night.
The 'Legendary Wedding Photo Package' features a night's stay in a Grand Premium Room, a three-course lunch with champagne at any of the hotel's French, Italian or Vietnamese restaurants, chocolates and the use of the hotel's colonial-style spaces and two vintage Citroen cars for professional picture taking.
Styled as a distinguished honeymoon escape, the Metropole's honeymoon package includes two nights' stay in either a Grand Premium Room or Legendary Suite with in-room breakfast, personal butler, champagne and chocolate gifts, personalized candlelit dinner, city tour in the hotel's Citroen, private spa suite and treatment, airport transfers by limousine, VIP access to the Club Lounge; and, should it be needed, a special rate for an extended stay.
A bespoke wedding package is also available.
LINK: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
Long-term New Yorkers, Mark and Robert have also lived in San Francisco, Boston, Provincetown, D.C., Miami Beach and the south of France. The recipient of fellowships at MacDowell, Yaddo, and Blue Mountain Center, Mark is a PhD in American history and literature, as well as the author of the novels Wolfchild and My Hawaiian Penthouse. Robert is the producer of the documentary We Are All Children of God. Their work has appeared in numerous publications, as well as at : www.mrny.com.