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| This clawfoot tub is just what I needed for soaking. The master bath is huge with double sinks, a private water closet and, a glass-enclosed shower. Every possible lotion, potion, and amenity are provided. |
First off, the flight on the jumbo jet on Singapore Airlines was superb. The seats were roomy, the bathroom was the biggest we’ve ever seen on a plane, the service was impeccable and the three-plus hours flew by (no pun intended).
With a lengthy slow-moving line at immigration the wait exceeded an hour, the longest we’ve experienced when checking in at a new country. By the time we made it to the baggage claim, our bags were waiting.
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| The king-sized bed in our Club Metropole is unbelievably comfortable with superb bedding. We both slept well. |
By 2:00 pm we were checked in to Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, an absolutely exquisite hotel, built in 1901, as described on their website:
“Step back into history at Hanoï’s most storied 5-star hotel. A Grand Dame of Southeast Asia Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoï welcomes guests to experience her colonial grandeur and timeless elegance. Located steps from the Opera House in Hanoï’s French Quarter this legendary property brings guests into intimate contact with the opulence of another era.
Surround yourself in heritage as you stroll stately corridors and explore a dramatic past. Behind its classical white façade green shutters, original wrought iron details and stately wood paneling reside over a century of stories. Stand on the walkways that grace its lush courtyard lawn and immerse yourself in the hotel’s rich traditions.”
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| The desk soon became cluttered with our digital equipment. |
Once we checked in, a beautiful young concierge escorted us on a tour of the hotel, ending at our prepaid booked room, a very lovely well-appointed king room.
My biggest concern during checking in was that our room would have a bathtub. Soaking several times a day has greatly helped my painful situation during this past week in Singapore where we finally had a bathtub.
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| It was good to confirm our travel scale is accurate with this included scale. The towels are thick and fluffy unlike any we had in a long time. |
I was hoping to continue with several hot baths a day, which would be helpful in ensuring we’d be able to handle the upcoming tours beginning on Saturday, July 9th. I’m improving each day, quicker now than over the past several weeks.
Once we saw our booked room, the concierge suggested an upgrade to the VIP penthouse level for the additional US $120, VDN (Vietnamese Dong) 2,676,780 per night.
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| Not only are these two his and her robe included, but there are two additional silk robes in the closet. |
By doing so, there are many extras including breakfast in three possible restaurants, high tea, and dinner in the VIP lounge each night, a buffet as well as tableside servings with offerings from the hotel’s other two restaurants. The meals and drinks alone, more than paid for the upgrade.
Also included is butler service with a pillow menu, free cocktails between 5:30 and 7:30 each night, complimentary all-day beverage service, including coffee, tea, mineral water, and snacks.
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| Tea and coffee service in the room, a nice touch. |
Of course, this included an upgraded room on the VIP Club Metropole, the key-card-access-only seventh level. In most cases to conserve expenses, we avoid “up-selling.” However, in this case, we decided a little luxury would certainly be befitting my continuing recovery.
Also, from reading menus from local restaurants, this five-star hotel is more suited to accommodate my way of eating. As a matter of fact, a huge number of the offerings are easily suitable for me; sashimi (raw fish) and other cooked meats, stir-fried and steamed vegetables, cheeses, and raw nuts. We’d never be able to find such options in any of the local eateries.
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| The TV has premium movie channels and a number of English speaking channels including my favorite, Nat Geo. However, in an attempt to stop laying down to improve my recovery, we’ve spent little time in the room. As we prepare this post, we’re seated in the Club Lounge. |
The Club Metropole upgraded room immediately sold us its many amenities and we opted for the increased cost. Over five nights the added cost would be US $600, VDN 13,383,900. We’d already paid the basic rate for the hotel a long time ago making this extra not seem as much.
Last night while we languished over great food and drinks in the Club Metropole Lounge, I said to Tom, “Thanks, Honey, a little luxury is nice once in a while. I appreciate this.”
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| Another lounge area in the hotel. |
He laughed and said, “It’s not as if we deserve it, Sweetie Look where we’ve been over these past 44 months!” I laughed and agreed.
Sometimes, it all just works out and this was one of those occasions for which we’re very humbled and grateful. Once we’re done posting today, we’ll head out for a short walk to get me moving a little more to prepare for the upcoming action-packed days.
Have a beautiful day!
Photo from one year ago today, July 6, 2015:
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| One year ago today we posted this photo of the upcoming private house in Phuket, Thailand. We’ll be moving in another 16 days. Wow! For more details, please click here. |