Housed in one of Hanoi's most luxurious landmarks originally built in 1901, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi exudes elegance and luxury throughout its interiors. The hotel features the original French Colonial grandeur both inside and out, with a white facade with emerald green roof and window shutters. Hallways are lined with black and white antique framed paintings, while antique French-inspired furniture and decor can be found throughout the hotel. The lobby includes several lounge areas with brown leather sofas, soft lighting, and elegant decor. The gardens are typically French with lush lawns and overgrown vines creeping up the walls and trees, and the occasional bench. Each of the restaurants and bars feature an individual design and atmosphere, ranging from the bright and airy Le Club Bar to the dark and romantic Angelina Restaurant. Overall, the atmosphere is relaxed. Guests are mostly high-end travelers, ranging from business to leisure travelers.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has a central location in Hanoi's French Quarter. There are several restaurants, bars, and shops within close walking distance and the Opera House is only a four-minute walk away. The banks of the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake can also be reached within a four-minute walk. It's a nine-minute walk to the Old Quarter (Hoan Kiem District), which is known as the city's business hub and main tourist district. Other nearby sights include the historic Temple of the Jade Mountain (Ngoc Son Temple), St. Joseph's Cathedral, and the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, all reachable in about 14 minutes on foot. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a 15-minute drive from the hotel. There's a bus stop that's a two-minute walk away. The Hanoi Railway Station is a 12-minute drive from the hotel. Noi Bai International Airport is 50 minutes by car.

The 364 guest rooms at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi are split into two wings: the historical Metropole Wing and the newer Opera Wing. The rooms in the historical wing feature original colonial decor while the newer rooms have a Neo-Classical style. While the rooms all vary slightly in decor, all include hardwood floors, rich colors, and beautifully curated French-inspired finishes and furniture. Amenities in all rooms include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, tea- and coffee-making facilities, desks, telephones, safes, and free Wi-Fi. The suites upgrade to a 24-hour butler service. Bathrooms include either walk-in showers and tubs or shower/tub combos with hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, and Hermes or Lanvin toiletries. Bathrobes and slippers are provided. Some rooms have views of the garden and pool, while others simply overlook the street.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has relaxing and luxurious features. There are three on-site restaurants, including Le Beaulieu serving French cuisine, Spices Garden serving Vietnamese cuisine with a French flair, and Angelina which specializes in Italian food. Le Beaulieu also serves a buffet breakfast each morning, though this is not included in all room rates. Room service is available. Drinks can be enjoyed at any of the hotel's three bars: Le Club Bar, La Terrasse, and Bamboo Bar. The Paris-shop inspired L’Epicerie sells a range of imported French products along with meats, cheeses, teas, coffees, and ice cream.

The outdoor swimming pool, in the center of the hotel, is surrounded by sun loungers and parasols. Le Spa du Metropole offers a range of Western and Eastern-inspired therapies. The SoFit by Sofitel fitness center has a selection of modern LifeFitness cardio and weight-training equipment, along with free weights and personal trainers. Six meeting rooms and event spaces are available, with the largest catering for up to 150 guests. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. Additional features include a business center, Metropole Arcade with several boutique shops, limousine service (to be booked in advance for an additional fee), and the Path of History tour of the hotel's bomb shelter.