Shelter discovered under Sofitel Metropole Hotel Hanoi

During the process of re-constructing its Bamboo Star Bar (Metropole Hotel Hanoi) in August 2011, the construction team accidentally explored an under-ground tunnel, which was used to be a shelter for the hotel’s customers and staffs during war time in Vietnam.

The only path leading to this shelter is approximately 1 meter in width and 5 meter in depth. The total area of this tunnel is about 40m2, consisting of several small rooms connected with each other by 1m wide lanes. Exploring those 2m height rooms, the construction team discovered some wine bottles, electrical network with some old light-bulbs, air pipes and some signatures on the wall which might cover mysteries about their owners.

Sofitel Metropole Hotel has a long history, which was built by two French investors in 1901 during the war time. The hotel is the first five-star hotel in Hanoi and has welcomed many governors, ambassadors and Hollywood celebrities since established.

This is really a stunning discovery for both Hanoi’s history and Metropole itself and draws a lot of attentions from the public. It reminds people of a tough time in the past, when peace is only thing to be desired.

Kai Speth – General Manager of Sotifel Metropole said he really appreciate this undercover and intended to preserve and restructure it as a historical attractive site for visitors in the near future.