OLD AND NEW
THE METROPOLE HOTEL, HANOI
Image Number 836
The Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi boasts a rich history. Its doors first opened in 1901, when it was constructed in a French Colonial architectural style. The hotel has seen string of eminent guests - Charlie Chaplin celebrated his honeymoon in 1936 (his suite is preserved); Graham Green wrote The Quite American at the hotel and Somerset Maugham wrote The Gentleman in the Parlour. The hotel boasts spectacular restaurants, some orginal rooms and corridors of museum photos. It even has a bomb shelter where Ho Chi Minh took refuge during the American bombings. It is by far the most expensive hotel in Hanoi, but is well worth the experience. Atticus loved it.
TECHNICAL NOTES
The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 100. Exposure of 1/135th a second and aperture F2.8. 80 mm Schneider Kreuznach lens with leaf shutter. The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.