Boutique Hoi An Resort

From first glance, the Boutique Hoi An Resort evokes a feeling of peace and relaxation. The main building is partially hidden behind mature palm trees and tropical plants, and the way common areas were designed -- with huge windows and open plans -- highlights the beautifully manicured outdoors. The architectural style combines Old World features such as Italianate balustrades, dark shutters, and exterior hallways with local elements such as terra-cotta roofs, creating elegant exteriors that complement the sophisticated interior design. In the lobby, checkered marble floors, chocolate brown furniture, and dark wood paneling set the vibe for an upscale, stylish stay. The transition between the outdoors and indoors is seamless, with large windows in all common spaces, and spacious terraces allowing for unobstructed views of the grounds and the sea. Outside, beautiful gardens are inviting and serene, with rows of palm trees dotting the lawns, and shrubs instead of fences around the villas. 

The main building -- housing most rooms, the restaurant, and the lobby -- is separated from the pool, the beach, and the spa by a vast garden, creating a clear separation between the areas for quiet relaxation and for mingling that makes the hotel feel peaceful and relaxing. The serene atmosphere and the lack of kid-friendly amenities makes the Boutique Hoi An Resort more suitable for couples than for families. Indeed, we saw no children during our visit, and the youngest guest we saw was an Australian woman in her early twenties who was traveling with her parents. The rest were middle-aged and older couples, most of whom stayed around the pool or the beach during the day and went out for dinner in Hoi An. 

Families with younger children can book a villa, which gives them more space and a private pool where kids can splash around without worrying about disturbing other guests. Still, for a little bit more money, the Sunrise Hoi An Beach Resort may be a better choice for families, as it has a kids’ club, several restaurants, and two pools. The beach, though, is nicer at the Boutique Hoi An Resort. The Golden Sand Resort & Spa Hoi An is another great pick for families and couples, with similar rates, huge pools -- including one for kids -- and spacious rooms. Travelers wanting to stay closer to the city center may want to compare rates at the Almanity Hoi An, which has a stunning pool, a top-notch spa, and beautiful interior design.

Boutique Hoi An Resort is located right off the costal road connecting Hoi An and Da Nang. There are several other resorts, a number of small local restaurants, and a few shops within walking distance, but the top attraction in this area is the lovely palm-fringed beach to which the hotel has direct access. The gorgeous Ancient Town of Hoi An, home to dozens of historic sights, excellent restaurants, charming shops, and hundreds of tailors, is just a 10-minute drive away. The hotel offers free shuttle service to the city center several times per day. An Bang Beach, lined with hip beachfront cafes and restaurants, is about five minutes away by car, and the stunning Marble Mountains can be reached in about 20 minutes. Danang International Airport is about a 40-minute drive away. Airport transfers can be arranged at front desk.

The hotel has 110 rooms and villas, all with simple yet stylish decor that draws heavily on a black-and-white color scheme. Dark wood furniture with clean lines stands out against the all-white walls and cream-colored tiled floors, and black-and-white photos of local scenes tie in with the almost monochrome palette. Large suede headboards in soft cream hues and matching couches add some texture, as do the brown bed runners and accent pillows. Rooms are comfortable and airy, with quality mattresses, small seating areas, and large windows that open to furnished balconies or patios. Most have pleasant views of the gardens and the beach, but a number of Superior Rooms overlook the adjacent lot, which has an unsightly communications tower. 

In-room amenities are on par with other upscale properties in Hoi An, and include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with international channels, individually controlled air-conditioning, and minibars with beer, soda, water, and snacks. Electric kettles and free tea and coffee are also provided in all rooms. Bathrooms are contemporary and clean, with large walk-in rain showers, rectangular white sinks with vintage-style taps over black counters, and plenty of toiletries. Most are separated from the bedroom by saloon-style doors and only have frosted glass doors in shower and toilet cabins, which some guest may find lacking in privacy. 

Villas are housed in charming stand-alone buildings with pitched terra-cotta tile roofs and well-maintained gardens with shrubs. These rooms are closer to the beach than hotel rooms, and Beach and Grand Beach Villas offer direct access to the sand. Pool Villas have lovely private pools with loungers and umbrellas. Grand Beach Villas have kitchenettes and dining areas. 

The hotel offers direct access to a lovely, sandy beach with clear waters. Unlike other areas farther south, this beach has not been completely lost to erosion, making the hotel a great pick for those looking to relax by the ocean. The hotel has a few loungers and umbrellas on the sand, and there is a lifeguard on duty during the day. The beautiful infinity pool is a highlight as well, with plenty of loungers and umbrellas, and a nice bar with snacks and a cocktail menu. 

The hotel’s main restaurant is located on the ground floor of the main building and is spacious and stylish, with a black-and-white palette throughout, a few traditional Hoi An-style lanterns in green hues, and a large patio with several tables. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but it is busiest in the morning. The breakfast buffet, which is free for all guests, includes varied Asian and Western options. 

The spa, was renovated in 2015 and feels fresh and charming, with a cute lotus pond, several low buildings with massage and steam rooms, and five outdoor pavilions for body treatments. The minuscule fitness center is located across the pool from the spa, and is equipped with three machines (one of which was out of order during our visit), a few free weights, and air-conditioning.