Golden Bell Homestay

From the tiny front courtyard packed with motorbikes and bicycles to the small building that houses the hotel’s nine rooms, the Golden Bell Homestay has a homey, inviting feel. Everything is unassuming and more functional than stylish, but it all fits the bill for a comfortable, inexpensive stay. The lobby is the only common area here, and is decorated in a simple, generic style, with just a couple of basic couches around a coffee table, and a small front desk with a computer. The centerpiece of this space is a large mural depicting the Japanese Bridge, Hoi An’s most recognizable landmark. A wooden screen with flowers carved on it separates the reception area from the communal kitchen where breakfast is served every morning. There is no breakfast room per se, just a few wooden tables placed along the kitchen wall that spills onto the lobby. Rooms are accessed via a small interior, but sunny, courtyard that features an exposed stone wall decorated with a few plants, cute painted floor tiles, and a fountain. A small, friendly dog often hangs around the entrance. 

Rates at the Golden Bell are generally the lowest in town, which draws many young European and Australian couples who want a simple, clean place to crash after a day exploring the town or beaches. Rooms are large, but the Hai Au Hotel -- which has a pool and is located closer to the city center -- may be a better option for families. The Riverside Oasis Villa is another nice pick for travelers on a budget. It's a little farther from the Ancient Town, but rates are similar and it has a pool and a lovely garden overlooking the river. For not much more money, the Muca Hoi An Boutique Resort has a small spa, a charming riverside setting, a pretty pool, and free shuttle service to Hoi An and An Bang Beach. 

The property is located on a residential street off the main road connecting the city center and An Bang Beach. The neighborhood is quiet and made up mostly of private homes and a few small homestays and budget hotels. There are a handful of restaurants, shops, and banks within a few blocks of the hotel, but there aren’t any major attractions in the immediate area. Free bikes can be borrowed at the hotel to explore the area’s many rice paddies, which are all just a quick ride away. The Vegetable Village can be reached in about 10 minutes by bicycle, and An Bang Beach, known for its hip restaurants and lounges, is just a little farther away down the mostly flat road. The gorgeous Ancient Town of Hoi An is a 20-minute walk or a five-minute drive away. The stunning Marble Mountains are just about 25 minutes away by car. Danang International Airport can be reached in 40 minutes.

The hotel’s nine rooms are simple but pleasant, with traditional dark wood furniture, brown tiled floors, ceilings with recessed lighting, and a subdued earth palette. Lantern-style bedside lamps are cute touches. Although the style is slightly generic overall, everything is kept spotless and tidy, and in-room amenities are great for the price. Air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, electric kettles with free tea and coffee, and electronic safes are all standard. Minibars are stocked with wine, local beers, sodas, water, and snacks. Each room comes equipped with its own router for free Wi-Fi. A few of the rooms have balconies, but while some have pleasant views of the street or the neighbor’s garden, others overlook the interior courtyard. Bathrooms are simple but clean, with off-white and brown tiles throughout, basic shower/tub combos with plastic shower curtains, and a few toiletries, including shower gel, shampoo, hand soap, shower caps, razors, and toothbrushes. 

Light sleepers may want to request an exterior room on the top floor, as interior-facing rooms may get noise from the communal kitchen in the morning.

Since this is a small homestay property, the features are limited. All rates include a quality homemade breakfast buffet with several Vietnamese and Western options. The spread includes made-to-order eggs, homemade banana bread, hot and cold drinks, pancakes, cereal, fresh fruit, and toast with jam, butter, or cheese. No other meals are served on-site, but guests are welcome to use the communal kitchen to make lunch and dinner, and to store their groceries there. The kitchen is equipped with a gas stove, an oven, a rice cooker, a steamer, a microwave, and all the cooking utensils necessary to prepare a full meal. The owner is a chef and offers cooking classes for a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Guests can borrow free bikes for exploring the area.