Ha An Hotel

Opened in the early 2000s, the Ha An Hotel has managed to retain all the charm and elegance of the French Academy of Architecture that once occupied its buildings. Set around a quaint courtyard, the two-story colonial structures now housing the hotel are packed with local character. Think: Hoi An-yellow facades, arched doorways, white balustrades, and pitched terra-cotta tile roofs. The courtyard offers ample space to unwind and has a peaceful atmosphere that feels a world away from the busy street outside. We arrived at the property after lunch and were surprised to see that many guests were spending the afternoon there despite the hotel's proximity to the city center. A couple of guests were reading on hammocks, and the rest sat around the pool, quietly chatting in groups. The property has a strong romantic vibe, especially the restaurant, which has a quaint patio covered with plants, overlooking the central courtyard. At night, about a dozen lanterns illuminate the deck, and couples sit around wooden tables dressed with white tablecloths and red table runners while '50s classics play in the background.

The Ha An’s interiors are no less picturesque. Polished floors, dark woods with intricate carvings, Indochina-inspired details, and huge windows make common spaces appealing and elegant. A few generic pieces of furniture serve more functional purposes, but generally manage to blend well with the traditional Vietnamese pottery and the dozens of photos of local scenes hung on walls. 

Few properties are as charming as the Ha An, but rates are higher than at most other three-pearl hotels in town. The Little Hoian Boutique Boutique Hotel & Spa is generally a few dollars cheaper but may be a better pick for those wanting a more contemporary hotel. It's also packed with local charm, but the style is modern and chic. The Hoi An Historic Hotel is a little bit more upscale and has resort-style amenities, including a bigger pool, a tennis court, and daily activities. Travelers on a tighter budget may want to consider the Hai Au Hotel, which has clean rooms, a small pool, and lower rates that include an excellent breakfast buffet.

The hotel is located on one of the most famous streets in the Ancient Town. It's just a couple of blocks from the heart of the city center, and there are plenty of cute restaurants, cafes, shops, and tailors within minutes of the property. The central market, known for its colorful and exotic produce, is just down the street, as is the cloth market, which packs dozens of tailors into two big buildings. All major attractions in the Ancient Town can be found within a 15-minute walk of the Ha An, including the Japanese Bridge, Hoi An’s most recognizable landmark. Cua Dai Beach is less than 10 minutes away by car, but it has been damaged by natural erosion and may not be the most appealing, depending on the time of the year. The prettier, sandier An Bang Beach, lined with hip restaurants and lounges, is just a little farther north, about a 15-minute drive from the hotel. Guests can borrow bicycles free of charge at the hotel. The stunning Marble Mountains are just about a half-hour drive away. Danang International Airport can be reached in 45 minutes.

The hotel has 24 rooms spread over three lovely buildings set around a courtyard. Decor is elegant, with lots of local touches such as traditional pottery displayed on walls, ornate wood carvings on furniture, wrought-iron details, and yukatas instead of robes. Standard and Superior Rooms are located on the ground floor and can be dark and small, with limited views and compact outdoor spaces. Given the lack of natural light in many ground-floor rooms, some spaces can smell musty during the rainy season. Deluxe Rooms, though, are located on the top floor and are more appealing, with more space, furnished balconies overlooking the garden, and charming touches, including local art on walls, cute mugs with traditional blue designs, high ceilings, and big windows. 

Air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs with premium cable channels, minibars, and electric kettles with free tea and coffee are all standard amenities. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Bathrooms are clean and have either shower/tub combos (in Deluxe Rooms) or walk-in rain showers, lots of wood accents, and a wide array of toiletries, including toothbrushes, hand soap, body lotion, and combs. Hairdryers are also provided. 

Housed in a lovely traditional building with wooden ceilings, terra-cotta floors, and lots of Indochina-inspired details, Memory Cafe is the hotel’s main restaurant. A great buffet breakfast (included in all rates) is served here every morning, with an array of Vietnamese and Western options, such as soup, fried rice and noodle dishes, pastries, eggs, and meats. The lunch and dinner menus offer a taste of traditional local cuisine, including the famous cao lau dish made with noodles, pork, and local greens. Patio seating is available and a favorite among guests in the evening. Adjacent to the restaurant, the L-shaped pool is a great spot for a quiet day. The deck around the pool is so tiny that it doesn’t have enough space for loungers, but there are a few deck chairs and some lounge furniture for guests who want to sit near the water. 

Tucked away in a corner of the property, the fitness room feels a bit like an afterthought. It's housed in a small spa adjacent to the road, complete with three machines and little else. The hotel has partnered with a small, basic spa located around the corner. It offers an array of massages and salon services, but it generally gets average reviews. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and guests can borrow cute yellow bikes.