Hai Au Boutique hotel and spa

Painted Hoi An-yellow, and built in the traditional local style with pitched terra-cotta tile roofs, dark wooden shutters with ornate carvings, and small, white balconies, the Hai Au looks charming and inviting from the outside. The interior design has a combination of traditional Vietnamese decor -- including heavy wooden furniture and large murals with landscape scenes -- and more generic, contemporary touches, such as plastic and metal cafe furniture with minimalist lines. The hotel opened in 2003 but had extensive renovations through 2016 that included adding a building and refurbishing many of its original rooms. However, even after the refurbishment the hotel has an unassuming style -- and rates to match. We saw a few couples checking in when we visited, and the atmosphere was busy during breakfast, but the small, older pool (which the hotel expects to renovate in late 2017) doesn't seem to be inviting enough to keep guests on-site during the day. The Hai Au’s central location and free bikes that guests can use to get to the beach are also reasons why the vibe is mostly quiet.

The Hai Au has some of the lowest rates in town, but those seeking a hotel with a more contemporary style may want to consider the Vinh Hung Library Hotel, which is also within walking distance of all major attractions, and has a pleasant rooftop pool. Standard Rooms, though, lack windows. For a bit more money, the Phu Thinh Boutique Resort & Spa has pretty grounds, a nice spa, and simple rooms with good amenities. With its quaint riverfront location, the lovely Muca Hoi An Boutique Resort is a choice pick for travelers seeking a more peaceful environment.

The hotel is located on one of the two main thoroughfares connecting Hoi An’s city center and the beach area. The block is busy with tourists and locals alike, as there are dozens of restaurants, cafes, shops, and tailors in the area. The Ancient Town, known for its charming architecture, quaint shops, and great dining options, is just a 10-minute walk away. Cua Dai Beach is less than 10 minutes away by car, but it's been damaged by natural erosion and may not be the prettiest, depending on the time of the year. An Bang Beach, lined with hip restaurants and lounges, is just a little farther north, about a 15-minute drive from the hotel. The stunning Marble Mountains are just about a half-hour drive away. Danang International Airport can be reached in 45 minutes by car.

The hotel has 41 rooms spread over two adjoining buildings. Rooms in the original building have simple traditional decor that combines basic dark wood furniture with beige tiles and generic curtains in light colors. The new building (fully renovated in 2016) has laminate floors, similar but newer dark wood furniture, and yellow and brown accents on bed runners and pillows. Rotary phones are stylish touches provided in all rooms. Although decor in the old and new buildings varies a little, the biggest difference between rooms is the style and age of the bathrooms. Non-renovated rooms have clean but older bathrooms with basic shower/tub combos with plastic curtains, while the newest bathrooms are more stylish and appealing, with round porcelain or stone sinks over marble-like and wooden counters, and spacious walk-in showers with glass screens. Note that our photographs are from before the hotel made minor changes in the telephones and bathrooms.

All rooms, though, have the same amenities, including minibars stocked with water and sodas, individually controlled air-conditioning, and flat-screen TVs with cable channels. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Additionally, Family Rooms have electric kettles, and Deluxe Rooms feature laptops that guests can use free of charge. All but a few Standard Rooms have a balcony.

Two things to bear in mind: one of the new rooms lacks a window, and rooms facing the street may get some traffic noise. 

One of the hotel’s most-praised features is its free breakfast. The meal is served in a spacious room off the lobby, and offers a great spread of hot and cold dishes (including Vietnamese and Western options) from pho to noodles to made-to-order eggs and pastries. A small cafe by the entrance also offers hot and cold drinks along with an international menu for lunch and dinner. Guests can sit in the air-conditioned lobby, or on the hotel’s front patio when the weather is nice. 

The pool is small and a little old, with a spacious deck around it that remains in the shade for the most part in the afternoon. There are a few loungers and it's big enough for a few short laps, but the pool was empty except for a group of three French-speaking ladies chatting around it before lunch. The pool is currently not the most appealing feature in the hotel, but there are plans to redo both the pool and the deck in late 2017 or early 2018. The hotel also has a small spa offering basic body treatments and salon services in the renovated building. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Guests can borrow bikes for exploring the neighborhood on wheels.