Hoi An Beach Resort

Located along the banks of the De Vong River and across the street from the beach, the Hoi An Beach Resort feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of the Ancient Town. The main entrance is right off the main road running along the coast from Da Nang to Cua Dai Beach in Hoi An, but all common areas have been built overlooking the river, and the atmosphere is peaceful and relaxing. The lack of kid-friendly amenities other than a wading pool and an unstaffed room with toys makes it more popular among middle-aged couples than among families, which helps keep the vibe quiet and peaceful.

With its basic mustard and brown couches and simple tiled floors, the lobby does not do the hotel justice. It does have a few local touches such as high pitched ceilings, straw lanterns, and wood accents, but it is a little generic and dull if compared to the rest of the property. The hotel has incorporated features of traditional Vietnamese culture and art throughout. Its decor includes elements such as traditional wood carvings, latticework touches, and exposed brick finishes, and its restaurants and bars feature breezy wooden decks that bring the outdoors in. In addition, there are floating lantern shows every evening similar to the ones that can be seen in the Ancient Town. The hotel’s pretty riverfront location also adds to this local feel, as it offers a full immersion into traditional Vietnamese life -- guests can see local fishermen and farmers go about their daily chores from the restaurants, the pools, and even their rooms.

Cua Dai Beach has been partly washed away by erosion, and although the hotel assigns a huge budget every season towards keeping it accessible and looking nice, some guests may not find it appealing. The beach at the cheaper Le Belhamy is nicer year round, but the Hoi An Beach Resort is more contemporary and in better shape overall. Travelers wanting to stay closer to the city center may want to compare rates at the Essence Hoi An Hotel & Spa, which has two pools, big, upscale rooms, and stylish design throughout. The Almanity Hoi An is a wonderful pick for those looking for something more luxurious in the city center, with a gorgeous pool, lovely rooms, and a top-notch spa.

Despite being right on the coastal road connecting Hoi An and Da Nang, the Hoi An Beach Resort’s location is quiet and peaceful. The back of the property overlooks the serene Da Vong River, and the area is almost exclusively visited by guests staying in the many beachfront resorts. There are several local restaurants and shops nearby, but little else can be found within easy walking distance. The gorgeous Ancient Town of Hoi An -- home to dozens of historic sights, excellent restaurants, charming shops, and hundreds of tailors -- is just a 15-minute drive away. The hotel offers free shuttle service to the city center and to hip An Bang Beach several times per day. The stunning Marble Mountains can be reached in about 25 minutes, and Danang International Airport is about 40 minutes from the hotel.

The hotel’s 121 rooms are housed in several two- and three-story buildings set along the river. Superior Rooms are the hotel’s original rooms, and have a distinct Hoi An-inspired decor style, with large black-and-white photos of the Ancient Town, traditional lanterns in rooms and bathrooms, sliding shutters, and wood carvings throughout. Most of the other room categories have a more generic style, with simple dark wood furniture and an earth palette. Grand Deluxe Rooms are a touch more elegant and luxurious, with Hoi An-yellow accent walls, pops of scarlet or zaffre-blue, and big Chinese-inspired latticework on walls. Big windows opening to furnished balconies or patios offer serene river or garden views in all but Standard Rooms, which face the back of the building.

In-room amenities are the same across all categories, and include free Wi-Fi, electric kettles with free tea and coffee, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs with cable channels, and minibars. Having been renovated in 2013-14, rooms are contemporary pverall, but most have a few elements that give away their age, in particular the floor tiles (although some have been updated with wooden floors) and the bathrooms. Bathrooms are clean and generally spacious, but the style is a little dated, with plain tiles, granite counters, and plastic shower curtains instead of glass screens. Standard and Superior Rooms have simple shower/tub combos and a color scheme that combines beige, clay-red, and black; the rest of the room types have separate showers and tubs. 

Hoi An Beach Resort is located across the street from a sandy stretch of Cua Dai Beach. This beach has been almost entirely washed away by erosion, but the hotel has a seasonal rebuilding program that includes placing sandbags along the shoreline and covering them with new sand to allow access to the water. When we visited for the first time, the sand bags were still visible and it wasn’t as pleasant, but the second time we were there the beach had been fully rebuilt and it was just like any other beach in the area. There is a small bar with a drink menu, and a few sea kayaks that guests can rent for a fee. 

The hotel has two pools, both set adjacent to the river and offering drink and food service. The infinity-edge one was built in 2013-14 and is pretty and relaxing, with lots of padded loungers, umbrellas, and a few round chairs with awnings. The other pool is a little older but still appealing, and has a swim-up bar and a kiddy section. 

River Breeze is the hotel’s main restaurant and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The morning spread is included in all rates and offers a good array of Vietnamese and Western options, including rice and noodle dishes, pastries, yogurt, made-to-order eggs, and cereal. The other option for dinner is the Sunset Grill, located right above the River Breeze and offering similar views. The nightly floating lantern show can be seen from both restaurants. 

The spa has an inviting feel, with a fresh lemongrass scent, soft instrumental music, and dim lights. The menu includes an array of body massages done with local herbs, and salon services such as facials, manicures, and pedicures. Free tai chi classes are offered three times per week, but those seeking a more intensive workout can head to the fitness center, which offers a number of cardio and strength-training machines in a spacious, air-conditioned room.