Hoi An Chic Hotel

Set amid small rice paddies and local homes, Hoi An Chic Hotel is quiet and charming. Everything here is compact but lovely, from the small, airy open lobby to the skinny rooftop pool overlooking the surrounding fields, and the small restaurant with just a handful of tables. In a town packed with simple, functional homestays, the property is one of the chicest options around, with stylish touches such as vintage Vespas displayed throughout, natural wood and bamboo furniture with clean lines, and cute pops of orange and green in rooms. Instead of in a van, the hotel shuttles guests to the city center and the beach in a cool U.S. Army vehicle or a vintage VW Kombi. Large, traditional Hoi An lanterns hanging from pitched ceilings clad in terra-cotta tiles and thatch lend the property lots of local charm, while lush tropical gardens make for a serene feel.

The hotel has a strong commitment to protecting the environment, and eco-friendly touches can be found both in common spaces and in rooms. Paper trash bags and glass bottles filled with purified water are used in rooms instead of plastic ones, and natural local material such as bamboo are used whenever possible. The Hoi An Chic Hotel’s green initiatives and its simple but stylish design combine to create a lovely property that appeals mostly to a young crowd. We did see a family or two, but most of the guests during our visit were young Australian and European couples. The vibe is laid-back and quiet, especially during the morning, when most guests are out exploring the city or relaxing at the beach. There is more activity in the late afternoon, when guests return and sit around the pool before heading out for dinner in the city center again.

Hoi An Chic Hotel is a great pick for those seeking a quiet property away from the hustle and bustle of central Hoi An, but its location amid rice paddies in the outskirts may not be convenient to some. Those looking to stay closer to the historic center may want to compare rates at the Little Hoian Boutique Hotel & Spa, which features beautiful rooms and an array of on-site amenities, including a pool, a gym, and a spa. Travelers on a tighter budget may find the Lantana Boutique Hotel Hoi An to offer good value, complete with wellness and fitness centers, large, charming rooms, and a more central location.

Hoi An Chic Hotel is tucked away amid small rice paddies in a quiet, residential neighborhood between the beach and the city center. Though secluded and not within walking distance of any major attractions, this location is convenient for those seeking to stay away from the hustle and bustle of the Ancient Town. There are a few local restaurants and a handful of tailors within a 10-minute walk of the hotel, but the city center, located a five-minute drive away (or 20-minute bike ride) offers a wider array of dining and shopping options. An Bang Beach, lined with hip beachfront cafes and restaurants, is 15 minutes away by car. The hotel provides free bicycles and free shuttle service into town and the beach several times per day. Danang International Airport can be reached in about 45 minutes. Airport transfers can be arranged at the front desk.

The hotel has a total of 17 rooms, all decorated in a rustic-chic style with simple wood furniture and lots of bamboo, hemp, and pottery touches. Gray stone-like floors, clean lines, and a mostly neutral palette give rooms a natural feel, while wood latticework screens and Hoi An-style lanterns add local charm with a modern twist. Vintage rotary phones, nipa folders holding the hotel directory, and kimonos instead of standard bathrobes are cute touches. The hotel’s commitment to the environment is most obvious in rooms, where free water is offered in glass bottles, paper trash bags are used instead of plastic ones, and toiletries come in big ceramic containers. 

Technologies include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with international channels, laptops, and speakers. DVD players are available on request. All rooms also come equipped with air-conditioning, electric kettles alongside free tea and coffee, and minibars with an array of sodas, beer, and snacks. Bathrooms are particularly appealing, with stylish indoor/outdoor designs that includes outdoor shower/tub combos with rainfall showerheads, indoor showers, small round sinks over marble vanities, bamboo accents, and exposed bricks stamped with the Chinese ‘shou’ character.

A small but varied and free breakfast buffet is served daily at Lua, the hotel’s only restaurant. The spread includes an array of Vietnamese and international options, such as pho, eggs, bite-size muffins, fruit juices, pancakes, and cereal. A traditional regional menu is available for lunch and dinner, and room service is provided until late. The dining room is small but charming, with huge windows overlooking the rice paddies, and a narrow terrace with a couple of tables. 

The rooftop pool is located directly above the restaurant, and offers views over the paddies and the adjacent private homes. A small deck features four single loungers and two double daybeds with thick mattresses, but the padding is in need of replacement. The hotel also offers a number of daily activities, including free Vietnamese language lessons, kite-making workshops, and cooking classes. Guests can also use the property's bicycles for free. Wi-Fi is free throughout and it's usually fast. There's no on-site spa, but the hotel provides free shuttle service to one nearby that offers a variety of massage treatments.