Hoi An Holiday Villa

Tucked away in a back alley in the outskirts of Hoi An and marked just by a small sign partly covered with plants, the hotel is easy to miss. The three two-story buildings that make up the property are set in a U-shape around a beautifully manicured garden complete with a cute outdoor pool to the right of the entrance. Palm trees, tropical flowers, and strings of traditional local lanterns give the Hoi An Holiday Villa a peaceful feel. The lobby is the only indoor common space here, and it's decorated in a simple style that highlights the lovely outdoors, with traditional wood furniture and a subdued palette that stands in stark contrast with the colorful garden. 

The lack of amenities and common areas other than the pool and the lobby keep the property quiet and relaxing during the day. This peaceful, laid-back vibe draws many European and Australian couples, but the hotel’s big rooms -- many of which have enough space for up to two extra beds -- make the Hoi An Holiday Villa popular with Japanese and Korean families as well. 

Those looking to avoid children may want to compare rates at the Earth Villa, whose rooms are large but can only accommodate a maximum of two guests. In this price range, the Muca Hoi An Boutique Resort is another great pick, complete with a spa, gorgeous grounds overlooking a peaceful river, and free shuttle service to Hoi An and the beach. Travelers wanting to stay closer to the city center may want to consider the stylish Royal Riverside Hoi An Hotel, which is just slightly more expensive and is within walking distance of all major attractions.

The hotel is located on a small back street off the road leading from the city center to Cua Dai and An Bang beaches. It's mostly quiet, save for some construction noise from neighboring lots of land, but noise is generally not a big issue. There are a few local, inexpensive restaurants and a handful of tailors within a few minutes of the hotel, but Hoi An's city center -- located a five-minute drive, 15-minute bike ride, or 20-minute walk away -- offers a wider array of dining and shopping options. Bicycles can be borrowed free of charge at the hotel, but there is no shuttle service to Hoi An or the beach, which is a service many other similarly priced hotels do offer. An Bang, a sandy beach popular with expats and lined with hip beachfront cafes and restaurants, is 15 minutes away by car. Danang International Airport can be reached in about 45 minutes. Airport transfers to the airport are available for a fee. 

The hotel has 10 rooms spread over three two-story buildings set around a cute courtyard full of flowers. Decor is somewhat generic, but pleasant, with gleaming white floors (wooden in Deluxe Rooms), heavy wood furniture with clean lines, and either baby blue walls or blue crown moldings. Though simple, the decor style incorporates a few local elements that add charm, including either large black-and-white paintings of Hoi An’s Ancient Town, or enormous red hand fans hanging above the bed. The hotel opened in April 2015 and is still looking fresh: furniture was in great shape and walls showed no scuff marks when we visited. 

The 300-square-foot Superior Rooms are the standard category here, and these are large enough to comfortably fit an extra bed. Deluxe Rooms are slightly bigger and have enough space for two additional beds. Each room is equipped with an individually controlled air-conditioning unit, a flat-screen TV, an electric kettle with free tea and coffee (replenished daily), and a minibar stocked with water, sodas, and beer. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. All rooms have large windows opening to furnished balconies offering pool and/or garden views. Bathrooms are clean and feature wet room-style showers with rain showerheads, and round sinks over black stone counters. Hairdryers and toiletries are provided in all rooms. Each bathroom has its own tiny hot water boiler, and some past guests have complained that this results in limited hot water.

The best feature here is the free a la carte breakfast served every morning in the hotel’s restaurant, housed in a beautiful wooden pavilion tucked away in the garden. The morning spread includes a few Western and Vietnamese options, along with tea or coffee, fresh juice, and crusty baguettes. Vietnamese cuisine is available for lunch and dinner, and food gets consistently good reviews from past guests. The pool is peaceful and cute, with five padded loungers on a skinny terra-cotta deck lined with plants and palm trees. Three umbrellas provide some shade, and towels are placed on loungers for guest use. There is no pool bar, but drinks and food can be ordered at the restaurant, which is just across the garden from the pool. The hotel can arrange motorbike rentals and tours through a third party. Bikes are free to borrow. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Airport transfers are available for a fee.