Lantana Boutique Hotel Hoi An

First opened in 2015 and overlooking the river, the Lantana packs lots of local character. The hotel is decked out in an appealing, fresh style that gives a modern twist to traditional Vietnamese design. Painted floor tiles, wood furniture, and lanterns are nods at the old Hoi An, while the use of metal finishes, cleaner lines, and the cute blue-and-white palette give it an updated feel. Throughout, white accents are a modern counterpoint to the more traditional natural wood pieces. This is especially true in the lobby, in which antique-style furniture, golden chandeliers, and navy velvet couches combine with white lattice screens, pops of baby blue, and simpler wooden tables to create a lovely space.

Attention to detail is one of the things that makes the Lantana stand out among its competitors. No space feels quickly thrown together -- even the stairs and the hallways are dotted with thoughtful touches, such as lanterns hanging from the top of the building down to the basement, or blue painted floor tiles with geometric designs. Though it’s part of a local hotel chain, these design accents make this boutique feel upscale and unique. Most guests are leisure couples from Australia and Europe, and the atmosphere is generally quiet during the day. At night, when the terrace lanterns are turned on, guests and non-guests gather for a drink alongside river views. 

Lantana Boutique Hotel Hoi An is one of the cheapest upscale boutiques in town, but those with a tighter budget may want to compare rates at the Royal Riverside Hoi An Hotel, which is just a couple of blocks farther away from the city center and has similar amenities, including a pool that gets more sun than the one here. The Little Hoian Boutique Hotel & Spa is a good alternative if the Lantana is sold out. It is located right next door, and decor and prices are similar. Families or couples seeking a property with gardens and a bigger pool, but still within walking distance of the city center may want to compare rates at the Vinh Hung Riverside Resort, which has two pools, lovely grounds, and spacious rooms. 

Lantana Boutique Hotel Hoi An is located on a small island across the river from the heart of the Ancient Town. Although it may sound like it is out of the way, the bridge connecting the island and the city is just about 150 feet (46 meters) long and takes less than a minute to cross on foot. There are plenty of restaurants within a couple of blocks of the hotel, and many more, along with tons of charming shops and renowned tailors, can be found right on the other side of the bridge. The popular night market is just down the street from the hotel. All major historic attractions in the Ancient Town can be reached on foot, including the Japanese Bridge, which is about five minutes from the hotel. The Museum of Trade Ceramics and all of the Old Houses are within a 15-minute walk of the hotel, and the hotel offers free shuttle service to An Bang Beach several times each day. There are also a few bikes on-site that guests can borrow free of charge. The Vegetable Village is a 15-minute drive away, and the stunning Marble Mountains can be reached in about half an hour by car. Danang International Airport is a 45-minute drive away.

The Lantana has 34 rooms divided into three categories: Superior, Deluxe, and Superb Deluxe. Decor is simple but stylish in all, with plenty of cute touches -- such as painted floor tiles, big mural paintings above the bed, and rotary phones -- and cheerful pops of turquoise or green. Most rooms have contemporary white furniture with clean lines, but a few have a more classic style that combines brown wooden headboards, desks, and closets, with black-and-white photos of rural scenes. Superior Rooms can be a little compact, but all other room categories are spacious and airy, and most have furnished balconies overlooking the river and the city.

In-room amenities include LED TVs, electric kettles, air-conditioning, robes, and digital safes. Minibars are stocked with local and imported beer, sodas, and water, and nuts, chips, and candy are available in each room for purchase as well. Wi-Fi is available free of charge throughout the hotel. Free water is provided daily, as are tea bags and instant coffee. Turndown service is also standard, and includes small treats that change daily. 

Spotless bathrooms are spacious and elegant, with white or brown wood finishes, blue or green mosaic accent walls (matching the room palette), contemporary round sinks over green marble or granite countertops, stylish copper taps, and either glass walk-in rain showers or big shower/tub combos with rainfall showerheads. Shampoo and gel come in large ceramic containers, and all rooms come with a few additional toiletries, including hand soap, razors, toothbrushes, cotton balls, and combs. Hairdryers are also provided. 

The hotel’s restaurant is located adjacent to the lobby and has big windows overlooking a shaded terrace with river views. The breakfast buffet (included in all rates) offers a wide range of options, such as several local dishes, salads, noodles, eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, yogurt, and pastries. Tasty Vietnamese food is available for lunch and dinner, and can be delivered to rooms 24/7. The lobby bar is popular for evening drinks and happy hour. There is live music several times per week, and guests are given free floating lanterns every full moon night to be released in the river to the rhythm of traditional music. 

Although covered, the L-shaped pool is pleasant and relaxing, with just a few padded loungers and umbrellas on a small deck decorated with plants. The water is heated in the winter, but the pool doesn’t get any sun, which may be disappointing to some. The fitness center is located adjacent to the pool, and packs a few basic cardio and strength-training machines into a small room with big windows and air-conditioning. There is also a small spa located in the basement, complete with five treatment rooms (including one for couples), and a foot massage and salon area.