Lotus Hoi An Boutique Hotel & Spa

The Lotus Hoi An Boutique Hotel & Spa is a small, charming hotel that looks smaller than it is when seen from the street. A lovely courtyard decorated with colorful Hoi An lanterns and tropical plants leads to what looks like a small colonial villa from the outside, but is actually only one of several buildings making up the property. The lobby is packed with local charm with its traditional ornately carved wooden furniture, exposed brick accent walls, and large paintings depicting Cham-style towers. However, the most attractive part of the property lies on the other side of the large French doors at the end of the reception area: a small but beautiful garden with hundreds of tropical plants and a lovely stone bridge with wooden railings, lanterns, and a gazebo over a small lotus pond. Around the courtyard are several tightly packed three-story buildings that give the property an intimate and cozy feel. 

The property’s proximity to Hoi An and the beach keeps it virtually empty during the day. On our visit, there was a couple sunbathing by the pool in the morning, but we saw few other guests during the day. The hotel was so quiet that we could hear the neighbor’s roosters crowing during the day, but instead of feeling soulless the Lotus felt relaxing and pleasant. In the evening the restaurant is popular with guests for its good food and low prices, and the outdoor area draws non-guests as well when the weather is nice.

The hotel’s good amenities, great freebies, and clean, airy rooms make it a great value pick, but those seeking something a little closer to town may want to consider the Phu Thinh Boutique Resort & Spa, which has similar rates and bigger resort-style grounds. Muca Hoi An Boutique Resort, with charming riverfront gardens, a small spa surrounded by greenery, weekly yoga classes (for a fee), and simple but clean rooms is another choice pick for travelers on a budget. Those wanting a more upscale hotel may want to compare rates at La Residencia Luxury Boutique Hoi An Hotel, which is within walking distance of the city center, and has stylish rooms. The indoor-outdoor pool, though, doesn’t get much sun. 

The hotel is located right on the road leading from the city center to Cua Dai and An Bang beaches. It is busy and sometimes loud during the day, but noise is generally not an issue at night. Though not within easy 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 (and inexpensive) restaurants and a handful of tailors within a few minutes of the hotel, but the city center, located a five-minute drive (or 15-minute bike ride) away 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.

The hotel has a total of 60 rooms spread over several three-story buildings. All are decorated in a similar traditional style, with dark wood furniture, classic lines and carvings, tiled or wooden floors, and windows lined with wooden frames. Crown moldings, silk accents on pillows, and heavy curtains add elegance, but the style is simple for the most part. Four of the Deluxe Rooms have Japanese-inspired decor, with sliding closet doors and low platform beds. Senior Deluxe Rooms have a few extra design touches, such as wallpaper and backlit latticework stripes above the bed. At just over 31-square-feet, Superior Rooms are smallish, but all other room categories are spacious and airy, and all feature cozy furnished balconies overlooking either the garden or the pool. Amenities are good for a hotel in this price range, and include free Wi-Fi, electric kettles with free tea and coffee, and minibars stocked with a couple of sodas, beer, and water. Free water is also replenished daily. A few rooms have flat-screen TVs, but most feature older tube-style TVs. 

With dark gray tiles and granite counters, bathrooms also have a somewhat dated style, but all are clean and have a couple of nice touches, such as wooden vanities and rain showerheads. Most Superior and Deluxe Rooms have shower/tub combos. All Senior Deluxe and Suites have showers with sliding glass and metal screens. Extensive toiletries, such as dental kits and shampoo, are provided. 

The pool may not be huge, but it is charming and clean, with a nice stone-like tile bottom and an exposed stone wall with small niches decorated with Cham-style statuettes. The deck around the pool is also smallish, but has a handful of comfortable lounges and a few umbrellas, as well as a tiny booth where guests can get help themselves to towels and order drinks. The spa is housed in a single round room with a central section for manicures, pedicures, and hair services, and an area with three massage beds separated by curtains. The restaurant, located by the main entrance, offers a varied (and free) buffet in the morning that includes hot and cold dishes, juices, breads, and fruit. The lunch and dinner menus offer tasty Asian and Western options at reasonable prices. Cooking classes are also available on-site. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Shuttles to town and the beach are also free, as are loaner bikes.