Muca Hoi An Boutique Resort & Spa

Set along a serene river that eventually flows into the sea a couple of miles away, the Muca Hoi An is quiet and relaxing from the moment you walk through the cute traditional gate that serves as the main door. The highlight here is the lovely gardens, packed with tropical plants, flowers, and palm trees. Small gazebos with chairs, tiny nooks surrounded by greenery, and little lookout spots with river views convey a feeling of peace and quiet that's a world away from the bustling city center, located just a 10-minute drive away. Winding stone paths lined with lush gardens lead from the small lobby to the rooms, housed in several three-story buildings partly hidden behind the plants. All common areas except for the reception and the spa are situated along the river, which adds to the serene feel. Although the occasional child can be heard playing in the pool, the vibe when we visited was calm and laid-back, with just the sound of the occasional fisherman using the waterway, or the songs of birds in the background. 

The hotel’s scenic location and low rates makes it a great pick for travelers on a budget, but the Royal Riverside Hoi An Hotel may be a better choice for those wanting to stay closer to the city center. Rates, though, are slightly higher, and the pool is partly covered. Travelers with a larger budget may want to compare rates at the Hoi An Chic Hotel, an intimate property with tons of boutiquey touches, stylish rooms, and a lovely pool overlooking the rice paddies. The Earth Villa is another lovely boutique in the same price range as the Muca and just slightly closer to Hoi An. 

Muca Hoi An is located on a quiet residential street on the other side of the river from the main road linking central Hoi An and the beach area. The neighborhood is tranquil and gets little traffic. The action is mostly centered around the bridge that connects it to the main road, which is just down the street. The back of the property overlooks the Thu Bon River, which is generally used by local fishermen on small row boats to reach the sea or the city center. There isn’t much within easy walking distance of the hotel, but the Muca runs a free shuttle service to Hoi An’s gorgeous Ancient Town, home to dozens of great restaurants, lovely shops, and renowned tailors. Cua Dai Beach is a 10-minute bicycle ride away (guests can borrow free bikes on-site), but the sand at Cua Dai is regularly washed away by natural erosion. The hotel also provides free shuttle service several times per day to a partner beachfront restaurant that provides loungers on hip, sandy An Bang Beach, located a 10-minute drive away. Danang International Airport can be reached by car in about 45 minutes. 

The hotel’s 35 rooms are decorated in a simple style that combines beige tile floors, off-white walls, and dark wood furniture. Though overall a tad generic, touches such as traditional Hoi An lanterns and ceramic mugs and lamps decorated with blue designs add some local charm. There are three room categories -- Superior, Deluxe, and Premier -- but the only difference between them is the floor they occupy. Superior Rooms are located on the ground floor and have a small outdoor area with two chairs; Deluxe and Premier Rooms are on the first and second floors, respectively, and lack balconies. All rooms have pleasant views of the hotel's gardens and/or the river. Rooms have massive beds topped with soft duvets and three pillows, as well as a range of convenient amenities such as air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, umbrellas, safes, and minibars. Fresh fruit, bottled water, and tea and coffee are provided free of charge daily. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, but there have been reports of weak signal in rooms.

Bathrooms are compact but spotless and modern, with large walk-in showers covered with glass doors, rectangular sinks over dark counters with wood carvings, and a few extra toiletries such as combs and toothbrushes.

Features at this hotel are focused on relaxation. Tucked away in the lush gardens, the small and simple spa is inviting and tranquil. It offers a good array of body treatments and salon services at reasonable prices. Guests can choose to get their massage in the indoor room -- complete with an outdoor area with a wooden tub -- or in the thatched, open pavilion in the gardens. All guests get vouchers for a free 15-minute foot massage on check-in. 

The pool is small, but lovely, with a handful of loungers, lush palm trees plants, and serene river views. Music played at a low volume adds ambience. The main restaurant serves a small but tasty (and free) breakfast buffet that includes hot and cold options, such as made-to-order eggs, pastries, and fried rice dishes. The lunch and dinner menu provides salads, sandwiches, burgers, noodles, spring rolls, and soups. Housed in a thatched pavilion built on stilts in the river, the Floating Bar is a charming spot for a bite or a drink in the evening.

Yoga classes are available for a fee. Staff can arrange airport transfers for a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.