Orange Hotel

Run by a local family with deep roots in the area, the Orange Hotel has traditional Vietnamese features, both in rooms and in common spaces. The entrance of this 11-story tower, built in mid-2013, is typical Vietnamese, with a garage on the right and a dozen or so steps on the left leading up to the lobby. The reception itself has a strong local feel as well, with a big wooden front desk, floors and walls clad in cream-colored tiles, and large white couches placed by a large window overlooking the street. In the 10th-floor restaurant heavy dark wood furniture stands out against the polished white floors and walls. Although spaces are not overly stylish, ceiling and wall moldings and thick beige curtains add some elegance to the overall look. 

This classic style lures mostly Asian guests, many of whom travel in large multi-generational groups. Although the hotel lacks kid-friendly facilities, we did see (and hear, due to the rooms’ poor soundproofing from the noise in hallways) quite a few kids. The hotel’s central location in Da Nang, and its comfortable, well-equipped rooms also make it popular among business travelers during the week and among Vietnamese couples during the weekend. The atmosphere, though, is generally quiet during the day save for perhaps when families are arriving in the afternoon or leaving the hotel in the morning. The lack of many common spaces also helps keep things quiet. 

The Orange Hotel is a decent mid-range pick in the city center, but travelers with a slightly bigger budget may want compare rates at the Sanouva Danang Hotel, which features stylish contemporary rooms, a great free breakfast, and a bigger spa for just a few more dollars per night. Travelers seeking something closer to the beach may want to consider the Sofia Boutique Hotel, which has spacious rooms and a nice restaurant with outdoor seating. 

Orange Hotel is located on a busy street in the heart of the city center. There are a lot of small cafes and restaurants within a few blocks, and the river, located a 10-minute walk away, is lined with other dining and drinking spots. Han Market is about a 10-minute walk from the hotel, and Dragon Bridge -- one of Da Nang’s most recognizable landmarks -- is just 15 minutes away on foot. The city’s long, sandy beach is less than a 10-minute drive away, and other local attractions such as the Marble Mountains and the Lady Buddha are each within a 20-minute drive of the hotel. The entrance to the scenic Hai Van Pass is about 40 minutes away. Danang International Airport can be reached in about 10 minutes. Airport transfers can be arranged at the front desk for a fee.

The hotel has 45 rooms spread over 11 floors, all decorated with classic wooden furniture and a white-and-brown color scheme. Ceiling and wall moldings combine with cute wallpaper to create elegant spaces. Curvy metal lamps and laminate floors are more contemporary touches. The decor style is simple overall, with glass-topped dark wood desks, heavy wooden armoires, and brown curtains, but the general feel is pleasant. Superior Rooms offer barely 270 square feet of space including the bathroom, which makes them feel quite snug, but at least these rooms have windows, which Standard Rooms do not. Deluxe Rooms are a tad bigger, but ours still felt cramped, with perhaps a couple of club chairs and a coffee table too many. One of the suites has a lovely furnished terrace with city views.

All rooms come equipped with the same amenities, including air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with international channels, electric kettles with free tea and coffee, and free beer and water in the minibar, all restocked daily. Bathrooms are clean, with either walk-in rain showers or big shower/tub combos, and round sinks over stone counters. Most, though, have glass walls overlooking the room -- with just a slightly frosted bottom half -- which some guests may find lacking in privacy. 

Features here are quite limited, though the restaurant is a highlight. The restaurant is located on the 10th floor and offers pleasant city views. Breakfast is served free to all guests, and depending on occupancy, it can be a la carte or buffet-style. The a la carte option includes as many items from the menu as the guest wants, along with tea or coffee, and juice. Breakfast can also be delivered to the room for a fee, or packed to go for those checking out early. Although most guests choose the breakfast-only rate, the hotel also offers half-board and full-board meal plans. The lunch and dinner menus include Asian and Western items, and prices are generally reasonable. A small bar provides cocktails and cold beer in the lobby.  

The spa is small, but pleasant, with two treatment rooms -- including one room for couples -- and a foot massage area offering manicures and pedicures. Guests arriving by car or motorbike can park their vehicle free of charge in the on-site garage, which has security 24-hours. Wi-Fi is free throughout.