Royal Riverside Hoi An Hotel

The Royal Riverside feels fresh and stylish from its original opening in 2015. Interiors are decorated with an updated traditional style that combines lovely painted floor tiles with wooden furniture and dark lattice screens on walls and ceilings. Iron chairs topped with red pillows, burnt-orange velvet couches, and wicker accents create a variety of textures that gives spaces a chic, colorful touch. The hotel makes the most of its riverfront location with large windows that let in lots of sunlight and offer serene views of the river from the lobby, the restaurant, and many rooms.

The Royal Riverside works with tour groups from Europe, Japan, and Australia, but the hotel’s proximity to the city center means it's quiet during the day. Breakfast can be busy, but most guests seem to leave shortly after the meal, only to return either in the late afternoon for a swim in the pool, or in the evening after dinner in town. The bar is generally quiet as well, but its peaceful river views draw many couples for a nightcap.

The Royal Riverside is one of the cheapest four-pearl hotels in Hoi An, and is particularly well-priced given its location just a short walk away from the Japanese Bridge and the pedestrian area in central Hoi An. The Vinh Hung Emerald Resort may be a better pick for families, though, as it has a large pool, spacious grounds where kids can run around, and free river kayaks. The Lantana Boutique Hotel Hoi An is in the same price range as the Royal Riverside and has similar interiors, but features a small gym, which the Royal does not. Travelers looking for a more luxurious hotel may want to check out the Essence Hoi An Hotel & Spa or the Almanity Hoi An, both of which have great pools and spas. 

The Royal Riverside Hoi An Hotel is located along the river, three blocks outside of the compact pedestrian area in Hoi An’s Ancient Town. There aren’t any restaurants or cafes on the hotel’s block, but many can be found within a five-minute walk towards the town. The Japanese Bridge, Hoi An’s most recognizable landmark, is just 10 minutes from the hotel, as is the night market. The charming pedestrian area -- lined with great restaurants, quaint shops, and tailors -- is just a couple of minutes farther away. All major historic attractions can be reached on foot, but the hotel has several bicycles that guests can borrow free of charge. The Vegetable Village is a 10-minute drive away. The stunning Marble Mountains can be reached in about a half-hour by car. The hotel offers free shuttle service to An Bang Beach several times per day. Danang International Airport is a 45-minute drive away.

The Royal Riverside Hoi An Hotel has 45 rooms spread over five floors. The only difference between rooms types is the size -- ranging between 387- and 452-square-feet -- and views, which can be of the street or the river. Some have French balconies overlooking the river, while others face the street and lack outdoor spaces. Rooms are decorated in an elegant style that combines local crafts such as colorful Hoi An lanterns, with colonial-inspired elements, including cute painted floor tiles, wooden furniture with geometric patterns, and ceiling moldings above the bed. The neutral palette in curtains, couches, and chairs balances out the busy floor tiles, while the burgundy accent pillows and bed runners add some color. Although some of the rooms are a tad compact, most start at 387-square-feet, allowing for plenty of space to walk around and comfortably fit either a king bed or two twin beds. 

All rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and electric kettles with free tea and coffee. Minibars are stocked with water, sodas, beer, and candy. Electronic safes, umbrellas, robes, and flip flops are available inside the spacious closets. 

Bathrooms are clean, contemporary, and appealing, with big windows to the bedroom (in most), deep soaking tubs, separate walk-in rain showers, and round sinks over off-white marble counters matching the walls and floors. Some bathrooms have frosted glass doors that don't allow for much privacy. Shower gel, shampoo, and body lotion are provided in small containers along with a few extras, such as razors and toothbrushes.

The Royal is the hotel’s only restaurant, and it's open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It serves a mix of Vietnamese and Western cuisine in a pleasant dining room off the lobby. Wall-to-wall windows open onto a shaded wraparound terrace decorated with cute lanterns that give the space a romantic feel in the evening. A free breakfast is served in the restaurant every morning, and the spread includes a range of Vietnamese and Western options, such as pho, fried rice, noodles, pastries, and made-to-order eggs. Food gets good reviews, especially the morning spread. The bar is open in the afternoon only, and offers an array of drinks and cocktails overlooking the river. 

Tucked away in the back of the building, the pool is pleasant and big enough for laps. The deck around it is small and has just enough space for a handful of loungers, but there are some other chairs directly in the water as well. Part of the pool is covered by the building, which is a perk for the rainy season. Guests can go to the bar to order food and drinks, but there is no waiter service around the pool. The spa is small, but pleasant, with three massage rooms (one for couples), and a good treatment menu that includes manicures, pedicures, waxing, and traditional Vietnamese, Thai, hot stone massages. There are also a sauna, a steam room, and a hot tub that guests can use when purchasing a body treatment. 

Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. There are bikes to borrow for exploring the area, and free shuttle service to An Bang Beach.