Sofia Boutique Hotel Da Nang

In an area that has gleaming skyscrapers with rooftop pools and hopping bars, Sofia Boutique Hotel stands out for its unassuming, friendly vibe and intimate atmosphere. Decor is simple, but there are touches that add charm and appeal, such as heavy wood furniture with intricate carvings in the lobby, and wallpaper with a delicate floral design. Common space is limited to the small reception area and the adjacent restaurant, and the property is generally quiet during the day, although locals and travelers who aren't hotel guests stop by for coffee or lunch. But come evening, the front courtyard buzzes with activity, when the restaurant gets packed. Most of the guests we saw during our visit were either young couples or groups of friends backpacking, but the hotel also attracts budget-conscious families. 

Sofia Boutique Hotel is located on a wide avenue leading from the city center to the beach. There's a lot of construction in the area which can make the neighborhood feel a bit desolate, but there are plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes within a couple of blocks of the hotel. The city’s long, sandy beach is less than a five-minute walk down the street from the Sofia, and the city center -- with tons of dining and drinking options, and a few well-known markets -- can be reached in about five minutes by car, or 30 minutes on foot. Local attractions such as the Marble Mountains and the Lady Buddha are each within a 20-minute drive of the hotel, and the entrance to the scenic Hai Van Pass is about 40 minutes away. Danang International Airport is a 15-minute drive from the hotel. 

Guest rooms here are spacious, with plenty of room for queen-size beds, desks, dining tables for two, and large closets. Decor is simple but eye-pleasing, with hardwood floors, wood shutters, and wallpaper in muted earth tones or purple that add a colorful accent. The look isn’t sophisticated or upscale, but it's quite charming, and large windows make rooms light and airy. In-room amenities are excellent for the price, and include individually controlled air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs with international channels, electric kettles with free tea and coffee, electronic safes, and minibars stocked with soda, water, and beer. Bottled water is provided free of charge daily, and some rooms have balconies. 

Bathrooms are basic but tidy, with stall showers with removable showerheads, wide marble vanities, and hairdryers. Basic toiletries such as hand soap, shower gel, and shampoo are also provided. 

Rooms come in three different categories, including Double, Twin, and Family. Double rooms are equipped with one queen bed, while Twin units have two wide single beds, and Family Rooms have two queen beds. Some guests have noted that there's limited hot water, and that rooms can be noisy.

Sofia Boutique Hotel is light on amenities, but there's casual restaurant that's popular with guests and locals alike. The restaurant shares space with the reception area, and has a handful of indoor tables plus a patio that overlooks the street. The menu has a variety of beverages, including lassis, coffee, tea, smoothies, juices, and several types of beer. Traditional Vietnamese and international specialties are served here, such as spring rolls, sandwiches, fried rice dishes, and traditional soups. Our seafood fried rice was simple but tasty, and the mango shake was made with fresh fruit, which is not always the case in similarly inexpensive cafes. A simple but varied breakfast buffet, with Vietnamese and Western fare, is served daily free of charge to all guests. There's free Wi-Fi throughout, guests can borrow bicycles at no extra charge, and a tour desk offers ticketing services and day trips through a third party. Guests with limited mobility should be aware that the hotel doesn't have an elevator.