The Hoi An Orchid Garden Villas

Occupying a small plot of land away from the city center, the Orchid Garden Villas is packed with charm. The first thing that catches the eye is the lovely cobblestoned front yard, adorned with a couple dozen colorful Hoi An lanterns, and shaded by lush trees and tropical plants. Several motorbikes and bicycles are parked in the front, making the property feel more like a private home than a hotel. The main building, which houses a small restaurant, also looks like most of the local homes in the area, with terra-cotta tiles on the roof, and large windows and doors with wooden frames. To the right, a skinny moat-like pond with bright lotus flowers wraps around a charming wooden pavilion housing the front desk. Behind the main building is a small courtyard with a small pool, lush plants, and three other low buildings. 

Although the hotel’s large rooms draw many European and Australian families, the lack of on-site amenities beyond a small pool and a restaurant keep the property peaceful during the day. We saw several young and middle-aged couples in the morning, but the hotel emptied out after breakfast and was quiet into the afternoon. 

The hotel provides free bikes that guests can ride into town, but travelers looking to stay closer to the city center may want to consider the Vinh Hung Library Hotel, which features a pleasant rooftop pool, cute rooms, and a central location within walking distance of all major attractions in the Ancient Town. Superior Rooms, though, lack windows. Next-door neighbor, the Earth Villa, is almost a carbon copy of the Orchid Garden Villas, with the exact same rates year-round, a lovely pool, and a free, tasty breakfast. Those wanting a more upscale stay may want to compare rates at the Little Hoian Boutique Hotel & Spa, which has stylish rooms, a spa, a fitness center, and a covered pool.  

The hotel is located 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 not an issue at night, as rooms are set back from the street. Though not within easy walking distance of most 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, inexpensive restaurants and a handful of tailors within a few minutes of the hotel, but the city center -- located a five-minute drive, 15-minute bike ride, or 20-minute walk away -- offers a wider array of dining and shopping options. Free bikes can be borrowed at the hotel. An Bang Beach, lined with hip beachfront cafes and restaurants, is 15 minutes away by car. Danang International Airport can be reached in about 45 minutes.

The hotel has nine rooms housed in three small buildings named after types of orchids that can be found in the property’s quaint garden. Rooms are sunny and airy, with big windows overlooking the pool and/or the garden, and plenty of floor space to comfortably move around. Decor is simple overall, with generic wooden furniture, white walls, and beige curtains. A few touches add some style, including cute latticework screens, big colorful photos of flowers, mosquito nets, and lantern-style bedside lamps. The hotel has a number of bungalows, which are larger rooms with seating areas and two double beds in the bedroom instead of one bed. Some of the bungalows have fully stocked kitchens and two full bathrooms. 

In-room amenities are nice for a hotel in this price range, and include free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, electric kettles, and minibars stocked with soda, beer, and free water. Bathrooms are contemporary and clean; they're decorated with gray or cream-colored tiles throughout, marble-like finishes, and wood touches. Some bathrooms also have exposed stone accents in shower areas. Deluxe Rooms have walk-in rain showers, while bungalows feature separate tubs and showers -- some outdoors.

The hotel has a medium-size pool tucked away behind the main building and surrounded by colorful flowers and lush greenery. It doesn’t have a deck around it, but there is a small nook in a corner with two wooden padded loungers shaded by a frangipani tree decorated with traditional lanterns. There is no pool bar, but guests can buy drinks and order food at the restaurant, located in the adjacent main building. The standard room rate includes a tasty and generous a la carte breakfast spread that offers Vietnamese and Western items, such as eggs, baguettes with jam and butter, fresh fruit, hot and cold drinks, and traditional soups. Regional cuisine -- including a few vegetarian options -- is served for lunch and dinner at affordable prices. Room service is available. Provided bikes can be borrowed for no additional cost. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.