Vinh Hung Emerald Resort

One of several hotels and businesses owned by the same local family, the Vinh Hung Emerald Resort is simple, but charming overall. There are no sleek design touches or famous chefs at this three-and-a-half pearl property, but its beautiful riverfront grounds and airy interiors give the hotel a laid-back vibe that generally fits the bill for travelers seeking rest and relaxation. The lobby and the restaurant are decorated in a simple style, with heavy wooden furniture and basic white tiled floors. A few details, such as traditional wood carvings and colorful lanterns, are cute touches that add local charm, but the focus here is on the outdoors. Huge windows offer views of the lovely gardens, dotted with more lanterns, lots of seating under palm trees, and tropical plants. The part of the property overlooking the river is a favorite among the handful of guests that choose to stay on-site during the day, and the adjacent lawn gets busy in the afternoon, when samples of local street food are offered free of charge to all guests.

Although it opened in late 2012 and there are yearly updates, the property doesn't feel as fresh as some might expect. Details such as scratched wood surfaces and scuff marks on walls are easy fixes that need some attention. Still, the hotel is comfortable overall, and its quaint riverfront location makes it a popular pick among Asian and European families and couples wanting to mix sightseeing and quiet relaxation. Travelers on a slightly tighter budget may want to compare rates at the Phu Thinh Boutique Resort & Spa, which is also centrally located and has a similar vibe. The pool, though, is nicer at the Emerald Resort. Neighboring sister property Vinh Hung Riverside Resort has a bigger spa, an indoor playground, two pools, and bigger rooms, but rates are a little higher. 

The hotel is located on a quiet residential street lined with private homes and a few small local shops. The neighborhood is on a small island across a tiny bridge from the heart of Hoi An’s Ancient Town, and the back of the hotel's property abuts the river. The old quarter -- known for its picturesque architecture, charming shops, excellent restaurants, and dozens of tailors -- is just a five-minute walk away, as is the town’s popular night market. The Japanese Bridge is less than 10 minutes away on foot. The Museum of Trade Ceramics and the famous Old Houses are within a 15-minute walk of the hotel. Other local attractions, such as the Vegetable Village and An Bang Beach, can be reached in about 15 minutes by car. The stunning Marble Mountains are about a half-hour drive away. It’s 45 minutes to Danang International Airport. Note that there's a bike and scooter rental shop across the street from the hotel. 

The hotel has a total of 52 rooms divided among six suites with pool and garden views, six Deluxe Riverview Rooms, and 40 Deluxe Rooms overlooking the pool. All are decorated in the same simple style, with traditional dark wood furniture, white tiled floors (wood in some), and off-white curtains and chairs. Walls are empty except for a few small photos of Hoi An and a couple of white lantern-shaped lamps. Silk-like bed runners in red and golden hues, and painted pottery ornaments add some style, but rooms are a tad generic overall. We spotted some maintenance issues during our visit, including signs of wear and tear on floors and furniture, and scuff marks on walls. All rooms are spacious and light, though, and most have furnished balconies or direct access to the gardens. Suites are located on the top floor and have enough space for an additional bed, but no seating area.

Each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV, air-conditioning, an electric kettle with free tea and coffee, and a digital safe. Minibars are stocked with water, local beer, and sodas, and all rooms offer a selection of chips and other snacks for purchase. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, but some guests have complained that it can be spotty in some rooms. 

The vast majority of bathrooms have been renovated and feature white tiles and big, rectangular sinks over beige marble-like vanities. Glass walk-in showers have rain showerheads. Some rooms have a separate soaking tub as well. Basic toiletries such as shampoo and shower gel are provided along with combs, toothbrushes, and cotton swabs. Wall-mounted hairdryers are provided. 

Features here are focused on food and swimming. The hotel has a pleasant 66-foot-long infinity pool with about a couple dozen padded loungers and a shallow area for kids separated from the deeper end by a floating safety rope. The pool is set in the hotel's lovely gardens -- which are decorated with dozens of colorful lanterns and tropical plants and trees -- and offers serene river views. Food and drink service are available around the pool. The restaurant serves decent Vietnamese and international food for lunch and dinner in a spacious dining room with outdoor seating. The breakfast spread (included in all rates) offers a range of local and Western options, both hot and cold, including dumplings, fried rice, eggs, and pancakes. Another guest favorite is the free food sampling presented on the lawn in the afternoons. 

Massages and a few salon services are available at the small spa, complete with three treatment rooms and a foot massage area. The fitness center has four cardio machines, one weight bench, and some free weights. The space is more suitable for a quick workout than for real training. A wider spa menu and a bigger gym with more equipment are available at neighboring sister property Vinh Hung Riverview Resort. 

Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, but the signal isn't entirely reliable.