Vinh Hung Library Hotel

Originally opened in 2002 as the Vinh Hung 3, the Library Hotel has since undergone extensive renovations, giving a much-needed fresh look to all rooms and common spaces. True to its name, the property is decorated with a book theme throughout. The lobby, the restaurant, and even part of the pool deck are lined with shelves full of handpicked books that guests can borrow or trade in for their own volumes. The books combined with comfortable chairs and lantern-style lamps creates cozy spaces with a homey feel. Photos of old and present day Hoi An hang on walls, and stylish details such as a vintage motorbike parked in the lobby lend this hotel a charming boutiquey vibe that sets it apart from the many value properties in the area. 

The combination of great rates -- generally much lower than most of its direct competitors -- a central location in the Ancient Town, and a good sense of style make the Library Hotel a popular pick among young European and Australian couples on a budget. The restaurant, located off the lobby, is abuzz with guests during breakfast, but the hotel remains quiet through the day, as most guests are out exploring the local sights. Travelers wanting a mix of sightseeing and relaxation may want to compare rates at the lovely Muca Hoi An Boutique Resort, which is located a 10-minute drive from the city center and has beautiful riverfront grounds, complete with a serene pool, a floating restaurant, and a small spa. In this same price range, the Hoi An Orchid Garden Villas may be a better pick for families, as it has larger rooms, including some with a kitchenette and a sofa bed. Those able to spend a little more money may want to consider the Little Hoian Boutique Hotel & Spa, which is centrally located and has bigger, more stylish rooms and a small spa. 

The Vinh Hung Library Hotel is located on a small street right on the edge of the compact Ancient Town of Hoi An. The street is lined with budget hotels, a few local restaurants, and a handful of shops catering to tourists. The heart of the action in the old quarter is less than a five-minute walk away. Most of Hoi An’s  famous restaurants, shops, and tailors can be found within 10 minutes of the hotel, and the Japanese Bridge -- the city’s most recognizable landmark -- is also just a quick walk away. The popular night market, known for its cute pottery, varied bric-a-brac, and souvenirs, is less than a 10-minute walk from the hotel, as is the Museum of Trade Ceramics. An Bang Beach can be reached in about 15 minutes by car. The stunning Marble Mountains are less than a half-hour away. Danang International Airport is a 45-minute drive away. 

The hotel has 26 rooms divided among 16 Superior, seven Deluxe, and three Family Rooms. All are decorated with attention to cute details like matching natural wood desks, bed frames, shelves, and sofas that stand out against the crisp white linens, walls, and floors. Lantern-style lamps and mosquito nets are charming touches, while black-and-white photos of Hoi An scenes, and brightly painted pottery add style. Six of the seven Deluxe Rooms have small balconies overlooking the street, but Superior Rooms lack windows, which may make some guests feel a little claustrophobic. Although lack of windows is common in Vietnam (especially in big towns such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City), it is quite rare in Hoi An. Large backlit lattice screens placed above the beds, do somewhat create the illusion of natural light, making rooms without windows feel less oppressive than we had anticipated. 

Rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with international channels,  air-conditioning, and minibars stocked with water, beer, and a couple of sodas. However, unlike the vast majority of the other properties we visited in Hoi An, the Library Hotel does not provide electric kettles. Instead, each room has a thermos that guests can bring to the restaurant to be filled with hot water for making tea or instant coffee (both provided free of charge). Bathrooms are small, but clean, with glass-enclosed rain showers, and modern round sinks over granite-style counters. Each room has its own hot water boiler, which some guests may not find convenient. Basic toiletries such as shampoo, hand soap, and shower gel are provided, but there are no hairdryers.

Features here are slightly limited, but nice overall. The rooftop pool is the hotel’s definite highlight. Although it's compact, the pool is suitable for a few short laps, and has a handful of padded loungers and picnic tables with umbrellas. The deck around it is skinny, but the dozens of colorful tropical flowers and plants make it look charming and quaint. 

The restaurant, with tables that spill onto the lobby, offers a simple international menu with a few Vietnamese specialties for lunch and dinner. The breakfast buffet (included in all rates) includes fresh fruit, homemade yogurt, breads, and made-to-order eggs. A tiny outdoor cafe offers fresh fruit juices as well as coffee and tea on a cute covered terrace full of plants overlooking the street. 

Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Guests can also help themselves to the enormous book exchange. Bikes are available to rent, though they aren't free -- which is unusual for Hoi An.