Vinh Hung Riverside Resort

First opened in 2003, the Vinh Hung Riverside Resort is not as sparkling new or stylish as some other upper-middle-range hotels in Hoi An, but its comprehensive yearly renovations program keeps things looking mostly up-to-date. We spotted a few cracked tiles around the main pool and some wear and tear in non-renovated rooms, but the property was well-kept overall, and we found the gardens lovely and peaceful. Colorful lanterns hang from palm trees and manicured lawns dotted with tropical flowers gently slope down toward the river, creating small, intimate nooks with patio furniture and serene water views. This peaceful setting, which is nonetheless an easy walk from the Ancient Town, along with competitive rates, draws many South Korean and Japanese couples, while the large pools, spacious rooms, and indoor playground are great perks for families. 

Interiors are traditional overall, in particular the lobby, which is decorated with terra-cotta tile floors, classic Vietnamese furniture, wooden ceilings, and about a couple dozen white Hoi An lanterns. The architectural design helps to make the most of the hotel’s biggest asset, its beautiful gardens, with huge windows all around the lobby, the restaurant, and even the fitness center. The hotel is similar in style (although a touch more upscale) to its neighboring sister property, the Vinh Hung Emerald Resort. The latter has a nicer pool and is cheaper, but rooms are bigger at the more family-friendly Riverside. Couples seeking a cozier, smaller property may want to consider the Ha An Hotel, but note that some rooms are dark and tight. The Little Hoian Boutique Hotel & Spa is a great alternative for couples, with similar rates and more stylish rooms. The pool, though, is covered, and the deck around it gets no sun. Travelers wanting to stay at the beach without breaking the bank may want to consider the Hoi An Beach Resort, which offers free shuttle service to the Ancient Town, and has a similar vibe.

The Vinh Hung Riverside Resort is on a quiet residential street lined with private homes and a few small local shops. The neighborhood is on a small island located across a tiny bridge from the heart of Hoi An’s gorgeous Ancient Town, and the back of the property abuts the river. The hotel offers free, scenic boat rides into town at set times. 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 from the hotel, and the Museum of Trade Ceramics and all of the Old Houses are within a 15-minute walk. 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, and it’s 45 minutes to Danang International Airport.

The hotel has 89 rooms, including 70 Superior Rooms with garden or pool views, 16 Deluxe Rooms overlooking the gardens or the river, and three Suites facing the river. The vast majority have been renovated, and feature tile or wood floors, simple wood furniture, recessed lighting, and a subdued earth-tone palette throughout. The style is a little bland overall, but the size of the space and the big desks and closets make rooms comfortable. The newest Deluxe Rooms have a few cute touches, such as old black-and-white photos of Hoi An, windows overlooking the bathroom, and wooden ceilings, but non-renovated units need some maintenance, especially in floors and furniture, which are showing wear and tear. 

All rooms have a furnished balcony or a patio with direct access to the gardens, and Deluxe Rooms feature loungers. Additionally, all rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, LCD TVs with international channels, air-conditioning, and minibars. Electric kettles are also provided, along with free water, tea, and coffee. Turndown service is a standard perk, and includes either sweet treats and/or towels shaped like animals.

Clean bathrooms vary in style, but most are contemporary and appealing, with either white, beige, or gray floor and wall tiles, marble-like or wooden vanities, and large mirrors. All have rain showers, and many rooms feature a separate soaking tub as well. Toiletries such as shower gel, shampoo, cotton swabs, shower caps, and a couple of hand soaps are provided.

Vinh Hung Riverside features a long list of great resort-like amenities, including two pleasant pools. The largest one is a little old, with basic terra-cotta decking and a few cracked tiles, but it features a swim-up bar, ample loungers, and two shallow areas for kids. The newer pool is smaller and quieter, as there is no kiddy section and it is tucked away in the gardens. The restaurant has a varied menu that includes local, regional, and Western options for all three main meals. All rates include a varied breakfast buffet, complete with egg and soup stations, a salad section, pastries, and fresh fruit. The daily street food market, which is set by the river and offers a number of local specialties that guests can sample free of charge, is one of the most popular on-site activities, but guests can also take part in other classes for a fee, including calligraphy, lantern-making, and cooking. 

The spa is small but pleasant, with dim lights, a nail salon with pool views, a sauna, and three massage rooms, including two for couples. Body wraps, scrubs, facials, foot massages, and a variety of body treatments are all available at the spa. The fitness center is large and airy, with huge windows overlooking the gardens, and a good range of cardio and strength-training machines.