The Best Hotels in Hoi An

SD › Hoi An Hotels
Updated: October 17, 2020
By Santorini Dave

Hoi An Hotels – Tips and Advice

• The main attraction in Hoi An is the Old Town, but due to modern building restrictions and limited space, there are very few hotels in Old Town itself. So, the outer edges of the Old Town are crammed with mid-range boutique-style hotels, mostly to the south and west and within walking distance.
• Hoi An has no international-brand high-rise hotels in the immediate area. But there are hundreds in Danang, a well-developed beach town some 30km away. It’s popular to day-trip from Danang, which has better facilities and a glorious beach.
• Many of the boutique hotels just outside Old Town boast “river views” of the stagnant and narrow offshoot of the Thu Bon River along Old Town’s southern edge. Quieter and cheaper hotels are being built along the main stretch of Thu Bon River, which is far more impressive and still only a 10-minute walk from the Old Town.
• Some people stay at the beaches within 5 to 7km of the Old Town – easily accessible by taxi, or even bicycle with recent improvements to the roads. These beaches are: Cua Dia (the most developed, with a patchy beach), An Bang (a little further away from Hoi An), and Hidden Beach (quieter, but not as accessible as the others).
• It’s also popular to day-trip from Danang, a city with better facilities and a glorious beach.
• There are ticketed entrance gates at the main road into the Old Town from the west, and at the bridges from the south, where tourists are charged hefty fees to enter. The money goes to the preservation of the town and temples. You can pay once (around $7), and gain entry into various Old Town historical sites for the duration of your stay. It is enforced sporadically, however, and many people get by without paying at all.
• The nearest airport and train station to Hoi An are located in Danang, 30km away. It’s easy to reach by tourist minibus; buy tickets from travel agencies around the Old Town. Otherwise, take a taxi.
• Hoi An is well-connected to Hue and elsewhere by comfortable tourist buses and minibuses.
• There are many well-stocked minimarts in Hoi An, but for malls head to Danang. Handicrafts are a specialty around the Old Town but bargain hard.

The 15 Best Hotels in Hoi An

1. Anantara Hoi An Resort

Hotel phone: +84 235 391 4555
World-class elegance and Old Town convenience. This graceful 1920s-style hotel is well-located in the quieter eastern end of the Old Town, surrounded by a classier selection of shops and riverside cafés than where the bus hordes congregate to the west. Split-level rooms and suites in the two- and three-level blocks are fairly similar inside, with the main difference being views of the river, gardens, or pool. Deluxe River View Rooms feature a divine sofa on the porch, elegant Colonial-style décor, sunken lounge room, and massive bathroom with spa. Some suites are even more spacious and sumptuous, with superb river views (soon to be spoiled by an island hotel). Other attractions include the lengthy tiled terraces, immaculate gardens, delightful riverside courtyard pool, and the open-air library/kids’ activities area.

Notes on Anantara

• Only 10 yeard old, but a graceful, 1920s Colonial-style hotel, with peach-colored walls, chunky railings, and elongated tiled terraces – all facing the river (and an island hotel under construction). Immaculate tropical gardens with banyans trees.
• A steal – you’d probably 5 times plus for something like this in Bangkok or Singapore.
• Located near the far quieter and nicer part of the Old Town, in fact virtually in it, which makes it unique for a large resort; walkable to the busy market and the better cafes and shops of eastern Old Town.
• Free bicycle hire for Old Town and riverside path.
• Gorgeous open-air (but undercover) library and kids activities area.
• Cooking classes and trice-daily boat trips are offered.
• Lovely square courtyard pool alongside the river.
• 6 types of rooms and suites, but they’re all fairly similar inside, differing in size, setting, and views (garden and/or river). All rooms are split level and have daybed porches.
• Deluxe River View Rooms – Elegant but small balcony, still spacious enough for two small facing sofas; stylish wooden venetian blinds doors to sunken lounge area, with corner sofa and desk; 3 steps up to bedroom; massive tiled bathroom with sunken spa; even your own fish tank.
• Anantara Riverview Suite – Even larger, and the best on the second floor for perfect river views; private entrance terrace and a huge furnished balcony facing the river; 2 lounge areas, separated by 3 steps; separate bedroom with king-sized four-poster bed, long wooden desk, walk-in closet, and spa bathroom.
• A great option for families, with kids activities such as lantern-making, dance, and yoga offered; kids pool attached to main pool; many rooms with connecting doors; lots of space and a great riverside location.
• Bottom Line: The best hotel in Hoi An in the best part of the city and in Old Town; river setting is superb; elegance, grace, great for families; quiet.

2. Green Heaven Hoi An Resort & Spa

Hotel phone: +84 235 396 2969
Quaint, tasteful and convenient. Green Heaven takes it’s design inspiration from the Old Town, some 200 meters across the river, and traditional Vietnamese elegance is found throughout; patios of fish ponds, dangling lanterns, and lovely murals along open-air corridors. Standard rooms are lovely, if a little undersized, with namesake green textiles. Plenty of windows keep things bright, and balconies overlook thickets of ferns. The larger Deluxe Rooms feature a gorgeous old-fashioned bathroom, but may face the main street. The inviting courtyard pool is surrounded by potted palms, and has a splash area for the younger ones. Green Heaven is located on a comparatively busy corner facing one of the main bridges into the Old Town, so rooms near the front might be noisy.

Notes on Green Heaven

• Elegant green color theme throughout; lobby, poolside, rooms.
• Quaint, at 3 levels, fitting in perfectly with the look of the Old Town; it’s easy to miss, it blends in so well.
• Lovely murals and photos along open-air corridors of old Hoi An; fish ponds around the courtyards; lanterns, tiled staircases.
• Located on a corner in a prime position across the river from the Old Town (rooms alongside the road may be noisy); 50m from the river.
• Outdoor pool is square and inviting, surrounded by potted ferns and palms; they even manage to squeeze in a gym.
• Hotel rate includes a short massage; cooking classes available.
• Superior (standard) Rooms – Very lovely, compact; green color theme; small but functional bathroom; balcony overlooks foliage and ferns; windows wherever possible to add brightness and airiness.
• Deluxe Rooms – Can face the noisy street, and while traffic isn’t terrible, there’s enough to affect ambiance and sleep; larger than the standard room; overhead fan; green theme continues but, bizarrely, a garish red sofa; balcony overlooks main street; gorgeous old-fashioned bathroom.
• Other rooms are Junior Doubles, with partitioned but still open-plan lounge area (although TV faces the bed); and the Grand Suite, which can fit an extra bed for families and has a marble bathroom, private steam bath, and separate lounge area.
• For families? Most rooms are too small for an extra bed, but adjoining rooms and family suites are available; decent pool with partitioned kids area; great location
• Bottom Line: Lovely aura and a prime location very near Old Town. Excellent pool, quaint and elegant; good value.

3. Hoi An Beach Resort

Hotel phone: +84 235 392 7011
Family-friendly, with beach and river access. Squeezed between the beach road and the river in Cua Dai, six kilometers away from Old Town Hanoi. Guests here are housed classy two-level buildings, with two rooms up and another two on the ground level, each separated by stairs. Newer Superior Rooms are in less appealing blocks facing the conference hall, so go for one of the Deluxe Rooms, which feature lovely floorboards and large balconies. While a few rooms do face the impressive river, most overlook gardens. There’s no direct river frontage, but great river views – also two pools and a delightful breakfast café. Litter and breakwaters make the public beach across the road fairly uninviting, but the hotel’s kids’ club, games room, and activities make it ideal for families. Improved roads make Old Town easy enough to reach by bicycle.

Notes on Hoi An Beach Resort

• Faces a fairly scruffy beach; litter, waves, and breakwaters making it uninviting.
• Direct river frontage, albeit across a road.
• Squeezed between the beachside road and De Vong River, with best of both worlds: 50m to sand and magnificent views across the vast river (much better than the Hoi An creek).
• Guest rooms are housed in stylish grey, square 2 level blocks – 2 up, 2 down – separated by stairs (which lessens noise from neighbors), and back to back with another 2 up, 2 down. Rooms close to or facing the main road would be noisy. Many have river views, but most have garden views; those in Superior rooms face the conference hall and have no views worth mentioning.
• Centrally located where the river, road from Hoi An, and beach meet; 6km from the Old Town in Hanoi.
• There are a few cafes and touristy shops within walking distance, along the road from Hoi An.
• Wonderful cafe and breakfast area above and alongside the river.
• Reading area; billiard room; beach volleyball; Beach Club; cooking and language classes; kayak rental; tai chi.
• 2 pools: the main one faces the river, and the other kidney-shaped pool has a swim-up bar.
• Deluxe Garden View Rooms – Lovely, with dark wood floorboards, Oriental-themed cupboards, small sofa, and string of Hoi An photos; full-sized tub; good-sized balcony with 2 seats; overhead fan.
• Superior Rooms – These are in newer blocks and larger, but less inviting – mainly because they all face the conference hall and have no views.
• Good for families with indoor (unsupervised) kids club for toddlers, nearby beach (which is somewhat poor but at least there is one, space, and Proximity to Hanoi.
• Bottom Line: Patchy beach, few cafes/shops nearby, great river/road/beach location; well-designed to minimize noise from neighbors. Choose rooms carefully for views; best are river views upper floor.

4. Mulberry Collection Silk Marina

Hotel phone: +84 235 393 8888
Spacious, peaceful, convenient, and riverfront. Facing the far more impressive Thu Bon River, rather than the stagnant offshoot through central Hoi An, this elegant resort is still only a few minutes’ walk from the Old Town. Rooms are in attractive buildings that overlook the gardens and (fantastic) pool; those on the upper two levels enjoy river views. Deluxe Rooms are swish and spacious, with an Oriental-style movable screen between bathroom and bedroom. The Premium version is more contemporary in layout, considerably bigger, and provides the best possible vistas of the river. All villas face the river and feature a separate living room, with the largest ones also boasting a Jacuzzi.

Notes on Mulberry Collection Silk Marina

• The best of both worlds as it faces the better river, and is only a 10-minute stroll from the Old Town.
• Unusually large grounds for a compact city.
• Rooms are in 4-level C-shaped blocks, rooms on both sides overlook the pool and gardens, while only those on the upper two floors of the middle section have any river views.
• The whole place is quite stylish, with pale yellow walls and dark wooden frames and railings.
• Plenty of shops and cafes in the immediate neighborhood.
• Huge pool, with kids’ section.
• Deluxe River View Rooms – Spacious and very elegant; unobtrusive TV; local photos adorning the walls; low-level bedside lamps, oriental style movable screen between bathroom and bedroom; more faces the pool, which can get noisy, than the river.
• Premium River View Rooms – Far larger; open-plan with contemporary furniture; daybeds on the balcony; best river views possible.
• 12 villas all face the river, most of which can fit in an extra bed or two; all have separate living room and outdoor rain showers – the largest has a private outdoor Jacuzzi.
• Family-friendly, with free bicycle hire, spacious grounds, a huge pool, and fantastic location. Some rooms have connecting doors.
• Bottom Line: Great riverfront location, 5-10 minutes away on foot from Old Town; spacious grounds; lovely rooms.

5. Silkotel Hoi An

Hotel phone: +84 235 396 3399
Quaint design on the edge of town. With a Vietnamese elegance reminiscent of the Old Town, expect mustard hues, terra cotta tiles, and potted plants. Rooms in the four-level block overlook the noisy street, or face the pool and have a balcony within touching distance of the neighbors’. Adjoining “villas” next door are close enough that most windows and balconies look directly into another. The stylish villas feature a lounge room partitioned from the smallish bedroom, but lack natural light. The hotel’s two pools are small but sunny. At the start of a busy arterial road, the immediate area is unattractive, although a temple and traditional market are nearby. The Old Town is less than 10 minutes on foot.

Notes on Silkotel Hoi An

• One of several in a chain across Hoi An.
• Two wings: hotel rooms in a 4 level block and “villas” in a two-level block alongside.
• Usual design, reminiscent of Old Town: pale yellow walls and terra cotta tiles; spiral staircase, elegant photos and massive wall art in the welcoming lobby; potted plants.
• Located at the beginning of a somewhat scruffy and busy arterial town road; 5 minutes’ walk to edge of Old Town. There are no cafes or shops for westerners along the road, it’s the real Hoi An, with temples and market.
• One nice sunny pool with potted palms for the villas; another small stylish pool for the hotel block.
• Free bicycle hire; shuttle bus to beach.
• Garden View Villas – Not separate (as a villa should be) and packed in a tight cluster, with almost all windows and balconies looking into others or walls; too many rooms in too little space; stylish and slightly separate lounge area (though TV in the bedroom), slightly partitioned from the smallish bedroom. Lovely tiles; plush bed(s); Vietnamese prints; plenty of windows but still dark (windows are small and get little sun); balcony looks into another balcony or wall; full-sized tub.
• Hotel Rooms – These are in a 4 level block either overlooking the pool or the main street; if facing the pool, balconies are small and not private, almost touching distance to another; if facing the street, balconies are larger and private, but noisy.
• An okay option for families, as there is space in some of the larger rooms for an extra bed, but they’d be better off looking elsewhere.
• Bottom Line: Not a bad option, closest (and walkable) to the Old Town along the busy street; villas are dark, small and too tightly packed; hotel rooms better. Consider staying somewhere with more space and further out, or same limited space and closer to the Old Town.

6. La Residencia – Little Boutique Hotel & Spa

Hotel phone: +84 235 392 9222
Graceful, convenient, and new but likably old-fashioned. With its neo-classical design, this is more reminiscent of Spain than the Old Town, but corridors are appropriately lined with photos of ancient Hoi An. Junior Suites feature Vietnamese art, a corner desk, mosaic tiles, antique phone and decent city views – through double-glazed windows that cushion against traffic and construction noise. Residencia Suites offer glimpses of the river, and a 1920s-style desk, sofa and four-poster bed. Due to limited space, the pool is in the basement (with all the ambience of a carpark). Far more appealing are the corner breakfast café and colonial-style lobby lounge. Half a block from the river, there are some good cafés in the adjacent backstreets, with oodles of facilities to be found in Old Town, 300 meters away.

Notes on La Residencia

• Part of a small chain of local upmarket boutique hotels across Hoi An.
• Designed in a neo-classical style, reminiscent of Spain, perhaps; 7 levels; beige-grey and mustard hues blend nicely with the common colors of the Old Town.
• Corridors are lined with local art and old photos of Hoi An.
• Located half a block from the river; doesn’t face the river, which is barely 100m away; faces a back street with some good cafes and shops, with riverside cafes only a few minutes stroll away. (Hoi An river views are arguably over-rated anyway.)
• Basement gym and pool, with the ambiance of a car park; pool is mostly undercover, and heated as it gets no direct sun at all, no foliage, quite uninviting but it’s what they could manage in a small space.
• Gorgeous corner cafe, also used for breakfast; Colonial-style lobby lounge.
• Free shuttle bus to the beach.
• All rooms have double-glazed windows to offset street (and local construction) noise; many have marble bathrooms.
• Junior Suites – Charming; sunny yellow decor, standalone desk in corner, likable art of Vietnam and Hoi An. Mosaic tiles, antique phone, not unpleasant city views of low-level terra cotta-roofed buildings, plenty of luggage space. Old-style bathroom with small window.
• Residence Suites – Large separate storage area; bedroom with Oriental art, mosaic tiles, 4 poster bed. 1920s-style desk and sofa; modern art, overhead fan. Side-facing, with some views of the river from good-sized balconies; street views are not unattractive but can be noisy; tub.
• Families would appreciate the pool (as long as they’re not expecting sunny swimming oasis) and the good location.
• Bottom Line: Sophistication in spades; pool is somewhat disappointing (but who really needs it in Hoi An?); no river views, but meters to the river and a short stroll to Old Town.

7. La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa

Hotel phone: +84 235 391 5915
Impeccable service, resort vibe, family-friendly, but isolated. La Siesta offers a variety of rooms, suites, and villas in a charming setting. Elegant Deluxe Rooms contain lovely rugs and prints, a quaint wooden door to the marble bathroom, and balcony with unique views of rice-fields (which, sadly, may be built over). Most villas offer a massive private terrace with Jacuzzi, while those on the ground floor boast a private sauna and garden. Suites feature a huge bathroom and an enclosed double-glazed balcony that shields traffic and construction noise. Two tropical-style pools are particularly inviting and popular with families, who also enjoy the games room and various activities offered. Located on the edge of Hoi An city, it feels remote, with no shops or cafés nearby, but the Old Town is less than 10 minutes by taxi.

Notes on La Siesta

• Prides itself on providing impeccable service, which it does so very well.
• Part of a chain, and formerly known as Essence Hoi An.
• Divided into 3 sections, with plans to develop the nearby rice fields (which are many room views) into bungalows.
• Rather isolated on the edge of the city, with few cafes and shops nearby; but only 5 mins by taxi from Old Town.
• La Siesta offers cooking classes; has 2 pools (both with adjacent poolside cafes and kiddie splash areas, swinging chairs, palms, Tropical feel); snooker table.
• Deluxe Rooms – Elegantly furnished in pale yellow, with king-sized beds, lovely prints, wood-framed TVs, Venetian blinds between bedroom and bathroom. Balconies have unique views of rice paddies, which, sadly, are slated for development by owners. Contemporary marble bathroom.
• Suites – Perfect for honeymooners; stylish furnishings, DVD player and speakers, overhead fan laptop provided; free mini-bar. Bathrooms are gigantic, with tiled bathtub/Jacuzzi (even a table and chair in bathroom), massive showerhead, separate area with twin sinks and toilet cubicle. Pleasant double-glazed indoor balcony to shield from construction and traffic.
• Villas – Are just larger suites in 2nd wing; all overlook the lovely Infinity pool. Some have massive terraces with small private Jacuzzi; top floor villas are split-level, with two bedrooms on different levels; mosaic tiles, state of art music system. There is o partition between bedroom and bathroom areas in these, with half-sized footed tubs visible from the bed; some have private sauna and gardens with wooden tubs
• Perfect for families who don’t want to be near the Old Town center, with some villas containing split-level rooms for family of 4; some standard rooms connecting. Wonderful pools, snooker, family activities; baby-sitting can be arranged.
• Bottom Line: Wonderfully elegant, impeccable service, good for families. Somewhat isolated, but only a quick taxi trip away from Old Town; rice-paddy views will be demolished as development continues.

8. Little Hoi An Boutique Hotel & Spa

Hotel phone: +84 235 386 9999
Quaint, central, and Colonial-style – with a pool. Barely 50 meters from a bridge into the Old Town, this is the quintessential boutique hotel – elegant, charming and compact. Built to resemble a 100-year-old French mansion, it makes admirable use of its limited space. Rooms are furnished in a traditional and elegant style, with lovely prints of old Hoi An, dark wooden desks, and antique-style telephones; those near the lobby and street might be noisy. The sizable pool receives limited sunshine, though it sits alongside a delightful courtyard café. Located along a quiet street infrequently used by vehicles, facing the river. The veranda/balcony in most rooms is large enough for a table and chairs, though most lower floor river views are blocked by trees and patio umbrellas.

Notes on Little Hoi An Boutique

• Very quaint, with 30 rooms over 3 levels; the quintessential boutique hotel; designed as an elegant 100-year-old French colonial.
• Appealing design has rooms wrapped around a central interior courtyard, some would be reasonably noisy if facing the street or near the lobby.
• In an excellent location, along a quiet street, just 50m from the bridge into the Old Town. There are plenty of shops and riverside cafes nearby.
• Uncommon for a small hotel, there’s a swimming pool on a lower level, attached to the elegant courtyard cafe; the pool doesn’t get a lot of sun but is pleasant and surprisingly large for such a small number of guests.
• Riverview Suites – lovely prints of Hoi An; dark wooden desk and chairs; antique phone. River view on lower floors area blocked by courtyard umbrellas; cars, trees and street; only 3rd floor has any real river views; balconies are large enough for a table and 2 chairs.
• Despite the decent pool and prime position, this hotel is too small to be comfortable for most families.
• Bottom Line: Elegant and classic boutique-style hotel on a quiet street, close to Old Town and surrounded by riverside cafes.

9. Little Hoi An Central Boutique Hotel & Spa

Hotel phone: +84 235 395 9999
Stylish family option, but not central. Built in 2016, with a pleasing ambiance that blends old and new Vietnam, with swinging lanterns, murals of ancient Hoi An, and dark wooden furnishings. All rooms feature a balcony – overlooking the quaint courtyard garden, noisy pool, busy road, or quieter backstreets. Deluxe Rooms are spacious, while the classier Grand Deluxe versions are so oversized that they seem somewhat under-furnished. Signature Suites are certainly worth a splurge – some family rooms contain bunk beds. Other attractions include cooking classes, access to a private beach, and a lovely (but sometimes crowded) pool. Despite the name, it is not central, and the elegant Old Town design of terra cotta tiles and mustard-colored walls seem out of place along the busy suburban road – about 15 minutes from the Old Town on foot.

Notes on Little Hoi An Central

• Pleasant pale mustard color reminiscent of Old Town, but appears out of place along a busy suburban road.
• Elegant exterior leads to a lobby full of photos and artwork of Hoi An; 5 levels over 2 wings, all combine modern Vietnamese and old-fashioned Hoi An style (eg. swinging lanterns and elegant dark wooden furnishings).
• Opened in 2016, but already very popular.
• Located about a 15 minute walk from Old Town (so not that central); along a somewhat scruffy and noisy road with no Western cafes or shops, with temples and markets at the hotel doorstep.
• Free shuttle bus to private beach; free bicycle hire; cooking classes.
• Swimming pool is very nice, but noisy for rooms overlooking it.
• All rooms have balconies that overlook the courtyard garden pool, main street, or quieter town views.
• Deluxe Rooms – A decent size; with city or pool views; prints on walls of Hoi An; antique phone; full-sized tub in bathroom that has a window and view; comfortable sofa; balcony with two separate sliding doors to block out traffic din.
• Grand Deluxe – Lovely tile work and bright tasteful art above the bed; separate desk and sofa, very roomy; antique phone, pendant lanterns; wide-ish furnished balcony with wicker chairs and small table; views to the back, city views rather than road views.
• Signature Suite – Stunning, with a gorgeous corner sofa with attached desk; full-sized tub; wide balcony and pool views.
• Ideal for families; many rooms have connecting doors and bunk beds for the kids; colorful (unsupervised) kids club for toddlers; kids splash area attached to main pool; baby-sitting available.
• Bottom Line: One of Hoi An’s better family options; a bit isolated but not too far from Old Town; pleasing integration of Old Hoi And and new Vietnamese style.

10. River Suites Hoi An

Hotel phone: +84 235 392 4999
Personable, quiet, and convenient, with river views. A fairly bland exterior gives way to a colorful and contemporary lobby and 21 rooms and fully-equipped apartments spread over five levels. All front and some side-facing rooms offer fine views of the river below. Spacious Deluxe Rooms feature free-standing bathtubs, paintings of local scenes, and TVs nestled into stylish backboards. Suites provide more space and elegance, but may face another hotel to the back. The inviting pool sits located alongside the breakfast area, offering minimal sun and privacy, but a great spot for lounging. Located on a peaceful street facing a bridge leading into Old Town, only 300 meters away.

Notes on River Suites

• Doesn’t look much from the outside, but the lobby has a stylish contemporary decor that blends nicely with the Old Town ambiance, with mosaic tiles and colorful lanterns.
• 21 rooms over 5 levels, including a few apartments on the top floor. Riverfront views on the lower two levels spoiled by trees.
• Faces river away from Old Town, so there are no views of Old Town, set almost on the corner of a quiet riverside street overlooking a bridge leading into Old Town.
• Some river views from side-facing rooms as well, though some wide windows look straight into the alluring pool of the neighboring resort.
• Only the river-facing rooms have balconies
• Surprisingly there is a pool; it adjoins the breakfast/cafe area, so there’s not much privacy or sun, and it is overlooked by the balcony of a neighboring hotel. A cluster of lounge chairs near the shallow end are inviting.
• Deluxe Rooms – Free-standing tub with the commonly-seen window between bathroom and bedroom; large room, photos and/or paintings of local scenes on the walls; TV nestled into a stylish backboard; room for 2 chairs.
• Suite – far nicer and more spacious, lavender-themed, 2 chairs, large tasteful print; windows not full length.
• Ideal for singles or couples, but too small for families.
• Bottom Line: Small, stylish, and personable, in a good location; quiet street, stroll to Old Town.

11. Ann Retreat Resort & Spa

Hotel phone: +84 235 392 4924
Guaranteed river views; peaceful rural feel, yet still convenient. Nestled between two rivers (with entrances from both riverside roads) in a quieter part of Hoi An, this hotel has its own organic mini-farm and a genuine countryside vibe – although it’s less than a 10-minute stroll to the Old Town. It’s one of the tallest buildings in the city, so each room boasts views of one river and one pool from a substantial balcony. Deluxe Rooms contain gorgeous Oriental art and a delightful bathroom. Spacious suites feature a free-standing bathtub, a desk with views, and a petite lounge room on a mezzanine level. There are two large pools, one facing each river. With no shortage of riverside cafés nearby, it’s set back from both roads, which receive minimal traffic anyway.

Notes on Ann Retreat Resort & Spa

• Set on the edge of town, with a rural feel, but in a good way. Set back from the Hoia river in Hoi An, but the main entrance is remarkably along the river to the back, which is far bigger and more impressive – the river in Hoi An is green, stagnant, and full of weeds.
• 7 level blocks, one of the tallest in the city fringes, square but still stylish.
• This hotel guarantees river views from every room, and impressively every room has a balcony.
• Just about 5 minutes walk from the edge of the old town, with a plethora of riverside cafes nearby; set along a virtually dead-end street alongside their garden of organic vegetables; very quiet, but doesn’t feel isolated.
• There are 2 very large pools; each alongside one river; one is particularly for families. Views, particularly of the big river, are excellent.
• Deluxe Rooms – Gorgeous Oriental wall art in every room; all have balconies with superb views; unobtrusive TV in dark wooden frame; overhead fan; lovely bathroom; good-sized balcony; no views of Old Town; long desk.
• Duplex Suite – Free-standing bath; very spacious; desk behind headboard; Viet art of local scenes; high ceiling; mezzanine level up short flight of stairs has small lounge area with a low sofa and TV. 2nd TV faces the bed.
• Families will like: Rooms with connecting doors; special family pool (not just a shallow end, but rather to keep the crowd/noise from those trying to relax); plenty of space for an extra single bed.
• Bottom Line: Lovely and friendly, with guaranteed river views and a quiet feel – unlike almost anywhere else; just on the edge of the city, walkable to Old Town; better than the outside suggests.

12. Hotel Royal Hoi An – MGallery

Hotel phone: +84 235 395 0777
Riverside convenience, sumptuous and serene. The brash seven-story European-style hotel seems incongruous in ancient Hoi An, but its riverside setting is faultless. All balconies at the front are angled to ensure maximum river views. Standard rooms are undersized; better are the Royal Deluxe, which feature walk-through luggage areas, dark wooden flooring, elegant desk and curved sofa facing the balcony – even the bathtub has fine views of the river below. Suites are even more opulent. The courtyard pool features Mediterranean tile work and lounge chairs that seem to float in the shallow end – it’s probably the most delightful anywhere in Hoi An or even nearby Danang. There’s a rooftop pool, as well. With an edge-of-the-city feel, the Royal Hoi An is squeezed between two quiet streets only a three-minute walk from the Old Town.

Notes on Royal Hoi An

• Bright yellow 7-level block, 1920s Colonial-ish style, lined with with railed balconies.
• Run by Sofitel M Gallery, so it’s sumptuous and super-elegant; probably the best upmarket hotel within a stroll of the Old Town. Entrance from two streets, but mostly Nguyen Du street.
• All front-facing rooms are angled to get river views.
• Stylish corridors with tiled mosaics and old prints.
• Has an –edge-of-the-city feel, but it’s not isolated at all, only 2 minutes walk from edge of Old Town Hoi An.
• Quite probably the nicest pool in Hoi An and Da Nang: stunning and elegant tile mosaics, plenty of lounge chairs, with several seeming to float in shallow end; adjacent to the breakfast and cafe area, and overlooked by guest rooms, so it’s not that private.
• A second pool is on the rooftop.
• 119 rooms, 5 types of rooms. Currently building another 69 rooms in a block next door in same style.
• Royal Deluxe Rooms – The mid-range of room types; walk through luggage area; dark wood flooring; elegant old-fashioned desk; photos of old Hoi An; curved sofa facing balcony and views; Oriental cushioned headboard; free-standing tub with views other places would be envious of; separate toilet and shower cubicles.
• Good location and pool for families, but there’s an older couples feel about the place.
• Bottom Line: Best upmarket hotel within walking distance of the Old Town; sumptuous but not opulent, most elegant pool in Hoi An, good views, top location, quiet but not isolated.

13. Thanh Binh Riverside Hotel

Hotel phone: +84 235 392 2923
Spacious, riverside, classy, and convenient. The riverfront grounds at this lovely hotel are surprisingly substantial. The Garden View Rooms should be renamed City View Rooms, and those with river views are more likely to overlook the pool unless on the top floors, but are quiet because they don’t face the streets. All rooms are bright, cheerful and contemporary, with tasteful art and thoughtful furnishings like lotus-shaped lampshades. Balconies are on the narrow side, but just wide enough to squeeze in a wicker sofa. The ground-floor riverside pool offers plenty of sunshine and shady palms, creating a pleasant tropical feel. Peacefully located along a virtual dead-end street, it’s only 100 meters from a bridge into the Old Town.

Notes on Thanh Binh

• Surprisingly large hotel block on 4 levels, facing the river, with no views of the Old Town.
• Quaint appeal and elegant design; terracotta tiles on sloping roofs, off-white exterior walls and dark wooden railings and door frames.
• Good location, on a quiet riverside street, only 2 minutes stroll from the edge of Old Town – 100m from the bridge.
• Riverside outdoor pool offers plenty of sun; large, plenty of palms and potted foliage to provide some shade and tropical feel.
• Garden View Rooms don’t face the river – they would far more correctly be called city view. Even River View rooms are more views of the pool than the river unless they are situated on higher floors.
• Garden View Rooms – Spacious, with bright and tasteful art; some thoughtful furnishings like lotus-shaped lampshade; long, dark wooden desk, rooms for 2 chairs; overall contemporary design; faces noisy-ish road; commonly-found window between bathroom and bedroom.
• River View Rooms – These are quieter as they don’t face the street; larger and nicer than the Garden View; spacious enough for 2 double beds; narrow balcony squeezes in a small wicker sofa.
• Families will appreciate the good pool and quiet location, and some rooms are large enough for an extra single bed.
• Bottom Line: Good location; decent pool; spacious rooms; meters from the bridge and Old Town.

14. Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa

Hotel phone: +84 235 392 7040
Family friendly beachfront resort with Oriental design. The Victoria faces the riverside road and backs on to a rocky shoreline at Cau Dai beach, about six kilometers from Hoi An by taxi. It’s beautifully presented, with a pagoda-style entrance, swinging lanterns along a village-like path, and gardens of fish ponds and lilies. All rooms are in low-level blocks, with some semi-detached and others offering genuine ocean views. Garden View Rooms have a gorgeous bathroom with spa, and wide floor-to-ceiling windows facing extensive palm-fringed lawns – some even offer glimpses of the sea. The splendid square pool is lined with perfect palms, and a broad sandy bay to the side is shared with several other resorts. It caters moderately well for families, with a playground, games room, tennis courts and water-sports counter.

Notes on Victoria Hoi An Resort

• Interesting pagoda-style entrance up steps; swinging lanterns along a stone street, flanked by bowls of bougainvillea, reminiscent of a little village; ponds of fish and lilies; spacious gardens.
• Squeezed in a very long block between the road which parallels the river and the beach; alongside the sea, but not beach-facing.
• Attractive pale yellow and teal color scheme in the lobby, and Hoi An and Chinese style elsewhere.
• All rooms are in 1 or 2 level blocks, some semi-detached an single level
• Good location on Cau Dai beach, near the main road to Hoi An; there are a few shops and cafes along the road to Hoi An, and beachside cafes a few minutes south down the beach.
• The private beach at the end of the hotel grounds is wide, wavy and white, but seems shared by other hotels.
• A lovely square pool sits parallel to the coast, with lounge chairs and palm trees, on a strip of grass facing the sea (but no sand).
• Garden View Rooms – Views of the garden and pool, and some decent ones of the sea (other hotels would call this a sea view room); tasteful decor; large sofa; interesting art; polished floorboards; long desk; huge floor-to-ceiling windows to a large balcony overlooking immaculate palm-fringed lawns; gorgeous bathroom seems more spacious with floor-to-ceiling window and with spa; separate toilet cubicle.
• Japanese- or Colonial-themed suites face the sea, with Jacuzzi and outdoor shower.
• The pools and beach are great for families, and there is a modest playground and games room, water sports kiosk, sports like petanque, badminton, tai chi, and 2 tennis courts.
• Bottom Line: A lovely and elegant beachside resort, close enough to Hoi An.

15. Vinh Hung Emerald Resort

Hotel phone: +84 235 393 4999
Compact and riverside, with a village feel, but a little distant. One in a chain of similarly-named hotels around the city, this one faces the impressive Thu Bon River, rather than the stagnant offshoot in central Hoi An. It’s a typical beach-style resort that focuses more on affordability and functionality than design and style, with blocks of rooms alongside the pool, pond or gardens, but not overlooking the river. The standard rooms are a little dark and would be noisy if near the lobby or pool, but are stylish enough inside and feature pool-facing balconies. The pool is decent-sized, well-shaded, and leads down to the river. Situated among backstreets with a village vibe, it does feel removed from the Old Town, though it’s still within walking distance, with ample cafés and shops nearby.

Notes on Vinh Hung Emerald

• One of 5 Vinh Hung resorts/hotels in the Hoi An area; this is closest to the Old Town and faces the Thu Bon River, far more impressive than the Hoia.
• A classic beach resort set-up, but alongside the river; feels removed and a bit isolated from the Old Town, but still walkable to Old Town in minutes.
• Rooms are in attractive two-level block of brown and white, facing a pond, the pool, or patches of tropical garden.
• Located in the back streets, so it has a genuine village feel.
• A decent enough pool, with plenty of shade.
• Standard Rooms – A little dark and would be noisy if near the lobby or pool; stylish enough inside with desk, photos of Old Hoi An on the walls. All have balconies overlooking the gardens/pool, none are angled towards the river; balconies do face other balconies perhaps 30m away but with some palm trees in between.
• Families will enjoy the space and gardens, and kids would like the river setting. It is functional and affordable – another family plus.
• Bottom Line: Compact and functional; like a motel-style beach resort, emphasis more on location than facilities or luxury; affordable, good location for Old Town and river.

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• Best Hotels for Families in Hoi An