Golden Sand Resort & Spa Hoi An

Golden Sand Resort & Spa Hoi An has all the bells and whistles of a luxury beachfront resort. The lobby is big and beautiful, with granite floors, huge wooden ceilings with terra-cotta tiles, and marble-like and wood pillars. Dark wood furniture, ornate latticework screens, and big inverted conical ceiling lamps are elegant touches. The space’s open design brings the outdoors in, revealing gorgeous views of the pool and the sea. The rest of the common areas also make the most of the hotel’s oceanfront location, with large windows looking out to the grounds, and decks oriented towards the sea. The grounds are particularly beautiful at the Golden Sands, with rope hammocks tied between some of the hotel’s 320-plus palm trees, and lots of shaded nooks to relax. This peaceful setting ties in well with the hotel’s quiet atmosphere. Although there are a few amenities for kids and most guests here are families, the size of the property makes it easy for guests seeking some peace and quiet to find a serene spot. Even the pool -- which the hotel claims is the longest in Vietnam -- has areas for quiet relaxation and more action, with some pop music by the pool bar, and just the sound of waves on the other end. 

Although the hotel was built in 2005, the extensive renovations of 2015 have kept the property looking fresh and modern -- but some may feel that the local charm has been lost to a design-oriented style. Traditional Hoi An lanterns decorate restaurants and bars, and dark wood finishes are nods to the hotel’s location, but the focus is more on style than on local character. Travelers seeking an upscale property with more traditional Vietnamese touches may want to consider the neighboring Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa, which has similar rates but a smaller pool. Couples looking for something a tad more luxurious may want to compare rates at the hotel’s other neighbor, the Sunrise Hoi An Beach Resort. Almanity Hoi An is a great pick for those wanting to stay closer to the Ancient Town: It is equally stylish, cheaper, and within walking distance of the city center. 

Golden Sand Resort & Spa Hoi An is located right on the coastal road connecting Hoi An and Da Nang. The back of the property abuts a long beach that has been partly damaged by erosion, but the hotel also offers direct access to two other beaches, both shared with neighboring resorts. There are a few local restaurants within a few minutes of the hotel, but little else of general interest an be found within walking distance. The gorgeous Ancient Town of Hoi An -- home to dozens of historic sights, excellent restaurants, charming shops, and hundreds of tailors -- is just a 15-minute drive away, and the hotel offers free shuttle service to the city center several times per day. An Bang Beach, known for its hip oceanfront restaurants and great swimming, is less than 10 minutes away by car. The stunning Marble Mountains can be reached in about 25 minutes, and Danang International Airport is about a 40-minute drive away. Airport transfer services can be booked for a fee at reception. 

The hotel has 212 rooms, ranging from 420-square-foot standard Premier Rooms to 2,045-square-foot villas with private heated pools and spacious living areas. All are decorated in a contemporary style that combines local dark wood with beige hues to create stylish if somewhat generic spaces. Large black-and-white photos of traditional Hoi An scenes add style in some rooms. The overall feel is elegant and upscale, but some may find decor lacking in local charm. All rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs with international channels, lightly stocked minibars, and electric kettles with free tea and coffee. Balconies and patios are furnished with a table and two chairs, and look out over the gardens or the sea. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.

Other than floor space, the main difference between room types is the size and style of bathrooms. All are contemporary and clean, with beige tiles and dark wood vanities and mirror frames. But while Premier Rooms have shower/tub combos, all other room categories have separate rain showers and soaking tubs, some placed by big windows overlooking the room. Beachfront Suites have an additional half bath. 

The hotel is known in the area for its pretty, 150-meter (492-foot) long pool, running parallel to one of the hotel’s three beaches and featuring two cute bridges and plenty of loungers. There is one kiddy pool on either side of the main pool -- including one with slides and water features -- and dozens of palm trees provide some shade. There is a bar with drinks, music, and a few small bites, and waiters go around the pool taking orders. The Art House is the hotel’s main restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a big dining room with huge windows overlooking the pool and the beach. Food used to get poor reviews, but the resort hired a new chef in March 2017 and the quality and taste seems to have improved since. The Boathouse serves seafood by the ocean for lunch and dinner, and there is also 24-hour room service. The lobby bar offers hot and cold drinks, along with snacks, small bites, and desserts. 

The spa is small but lovely and upscale, with a fresh ginger scent throughout, relaxing music, and dim lighting. It has nine rooms (including some for couples’ treatments) as well as a whirlpool, a sauna, and a steam room that guests can use after their massage free of charge. Guests not buying a treatment can also use the spa facilities for an extra charge. The fitness center is pleasant and well-equipped, with wooden floors and modern cardio and strength-training machines placed along glass walls offering views of the pool and the beach. There are also two tennis courts that guests can book free of charge, but there is a fee for flood lights and loaner equipment. The kids’ club offers an array of daily indoor and outdoor activities for children of all ages for a fee.