Little Hoi An . A Boutique Hotel & Spa

Located across the river from the pedestrian area in Ancient Town, the Little Hoian Boutique Hotel & Spa reflects the charm of the old Hoi An. Even from the outside, the property evokes the era when the city was a major merchant port and a cultural melting pot, with red Chinese-style lanterns, a shaded patio with frangipani trees and lush tropical plants, heavy painted vases, and big folding doors made of dark woods with lattice details. Common spaces and rooms feature plenty of lovely, local details as well, including painted tiles throughout, heavy wooden furniture with traditional lines and delicate carvings, and dozens of lanterns. Bamboo cane chairs, velvet accents, and an earth-tone palette combine in the lobby create a subdued space with a strong Indochina influence that is also present in the restaurant, and even the hallways and stairs.

The hotel has all the amenities expected of a more upscale property -- a spa, gym, and pool -- but a bit more basic, which makes it a better pick for travelers looking to explore the town and come back to a pleasant, clean hotel than for those wanting to stay on-site all day. We arrived in the middle of the day and found the hotel quiet and empty. Guests, most of whom were Chinese and Australian couples, had left for the day, and would not return until the afternoon for a quick dip in the pool or a massage before heading back out to town for dinner.

While rates are reasonable for location, style, and on-site amenities, the hotel is in the price range of more upscale hotels in the area. Sister property La Residencia Hoi An Luxury Boutique Hotel is a tad more luxurious and sometimes a few dollars cheaper. Because of Little Hoian’s location and the layout around a central tiled staircase, noise in the rooms may be a problem -- light sleepers may want to compare rates at next-door neighbor Lantana Boutique Hotel Hoi An, which seems to have better room soundproofing, along with a bigger spa. The Royal Riverside Hoi An Hotel is a good alternative for travelers on a tighter budget, with similar rooms, sleek bathrooms, a covered pool, and a spa.

Little Hoian Boutique Hotel & Spa is located on a small island across the river from the heart of the Ancient Town. There are plenty of restaurants within a couple of blocks of the hotel, and many more, along with tons of charming shops and renowned tailors, can be found right on the other side of the tiny, 150-foot-long bridge. The popular night market is just down the street from the hotel, and all major historic attractions can be reached on foot as well, including the Japanese Bridge, which is about five minutes from the hotel. The Museum of Trade Ceramics and all of the Old Houses are within a 15-minute walk of the hotel, and there is free shuttle service to An Bang Beach several times per day from the property. The stunning Marble Mountains can be reached in about half an hour by car, while Danang International Airport is a 45-minute drive away.

The hotel’s 30 rooms are divided into only two categories, Little Deluxe and Suites, and spread over three floors. All are decked out in the same lovely style that combines traditional touches such as painted floor tiles, ceiling fans, dark-wood furniture with Indochina-inspired accents, and small lanterns, with all the desired modern perks, including flat-screen TVs with international channels, minibars, electric kettles, and air-conditioning. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, but there have been reports of spotty service in some areas. Antique-style rotary phones and big round clocks with vintage designs are cute touches that go well with the overall historic feel of the rooms. All rooms are exterior and have large windows that let in lots of light, and some have furnished balconies. Rooms in the back of the building overlook a construction site that, as of mid-2017, was full of rubble, but rooms in the front have pleasant river views. The hotel is just a block from many popular restaurants and bars, and noise can be a problem in the evening sometimes.

Double sliding doors open to clean, simple bathrooms decorated with modern white sinks over black granite counters and wooden vanities, lantern-style sconces, and black-and-white photos of Hoi An. Spacious walk-in rainfall showers have glass doors and copper taps with vintage lines, and toiletries are provided in big ceramic containers.

As is the norm in Vietnam, all room rates at the Little Hoian include breakfast. The buffet spread is varied and good, with fruit juices, plenty of local fresh fruit, homemade yogurt, a selection of small pastries, and several types of bread. Additionally, guests can choose from a range of hot options that include traditional Vietnamese and international dishes, such as pho and eggs. International cuisine is also available for lunch and dinner, both of which can be served in the main dining room, out on the riverfront patio, or in the room. 

The pool is outdoors but covered, which can be great for the rainy season but inconvenient for those looking to relax in the sun, as the deck is in the shade save for a few minutes every day. The air-conditioned fitness center is cute but basic, with four machines and a few free weights only. The spa has three rooms, one for couples and two private, and offers a decent range of body massages and salon services.