Riverside Oasis Villa

The Riverside Oasis Villa looks more like a private home than a hotel with its tiny cobblestone patio packed with bicycles, motorbikes, plants potted in plastic bottles, and its small main building. The small, airy lobby is simple but pleasant, with big doors that are kept open to let the breeze in, a few wooden benches, a shelf with a handful of books, and a traditional, brightly lit golden temple with food and flower offerings. Down a few steps is the restaurant, complete with a handful of tables and large doors opening onto the pool and the other building that houses the rest of the rooms. Off to one side is the hotel’s lovely garden, with a few tables, a couple of swings, and loungers placed along the river. The size of the hotel and the riverside location keep the atmosphere peaceful and relaxing. During the day most guests borrow bikes to ride into town or to the beach, then return to the hotel to take a dip in the pool or relax with a book in the garden. The hotel has triple rooms for families, but the tranquil vibe and low rates draw mostly young European and Canadian couples. 

The Riverside Oasis Villa is a great pick for budget-conscious travelers, but those seeking a hotel with a few more on-site amenities may want to consider the Muca Hoi An Boutique Resort, which has similar rates and features a small spa, yoga classes (for a fee), and free shuttle service to the Ancient Town and An Bang Beach. Hai Au Hotel is a good option for travelers looking to stay closer to the city center. The hotel is within walking distance of central Hoi An, rooms are spacious and clean, and the free breakfast gets great reviews. La Residencia Hoi An Luxury Boutique Hotel is a more stylish and upscale pick for travelers with a slightly bigger budget. 

The front of the Riverside Oasis Villa is right on a street that connects the neighborhood to the road that leads to the city center and the beach area. The bridge on the corner of the street is busy during the day, but the back of the property overlooks a tranquil river and noise is generally not an issue on hotel grounds. Though it's not within easy walking distance of any major attractions, this location is convenient for those seeking to stay away from the hustle and bustle of the Ancient Town. There are a few local (and inexpensive) restaurants and a handful of tailors within a few minutes of the hotel, but the city center, located a five-minute drive (or 20-minute bike ride) away, offers a wider array of dining and shopping options. The hotel has a number of bicycles that guests can borrow free of charge to explore the area. An Bang Beach, lined with hip beachfront cafes and restaurants, is 15 minutes away by car. The famous Marble Mountains are a 30-minute drive away. Danang International Airport can be reached in about 45 minutes.

The hotel’s 10 rooms are simple but clean and well-maintained, with polished parquet floors, matching wooden furniture, and off-white walls. Small black-and-white photographs of Hoi An scenes on the walls are a cute touch. Big windows open to small balconies furnished with two chairs and a table, and offer either pool or garden and river views. Reading lights make rooms feel cozy at night. Twin or double beds are topped with light duvets, crisp white linens, and matching silk-like throw pillows and bed runners in burgundy and golden hues. Rooms are equipped with individual air-conditioning units, flat-screen TVs with international channels, minibars, and electronic safes. Extras such as umbrellas, free bottled water, and electric kettles with loose leaf tea are also provided. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Natural stone bathrooms have spacious showers with rain showerheads and plastic curtains. Hairdryers and an array of toiletries (including cotton swabs, combs, and toothbrushes) are presented in all rooms. 

Features here are limited, but lovely. A small a la carte breakfast is served every morning free of charge in the restaurant, located down a few steps from the lobby. The spread includes eggs, bread, fresh fruit, juice, and coffee or tea, along with a couple of Vietnamese options. Guests can choose to have breakfast in the small dining room, which opens directly to the pool, or in the garden overlooking the river. The restaurant offers traditional local cuisine for lunch and dinner, including Quang noodles, White Rose, cao lau, and wonton soup.

The pool is small but pleasant, with a skinny deck around it with just enough space for six loungers and a few umbrellas. There is no waiter service, but guests can get drinks and food at the restaurant, which is located right next to the pool. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Loaner bikes are on offer, however there is no shuttle service to town or the beach. Staff can book tours and airport transfers for a fee at the front desk.