When planning my first trip to Hoi An, I didn’t realize how much the hotel choice could affect the whole experience. Whether you’re after peace by the river, seaside breezes, or the charm of the old town, knowing how to book a hotel in Hoi An makes all the difference.
Booking a place isn’t just about finding a bed for the night, it’s about picking the right vibe for your adventure. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how I choose hotels, what to check before booking, and some hidden gems worth noting.
How to Book a Hotel in Hoi An Ancient Town
When I book a hotel, I always start with the purpose of my trip. Am I looking to relax, work, or explore? Understanding this helps narrow down the options.
- Define your purpose. If you’re visiting for leisure, look for a resort with pools or spas. For work trips, I prefer hotels with strong Wi-Fi and quiet surroundings.
- Compare platforms. I often check prices on Booking.com, Agoda, and the hotel’s official website. Sometimes booking directly gives extra perks like free breakfast.
- Book at the right time. For holidays or summer trips, booking one or two months in advance usually guarantees better rates and availability.
- Check hidden fees. Before confirming, review taxes and service charges. Some hotels look cheap online but add costs at checkout.
- Verify your reservation. I always double-check my booking email for details like check-in time, cancellation policy, and included services.
Choosing the Right Hotel Based on Your Travel Purpose
Your travel style says a lot about the kind of room you’ll enjoy most.
- Solo travelers or couples: I once stayed at a small riverside resort with a private balcony and bathtub — the perfect quiet corner for a romantic escape.
- Families with kids: Spacious rooms, family suites, and kids’ clubs matter most. Play areas and on-site restaurants make life easier.
- Groups of friends: I recommend hotels near the Ancient Town, where you can rent bikes or motorbikes easily. Dorm-style or twin rooms are budget-friendly.
- Business trips: I look for executive rooms with a desk, stable Wi-Fi, and access to meeting rooms.
- Honeymoons or anniversaries: Boutique resorts along Cua Dai Beach or An Bang Beach often offer room decoration and private dinners by the sea.
Deciding Your Accommodation Budget
I like to divide hotels into three categories depending on the budget.
- Budget-friendly: Homestays or 2–3 star hotels near the Ancient Town. Basic amenities like air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and clean rooms — perfect for solo travelers or backpackers.
- Mid-range: Boutique hotels or 3–4 star resorts. Many have pools, restaurants, and free bikes. I find these ideal for small families or groups of friends.
- Luxury stays: 5-star resorts like Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery offer premium facilities — spa, rooftop bars, and even personal butlers. They’re great for special occasions or honeymoons.
Tip: Always compare the room photos with guest-uploaded images on review platforms. It’s the best way to spot any surprises.
Where to Stay in Hoi An: Best Areas and Experiences
Each part of Hoi An offers a different experience. Here’s what I’ve learned:
- Hoi An Ancient Town: Perfect for travelers who love walking to cafés, temples, and night markets. You’ll feel the rhythm of local life here.
- Cua Dai Beach & An Bang Beach: Great for sun-seekers. When I stayed near An Bang, I enjoyed calm mornings, fresh seafood, and sea views that never got old.
- Thu Bon River or Countryside: For those who prefer peace and authenticity, countryside lodgings in places like Tra Que Village offer a rustic charm.
If you want a broader look at planning your trip, check out this helpful first-time visitor’s guide to Hoi An.
Essential Amenities and Services to Look For
Whenever I pick a hotel, I always check these essentials first:
- Comfort: A soft bed, working air conditioning, and strong Wi-Fi.
- Convenience: Breakfast, 24-hour reception, airport transfers, and laundry service.
- Leisure: A swimming pool, Woosah Spa, gym, or rooftop bar like The Deck.
- Family needs: Babysitting, connecting rooms, or kids’ areas.
I personally like staying in places that offer bike rentals — nothing beats cycling through rice fields at sunset.
Understanding Hotel Policies Before Booking
Policies might sound boring, but they save a lot of headaches. Always check:
- Most hotels have fixed check-in and check-out times, so it’s a good idea to check these in advance. If you plan to arrive early, you can email the hotel beforehand to request an early check-in.
- Make sure the booking offers free cancellation, because travel plans can change unexpectedly and flexible options save a lot of stress.
- Always review any extra charges, including policies for children, pets, or additional guests, they can affect your total cost.
- Lastly, confirm the payment method. Some hotels only accept cash upon arrival, while others allow credit card or online payment.
Once, I booked a place that didn’t allow free cancellation, and my travel dates changed – lesson learned!
How to Check Hotel Reviews and Reputation
Before paying, I always spend time reading real reviews. Here’s how I do it:
- Use Booking.com, Agoda, and Google Maps.
- Look for 4-star ratings or 8/10 and above.
- Focus on recent feedback within the past six months.
- Pay attention to mentions of cleanliness, staff attitude, and Wi-Fi quality.
If reviews mention “matches the pictures,” that’s usually a green flag.
Booking Tips During Peak Travel Seasons
Hoi An gets busy during summer and holidays, so plan ahead.
- Book early: One or two months in advance gives you better rates.
- Hunt for deals: Platforms like Traveloka and Agoda often run flash sales.
- Sign up for newsletters: They’ll send you promo codes for discounts.
- Contact hotels directly: Sometimes, they offer packages not listed elsewhere.
- Check refund terms: Make sure your reservation allows changes or cancellations.
When I visited during Tet Holiday, rooms in Ancient Town sold out fast. Pre-booking saved my trip.
Top Hotel Recommendation
If you’re looking for the best places to stay in Hoi An, here are my top picks, carefully selected based on location, comfort, and unique experiences.
1. Hoian Central Hotel: Located on the eastern edge of the Old Town, this three-star hotel offers cozy rooms and easy access to local cafés, shops, and attractions. I stayed here once and loved being just a short walk from the lantern-lit streets.
- Address: 301 Nguyen Duy Hieu Street, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An
2. Little Riverside Hoi An – A Luxury Hotel & Spa: This five-star hotel sits in a quieter area along the Thu Bon River. I enjoyed sipping coffee on the balcony while watching the boats pass by. It’s perfect for couples or anyone seeking a peaceful riverside retreat.
- Address: 09 Phan Boi Chau Street, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An
3. Linh Seaside Villa: Just steps from the sand, this villa is ideal for beach lovers. Spacious rooms and tropical vibes make it my go-to choice when I want sun, sea, and relaxation in An Bang Beach.
- Address: An Bang Beach, Cam An Ward, Hoi An
4. AIRA Boutique Hoi An Hotel & Villa: A stylish boutique hotel offering elegant rooms and personalized service. I remember enjoying the quiet mornings by the pool here, a perfect escape from the town’s hustle.
- Address: An Bang Beach, Cam An Ward, Hoi An
5. Ngo House Villa: Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood near the Old Town, this villa combines comfort with privacy. The spacious rooms and attentive service made my stay truly memorable.
- Address: 99 Nguyen Phuc Tan, Cam Pho Ward, Hoi An
I hope this post can help you find easily when finding accommodation in this old town.