Hoi An harbors Vietnam’s artistic flair. It is considered as a tiny haven between the Thu Bon River and relaxing beaches. Unlike numerous other cities in Vietnam, Hoi An is thought to be relatively untouched by the modern age, in part because its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are only a handful of hotels which complement this detail without overshadowing it. The Hotel Royal Hoi An is not only located just by the river’s edge, it encompasses the historic element which makes Hoi An so notable. From thoughtfully planned out activities to intuitive decor and exquisite dining options, this hotel manages to oversee just about everything.  

Only a few minutes away from the ancient town of Hoi An and bordering the Thu Bon River, Hotel Royal Hoi An is perfectly situated to make the most of a Vietnamese itinerary. The hotel is part of the MGallery collection by Accor Hotels. This particular collection features boutique hotels which each represent their own unique stories related to where they are located around the world. This is paired with spotlighting the original designs of these hotels, a detail which the Royal Hoi An resonates with. It also not only has an array of elegant dining options, curated workshops and jaw-dropping views, it is situated in a peak area to ensure that guests can venture out to visit all the incredible sights in and around Hoi An.  

Hotel Royal Hoi An captivates guests with its elegant facades, accompanied by the sophisticated love story which envelopes the historic building. It goes a little like this: Centuries ago, Princess Ngoc Hoa fell in love with a Japanese merchant, Sotaro Araki. She was a member of the native Hue royal family whilst he was just passing by as a tradesman. After their marriage, they decided to go back to Nagasaki where the princess, whose Japanese name was Wakaku, was fully accepted by the family and locals. It is believed that this marriage was the first ever between a Vietnamese and a foreigner. This historical cross-road is elegantly established between the hotel’s two main wings: Sotaro and Wakaku. 

The thoughtful designs evoke both Vietnamese and Japanese cultures. Walking through the corridors of the Sotaro side of the hotel, guests can only wonder what their room will look like. A traditional layout generally includes white walls, a simple bed, a clean and large bathroom — maybe a balcony? Hotel Royal Hoi An does it a little differently, with a bit more aristocratic elegance. A long and dark wooden floor extends throughout the space. All the facilities are in this one large open space; from the bathroom to the bed and seating area. It is designed with an ode to intimacy. For example, the bathroom area can be separated by a thick curtain which envelops all around the perimeter. A part from that, the room can be fully classified as an open-planned space. 

The Sotaro rooms are dark, accentuated with red details such as the couch and paintings on the walls. The bed frame and carpet showcase Japanese stencil patterns, reminiscing on the cultural significance which Hotel Royal Hoi An gives to the historical love story. Instead of lamps there are lanterns which add to the authenticity of the decor. 

On the other side of the hotel is the Wakaku wing. Exactly the same layout, but a completely different dimension. The light walls and blue accents give the space a more vibrant and innocent feeling. The ceiling is curved on the sides, giving guests the impression of entering a jewelry box rather than a traditional hotel room. The romantic views are made even better by the spacious and private balcony which overlooks the river.

In such a large hotel, where there are spa facilities, a fitness center and a semi-infinity pool on the upper roof, it is no surprise that the food choices are exceptional. From the Faifo Cafe to the Wakaku Restaurant and Executive Lounge, there is just about every type of cuisine. One particularly gourmet take on cocktail finger food are their Vietnamese-inspired tapas which they serve in their rooftop bar, the Deck. Before getting into the exquisite tapas choices, let’s take a quick detour to explore their cocktails and luxurious setting.

Capable of seating sixty guests, the Deck is not only spacious, but it is also the highest rooftop bar in Hoi An. It overlooks the ancient town, is a perfect spot to spy on the lanterns floating down the neighboring river during the evening and the Danang skyline is just on the horizon. It is also where the swimming pool is; not a bad place to take a dip. From cosy outdoor furniture to Parisian-style stools by the view-front area, it is a comfortable space to accomplish many activities. Whether that is lounging all day by the pool or indulging in an aperitif before dinner, the rooftop bar can be enjoyed at any time. 

The cocktails are the type which take you through a rollercoaster of flavors. At first, guests can expect a fragrant smell, which is quickly accompanied by a burst of aromas and finishes with a welcoming aftertaste. Differing from traditional cocktails, the Deck presents an array of ombre-flavored drinks which adds another layer to the overall experience. As guests take in the serene views from all different directions, a variety of tapas are placed beside the — let’s face it — almost-finished cocktails. These dishes vary from marinated grilled shrimp to beef strips with a tangy side salad. The flavor pairings are unbeatable, as are the accompanying sauces and garnishes. For such small plates, it is a wonder how the chef manages to incorporate such bold flavors. 

The food isn’t the only detail which the hotel takes pride in. They have a rich list of activities waiting for the luxury adventurer. Hoi An is famous for their workshops; lantern-making, cooking classes, creating leather accessories and other creative activities. Just like other parts of Vietnam, it may seem a little intimidating trying to choose who to go to for the best experience. That is why Hotel Royal Hoi An organizes these workshops within its opulent walls, alleviating the tedious task from guests. 

These workshops include the infamous lantern-making spectacle which must be done when visiting Hoi An. Next is the art mask painting class, an affair synonymous with authentic craftsmanship. It particularly encompasses the heritage and cultural aspects of this ancient town. Additionally guests can paint fans, cook traditional dishes in a professional kitchen and learn to brew Vietnam’s renowned coffee. 

Its history, culturally-significant attributes, array of food specialties and list of tradition-oriented workshops make the Hotel Royal Hoi An the jack of all trades. In such a historic city, it is only fitting that the hotel embraces the story-telling element of its architecture and decor, providing guests with the perfect setting for a romantic getaway. The balance between luxury< relaxation and adventurous travel is demonstrated flawlessly at the Hotel Royal Hoi An.