Hotel Royal Hoi An - Gallery

Hotel Royal Hoi An - Gallery: A Comprehensive Review of a Michelin Key Selected Property

Hotel Royal Hoi An - Gallery, a distinguished Michelin Key Selected property, offers a luxurious and tranquil retreat on the banks of the Thu Bon River, perfectly blending Vietnamese elegance with exceptional service. Guests consistently praise its prime location, sophisticated design, and outstanding hospitality, making it a top choice for travelers seeking a refined experience in Hoi An.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Hotel Royal Hoi An - Gallery is overwhelmingly positive, with an impressive overall score of 9.5 out of 10 from verified guests. It is frequently described as a luxurious, elegant, and tranquil hotel that provides exceptional comfort and a memorable stay. The hotel is celebrated for its commitment to quality and is seen as an established gem near the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently highlight several standout features:

• Superb Location: Positioned right on the edge of Hoi An's Ancient Town, offering easy walking access to historical sites, restaurants, and bars, yet far enough to ensure peace and quiet.
• Exceptional Service: The staff receives stellar ratings for being incredibly friendly, professional, helpful, and attentive, with many speaking good English.
• Stunning Design & Architecture: The hotel's architecture and design are inspired by a local love story, featuring two distinct wings – one Japanese-style with rich dark wood and glowing lanterns, and the other more traditionally Vietnamese with lavish drapery and an Art Nouveau-inspired pool. The interiors are bright, combining classic furnishings with bold color choices.
• Rooftop Pool & Bar: The Deck Bar, located on the rooftop, is the highest in Hoi An, offering spectacular panoramic views of the Ancient Town and the Thu Bon River, especially at sunset.
• Excellent Dining: The breakfast buffet receives high praise for its variety and quality.

3. Room Quality

The rooms and suites at Hotel Royal Hoi An - Gallery are designed for comfort and elegance. They are generally spacious, with lead-in rooms starting at a generous 40sqm. Many rooms boast regal features such as four-poster beds, silk brocade pillows, velvet sofas, and freestanding bathtubs. High-tech comforts are also subtly integrated. Guests particularly appreciate rooms with balconies that offer fantastic views overlooking the Thu Bon River. Ample storage space is a common positive mention, allowing guests to truly settle in. There are two distinct building styles: an older section with a black and red theme and a newer one with a lighter, more modern aesthetic.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel offers a delightful culinary experience:

• Faifo Cafe: This is the main restaurant, serving a generous daily breakfast buffet with a wide selection of local Vietnamese dishes (like pho and steamed rice rolls), international favorites, and made-to-order stations for eggs and other treats. It can be quite busy during breakfast hours. For lunch and dinner, Faifo Cafe provides a curated à la carte menu of Vietnamese, fusion, and international specialties that are described as tasty, well-presented, and reasonably priced.
• Wakaku Restaurant: Named in honor of Princess Ngọc Hoa, this restaurant offers a serene and intimate dining experience with meticulously crafted, refined Japanese cuisine.
• The Deck Bar: As Hoi An's highest rooftop bar, it offers a selection of delectable tapas alongside an extensive beverage menu, perfect for enjoying the panoramic views.
• Room Service: Available for those who prefer to dine in the comfort of their room or on their balcony.
• Executive Lounge: Guests in Royal Deluxe, Deluxe Suites, and 2-Bedroom Suites may have access to an Executive Lounge offering breakfast, self-service refreshments, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails and canapes.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Hotel Royal Hoi An - Gallery is consistently rated as exceptional. Staff members are repeatedly described as very helpful, attentive, friendly, and professional. They are known for their ability to manage guest queries and complaints efficiently and for providing a warm and inviting atmosphere. Many staff members are proficient in English, which guests appreciate.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel boasts a "spot-on" location right on the edge of Hoi An's Ancient Town, approximately a 10-minute walk from the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This proximity allows easy exploration of main historical sites, coffee shops, and the Thu Bon River. While close to the action, it is far enough removed to offer a peaceful environment away from the noisy evening bars and restaurants.

• Airport Transfer: Da Nang airport is about a 45-minute drive away, and the hotel can arrange private transfers for guests.
• Local Exploration: Complimentary bicycles are available for guests to explore the area. Taxis are also readily available and inexpensive.

7. Value & Pricing

Hotel Royal Hoi An - Gallery offers exceptional value for a luxury stay, despite being a higher-end option compared to the average hotel prices in Hoi An (which typically range from $51-$75). Guests feel that every dollar spent translates into an unforgettable experience, making it a worthwhile investment for a refined and comfortable visit to Hoi An. The hotel's facilities and services contribute to a strong value for money rating of 9.3 out of 10.

8. Common Complaints

While largely positive, a few recurring criticisms have been noted:

• Internet and Coffee Quality: Some guests have found the internet to be weak and the coffee at breakfast to be a bit weak.
• Noise Levels: Rooms facing the main road can experience traffic noise. Additionally, some rooms have been reported to have poor sound insulation, leading to audible noise from rooftop pool filters during the day and conversations or music from the corridors in the evenings.

Sources

1. agoda.com
2. thirdpassport.com
3. booking.com
4. conversanttraveller.com
5. michelin.com
6. rustycompass.com
7. hotelroyalhoian.vn
8. hotelroyalhoian.vn
9. headforpoints.com
10. youtube.com