Life Resort

Masses of charm and a pool with a view at this riverside hotel in dreamy Hoi An

This extremely comfortable hotel stands on the banks of the River Thu Bon and does much to encourage a certain laziness, but resist the urge and you'll discover one of Vietnam’s cultural hot spots. You get two World Heritage Sites for the price of one: enchanting Hoi An with its super old town, and nearby My Son, where spectacular temples adorn a lush valley. If you want a cultural stopover between the big cities, this is one to grab.

As for Life Resort, you couldn’t hope for a better base. It comes in colonial style with open walkways, while tropical gardens flank the river. There’s a pool with loungers, a garden bar, an English pub, a spa for massages, a first-floor restaurant and an irresistible patisserie café with river views from the terrace. Delightful rooms are very well priced. All have shaded terraces to the front. Some are big, others bigger, most overlook garden or pool and quite a few have river views too. There’s peace at night, but you’re close to the old town and a shuttle bus potters to the beach twice a day. A very friendly place.

Highs

• Big comfy rooms have attractive prices and give you more than most
• Hoi An is the real star, a great place to spend 2-3 days
• You’ve got a pool with a view set in manicured grounds
• The feel here is smart yet relaxed, making it a lovely place to linger

Lows

• As of March 2011, building work is being carried out on the opposite side of the river from the hotel, and there is subsequent noise from 8.30am-6.30pm
• The hotel is laid out over 3 floors, but there’s no lift
• Sunken baths in the Suites take quite a time to fill
• Like many Vietnamese hotels, food isn’t the strongest suit