Calm House Hotel Hoi An

It’s easy for Grab drivers to reach this homestay from around town, and the setting itself is quiet, with no traffic bothering you. The staff were friendly and ready to help whenever we needed something. Lee, the owner, deserves a mention too: very open to a chat and happy to share free tips about places to visit, eat, and things to do.

The breakfast was delicious, and they even offer laundry for a small fee. Our rooms were clean and roomy, with everything we needed close by. The team was lovely and welcoming, and communication was great. They also shared lots of good food recommendations. Such a good stay, thanks again!

The room’s river view from the top floor was incredible, all water, greenery, and even buffalo. I loved the solid, traditional wooden furniture, and the reception was warm and helpful throughout. The lobby is beautiful and really suits the name Calm House. Taking your shoes off at the entrance felt special to me as someone from Croatia, though I don’t know whether that’s usual in Vietnam. The location is fairly close to the center, and would be ideal if you rent a motorbike. There are some care and comfort issues. The headboard had stains, the bathroom needed new silicone, and the place could use a deep clean. The bare wooden balcony railing hasn’t been coated against the weather. There’s no lift, which is understandable in a three-story building, but hauling bags on the stairs isn’t fun. The owner did carry our biggest bag up, which I appreciated. Sound insulation is poor: I could hear other guests talking as if they were in my room, though luckily our neighbor was alone and quiet. The main reason for my one-star rating is the AC. I became ill on my second day and believe it may have been because the unit hadn’t been cleaned, something I’ve unfortunately experienced before in Asia. When I opened it, the filters were clogged with thick, compacted dust and lint, looking like 12 or more months of buildup, not just a thin layer. The manufacturer recommends cleaning them every two weeks, so I don’t understand how this gets missed when rooms are cleaned daily. It’s a serious health concern, especially when you’re traveling with flights booked.

The view was amazing, and the receptionist at the front desk was lovely and helpful. The location was okay, with restaurants just a few minutes away on foot. But the pool wasn’t nice. If having a good pool is your main reason for staying, I’d pick somewhere else.