Salamander Hotel and Apartment

The people were warm and the location was perfect, close to the beach but away from the crowded stretch. The apartments had good space and the internet was okay, with a few minor issues. Cleaning could have been a little more detailed, but it was fine for me. There’s construction at the side of the building, with work going on every day. It wasn’t a big deal during my almost 15-day stay, though it could get a bit noisy sometimes. That’s not Salamander’s fault, but it’s good to know. I’d recommend the place and would definitely come back : )

I’m posting this here because they changed or cancelled my booking, so I can’t leave a review on the booking site. I’ve included the conversation for context. The room was in awful shape: ants everywhere, lots of mold in the air conditioner that somehow made the room feel humid, and big cockroaches falling out of the ceiling vent. I stayed only two nights. They offered a discount, but I’d have been happier if they’d kept the room clean and been honest. They’d told me they accepted credit cards so I’d keep the reservation, but when I arrived they wanted cash. First they said there’d be a 10 percent card fee, even though it’s usually 3-4%. When I insisted on paying by card as agreed, the receptionist said the reader wasn’t working. Honestly, the lie was embarrassing. 🙄

Roosters may wake you early if you’re a light sleeper, haha. Otherwise, it’s a solid low-cost stay. The bed was comfortable, the air conditioner worked well, the water was hot, and it was nice to have a safe in the room. The owner was kind and patient while explaining the policies and the parts of booking.com I didn’t understand. It’s a very nice family running the place, and I’d recommend it if you want somewhere dependable at an affordable price.

This could work if you want to experience Vietnamese culture, downsides included, but I wouldn’t choose it for a restful holiday or work stay. It seems like the family has taken on more than they can manage. The mother runs everything while the father doesn’t seem very involved, and the family, including their children, basically lives in the reception area. The rooms feel dated, and the cleaning was only superficial. I also had ants all over my room.