Doi Duong Hotel

There were still plenty of rooms when we visited over a long weekend, even though we hadn't booked ahead. My friend was pretty sure we'd find somewhere, and they were right. The rooms and bathrooms were clean and comfortable. There's a nice pool at the back, including a section for kids. Breakfast was a pretty good buffet, but go early, around 6-7 AM. Most Vietnamese guests eat early, and the good food may be gone if you arrive later.

We loved the place, though the late night noise might not suit every European. The fountain out front drowned out the sea, then the karaoke from the restaurant in the car park took over until midnight. The singers seemed to get better as they drank more beer, and right on midnight the volume went down. Our room was clean, with a great sea view from the balcony, and the staff were friendly. Most of the other guests were Vietnamese. The beach is nice for a walk at dawn.

I've been coming several times a year for over five years, so I know the hotel pretty well. The rooms are all right and so is the service, and I'd call it somewhere between two and three stars. I could happily give it three if the Vietnamese guests were a bit more considerate. There's a lot of shouting in the corridors, from children running around to people talking loudly as they come and go. Groups call to friends in other rooms across the hall, even after 10 PM. When I complain at reception, they're friendly and sympathetic, but nothing changes. In my experience, people here don't show much regard for others, whether in the hotel, on the road or in the street.

I've stayed at this hotel twice and have been happy each time. It's right by the beach, with only a road between them, and a room facing the water would make the stay even better. The rest was fine, though room service was quite slow. Once I called reception for a new bottle of shampoo, but it never arrived before I left.