Stayed in Huy Hoang River Hotel, Loved it.
We read through the reviews on Trip Advisor after booking it and was pretty shocked at the negative remarks, thus not expecting much out of our stay (made full payment via Agoda on a 'no cancelling' policy). Seeing the hotel and room, I am quite surprised as it is the complete opposite of all the negative reviews.
A few points to take note:
1. It is called "Huy Hoang RIVER Hotel" and not 'Mini'. The address is correct, hotel name is wrong. And knowing Vietnam, there might be more than one 'Huy Hoang' hotel.
2. So, before you read my review, I want to let you know that I stayed at 73, Phan Boi Chau St - which is Huy Hoang RIVER Hotel, and I have a feeling the reviewers who gave this place a "Terrible" or "Poor" rating stayed at a different hotel. [Can Tripadvisor amend the hotel name?] Their website is http://huyhoangriver.blogspot.com
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ROOM - We stayed here for two nights, very nice double room. Room was clean and toilet interior is the prettiest one we've had throughout our travels in Vietnam. On our last night, the air condition was leaking. The hotel staff did not fix it, merely put a towel beneath the window. Not a problem for us though as we were mostly out during the day and only back at night.
Room comes with complimentary breakfast. I can't rate it as we never ate in the hotel.
SERVICE - Staff at reception are friendly and helpful. Guests can rent bicycles (highly recommend that) for $1/day. We utilized that fully.
The staff reply to emails pretty quickly too as I emailed them before I left for Vietnam to inquire about transfers from Da Nang airport. Person who replied me was really helpful, and even advised me on cab rates.
LOCATION - PERFECT! Just next to the river and Cua Dam (?) bridge - cycle to the village across the river. Beautiful sights, not 'that' many tourists, quiet, and good exercise ;)
Walk out of the hotel and you will be greeted by ample of food stalls. Wet/dry market is just down the road, after that is a row of bars/cafes (Bia Hai @ 4,000VND - fresh beer). Less than 5 minutes walk from row of cobbler shops, and tailors are relatively close too.
Most importantly, FOOD - best Banh Mi we've had is just a stone's throw away from the hotel. And fresh fruit smoothies at the nearby market! I have had at least one, every meal, or stopped by walking to and from our hotel.
There is also a pharmacy diagonally across the road, if that information is useful to you.
Good distance from Cua Dai Beach too. As mentioned, rent a bicycle for the day and just cycle afar! Start early though.
