On my first trip to Da Nang in Central Vietnam, I decided to stay at a hotel in heart of the city. Haian Riverfront Hotel Da Nang was convenient but I couldn't deny the draws from the beach, with a long coastline, two kilometers away.
Hence, on my second visit, both Alex and I thought we should consider a hotel by the beach, even though my mom, a shopaholic who loves to explore malls and markets, would be joining us!
After much consideration with a few bookings, cancellations, Minh Toan SAFI Ocean Hotel was finally confirmed to be our choice of accommodation! A 3-star hotel, it actually came with a gym, a rooftop pool and a review score of 4.5 from over 3,000 reviewers on Google Maps!
Let's proceed to check in!
p.s photos taken over a few days.
Welcomed, with a welcome drink! That's like quite a standard process for hotels in Vietnam and Thailand; not so much for Singapore, I feel.
Important information; for me, it would have to be the operating hours for the gym and pool. For my mom, it would be the operating hours for breakfast. Oh yes, the Wi-Fi info too!
Collected the key card!
Room 1107
Our Premier Deluxe Triple Room on the 11th floor! At 35 square meters, this was one of 111 rooms within the 22-floor Minh Toan SAFI Ocean Hotel which was opened in year 2020.
Some photographs for reference; the room was more long than wide, and honestly felt a bit too tight for three persons. Having said that, it was comfortable. My other gripe was that the room appeared a tad too dark.
There was a small window by the side which could provide us with some natural illumination but due to the proximity of our "next door neighbour"; there was literally no view and sunlight was blocked. Needless to say, the curtains remained drawn most of the time. I should have paid more for ocean view!
Although the snacks were chargeable, the serving of fruits wasn't and being fruit lovers; my mom and I cleaned up the plate in the next two days. p.s. one-time provision, no refill.
The washroom with two major inconveniences; there wasn't a lock for us to lock up the washroom and there was no place for us to hang our towel near the shower!
Buffet Breakfast
We stayed at Minh Toan SAFI Ocean Hotel for four nights and given my mom's insomnia, the buffet breakfast was something she absolutely looked forward to having in the four days at the hotel.
Variety of food options for your reference; including a live station for noodles and eggs. Sadly, I am not big on soupy Vietnamese noodles. It also didn't help that I usually do not have breakfast in Singapore, preferring brunch instead.
But free food is hard to resist for a stingy Singaporean like me! So, I would definitely get some food; not in huge quantity as I prefer a sampling before taking more. Typically, you would find me going for seconds for fruits.
Another thing I enjoyed every much at Minh Toan SAFI Ocean Hotel was the plain porridge topped with condiments like meat floss, pickled onions, spring onions, shallots and roasted peanuts! So delicious!
Gym
The compact gym with pieces of equipment that were sufficient for my needs; can get too crowded with just three or four guests though. Located on the roof level, there was a great, partial view of the coastline.
Swimming Pool
Recognize something familiar?
The 67-Meter tall Lady Buddha from Chùa Linh Ứng Buddhist Temple at the Sontra Peninsular; which was one of the more famous temples in Da Nang! I brought my mom there of course but as it was May; the weather was a no joke; freakish hot!
Two swimming pools on top of hotels just next to us!
View in front of Minh Toan SAFI Ocean Hotel; a stretch of eateries closer to the beach that included bars, seafood restaurants etc. Go at night for a relaxing stroll that was hopefully blessed with a light sea breeze.
View on the right side where the coastline looks like it has no end. The direction actually points to the ancient town of Hoi An. You may also refer to the separate posting I had on the beaches of Da Nang; initially thought to be one beach, there were actually a few beaches along this coastline. The one in front of us is known as MyKhe Beach.
View at the back; where you can also catch the nightly shows at the Dragon Bridge, albeit at the distance! From the direction, I suspected that Bana Hills was right ahead but I could only confirm at night.
The lights on Bana Hills should be a confirmation! Before staying at Minh Toan SAFI Ocean Hotel on this trip, we actually stayed at Bana Hills, where we caught sights of the beaches at Da Nang from the hilltop!
Water sports at the beach.
Photographs of sunset and sunrise at the rooftop swimming pool. I wanted to take a time-lapsed of the sunrise but it was difficult to do as the swimming pool opens after sunrise! :(
More photographs!
Spa
Redeeming our 30-minute free massage at the hotel spa!
Honestly, I didn't pencil down any review of the massage on my notes; so.... I am thinking it should be pretty average as compared to our experience at the nearby, and highly rated Golden Lotus Oriental Organic Spa.
I only remember the roselle tea before we started the massage since it's not that common! Always impressed with massage parlours in Vietnam; so much to drink and eat!
Treatment menu for your reference.
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Frankly, the stay was acceptable and I really did like the swimming pool! Another two advantages were the distance to the beach, and that the michelin-bib-gourmand Bé Ni 2 Seafood Restaurant, was just two doors away!
p.s. there's an annual Da Nang International Fireworks Festival between May and August! If you are fascinated with fireworks, you may wish to time your visit so that it coincides with the festival!
Address
224 Võ Nguyên Giáp, An Hải,
Sơn Trà, Đà Nẵng 550000, Vietnam
Map
As above.
Website
Pricing
Premier Deluxe Triple Room - 1.311 Million Dong
(booked via Agoda.com)
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