Huong Giang Hotel

The 105 room Huong Giang is located in the centre of the city on the banks of the Perfume River and, from the upper river-facing rooms, enjoys one of the best views in Hue. The architecture is uninspiring, typical of hotels built a decade or two ago. The surrounding tropical gardens are attractive. 

The interior decor, based upon liberal use of rattan for furniture, fittings and, in places, wall covering, is highly distinctive. The foyer area is undistinguished and there's a large unwelcoming adjacent room with ranks of traditional Vietnamese heavy chairs and tables that could be put to better use. However, it leads onto a wide terrace with pleasant views over the riverbank gardens and the river. 

Deluxe rooms are on the small side, and made even more cramped by superfluous furniture. Three chairs, two tables, a stool, a large wooden coat hanger and a wooden trouser hanger is way too much for a small room! On the positive side, the bed is comfy and the decoration is attractive. The standard bathroom is small, but adequate.

Suites are much larger and generally better, but significantly more expensive when the standard bathroom is taken into account. Nevertheless, the river views are excellent and the Vietnamese theme is well executed. 

The varied international buffet breakfast was good, but service was below standard for a four star hotel. The main 'Royal' restaurant had benefited from a recent facelift - its airy space and river views complements a good, well-priced Vietnamese menu with Hue specialties. Drinks prices are expensive - on a par with five star establishments.

There's an attractive swimming pool in the gardens with an adjacent, but very small, fitness room.

At the time of inspection, construction of a five-story new wing at the western end of the complex had just begun. Scheduled for completion in 2005, it will have even better rooftop views. If the upgrade includes a revamp of what will then be the old wing, staying in the Huong Giang might be a highly desirable experience.

• Garden view: big rooms with bathtub and garden view in 24m2.
• River view: big rooms with bathtub and looking out of the Huong Giang Hotel's window in 24m2.
• Deluxe: big rooms with bathtub in 30m2.
• Superior Suite: comfort your house in Hue with sitting & bedroom in 45m2.
• Junior Suite: suite with separate living room and bedroom in 55m2.
• Royal Suite: suite of large living room and bedroom with river view in 80m2.