Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel and Spa

The tall, narrow tower of the Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel and Spa stands out on the main road, while the impressively high-ceilinged lobby is bright, airy, and spacious, with striking stone pillars and winding, glass-edged staircases. Color-coordinated local artwork lines the walls, along with tasteful flower arrangements and chic, modern seating; the sculptural artwork suspended from the ceiling -- resembling a flock of birds in flight -- makes of a particularly bold first impression.

The chic, contemporary decor extends to the hotel's six restaurants and bars; Feast restaurant is bright and modern, with wood-panel flooring, wooden tub seats, and brightly colored couches. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide palm-tree views, while its buffet service area is particularly spacious. The Connexions lounge space is carpeted throughout and has a modern feel, with chairs and minimalist sofas in bright greens and browns; glass walls divide off the space from the bar and display the impressive wine collection. The 28th-floor Altitude Bar is not quite as elegant as the other spaces thanks to a slightly '80s blue-and-white color scheme used on the sofas, bean-bag-style seats, and stools at both the bar and high tables. That said, the focus here is on the impressive, unobstructed sea views rather than the decor, and the outdoor deck in particular makes the most of these. Steam ‘n’ Spice restaurant is more intimate and formal, with lots of wood, including all of the tables, chairs, wall dividers, and shelving housing local ornaments, as well as cream-colored mosaic tile floors. The space remains pleasantly bright thanks to large windows at one end. Plunge bar has enviable outdoor poolside seating and is relaxed and informal, with large stone pillars interspersed throughout blue cushioned seating.

The Sheraton enjoys a convenient location in downtown Nha Trang, situated on a main road and across the street from an attractive beach. The hotel is within easy walking distance of the town’s popular markets and sights, such as the Na Thrang Cathedral, a 15-minute walk away. Most attractions are a short drive away, such as the Long Son Pagoda (seven-minute drive), the Po Nagar Cham Towers (10-minute drive), the Thap Ba Hot Springs Center (15-minute drive), and the National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam (10-minute drive). The Cam Ranh International Airport is about a 45-minute drive away.

Rooms feature stylish, contemporary decor in soft beige hues that includes attractive wooden furniture, carpeted floors, and large beds with built-in bedside tables, modern lamps, and long rectangular art pieces depicting figures in traditional garb. Large windows fill the spaces with natural light and all rooms have private balconies overlooking the sea, though they're somewhat small and awkwardly designed in a triangular shape. They also lack seating (which the hotel puts down to safety concerns). Amenities include flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, radio/alarm clocks, minibars, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and safes. Handsome bathrooms have stylish modern sinks beneath large mirrors and wet room-style walk-in showers with power and rainfall showerheads as well as separate bathtubs with whirlpool-style jets. Suites add living areas furnished with sofas, flat-screen TVs, and desks.

The Sheraton's sprawling list of features reflect its luxury status starting with the variety of dining options to choose from, including six restaurants and bars on-site serving Vietnamese and Western cuisine. These chic spaces include the poolside Plunge bar, the 28th-floor Altitude bar where cocktails are accompanied by excellent views over the city, and Steam 'N' Spice restaurant where guests can savor dim sum and noodles. 24/7 room service is available as well. The hotel’s free buffet breakfast earns consistent praise for its excellent spread, though dishes like waffles and pancakes are not cooked to order.

The Sheraton’s modern and chic spa has a huge indoor hot tub with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto lush greenery, while the spa treatment rooms are just as elegant, with posh built-in bathtubs. The enormous and bright fitness center offers a large selection of cardio equipment and free weights; there's also a spacious yoga room. The wide, clean, and attractive stretch of sand opposite the hotel’s facade has a fair number of sunbeds and modern umbrellas; a manicured lawn with palm trees sits between the hotel and the beachfront. The sixth-floor infinity-edge pool offers views out to sea as well as sunbeds both partially submerged in the water and on the attractive dark-wood deck, plus a hot tub at one end. However, it can be difficult to find an open, available seat here.

The free self-service buffet in the Club Lounge has a wide selection of snacks and drinks and is available to guests staying in Club Level Rooms. There are also newspapers, computers, and a printer available, along with flat-screen TVs, as well as stunning views out to sea from its high-floor location. Guests with a club package receive free afternoon tea and evening drinks here. In addition to the business center, the hotel offers Wi-Fi access throughout, which is free for Club Level Rooms, Suites, and SPG members (the hotel's loyalty club that's free to join). The games room feels a little bare, but is nonetheless bright and airy, and has billiards, foosbal, and ping-pong tables, while the business center is decked out in floor-to-ceiling tan wood, with high stools at computer stations and larger tables for meetings. Travelers should note that there have been isolated reports of guests receiving a less than impressive welcome, as well as difficulties communicating with staff and delays checking in and waiting for rooms to be prepared. Also, hallways and elevators lack air-conditioning and can be hot and muggy.