Centara Sandy Beach Resort Danang

Centara Sandy Beach Resort Danang, formerly Sandy Beach Non Nuoc Resort managed by Centara, was undergoing a top-to-bottom renovation when we visited in the first quarter of 2017. As such, some areas were modern and fresh while others were dated, with the rest covered in scaffolding and dotted with tins of paint. 

But a few buildings have been redone, including the one that houses the attractive gym and spa. The old lobby has been turned into the Ginger & Lime Restaurant, and shares space with the World Cafe. For now, the hotel's grounds are the highlight, with 42 acres of beautiful pine forest, expansive, well-kept lawns, and the fine-sand beach with clear waters. 

Although the restaurant was busy in the morning, we hardly saw any other guests after breakfast. Couples and groups stayed out until bedtime, choosing to eat out for lunch and dinner. This made the resort feel empty and a little too quiet during the day, and evening was much of the same, with no bar or live entertainment. The resort mostly attracts couples, and some families traveling with kids. 

Sandy Beach Non Nuoc Resort is set on Da Nang’s longest beach along a main thoroughfare. Da Nang and Hoi An, are about a 15- and 25-minute drive away, respectively. There are no restaurants, bars, or shops within walking distance, but the striking Marble Mountains -- one of the area’s top attractions -- can be reached in about 15 minutes on foot, or less than a five-minute drive. There is also a golf club about a seven-minute drive from the hotel. Hoi An’s An Bang Beach, known for its hip beachfront restaurants and fine sand, is just a 15-minute drive away. Danang International Airport is a 25-minute drive from the hotel.

The hotel's guest rooms, bungalows, and villas are housed in several buildings, and all units are slated  for an overhaul. Decor is generally contemporary, and spaces have a neutral palette and clean lines. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in plenty of light, and look out to gardens or ocean vistas. Most have furnished balconies or terraces as well. 

Standard amenities include smart flat-screen TVs, individually controlled air-conditioning, electric kettles with free tea and coffee, and free Wi-Fi. Minibars are stocked with local and imported beer, sodas, juice, wine, and snacks. Some past guests have complained about maintenance and housekeeping issues, and our Premium Deluxe Room had floors that needed to be mopped, slightly frayed towels, and mold on the bathroom's wooden blinds. Still, the room felt fresh, and we found our king bed firm but comfortable, with a light duvet and four pillows. 

Bathrooms in most units have been renovated. They feature black vanities with basin sinks, large walk-in showers or separate showers and soaking tubs, and an array of toiletries, plus extras such as body lotion, cotton swabs, combs, and razors. Some have large windows overlooking the room with shades for privacy. 

The only difference between guest rooms and bungalows is that the latter are situated in small, stand-alone buildings, with tile floors and furnished terraces that have direct access to the gardens or the beach. The 970-square-foot Villas have two bedrooms, separate living areas, one-and-a-half baths, and outdoor showers, but they lack kitchens.

Features at this property are a mixed bag while it undergoes renovations. The hotel has two pools, one overlooking the beach and another closer to the lobby. The main one boasts ocean views, a whirlpool, and a kiddy area, but has cracked tiles and just a few loungers and umbrellas. The Garden Pool was closed during our visit, but it looked pleasant and appealing, with a spacious deck and an additional whirlpool.  

Ginger & Lime is the hotel’s full-service restaurant. A generous and varied buffet breakfast is offered a fee, with made-to-order eggs and other Western fare, plus plenty of Asian options, The juices weren't made with fresh fruit, which is disappointing for a hotel in this price range. There's Vietnamese, Asian, and international cuisine on the menu for lunch and dinner, and World Cafe, which is located off the lobby, serves the same. Also, both pool bars have light meals and snacks, and room service is available.

For wellness, the airy, modern fitness center has floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the gardens and up-to-date treadmills, workout benches, free weights, and ellipticals. The spa may not look like much from the outside, but the interior design is stylish and upscale, with soft earth tones, laminate floors, and dim lighting. All treatments begin with a relaxing foot bath and tea, and end with some more hot tea and fresh fruit. 

Other amenities include a lobby business center, meeting and events space for up to 700 guests, and a small kids’ club with daily activities and a TV. There's free shuttle service from the resort to Hoi An and Da Nang daily, and airport transfers can be arranged at front desk for a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout.