Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa

Set along a beautiful stretch of white powdery beach, the Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa feels very much like a luxury village. The massive grounds include nine- and two-story buildings housing the Residences, hotel rooms, and Suites, as well as large villas with private entrances and gardens. There's even a supermarket with a bakery and a cafe. Golf carts shuttle Residence and villa guests to the lobby, the restaurants, and the main pools, all located in the resort's central area. The atmosphere in this part of the property is lively and casual, with quite a bit of foot traffic and lots of kids playing. In fact, this hotel is one of the top picks in the area for South Korean families. The resort is also popular among business travelers, and the area around the conference center can be busy during events. A little removed from the hustle and bustle, the spa -- complete with a lovely pool and a fitness center -- has a more serene feel.

The hotel’s design is contemporary and stylish throughout, with a few nods to the local style peppered in common spaces and rooms. Northern Vietnamese pottery decorated with natural motifs in blue hues, traditional Hoi An lanterns, and local artworks decorate ceilings, walls, and outdoor spaces. Clean lines, natural wood accents, and a natural palette add a modern touch. This style helps spaces feel uncluttered and luxurious, and the manicured grounds are a beautiful backdrop, with wide stone paths running through perfectly mowed lawns and sculptured gardens. 

All of this combines to create a sense of luxury that matches the hotel’s rates. However, there are a few surprising extra charges for things that are free in other high-end properties, such as access to the kids’ club and shuttle service to Hoi An. To be fair, the fees are small, but it makes some guests feel nickel-and-dimed. The Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An is one of the hotel’s competitors that includes these two services in the price, though rates are some of the highest in the region. 

The resort is located on a huge plot of beachfront land set along the main road connecting Da Nang and Hoi An. There's little of interest within walking distance except for a few other resorts and local houses. The Marble Mountains, one of the most popular local attractions, are just a five-minute drive from the hotel, and the impressive Lady Buddha can be reached in about 20 minutes. The scenic Hai Van Pass is an hour away. Da Nang -- home to dozens of dining and drinking options, the famous Dragon Bridge, and a few well-known markets -- can be reached in about 15 to 20 minutes by car. It takes about a half-hour to get to the gorgeous ancient town of Hoi An. Danang International Airport is a 20-minute drive from the hotel.

The hotel has a total of 375 rooms, including 194 guest rooms and suites, 159 one- to three-bedroom Residences, and 22 three-bedroom villas. Decor is similar in all room types, with a chic combination of neutral hues, simple lines, and natural woods that incorporates traditional Vietnamese elements such as basket-boats-turned-loungers on terraces, large pottery plates from northern Vietnam, straw lanterns from Hoi An, and woven bamboo accents. Rooms start at 452 square feet and feature king beds topped with crisp duvets and four pillows, balconies -- over 90-percent of which offer sea views -- and sofa beds. Suites are double the size of a Standard Room and come equipped with extras such as espresso makers, full fridges, and TV speakers in the bathroom. Wi-Fi is free throughout the resort. 

Residences are housed in several nine-story buildings and feature between one and three bedrooms, a full kitchen, and a separate living area with big windows. Villas are in a separate area within the grounds and have three bedrooms, one of which is intended to be for the nanny or the butler, as it is located outside of the main house. All villas have their own private pool and large living areas with full kitchens. 

Regency Club, Suite, and villa guests get free access to a private pool and to the Regency Club Lounge, which offers an array of great freebies, such as cocktail and hors d’oeuvres in the evening, continental breakfast, and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day. 

Features here cater to families, couples, and business travelers. The hotel has a total of five pools, including one with an infinity-edge overlooking the beach and a slide for children. The three main pools are connected via long canals with fountains, and all are large and beautiful. There's also a kiddy pool with a sandy bottom and toys around it. The fifth pool is the quietest of all, as it's located by the spa and the gym and is generally only visited by adults. 

With an open design that brings the outdoors in, the spa at Hyatt Regency is particularly gorgeous. It's decorated in a soothing neutral palette, and the fresh scent, soft music, and charming gardens with ponds make it inviting. A wide array of treatments, such as facials, body scrubs and wraps, nail services, and four-hand, herbal, and hot stone massages can be performed in 10 treatment rooms. Each body treatment begins with a welcome cold towel, a cup of tea, and a foot bath. 

The 24-hour fitness center offers a wonderful range of Lifefitness cardio and strength-training machines in a spacious sun-filled room with air-conditioning. Personal trainers are available. Men's and women’s locker rooms feature whirlpools, cold plunge pools, steam rooms, and saunas that guests can use free of charge, and there is a lovely patio for relaxation. Yoga, morning stretching, meditation sessions, aerobics, and cardio activities in the pool are all available free of charge as well. 

The main restaurant serves Italian cuisine for lunch and dinner, as well as a varied breakfast buffet served both indoors and outdoors. The Pool House is the most casual of all the restaurants, and offers Vietnamese and Western comfort food, including spring rolls, burgers, sandwiches, and desserts. The Beach House has a seafood and grill menu served for dinner only in a beautiful glass pavilion with painted floor tiles and black wood accents. Room service is available 24 hours. Those planning to cook in their room can purchase a wide range of gourmet and standard items at the on-site supermarket, complete with a bakery and a cafe area. 

For an hourly fee, guests can drop off their kids at the kids’ club, which offers plenty of daily activities. The indoor area has a Wii, video games, a pool table, small tables for arts and crafts, and a nap room. There's a playground, a rock-climbing wall, and a volleyball court outdoors. Babysitting services are available for a fee. 

The hotel also features almost 10,000 square feet of meeting space, including a ballroom, seven meeting rooms, and two outdoor areas for events, all with high-tech audiovisual equipment. Wi-Fi is free and fast throughout the property.