Hue hotels and guesthouses guide
Hue's Imperial Hotel is the city's poshest residence
The good news is that after a recent burst of development, Hue is now over-stocked with hotel rooms, so there’s always somewhere to lay your head. The bad news is that few of the options are as stylish and impressive as you can find in other cities, with a few notable exceptions.
The great majority of hotels, both high-end and budget, are located south of the Perfume River, which is the new part of the city and consequently where you’ll find most shops and restaurants too.
However, there are a few places north of the river within the Citadel itself, which may suit short-stay visitors as it’s only a short walk to visit the Imperial City and all the historic wonder Hue has to offer.
Budget hotels are mostly located around Hung Vuong and Vo Thi Sau streets south of the river, where there’s something of a ‘ghetto’ feel that is reminiscent of the budget district around De Tham in Saigon. Still, since most visitors spend no more than a few days in Hue, it helps to have everything you need near to hand and avoid getting lost in a maze of backstreets.
Recommended Hue guesthouses and hotels
La Residence Hotel & Spa: Occupying the site of a former French governor beside the Perfume River, this is Hue’s premier address with a definite Art Deco feel to it. All rooms have balconies and fake fireplaces, and some even have four-poster beds, helping to create a mood of cultured colonialism. Don’t forget your French dictionary to find out which tap is hot and which cold. US$150-650. 5 Le Loi, tel: +84 (0)54 383 7475...More details and booking
Saigon Morin Hotel: This historic hotel has been hosting visitors for well over a century, though its most recent make-over has left this government-run place with a tacky feel to it. Nevertheless, rooms are spacious and well-equipped, there’s a pleasant courtyard for dining, and staff are eager to please. US$100-300. 30 Le Loi, tel: +84 (0)54 382 3526...More details and booking
Binh Duong III: There’s nothing fancy about the rooms at this cheapish hotel, though all are equipped with cable TV, air-con and bathtubs, good value at this price. US$10-20. 4/34 Nguyen Tri Phuong, tel: +84 (0)54 383 0145...More details and booking
Binh Minh Sunrise 1: This smallish, five-storey hotel has a range of rooms from tiny ones at 16 square metres to a more acceptable 30 square metres at the top end. It is centrally located and has a restaurant and tour desk, and also offers internet access. Some rooms have balconies with mountain views, and there’s a second second branch at 45 (19) Ben Nghe if they happen to be full. US$15-35. 36 (12) Nguyen Tri Phuong, tel: +84 (0)54 382 55260.
Imperial Hotel Hue: Hue’s first five-star hotel doesn’t mind being seen; it’s a 16-storey monolith that dominates the downtown skyline, and despite is drab appearance outside, it creates a luxurious mood from the moment you walk in the door. Rooms are equipped with every comfort and those on the top floors also have sweeping views. There’s also a fitness centre, swimming pool, restaurant and rooftop bar. US$100-440. 8 Hung Vuong, tel: +84 (0)54 388 2222...More details and booking
