Princess Hotel Danang: Your Dream Da Nang Getaway Awaits!
Princess Hotel Da Nang: My Dream… and Maybe Yours, Too? A Messy, Honest Review
Okay, so the dream of Da Nang. Yeah, that’s a pretty bold claim. And Princess Hotel? Well, let’s unpack this together, shall we? Because honestly, after a week there, I get it. It’s close. I mean, really close to being a dream getaway. But let's be real, no place is perfect, right? And frankly, the human element is where things get interesting.
First Impressions: The Check-In Shuffle… and the Elevator That Actually Works!
Accessibility: Look, I’m not in a wheelchair, but I’m gonna say that the elevator situation is a huge win. And from what I could casually observe, the hallways seemed pretty navigable for anyone needing some extra space. Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private]: They offer both. Which is… convenient. Honestly, after a long flight, speed is your friend. Private check-in felt like a welcome (and much needed) hug after the airport chaos. Elevator: Praise the elevator gods! So many hotels botch this. This one? Smooth sailing. And honestly, in a city that's still finding its footing, that's a huge win.
The lobby itself? Sparkling clean, a good start. Contactless check-in? Tick. I’m all for avoiding human contact after a 12-hour flight. The staff, bless their hearts, were universally polite, even when I was clearly half-dead from travel fatigue. They were trained in safety protocol, even though I'm certain I dropped my mask at least three times.
Rooms: Sanctuary or… Semi-Sanctuary?
Available in all rooms: Ah, the nitty gritty. Air conditioning, thank god. Alarm clock, you know, if you still use those. Bathrobes: plush, but slightly too scratchy for my taste. Bathroom phone: unnecessary. Bathtub: A glorious soak after a day of exploring, however, there's some water spots, sigh. Blackout curtains: YES! Finally, some rest! Carpeting: Standard. Closet: Spacious enough to hang all my questionable vacation outfits. Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea: essential. Daily housekeeping: chef’s kiss. Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer: all present and accounted for. High floor: I asked. The view was, you know, Da Nang. Not Paris, but still pretty darn good. In-room safe box: peace of mind. Interconnecting room(s) available (for those travelling with a small army), Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless: solid connectivity. Ironing facilities: Yay! The wrinkled vacation look is never a good look. Laptop workspace: Necessary for some of us. Linens: Clean. Mini bar: Standard issue. Mirror: Useful. Non-smoking: Bless them. On-demand movies: A lifesaver on a rainy day. Private bathroom: always a plus. Reading light: good for late-night novel marathons. Refrigerator: essential for cold drinks. Safety/security feature: present. Satellite/cable channels: lots to choose from. Scale: the dreaded truth-teller. Seating area: cozy. Separate shower/bathtub: bonus points. Shower: perfectly fine. Slippers: comfy. Smoke detector: essential. Socket near the bed: thank you, modern world! Sofa: comfortable. Soundproofing: pretty good. Telephone: rarely used, but there. Toiletries, Towels: the usual. Umbrella: important since rainy seasons. Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: checked and rechecked.
Now, about the "dream" part. My room? Clean. Comfortable. Maybe not quite "luxury," but definitely a step up from a budget hostel. However… the grout in the shower? Could use a good scrubbing. And my view… well, one day there was a building site right beside my window, so I'll let that be. But hey, it wasn't their fault!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Dreams and Reality Checks
Ah, the "ways to relax." This is where Princess Hotel almost shines.
Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: YES! The pool? Stunning infinity and the view? The city looked like a postcard. The spa? I indulged in a massage. It was… good. Not earth-shatteringly amazing, but good. The space felt clean, if a bit sterile. It just needed a little more oomph. Maybe some scented candles? Maybe? The gym? I peeked in. Looked the part. You know, treadmills, weights, the works.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Gastronomic Adventure… of Sorts
A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: YES, YES, YES. Breakfast [buffet]: this is what I looked forward to! The breakfast buffet was extensive. From fresh pho to pancakes, pastries and everything in between. The Asian breakfast was also spot on. International cuisine? It was a mixed bag. But the pho? Oh, the pho was a revelation. Honestly, I could have eaten pho for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Maybe even a midnight snack. Then again, I did enjoy the veggie options.
The poolside bar? Perfect sunset cocktails. The bar? Lively. The prices? Surprisingly reasonable.
But here's where I got a little confused. I did try a couple of meals - the a la carte was, well, a little bland. I went for the beefsteak, and it was tough as my shoe. Salad in restaurant, I don't think it was fresh. The soup was a very salty, but I'm not sure if it was the cook or just me.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Very, Very Important Stuff
Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: They went above and beyond. Sanitization everywhere. Hand sanitizer stations everywhere. Staff masked. It made me feel safe, even if I sometimes forgot to put on my mask.
Services and Conveniences: Making Life Easier (and More Fun!)
Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center: They have it all.
The concierge was amazing. They booked tours, gave me restaurant recommendations, and even helped me navigate the local traffic (which, let me tell you, is an adventure in itself). I'll forever be grateful. The gift shop offered some tacky souvenirs. There was a convenient store, where I bought some drinks to cool off.
Here's a quirky observation: they had this little shrine tucked away. Very peaceful. Very… Buddhist.
For the Kids: Babysitting Service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: I wasn't travelling with children, but this place seemed pretty kid-friendly. There's a good looking pool for them too.
Getting Around & Important Stuff:
Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking: Got the car from the hotel. Easy, and you don't have to stress over the driving.
The Bottom Line: Should You Book?
Look, Princess Hotel Da Nang isn't perfect. But it's damn close. It’s a comfortable, well-located base for exploring Da Nang and the surrounding area. The staff is incredibly friendly. The pool? Amazing. The location is good, close to the beach and the city center.
Here’s My Offer (and, Honestly, It's Pretty Good):
Book your Da Nang Escape Now!
Instead of a dream, you'll get a great memory!
What you get:
- Guaranteed Cleanliness: Seriously, they’re on it. Your
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Because this isn't just a trip to Da Nang, Vietnam. This is therapy…and maybe a decent tan. Let's see if I can wrangle this itinerary into something resembling order. My brain is currently about as organized as a box of kittens playing with Christmas lights.
PRINCESS HOTEL DA NANG: DANANG, VIETNAM - A MESSY, BEAUTIFUL ADVENTURE (OR, HOW I LEARNED TO LOVE THE CHAOS)
Day 1: Arrival - The Great Scramble & Banh Mi Bliss
Morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM): The flight. The air travel itself is always awful, and it's something I'm not thrilled to experience. I'm one of those people who judges everyone else in the airport, which is probably why I am so miserable myself. It involves excessive coffee, a questionable in-flight movie (some CGI-fest I've already forgotten), and praying the snack cart makes it down my aisle before the guy in seat 23B eats all the Pringles. Landed at Da Nang International. Luggage carousel tango. Thankfully, no lost bags (a small victory!). The air…whoa. Thick, humid, and a welcome change from the grey skies I left behind.
- Quirk: Found myself staring at a toddler who was just gleefully eating a banana peel, completely oblivious to my judgment. Reality check: Embrace the mess, people!
Mid-Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Taxi to Princess Hotel. The drive? Absolute sensory overload. Scooters weaving through traffic like some kind of insane ballet, horns blaring, vibrant colors everywhere. I felt like a character in a video game, frantically trying to level up my "Street Smarts" stat.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): CHECK-IN. Ahh, the cool, air-conditioned embrace of the Princess Hotel. My room? Initially a letdown. Not quite the ocean view I'd envisioned, but after a week of travel, I don't care! I'm more grateful for the aircon. Dumped my stuff and immediately hit the streets. My stomach was yelling, and I had one mission: Banh Mi. Found a tiny, hole-in-the-wall place with a line down the block. Worth the wait! That crusty bread. That savory filling. That hit of chili! I could have wept tears of joy right there on the sidewalk. Pure perfection.
- Rambling Reaction: Seriously, I could eat Banh Mi for every meal. It's the ultimate food. It's the perfect meal. It is…well, it's just it, you know?
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Hotel pool. Sunscreen application fail. (I'm already slightly pink.) Lounging, attempting to read my book, but constantly distracted by the turquoise water and the general feeling of "Ah, this is why I drag myself out of bed."
- Imperfection: Dozed off and woke up with a book-imprint shaped sunburn on my arm. Pro tip: Re-apply sunscreen, even if you think you’re just closing your eyes for a second.
Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Sunset stroll along My Khe Beach. Waves crashing, sand between my toes, vendors hawking coconuts. Beautiful, yes, but also overwhelming. So many people. So much…stuff. Found a quiet spot away from the crowds and just sat, watching the colors explode across the sky. Dinner at a seafood restaurant – way overpriced and the service was comically slow, but the view was unforgettable.
- Emotional Reaction: That sunset… I almost cried. Pure, unadulterated beauty. It reminded me why I travel, why I crave these moments of awe. Tonight, I'll definitely have trouble sleeping.
Day 2: Dragon Bridge Delight & Marble Mountain Mystique
- Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Breakfast at the hotel (meh, but free). Then hired a driver for the day. I'd done this before.
- Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Dragon Bridge. The hype is real. The thing is GIGANTIC, especially when you see it up close. Took a billion photos, of course. Then watched the bridge breathe fire and water (Saturday and Sunday nights). This was surprisingly awesome.
- Opinionated Language: You know, some bridges are just bridges. This one is an experience. It's a spectacle. It's…well, it's a dragon, breathing fire! What's not to love?
- Lunch (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Lunch at a local place near Marble Mountain. More pho, because, yes, I am officially addicted.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Marble Mountain. Okay, this was a hike. (I'm not nearly as fit as I’d like to be. The steps were relentless!) But the views from the top were worth every sweaty, gasping breath. Temples carved into the rock, statues peeking out. A truly spiritual experience, even for a cynical travel writer like myself.
- Quirky Observation: Saw a group of teenagers doing selfies on the edge of a cliff. They were so focused on their phones, they almost missed the actual mountain. People, people, people! Put the phones down and look around!
- Evening (5:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Back to the Princess Hotel. Relaxed by the pool until golden hour. Dinner at a restaurant recommended by the driver – delicious, authentic food, and no price gouging.
Day 3: All About Hoi An- The Town Of Magic
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Breakfast in the hotel. Packed day-to-day suitcase.
- Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Travel to Hoi An.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Pho at a restaurant
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Hoi An Ancient Town. This is where the real magic happened. Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I knew, I should take a lot of tours. I would eventually pass all the tours! I just want to see it by myself.
- Evening (7:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Dinner.
- Night (8:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Back to the hotel.
Day 4: Back to the Princess Hotel, Swimming and Relaxing
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Breakfast in the hotel.
- Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Swimming and Relaxing
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Restaurant
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Explore the area, a lot more swimming
- Evening (7:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Dinner at a restaurant in the area.
- Night (8:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Back to the hotel.
Day 5: Departure - Leaving a Piece of My Heart (and Possibly a Sunburn)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Final breakfast, packing, and a last dip in the pool (because, why not?).
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Check-out. Taxi to the airport. The driver was friendly, but I was too busy replaying the trip in my head to really engage.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Airport food (blech, but necessary).
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Waiting for the flight, reflecting on the trip.
- Emotional Reaction: Da Nang, you were a beautiful, chaotic mess, and I loved every minute (well, almost every minute). I’m leaving you with a tan, some amazing food memories, and a slightly lighter wallet. I’ll definitely be back.
- Evening (4:00 PM Onward): The flight home. Goodbye, Vietnam! Until next time.
Important Notes:
- This is a suggestion of an itinerary. Feel free to change things, or to skip things, or do more of things.
- I'm a terrible packer. Prepare for me to forget something essential (probably my toothbrush).
- Embrace the unexpected. That’s where the real adventure lies. *
Princess Hotel Da Nang: Honestly, Is It *That* Good? (Plus, Totally Unsolicited Advice!)
Okay, First Thing's First: Is This Place Actually Worth the Hype?
Alright, let's be real. Travel blogs and influencers? They're paid to rave. So, my answer? It's complicated. Princess Hotel is...pretty darn good. Like, not *perfect*, because let's be honest, perfect doesn't exist, especially after a dodgy street food incident (more on that later). But the hype? There's a reason for it. The location is killer; right on the beach, that's a HUGE win. The rooms are generally clean and modern – though, I did find *one* stray hair in the bathroom on the first day, which, fine, it happens, I try not to be a diva…BUT still, it made me side eye the housekeeping a little!
So, is it "worth it"? Absolutely, if you're after a comfortable beachside stay with decent amenities, for how much you get. Don't expect the Four Seasons, but you *do* get a pretty excellent bang for your buck.
What's the Deal With the Beach? Is It Actually Swim-able?
Oh, the beach! This is a BIG one. The hotel practically *is* on the beach, which is fantastic. The sand is lovely, and mostly clean. You can definitely swim, although the waves can sometimes be…enthusiastic. One day I was just paddling a bit and a rogue wave nearly decked me! Made me laugh but still, wear a decent pair of swimming trunks/bikini/whatever you're in, because you WILL be pushed around by the sea! Check the flags for safety, just like you should everywhere - don't be a hero.
Also, watch out for the hawkers. They're friendly, but persistent. A polite "Không, cám ơn" (No, thank you) will generally do the trick. Unless you actually *want* a massage, in which case, enjoy! I had a fantastic (and cheap!) one right on the sand. Pure bliss! Just remember to tip!
The Rooms: Are They Actually Nice? I've Seen Some…Interesting Photos Online.
Okay, let's talk rooms. I booked a "deluxe ocean view" room, and honestly? The view WAS stunning. Absolutely jaw-dropping. You can see the sunrise, and the beach, and just…breathe. Worth the extra cash, in my humble opinion. The room itself was modern, clean, and reasonably spacious. The air conditioning worked *perfectly*, which is a lifesaver in Da Nang heat!
But here's the thing. And this is important. I'm a pretty particular person, and some of the smaller details could be better. Things like… the shower pressure could be a bit stronger. The TV had a limited selection of English channels (but hey, I was in Vietnam! I wasn’t there to watch TV!) And, as I mentioned before, *that hair* in the bathroom. Minor quibbles, really. Overall? The rooms are definitely nice, and way better than some of the horror shows you might find elsewhere. I mean, for the price, it's a total steal. But, if you're expecting absolute, flawless perfection, you might just need a reality check.
Restaurant Rundown: Is the Food Any Good? And What About Breakfast?
The breakfast buffet…ah, the breakfast buffet. I'm a massive breakfast person! And, it was...okay. A decent selection of Western and Vietnamese food. They have your usual eggs-and-bacon, but the pho was actually pretty good. The pastries were a bit hit-or-miss (sometimes stale, sometimes delicious), and the coffee? Well, let's just say it wasn't the best I had in Vietnam. I'm a coffee snob, I know, I know!
For lunch and dinner, I mostly ate out. Too many amazing street food options in Da Nang to pass up! The hotel restaurant food? It was fine. Convenient, but not particularly memorable. I’d use it if I was feeling lazy, but don't expect Michelin star dining. The food from the little cart vendors are 100% better though!
Pool Area: Is it a Good Vibe?
The pool area? Okay, the pool area is a *winner*. It's not huge, but it's clean, well-maintained, and has a lovely view. There are plenty of sun loungers, and the staff are attentive about bringing you drinks. I spent a LOT of time lounging by that pool. One afternoon I just sat there, reading my book, sipping a cocktail (the cocktails are pretty good, by the way!), and letting the world drift by. Bliss. Total, utter bliss! There isn’t enough space for the overly-loud partiers and that's a big plus.
Let's Talk Location: Is It Convenient for Exploring Da Nang?
The location is pretty darn awesome. Right on My Khe Beach, which is a big plus. You're a short taxi ride from the city center. I mean, Grab is your friend when it comes to taxis in Da Nang (download the app!), it's fast, cheap, and easy. I found it super convenient for getting around. You're also close to some awesome restaurants and bars - and they are MUCH cheaper than eating at the hotel!
A slight drawback? The area around the hotel is a little…touristy. Nothing major, but be prepared for a few more Western faces than you might find elsewhere in Vietnam. But honestly? Not a massive deal. I liked it.
Any Hidden Costs I Should Know About?
Okay, so…things to watch out for: Mini-bar prices. They're hotel prices. Stick to the convenience stores nearby if you're on a budget, and you'll find everything’s A LOT cheaper. Also, watch out for the airport transfer. The hotel will offer it, and it’ll be more expensive than a Grab. Seriously, ditch the hotel transfer. Another tip: I heard they charged for laundry. I luckily didn't need to use it, so check the price beforehand. Also, tip your staff, they are generally lovely!
Customer Service: Are the Staff Friendly? (And Can They Speak English?)
Honestly? The staff were fantastic. Friendly, helpful, and generally did their best to make sure you were having a good time. The English was generally good, but sometimes there were misunderstandings (a common thing in Vietnam, just be patient!) I had one issue with my air conditioning, which was fixed *immediatelyHotel Hide Aways
