A just-right escape from the everyday, reached in 50 minutes. ～A city hotel in Dong Nai～

The holiday break from the end of April to the beginning of May. How to spend the holidays during this time of year, which are few and far between in Vietnam? For those living here, it's a bit of an "event" in itself. Since Tet, I've been busy moving around with lots of events, so this time let's skip the long trip. But staying at home doesn't feel right either. With that mood in mind, I chose Dong Nai Province, about a 50-minute drive from Ho Chi Minh City. It's close enough that you arrive before you know it while absentmindedly looking at your phone—no burden of travel at all. This time, the place I'm staying isn't by a river or a resort—it's a city hotel right in the middle of town.

【A presence that fits right into the street corner】 It stands alone on a local street. Its rating isn't high. What sold me was the design and the pool. Hotels in Vietnam tend, no matter what, to have interiors that feel "sticky" and flat, and often give the impression of just being lined with wooden furniture. But here, the tiles, the flooring, and the decor all had a sense of unity, and I got curious—"At this level, what's it actually like?"—with a bit of my husband's professional eye mixed in as well. For me, beyond the space having a tone I love, the fact that there was a large bathtub was a big plus too. At 30 square meters it isn't spacious, but the feel of the bed and the calm of the room are just right. On the rooftop there's a small pool and a gym as well. With breakfast included, about 6,000 yen per night. (Price for two people, as of May 2026) This time, two nights. We'll end up doing at least a little work anyway. In that case, rather than at home, we'd spend it relaxing loosely at a hotel. It was perfect for that kind of mode. ——And going in without expecting too much turned out to be a good thing. Right from the lobby, the balance between the furniture and the floor is good.

【Spacious Entrance — Cool, Modern Furniture】 A frame using natural moss is placed casually, and it makes you think, "Ah, they've really thought this through." When you step into the room, the walls are a calm emerald green. Black and white mosaic tiles serve as an accent, and your field of view quietly comes into order.

【The interior is based on black and a not-too-bright green】 The view outside the window isn't particularly nice. Maybe that's why—along the window, densely planted large tropical plants provide just the right amount of privacy screening.

【The green of the plants outside the window feels so pleasant】 Thanks to that, a strangely cozy, mellow resort feeling comes through. The side table and chairs are simple too, and the wallpaper isn't loud either. It's in places like this that the difference in a space really shows. Right away, I filled the bath and added some hot-spring bath salts. The water pressure is a little weak so it takes a while, but it warms you up thoroughly. While playing a movie on my iPad, I soaked in the water, letting my mind drift. Just that alone was already more than enough.

[Open bathtub. Shower and toilet are separate] Evening. Well, wondering what to do about dinner, I head outside. Just 3 minutes from the hotel to the main street. I decide to make up my mind as I walk. The roads are wide, and there aren't too many motorbikes. The buildings are low-rise, with hardly any high-rise towers. This "laid-back feeling" somehow resembles Da Nang. I love that there are so many cafes and spas. And I'm glad there are few chain stores. In exchange, though, there are hardly any convenience stores. It's still in the middle of developing. A new hotel has opened in a town that seems likely to change from here on. There's that kind of atmosphere. Dong Nai, I think it's nice. A place that's close by and lets you unwind. And another surprise came in the morning. On the first floor, the side opposite the entrance has become a relaxing cafe. Small chairs are lined up along the sidewalk, too — the Vietnamese style. It has become a gathering spot for the people in the neighborhood. I'd taken it lightly when I heard breakfast was served on the indoor side, but the buffet had a surprising variety, all laid out along the wall.

And it's actually delicious. Oh no, I'm gonna overeat

I ate homemade pudding properly two days in a row

The table is large, too, so you just can't help lingering. Before I know it, my husband has opened his laptop and started working, while I read a book. In the hotel's breakfast space, each of us is doing what we love. ——This is the kind of time I'd been wanting. It's not some special resort. And yet, with a properly arranged space and just the right sense of distance. This "Key Hotel feeling." I found myself thinking—I wouldn't mind coming here again...

【Having the Pool All to Myself — Small, but It Feels Great!】 【The Hotel I Stayed At】 The City Boutique Hotel & Coffee Official site https://www.thecityhotel.vn/ Google Map https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+City+Boutique+Hotel+%26+Coffee/@10.943159,106.8267256,17z/data=!4m9!3m8!1s0x3174df2fb1435601:0x3c4a1a76ab73396b!5m2!4m1!1i2!8m2!3d10.94316!4d106.8285302!16s%2Fg%2F11ykpp4t9l Relocation Life Ranking