GTHQ Jaunt Journal – Hotel: Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel & Spa – Nha Trang, Vietnam
Location: 26 – 28 Trần Phú, Nha Trang; Night Market – 5 min walk; Beach – 1 min walk
We are continuing our journey throughout the beautiful country of Vietnam! In Nha Trang we wanted to stay near the beach and decided on a Sheraton which is one of Starwood’s Category 3 properties. Nha Trang is a walking city with lots of good restaurants, shopping, tailors, markets and if you like massages, there are tons of cheap and good options. The beach is across the street and the water is fantastically warm.
The Room
Since I have no status with the Starwood Preferred Guest Program we had no upgrades or benefits at this hotel. We booked a Deluxe Ocean View King Room and that’s exactly what we received. However, it had a great view of the beach from its private balcony. The room measured 33 square meters (355 sq. ft.) and the bedroom was separated from the bathroom by a large glass wall. The bedding was comfortable and semi firm.
The bathroom was average size but unfortunately it is badly designed. There is a separate tub, toilet and shower but the shower’s drain does not work effectively causing water to build up and overflow into the rest of the bathroom.
Other amenities included your basic water, tea and coffee. Additionally, there are slippers, robes, a flashlight and an umbrella in the room.
The Property
There are 7 restaurants and bars although one of them was under construction. We did enjoy having drinks at the Altitude bar on the 28th floor which is the highest bar in Nha Trang. Although it was quite late into the evening when we showed up, we had nice views of beach and there are guest DJ’s from Thursday to Saturday.
Altitude Bar
Courtesy: Sheraton Nha Trang Website
The sauna and Jacuzzi were clean and a short walk from the gym. The fitness facilities were well equipped and well maintained with Life Fitness machines. The outdoor pool is beautiful but due to its location on the 6th floor the wind is quite strong and the water is quite cold.
Pool and Gym View (floor above)
Courtesy: Sheraton Nha Trang Website
The property is across from the beach and there are crossing guards for hotel guests. You may laugh but when you see how traffic circulates you can see how having crossing guards will help small children and others cross safely. There is a private section on the beach with beach chairs, towels and umbrellas that is clearly marked by Sheraton.
Sheraton Beach Area
The hotel provides an ATM machine onsite although there are many more in close proximity.
The Experience
In this day and age where wifi is almost necessary, this hotel only offers free wifi in the lobby, pool area and restaurants. In room wifi is pay per use or you can buy blocks of days which I purchased and was disappointed with the speed. On the other hand, the staff was friendly and even went out of their way to get a shredder moved downstairs for my use. The hotel is located across the street from the beach, near the city center and only a 5 minute walk to the Night Market, restaurants, tailors and massage locations. There is also a mall one block away with lots of shopping and a food court.
Two pieces of advice: 1) if you decide to go to Monkey Island, watch your back when feeding the monkeys and 2) try the fish massage – it takes a few minutes to get used to but worth it in the end.
Monkey Attack Aftermath
Fish Massage
Overall, we enjoyed our stay at this property and would return but would ask for a room with a better designed bath.
The Good: Good Location; Nice Gym; Normal Nightly Cost: $157 US – Our Cost: $55 US + 3500 SPG points
The Bad: Strong winds at pool
The Ugly: Bathroom badly designed; shower floods bathroom due to drain not working correctly
