Pilgrimage Village Resort, Hue

Location

Pilgrimage Village's location is a mix of ups and downs. It's close by some of the imperial tombs and it's a great base for country cycling too. It's also a good escape from Vietnam's cities.

But if you see yourself wanting to be downtown a lot, and you want to eat in town, the 15 - 20 minute journey back and forth might become a drag.

Pilgrimage Village is a better option for a leisurely longer stay rather than a night or two.

The hotel operates a free shuttle downtown 6 times per day.


Review

There's plenty to like about Pilgrimage Village, not least the aspiration of the local owners to create something more special than the unimaginative blocks that have marked most hotel development in Hue during the past twenty years.

It has a number of features that make it unique in Hue; a rural setting amidst the hills where the Nguyen dynasty tombs are located; vast grounds; bungalow style accommodations and the two best swimming pools in town.

Its facilities and rooms make it a good option for families.

All room categories are generous in size with the higher category rooms so large as to present design challenges that have not been fully resolved - like where to put the TV?.

Room decor is simple, rustic and cosy with tiled floors, exposed brick and discrete Cham inspired decorative touches.

Rooms in the lead-in room category (villa deluxe) are nicely done and are good value for money.

They're still sporting old small TVs which look a little strange - especially given that many budget hotels in Vietnam already have flat screens. They might be better off without TVs at all.

Higher category rooms are in large self contained bungalows some with private pools.

Cheapest rates are often not inclusive of breakfast which is around $16USD per person.

Travellers booking directly with the hotel seem to pay more than those booking online with hotel websites such as Agoda or booking.com - a strategy that leaves me very confused.


Brief
Two great pools, spa, free wifi, bicycle hire.