Tag Archives: Hotel

Destinations, Europe, London, UK

Cardiff Hotel, London Paddington – Review

This spring I decided to have a short city trip to London. After searching several days for the right hotel, I decided to book 4 nights at the Cardiff Hotel.

Location

It is conveniently located only 5 minutes from Paddington station. Paddington is one of the main train stations in London (City of Westminster). Both Heathrow Express and Heathrow Connect depart and arrive from this station. So if you have an early flight out of Heathrow, this is the right area to stay in London. Several Underground lines stop at Paddington station, which makes it a great starting point to explore London and the surroundings.

The room

I booked a Single room on a online booking site. When I arrived I got the info that I got upgraded to a Double room on the 1st floor. The room had a “typical size” for B&B’s and hotels in old buildings. The bathroom was quite small though. The room featured a double bed, a desk, a closet and a flatscreen tv attached to the wall. The en-suite bath room had a small sink and shower area. The room is okay for a short city trip, but please in mind that it is an old building and has little heat/noise isolation. The hotel offers free WiFi throughout the hotel. I was able to check my emails and Facebook on my tablet both in my room and at the breakfast room down stairs.

Breakfast

Breakfast was included in my rate and I used it every day. The breakfast buffet offered English breakfast standards like bacon, baked beans, sausages and tomatoes as well as toast, fruits, cereals and juices. Huge thumbs up!

Verdict

I like the hotel. It’s perfectly situated near Paddington station, has free WiFi, free breakfast and is nice for a short city trip.

 

Australia, East Coast, General

Vibe Hotel Sydney – Review

I stayed at this hotel for 3 nights during the last days of my Australia 2013 trip. I really enjoyed staying this hotel.

Location

The Vibe Hotel Sydney  is located in Goulburn St, which is part of the CBD. The two nearest city rail stations are Central and Museum. The Central station is about 10 minutes by foot away, Museum station only 5 minutes. he airport link train also stops at these stations. Because the hotel is in the CBD you’ll can find almost anything you need nearby. Mini marts, Bars, restaurants and coffee shops are only few steps or minutes away.

The reception staff was very friendly and upgraded me to a “Deluxe Suite Queen and Sofa”, which was really nice.

Room

The bedroom features a queen size bed flat screen and an alarm clock. The seperate living room a coach and a desk and a second tv.

Vibe Hotel Sydney - Bedroom
Vibe Hotel Sydney – Bedroom

The bathroom has a bath tub with shower.  I believe I stayed at the 7th or 8th floor. The suite has a friendly and warm interior and was  clean. It was very quiet thanks to the high floor. WiFi is not included. I didn’t try it, because I had connectivity through my smartphone with integrated WiFi hotspot.

I haven’t tried the breakfast, because I prefere to enjoy it at my favourite coffee shop chain. There’s also a pool on the roof

Can I recommend this hotel? Yes, it is a great option for your stay in Sydney. Especially the location is a huge plus for exploring the city by public transport or getting to the airport.

This review and all the other reviews on this blog are not sponsored.

Australia, Northern Territory

Travelodge Mirambeena Resort Darwin

Welcome to my first hotel review in Australia this year.

In October 2013, I stayed at the Travelodge Mirambeena Resort Darwin. This resort offers both “motel” and “hotel” accomodation. In this review I focus on the so called “motel room”. There’s also a so called “budget motel room”, which I wont describe in this post.

Room

I got a motel room with Queen size bed and a second bed on the first floor (one level above ground floor). The room featured a flatscreen TV, an A/C and a small table. The bathroom was clean and had a shower. There also a small fridge in the room and a in-room safe with digits pad.

The hotel/motel offers two swimming pools and a bristro area. I enjoyed spending some time relaxing at the pool and reading my newest novel, which I bought at the Darwin Bookshop. A fitness room and internet terminals are also on location.

Location

The hotel is conviniently located at Cavenagh Street. There’s a Woolworth supermarket located across the street. Want to send a postcard home? There’s also an Australia Post office on Cavenagh Street, just a 5 minutes walk from the hotel. Want to go on a shopping spree? Downtown Darwin is just a 10-15 minutes walk away. There quite a few smaller shops and a few shopping malls.

Breakfast

I only tasted the continental breakfast option, which was good. All the standards were on offer: coffee, tea, toast, vegemite, jam, cereals, fruits.

Photos

Sorry, no photos this time. Check out the photos from the official website, they’re pretty accurate.

http://www.travelodge.com.au/travelodge-mirambeena-resort-darwin/hotel-images

 

Asia, Destinations, Singapore

Peninsula Excelsior Hotel, Singapore – Review

I stayed at this hotel during my first trip to Singapore.

Location

The Peninsula Excelsior is located in Coleman St., right at the city centre. There’s a MRT station “City hall” of the East-West line nearby. (about 5-10 minutes walking).

You’ll find a 7/11 store, a few restaurants and a few shopping malls within a few minutes walking. Thanks to the MRT, you’re greatly connected to many attractions and shopping malls.

Room

Peninsula Excelsior - Superior room
Peninsula Excelsior – Superior room

I had a Superior Room during my 3 nights stay at this hotel. The room features twin beds, a desk, an armchair and a flat screen. The enclosed bathroom has a shower cabin and a huge mirror. Wish: It could be a bit cleaner for Singapore standards . I had some good nights sleep, even though my room was next to the elevator.
The main room was clean.

I haven’t tried the breakfast. There’s also a pool, a spa and a gym on the higher floors. The staff at the reception desk and the luggage storage was very friendly.

Can I recommend this hotel? Yes, it is a good option for a stop over.

Asia, Destinations, Thailand, Tipps, Travel Feature

Urbana Langsuan Hotel, Bangkok – Review

I stayed at 2 different hotels during my first trip to Bangkok, Thailand.
I really enjoyed both hotels. Today, I write about the Urbana Langsuan in the Lumpini district of Bangkok.

Location

Urbana Langsuan - My view
Urbana Langsuan – My view

The Urbana Langsuan is located in Langsuan Rd., which is a business district road. There’s a BTS sky train station “Chit Lom” at the intersection with Sukhumvit Rd. (about 10 minutes walking).

You’ll find a few restaurants and lots of other hotels in Langsuan Rd. One of the “entertainment districts” is one stop with the BTS train away. All the famous shopping malls like Central World Plaza and Siam Paragon are about 15-25 minutes walking time away.
There’s a 7/11 store and a shopping mall between the BTS station and the hotel. Even at late hours you’re still able to buy some cool drinks or a snack.

The reception staff speaks good english. They even got me a room on a high floor as I requested.

Room

Urbana Langsuan - Studio room
Urbana Langsuan – Studio room

I had a studio room during my 2 nights stay at this hotel. The room features a king size bed, flat screen, a coach and a small pantry with microwave. The enclosed bathroom has a shower cabin with rain shower feature. The room also has a balcony to enjoy the urban views of Bangkok.

The whole room has a friendly and warm interior. The room was clean. It was very quiet thanks to the high floor. Free WiFi was included in the rate, because I booked online. I had a stable and fast connection.

I haven’t tried the breakfast, because it’s only open until 10am. There’s also a pool, a spa and a gym on the higher floors.

Can I recommend this hotel? Yes, it is a great option for your stay in Bangkok.

Asia, Destinations, Thailand, Tipps, Travel Feature

Grand President Hotel, Bangkok – Review

I stayed to 2 different hotels during my first trip to Bangkok, Thailand.
I really enjoyed both hotels. I start my series of reviews with the Grand President Hotel in the Sukhumvit district of Bangkok.

Location

Grand President - Deluxe room
Grand President – Deluxe room

The Grand President is located in Soi Sukhumvit 11, which is a quiet (for Bangkok) side street of the Sukhumvit Rd. There’s a BTS sky train station “Nana” right at the intersection.

You’ll find a few bars and restaurants and a “German beer garden” near the hotel. One of the “entertainment districts” is about 10 minutes walking distance away. Another one is one stop with the BTS train away. All the famous shopping malls like Central World Plaza and Siam Paragon are about 10 minutes/3 BTS train stops away. Terminal 21 is only one stop away. Get off at “Asok”.
There’s a 7/11 store between the BTS station and the hotel. Even at late hours you’re still able to buy some cool drinks or a snack.

The reception staff speaks good english. They even upgraded me to a better category.

Room

Grand President - Deluxe room
Grand President – Deluxe room

A had a deluxe room during my 4 nights stay at this hotel. The room features a king size bed, flat screen, a coach and a fridge. The enclosed bathroom has a bath tub with integrated shower.

The whole room has a very dark (black/dark brown) interior. The room was clean. It was a bit noisy during 1 of the 4 nights, because I had a room on one of the lower floors. But this was due to a parade on the street. Free WiFi was included in the rate, because I booked online. I had a stable and fast connection.

The international breakfast buffet was okay. Lots of hot and cold food options. Coffee and juice were on offer, but nothing special.

Can I recommend this hotel? Yes, it is great option for a short stop over.

Here’s the official promotion video from the Grand President Bangkok

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9sM2ZegEJ4

General, Travelogues, USA

July 22, 2011 – Hyatt Regency Century Plaza

The whole hotel is very classy and in my opinion it should be understood as a premium business hotel.

Hyatt Regency Century Plaza - King Room
Hyatt Regency Century Plaza - King Room

I booked a King Room. Unfortunately, the room was located to the street side instead of mountain view. The King Room has a small balcony with table and two chairs.

Hyatt Regency Century Plaza - King Room
Hyatt Regency Century Plaza - King Room

The bed, typically for Hyatt, very comfortable. The room is very dark, almost all the furniture is dark brown, as is the bathroom. Elegant style! Everything was very clean.
In the bathroom you can find the Hyatt standards: bathtub with shower, shampoo, body lotion and toothpaste.

The concierge next to the front desk can book shuttles from SuperShuttle. The shuttles takes you to  LAX within approximately 45 minutes. A useful Hyatt Fast Board terminal is also offered in the hotel lobby.
Early flight and no time for breakfast? A Starbucks can be found directly in the lobby. Sweet!

Near the Hyatt Century Plaza are many banks, a Westfield Shopping Mall and several bus stops.
Walking time to Beverly Hills is about 25 minutes, where you can enjoy a very good dinner.

General, Travelogues, USA

July 17, 2011 – Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort & Spa

Hyatt has meanwhile become my favorite hotel chain, therefore I decided to make a trip to Hawaii on my this year’s visit of San Francisco .

I arrived at about 10:00pm by shuttle at Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort & Spa.

The first I noticed : The hotel has no doors, you go with an escalator directly into a lobby, in the atrium you will find shops and cafes.

At the front desk greeted me a very friendly Hawaiian. She looked at her computer and saw that I am Hyatt Gold Passport member.
Upgrade to Deluxe Ocean View and breakfast!

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort & Spa - Deluxe Ocean View Room
Deluxe Ocean View Room

The room was in the 18th Floor, which is already very high.
After a corridor you will find in your room 2 queen beds and a balcony. On the balcony are 2 chairs and a table. A magnificent view over the sea and the main street of Waikiki. The bed is very comfortable . The room is clean and very quiet, and I have not heard any neighbors. 🙂 In addition,they fitted the room with a desk with lamp .
The bathroom has a bathtub with shower. Bodywash, conditioner and body lotion from Na Ho’ola Spa (the hotel’s spa) are available in the bathroom.

Since I had been upgraded to Deluxe Ocean View with breakfast , I decided to try the breakfast buffet. They offer cold and hot dishes, fresh juices and fruits, including coffee. Espresso and other hot drinks must be pay extra.
Breakfast tastes delicious. The tables are outside on a roof terrace with views of Waikiki Beach.

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort & Spa - Deluxe Ocean View Room
Deluxe Ocean View Room
Unfortunately, in July 2011 were some renovation works performed. Which means that some restaurants and the pool were not available. Upon request, free beach kits were offered and you can use the swimming pool of a hotel a few blocks away.

In the lobby  is also located an Activity Desk from Expedia. Here you can seek advice and book city tours, tours to Pearl Harbor or submarine tours.
The staff is very friendly and helpful, they really took time for me.

Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Beach

I did a submarine tour and really liked it. The submarine tour package includes free pickup at the hotel and transfer to the submarine at sea.

The beach is located directly across from the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort & Spa.
Right on the beach is “Hyatt on the beach”, where you can order burgers and Shave Ice.

Everybody should definitely try Shave Ice. It’s really tasty!

General, Travelogues, USA

July 14, 2011 – Grand Hyatt San Francisco

Grand Hyatt San Francisco. I really love this hotel. The lobby is modern and it has this “you’re welcome” feeling. The staff at the reception desk is really nice and competent.
Also, there are some Hyatt Check-in kiosks.

King Room with Union Square View

Grand Hyatt San Francisco King Room with Union Square View
Grand Hyatt San Francisco King Room with Union Square View

After entering the room you see first a large, comfortable king-size bed, with a large number of pillows. Directly from the bed you look at a 37″ flatscreen TV with “premium channels”.

Next to the bed you will find a phone that really can do everything. Okay maybe not everything, but it has many buttons. 😉
A desk with lamp and a comfortable armchair are there to fill the room.

Grand Hyatt San Francisco King Room with Union Square View
Grand Hyatt San Francisco King Room with Union Square View

My first stay at a Grand Hyatt and I got a room on one of the “higher floors” with views of Union Square. Nice!

Going a little further, you will find a small hallway to the bathroom, there is a large, lighted mirror and a wardrobe.

Grand Hyatt San Francisco King Room Bathroom
Grand Hyatt San Francisco King Room Bathroom

The bathroom has a tub with shower, modern looking sink and a mirror that is illuminated from all sides.

Shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, and toothpaste are standard at the Grand Hyatt San Francisco.

The room features wireless Internet (WiFi), starting from $ 9.95 per day. For Hyatt Gold Passport Platinum members is this free.

 

Location

View to Union Square
View to Union Square

The Grand Hyatt San Francisco is located at Union Square, one of the most important places in San Francisco. Directly opposite you will find a Macy’s Department Store. Several Starbucks coffee houses are located around the square. Various sightseeing tours start right at Union Square.

Australia, Destinations, East Coast, Travelogues

Contiki – Beaches and Reefs Goodbye

Jan 29, 2011

After yesterday’s party we went today in the rain forest just to see a show of Aboriginal and to learn throwing a Boomerang. Quite funny, but my mood was not quite so good, so I did not enjoy it fully.

During the ride to the hotel Justine (Tour guide) and Youngy (Coach driver) held a little speech. At Cairns Colonial Club it was time for group photos, give “good bye” kisses and tipping;-)

Some of us sat in the bistro to exchange addresses between us, to sign the group photos and enjoy cold beer

At some point,  another German and I decided to share a taxi, because we both stayed an extra night in Cairns, though each in different hotels, but these were only a few hundred meters apart.

I had a standard room at the Tropical Queenslander, Cairns. It was clean, and the reception is very friendly.

Cairns
Cairns

The german girl and I met again in the evening to drive together to Dundee’s Restaurant. This time I took a dish with a crocodile and kangaroo skewers. Very tasty! The german girl also enjoyed. Crocodile actually tastes like chicken. Do you think I can find it in Europe or the USA ?.
For some reason it seems to be unusual in Australia, to go to a restaurant just as friends. Many people t looked at us like we were a couple, or had a date. Very amusing 🙂

We both went early to our hotel rooms, because our flights were both in the morning.