Euro Travel & More

Marina Mandarin Hotel is not as old as her parent hotel - the Mandarin Hotel at Orchard Road but it is neither new too, I think it had to be up and running for a good 20 yrs now.  But a 5 star hotel it is .. that’s for sure.. but the Marina Mandarin is definitely a modern version of the Mandarin Hotel.  Owned by bankers if i am not wrong.. I think Alfred Lien is still at the helm.  And if you know Mr Lien .. not the older one.. but the younger Lien, you would come to like him a lot too.

Of course, not all the rooms looked like that.. this is the bridal suite.. but the Marina Mandarin had gone thru’ several renovations.. and had kept this property up to date, even the bathrooms are equipped with  Hansgrohe shower faucets, if i am not wrong.

Although claimed to be in the heart of the city, I beg to differ .. because if you are not driving .. it can be quite a walk.. and if you are it is quite a roundabout turn to get to the hotel.  But there are buses and the train to get you to Marina Mandarin.. but if you were a tourist .. you kinda have to depend on taxis.. and taxis although compared to other countries.. Singapore taxi or cab services are pretty reasonable.. but one cannot say it is cheap either.

Marina Mandarin Hotel Singapore is a 5 star luxury hotel and is the only member of The Leading Hotels of the World® in Singapore. It does have a breathtaking view of the Marina Bay and near to the financial district and if i am not wrong, they own the Marina Square shopping mall that one can access to directly from the hotel.  21 level with more than 500 rooms to house your whole company’s function or conference, I think they do tour groups as well.

Amazing architectural inside of the hotel which always leaves me in awe whenever i am visiting the lounge or staying for the weekend during business trips.  The atrium lounge always had someone playing the piano.. where one can sit and relax after a long day of business meeting and savor some wonderful pastries and mini sandwiches.   They also have a chinese restaurant called Peach Blossom that serves dim sum and cantonese fare.  I especially like the concierge service .. although i have to let you all know that locals are not served the same as the expats. Be prepared to pay as much as $200 for a standard size room.  Yes, they have business centers and the works.. and although i also enjoy the italian restaurant .. i have to say.. i’ve tasted better elsewhere and less expensive.

read comments (0)

The Brown’s Hotel in London was one of the very first that I had stayed in many years ago. But at that time it was under another management . .another owner. It is a very charming and intimate hotel and as one can expect . .it is very English like in decor and everything else. The Brown’s Hotel shouts respect .. and distinguished.

Located in Mayfiar on Albermarle Street, The Brown’s Hotel is actually one of the most historic hotels as it was the first hotel to be opened in London in 1837. Within a short walk from Bond Street where you can get all your exclusive handbags and shoes and clothings.

They had 29 luxurious suites and more standard rooms in Brown’s and I was privileged to have stayed in one. Each suite i learned later .. that they were individually designed with a sophistication that has become the trademark of The Rocco Forte Collection. Of course, the service staff goes about their work quietly and never disturbing your peace. The people in the hotel were friendly.. but not over hospitable I have to say. They do keep a distance.. and talk when spoken to.

Even if you didn’t get a chance to stay at the Brown’s Hotel, one must try going to the famous English Tea Room. Relax to the sounds from the Baby Grand Piano and indulge in Brown’s award-winning Traditional Afternoon Tea which consists of a choice of 17 teas, including Brown’s own blend, along with succulent finger sandwiches, an assortment of delicate pastries, fruit and plain scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, as well as a choice of freshly baked cakes from the trolley.

read comments (0)

This wasn’t exactly the room i stayed it.. but it was similar size .. and almost similar decorations and wallpapers. Mayfair Hotel is at the heart of Paris between Place de la Concorde and Place Vendome, A 4 star hotel and going rate per nite is about $150 €, which not many people like us can afford unless you are on a business trip like me.

My bosses stayed here.. and didn’t think it was convenient for me to stay in another .. with another co-worker. A luxurious hotel .. Mayfair is.. and expect professionalism.. and extended hospitality .. once you become a house guest. The front desk takes time to remember your name. In my whole time there.. they called me by my family name. Each room has it own unique decoration and reflects the unique Parisian style.

The hotel has room service .. but not 24hrs.. a business center, concierge to make those special dinner arrangements for you. Cable TV, Hair Dryer ( you need not bring yours) . .safe in the room and of course air conditioning. For those traveling with children, you will be glad to know that they have a day nursery as well. Call either the Concierge or Housekeeping for arrangements.

The breakfast room serves continental and buffet breakfast from 7am to 10.30am daily. We didn’t eat here.. because we usually have breakfast meetings in another hotel.. or the office in Paris.

read comments (0)

Some friends and readers asked when I stayed in the hotel for the first time..and I’ll have to let you know that I was like 20 something years old.  It was when i was going for a school trip to UK for the first time ever.  Guess what i brought along to make my hotel stay comfy..??  yes  !! scented candles and votive candle holders, it’s true..!! i kid you not..!!  hahahhaha!! silly ..?? not really, coz’ i was gonna stay there like a week.. so i might as well make myself comfy right..?? what about you ..??  what did you bring along on your first stay in a hotel..??

read comments (0)

I was asked a very funny question by a girlfriend from home today.  I think it is because I had been in the hotel industry for 15 yrs, therefore I can understand why they would ask me these question.   They wanna know if they should bring their own towels.. for showering and you know what.. i get this question often.  Well, if you are not with kids.. of course .. go right ahead.. and get your own towels.. but you know when it comes to luggages.. you can only bring so much.   Although i myself do not use hotel towels.. because they are truly extremely dirty.. and goes just about everywhere.. from floor to toilet bowl to vomit.. well you get the idea right..?   So yes. .love hotels.. love their going green thingie .. with every hotel these days.. and their led light bulbs but never use their towels.. or their comforter.  Trust me .. i know ..!

read comments (0)

The Swissotel The Stamford, Singapore.. has a very special place in my heart… not only did i worked here for a year.. i also became a long-staying guest for another 2 before leaving Singapore.. and embarking on my new adventure. I got to see the hotel.. its management.. as an employee and as a guest. What a twist of fate.. i’ll have to say… that the company i worked for .. decided to use The Stamford as their resident hotel… but that was more than 10 yrs ago.

Touted as Southeast Asia’s tallest hotel, Swissotel (formerly known as Westin, The Stamford) offers a panoramic views of the neighbouring countries.. like Indonesia and Malaysia. With more than 1200 room, you can guess as much as I that the Swissotel, Stamford is used mostly by tour groups.. wherelse.. The Plaza is mostly for businessmen.

The locality of the hotel is right smacked in the middle of town.. near MRT .. buses.. shopping centres.. the museum.. and just about anything and everything. The hotel houses restaurants and cafes .. italian.. japanese, szechuan.. and it even has an observation deck now call Equinox.

Of course the room are not cheap… but I think you can get good rates with the right tour agent or if you have a corporate account with them. Meeting rooms and convention center is readily available of rental.. and the bustling of life at the hotel can overwhelmed some… but a good stay at the Swissotel is expected.. because they really take care of all your needs.. from spa, swimming pool.. fitness center.. and food, room services.. and just about anything you can think of.

1263-rooms

read comments (0)

I get asked a lot about what one can do, when they are traveling with babies.  Some people don’t even think of traveling at all, just because they have a baby.  And you know what i tell them..??  what foolishness eh. Well.. there are a few tips and tricks when you are traveling with a baby,  first thing first, you have to make sure that you bring things that smells familiar and similar to baby even though the hotel may say they provide crib and crib bedding .  By bringing along your own, you are most likely to get a better nite rest.  Trust me.. bring her favorite toy.. and her favorite pillow, they are easy to bring along .. and can just squeeze into a carry bad.  Try it.

read comments (0)

I had the privileged to stay at the Marco Polo Hotel, Hong Kong many years ago and I’ll have to say that it was one of the best hotels that i’ve stayed in. Not only is the room spacious, you should the bathroom.. it has both shower and bathtub…. plus the view was fantastic. Plus Marco Polo Hotel, Hong Kong is centrally located at Harbour City Kowloon, so one can conveniently go shopping or reach a MTR to go from one place to another. And not forgetting, it is just a few steps .. literally .. a few steps away from world famous Star Ferry.

The front desk receptionist speaks perfect english.. therefore it was easy to communicate my needs to them. We did dine at the Le Brasserie, a French restaurant.. and i remembered the excellent flambes we had. Enjoy their outdoor heated poor located at their 6th Floor, although it is a pity that they don’t have a gym within the hotel now.

The Ocean Terminal just next door, is for those who wants to go on cruises. Directly opposite the hotel are some smaller shopping center but of course with Harbour City just a few steps away.. with more than 700 shops/tenants.. one don’t really need to go anywhere else for food and shopping. They also have 2 cinemas in there. Awesome..!

read comments (0)

Like anyone traveling for business or going on vacation, looking for the right place to stay is very important.  For us, we were usually traveling because of business and we sometimes have meetings and late conference calls to our head office, from our hotel room, which sometimes can be not feasible at all.  Hotel rooms are kind of small but if we choose to stay in an apartment like those offered at Amsterdam Short Stay Apartments, you can understand why we choose an apartment over a hotel.

Conveniently located, these apartments are spacious, have equipped kitchens and are fully furnished from living room to bedrooms.  Here we don’t have to cram into a small room for our meetings and conference calls and it certainly wouldn’t look weird to invite an office associate to the apartment.  As in a hotel, most of our guests need to register at the front desk after 9pm, which can be a real hassle.

Rental is as low as € 105.00, therefore it is very cost effective for those of us who were traveling in groups. Check the availability online or you can contact them by phone or thru’ their contact form online.  Why pay an arm and a leg to book an extra conference room for your meetings when you can have the whole apartment to utilize as you wish.

read comments (0)