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.

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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.

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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..??

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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.

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The Marriot Hotel, Singapore is one of the oldest hotel that I’ve stayed in besides the Mandarin.  Both hotels had gone thru’ some rather extensive renovation during the 80s because of a fire in a shopping center  next to the hotel, also owned by the same management as the hotel.  Strategically, located in the center of town .. the most busy street in Singapore .. Orchard Road. The Marriot’s reception is a really grand entrance to welcome its guests/customers.  Boasting of several convention rooms for weddings .. The Marriot caters mostly to business clientele and studio rooms comes with a kitchen as well.. you should look at some of the kitchen faucets they have in these rooms .. nothing short of stylish.. and shouts of money.  A typical night stay at The Marriot Singapore can cost one $250 sing dollars.  I have to warn you to .. that the time i had stayed at the Marriot.. the rooms were huge.. but it was definitely old fashioned but i’m sure.. things had changed since.

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I love the Starwood group of hotels..!  they have awesome discounts for frequent traveler like myself.. and when W Seoul was opened for business, we were invited to stay in it for free as fellow hoteliers.  Impressive is not the word i was looking for .. to be honest.. it was W for WOW..!!  looking very serene and awfully calm and unexciting from the outside.. let me show you a few photos.. of the inside of W Seoul WalkerHill Hotel.

First ..  i have to tell you how impressed i was .. even with the toilet rolls.  Ok.. i know the Ritz. .and some other hotels do have this too.. for their washrooms.. but even in the public toilet..???  Yup..!! you heard me right..!!! To be continued..

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The Hilton Glasgow Hotel was the very first hotel i stayed in .. when i landed from the airport .. for my first assignment on my first job. Ironically my 4 yrs adventure of University in Glasgow, Scotland did not afford me to stay in this hotel. It wasn’t very far from the airport .. and i was thankful for that.. because our flight landed late. The front desk staff was very polite .. and efficient.. but when i tried to make a joke with them.. they didn’t laugh. This was when it hit me.. that the Asian hospitality is different from those in the West.

They didn’t have high speed internet then .. that they boast about now.. but the restaurants.. and bar were there.. when i first visited. They did have a indoor pool .. that was quite small compared to the ones in Asia.. and a fitness center.. that I never got to use. AS you all know .. the Hilton is a brand name.. that is synonymous with high quality standard. One can never really go wrong with staying at the Hilton.

Built some some ten years ago. It sits on prime location overlooking the River Clyde. It is 20 storey high building with 300 rooms and of course executive rooms .. what we called club rooms here. 2 restaurants and of course conference room.

Nope .. this wasn’t the room i stayed in.. mine was a deluxe room. But you can be ensured that staying at the Hilton .. you can rarely go wrong. Plus shopping area is not very far away from the hotel.. but I don’t advice walking.. because they do provide a shutter.

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