Hotel Review: The Southbridge Hotel, Singapore

Since ever I revisited Singapore together with Boyfie back in year 2011, from there onwards I keep flying to Singapore at least once every year. Everytime I went Singapore, I prefer to stay in different hotels; whether it's budget or boutique for different experience and exposure. And for my recent trip to Singapore with my mom and two lil brothers, we decided to stay in The Southbridge Hotel, a boutique hotel located strategically right in the colourful Chinatown.

#1: Exterior of the Southbridge Hotel, Singapore

Because there were four of us, we opted for taxi from the airport directly to our hotel. And upon arrival, we were kinda confused where was the check-in counter but luckily enough, we were approached by a kind bartender who showed us the right way for us to check-in. Before we could possible view our expected rooms, a refundable security deposit of SG$200 is required.

#2: The hotel lift signboard

#3: Standard queen room without window, where my mom and I slept here

#4: Deluxe queen room with window, where two of my brothers prefer this room

Initially, we booked two same deluxe queen rooms but when we entered our room, we were shocked that we were given two totally different rooms. The room that my mom and I slept were exceptionally small and it seems to be pretty enough for the bed and nothing else. But because our rooms were next to each other, we didn't bother to request for the change.

The hotel consists more than 40 rooms beautifully appointed guest rooms, many of which include free internet access – wireless (complimentary), toiletries, hair dryer, television LCD/plasma screen, air conditioning and complimentary of drinking water. 

#5: Clean but small bathroom

#6: Basic toiletries but sufficient for our usage

If not taken into account of the size of the room, this hotel is an ideal place of stay for travellers seeking charm, comfort and convenience in Singapore.

Date Stayed: 20 August - 22 August 2014 (2 nights)

Rate We Paid :  RM307.95 per night for a deluxe queen room without breakfast (Booked via Agoda.com)

The Southbridge Hotel Singapore
210 South Bridge Road,
Chinatown / Tiong Bahru,
Singapore 058759.

Travel Tip
There are two directions to get to this hotel:

1) Exit A of MRT Chinatown station, walk straight until end of the street and turn left until you came across Mosque Street.

2) Exit F of MRT Chinatown station.

Disclaimer:
This review is truly based on my own personal experience and is my genuine and honest opinion of this hotel, and that I have no personal or business relationship with this establishment.

Follow me on Twitter | Instagram | Dayre | cause I am currently in Singapore again!

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Hotel Review: The Everly Putrajaya Hotel

The reason why I didn't update my blog for almost two weeks is not because I was travelling or busy but I was too lazy and procrastination most of the time. Prefer spending my time with my family and Boyfie instead.

Date Stayed: 8th June - 12th June 2014

I was in Putrajaya last few months for Girl Guides National event and the event was held in The Everly Hotel Putrajaya. We even stayed in this hotel throughout the 5 days and 4 nights event. This hotel is quite well-known by the worldwide cause this is where the families and relatives of the passengers of the missing MH370 airplane gathered here.

#1: Situated in Precinct 1, The Everly Hotel Putrajaya is connected to the Alamanda Shopping Centre making this hotel absolutely an excellent and strategic location. 

Travelled alone by myself, I took taxi once I got off from Putrajaya & Cyberjaya KLIA Transit Station and when I thought that the travel distance would be less than 5 minutes, I was completely wrong. The journey took more than 10 minutes.

#2: Gracefully designed lobby with plenty of seats for the value guests

By looking at the lobby, I know that I can't wait to look at the hotel room. Funny thing about this hotel was there are two lifts, one directly to all the rooms whereas the other one to the function hall and most guests, including me got confused right after the check-in procedures. I guess, the hotel need to train their staffs properly on how to assist and give clear direction to the guests.

#3: Colourful and well-designed deluxe room twin sharing furnished with comfort carpet

This spacious and cozy room is equipped with Wireless Internet access, LCD television, coffee and tea maker, ironing facilities, mini refrigerator, hairdryer and in-room safe. The room given to us was directly facing the view of Alamanda Shopping Centre .

#4: Not just leisure, perfectly for the business group of people for them to keep track and do their work.

#5: I personally love the couch area with plenty of cushions. 

#6: Hand towels, bath towels and basic toiletries are available in the spacious and moderate clean bathroom.

#7: As our room comes with complimentary breakfast, this was where we had our hearty breakfast every morning in Fuze Restaurant which located on the ground floor.

Comparing to the rest of the hotels I stayed before, honestly to say the breakfast provided here was much more better which comes with plenty of selection from Asian to Western meals. For Asian, one morning with nasi lemak, fried noodles and so on and the other morning served roti canai. As for Western, they served sausages, ham, toast, red beans and more.

#8: Swimming pool with the Putrajaya lake view

Overall, I was indeed enjoyed my stay here and whenever there were break time between the event, I just spend my time staying in the room instead of going to the nearby shopping complex. So comfortable that I don't even feel like wanna go back home at that period of time.  

The Everly Putrajaya Hotel 

No. 1, Jalan Alamanda 2,

Precinct 1, Putrajaya, 

62000 Kuala Lumpur,

Malaysia.

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Accommodations

LATEST UPDATED ON 06.12.2014
 
List of the accommodations I stayed before:
(This list will be updated from time to time)

MALAYSIA
Sabah 

• Grandis Hotels & Resorts, Kota Kinabalu

Johor

• 11@Century Hotel, Johor Bahru

LCCT Airport

• Tune Hotel LCCT Airport (No longer available as they moved to KLIA2)

Malacca

• Equatorial Hotel

• The Explorer Hotel, Malacca 

Penang

• Old Penang Guesthouse 

Putrajaya

• The Everly Hotel Putrajaya 

Sarawak

• 360 Urban Resort Hotel, Kuching

CHINA
Shenzhen

• Sofitel Dongguan Humen Oriental

HONG KONG

• Disney's Hollywood Hotel  

INDONESIA
Bali

• Jocs Boutique Hotel & Spa 

Bandung

• Sensa Hotel Bandung

Jakarta

• MaxOne Hotels.com 
• Ibis Jakarta Mangga Dua

JAPAN
Osaka

• J Hoppers, Osaka 

Tokyo

• Tokyo House Ikebukuro

PHILIPPINES 
Manila

• Friendly Guesthouse 

SINGAPORE

• V Lavender Hotel
• Hotel 81 Dickson 
• The Southbridge Hotel  

SOUTH KOREA
Jeju

• Jeju Hiking Inn 

Seoul

• Namsan Guest House 

TAIWAN

• Taipei, Taichung & Jiufen (2013)

THAILAND
Bangkok

• The Period Pratunam Hotel of Bangkok
• Centre Point Pratunam Hotel of Bangkok

Phuket

• Loveli Boutique Guesthouse  

Disclaimer:
The reviews of all the accommodation above truly based on my own personal experience and are my genuine and honest opinion of this hotel, and that I have no personal or business relationship with those establishment.

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Hotel Review: Centre Point Pratunam Hotel Bangkok

As I just came back from Bangkok before going there again with my family, hence it's not difficult for me to search for the right place to stay with my family. Location wise, Pratunam is always my priority choice as it is one stop for everything - shopping, foods, entertainment and more. I came across Centre Point Pratunam when I stayed in Period Pratunam Hotel of Bangkok previously, which was just few stones away. Centre Point is well-known for serviced apartments in Bangkok and most of their chain apartments are located in great and ideal location. After discussed with my family, we decided to pick Centre Point Pratunam as our official accommodation as I think it would be perfectly fit in for a group of family like us. 

#1: The main entrance of the hotel

#2: Gracefully designed of the lobby floor including the reception counter as well as indoor and outdoor lobby.

While waiting for the check-in process to be done, we were being told that there was a complimentary coffee, tea and cold drinks served everyday at the small bar situated at the lobby. Not just that, we were so surprised when the friendly staff at the counter told us that our rooms were being upgraded for free. Initially we booked four different deluxe rooms but we were given two Grand Suites and two Presidential Suites. It's absolutely beyond our expectation. As we were greatly astonished and impressed with the look of the lobby area, we can't wait to check out the hotel rooms.

#3: Artfully decorated and luxurious single room with a king bed attached with private balcony or verandah besides it.

The Presidential Suite was literally located in the top floor and upon entering the room, we were completely blew away with the design of the room given to us. The rooms are designed with a touch of modern luxury and tastefully furnished with luxury amenities such as a king size bed, living room, kitchenette and dining area.

#4: A zen feeling private balcony where one could even have a bath while overlooking the breath-taking view

#5: The dining area where my family and I could gathered and had meals together

#6: The kitchenette that equipped with cooking utensils, cutlery, fridge, microwave and even washing machine. 

#7: Living room with not only comfortable sofa and tables, it even equipped with CD and DVD player and stereo system.

#8: Spacious bathroom that house a separate bath tub and shower stand completed with bath amenities

#9: Complimentary breakfast on the first day only

We decided to book the room with complimentary breakfast only for the first night, whereas the rest of the day, we decided to dine outside cause we believe there are more foods for us to explore. Variety wise, the breakfast serves plenty of choices including both local and international spread such as fried rice and noodle, sausages, eggs and more. They even serve variety of cakes and pastries for the guests to choose from.

#10: Outdoor swimming pool

However on the second day while we were exploring Bangkok, one of my family members was being told to check-out immediately as our rooms which being upgraded were mainly for the first night only. They didn't even tell us properly during the check-in process which made me quite disappointed with their unprofessional and not-well trained services. It was kinda rush for us to pack everything especially the shopping loots we just bought but luckily enough, they gave some time for us to do so.

#11: This is the actual room we booked eventually - Deluxe Premium room

As much as I love the luxury suite rooms, I have to face the reality that these were the actual rooms we booked initially. Although the deluxe premium rooms were not as grand and elegant as the suite rooms, it was equally spacious room and perfectly fit 3 of us. Each room houses a king size bed (and we requested to add another single bed) with air-conditioner, TV, sofa, small dining area and basic kitchen equipments.

#12: That's our daddy cooked for his naughty children 

#13: Our hearty breakfast cooked by daddy

Despite the unprofessional services which I mentioned earlier, overall my family and I had a pleasant and comfortable stay in this service apartment hotel. The main plus point of this hotel is it is strategically located in Pratunam area and hence convenient for both leisure and business travellers.

Date Stayed: 12 February - 17 February 2013 (5 nights)
We booked the rooms directly from their official website -  http://centrepoint.com/index.aspx

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Hotel Review: 11@Century Hotel, Johor Bahru

I've been to Johor quite number of times but most of the times, either I stayed at my friends' house or mainly just for stopover to Singapore. So when I about to go Johor for Legoland, I asked my sister, who is currently working in Singapore and she always went to Johor for weekend trip, asking her which hotel would she recommend me to stay and she suggested me this - 11@Century Hotel, Johor Bahru. 

#1: Overview of 11@Century Hotel

As we reserved the room through Agoda.com, all we need to do was printed out the hotel reservation number and showed our identification card upon check-in. The check-in process was smooth and hassle-free and the next thing we know, we were given room card as well as breakfast coupon without any deposit needed.

#2: Standard queen size room

The size of the room was moderately spacious and it looked very modern and descent. The room was pretty simple which equipped with a queen size bed, LCD flat screen, free WiFi internet access and in-room safety box. There is no mini bar, table and chair provided within the room and in case you need hairdryer, iron and ironing board, you need to request from the housekeeping or counter desk, which I found it's kinda troublesome.
 

#3: Bathroom with standard toilet amenities provided

When we looked into the bathroom, we were quite surprised with the huge size of the bathroom. Like I mentioned above, there is no hairdryer within bathroom and they will provide you upon request.

#4: Complimentary coffee and tea making facilities

The room was adequate comfort but there still need a room for improvement when comes to cleanliness. We spotted quite number of small cockroaches not just inside the room, but also in the bathroom. Well, of course we weren't afraid of those cockroaches but somehow felt kind disgusting seeing them crawling within the room.

#5: Complimentary breakfast buffet

Throughout our stayed here, we were entitled for complimentary breakfast buffet every morning. The buffet spread was pretty simple with the range from Asian to western meals such toast bread, eggs, nasi lemak, fried noodle, baked bean and fruit juices.

#6: The main plus point of this hotel was it located very near to KSL City Mall

Travel Tip

If you plan to go to JB Sentral for entering Singapore Woodlands customs, it took less than 10 minute drive and the taxi fare mostly cost less than RM10.

Date Stayed: 24 January 2013 - 27 January 2013 (3 nights)

Rate We Paid :  RM115.00 per night for a standard queen size room inclusive breakfast (Booked via Agoda.com)

Disclaimer:
This review is truly based on my own personal experience and is my genuine and honest opinion of this hotel, and that I have no personal or business relationship with this establishment.

Follow me on Twitter | Instagram | Dayre |

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Minsu (民宿) I Stayed in Taiwan

Normally, I would blog most of my travelogues in sequence (unless it required to blog urgently) but because lately I received quite numbers of emails asking about the minsu I stayed during my trip to Taiwan last year (My 2013 Year End Trip: Taiwan 台湾 - Sneak Peek), hence I decided to blog about them now.

Taiwan is well-known and popular for minshu (民宿), which is the type of accommodation that equivalent to homestay, guesthouse, B&B and some known as farmstay if there are animals within the property. The experiences of staying in minsu are completely different and unique comparing staying in a conventional hotel. Bear in mind, most of the minsu are mainly to accommodate couples, a small group of families and travellers. Therefore, if you are travelling alone, minsu might not be the best option unless you are willing to bear the cost of paying for 2 pax. One of the main reasons I chosen minsu instead of normal hotel because I love the way how majority minsu in Taiwan are decorated in varierty and colourful themes and decor to light up the atmosphere. 

NOTE: However, the main drawback I encountered with Taiwan's minsu was the owner or host replied me in Chinese when I sent all the emails in English. Therefore, you might need some help from those who know how to read and write Chinese.

Brief details of the Three Different Minsu (民宿) I Booked

 

1)  Minsu in Taichung 逢甲夜宿館 (In Chinese Name) - Check their Facebook Page

I came across this minsu from Facebook page and after inquired for the room rate (with the help from Boyfie to read, write and translate to me), I found it was so cheap and I instantly booked without second thought. Plus, no deposit or advanced payment required. However, they refused to give the map of their exact location when I requested quite number of times via email and we need to call them when we reach Taichung. Overall, the room is pretty simple, clean and convenient. 

Room Rate: NTD1,000 per night (approx. to RM113) 

Location: Less than 2 minutes walk to the famous Fengjia Night Market.

Facilities: Free WiFi access, Air-Conditioning Room attached with Private Bathroom
Advantages: Cheap, great location and you can check-in and check-out at anytime if the rooms are not being occupied. 

Drawback: Small bathroom and there was no proper place when taking a bath.

2) Sunny Room in Jiufen (九份) - http://www.sunnyroom.tw/

Our room theme - Dark Chocolate 

 

Free breakfast provided by the owner

This was eventually recommend by a friend of mine. A bit pricey and the most expensive minsu I stayed but somehow, it was one of my travel wishlist to stay around Jiufen area and successfully accomplished now. The room was so spacious, beautifully decorated and most importantly, we had our own private balcony to enjoy the magnificent and breathtaking mountain and sea view. However again, this is also exactly the same as above whereby I send so many emails in English but the owner keep replied me in Chinese. Deposit of NTD1,000 is required and it is non-refundable.

Room Rate: NTD2,600 per night (approx. to RM294)

Location: 10 minutes away from the Jiufen Old Street. It is best to stop at the station between a post office and Hi-Life convenience store when taking a bus.

Facilities: Free WiFi access, Breakfast provided, Mini Bar 

Drawback: Not located right in the heart of Jiufen Old Street and required to walk up and down of countless of staircases and extra careful needed at night due to minimal lighting. Not suitable for elderly people.

3) Fox House Hostel Taipei - Facebook Page

This hostel was shared by a Penang based lifestyle blogger, Henry Tan. This minsu is very cosy and the host, Fiona was very friendly and helpful. If you are the type that love night life activities such as pub and clubbing, it just few stones away but unfortunately, both Boyfie and I dislike those.

Room Rate: NTD1,600 on weekday and NTD1,800 on weekday

Location: 5-8 minutes walk from MTR Zhongxiao Tunhua Station

Facilities: Free WiFi access, Air-Conditioning Room attached with Private Bathroom, Free Laundry Services. 
Advantages: No deposit or advanced payment require. Family Mart is situated right outside the minsu.

Drawback: Except for nearby Family Mart, there is no restaurant and cafe nearby the surrounding area. We always had hard time and difficulty looking for breakfast. 

Overall, I'm pretty satisfied with all the above three minsu but in case if going back Taiwan again in future, I will tend to choose and stay in other different minsu cause I believe there are plenty of them waiting for another truly lifestyle experience of stay. 

If you ever experienced staying in any wonderful and lovely minsu in Taiwan, feel free to share with me.

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Hotel Review: The Explorer Hotel, Malacca

Finding and booking accommodation for 3-4 people is kinda pretty easy for me but when comes to a larger group, let's said for 9 people, it's not that really as easy as I thought. Lucky enough for us, I came across this hotel by the name of The Explorer in Malacca which not only fit perfectly for 9 of us, it's also affordable and strategically located in perfect location.

#1: The Explorer Hotel is located within the latest mall of Malacca

#2: We were greeted by friendly hotel staff and the check-in process was fast and smooth

#1: A basic triple room laminated with wood flooring

However, once we entered our room, we were surprised and little bit disappointed with the size of the rooms which were incredibly small, compared to the one we stayed in Singapore, Hotel 81 Dickson. And we even had our hard time of placing our luggage bags. But at the end, this wasn't a big issue for us as we spent most of our time at outside exploring the town, as long as the rooms were completely clean enough and the beds were comfortable for us to rest our body. By the time we stayed in this hotel, it was a new hotel in town and not many people know about this.

#3: A double bed room

As this hotel is designed for eco-friendly concept, hence each and every room is pretty simple and basic one - a minimal designed room with beds, LCD plasma TV, a small bathroom and a small dressing table. Nothing less, nothing more. 

Tip:

Try to avoid from the room near the lift as well as small park cause the wall is so thin that you might easily being disturbed by the noisy sounds.

#4: A small but clean bathroom equipped with hot shower, towels and simple bathroom amenities

#5: Complimentary bottle drinks and coffee and tea maker were provided too.

Despite the size of the rooms, this hotel is compensated for its excellent and perfect location. The hotel is strategically located beside Mahkota Parade and opposite of Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall. Besides that, the other reason I love this hotel location was because it was situated few minutes of walking distance from the notable A'Famosa Fortress, Jonker Street, Menara Taming Sari and few historical places of interest.

Overall, I think it's indeed worth every single penning we paid especially when travel in a big group of family like us and most importantly, credit to its strategic location. The hotel rates that we paid didn't come along with the breakfast but who need hotel breakfast anywhere when we were in one the city of Malaysia well-known for a food paradise? Scrumptious and delicious foods are aplenty surrounding the hotel. 

Date Stayed: 21 December 2012 - 22 December 2012 (1 night)

Rate We Paid :  RM138.00 per night for a double bed room and RM198.00 for a triple room (Booked via Agoda.com)

Disclaimer:
This review is truly based on my own personal experience and is my genuine and honest opinion of this hotel, and that I have no personal or business relationship with this establishment.

Follow me on Twitter | Instagram | Dayre | cause I'm currently in Putrajaya! 

And with this, I done with visiting the whole 13 states and 3 federal territories of Malaysia 

This post is mainly to support Visit Malaysia Year 2014. #vmy2014

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Hotel Review: Hotel 81 Dickson of Singapore

Because I travelled in a big group back in year 2012 for my family trip, it's not easy to find those lodging that suit our budget and preferences especially when travel to Singapore where most of the lodging could cost us a bomb. Hostel will definitely not in my list as I tagged along two middle aged ladies with me and I'm pretty sure, it will definitely not so convenient for them to stay. After searched high and low, my family and I agreed to book our stay in Hotel 81 Dickson.

#1: Hotel 81 Dickson located in heart of Little India street.

Hotel 81 is a chain of budgeted hotels and they have like more than 20 over hotels located in the city centre, Geylang, Joo Chiat, Lavender and more. For the one we pick, Hotel 81 Dickson is strategically situated right in the middle of Little India and it was just few minutes walk to the hustle and bustle of Bugis Street.

#2: The front desk staffs who were so friendly and helpful. No hassle upon check-in and it was fast and smooth.

#3: The huge and spacious lobby with the enchanted chandelier

#4: We booked two triple rooms

I always thought most of the budgeted hotels in Singapore were so small and limited in term of space but for this, it made me awed once I stepped into the room. It's not like the room was completely huge and spacious but at least we still could easily moved around eventhough we had plenty of luggage bags and shopping bags as well. My mom and aunt could even did catwalk with their newly bought clothes inside the room.


#5: Eventhough it was just a minimal decoration but it has all the basic necessities such as LCD Plasma TV, kettle, hair dryer and most importantly, free WiFi Connection. It's sufficient enough to satisfy me as long as I can keep in touch with my boyfie back in Malaysia.

#6: Another important part of the hotel room besides bed which is the clean bathroom. Everything is pretty fine but it would be best for them to have the shower curtain cause everytime we bathed, it makes the whole bathroom wet.

#7: Coffee and tea maker with complimentary bottle waters

Location wise, it's few minutes walk to Bugis Street and Sim Lim Square, the preferred shopping mall for electronics but for the nearest MRT, it takes about 10 minutes to walk from the hotel. In case you are travelling with older people, maybe it's a bit difficult for them to walk so far. Our room rate didn't include the breakfast but restaurants and shopping options aplenty.

Date Stayed: 17 December - 20 December 2012 (3 nights)

Rate We Paid :  RM460.50 per night for triple room (Booked via Agoda.com)

Disclaimer:
This review is truly based on my own personal experience and is my genuine and honest opinion of this hotel, and that I have no personal or business relationship with this establishment. 

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