11.10.08
W Times Square New York
First of all, I have to say that W at Times square is not a 5 star hotel! I stayed there twice and now conviced that it is definetely not a “5″.
It was a Helloween night when we first arrived. We’ve chosen this hotel becuase we wanted to experience something modern and original, like real New York style hotel in the best location. When we arrived by taxi, the bell man was dressed like a dark spider man and I was very scared. But it was fun. I expected nice stay.
The water running above the entrance hall reflects the light and beautiful.
We have entered the room and say a nice bed, “a starwood bed”. Very comfortable soft linen bed. But the room itseld was quite small. I understood, ok, it’s time square, I cannot expect huge room for standard room.
But then, my husband was looking for a remote control for TV which he could never find. He had to call to the receptionist and ask for the remote control.
The bathroom was quite spacy but I didn’t like how the towels are piled up.
and it was only shower! No bathtub! I thought I don’t need to request for a bathtub if you pay so much. But obviously, W has only 2 standard rooms equipped with bathtub.
Additionally, the rain shower is available but the water was not hot enough. The water from sink was hot enought but not from shower. I was really looking forward to the hot bath so it was double dissapointing.
When I went back to the bed room, a technical staff was working with TV. Not only the remote control was missing but TV was actually out of order. They said the room was just rennovated and not yet functioning well. They offered us free movie but who watch movie during one night stay in New Yor?
So what we needed was relaxing time between long flight until next meeting with friends. But it ended up with unsatisfying exprience. Since we already had a reservation for next week, we decided to complain at the reception in order to avoid same happening again.
This reception, I already had the ipression from the beginning that they are being manually friendly. As soon as we complained the situation, he freak out and asked for the manager. Who confirm as free internet access for our both stay.
We accepted their offer but there was no “turn down” service on this night.
W has trendy bar though. It was full especially Helloween night. We had quick drink after dinner, which was 2 beer and 1 water. We didn’t sign anything but on the next day, we have been charged for about USD60.00!! Upon our departure, we asked to the detail of this bill, which we haven’t receive any reply yet.
We returned again on next week. This time TV worked and I was able to enjoy hot shower. We also had “turn down service” for each nights.(but why we didn’t get this service on first night??) After staying for 2 nights, again we received a bill,, charging all our internet access!!! I really can’t believe how unorganize they are! The front desk manager confirmed us for free internet access but such an information was not in our record! Normally, even in 4 star hotel, you will share the information carefully especially once you received a complain. W cannot offer such a basic service!! As a result, we had to wait for a long time until they deduct the charges from our credit card. By the way, the mineral water in room was USD8.00. Since it was not in a bar, it looks like complimentary but actually it isn’t!
Three elevators running to the high floor. You need to insert your room key to access to each floors.
I just realized that I took such a less photo of this hotel because I was too unhappy with the situation.
Amenities were not bad. “bliss”, products sold in Sephora. This modern touched design matches to the hotel well.
A view from the hotel makes you feel that you are really in the center of Manhattan.
If I paid less, then I could accept whole issue. It is America, we are in New York, so it’s just like that. I am unsatisfied because the price just doesn’t meet it’s quality!!
We are still waiting for the reply from the person in accouting office regarding the bill for the bar..
09.01.08
Montreux Palace
Montrex is one of the popular resorts in Switzerland. There are many high standard hotels and difficult to find budget hotel.
and especially this one is the most famous hotel represents the city.
Fairmong Palace Hotel Montreux. Overviewing the lake, the hotel is standing proudly along the lake coast.
Once you enter the lobby, you will see red carpetted stairs up to the reception. Typical for traditional hotel, the design is classical.
Reception. Unlike those American big chain hotels, the reception is small.
We were led to our room walking through the hall which also functions as a banquet room. The view of the lake is great.
But to be honest, our room was quite dissapointing. There must be many rooms which facing to the lake but our room was on the corner without view. I had to go out of the balcony to see a “partical lake.
There were 2 sinks practical for 2 geusts.
Bathrobes.
Amenities are good. “Miller Harris” from London, famous for it’s nice aroma.
I liked this one, towel tightened with a bow.
Shame that I couldn’t take photo but complimentary spa was very good. One huge indoor pool, jaguzzi and outside pool were available in the spacy wet areat with full glass window. You can also enjoy naked zone in private sauna in each locker room.
Breakfast was nice. Variety of fruits, pasties, cereals.. Freshly squeezed juice were great.
I also like to order omlet specially to a chef. Accompanied by bacon and sausages, I ate too much from morning.
If I had the room facing to the lake on the beautiful day like this, our stay would be even better. It is a hotel welcomed Michael Jackson and other important people before so must be THE BEST hotel in Montreux. Indeed, the view from the brakfast restaurant was awesome.
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05.10.08
Hyatt on the Bund Shanghai
It is a new Hyatt hotel in Shaghai which is a second hotel after famous Grand Hyatt Shanghai.
Our taxi drove through crazy Shanghai highway and took us to the entrance of the hotel.. Here, another world was waiting for us..
The lobby was very spacy, letting full of sunshine in the hall.
Unique couch. The design was similar to that of Grand Hyatt Tokyo since there was also many unique monuments.
The receptionist speaks English but she looked little bit uneasy with English speaking guests. Her reaction was some what strange but we well checked in.
A Japanese staff escorted us to the room.
“King Bund Suite” on the 21st floor…
I was very very amazed.
The room is locating on the corner of floor and has perfect view of the city!!
The floor to ceiling window allow plenty of light in the room.
You can view whole Bund.
and not to mention breathtaking view of Pudong.
I thought the time has slipped to the next century by seeing all these unique skycrapers.
But same time, unbelivably old houses exist as well.
From this view, you can see exactly what is going on in the city.
On the bed, you could fell asleep with the view of city and awake with it.
and you can enjoy bath and shower watching many ships on the river going through the city.
Two sinks, plenty of meneral water are always there.
Amenities are “Molton Brown” like many other 5 star hotels.
Closet is also big enough.
I found Yoga mat!
We had extra welcome amenities with welcome letter!!The red wine was amazingly good.
Some wodka…
Tea was another amenity something special in the country.
In Hyatt, when you stay in Club room or higher, you have an access to exclusive Club Lounge.
Here, you can enjoy continental breakfast, all day refreshments and evening cocktail.
We invited our guests and enjoyed all of them:)
The location of this lounge was 3rd floor and again facing Pudong.
Breakfast is said to be as continental, but you can ask for omlette which chef cook you on the spot.
The waiters and waitresses here were unbelivably attentive and friendly.
My favorite here was carrot juice but upon last breakfast, it was not there in juice corner. I asked for it and then, they brought me fresh squeezed carrot juice just for me!
Fitness was also huge with super modern machine. Again, friendly staff offer you towel, water and microphone upon your entrance.
Swimming pool, jacuzzi, steam and dry sauna are all available. I especially liked hot jacuzzi and cold bath in the locker room where you can get in naked.
While I was in steam sauna, an attendant came again and offered me cold tower and water.
Oil massage I had was also very relaxing.
Overall, I was very impressed by not only it’s facilities but also the service. Sometime you might feel too much especially Westerns who needs more privacy. But even in this international hotel, these Chinese staffs actually hardly speak English. Neverthless, they try all their best for personal service even though this “hotel life style” is totally unfamiliar cluture for them.
I was more than satisfied with 3 nights stay here.
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04.25.08
Oakwood Premier Tokyo Midtown
As we stay in Tokyo for 3 weeks, we decided to stay in apartment in stead of hotel. Like this, we can have more privacy and same time enjoy cozy home party using kitchen. It was great idea of my husband!
First of all, it offers you completely exclusive atmosphere. Unlike hotel, where the lobby is public, only guests can access to every facility.
But it is decorated just like 5 star hotel.
Big comfortable king size bed.
Living room is equipped with confortable couch, dining table and prazma TV.
System kitchen is something worth when you stay long. Here I can get everything I need, oven, microwave, fish grill, toaster and rice cooker. Not to mention enough dishes and glasses for party.
These are all welcome amenities!
Unfortunately a room with bathtub are all booked and only a room with shower were available. However, it is refreshing rain shower with extra comfortable body shower. Mowever, it offers steam suana which has exactly same effect like taking bath. When you drop some aroma of lavender, it turns out as luxurious aroma sauna!!
TV is available in bathroom, bedroom and living room. Washing mashine is also in bathroom. Detergene are also provided as much as you like.
Continental buffet breakfast is also included.
Varieties of juices, fruits, creals and pastries are available.
Just like in 5 star hotel, a waitress come over to you and ask for a drink. Hot chocolate is good but tea is cheap one.
But I’m satisfied that I can eat whole grape fruits every morning!
Breakfast corner is functioned as lounge for whole day. Here you can bring your friend and enjoy complementary refreshments.
Another value is fitness room!
You can find almost all kind of machine you need.
and it almost empty. You don’t have to fight for mashine. It is absolutely relaxing to enjoy some exercise every morning. 
After sports, you can take shower direcly in locker room where again, everything is equipped. Rain shower, towel, cosmetic, scale and so. I’ve been here 5 times but up to now, I see no one. It is completely private!!
Last night, we held home party at our room inviting 9 guests. The room was big enough for total 11 people and kitchen was very comfprtable to use. Housekeeping service is availale 3 times so on the next day, all the mess in kitchen were completely cleaned up!!
The elevator has access direct to Midtown on 4th, 2nd and B1 floor so you can easily hop in to cafe, restaurant or supermarket. From B1, hundred different types of Deli are available and also the entrance of Metro is right there. This is only possible in Tokyo!!!! I really say, for long-term travelers in Tokyo, there is nothing more convenient accommodation than here!
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04.04.08
ANdAZ London
ANDAZ, it is one of the Hyatt Brand in London, locating next to Liverpool station. (not Liverpool city, but in London!)
Lobby is not big but designed very modern.
Only 2 or 3 people are in lobby, sometime only 1 in late evening.
Atrium in lobby is quite typical design of Hyatt.
The lightening effect was interesting.
Especially this elevator hall.
Unfortunately, room itself was not enough for our expectation. The bed was very comfortable..
But we only had small chair and TV.
We are also too spoiled by nice bathroom where bathtub and shower booth are seperated.
Amenity were all “REN” product which you can find also in Suites in Grand Hyatt Tokyo. This was good!
But this laundry service was great. You can let your laundries done for free! Also you can get some juice from mini bar also free of chrage. These are the benefits you can specially get from this hotel.
Breakfast is served in the restaurant locating next door. It’s not a buffet style. You can choose from menu. Of course prices are included in room charge.
I’ve chose Egg Benedict.
We have to admit that we are spoiled by so many good hotels. Just service standard and facily didn’t match our expectaion for it’s price. Maybe it’s because “london market”. I think location is also perfect for those business travelers who spend whole day in London City. It’s unique selling point “free laundry service” was also not been done on Easter Holiday which didn’t satisfied us at all but they were also good enough to solve our complain.
02.12.08
Four Seasons Budapest
It’s the hotel locating exactly across from the world famous “chain bridge” in Budapest.
The door is opened by bell man 24 hours.
and the reception is designed gorgeous and classical.
It is our second visit. We really had a great stay last time and again expecting a lot from this one of the best hotels in the town. When we checked in, our bed was ready. It was after “turn down” service.
The bathroom is more than perfect. Bath tub and shower booth are seperated, yet locating next to each others. (easy access!) The salt pot is gently on the corner of the tub.
Amenities are L’Occitane. A luxurious brand from France. I like it’s aroma very much. Shampoo, conditioner, body wash and soaps are all from L’Occitane.
Toilette is on the other side of the bath tub.
Hair dryer is in a bag together with it’s SPA brochure. Having massage is very tempting especially when you taking care of yourself at bathroom. Good strategy!
There was even a welcome amenity! Water and apples. It was perfect for us who missed breakfast next morning:)
What gives additional value to this hotel is SPA!!
Stoned swimming pool.
Relaxing bed and hot jaguzzi. Steam sauna (women and men are seperated) and dry sauna (mixed) are also available.
Huge selection of refreshments are also available. Cold rose hip tea was indeed good. Grab bottle of water and apple to the relaxing bed so that you can enjoy reading time more!
Changing room. Very neat. There are also privte shower room where you can rock and keep privacy.
Not only shampoo but also body lotions were also free of use.
I took little more dry fruits at the entrance left the SPA happily.
On this night, I went for Bal Party. While I was preparing myself, suddenly “hair curler” was delivered in our room. My husband thought that I have ordered it but I had no idea why this curler was brought to my place. Then I thought, maybe the house keeping lady saw my huge dress hanging in the closet and noted in their record. Not maybe, I’m sure about it becauce that ’s the Four Seasons Hotel!! Like this, guests will return again..
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12.02.07
Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport
Due to our super early flight back to New York, we had no choice than staying at the airport hotel. Even we booked Hyatt, we had the feeling “just an airport hotel” and didn’t expect too much. In fact, as we drove by the hotel, the hotel looked jumbo business hotel.
But as we get into the hotel…there was a unextable scenery which I couldn’t imagine from it’s boring architecture outside.
Wow!!!
It is indeed HUGE but the level of the whole quality kept high. Simple but very comfortable room. The bed is huge and it’s linen was also soft.
Modern sink.
Shower is fixed on the wall but strong enough. Of course you can bath as well.
Amenities are also not bad considering that it’s airport hotel where most of the guests stay only for a night. (quickly!)
and this is the most happy surprise I have got!! Jacuzzi!!! It closed at 10pm but we slided in to this wet area 10 before 10. Kind attendant let us stay until 10:30 so we were able to fully relax and prepare for the long flight next day.
Robe was provided as well.
Shame that we didn’t have time to enjoy breakfast at Regecy Club next morning. We had an access to lounge but had to leave hotel at 6 am.
If you have no access, breakfast will be served in this huge hall. My father told me that croissant here is great.
While we were waiting for complimentary shuttle bus service to the airport, we were together with some crew of airline. I heard them saying that it was such a comfortable room. Well, I believe the positive comment from these crew, who traveling around the world and know lots of airport hotels is a real one. I was sad to leave my parents here but this great hotel experiece wiped out my tear.
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11.13.07
Sycamore Mineral Springs
It was more than our expectation.1 minutes after getting off from the freeway 101, there is a heaven where you can enjoy good food, good service and good,,,, hot spring!!
We didn’t make reservation. Upon we entered the lobby, there was a woman greeted us instantly. I told her we don’t book a room. She asked us to have a seat and consulted what kind of room we are looking for. She was very generous. She clearly explained the differences of all the room and answered every question we had. She really recommended as a room Zany (every room has unique name) since it is the only room renovated and has private bath.
As we were also interested in suite, she kindly offered us to have a look of both of the rooms. Suite was huge room with fire place but the bed is little bit smaller and Zany. So we our consultant has recommended, we took Zany.
The entire of the hotel is surrounded by tree. Total quietness.
I found some lovely flowers.
The pass to our room. There are 5 rooms on the left side. Since there are no street or road on the other side of the lodge, all the rooms are totally private. It is very calm and the air is clear. Every room has hot bath outside, behind the door.
Here comes our room Zany.
My husband preparing water.
In Japan, there are also some Ryokan which has private hot bath outside. But unlike Japanese style, you have to prepare water by yourself here. Which means, you can always enjoy fresh water.
I think there are like and dislike but the smell of sulphur is quite strong. As Japanese, who is from hot spring country, no problem for this.
Not only sulphur but also the power of jaguzzi gives you additional pamper.
I prefer not having a shower after the hot bath because the effect of sulphur should stay on your skin. But of course, in order to wash your hair, here is a shower room inside. The floor is made by stone.
Convenient two sinks.
and perfectly suitable amenities. They are all using natural herb which is perfect after mineral hot spring. At least, I prefer avoiding artificial fregrance after hot spring.
After enjoying a bath, we went restaurant at the lobby which turned out to be another great experience. Details will be found in “yucocktail’s all about food“.
back to room, and take another bath. Beautiful dream is guaranteed.
We were lucky to have a room since it was Monday. But during weekend, you really have to make reservation. Sometime they even has minimum stay restriction.
If you want to experience this luxurious stay, check the availability first and be prepared!
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10.29.07
Mandarin Oriental New York
It was my first visit in New York and covering 3rd year anniversary of the day I met my husband. We decided to stay Mandarin Oriental and treat ourselves!
I was looking forward to it. Normally hotels have higher standard in Asia but I was curious how service and facility will be for the hotel which cost 700 USD per nights.
Reception was friendly but what amazed me is that their politeness. They are really trained. Normally in US, even in 5 star hotel, the way receptionist speak is casual and could be too friendly. Hmmm, I think I’m not gonna be disspointed…
The room was huge even for a standard and we had a view of Hudson river!!
King bed with cushions. Slightly in Asian taste.
Of course, flat screen TV…
The phone on the desk. The name of the guests is showned on the screen.
Shower booth has rain shower and hand shower.
Amenities are wonderful. The hotel are really putting strength on amenities. “aromatherapy” luxious product which has a effect of aroma treatment. Shampoo, conditioner and body wash are in shower booth
..and another one at bathtub.
From bathtub, you can enjoy the view. The pot on the corner is bathsalts.
It could be better when the window locating lower. It is too high to enjoy the view while you are lying on the tub.
This big mirrow allowed you to see the view also from shower booth. Two sinks function perfectly for two people. No fight for sink:) Bathrobe are hung both sides as well.
Body lotion and soaps are also from aromatherapy.
In the closet, ther were slippers, umbrella and yoga mat!!
But interesting is that there’s no tea set in US. In Japan and also in Europe, tea set are provided from 4 star hotel. We had to order room service. Only a mini bar and glasses were there.
Back to the lobby, in the evening. Decoration is Asian style.
And romantic lounge with certral park view.
The stairs to the banquet room.
Even during the tight schedule in New York, we spare our time to enjoy the hotel room. It was as good as SPA experience after a long flight. A big bathtub, rain shower and amenities are the best pamper I could get to wipe out stress. Locting on the middle of the huge, busy city, Mandarin Oriental is a place to escape and reset yourself.
As I woke up early due to the jetlag, buildings are brushed in orange from sunrise..
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09.05.07
Grande Bretagne
The most luxurious hotel in Athens, Grande Bretagne is my memorable hotel. Last year, on the day we married in Zürich, we flew directly to Athen and stayed in this hotel. My husband arranged roses and Champaigne.
The hotel in conveniently locating at Syntagma platz. Not only convenient and luxurious but very historical the hotel is. It has been opened to public on 1872. During the World War 2, the headquater of German military based here and after the war, hotel has been used as the office of Prime Minister. The hotel has welcomed also a many VIPs such as President of US and celebrities.
The reception was simple. Our late check in went smooth but check out was terrible. I think the size of the reception is too small for it’s popularity. The bell staff was also not helpful. I don’t know what they are doing in front of the door without helping the guests for luggages.
The lobby is gorgeous. A real European hotel design.
Stadard room. Already turn down service has been done beside the bed. There is a piece of chocolate and room service menu on the bed.
Bathroom. Bathtub is big enough and has rain shower.
For bathtub like this, it is very convenient to have a hand shower and not only a fixed shower.
Amenities were surprising! Selection of Brown Molton! Shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, body shower and soap. The guest can enjoy full relaxation with it’s attractive aroma.
Even bathsalt and washing sponge were kindly placed beside the bathtub. This is very unique arrangement for the hotel in Europe!
On the next day, after a beautiful sleep on the goegeous bed, we absolutely wanted to try outside swimming pool. We were awake from 8am but unfortubately had to wait until 10am when the swimming pool opens.
But it was beautiful swimming pool with full facility.
Bar counter.
Dining table.
and comfortable chairs.
After a refreshing swim is of course a popular breakfast served at the rooftop!
This is the view from the roof top restaurant.
It was huge buffet. Almost all the possible breakfast menu was available from buffet.
Our choices.
How plenty the fruits were! Since they are all very fresh and juicy, many people fill their bowl with fruits. But it has been served over and over constantly good quality. The cup next to the fruits is poplar Greek food. Surprisingly, inside was actuallysweet rice!!(I thought something like Johgurt)
Short stay but we fully enjoyed almost all the facilities. The line for the check out was too long but otherwise it gave us a perfect start for our Greek holiday. The hotel encouraged our feeling of holiday and also offer great situation to adjust ourself from chilly Zürich to hot Greek temperature. Next time, we wake up just before the pool opens and also make a reservation for the restaurant at 11.
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