Hotel Review ~ Amara Hotel Singapore

I have chosen Amara Hotel specifically for its location.  I wanted to stay within walking distance from Chinatown.

We arrive at the hotel at 12nn, which was 2 hours earlier than regular check-in time.  

I appreciate that reception was kind enough to have our rooms available and ready for a complimentary early check-in.  So we got our key cards and headed to straight to our room at the Executive floor to freshen up before touring officially starting our Day 1 agenda.

Room size (32sqm) was adequate for our need.  It was just me an my husband so we really don't need much  space. 

The room came with a handy phone with internet connection that can use touring Singapore, free mini bar (replenished daily) and espresso machine.  

My husband approves ~ Yup, comfortable!

Bathroom is good sized, with separate bath tub and shower area.  They were quite generous with the toiletries as well.

I love that the towels were new and nicely washed.

They have a working table for business travelers.  My husband brought his computer as he was expecting an important Skype meeting.  

Look what Amara got me :P   

I finished the whole thing (oh the calories) as my husband napped.

 

The view from our room.

Our package also allowed us access to the Executive  Lounge ~ with complimentary breakfast, tea time (2-4pm) and nightly cocktails (6-8pm).

Just in time for "Tea Time"...

VERDICT

1. Location is perfect.  It is connected to 100AM (where a Don Don Donki store is located) with Tanjong Pagar market across the street and plenty of food options within walking  distance.  It is also easily accessible by bus (bus stop a few meters away, MRT via Tanjong Pagar Station - 400 meters and Chinatown Station 1km, taxi is also easy to hail).
2. Check in and Check out was fast and easy, though I was surprised we were not ushered to a lounge check-in
3. Lounge staff were very nice and I really felt really welcomed, however, food at the Executive Lounge lacks imagination, it was just okay (I was expecting a more flavorful flair). Sadly breakfast was the same for our 3 days stay.
4. Our room was a bit dated, but was comfortable.  It was clean and we slept soundly so I have nothing to complain.
5. The pool was under construction so we never got to use nor check it out.  I learned that they hotel was undergoing refurbishment, so that's good! 

Given so many hotel options in Singapore, it is tough to say, if I would want to stay here again, unless we need to stay somewhere near Chinatown again.   Our 3 nights was acceptable though I felt the hotel can do so much more.   

For inquiries please check their website: 

Amara Hotel Singapore.

165 Tanjong Pagar Road,

Singapore 088539​
​​Tel: +65 6879 2555
Email: singapore@amarahotels.com

Hotel Majestic Saigon ~ An Elegant Dame of Saigon

THE HOTEL

The Hotel Majestic Saigon is one of the oldest hotels in the city of Saigon. It was built in 1925 and is one of the city's land mark hotels.  

The façade and interiors are of French Colonial Architecture.

The lobby is grand and elegant. 

The high ceiling is adorned with exquisite chandeliers ~ just lovely to look at. 

Though I find it cute and adorable, the elevators (they have 2 identical elevators) at the Old Wing were puny ~ can only fit 4 people max at a time. 

Though we arrived at 10am (which was too early for the 2pm check-in), we were accommodated for an earlier check-in at 11am. 

With an hour to spare we left our bags and explored the restaurants and coffee shops around Hotel Majestic.  We were happy to see, there are plenty of food options to try.  

Our room was ready by the time we got back...

OUR ROOM

We booked a Colonial Suite via Agoda.  The room is spacious at 60sqm. A sliding door divides the bedroom from the seating/work area. 

Housekeeping was very generous with the toiletries ~ however they weren't ones I would take home. 

I love the wooden and antique furniture, parquet flooring and the elegantly marbled floor and walls of the bathroom and vanity sink.

The antique phone in the picture below is an actual working phone (right next to a high tech master room control for everything inside our bedroom #cool). 

I enjoyed the deep bath tub, but it could be full work out for an elderly person to get in to.  It would been nice if there were bubble bath soap and bath salts included in the toiletries.  

We were celebrating our anniversary and were pleasantly surprised with a welcome card and cake.

We were assigned at the 5th floor which is the same floor as the Breeze Skybar where they serve breakfast and was open 24 hours.  

I was sceptic that it might be too much noise for us to relax, but aside from the very few instances of loud bangs on the floor which could be accidentally dropped utensils from the kitchen, everything went well.

Our room view was not that great either. We got a view of the pool and a glimpse of Saigon Skydeck and Bui Vien Walking Street. 

I think a view of the Saigon River on the other side would have been romantic.

LOCATION

The hotel located in District 1 and was a perfect base for our 3 days stay in Saigon. It was just a short walk to many of the city's attractions.  

Will do a separate post on our Day 1 in Saigon with help from our friends from Saigon Hotpot.

BREAKFAST AT BREEZE SKY BAR

The set looks very appetizing, but quite mediocre and mostly repetitive.  In our 3 days stay having breakfast at Sky Bar the only ones I liked was the coffee and congee. The Japanese dim sum was a huge let down.  

It would have been nice too, I they offer more Vietnamese cuisine in their menu.

The saving grace of this restaurant, 

I think is the view of the Saigon River outside.

VERDICT

Despite the average breakfast and poor room location that we got,

We still LOVE the Hotel Majestic!

Hotel Majestic is a wonderful sight to look at, especially when it is all lit up at night.  As we walk the hotel's lobby, I imagine how grand it must have been during its heyday and feel enliven. We were truly enthralled with the hotel's rich history and glorious past.

Being guests here made us feel as special as the hotel itself!

For inquiries and reservations you may visit Hotel Majestic's webpage: majesticsaigon.com

• Address: 
• 1 Dong Khoi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
• Tel: (84-28) 3829 5517
• Fax: (84-28) 3829 5510

Relaxing Stay at Sol Y Viento Laguna (for my father's birthday)

For my Father's 74th birthday, my sister and I thought he would appreciate the relaxing hot spring of Pansol Laguna. 

Hot springs are a rich source of sulfur, helpful in treating skin irritations and infections such as rashes and eczema. Sulfur-rich hot springs are also thought to help treat dry scalp, arthritic pain and internal problems such as menopausal symptoms and digestive disorders.  

My dad sided with the idea of a weekend birthday is a hot spring resort, right after he heard ~ soothing pain (go figure)...

Our resort of choice is Sol Y Viento Hotels and Resort.

We left Manila at 9am and found ourselves at the resort's doorsteps about 2 1/1 hours later.  We were too worried being stuck in traffic, we arrived way too early for check-in.  

Enjoying the breath taking view of Laguna Bay from the resort...

While waiting for the 2pm check-in time,  we decided to have an early lunch in one of the resort's restaurants.  They actually have a couple of restaurants to choose from.  The restaurants are located in the same building as the reception area.

For lunch we ate at Barrio Fiesta. We ordered a group meal (good for 6, though we were 8... serving was hefty and there were leftovers after we've finished), as it was hard to choose from the menu list (I wanted to order all).

The group meal comes with pitcher of lemonade.

~ buttered chicken

~lumpiang shanghai

~sinigang na tiyan ng bagus (this was my favorite) 

~ crispy pata (sinful right?)

 ~ pancit canton (for long life)

~ and kare-kare (sabaw palang ulam na :P)

Food was mouthwatering as expected. I forgot how much we paid, but I know it is about P2500+

We were still early for check-in, but was allowed to enter one of the three Cabanas we've booked.  

The Cabanas were located farther from the main building and it could be difficult for senior citizens to walk (since some of the steps were steep).  Good thing that the resort has golf carts. 

It was just a short ride though to our Cabanas since we specifically requested for units nearest to the main building for my parents.  

The Cabanas are Sol Y Viento's best accommodation.

The rooms are spacious with indoor natural hot spring Jacuzzi

(I was really excited about the indoor Jacuzzi). Amenities include cold and hot shower, cable TV, coffee/tea making set,  minibar and internet access.

On our way to our Cabana ~

The bathrooms were clean, but in need of upgrading.

Comfortable beds ~

And the Jacuzzi ~ which we decided to fill up with water immediately... 

Hot Spring water in the comfort of your room ~  super relaxing (need I say more?)

Sol Y Viento's pools were very inviting, we cannot say no a relaxing dip the following morning after our sumptuous  breakfast the following day.  We went to the pool area (they have 2 main pools, 2 mini hot pools for soaking and a man made falls) for some picture taking, but ended up swimming... 

The temperature of the pools are controlled.  

Us girls trying the 38 degrees pool (hot, hot, hot)...

FINAL VERDICT:

We achieved our goal for this out of town trip ~

Our celebrant was able to relax and 

everyone had a wonderful time...

Sol Y Viento is highlight recommended for quick family getaway ~ the calming and rejuvenating hot spring water something, many would love to experience.

Sol Y Viento Mountain Hot Spring Resort
Km. 55 Makiling Heights, Brgy. Pansol Calamba City
Laguna Philippines

For inquiries:

+63 49 545-0052
+63 2 584-4973
reservations@syvhotelsandresorts.com
www.syvhotelsandresorts.com