Daddy's 76th Birthday at Richmonde Hotel Eastwood

We recently booked three (3) suites at Eastwood Richmonde Hotel to celebrate Daddy's 76th Birthday.  We've chosen Richmonde Hotel for one reason, its direct access to malls and restaurants (loosely translated,  plenty of things to do and minimal walking for my senior parents who hate long walks).

We booked two (2) deluxe rooms  (one for my parents and  one for my sister and her family) and a one (1) bedroom suite pre-paid through Agoda.

I was a bit skeptic at my decision to book here, after reading I have read online reviews.  Primary concerns of most guests is the outdated furnishings.  Which is the least priority in my checklist as we were more concerned of location.

We checked-in easy.   There were not much guests though when we arrived, so I am not sure if the same can be said otherwise.

We got a room next to my parent, but my sister was located eight (8) floors higher.  We were a bit disappointing as we've specified during booking that we want to be located in just one (1) floor.  Another letdown was the lack of a congratulatory cake to welcome our celebrant.  Other hotels, would have given even a cup cake for show.

Our room is of the right size and was able to accommodate an extra-bed I requested set up.  True to other reviews our room was indeed slightly outworn, but fixture were still in good working condition.

After freshening up, we finally got to explore Eastwood Mall.

Ground map of Eastwood Richmonde Hotel can be found in the hotel guide ~

Almost Christmas :P

Instagram worthy

Dinner is just a few meters away from the Hotel ~  

Our birthday boy is hungry for Vietnamese cuisine ~ Pho Hoa!

Happy Birthday Daddy :P

Shopping later for your birthday gift ~

Breakfast at the Eastwood Café was included in our package.

Spread was limited, but quality satisfactory,  the bread and desserts were most noteworthy.

The kiddos got to enjoy dip in the pool, before check out.

FINAL VERDICT:

1. Price is reasonable, you get your money's worth.    
2. Food is pleasant.
3. Staff are accommodating and sincerely warm in making us feel welcome.
4. Location is A+, perfect if want love shopping.  The hotel has direct access to Eastwood Mall.   

Eastwood Richmonde Hotel is located at

 17 Orchard Road Eastwood City, Quezon City

For inquiries please contact: 

Tel: (632) 8570-7777 / Email: erh@richmondehotel.com.ph

Hotel Review ~ Paradores de Vigan

Looking for an accommodation in Historic Vigan is not easy, not because there is a lack of it, but because there are so many options to choose from.

During our first visit to Vigan, we stayed at Hotel Felicidad.
However, this time we wanted to try other hotels and ended up choosing Paradores de Vigan.  

Check the link below to read about our stay at Hotel Felicidad
>>>Hotel Felicidad Hotel Review

Paradores de Vigan is actually classified as a condotel.  Rooms range from 35 to 86 sqm in size and are classified into standard, deluxe, superior, grand superior and family suites, with separate living areas, kitchens and dining rooms.

Paradores is located less than 10 minutes walk away the busy Calle Crisologo,  which is perfect, if you want a place to relax and unwind in this historic city.  

We booked a Superior Quadruple Room.

 The room came with 2 double beds and a sofa bed, which can comfortably sleep 6 pax.

The beds are comfortable with crisp and clean linen ~ guaranteed for a good night sleep.

There is a working kitchen.  The place is perfect for families who would like to save a bit by cooking.  Coincidentally the Vigan Market is just a few blocks (500 meters) away Paradores de Vigan.

The place is spic and span.

The bonus ~ a balcony; It would have been better though if it overlooks one of Vigan's historic sites.

Our package came with plated breakfast for 4.  It was not buffet, but it was ample and filling.

Lovely stay ~ the staff were extra friendly.  We felt so at home.

Paradores de Vigan is located at the

Vivere Condominium
Gov. A Reyes Street corner Abaya Street
Vigan, Ilocos Sur 2700

For booking inquiries please visit their website directly

Paradores de Vigan

(0917) 320-0933 | (0999) 229-5430

paradoresdevigan@yahoo.com

============

Interested in Ilocos?
Check out my post of our recent Ilocos Tour here:

Day 1 ~ Vigan
Day 2 ~ Laoag
Day 3 ~ Burgos, Bangui and Pagudpod

Day 1 in Seoul (Namsan Tower)

I am excited to post about our latest family adventure ~ a trip to the land of fire noodles, kimchi, KPop idols and "oppa": The Republic of  Korea or commonly known as Seoul Korea.

It was an easy travel from Manila to Incheon via Air Asia. I got Premium Flex seats (first row seats for extra leg room was like heaven, I did not feel once that we were travelling on budget air) at really good rates as I booked our flight really early (about six months in advance, lol!).

TIP:  Please come early at the airport and save yourself the stress of possibly missing your flight.   Give yourself extra lead time, especially if your flight falls on a long holiday or weekend.

Yup, we were early... #CoffeeMuna

On board Air Asia on first row - we love the extra leg room. 

DAY 1 

• Arrival / Hotel Check-In / Namsan Seoul (N Seoul) Tower .  

We arrived at Incheon airport at 12nn.   

After clearing immigrations, we claimed our pocket wifi and local sim cards, pre-booked through Klook. 

I have been using this (Klook) attractions/tours booking site for sometime now and find it quite efficient.  Most of the attractions we have visited in our Seoul vacation is done through Klook as well. 

Click here for Klook booking discount for first time users: Klook Discount Code

TIP:  Although it may seem that you are getting the attraction tickets at a cheaper price through Klook, be wary of your card's forex.  It can add up big time. I use to charge my Klook purchase using an International Card, but was dismayed by the huge forex conversion rate  (at P52 / USD, the credit card company charged me P54 / USD). I now use my BDO credit card with a rather more reasonable forex charges.

We bought Airport Bus Limousine tickets for Bus # 6015 (priced at W14,000 for adults and W11,000 for child). We were supposed to get off Ibis Hotel, which is just a block away from Metro Hotel where we will be staying.  However, traffic was bad the day of our arrival. The bus driver (forced) dropped us off (and other tourists) at Myeongdong Station (about 3-4 blocks farther our hotel).  Sad to say "yes, they have crazy drivers too".  It was a good thing I studied the Myeongdong map a little and we got to our hotel with minor hiccups.

TIP: Don't forget to buy your T-Money (see picture below).  They came in very useful as we used the public transportation system  in some of our itinerary.  You can also use your T-Money in most convenience stores. 

The Metro Hotel

Our home for our next 7 nights in Seoul is Metro Hotel.  It is literally a stone throw away Myeongdong shopping street with easy access (5-10 minutes walk) to 2 subway stations. 

  

I booked the Family Flex room.  The room is about 40 sqm with 3 double beds.  It was comfortable for our family of 4 with more that enough space for our luggage.

  

The hotel has a pantry area for guests at the 2nd floor.  There is a closed area and an area which opens to the famous Myeongdong shopping street.

The famed Myeongdong shopping street as viewed from The Metro Hotel's 2nd floor Pantry Area.

TIP:  Book directly at Metro Hotel and get free breakfast.  Breakfast is simple, but enough to start your day.  They also change 2-3 viands daily, and includes Korean dishes.

 

N Seoul Tower

I got our N Seoul tickets via Klook. Our package included entrance to the observatory deck, Hello Kitty Island and SSentoy Museum.   

From our Metro Hotel we walked our way to Myeongdong Station (used the underground walkway and exited through Exit #3, which led us to Bus Stop where we waited for the Namsam Shuttle Bus #5).  We boarded the bus and paid using our T-M0ney (bus fare is discounted by W100 if you use a T-Money).

We got off at the N Seoul Bus Station and walked a steep 300 meter road to the top.  It was good we have our good walking shoes on.  

The N Seoul Observatory

Remember to visit the rest room for a breathtaking surprise #BestSeatInTheHouse

TIP:  Schedule your trip to N Seoul on a weekday. We were there on a Saturday night and it was really crowded. 

Skip the line by buying your ticket on line (we got ours through Klook and literally saved 1-2 hours waiting time).

Hello Kitty Island

I felt like a child again as I roamed Hello Kitty's Island.  I was so thankful, my boys were game and accompanied me to the "Pinkiest place on Earth" #MachoMenAreNotAfraidOfPink.

Everything at Hello Kitty Island is so CUTE (and PINK)! 

SSentoy Museum

Next to Hello Kitty Island is the SSentoy Museum.  Now it was the boys' turn to have fun.

We left N Seoul Tower at 10am and re-traced our way to the Namsan Bus Terminal to board Bus #5 and  got off at Myeongdong Station.  

TIP:  Take note of the last bus trip and make sure you are at the bus station before that time. 

It was a leisurely 10 minutes stroll from Myeongdong Station as we were welcomed by the bustling and busy Myeongdong Shopping Street.  We can't help but stop for a some of the Korean famous Street Food.

Japchae, Cabbage Omelette,

Roasted Lobster, Egg Bun and Corn

#HmmSarap

It was a literally filling 1st night for TeamPetilla at the City of Seoul.

"Annyeonghi Jumuseyo (Goodnight)" everyone...

Day 2 Seoul is just hours away!

Follow our Day 2 in Seoul by clicking on the link below
Day 2 in Seoul - Part I