Review - Diamond City Hotel in Bangkok

My husband and I had a very quick weekend getaway in Bangkok last December. We have been to Bangkok many times but we love staying near MBK, our favourite shopping complex in Bangkok.

The property we booked for 2 nights and 3 days is the Diamond City Hotel in Ratchathewi, Bangkok. It is 15-20 minutes walk from the hotel to MBK. If you're feeling very lazy, you could actually take the Ratchatewi line since it is near the BTS to reach Siam Centre, MBK and other shopping malls nearby.

There are nearby convenient stores like 7-11 and other small eateries nearby if you get hungry. The hotel also offers room service as most hotels do in Thailand.

The hotel itself is just ok. It is not a fabulous hotel but rather an old one. It needs a lot of updating since the furniture are worn out and outdated. It is also not a very clean hotel. I saw some small cockroaches in our room and the electrical outlet is not properly fastened on the wall that you could see the wiring inside.

The lighting in the room was ok and sufficient. I also like the fact that our room has a mini balcony.

The room is ok with good working air condition unit and a very fast free wifi connection. There is a mini bar but the refrigerator seems to be malfunctioning even if it was plugged. It wouldn't get cold.

The bed was big and comfortable but there were patches of lace on some of the bed sheet. I mean, if the bed sheet is seriously torn or has huge holes, rather than patch them up with lace strips here and there which only make the be sheet untidy and very unprofessional, why not throw them or recycle to pillow cases? I felt the sheets weren't too fresh, maybe because I got turned off with the lace patches in one side of the sheet.

Other amenities in the room are the standard like free water bottles, coffee and tea condiments and toiletries.

The bathroom is large enough but really needs some serious make-over, as the whole hotel does.

The old cabinet inside our room was dirty and dusty. Although there was an extra pillow inside, I didn't use it because it didn't look fresh at all.

The free buffet that came with our booking was nice. We had a selection of noodles, chicken, steamed rice, cereals, sausages, eggs, coffee, juice or tea. The hotel also provided free water and coffee for guest for 24/7. A welcome drink of orange juice and some mandarins were provided upon checking in. That was nice of the management to offer.

There is an indoor pool but I didn't see anyone using the pool. It smelled like chlorine the whole time we were there in the hotel.

(The pool area was just behind the sofa)

Staff are all friendly and courteous. They spoke good English and are always ready with tips for arriving guests on how to navigate Bangkok safely without falling prey to scammers and the tuktuk drivers.

The rate is ok and a real value for money.


Nearby attractions:

Siam Square

MBK Shopping Plaza

Pratunam

Siam Paragon

Jim Thompson House

Madam Tussauds Wax Museum

SEA Life Bangkok Ocean World

Bangkok Arts and Culture

My recommendations:    (2 out of 5)


The staff are all friendly and very willing to help. However, I cannot overlook the fact that it is not a clean hotel with electrical outlet jutting from the wall, some small insects crawling in the bathroom and a serious make-over is already long overdue for this property.

If you are not a fussy traveller who is after value-for-money accommodation, then this one is for you. However, if you have kids or a bit picky with cover all cleanliness then you may want to look for other accommodations nearby.

(This is just outside our room. The area was used as storage of some linens, boxes, and other maintenance supplies/tools.)

Diamond City Hotel is located in 594/23 Soi Payanark ,Rama 6 Road | Thanon Phetchaburi,Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand

If you want to book in this hotel or similar priced hotel in Bangkok, search below:

Booking.com
Disclosure:
This hotel review is my personal review. I have paid for this stay and in no way sponsored by the property nor Booking.com. I love to book via Booking.com because I always find a very competitive rate or great deals when compared to other booking sites. My opinion is 100% mine and may vary from yours.

Tiny Home Vacations

There are times when you might want to take a vacation that is a little out of the ordinary. There are tiny home vacation Austin TX neighborhoods ready for you to visit. These locations have small houses that are ideal for one or two people, possibly a few more if you don't mind being in a cozy home. This is a new trend in the country that can be fun and exhilarating if you like houses on a smaller scale and vacations where you don't have to stay in a hotel room all day. 

When you first see the tiny homes that you would stay in on a vacation, you might wonder how everyone will fit inside. Most areas feature homes that are of a different design so that you have a unique experience when it comes to the decorations inside and the layout. There is usually a common area in front of the homes, such as a table and chairs. This is an area where you can gather with other vacationers to talk or enjoy the outdoors when you don't want to sit inside the home. 

There are a few tips that can help you survive your vacation in a tiny home so that you have a fun experience. Think about the space that you'll have as most homes are less than 2,000 square feet. You don't want to pack any more than is necessary as there won't be a lot of room for extras. Most tiny homes have the toiletries and other things that you would need, so you won't need to have those with you. Most tiny homes are less expensive to stay in compared to a fancy hotel. The best thing about the tiny home is that you have the space to yourself instead of being next to someone else in a hotel. It's similar to camping in a tent, but you have a sturdy floor and roof. Some homes have a small bathroom and a kitchen area. There is also a living room as well as a bedroom area. The beds in the home are usually lofts with plenty of overhead space. There are few electrical outlets, so keep this in mind when charging phones and other electronics.

Benefits of Renting a Villa or Home

Vacation Choices

Before vacation time draws near consider a different option that can be more inviting than staying at a hotel or motel. Many homeowners are offering their homes as vacation rentals. There are several benefits to choosing a private home over other accommodations. 


Benefits of Renting a Villa or Home

Hotels and motels can be rather impersonal and as a result, uninviting. They are basically just a room with beds and a television. Some have mini refrigerators and microwaves for keeping a small amount of food or snacks. A suite will have more room but they are expensive. 

Many people are choosing to rent homes, condos or villas instead. If vacationing with several people it can be less expensive. For large families, vacation rentals by owners can be a comfortable choice. Often homeowners will list their home with a company such as KomfortStay that specializes in connecting homeowners and those who are looking to rent a home for vacation. This provides the opportunity to see photos of the home before making a choice. 

In addition to the ability to see photos of the homes for rent, any available amenities such as cable, wi-fi, a washer and dryer, a Jacuzzi, a pool, and more will be listed. This allows searchers to find the home that is most appealing to them. Nearby restaurants, shopping, and recreation is usually listed as well. 

Choosing a vacation rental also allows vacationers the ability to find a home in the area where they want to spend their vacation time. Some people may only have a week or two weeks vacation while others may have longer. Due to this difference in vacation time homes may be rented on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. 

When looking for a vacation rental in this manner, it is easier to find one that is within a planned budget. Generally in popular areas there are hundreds from which to choose. Keep in mind, early reservations will be necessary in the more popular areas. Most homeowners do charge a security deposit for their protection. This is returned after the vacationer leaves the home and it is inspected to ensure there is no damage. 

As an alternative to staying in a hotel or motel, this can be a choice that also provides more privacy. A home will have private parking, no rowdy guests in the middle of the night, and money can be saved by preparing some meals in rather than eating out the whole time.

Feodorm Apartment Review in Budapest

Feodorm Apartment is a nice accommodation in the heart of the inner city of Budapest. It is a refurbished apartment with 6 rooms for rent in a residential building located along Bajcsy Zsilinszky utca.

The residential building housing the Feodorm Apartment is just in the corner and is very near Arany Janos Metro Station. There are also nearby food outlets so you will never have to worry about food during your stay.  The building also houses a bakery so whenever my friend and I go out, we can smell the waft of freshly baked goods. It's so heavenly!

The apartment itself is not bad. The building may be old with antiquated lift to carry you up on the 3rd floor where Feodorm Apartment is but the apartment has been refurbished so everything there is new.

We had to buzz outside the massive door or gate to the building before we could get it. It wasn't so hard to find because it has a brass number on top of the massive door. Before arriving in Budapest, Feodorm Apartment contacted me to give me instructions on where to find the place and how to get it. We were welcomed with the most friendly and gracious hostess - Hannah. She was the same person who contacted me via email and was very courteous and amiable. I felt so at home in Feodorm right away!

Check out this massive door!

Feodorm does not have any reception area; hence the need to coordinate closely with arrival time so one of the staff can meet you personally to hand the key card and to facilitate the cash payment. Hannah also showed us around the apartment and informed us that we are allowed to bring in food and leave them in the refrigerator as long as they are properly marked. The kitchen is the communal area of the apartment. Each room has their own private bathroom.

The room we booked is a twin room with a view. The view is breath-taking. For 3 nights and 4 days, I had been sleeping and waking to the sight of St. Stephen's Basilica. It's really beautiful!

The bathroom is very spacious and clean too. It was well-stocked with toiletries and if we ever needed one, we just had to check the cupboard in the kitchen for extra stocks.

The air conditioning unit worked well especially during the day when we had to cool down after a long walk outside the hot and humid weather.

The lighting is sufficient.

The bed is comfortable; however, my friend and I found the beds to be a bit tight like it is good for kids but not adults. The pillow is unusually soft and big. I would have preferred standard sized pillows. The comforter was satiny and soft but it kept falling on the floor when I am already in my deep sleep. I also fell 3 times in my bed because I am a fussy sleeper. I prefer my bed to be big.

The wifi is free and can be accessed all over the apartment.

The whole area is very quiet even if the building is facing the main thoroughfare. There are occasional sirens every now and then but there wasn't much noise to be heard.

There is no telephone in the apartment nor in our room.



My recommendation:  5 out of 5




I highly recommend this property to family, couple, solo and even group of travellers since this is centrally located with the basic amenities that is enough to give you a relaxing stay.

The location is perfect and the rate via Booking.com is competitive. I paid AED 545 (inclusive of the taxes) for 3 nights for a twin room with a view. Compared to the other 2-3 stars properties I have checked, Feodorm is still cheaper. Aside from that, Tripadvisor and Booking.com users have given this property a very high rating because of its warm hospitality, clean rooms, generous hosts, perfect location and free wifi usage.

I don't mind staying in this apartment again when I visit Budapest with my family.

I give this property my highest recommendation.



If you are looking for a nice accommodation within reasonable rates and very close to notable touristic landmarks in Budapest, book your stay in Booking.com and choose Feodorm Apartment.

Booking.com
Disclosure:
This hotel review is my personal review. I have paid for this stay and in no way sponsored by the property nor Booking.com. I love to book via Booking.com because I always find a very competitive rate or great deals when compared to other booking sites. My opinion is 100% mine and may vary from yours.

Copacabana Hotel in Manila - Hotel Review

We needed an affordable accommodation near the SM Mall of Asia last February because it was near the Vikings Venue where we held our daughter's 18th birthday dinner celebration.

There were other hotels in the vicinity but I needed an apartment with several bedrooms to accommodate my other relatives for the night. It was Copacabana Hotel that got my attention from Booking.com because they offered many room options, including 3 bedroom apartment.

I booked 2 nights in this property (Feb. 12-13). The first night was for a double bedroom and the 2nd night was for 3-bedroom apartment. Both of the rooms were clean and spacious but my husband and I (even our guests) enjoyed the super spacious 3-bedroom apartment that also has a maid's quarter so it was practically a 4-bedroom apartment, good for more than 10 persons!


2-bedroom (I booked using different booking site)

Here are some photos of the 2-bedroom unit in Copacabana. They are spacious, clean, well-lit, good working air-conditioning unit and large vanity area with sink.

The only thing I find a bit uncomfortable and unhygienic is that there is no wash basin in the bathroom. I had to either use the shower area to wash my hands after using the commode or go to the sink in the vanity area. We were allowed to check in early than usual because the room was already available and that is a plus!

Also, reaching our room in the 11th floor was part lift and part stairs as the lift was only until the 10th floor.

All in all, the room was okay for us. The beds are comfortable. The room is properly lit. The air-con works perfectly. It may need upgrading in terms of technology. It still uses an old type of TV rather than flat screen units.



3-bedroom (with a 4th room for maid's quarter, I booked using Booking.com)

We had a very wonderful experience in this bedroom type. For one, it is very, very spacious that you can practically ride a bike inside. It is well-lit. The air-con units work perfectly and could even get cold at night. There is a living room area, long dining table for the whole family, 3 bedrooms plus a maid's quarter, 3 complete bathrooms (1 shared between the 2 rooms), and a fully functioning kitchen area with gas range and other appliances.

We even had a situation towards check-out when I asked my relatives to count the set of towels because I didn't want to be charged unnecessarily. There were several staff who came to check and re-count and eventually, I was not charged because I seriously didn't know what happened as we were all busy preparing for our daughter's 18th birthday party the night before. They were all polite and so professional dealing with the situation.  I was never made to feel uncomfortable and I give my commendations to all of the management and staff of Copacabana for running a great hotel with courteous and professional staff.

The living room and dining area

The master bedroom

The kitchen

The 2nd  room (similar to the 3rd bedroom)

The maid's room with attached bathroom

Spacious unit

The best part of our stay!

The highlight of the whole stay was the management team's thoughtfulness. I actually requested from Booking.com if the hotel can provide a surprise birthday cake gift for my daughter as we were there to celebrate her special day. We were pleasantly surprised to see the yummy, chocolate cupcake with a birthday greeting for our daughter in the receiving area.  We were all smiling from ear to ear and really appreciate the gesture. Our daughter loved the surprise and the cupcake!


Nearby attractions/places of interest:
SM MOA
Roxas Boulevard
Manila bay
Malate Church
Manila Zoo
Nearby restaurants and casinos


Price range:
3 bedroom apartment via Booking.com = AED 764 for 1 night

I think this is reasonable considering the number of rooms in 1 unit. I computed the cost of booking separate rooms for 10 adults with 2 small kids to be more expensive than paying for this whole unit. At least with the rate, I only had to pay 1 deposit for the entire unit.

Hotel's features:

Outdoor pool

Free parking

Room Service
Car Rental
Airport Shuttle (surcharge)
24-Hour Front Desk
Currency Exchange
Tour Desk
Ticket Service
Baggage Storage
Concierge Service
Laundry
Ironing Service
Daily Housekeeping
Meeting/Banquet Facilities
Business Center
Fax/Photocopying
Hair/Beauty Salon

My recommendation: 5 out of 5

My family and I are impressed with the way they handled our special request and when they were searching for the towels that were not in the unit. We were treated with respect. We felt comfortable and very welcomed in their property. The whole staff were courteous and very professional.

The 3-bedroom unit is perfect for a big group of people like my family. I highly recommend this place for everyone. The check out is at 12:00 noon compared to other hotels that is only until 11:00. The property also allows pets. Please check the hotel before you book for any changes on their pet policy.


If you are looking for similar property or want to book the same unit, please feel free to use the search widget below:

Booking.com Copacabana Hotel is located at 264 EDSA Extension, 1302 Manila, Philippines. It has 141 apartments/rooms. Disclaimer:
I personally booked and paid for this stay. I was not compensated by the property in any way to write this review.


(All photos are my personal property. Pls. do not use without my permission.)

Palm Plaza Hotel Review in Manila

I booked a double bedroom for a night last Sep. 24-25, 2015 in Palm Plaza Hotel which is near the famous landmarks in Manila like Luneta, Malate, Roxas Blvd. and other places of interest within easy reach.

The hotel is very easy to find. It is located along the stretch of Pedro Gil, very near to Robinson's Place Manila, Department of Justice, Philippine General Hospital, and the Malate area. You can go to the hotel via public transportations like the railway transit, public jeepneys, buses or taxis plying the route of Manila.

What I like:
Free wifi
Very polite and customer-service oriented staff
Clean rooms
Location
Accessibility via various transportation means
Near malls, churches
Plenty of restaurants and food outlet within walking distance
The price is ok considering it is an old hotel. I still consider the rate within the budget range.


What I don't like:
Outdated furnitures
Tiled floor which tends to get cold when you don't have spare slippers to wear around
Slight noise from public transportations and nearby bars
The lights are not enough in the room. I feel it was a bit dark.
No available parking in the hotel. Parking is nearby on other establishment.


Room rate: 
I booked using Booking.com and got a good deal of around Php 1200++ per double bedroom per night without breakfast.


Nearby attractions:
Malate Church
Luneta Park
Intramuros
Roxas Boulevard



My recommendation: 3 out of 5



I am still giving this hotel a good rate because of the friendly, efficient and very courteous staff. Everyone was helpful and we felt at home and secured in their premise. I also like the fact that it offered free wi-fi and the location was fantastic!

I am not sure if this hotel is a good fit for families with younger kids as this location is near the "Red Light District" but not really in that locale. You will find videoke bars and restaurants nearby.

If you wish to book in this hotel or find other accommodations in Manila or anywhere in the world, check out the search field below for other budget accommodations:


Booking.com
This hotel has 133 rooms and other usual amenities like air-conditioned rooms, business center, laundry/pressing, room service, etc.
Located at 524 Pedro Gil Corner M. Adriatico Street, Malate, Malate, 1004 Manila, Philippines

Disclaimer:
I personally booked and paid for this stay. I was not compensated by the property in any way to write this review.


(All photos are my personal property. Pls. do not use without my permission.)

My Guide To Making The Most Of A Trip To Italy

I am a real travel lover, as are my family. This summer, I spent a couple of weeks travelling around Europe bonding with my teenage daughter. While we were away, we spent some time in Italy, which got me thinking about how amazing the country is.

Italy is somewhere that I love; it’s just such a beautiful place. I’ve been lucky enough to visit this amazing country a few times and have loved each city I have been to. Italy is crammed full of fantastic things to see and do, which can make it hard to know what to do while you are there.

Source for photo

That’s why I want to share a few tips and ideas for making the most of a trip to Italy, with you, here:

See as many places as you can

Italy is a country that has so many beautiful cities and towns to explore, so if you can, aim to see as much as possible. Obviously, how many areas of the country you can travel to will depend on how long your trip is. The longer you are on vacation for, the more time you will have to explore.

Milan, Florence, Venice, Rome, and Naples are all must-sees, so if you get the chance, make sure to visit them all. Ensure that before your trip that you plan where you will visit, as well as how long you will stay in each place for.

Stay somewhere amazing

Often, when we visit Italy we stay with family, but if you can afford it, there are plenty of amazing places to stay. If you are travelling as part of a larger group, you will find that renting out a large villa can be surprisingly affordable.

From beautiful guest houses in Milan to Tuscany holiday villas, there are many types of accommodation to choose from. In many of Italy’s cities, you will find hostels, which are a great option if you are travelling on a budget. So even if money is tight, you should be able to find accommodation that is suitable.

Taste the local food

By all means eat in the restaurant of your hotel, but if you want to experience the real Italy, you need to taste the local cuisine. Before your trip, take some time to research all the best locally run restaurants near where you are staying. That way, before you travel, you will know where all the most authentic places to eat are.

If you are unable to afford to eat in restaurants, make time to visit lots of street markets. One of the best ways to sample the nicest local dishes is by visiting street markets - the food is both affordable and delicious. Before your trip, Google when the street markets are held where you are going, so that you don’t miss out on experiencing them.

Speak to the locals

When it comes to experiencing a place properly, I have found that the key is to speak to the locals. Often, there are some amazing things to see and do that aren’t in the guidebooks, which is why asking the locals for advice is important.

If you want to make the most of a trip to Italy, taste the local food, visit the most amazing places, and most importantly, do lots of research before you go.

Hostal Natura Barcelona Review

This is the first time my daughter and I visited Barcelona. I thought I would have a hard time looking for this property. I had to search the place and check the map several times. I even Googled it and checked the street view from where we would alight from Plaça Catalunya.

Hostal Natura Barcelona was not very difficult to find. After alighting at Plaça Catalunya from the airport, we just walked for 15 minutes and we were already in front of the hostel. It is tucked in a residential building so it does not have any lobby with concierge. You actually have to ring the bell and allowed to get inside. 

We were surprised to see a big room and it was enough for me and my daughter. It had basic amenities but no mini bar. There are vending machines in the hallway so you can buy hot coffee or sodas and water if you want. I also liked the fact that the hostel management provided us with a box of chocolates which my daughter and I loved so much. They were delicious and it's a rare treat to find a gift when you come to your room.

The room allotted for us was Room no. 3 which was in the middle. It didn't have a balcony but it has a small enclosure, like a pocket garden minus the plants that we have access to. The room was dark because the ceiling was high. Even if we switched all the lights on, it's just not as bright as I would like my room to be. However, the big window provided natural light even until past 8PM when the sun was still up.

The a/c works well but we couldn't change the thermostat as instructed because it was centralised. We were also asked to keep our TV in low volume esp at night. However, we found out that other guests were not as quiet as us as we would hear them bang the doors and talk loudly in the hallway. That didn't prevent us from getting a decent sleep.

They offer free wi-fi too!

The bathroom was just enough for us. The sink was too compact for use. The bath towels were replaced regularly during our stay and the room cleaned well.

The location is really great. There are nearby eateries if you want to grab a munch. There's a small grocery too in the same area where you can buy some essentials. Walking distance from the hostel is the Plaça Catalunya, Passeig de Gracia, Diagonal Ave. and during a nice weather, you can walk towards other places of interests too.

I would definitely recommend this place to my family and friends and I don't mind staying in here again in our next visit.

Hostal Natural Barcelona is located at Calle Roger de Lluria 33, ppal 2, 08009 Barcelona, Spain.

Nearby attractions:
Plaça Catalunya
Sagrada Familia
Las Ramblas
Casa Batllo
Diagonal Avenue
La Pedrera
Passeig De Gracia



My recommendation: 4 out of 5

I am giving this property a 4 star rating. It is located in a very nice place which is walking distance to Plaça Catalunya. There are nearby eateries and you can actually walk to some attractions. The hotel is very clean, spacious (for European standards) and quiet. Getting a taxi is not an issue as you can walk few metres away to hail a cab. There is a small grocery just a building away so you can buy some food and beverage when you get hungry as the hotel does not provide any food except for a coffee and soda vending machine in the hallway.

This hotel is perfect to unwind after a long day of walking in Barcelona. The price is just right for a European stay.

If you want to book this hotel in Barcelona or want to get great deals on your next stay, search and book here:
Booking.com
Disclosure:
This hotel review is my personal review. I have paid for this stay and in no way sponsored by the property nor Booking.com. I love to book via Booking.com because I always find a very competitive rate or great deals when compared to other booking sites. My opinion is 100% mine and may vary from yours