food

BURI RASA VILLAGE SAMUI, KOH SAMUI, THAILAND

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I recently stayed at Buri Rasa Village Samui and was delighted by how beautifully it blends boutique charm with warm, attentive service. The hotel feels intimate and thoughtfully designed, making it a perfect escape for anyone seeking a relaxing retreat.

From the moment you arrive, there’s a welcoming ambiance that makes you feel at home. The team here are genuinely friendly and accommodating, going above and beyond to ensure your stay is pleasant.

The location offers pristine, sun-soaked shores ideal for long walks swimming or simply soaking up the scenery at the beautiful white beach.

The spacious garden bungalows accommodations are roomy and well-appointed, with plenty of space to unwind, plus a sense of tranquility that enhances the overall experience.

Overall a very good experience that left me relaxed, refreshed, and already planning my next visit.

My Tips for future guests:
Take some time to explore the garden paths; the greenery provides a peaceful backdrop for morning coffee or an evening stroll. (Massage also available)
Speak with the staff about local dining options and activities; their recommendations are reliable and add a personal touch to your stay.
If you’re looking for quiet, book a bungalow closer to the beach for an even more serene environment.

In short, the Buri Rasa Village Samui offers a small-scale, charming boutique experience with standout warmth from the staff, a gorgeous beach, and spacious, comfortable bungalow accommodations. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a relaxing, intimate getaway.

https://www.burirasa.com/samui/chaweng/

RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT, VANCOUVER, CANADA

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During my recent stay at the Marriott Residence Inn Vancouver Downtown, I was pleasantly surprised by the charm and comfort of this older building. The hotel, while older, was well-maintained and had a cozy atmosphere. It is worth noting that there are only two elevators in use in the building, which could sometimes lead to longer waiting times depending on the hotel’s occupancy.

I stayed in a studio corner room, which was surprisingly spacious and well-appointed. The room had a fully equipped kitchen, making it convenient for guests who prefer to prepare their meals during their stay. The bed was comfortable, and the overall decor of the room was inviting.

One of the highlights of my stay was the breakfast offered at the hotel. The breakfast had a good variety of options and was a great way to start the day. The staff members were friendly and attentive, adding to the pleasant experience.

In conclusion, the Marriott Residence Inn Vancouver offers a comfortable stay in an older building with character. The fully equipped kitchen in the room and the breakfast provided are definite advantages for guests looking for a convenient and enjoyable stay.

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/yvrdr-residence-inn-vancouver-downtown/overview/

TORONTO MARRIOTT CITY CENTRE HOTEL, TORONTO, CANADA

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Toronto Marriott City Centre Hotel offers a refreshingly new perspective for guests and sports fans alike. Situated inside Rogers Centre, home of the Toronto Blue Jays, host a one-of-a-kind experience with event spaces and guest rooms that overlook the stadium. The hotels location in downtown Toronto ensures guests to be surrounded by the best that Toronto has to offer.

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at the Marriott Downtown Hotel in Toronto. The hotel is situated uniquely within the Toronto Blue Jays Stadium and provided an exceptional experience, with rooms offering a direct view into the stadium. The restaurant and bar also offer excellent views of the stadium, adding to the excitement.

The rooms are spacious and comfortable, providing a relaxing environment. The bathrooms are sizeable and adequately equipped. Checking in and out with the Marriott Bonvoy app was a breeze, making the process quick, efficient, and hassle-free. My stay at the Marriott Downtown Hotel was truly memorable, and I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Toronto.

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/yyzcc-toronto-marriott-city-centre-hotel/overview/

ROYAL GARDEN HOTEL, HONG KONG, CHINA

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I have stayed at the Royal Garden Hotel in Kowloon/Hong Kong a couple of times have always been impressed by its efficient service. 

The property is well located with easy access to shopping centres, restaurants, and the ocean front. The hotel’s atrium is beautiful and the glass elevators offers a splendid view. There is a wide choice of restaurants from an oversized Café to Chinese, Japanese, Italian and Vietnamese food. 

The rooms are spacious and well-maintained with comfortable beds. The property has a beautiful terrace pool offering great views of Hong Kong Harbour. The staff are friendly and helpful, always ensuring a comfortable stay. 

I like this hotel, particularly for the value for money and the convenient location. I had a good stay and would always consider this as one of my favourite options to stay in Hong Kong’s famous Kowloon area, known locally as Tsim Sha Tsui.

 

 

https://www.rghk.com.hk/en

THE PORTMAN RITZ-CARLTON, SHANGHAI, CHINA

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As a loyal Ritz-Carlton guest staying at the Portman Ritz-Carlton in Shanghai, China, I must say that my experience was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment I walked in and was greeted by the doorman, to the seamless check-in process in the club lounge, every detail was attended to with utmost care.

I had booked a club room and was delighted to find myself in a spacious and beautifully decorated room with a comfortable bed and a nice, well-appointed bathroom. The classic design of the room added a touch of elegance to my stay.

The hotel boasts a large international restaurant, a beautiful main lobby bar, a Chinese specialty restaurant, and a gym and small pool. While the gym was relatively simple, it served its purpose well. One of the highlights of my stay was the Ritz-Carlton club lounge. The lounge offered a variety of food offerings throughout the day, from breakfast and lunch to afternoon tea, happy hour, dinner buffet, and dessert. The attentive and friendly staff made sure that my experience at the lounge was nothing short of perfect. The staff members were not only attentive but also engaging with guests.

Overall, my stay at the Ritz-Carlton in Shanghai was truly delightful. The excellent services, beautiful rooms, and the unforgettable experience at the club lounge made my stay memorable. I am a big fan of the Ritz-Carlton and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a luxurious and comfortable stay in Shanghai.

https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/sharz-the-portman-ritz-carlton-shanghai/overview/

WESTIN GRAND CENTRAL, NEW YORK, USA

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The Westin New York Grand Central is located in midtown Manhattan, less than two blocks east of the iconic Grand Central train station.  The hotel is within walking distance of the United Nations Plaza, the Chrysler Building, Bryant Park and Fifth Avenue and public transportation is easily accessible for all other destinations. Uber and Lyft rides and New York Cabs are usually less than a minute away. 

I chose the Westin Grand Central because it was completely renovated during Covid and most hotels in New York are offering very dated and small rooms or, on the other hand, are on the super expensive side. (Note that a “destination fee” of US$ 25 per night now applies to all NY hotels)

The rooms in this dynamic hotel were modern with no frills and no unnecessary gimmicks. Marriott’s famous heavenly-beds with plenty of pillows allowed me to sleep very well. 

Breakfast, 24 hour room service, a Business Center and a large gym which is open 24/7 are also available. 

Check-in and check-out on the Marriott Bonvoy App worked  very well and Express check-out options shows the total bill in the app well ahead of check-out time and is conveniently used by most guests. 

Staff at the front desk, and particularly at the Concierge Desk, were helpful and never tired of giving out useful information and their insider tips about New York. 

I enjoyed my stay at the Westin Grand Central very much and found this a very comfortable hotel at reasonable rates (for New York). 

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/nyczw-the-westin-new-york-grand-central/overview/