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By Jason De Ocampo, 30/12/2011 12:05

The Palm, Atlantis is going to give you everything you’ve ever dreamed of in a hotel and more. For a five star hotel, The Atlantis exceeds your expectation in a thousand ways. The room designs are a mix of Arabic and Mediterranean design, the rooms are elegant, fully furnished and will be a Disney dream come true, as soon as you see it yourself. The rooms are usually large enough for the person or family staying there. You’ll never run out of things you can do, and a three days/ two nights stay is not enough to participate in all the activities and services offered by Atlantis. The Service never lets you down. Guest requests are responded to with utmost importance. You need not wait for more than 15 minutes for the average request.

Description

Situated on its own 800-metre, private beach on Dubai’s Palm Island, the 5-star Atlantis offers stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. It provides an underwater aquarium, dolphin-swimming opportunities and an extensive water park. Arabian décor and large beds are fitted in all rooms. The balcony in each offers a panoramic view of the city or the Arabic Sea. Every room is equipped with a flat-screen satellite TV. Fine dining restaurants include Mediterranean, Italian and French. The award-winning Nobu restaurant serves contemporary Japanese food. Atlantis The Palm Dubai includes an underwater labyrinth and the largest water park in the Middle East with near-vertical slides and torrent rivers. The expansive pool is surrounded by lounge chairs and palm trees. A comprehensive spa provides facial and body treatments and the gym provides personal fitness coaches. The Emirates Golf Club is 3 km away and The Dubai Mall is a 20-minute drive away from the Atlantis.

Reviews

Upon arrival we were greeted by a lovely man on the reception desk. He upgraded our room and was very helpful. The suite as well as the entire hotel was just incredible. We ate in one of the restaurants which was a great experience. Tea and cakes in on of the cafes was just gorgeous too. There is so much for everyone at this hotel and it is actually better value than you would expect for such a wonderful experience. The aquarium was amazing and actually could be viewed from one of the restaurants. I would recommend it as a great stopover place for Australian and New Zealand travellers as it not only breaks up that awful flight but is an experience like nothing else! Fantastic!!! Spend a few days and enjoy the absolute luxury.

28 September 2011

Some of the staff were excellent and some were at least trying, which is a good sign of good management. The aquarium and the aquaventure park are amazing for the kids and adults alike.

Super expensive. Value for money is very low unless you want to try to enjoy all the facilities which will require more time/days which will make it even expensive.

18 November 2011

This is my second time, I love Aqua Venture “Aqua Park” , Family Oriented, Love the Lost Chamber “Aquarium”, the Large Pool, The beach and the restaurants. For 2 or 3 nights you don’t need to leave the Hotel just relax and enjoy the place. I recommend that people reserve the imperial club room package they treat you like VIP.

Unfortunately we went on a weekend and it was crowded. Not to mention the festival and part of that went on until thursday and fri last week, it was noisy, especially that we had a an infant and he wanted to sleep early. They stopped eventually at 3 am. Price is is getting higher from last year regrading taking photos in Aqua Venture or buying stuff from the gift shop by 100 %.

If you got the funds and you want the best experience money can buy in Dubai, then The Palm, Atlantis is right up your alley. Book Now!

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By Jason De Ocampo, 28/12/2011 13:34

Dubai is priming itself to be one of the best locations to shoot Hollywood Films in the world. Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol was shot in Burj Khalifa, Dubai, where Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his team will intercept the launch codes from a Nuclear War Freak.

Emirates officials think it’s just the beginning for their film industry, they hope that Mission Impossible 4 will showcase the city as a great place were movies can come and be shot easily for film makers, making it the go to location of the Middle East. And many people believe that’s already happening.

“Abdulhamid Juma, chairman of Dubai International Film Festival told the BBC that “Studios in Hollywood are looking at this part of the world as the growth area of the future, so to open such a big film like this in a small city like Dubai, is something we are really very proud of”.” reports Andrew Scott from greekoverture.com.

Part of the film was financed by Dubai, with the goal of establishing itself as a global destination for film making.

The Beauty and Elegance of Dubai can be seen in Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol. Dynamic Shots coupled with an exciting narrative makes you want to go and visit Dubai and experience its own exotic beauty.

Here’s a Video of The M.I.: Ghost Protocol Cast, Shooting the scene at Burj Khalifa:

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By Jason De Ocampo, 23/12/2011 15:59

Crown Regency Suites Mactan is a famous hotel name. It is sought out by a lot of people booking in the Philippines. But sometimes, a name is not enough when considering your options, especially when you’re going on vacation, and the last thing you want are problems. The question is, is Crown Regency Hotel the hotel it claims to be, or is it better to look for other places to stay?

Description

Offering a spa retreat, Crown Regency Suites Mactan also features 2 pools and indoor badminton courts. Guests enjoy free parking privileges. The hotel offers accommodation with kitchenettes and free Wi-Fi. Crown Regency Suites is a 10-minute drive from The Capitol. Mactan International Airport is a 15-minute drive away. Suites and villas at Crown Suites offer a home away from home with comfortable seating areas. Minibars and tea/coffee makers are provided. A microwave oven is included. For a work out session, guests may wish to head to the fitness centre and relax in the sauna thereafter. A business centre is available to take care of guests’ communication needs. Billiard facilities are available as another recreational option. International delights can be enjoyed at Lobby Lounge, which also offers all-day dining. Sun Court Poolside Bar and Best Brew Coffee and Deli serve light bites.

Review

For a four star Hotel, Crown Regency Suites Mactan is disappointing. The rooms are stale but huge, the decorations are lacking, the furniture looks all worn down. Some of the bathroom tiles are missing. The water knobs are loose. But the worst thing you’ll ever deal with is that the service takes too long. Sometimes you have to remind the staff of what you ordered or requested before they respond. and even if they do, they take 30 minutes to respond.

A common problem from other reviewers are the way the hotel often confuses their room reservation, i.e. getting a mediocre room instead of the reserved room they booked.

The breakfast meals are good though. We had the omelette, and I think the pricing is fair enough. The rooms are kept clean too, in my opinion though they just have to, since they don’t seem to replace their furnitures.

All in all, Crown Regency Cebu depends more on its name, than your actual quality stay, and it could prove frustrating at times when dealing with the hotel staff. So if you want a Zen filled Hotel Stay, avoid Crown Regency.

The Verdict: Not recommended.

Some User Reviews

+Nothing, there´s nothing interesting in this such a crowded hotel with impolite tourists. Location is just in the middle of nothing, the hall is always busy and crowded, there´s many staff doing nothing, and to take the lift takes so long time you cannot imagine.

-Staff is very slow if you request whatever you need from your room. No shampoo, no gel inside rooms, sheets absolutely dirty (unacceptable), lift very busy always. If you book by booking, they sign on behalf of you the receipt so estrangely you don´t have to give them your credit card…

Anonymous
Group of friends
Spain
3 December 2011

+Not much. The rooms are clean.

-We picked this hotel cause of its central location which was a mistake. When in Cebu, don’t stay in the city centre, its chaotic, polluted and difficult to access especially during peak hours. The hotel itself is sub-standard, old, dingy and possesses the most peculiar elevator system. Food is overpriced within (room service and the hotel restaurant) and staff are pleasant at best (which wasn’t very often). Facilities are not easily accessible and not fully up and running.

Shawn
Young couple
Singapore, Singapore
14 November 2011

There was a problem with my booking and the hotel staff did an excellent job and even gave me a bigger room. Allowed me to check in earlier. Rooms are excellent and the view from my room was superb. Fast room service and free use of internet services. Buffet breakfast was good enough. Facilities and amenities are way above average Location was near the downtown area and only a few minutes from the business district. Enjoyed my stay and will definitely go back!

Anonymous
Solo traveller
Philippines
22 August 2011

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By Jason De Ocampo, 21/12/2011 15:59

Cebu will always be part of my heart. Having stayed there for almost two years, I fell in love with the people, culture and the place. Cebu offers dozens of memorable places to visit, especially with your loved ones. If you’re going there for vacation, Tops, Mactan Island and the capitol are amazing places to visit. Here are the top 5 cheap Cebu hotels I could recommend to your heart’s content:

Continue reading 'Top 5 Cheap Cebu Hotels'»

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By Jason De Ocampo, 19/12/2011 12:00

One of the great things about waking up in a hotel room is the sun rising in your bedroom window and waking up to a beautiful seaside. The L room in the south tower provide just that. People just love coming back again and again to Avista hotel. And I think I know why. The place is so beautiful and clean, the staff are nice and of course Myrtle Beach is just to die for.

Offering one, 2 and 3-bedroom apartment-style accommodation, this family-friendly property boasts numerous on-site facilities and amenities, all in an ideal location directly on Myrtle Beach, only moments from popular attractions. Guests are sure to feel at home while staying at the Avista Resort with in-room fully equipped kitchens, separate sleeping and living areas and private balconies. The hotel also features 3 on-site swimming pools, including a children’s pool and 2 lazy rivers. On-site dining is also available at the Poolside Grill. Only seconds from the Avista’s front doors, guests can discover beautiful beaches and an endless variety of water sports. A number of golf courses, shopping centres and local restaurants are also easily accessible.

Here are some user reviews for your perusal:

The location was very nice – at the end of the row of hotels, with parking right across the street. We had a one bedroom condo that was roomy and had all the amenities.The maid service was very efficient and left plenty of towels. There was a nice, uncrowded restaurant on site, which was great for when we wanted to just stay-in. I would highly recommend this resort!

Michael
Mature couple
Hardy, U.S.A.
July 8, 2011

The staff was courteous and expeditious about getting me checked in. I really enjoyed my quiet time and the cleanliness of the hotel. The food was good and the restaurant was nice if I didn’t choose to utilize the kitchen. The jacuzzi was relaxing as well and the bed was comfortable. It was a nice vacation and a good first experience with Avista Resort. I will definitely return.

Valerie
Solo traveler
Rocky Mount, U.S.A.
October 8, 2011

L grew to like it more once my room was changed to a cleaner, deodorized one with one with more footage. However, I had to sacrifice the jacuzzi, (that I paid for), the king sized bed and dvd player. I also feel it unfair that customers are not quoted the full price up front. I feel that this is a scam to hide the high taxes and other ridiculous fees.

Jeanay
Family with young children

If you’re going to Myrtle Beach this year, then Avista Hotel is the choice to make. Book Now!

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By Jason De Ocampo, 16/12/2011 11:39

In 1986, a small group of local citizens began a holiday tradition that people would look forward for years to come. It started with wanting to show off their newly bought outdoor lights and decorations and an enthusiasm to celebrate christmas with the people of Tallahassee City. Barely 6000 people braved the bitter cold temperatures to join this small community. But in the end, the people thought the event was worth the sacrifice, they decided to hold it every year.

In years to come, The Winter festival continued to grow in both its fame and scope. It added a lot of visitor friendly elements, to make sure people from all over the state would enjoy the event. Events such as Nighttime Holiday Parade, Santa’s Enchanted Forest, a food court, more live entertainment stages, fine arts competitions and, the always-popular Jingle Bell Run.

The Winter Festival, A Celebration of Lights, Music & the Arts is so awesome it is honored by the Southeast Tourism Society as one of the top 20 events in the southeastern region of the United States.

Events

Songs of the Season – New for 2009. Choral event held on Kleman Plaza on the Friday evening before the Winter Festival. Santa Claus is also in attendance for photo opportunities.
Lighting Ceremony – The ceremony begins the festivities and the decorative lights of Tallahassee are turned on by the mayor John Marks at 6:15pm.
Jingle Bell Run – This is a 3K race through the downtown streets open to all. With thousands of area runners and walkers entered as well as skaters, rollerbladers, infants, toddlers in strollers, and dogs in Santa hats and jingle bells, Mayor Marks gives the count down to the start.
Holiday Parade – A parade proceeds down Monroe Street with floats and bands. Festival Merchandise vendors sell a variety of foods and merchandise.
5 Stages of Entertainment – There are five stages for various forms of entertainment.
Ice Skating – Skating is provided for all ages at Tallahassee’s Kleman Plaza. To help celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Winter Festival in 2006, the Tallahassee Parks and Recreation Department and Friends of Our Parks Foundation purchased a portable outdoor ice skating rink. In 2007, ice skating is moving to the North Florida Fairgrounds. No ice skating in 2008 or 2009.

Elf Night Dorothy B. Oven Park Hosts Annual Elf Night featuring over 250,000 lights, the public is invited to stroll through the house and grounds to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season. The Parks and Recreation Department begins the project in September so that it can be finished by December.

(Source: Wikipedia)

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By Jason De Ocampo, 14/12/2011 13:57

As a hotel, Bayview Hotel Singapore offers sleek modern and minimalist designed rooms for people who are looking for just that. The Location is fine, as the Hotel is a stone throw away from the MRT station. What’s awesome about this hotel is the rooftop pool that’s great for kids and adults alike, plus the free WiFi you get up top. I’d stay away from the mini-bar if I were you though, as some of the prices are a bit steep for a 3 star hotel.

Bayview Hotel Singapore offers spacious rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. Featuring a rooftop swimming pool and small fitness room, it includes free internet access. Bayview Hotel is within a 5-minute walk from Bras Basah and Dhoby Ghaut MRT Stations. Enjoying a prime location along Bencoolen Street, it is just 5 minutes’ drive from the popular Orchard Road. Each room at Hotel Bayview is tastefully decorated with soothing colours, and includes satellite TV, minibar and tea/coffee making facilities. Guests may exercise at the fitness centre or simply relax at the sauna. Day trips to Sentosa or the Singapore Zoo can be arranged at the tour desk. Local and Western specialities are served at Bayview Café. The Lobby Bar and Bayview Terrace offers light meals and refreshments.

Here are some user reviews that you can consult for their unbiased opinion:

+ The location is very good: mrt Bras Basah is just around the corner, 7/11 is downstairs, also Kopitiam, a 24h food court, is next room, as well as Wendy’s and an Irish pub. There is only 10-15 min walking distance to Orchard road. The staff was very friendly and helpful, especially the concierges. We were allowed to use the shower due to a midnight flight even though we had already checked out. Also a luggage storage was available. The receptionist took our post cards and promised to take them to a mail box, which were hadn’t found. The twin room was okay and clean, not too luxurious, though, but decent for a short stay. There were many tv channels to choose from.

- The hotel has seen its better days, I think. The room had an 80s appearance, with carpet and brown colors. The described “city view” was to the Bencoolen street, I.E. you could see the other hotels across the street. Even if we were on the 13th floor you couldn’t see any nice views over the city since other buildings blocked them. Sound proofing was rather bad: outside and next door noises were easily heard. A connecting door to the next room gave a feeling that someone is about to come into our room in any second. The breakfast menu and our taste didn’t meet, the menu was mainly aimed at British people, who were actually crowding the hotel. There wasn’t any info about the pool or any other facilities in the room.

Anonymous
Young couple
Finland
9 July 2011

+ The location is very convenient – just about 100m from nearest mrt station (Bras Basah) which gives you the ability to get quickly to any part of the city. If you are ok with walking, the majority of Singapore’s attractions can also easily be reached on foot – the spot is equally distanced from Marina area, Indian and Arab quarters and of course Orchard road (actually Bras Basah road just becomes Orchard if you walk to the North). Clarke Quay and Chinatown are a bit farther but also no problem walking there. We also liked the swimming pool on the rooftop.

- Totally overpriced just as all of Singapore’s hotels. Stuff was correct but not very friendly – we arrived for check-in in equal “Just Married” t-Shirts (as we were on our honeymoon trip), but no one has payed any attention on it and tried to congratulate us or propose any compliment from the hotel (just a smile and a simple glass of juice would be ok )

Alexander
Young couple
St. Petersburg, Russia
3 October 2011

Great place to stay. It’s located in the heart of the city with the mrt interchange close by, and is also on the main bus routes. We were a little worried on what would be served as the free breakfast, but it was fantastic for us westerners!

Cheap meals can be found next door, and a Subway/Wendys located over the road. Carrefour supermarket is also only a short walk away. Swimming pool was great too. Staff were friendly.

Had booked a double room, but ended up with a twin. Not a deal breaker though.

Mike
Young couple
Woodvale WA, Australia
5 November 2011

If you think Bayview Hotel Singapore is right for you, then what are you waiting for? Book Now!

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By Jason De Ocampo, 12/12/2011 11:05

4Star

If you want an amazing hotel in a great location and at a reasonable price, then Radisson is the way to go. The customer service will absolutely blow your mind. The staff are prompt with your request and smiles sincerely whenever they serve you. The amenities are just perfect. The pillows are really soft as well as the bed. The rooms look a bit aged, but they are really clean. For a four star hotel, it garners great reviews from its guests.

They have a nice selection of fine dining restaurants, and the Bar and the Club downstairs are an excellent addition to the hotel.

This luxury hotel is situated in central Deira, Dubai’s business and leisure district. Rooms have free internet and furnished balconies overlooking Dubai Creek. Sixteen dining and entertainment options are on site. The spacious rooms at Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek have a separate seating area and work desk. Each en suite bathroom is stocked with bathroom amenities, a bathrobe and slippers. Dining options include Palm Grill, which serves charcoal-grilled steaks and has an extensive wine list. Up on the 10th, the jazz bar has live music and exotic cocktails. Dinner cruises are offered aboard the hotel’s traditional Arabic dhow boat. Radisson Blu Dubai’s swimming pool is situated on the large rooftop sun deck. The 24-hour fitness club facilities include a steam bath, lighted tennis court and massage rooms. Dubai Deira Creek is located within walking distance to the water taxi and the Gold Souk. Union Metro Station is 300 metres from the hotel and provides convenient links to Dubai International Airport, Mall of the Emirates and the World Trade Centre.

As usual we offer some user reviews for your perusal:

+Good staff and service , they have good car parking close to old shopping showrooms in deira . wirless internet is free and fast Very good restaurants are located beside the hotel
-The building is very old and you can hear the sound in the other rooms (very weak soundprood) also they allows bar girls(!!!) to go to with the men to the hotel rooms which is very bad if there are familes in the hotel

Anonymous
Group of friends
Saudi Arabia
10 July 2011

+Good facilities, pool, gym and restaurants. I asked for an early check in and was upgraded when my room was not ready. Friendly staff who are always willing to help. Centrally located in Dubai.
-Don’t like having to produce my room key every time I use the elevators

Anonymous
Solo traveller
Australia
23 May 2011

+Although the Radisson is one of the older 5 star hotels in Dubai it has an excellent level of service. The staff are polite & very attentive, there is also a great choice of restaurants available. Very good location in relation to the Airport & the centre.

Anonymous
Solo traveller
Cyprus
22 November 2011

With an excellent location, exotic arabic ambient and excellent fine dining experience, you’re going to enjoy your stay at Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek. Book Now!

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By Jason De Ocampo, 09/12/2011 09:02

“Location of the Hotel is very convenient for all activities. Taxies are available just as you step out of the Hotel. Skytrain is a few metres away. the staff is very helpful.We only had Breakfast in the Hotel, which was excellent.”

Arun
Mature couple
PUNE, India
December 11, 2010

Looking for an awesome Christmas Holiday in Bangkok? if you’re like me, you’d want to spend less on hotel accommodations and more on other fun things. With Amari Boulevard, you don’t have to compromise your hotel stay and book in a mediocre hotel. Amari Boulevard is everything you’re looking for in a budget hotel.

Located in a striking building of Bangkok’s skyline, Amari Boulevard is centrally located, only 400 metres from Nana BTS Skytrain Station. It features a roof-top pool and modern rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows. Providing panoramic city views, rooms at Amari Boulevard Bangkok are spacious and bright. Each is equipped with a flat-screen satellite TV, air conditioning and a work desk. Bathrooms come with selected toiletries. Guests can work out at the fully-equipped fitness centre or enjoy an in-room traditional Thai massage. Authentic Thai cuisine is available at the rooftop garden Season Thai Restaurant. Amari Boulevard hotel Bangkok is approximately 22 km from Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Pratunam Market is less than 2 km away. Free private parking is available on site.

But nothing’s more valuable than user reviews. So here’s a few comments from people who stayed there:

“They found my iPod which I had left in the room safe – I am impressed with their honesty.”

Mark
Solo traveler
North Ferriby, United Kingdom
May 11, 2011

“Good breakfast, good value for money, Bath and seperate shower good for mature visitors.”

Alastair
Mature couple
Sri Racha, Thailand
September 19, 2011

“The location so good in the middle of shopping and resturants, nice decoration in the reception and free wifi in reception. Breakfast was excellent.”

Anonymous
Mature Couple
Bahrain
January 21, 2011

Staying at Amari is your best bet if you want to shop all day long or enjoy an awesome dinner in one of the city’s fine dining restaurants. This truly is the best price for your money.

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By Jason De Ocampo, 07/12/2011 13:08

Christmas was once celebrated in remembrance of the birth of the Savior Jesus Christ. But today it is also celebrated by non-christians as a season of goodwill and giving. Giving the best gift we can to our loved ones is one way of showing, we think about them. And where else better to shop than Orchard Road in Singapore?

Orchard Road is home to quality and affordable fashion wear and trinkets, stylish dresses, CD’s and Gadgets. Fair activities are always somewhere around the corner so there’s never a dull moment. Performing artists take to the sidewalks on weekends, and the ever changing and improving malls (to keep up with the competition) will impress the heck out of you.

Wandalust.com provided a short history of Orchard Road Singapore:

Orchard Road is named after the spice orchards that populated the area for most of the 19th Century. Nutmeg and black pepper grew well in there, but a disease destroyed the plantations at the beginning of the 20th Century.

Development as a shopping district began for Orchard Road in about 1970. Some of the anchors of the district trace their origins to that time – C.K. Tangs, Plaza Singapura, and the Mandarin Hotel among them.

Today Orchard Road is graced with malls and shopping complexes, some of the city’s best hotels, an amazing array of dining venues, and several foreign embassies. Singapore extensive bus system makes it easy to get to the area for a pittance in transportation costs. The MRT stops at three locations along the east half of Orchard Road. And for a few dollars you can easily catch a taxi back to your hotel after you’re done shopping.

The Orchard Road area has 12 major shopping venues. From West to East they are: Tanglin Mall, Tanglin Shopping Center, Far East Shopping Center, Wheelock Place, Far East Plaza, CK Tangs, Wisma Atria, Lucky Plaza, Ngee Ann City, the Paragon, the Heeren, and Plaza Singapura. In addition to these, there are numerous smaller complexes and stand-alone department stores like Centrepoint, Delfi Orchard, Far East Shopping Centre, Liat Towers, and shopping areas inside the major hotels.

So if you’re into an unforgettable shopping experience, Orchard Road is the only way to go. Book Now!