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By Jason De Ocampo, 20/02/2012 03:36

If you’ve been to the Philippines. You know hotels can be a bit too generic at times. But Baguio Hotels are unique in their own way, for one, the top three priciest Hotels in Baguio are without aircon. Why you say? Well, you can’t enjoy Baguio’s awesome view of the mountains, the cool climate, clear skies and greenery everywhere by being boxed in in a tight air conditioned room.

The natural air-cooled environment and temperate weather in Baguio allows you to open your hotel window enjoy your view of the towering pine trees and taker a deep breath of fresh air.

Take a look at our list of the Cheapest Hotels in Baguio page. It might surprise you.

Some Fun Facts on Baguio Hotels

Based on statistics, Baguio has 38 hotels, 6 resorts, plus 75 other lodging and retreat houses. These numbers do not include those private homes that let out rooms to supply the great demand for rooms in during peak months.
• A hotel, according to the Philippines’ Department of Tourism, is a “building that is used for the reception, lodging or accommodation of a traveler or tourist.” There are many accredited standard and economy hotels here with rooms that meet the requirement of at least ’18 sqm in size.’ The rate for a standard room is about $90

• A resort is a place that offers “lodging, dining and recreational facilities, and is conducive to healthful relaxation.” Exclusive Baguio Country Club and Camp John Hay Manor are examples of resort hotels in Baguio. The rate for resorts ranges from $50 to $120. Cottages (7 persons) go for about $280.

• A tourist inn is one that “does not meet the (infrastructural) standards” (e.g. room size is less than 18 sqm) or provide the wide range of services of a hotel. Twin share rooms would cost about $35 to $55

• A pension house is one with independent rooms, common facilities such as showers, cooking and dining. Usually $10 to $20 per person

• Also very popular are those private vacation homes or “transient houses” that are let out as a whole or on a per room/person basis. The new buzzword for this is “homestay.” The rate per person is anywhere from $8 to $15, depending on the location, neighborhood and condition of the property.

(Fun facts source: GoBaguio.com)

So why wait? Book Now and get to enjoy Baguio City, the summer capital of the Philippines. You won’t regret this unique experience.

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By Jason De Ocampo, 15/02/2012 09:25

If you’re looking for cheap hotels in Milan, Italy then you’re in for a nice treat. Cipriani B&B offers the basic things you’re looking for in Hotels, e.g. wireless internet, aircon, breakfast, though at the cost of some of the things you will enjoy normally in the more expensive hotels. So let’s get this review started shall we?

Hotel Description

The Cipriani B&B is located in the new district, Bicocca, a quiet and residential area that is well connected to Milan’s city centre by public transport. Rooms offer air conditioning. This charming B&B is housed in a lovely villa with a garden and features clean and comfortable guest rooms, most with private bathroom.

The friendly and professional staff will be delighted to welcome you and help you organise your stay in Milan. Take advantage of the Cipriani’s free internet connection and free parking facilities.

The Plus side:

Here are what customers normally enjoy in the Cipriani B&B Hotel: Its got a superb location to reach Venecia, a basic enough room, clean and tidy, the price is really cheap at less than 40 Euros a night. The receptionists speaks great english so no need to worry about communication problems. They are extremely polite too. Great management overall for an affordable hotel.

Booking is easy too, you can get into your room/s in less than 20 minutes, even without prior reservations.

The Down Side:

The shower room might be a bit small for some people, and some triple rooms share a bathroom so beware if you’re a bit picky about that. The breakfast offers so little to choose from.

The Verdict:

Cipriani B&B is one of the most affordable Hotel in Milan. Great rooms at a great price, wireless connection, and the friendly staff is what makes this hotel work. So if you’re not picky about the shower. Then this Hotel is for you. Book Now!

If you are planning to stay there, you can also check out our Milan Valentines Day Guide.

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By Jason De Ocampo, 13/02/2012 03:22

This Valentines Day, visit Milan, Italy and enjoy the sights and sounds of a romantic city. In what is considered to be one  of the most romantic places throughout the world. You’ll never find a more apt destination this holiday than Milan, and let me tell you a few reasons why.

Bombed and destroyed during World War II, it has since been restored. Milan is also one of the richest city’s in Europe. It is beautiful and holds several historic and artistic attractions, including the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, the Last Supper Painting, and the famous La Scala Opera House Those visiting milan will find that it has preserved its romantic culture as well as an ideal place to dine in and shop.

For those looking for an amazing place to dine in Trattoria Toscana di Giovanni is also much recommended. The traditional Milanese dish are risotto alla milanese (a rice dish made with saffron) and cotoletta alla milanese (breaded veal). If you’re into modern italian dishes, Milan has tons to offer as well.

Milan’s cultural scene is also thriving with these special places to visit. Opera’s, ballet, concerts and theaters abound in this amazing place. The main theater and concert season starts in October but there are performances in summer, too. Check with hotelwithheart.com for the latest information.

Main Attractions:

- The Duomo is the world’s largest Gothic cathedral and the third largest church in Europe. Building began in 1386 and lasted nearly 500 years! Its marble facade is magnificent and its roof has 135 spires and 3200 statues. Inside, the crucifix is said to contain a nail from the cross of Christ. Its piazza is the hub of Milan. There is also a museum. Be sure to climb the stairs or take the elevator to the top for views of Milan and the Duomo’s spires.

- La Scala is a very famous opera house seating over 2000 people. Built in 1778 it has a very opulent interior. You can also visit the museum.

- Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a huge glass-roofed shopping arcade lined with expensive shops, bars, and restaurants. Built in 1867, it links the squares of the Duomo and La Scala and has mosaics with the symbols of the cities forming the newly united Italy. Some people consider it good luck to stand on the testicles of the bull of Turin.

- Castello Sforzesco was originally built in the 15th century by the ruling Visconti but was destroyed and rebuilt by the Sforzas soon afterward. It became a museum complex in the 19th century and and is one of Milan’s major landmarks. Santa Maria della Grazie contains Da Vinci’s famous fresco, the Last Supper. Although the building was bombed in 1943, the fresco survived. To visit, it is necessary to book in advance. How to Book Tickets to see The Last Supper.

- National Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci is housed in what was once a 16th century monastary . The museum has a vast collection showing the history of science and technology starting from Leonardo da Vinci’s machines.

- Sant’Ambrogio is the fourth-century church of Milan’s patron saint. Inside are many relics, carvings, and mosaics.

- Pinacoteca di Brera, originally started by Napolean, is Milan’s most prestigious art gallery. It holds a huge collection of over 600 works in 40 rooms.

- Milan makes a convenient base for day trips to the Lakes, Pavia, and the hill town of Bergamo.

(source: goitaly.about.com)

Milan has preserved all of it’s loveliness all throughout these years and with wonderful places to visit, you’ll miss half of your life if you miss visiting Milan this summer.

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By Jason De Ocampo, 06/02/2012 03:36

Love is in the air this February and we bet you’re searching the internet for the best country to be in this Valentines. That’s why we’ve prepared this short article of countries for you to visit. We’ve chosen some of the most romantic places for you to stay in this Valentines and we hope you enjoy the places we recommend for you.

First off, what could be more romantic than going to Venice? This is the most romantic city in all the world. With plenty of symbolic structures like bridges (that’s a symbol of connection and being inseperably connected) you’ll have a blast staying in this city of love. The city’s lovely architecture is a beautiful sight to behold. Traveling on the water canals through the small boats is one of the most unique experience you’ll get in Venice. Venice is also great this time of year as not a lot of people are visiting. Less crowd means you get the place for you and your lover alone.

If you want a warmer place you can visit Petra in Jordan, which is an enchanting and magical place to visit. Petra is now a UNESCO world heritage site. The site is accessed by walking through a long narrow gorge called a siq which leads to Petra’s most famous monument the Treasury. Petra is strewn with hundreds of buildings, tombs, temples and colonnaded streets – as well an open air theatre, an enormous 1st century Monastery and a museum, all of which can be explored at leisure.

The romantic city of Marrakech is also an exciting place to visit. Most travellers come to Marrakech hoping to find exotic-looking people, ornate palaces and treasure-filled souks. They want to take a magic carpet ride into the world of the Arabian Nights – and to be able to buy the carpet afterwards.

If these places aren’t enough to whet your appetite for an awesome vacation this February, I don’t know what will. So what are you waiting for? Book now!

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By Jason De Ocampo, 04/02/2012 20:18

It’s February and People are still gearing up for New York New York! Valentines Day and Presidents Day means more people are coming to New York for the Holidays. New York restaurant week is also happening this February, meaning you can dine at some of New York’s finest restaurants with a huge amount of discount. Plenty of parades and celebrations are set within the month because of the Chinese Lunar New Year.

And that means more reason to stay in New York during february. The Hampton Inn Chain of Hotels are definitely recommended for a cheap and hassle free stay.

Here’s the complete list of the hotels:
Hampton Inn Manhattan Chelsea
Hampton Inn Seaport Financial District
Hampton Inn Madison Square Garden
Hampton Inn Manhattan-35th Street/Empire State Building
Hampton Inn Manhattan-Times Square North
Hampton Inn Manhattan – Times Square South
Hampton Inn Manhattan-SoHo

The Hampton Inn Hotel Chain is located at some of the most accessible places in New York. The Hampton Inn Manhattan- Times Square North is located near Restaurant Row, which is great if you’re into fine dining. The Hotel Chain is not exactly the most beautiful place you could stay in, but it is clean and and kept well. The Hampton Inn Chain of Hotels also offers great breakfast, excellent staff and they cater to your every whim. The Staff are generally nice and pleasant. The beds are extremely comfortable, flat screen TV’s for your relaxing stay and the 24 hours hot cocoa and coffee makes the perfect recipe for a wonderful stay.

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By Jason De Ocampo, 01/02/2012 09:01

Yap Sandiego Ancestral House is one of the most visited places in Cebu. It’s an opportunity for the locals and tourists alike to take a closer look at the past. But is this relic of the past worthy of your time, or just another landmark to pass by and forget?

The Ancestral House was considered to be one of the oldest residential house in the Philippines. It was built between 1575 and 1700. Owned Originally by a merchant named Don Juan Yap and his wife, Doña Maria Florido. They had 3 children, namely, Maria, Eleuterio, and Consolacion Yap.

The House is located at 155- Lopez Jaena corner Mabini Street, Parian District in Cebu, Philippines. It is near the Parian Monument which is also known as Heritage of Cebu Monument and meters away from Colon Street, the oldest street in The Philippines.

In 2008, the house was turned over to the oldest daughter’s great great grandson, Val Sandiego. He is known as an Art Collector and a Heritage Icon.

Val Sandiego never sold the house, even though large sums of money were offered to him. You can see why in the following pictures:

These are all priceless.

The House is very homy, even though it was built more than 300 years ago. The wooden beams and the roof, the stone walls, and the whole house itself all feels close to nature. The furnitures are very old too, As seen from some of these pictures.

The Yap Sandiego Ancestral House is open to the public seven days a week from 9 am to 6 pm. Excited to see the house? Come visit cebu now.

Pics Source: http://www.markmaranga.com

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By Jason De Ocampo, 30/01/2012 23:01

Between 2006 to 2009, Kempenaers toured around the ex-Yugoslavia region (now Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, etc.) and took these awesome pictures. From a younger generation’s point of view, these monuments would seem like an ancient alien artifact, designed by Aliens and left for us to wonder about the mysteries of life on other parts of the solar system.

But actually, These structures were commissioned by former Yugoslavian president Josip Broz Tito in the 1960s and 70s to commemorate sites where WWII battles took place (like Tjentište, Kozara and Kadinjaca), or where concentration camps stood (like Jasenovac and Niš). They were designed by different sculptors (Dušan Džamonja, Vojin Bakic, Miodrag Živkovic, Jordan and Iskra Grabul, to name a few) and architects (Bogdan Bogdanovic, Gradimir Medakovic…), conveying powerful visual impact to show the confidence and strength of the Socialist Republic. In the 1980s, these monuments attracted millions of visitors per year, especially young pioneers for their “patriotic education.” After the Republic dissolved in early 1990s, they were completely abandoned, and their symbolic meanings were forever lost. (source: http://www.cracktwo.com/)

It’s amazing how monuments like this could be forgotten. It’s not unlike the way historical artifacts are destroyed whenever a Nation is conquered during ancient times. And while their meanings could be forgotten, the monuments are still there for us to visit, and that’s a good thing.

Here’s the 25 Structures:

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By Jason De Ocampo, 25/01/2012 10:50

If you think everything that can be done with hotels have all been done before. Think again. If you think that you can’t build a sand castle and charge people to stay and live in it, then again, you’re wrong.

Introducing England’s first ever Sand Hotel on Weymouth Beach, Dorset. Roofless and built with nothing but sand, the Sand Hotel will give you an experience you’ve always wanted to have (or maybe not, but still for those of us who have built their own sand castles as kids, it’s a dream come true!).

“It is the biggest sandcastle-like structure ever in the UK,” Mr Anderson told the BBC.

Here’s a video that’s shows you just what you can get for a little more than USD 21 a night. The Sand Hotel is offering a Twin and a Double Room for Guests and allows you to go star gazing at night, says Sand Hotel creator Mark Anderson.

“We had a team of six people and a digger working 12 to 14 hours a day for eight days, altogether 600 hours.

“But the best thing is in the morning the tide laps through the door, what a great way to wake up.”

The hotel will not be for people who doesn’t want sand in between their toes or in their things. But if you’re the type who’s more concerned with having an adventure than actual comfort, then this might be just for you.

The Hotel is only open during the non-rainy seasons.

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By Jason De Ocampo, 23/01/2012 19:44

Royal Singapore is one of the most searched hotel in Singapore right now, especially this time of year.  But the questions is, does Hotel Royal Singapore live up to the hype? Or is it better to just pass this one up?

Description

Situated along Newton Road, Hotel Royal is a 5-minute drive from Orchard Road’s shopping belt. It features 4 dining options, a swimming pool and cosy rooms with a cable TV. Rooms at Royal Hotel have large windows that offer plenty of natural light. Each room is well-equipped with a safety deposit box and tea/coffee maker. A bathtub and toiletries are provided in the en suite bathroom. Recreation choices include working out at the fitness centre, or enjoy a relaxing massage. The hotel offers currency exchange services, while a tour desk can assist with travel arrangements. Jade Room Restaurant serves a delicious spread of Peking dishes. Guests can also enjoy local dishes and desserts at the 24-hour Trishaw Coffeehouse. The Royal is a 5-minute walk from Novena MRT Station and a 10-minute walk from Newton Food Centre.

Review

The rooms are average sized, but the beds are big. So if you’re staying with a partner or with your family, the room space is more than enough. The rooms show signs of aging, and some rooms look way below your expectations when it comes to a four star hotel.

The Hotel Management can be a bit chaotic at times as the staff often forget some request and some rooms will be turned over to you without being cleaned. Some Guests complained about having bits of food here and there when they get into their rooms. But overall the experience is average at most. There’s nothing really special about the hotel.

If you won’t be staying in your room the whole day, this place is definitely great because of its location. But if you’re finicky about the state of cleanliness in your room, then I suggest you stay away.

User Reviews

+Staff were very attentive and willing to listen

-The room that I was allocated (1326) had a lot of dust in it. Staff were informed who came to inspect the room and found evidence of dust build-up in light fittings, window seals, carpet rug, phone etc. They got the room cleaned but I suffered from the effects of dust.

Sharun
Solo traveler
Nadi, Fiji
March 6, 2011

+Not much, for the high price you have to pay. The room size was generous.

-Just about everything. It was smelly, the sheets looked like they hadn’t been changed(either that, or they have been reused so many times, they are unable to be washed properly), and the room service food was appalling.

Anonymous
Family with young children
Australia
October 15, 2011

+easy to book the same day tours c/o Abdul – very friendly and helpful. house help engineer was very helpful with the lights, and lady in the gift shop helpful. easy to get public transportation from this hotel and near to Novena.

-the towels and linen are worn down, should be replaced. bed is not comfortable. carpet is so old and bad condition. bathroom especially shower and bath is in bad condition. room air condition is not working right.

Esperanza
Family with older children
Glendale, CA, United States of America
September 16, 2011

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By Jason De Ocampo, 21/01/2012 12:22

While others may not agree of spending your remaining winter time in the cold parts of the world (including me), some of you may want to enjoy the snow just a little bit more. And where else would you rather spend all of that time than New York City?

New York City is a walking city. So you might need some great winter clothes in order to enjoy the cold walks, some gloves, scarves, hats (the wind can be nasty at times) and boots if there’s snow (It can get really slushy). The weather can also be pleasantly nice, so ignore the weather forecasts until you’re close to your departure date. You won’t have a NY experience without walking the streets in a few districts.

The double decker tourist bus is also a great once you get tired of walking. It is a unique experience to tour the city. A lot of people recommend it as part of the whole NY experience.

If the weather is a bit nasty plan activities that are mostly indoors e.g Museums or a Shopping Area, and look for nearby bars and restaurants that are great places to hang out.

A lot of museums are easier to visit because a few people are visiting this time of year. It makes for a smoother experience especially since the lines are not that long.

New York is amazing with all that white snow, but in order to enjoy it you have to plan and prepare.