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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.

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By Jason De Ocampo, 15/01/2012 16:58

If you’ve been reading my previous blogs, you know that I’m totally obsessed with going to the Dominican Republic this January. And who wouldn’t?  The place is a paradise. Especially this time of year. My words won’t be enough to express how I feel about the place so here’s a video instead:

But as all kinds of paradise, when touched by man, it gets all dirty as seen on this video:

This Video was taken in 2008, and sadly the trash problem didn’t stop there. Although this problem is rampant throughout the world, especially on the non-privately owned beaches. It is still our responsibility as tourists to properly dispose of our refuse and leave the place exactly as we came in.

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By Jason De Ocampo, 13/01/2012 15:08

Is it just me or am I loving tropical paradises recently. Yeah, winter is still here, and I can’t wait to get out of that mind numbing cold. I can’t wait for winter to get over and bask in the warm sunlight of the tropical sun.

I want to lie all day under a coconut tree, listening to the radio and enjoy the mild breeze that comes from the sea. Right now, I’m thinking of Samana, Dominican Republic.

I am so amazed at how beautiful and lovely Samana is. The waters are pristine and clear, the skies are bluer than what I’m used to in the cities. The air is fresh and good for your health.

I want to surf. Body surfing is popular with the locals. Surfing with nothing between the surfer and the waves creates a more intense surfing experience than standing on your board. It allows you to connect with the sea. Be one with nature.

If this is your ideal vacation this January let me recommend an awesome Dominican Republic Hotel in Samana. If you’re a couple in love, I strongly suggest you guys visit the Grand Paradise Samana. It has a very intimate atmosphere, more appropriate for adults. It’s perfect for couples madly in love with each other looking for a Honeymoon they’ll never forget.

 The Hotel itself is located right on the beach, and the views around it are impressive, especially the beautiful Carribean Sea and the impressive Samana Bay.

 This all-inclusive resort is located on the sandy beaches of Samana Bay and overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. It features an open-air aquarium, 2 pools, and free scuba diving lessons. Each of the boldly colored rooms at Grand Paradise Samana includes a balcony or patio with views of the garden or ocean. Guests can watch cable TV and relax with a soft drink from the minibar. Samana Grand Paradise boasts a variety of water sports equipment, including kayaks and snorkels. This family-friendly Samana resort offers a kids club and children’s pool. Tennis, volleyball, and badminton courts are also located on the property. Sea Scape, located on site, specializes in sea food while Michelangelo serves Italian dishes. The cabana-style beach bar is a short walk from the sand and midnight snacks are available for guests staying up late. Downtown Samana is a 25-minute drive from the Samana Grand Paradise All-Inclusive Resort. Playa Rincon is 8 km from the property.

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By Jason De Ocampo, 11/01/2012 12:05

If you’re like me, you’re itching to get away from all that cold and experience the warmth of that awesome sun. You want warm sands on your feet, you want to feel the splash of the waves, or go surfing while everyone else is wrapped up in thick winter clothes. Dominican Republic weather this January is warm, breezy and perfect for a beach outing.

You want to party under the moon, under Reggae, Jazz, RnB and Hip Hop, and Electronic Beats. Meet and mingle with the locals, have a few drinks. Maybe you want to go home after a long vacation having a great Tan, while your pale vampire like friends bask in your summer skin. You surely want that perfect Dominican Republic vacation.

Overview

The Dominican Republic (DR) is where the stunning Caribbean beaches meet colonial structures. This Caribbean Island is home to world class resorts showcasing white sand beaches. This is the ideal place to relax under the sun with the sound of the waves reverberating in the air. Santo Domingo, the capital, is known for its collection of stunning colonial structures. This is home to the oldest church and the oldest street in the New World. Head to the northern region and find some of the island’s tourist spot like the Amber Coast Region and the Samana Peninsula.

DR also boasts unspoilt rainforests. There is no doubt, Dominican Republic is tropical paradise.

Bavaro, Punta Cana

Punta Cana, in our native language means “Go now!”, a  name that is apt for the beautiful paradise of white sands and clear pristine beaches. Located in the easternmost province of the Dominican Republic. It offers a vacation of limitless wonders, from the great crowd that visits every year to the great food offered by the local restaurants. Hotels in Bavaro, Punta Cana offers luxurious accommodations from World Class Golf Courses, Rock Climbing areas to Diving Classes.

Try your luck and visit the Dominican Republic today. It just might change your life.

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By Jason De Ocampo, 09/01/2012 16:47

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines, where everything cool in the city is happening. St. Giles Makati is a worthy place to consider. The price is right on the money. Never more than 20 minutes away from Makati Greenbelt and Ayala Malls. You’ll never run out of places to shop and dine around.

The Superior Room can be a bit small than what you expect. But for USD10.00 more you can try the Deluxe room, which is much larger, and has a bath tub instead of a shower. The rooms are clean and well kept too. The only usual complaints are the separate pay for the WiFi.

Description

Located along Makati’s lively nightlight area, St Giles Hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with a flat-screen TV. Its 4-star facilities include free parking, an outdoor swimming pool and rooftop gym. Modern décor, warm lighting and large windows feature throughout guestrooms at St Giles Hotel, Makati, Metro Manila. Each well-appointed room has a minibar and private bathroom with a hot shower. Guests can exercise while enjoying sweeping views of the cityscape. With a 24-hour front desk, the hotel provides car rental services. Staff at the tour desk can assist with sightseeing arrangements. Available for all-day dining, BayLeaf Restaurant & Bar Lounge offers

Filipino, Asian and Western dishes. Refreshing beverages are also available at The Annex Bar

Lounge. St Giles Makati is a 15-minute drive from the central business district and a 30-minute drive from Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Reviews

+ Very friendly helpful staff from each department of the hotel, making the whole stay very enjoyable.

Thomas
Group of friends
Singapore, Singapore
29 August 2011

Room was small but smartly designed; in particular, the shower unit has been the best I have experienced in terms of water pressure, cleanliness, floor drain, and spaciousness considering the small bathroom footprint. I would not hesitate to return for another stay.

Anonymous
Mature couple
Guam
26 August 2011

+ All the staffs are exceptionally friendly, helpful and goes about their duty in professional manner. Left my spectacle pouch besides the pool and the duty staff took all. The trouble to call my room. I observed that the housekeeping staff who made up my room was very hardworking and friendly.

- Perhaps high time for the hotel to provide free wifi service.

Benjamin
Solo traveller
Kuching, Malaysia
14 June 2011