Ramada Plaza Melaka, Malacca, Malaysia

OH MY GOD. I KNOW I HAVE BEEN AWAY FOR WAYYYYYY TOOOOO LONGGGG AND I AM SO, SO SORRY. 

Well, if you were wondering about my disappearance (or not), no I did not die and got resurrected. I just went abroad to study and this blog has been on hold ever since. Urgh. Way to go, right? I just need to learn how the hell to juggle and get my shit together. *Slaps forehead*

So today, after months of not updating this space, I am back and will be blogging about Ramada Plaza Melaka, Malaysia. Its another hotel in my favorite state and no, I do not live in that state. I stay in the heart of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. 

HOTEL RATING: 9/10

Overview

Ramada Plaza Melaka, Malacca, Malaysia, is a premier international 5-star hotel managed by the Wyndham Hotel Group, an American hospitality company. With all their newly refurbished rooms that comes with classic wood furnishings and pleasant neutral shades, it definitely provides a comfortable, luxurious stay for all its guests. It only takes a 10-15 minutes walk to most of the famous landmarks like Jonker Street, Christ Church Malacca, and The Stadthuys while it is a 15 minute drive to Melaka Sentral, the largest public transportation terminal in Melaka City, and a 20 minute drive to the Batu Berendam Airport. 

So, I checked-in on the 10th of February, 2017 and it was RM615 for a 2 night stay in their Premier Room, and the price was inclusive of tax and service charge. 

The Premier Double or Twin Room

The Premier Double or Twin Room is a spacious 36m² room featuring river and city views with a choice of either 1 Sofa Bed and 1 Queen Bed, or 2 Twin Beds. Right in front of the bed would be a work desk and a flat-screen TV that hangs on the wall. A sofa bed can be seen beside the bed by the window, and the mini bar and coffee and tea maker set has its own area on a table near the entrance.

The comfortable Queen sized bed

The view from the bed

The view from the sofa bed

The Bathroom

With the shower area and toilet area separated, guests can have a little privacy when doing their businesses without getting wet from the splatters of water from the shower area. Hahaha! The water pressure was good and they were generous with their toiletries.  

The basin and shower area

A wall that separates the toilet area

I was lucky enough to get a room with a view that overlooks the river. It was absolutely beautiful. Just by sitting on the sofa bed and looking out the window made me feel so relaxed. Yes, I enlarged the picture for you guys because seeing is believing. Hahaha!

The view from the sofa bed by the window

Facilities and Services include:

• 3 Restaurants On Site
• Sun Deck
• Outdoor Pool
• Fitness Center
• Sauna
• Spa/ Wellness
• Fitness Classes/ Yoga Classes
• Front Desk Services- 24-hour Front Desk, Luggage Storage, Tour Desk, Currency Exchange
• Airport Shuttle

Check-in time: From 3pm

Check-out time: Until 12pm-1pm

I would rate this hotel a 9/10 because of its location- it is of walking distance to many famous landmarks, and how comfortable the room was. I do hope that this blog post has given you another option to consider if you're going around beautiful Malacca, Malaysia. Till then. xx

Disclaimer: This write-up and the opinions shared are all mine. I was not paid to promote or to review this hotel whatsoever. All pictures provided are mine. 

The Wembley – A St Giles Hotel, George Town, Penang, Malaysia

HOTEL RATING: 9/10 

HELLO, HELLO, HELLO, my beloved readers! Welcome back to another new blog post! Lu ho bo? Hahaha! 

"Lu ho bo?" means "How are you?" in Penang Hokkien, a dialect that is widely spoken not only by the Chinese in Penang, but generally everyone in that state! So with that, I hope everyone is fine and well. 

If you would like to know more about what this state has to offer, do click on the link below to read more about it! 

http://ofatlasesandemptypockets.blogspot.sg/2016/03/glow-hotel-penang-malaysia.html

Overview

Today, I'll be blogging about The Wembley – A St Giles Hotel in George Town, Penang, Malaysia. It is rated a 4-star hotel, located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town. This hotel is of a mere 3-5 minutes walk to  KOMTAR Tower, Penang's tallest skyscraper and the sixth tallest building in Malaysia, Prangin Mall, and 1st Avenue Mall which is all linked via an overhead bridge, and the Penang International Airport is 14km away. 

The Wembley – A St Giles Hotel facade

So, I checked-in on the 12th of October, 2016, and it was RM589 for a 2 night stay in their Deluxe King Room, and the price was inclusive of tax and service charge. 

The view of the room from the entrance 

The Deluxe King Room

The Deluxe King Room is a spacious 28m² room with only a choice of a king bed. Right in front of the bed would be a work desk and a flat-screen TV that hangs on the wall. A mini bar and coffee and tea maker set has its own area on a table on the right side of the bed.

The king bed

The view from the bed

The mini bar and coffee and tea maker set

The Bathroom

The bathroom of the Deluxe King Room is pretty big. It comes with not only a standing shower, but a long tub as well! Perfect for those who would love a soak after a long day of shopping and food hunting.

The basin and toilet area

The long tub and standing shower area

Have I mentioned the view? It is just amazing. It overlooks the sea, and its just so much prettier at night when all the buildings are lighted up. Look at it! Don't you agree with me? And oh, the little lights lighting the corners are coming from the Penang Bridge!

The view from my hotel room's window at night 

And if there's one thing I have to highlight about this hotel, it'll be the personal touch given that goes out of one's way. It is the first time I've experienced this out of the many hotels that I've stayed in, and it wasn't at all necessary, but kudos to that! The piece of paper below was left on my bed on the second day after housekeeping. What surprised me was that it was a handwritten, hand-drawn note that was photostatted (understanding that some guests would just crumple it and throw it away), with the housekeeping attendant's name on it. So here's a shout out to you, Solehan! Thank you for making my room!

The handwritten, hand-drawn note 

Facilities and Services include:

• 1 Restaurant On Site
• Swimming Pool
• Fitness Center
• Room Service
• Front Desk Services- 24-hour Front Desk, Luggage Storage

Check-in time: From 2pm
Check-out time: Until 12pm

I would rate this hotel a 9/10 because of its location- it is of walking distance to malls, and of course, just how amazing the staff is. I do hope that this blog post has given you another option to consider if you're ever thinking of staying around Penang, Malaysia. Till then. xx

Disclaimer: This write-up and the opinions shared are all mine. I was not paid to promote or to review this hotel whatsoever. Some pictures provided are mine, while some have been taken from the web. 

D'Majestic Place by Swiss Garden, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Part 2)

HOTEL RATING: 7/10

Hello, my beloved readers! My apologies for not blogging/doing hotel reviews for quite awhile. Duty calls. Urgh. I just absolutely hate how busy my days can get at times. 

 Overview

Anyway, this post will be about a different room in D'Majestic Place by Swiss Garden, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I call it the "Part 2". Hahaha! Anddddd, if you haven't checked out the first one and would like to know more about this hotel, do click on link below!

http://ofatlasesandemptypockets.blogspot.sg/2016/08/dmajestic-place-by-swiss-garden-kuala.html

So, I checked-in on the 22nd of September, 2016, and it was RM510.99 for a 2 night stay in their Hotel Studio, and the price was inclusive of tax and service charge.

The Hotel Studio

The Hotel Studio is a 54m² room with a choice of only a queen bed. It is a very different concept as its an open layout, meaning that from the bed to the living area, to the bath area, you can see everything. Dayummmm.

But first, let us start from the main entrance. Well, when you first enter the room, this is what you'll see; a two-seater sofa, a small coffee table, extra chairs, and a work desk. It is definitely roomy enough for 2 people and better if you're expecting company. 

Your view from the main entrance

The bed is located at the far right corner overlooking the living area and of course, the bath area. It is a little odd as you can see, the TV is placed on the working desk towards the side, and it is rather small. Oh well. Some time away from the TV, perhaps?

The view of the bedroom from the living area

The Bathroom

On the right side of the bed, you will see the bath area. It is honestly very spacious, but I dislike how the bathroom area does not have its own proper area. It is nice having your own basin as they're 2 of it, but I do feel that it is very much unnecessary. 

The basin area, the toilet area, and the bathing area

The basins, overlooking the bedroom

This is the open concept tub area. From the main entrance, you can already see a protruding area. It is at the far right corner of the bath area, and you have a perfect view of the bed. Scandalous much? I don't know. Hahaha! I can't seem to put my finger around it, but well, everybody loves soaking, and especially with those pretty and fragrant Bath Bombs around, the more reasons to immerse yourself in one ;)

The open concept tub area

Facilities and Services include:

• Swimming Pool
• Fitness Center
• Sauna
• Front Desk Services- 24-hour Front Desk, Luggage Storage

Check-in time: From 3pm

Check-out time: Until 12pm

I would rate this hotel room a 7/10 because the layout of the room is just...weird, and I don't quite like how it is. Well, I hope this post has helped you narrow down your options if you're looking for a place to stay around Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia! Till then. xx

Disclaimer: This write-up and the opinions shared are all mine. I was not paid to promote or to review this hotel whatsoever. Some pictures provided are mine, while some have been taken from the web.

Nexus Regency Suites, Subang Jaya, Malaysia

HOTEL RATING: 5.5/10

Hello, my beloved readers! Welcome back to another new blog post of mine! Well, I've been busy, busy, busy and nothing but busy, but of course, I will always put time aside to blog about the places where I've laid my head to rest. Hahaha! So, let's head on now, shall we?

Overview

So today, I'll be blogging about Nexus Regency Suites which is formerly known as BEST WESTERN Nexus Shah Alam. It is located at the borders of Subang Jaya, Shah Alam and Klang and I would say that this hotel is hidden pretty deep inside. Nexus Regency Suites is rated a 4-star hotel and is a 15 minute drive away to the nearest mall that would be called Main Place, a 20 minute drive away to Sunway Pyramid- a bigger shopping mall, a 25 minute drive away to the Subang Airport, and a 40 minute drive away from Kuala Lumpur International Airport. There are no eateries or convenient shops nearby, but the closest you can get to would be a petrol station that sells cup noodles and drinks which would be a 5 minute walk away. 

Nexus Regency Suites's facade

The reception counter and waiting area

So, I checked-in on the 25th of August, 2016, and it was RM177 for a night's stay in their Deluxe King Room, and the price was inclusive of tax and service charge. Do note that a deposit of RM200 will be needed before checking-in, which will be returned to you after you've checked-out.

When you first enter the room, this is what you'll see; a small fitted-against-the-wall counter with cabinets where the basin, mini-bar and coffee and tea maker set would be. A lamp and a one-seater sofa could also be seen, and towards your left would be a small dining table for 4. Straight ahead would be a sliding door to the bedroom. 

Your view when facing straight ahead from the main entrance

The cabinets, basin, mini-bar

Your view when you face to the left

The Deluxe King Room

The Deluxe King Room is a 62m² room with a choice of only a king bed. The room is very spacious and it comes with a large work desk equipped with what a proper work desk should have- a comfortable work desk chair, a desk light, and enough plug points for your laptop, phone, etc. A flat screened TV sits on a table in front of the bed which I honestly think is too low especially when you're lying on the bed trying to watch a movie. 

This room is very energy consuming as there are 3 air-conditioners: 

1 at the dining area,

1 facing the work desk,

 1 facing the bed. 

As much as I tried to save the energy consumption (I'm just tryna' "Go Green" here), 3 air-conditioners was still NOT strong enough to cool and to ventilate the whole place. The room was also stale and dusty upon arrival, making me feel that this hotel does not take the effort in doing regular housekeeping, or at least, in making their guests feel welcomed and comfortable. 

The view of the room after sliding the door open

The bed

The open wardrobes and the many storage compartments

The Bathroom

The bathroom comes with a standing shower and a basic set of toiletries. There's honestly nothing much to shout about compared to my previous bathroom posts, but well, its clean, and enough towels are provided and that's about it. Oh, do note that the bathroom will be dim as there is only 1 light. Ah ha ha ha. How romantic, eh?

The bathroom 

During my stay there, I was told that the swimming pool and lounge area was under renovation, so I couldn't get to see how it would've been. Ah, better luck next time I guess.

Facilities and Services include:

• 1 Restaurant On Site
• Room Service
• Front Desk Services- 24-hour Front Desk, Luggage Storage
• Airport Shuttle

Check-in time: From 3pm
Check-out time: Until 12pm

I would rate this hotel a 6/10 because it is pretty inconvenient as you'd have to travel quite a distance to go out, and the condition of the room was just okay. I do hope that this blog post has given you another option to consider if you're ever thinking of staying around Subang Jaya, Malaysia. Till then. xx

Disclaimer: This write-up and the opinions shared are all mine. I was not paid to promote or to review this hotel whatsoever. Most pictures provided are mine, while some have been taken from the web.

V E Hotel & Residence, Bangsar South City, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

HOTEL RATING: 9/10

Hola, my dearest readers! I hope that life has been treating you well!

Overview

Today, I'll be talking about V E Hotel & Residence in Bangsar South City, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and here's an overview of the place. This hotel is a contemporary 4-star hotel that is true to their headline - "Inspired by Design, Created for Comfort". This hotel is situated in Bangsar South City, on No. 8, Jalan Kerinchi, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and its very convenient as just opposite the hotel, you will be able to find a stretch of restaurants, coffee houses and bars. Mid Valley Megamall, a mall that is connected to The Gardens, another smaller shopping mall is located strategically in the city of Kuala Lumpur would be less than a 10-minute drive away. Suria KLCC, a shopping mall that sits below the iconic twin skyscrapers called the Petronas Twin Towers would only be about a 12-minute drive away, and Kuala Lumpur's International Airport would be a 45-minute to an hour's drive. 

The entrance to V E Hotel & Residence

The lobby and reception

So, I checked-in on the 6th of August, 2016, and it was RM463 for a 2 night stay in their Deluxe Zipper Room, and the price was inclusive of tax and service charge. 

Your view of the room once you open the door

 Deluxe Zipper Room

The Deluxe Zipper Room is a 30m² room with a choice of only a full bed. Right in front of the bed would be a long work desk where you would find a coffee and tea maker set. A 40-inch flat-screen TV hangs on the wall and a small coffee table and a lounge chair sits at the corner. A mini bar, safety box and WiFi is provided as well. 

The large ass bed

The long desk 

Bathroom

With the shower area, toilet area and basin area separated, the sliding door that shuts the wardrobe outside becomes an external door that closes it all up. The water pressure is good and their toiletries? Well, its the best I've came across this far. I must also emphasize that this hotel's bath robes and slippers are just amazing. They're the comfiest ones I've ever tried on. Hahaha! Well, shall we let the pictures that I've taken with a wide-angle lens do the talking now? Heh. 

The basin sits in the middle of the shower area and toilet area

The toilet area with a sliding door

The storage compartments when the door of the toilet is slide closed 

The shower area

The wardrobe outside when opened, becomes a door that closes the bathroom for extra privacy

Infinity Pool

This hotel has an infinity pool (that closes at around 10pm) and a 24-hour fitness center that has everything. Trust me on the fitness center having everything because I was there at 2 in the morning because I had nothing better to do. Hahaha! And about security, well, don't worry about it because for what I know, there will always be a few securities on patrol, even at the wee hours of the morning. So security? Checked. Also, in the late afternoon right up to around 8 in the evening, the small outdoor bar that overlooks the pool area will be opened. There's just so many reasons to be up there.

The pool overlooking some buildings

Even if you're not swimming, it's nice to just sit there at night enjoying the breeze

Facilities and Services include:

• 1 Restaurant On Site
• Outdoor Pool
• Pool Bar
• Fitness Center
• Sauna
• Front Desk Services- 24-hour Front Desk, Luggage Storage

Check-in time: From 2pm
Check-out time: Until 12pm

 I would rate this hotel a 9/10 because this hotel's location is just so strategic. Its of walking distance to the many restaurants and coffee houses opposite, and the interior is just beautiful. I hope this post has helped you narrow down your options if you're looking for a place to stay around Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia! Till my next post. Stay tuned xx

Disclaimer: This write-up and the opinions shared are all mine. I was not paid to promote or to review this hotel whatsoever. Some pictures provided are mine, while some have been taken from the web. 

Swiss-Inn, Johor Bahru, Malaysia

 HOTEL RATING: 7.5/10

Welcome back, my dear readers! I hope you have been well and have been looking forward to another blog post update. Heh. So today, I'll be reviewing my stay at Swiss-Inn, Johor Bahru!


Overview
Well, here's an overview of the place. Swiss-Inn is a 3-star hotel situated in the heart of Johor Bahru's city centre. City Square Johor Bahru Shopping Mall will be the closest mall to the hotel which would be a 10-15 minutes drive depending on traffic. I would say that it is of a walkable distance too. Bazaar Karat (Pasar Karat) and Little India would all be around the same distance as well, and the main attraction such as Legoland would be around 22 km away. Larkin Sentral, the main bus station in Johor would also be about a 10-15 minutes drive from the hotel. 

Swiss-In, Johor Bahru, Malaysia

I checked-in on the 15th of July, 2016, and the price was RM330 for a 2 night stay in their Cosy Room, and the price was inclusive of tax and service charge. 

Cozy Room

The Cozy Room is only a 18m² room. You can opt for either a double bed, or 2 single beds. 1 extra pillow is provided and is kept at the storage compartment above the open wardrobe, and beside it would be a safe box. Towards the end of the room, there is a small working desk and a stool, and right in front of the bed on the wall would be a LCD TV, and of course, WiFi is provided. It's a very simple room with all the necessities that you'll need. 

The bedroom

Extra pillow, safe box, and storage compartments

The Bathroom

The hotel room is considered pretty small, but they did a good job in separating the shower area and toilet area. Right after you open the room door, the shower area would be on your left, as seen in the picture below. It looks rather cramped in the pictures, but I assure you that it is fine, and not that bad. Both the shower area and toilet area is pretty spacious, I would say. 

The room door

The shower area

The toilet area

And if you're wondering where the basin area is, well, it's right beside the wardrobe. It has just enough of space for anyone to walk in and out of it effortlessly.

The basin area

This hotel does NOT have a pool, but there is a in-house food and beverage outlet. Room service is available too, and I tried it. It was pretty reasonable - comparing it to other hotels who charges twice as much, and the food was good.

Facilities and Services include:

• 1 Restaurant On Site
• Snack Bar
• Fitness Center
• Billiards
• Front Desk Services- 24-hour Front Desk, Luggage Storage

Check-in time: From 3pm

Check-out time: Until 12pm- 1pm

I would definitely rate this hotel a 7.5/10 as it is pretty close by to many eateries around and yes, I got my money's worth. I hope this has helped you narrow down your options if you're ever looking for a place to stay around Johor Bahru, Malaysia! Till then. xx

Disclaimer: This write-up and the opinions shared are all mine. I was not paid to promote or to review this hotel whatsoever. Some pictures posted in this post are mine, while some have been taken from the web.

D'Majestic Place by Swiss Garden, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

HOTEL RATING: 8/10

Hello, my dear readers! Welcome back, and I hope you've been well and have been looking forward to my next blog post. Well today, I'll be talking about a hotel in Kuala Lumpur! I knew I'd get around it somehow, someday, and the day is today! Hahaha! Let's head on to the overview of this hotel now, shall we?

Overview

So, D'Majestic Place by Swiss Garden is rated a 4-star hotel that is centrally located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur at 376 Jalan Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is said to be only 10 months old, so it is a relatively new hotel! The hotel is 900m from Sungei Wang Plaza, 2.3km from Petronas Twin Towers, 2.4km from Suria KLCC and the Kuala Lumpur International Airport is 43km away. There are many hawker stalls, massage parlors and convenient stores around. Oh, a small 7-Eleven stands right next to the hotel!

D'Majestic Place by Swiss Garden, Kuala Lumpur 

One-Bedroom Apartment

So, I checked-in on the 24th of June, 2016, and it was RM850 for a 2 night stay in their One-Bedroom Apartment, and the price was inclusive tax and service charge. 

When you first enter the room, this is what you'll see; a kitchenette, a fridge, a washing machine, a dining table with chairs, a two-seater sofa, and a coffee table. Straight ahead, if you follow the light, the bright light guiding you, it'll be to the...bedroom. Hahaha!

Your view when facing straight ahead from the main entrance

Your view when you face a little to the left

Your view with your back facing the bedroom

Everything in the kitchenette works. Seriously though. From the cold fridge to the tap and the basin, from the kettle to the microwave, it all works. Hahaha! I mean, based on my previous experiences, either the fridge felt like a sauna instead, or the kettle was giving out some free rust water tasting. Urgh.

The One-Bedroom Apartment is a 65m² room with a choice of only a large double bed. View wise, I got the room which overlooked the streets. It's honestly not such a bad thing because through it, I was able to gauge if the streets were busy, and if it was faster to walk to the nearby malls instead of hailing a cab. Right in front of the bed would be a long work desk with a flat-screen TV hung on the wall. Many storage compartments can be seen as well around the room. A dressing table could be found right in front of the bathroom beside the wardrobe, and that's what I call a legit dressing table. With it comes a large mirror that sits right in front of you, awaiting the vain side of you to come about. Hahaha!

The bed

The flat-screen TV, work desk, and storage compartments

The dressing table that comes with a huge-ass mirror

The Bathroom

The One-Bedroom Apartment's bathroom is just amazing. I like how the basin area, toilet area, and the shower area are all separated. It makes everything that much more spacious and of course, privacy will always be in check. But, but, but, do note that there are NO locks for either of the doors. Hahaha! Your trust game must be hella strong then. The shower area only comes with a standing shower, but I think it's more than enough, and the basin sits on a marble table, giving you the extra space to put your personal items which I absolutely appreciate! Pssstt, the glass that divides the areas are all frosted, so don't worry about someone peeking at ya'. And if you're wondering how I managed to take pictures of the toilet and the shower area since the dividers are frosted, well, let me tell you - I STOOD ON A CHAIR, TIP-TOEING TO GET THE SHOTS. Appreciate my effort yet? Hahaha!  

The basin area

The toilet 

The shower area

Pool Area

If there's one thing this hotel in known for, it'll be for their infinity pool. The view up there is just breathtaking. Okay, it's definitely not "the" best spot in KL, but hey, you get what your money's worth. Hahaha! Before heading to the pool area, they'll be a lounge area where people can just sit around to smoke, drink, or even read. With high bar stools and small neon lights at night, it's a pretty cool place to just chill at night.

Day view of the pool and part of the lounge area

Night view of the other part of the pool

Facilities and Services include:

• Bar
• BBQ Facilities
• Swimming Pool
• Fitness Center
• Sauna
• Airport Shuttle

Check-in time: From 3pm

Check-out time: Until 11am

 I would rate this hotel a 8/10 because this hotel's location is pretty much strategic. It's of walking distance to many hawker stalls and convenient stores, and also to a few malls nearby. The few points that I will have to minus out would be because of the water heater in the shower. It just didn't seem to work even after the maintenance guy was sent up to fix the issue. The other miss would be a no in-room dining service available. But apart from that, everything is good. The staff were helpful and polite, the rooms were good, heck, even exceeded my expectations. I hope this post has helped you narrow down your options if you're looking for a place to stay around Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia! Till then. xx

Disclaimer: This write-up and the opinions shared are all mine. I was not paid to promote or to review this hotel whatsoever. Some pictures provided are mine, while some have been taken from the web.