The Write Wan

Pan Pacific Sonargaon, Dhaka

2011-04-29T23:15:00.000-07:00

Thistle Hotel, Johor Bahru

2011-04-15T23:04:00.000-07:00

Most of my stays in hotel are a result of business trips and this is no exception. I was in town for a college's open day and had to stay a bit for three nights. Thistle Hotel in JB is not a new hotel, but a reburbished Holiday Inn. It took me a while before I finally realised that I had stayed here couple of years before!

I arrived late in the evening after work and thankfully, overall check-in process was pain free. I was surprised that the girl manning the front desk spoke good English (unlike most hotels in Malaysia) so, am suitably impressed.

However, I was given a room waaaayyyy back towards the end which is a long walk from the lifts. On the positive side, my room is a 'corner lot' and is thus, huge. I was also given a huge king-sized bed which is clean and comfy.

The curtains can be opened up all the way from one end of the room to the other, so my room was very, very bright and the view excellent in the mornings. Internet connection is also included in the room rate, which is important for me since I need to check my work emails.

Their bathroom is the usual - I had

Equatorial Hotel, Melaka

2011-03-29T22:57:00.000-07:00

Spent just two nights in Melaka on a business trip and since Equatorial is right next to a shopping mall, I thought why not? The hotel is not exactly cheap, but there weren't many hotels in the Historical City and I certainly do not want to end up in some cheapo motels. Room rates during my stay there was, on average RM300 and it doesn't even include internet access! Pfftt..

Beds - I always ask for twin beds the first instance. I sleep on a single bed at home and even if the hotel were to give me a king sized bed, I would just sleep on one side. The bed is comfortable, clean and smell free - well, for that price, they'd better be. Pillows are the right firmness and they don't give me a headache in the morning.

Check-in procedures were alright. It was quick enough and there was no delays.

The Peninsula, Chittagong

2010-12-31T17:50:00.000-08:00

Lol. I added in this picture because I thought its funny. We flew from Dhaka to Chittagong in this propeller and right before we board, I saw this printed on the plane - Fly Your Own Airline.

Moving from Dhaka, we landed in Chittagong late one night, after an 'Amazing Race' run. Most domestic flights within Bangladesh are unreliable and it is not advisable to take either the bus or train as well. So, after being extremely tired, we checked in to the Peninsula Hotel:

The Peninsula in Chittagong is a small little hotel wedged between rows of nondescript shops in the city. In the morning, right after I woke up and stared out to the window, I saw that there are many eateries located just opposite the hotel, one of which is Pizza Hut.

The hotel is very old school, with wooden floorboards. The bed is of course, not as comfy as the one in Sheraton but it'll do. The mattress and pillows are a bit flat and soft, probably due to the wear and tear. Anyway, the room is clean, and that is usually my first concern.

Breakfast wasn't too great, actually and internet connection was available for a fee.

The Sheraton, Dhaka

2010-12-30T17:18:00.000-08:00

Yes, Sheraton in Bangladesh!

Well, I went to Dhaka on a business trip in back in October 2011 (Yes, this is a very, very outdated post) and since its Dhaka, we got to stay in a 5-star hotel. But please, don't even try to imagine an ultra comfy and luxurious room. In Bangladesh, their 5-star hotel, is very much similar to our 3-star. Let's see:

The bed was comfortable, clean and free of smell, which I am thankful of. I didn't really expect much and I was happy to see that I will get to lie on this comfortable bed when I need to spend more than 3 days here. The room itself is quite spacious, not too cramped and not too large either. The size is just right for me. When you stay in hotel rooms, its sometimes too creepy if your room is too large. So, no suites for me!

As you can see, the sitting ared and the TV is quite small, which I am not really bothered about. I don't spend a lot of time in the room (business trip, remember?). TV channel selection is not too bad - they have most of the Astro channels we have here at home (like AXN) but what was shown is tailored to the region. Other channels include those mainly from neighbouring India.

Of course after the bed, the next thing you'd usually check out in your hotel room is the toilet (washroom, bathroom, loo, whatever). Thankkfully, again, the toilets were clean and spotless, with no broken toilet seats nor chipped tiles. Phew! Toiletries are adequate and they do replenish them often enough. Their toilet was a bit small, though, as you can see, the 'bowl' is attached to the wash basin. You'd practically need to close the toilet door first before you do your business. Either that or you have your door open.

Service wise, the staff there are pretty friendly. I did order some room service and they were served quite quickly, usually within 1/2 hour or so. Food portions are huge (this will come in the next post) and they do not cost as much as what you'd pay in KL hotels.

Internet is not included in the room and you'll need to pay for it. I did request for one but over the 3 days I stayed there, they charged me only for one day (hehehe). Breakfast was good. There are a lot of selections but be prepared to see the same items every day. You do not get much if you go for the Western selection - the usual toast, cereals and baked beans - but the local selection saw some roti prata and curry. Of course, if all fails, go for the vegetarian section!

Well, I am definitely returning, of course. Don't have much choices around Dhaka, right. Perhaps I could try the Pan Pacific next time which is just down the road.

Traders Hotel, Muar

2010-09-07T05:15:00.000-07:00

My colleague and I had to go for an event in Muar and we settled for Traders Hotel since the event was just located in Muar Trade Centre, which the hotel shared the same building. Thinking it was a branch of Traders (ie Shangri-la) I did not expect arriving at a cheapo hotel.

I booked our rooms online and of course, chose the 'Early Bird' rate, thinking it was a special rate for web bookings. However, I did not know that choosing this rate means that we are placed in the cheapest, most basic set of rooms.

No toiletries, no slippers, no ironing board, no hair dryer. Jeez.

The TV set was an old model and reception was nothing to shout about. You can also forget about watching anything since the channels available are only local ones. The TV shared the same space as the writing table and thus, I didn't have much space to work on. Not something a business traveller would love.

Internet connection, however, was provided as well as tea and coffee making facilities. To give the hotel some credit, the room is certainly clean and comfortable, best for those who are dropping by Muar for a short holiday and looking for something affordable. However, most hotels in Muar are affordable to a certain extent.

The bathroom is clean, and there is hot water for those who needs hot showers. Service was okay, not too great nor too bad. There is also a spa within the hotel which provides massages and facials. When we were there, they had a special promotion for in-house guests but we didn't really try it.

Breakfast was nothing great either, but I am comparing it with those who had a wide range to offer. The basics were there - toast, plain bread, spreads, eggs, baked beans, nasi lemak, fried noodles and coffee and tea.

I wouldn't come back again if you ask me, but to those looking for a cheap place to stay, yes, this is one you can look into - clean and comfortable.

Vistana Kuantan

2010-07-17T18:18:00.000-07:00

Vistana Hotel in Kuantan is one under the YTL Group and disregarding all the high-end resorts, this is one of the better ones that I had stayed in during my trips to Kuantan. It is right in the middle of town, large and decent enough for those who want to drop by in Kuantan for a holiday. Of course, the price is slightly higher compared to others, but, its better.

Their beds, pillows and sheets are heavenly and I guess these are what made my stay worthwhile. Rooms, of course, comes with twin beds or king-sized beds.

Check-in was quick and painless, an important point for me because when I arrived all tired and dying to take a shower, the least I expect is usually inefficiencies, bad service and staff who could not understand you. And oh, another very, very important point I added to my list - free wifi!

So far, most hotels I've been to do provide free wi-fi (at least for the first 24 hours, anyway) and this has become utmost important to me because when I travel alone, I hate being disconnected from KL! Heh..

Their writing table is pretty small, but enough for me to utilise. I didn't order any room service this time since my colleague is with me. We went to dine at their coffee house - food wasn't bad but do expect Malaysian food instead of a wide variety. There isn't much shops near the hotel that you could dine at, so, if you choose Vistana, you'd have no choice but to dine in the hotel itself.

The room has a nice flat screen TV and a variety of channels - good enough to keep anyone entertained. The reception is good and channels selection was alright, too. There wasn't too wide a variety but they were sufficient.

The toiletries provided in the bathroom were nice, not those cheapo ones you sometimes find in other hotels. Of course, the stuff inside these bottles may come from the same supplier, but packaging impresses me a lot. Lol..

I'd definitely stay here again on my next trip to Kuantan. Otherwise, my next option would be MS Garden, the one which is just next to Berjaya Megamall.

Four Points Sheraton Kuching

2010-05-08T07:09:00.000-07:00

I went to Kuching for a school exhibition and had the chance to stay overnight at the spanking new Four Points Hotel. They are under the Sheraton Group and of course, I don't expect them to be a run-down hotel. They are just a very short drive away from the airport (less than 5 minutes) and looks impressive from the outside.

Check-in was quick. Real quick, in fact. But then again, I am not sure if this was due to the fact that my room was pre-booked by a travel agent who has apparently paid up and a Starwood Member. And as I walked into the room, a welcome message with the guest name was already on the flat screen. (My colleague was supposed to be on this trip and the room was booked under her name. There wasn't any need to change the guest name, so, that's why the name on the flat screen isn't mine)

Their beds were comfortable and pillows fluffy and I kinda felt sad since I am only spending one night here. Wifi is not included in the room charges and since I had to pay, I didn't make use of it. Since there wasn't much to do or anywhere to go, I tried checking out their brochures to see if they had a spa which I can make use of. Unfortunately, nothing was listed.

I didn't make much use of their writing table this time, so am unable to comment whether it is good enough for use. However, selection of channels in the room weren't too bad and they even have Playhouse Disney (as opposed to Disney Channel, I don't know why)

My bathroom came with both a bathtub and shower cubicle. They have a rainforest shower head but yet again, I failed to get it to work. I was too lazy to ask the housekeeping staff since I'm only staying there for one night. Their complimentary toiletries were the minimum - I expected them to be something like what Le Meridien has to offer.

There are a row of shops just outside the hotel but I didn't really notice a place where you can eat. Since I was alone, I decided to eat at the hotel's coffee house instead. I didn't bother calling for room service because their menu wasn't too appealing.

I went for their dinner buffet which was not too bad. There were quite a wide selection of fusion food, including fresh oysters, mussels, prawns and crabs. Their crabs were not quite fresh, though. There were also satay, noodles, pasta and some other stir-fried dishes. For only RM55, I would say it's quite worth the price.

Of course, compared to other hotels in Kuching, Four Points is something that travellers would appreciate. The others are quite run-down and unless they refurbish, they are going to lose out to competition. Not forgetting also that there's is another new one, Pullman, which is located nearer to town.

Perhaps there would be an opportunity for me to try Pullman one day.

Sunway Hotel, Penang

2010-04-23T22:29:00.000-07:00

Instead of staying at the usual G Hotel in Penang, this time, I bunked in at Sunway Hotel. Room rates were very cheap, but it was probably because we were booked under Sunway Group's staff.

Check-in was swift, there was one 24-hr free wifi provided and staff were courteous. However, when I quizzed one on the login procedures for my free wifi, she could not answer my simple question. There was also a welcome drink served at the coffee house but instead of an elaborate mocktail with a small umbrella, it was just mango cordial (yes, tasted like cordial). Yes, I am disappointed.

Compared to other Penang hotels, their rooms are small. Although the bed was not too bad, I didn't quite like the pillows that came with it. They seem to be too soft and flat and no amount of hitting could make them fluffy enough for me. Perhaps they should consider changing the pillows to new ones.

I think I was placed on their club floor, since breakfast was served in a lounge rather than the coffee house on the ground floor. The selection of food was the usual - baked beans, toast, juice, coffee, etc. Nothing extraordinary. However, if you have time, I suggest that you visit the hawker stalls just right next to the hotel. They probably serve better breakfast.

Their writing table and tv are small as well. It wasn't enough for me to work and eat on the table at the same time. There also wasn't much writing stationeries provided. The furniture looked and felt cheap - reminds me of the ones in MS Garden Kuantan.

Their seating area was nothing to shout about, and if this is really the club floor, I would say their room quality is not that great.

The only positive thing about this hotel was their location. It is smack right in the middle of town, nestled between glorious food. Alas, I could not really eat at the hawker stalls since my company needed us to provide receipts for our meals.

What I had to have, then was to order from their room service. Fried rice with tomyam soup. It tasted better than what I had ordered from MS Garden, but of course, less appetising than those served at the hawkers downstairs.

Overall, this is just a regular hotel - for budget conscious travellers to spend the night, perhaps.

MS Garden Hotel, Kuantan

2010-04-23T18:15:00.000-07:00

A business trip brought me to Kuantan town, somewhere I knew existed but never had the chance to stay overnight. Since I had an event in MS Garden Hotel, I stayed there as well. I arrived quite late in the evening and although it was just a short flight, I was tired.

Upon arrival at the hotel, I was impressed. It was better than I had expected - at least for a small hotel in Kuantan. However, service was almost non-existence as I had to lug my own luggage (up the stairs no least) to the check-in counter. The process took quite a bit, although there was no one around, except for one who was complaining that some of the toiletries in his room were not replenished.

But thank goodness, free wifi were included in my room rate cos I simply can't imagine what I should do all night without any company.

The room was not too bad. However, it may just be due to the lower expectations I had for a hotel in Kuantan. The mattress, thankfully, isn't smelly or musty or worn.

The room was quite large, and comes with the usual couch and TV set. Nothing too spectacular about them and no nice channels on TV as well. But I guess if you are a business traveller, you wouldn't really mind what's not on the TV.

The writing table was a bit small, cos I attempted to eat my dinner and ~~catch up on facebook~~ work on my laptop and there isn't very much space.

Talking about dinner, that night was the first time I ever ordered room service. I don't really believe in paying extra for food delivered to hotel rooms but since (i) I had money to spend and (ii) I am alone, I thought why not. I was famished by then and ordered a 'lil bit too much!

Fried chicken wings - not nice at all! The batter was too thick and it has this curry marinade taste which I don't think goes well with wings.

Their fried rice was okay and I think I should've ordered just the rice and the orange juice. The crackers that came with the rice was a bit stale. Can't really remember how much it costed, but it wasn't exactly cheap and definitely not worth the price. If I had not needed to finish my allowance, I wouldn't have bothered.

Breakfast is included in my room rate and it was nothing too special either. Usual stuff include porridge, nasi lemak, toast, baked beans, etc. The only thing that I loved about their breakfast is the fact that they serve nescafe tarik. I practically sat myself next to the dispenser for two whole mornings! Haha...

My event was supposed to run the whole day the very next day and since there were no walk-ins, I had to stay in the designated meeting room. Ordered dimsum lunch from a Chinese Restaurant within the Hotel and surprisingly, it didn't taste that bad, considering these are halal.

Anyway, I think MS Garden isn't too bad for someone who would just want a bed for the night. However, if you are on holiday and is thinking of a comfortable, luxurious room, this may not be the one to choose.

Imperial International Hotel - KK

2010-03-28T05:31:00.000-07:00

I went to KK on another business trip a week ago and this time, instead of the luxurious Le Meridien, I stayed at the Imperial International Hotel. I have passed by this hotel a few times while walking over from Le Meridien to Centrepoint and the lobby didn't exactly appeal to me.

However, to give credit where it is due, their rooms are, to my surprise, comfortable and decent enough.

It's layout reminds me of the G Hotel in Penang. It is spacious but not too large to the extend that you'd feel 'empty'. The bed was comfy enough and thankfully, does not smell like the one in Holiday Inn in Kuching. Sheets are pristine and clean.

I initially thought I won't be able to sleep at all, as usual, but I did, although not as good as when I am at home.

Their bathroom is clean as well, which is good for me. I hate dingy bathrooms. You won't spot any rust anywhere and it looks as if they've done some refurbishment recently. It is stocked with the usual toiletries and thank goodness, the shower has good hot water! They have a small, handheld shower head and another huge ass rainfall shower head mounted above.

I was pretty excited with the rainfall showerhead but even after 4 nights, I still could not figure out how it works. Heh.

I guess what I love most about this hotel is the lazy chair. The only thing that wowed me when I walked into the room. It was kinda fun sitting on it while watching TV. Tried to read, though, but can't hold the book up long enough without tiring my arms. I guess this is only good while watching TV.

My only complain is that the TV box can't be turned to face this beautiful chair.

Their writing table is a bit small compared to other hotels, so, if you are a business traveller looking for a good hotel where you can work from, this may not be so suitable. I tried to study from this table and found it to be too small.

My other grumbles:

Breakfast sucks big time. If possible, have it somewhere else. There are a good number of coffeeshops near the hotel you can choose to go for breakfast. Otherwise, Starbucks and San Francisco Coffee is available
Room service menu isn't appealing. Very, very few choices available
The mini-bar is empty! Well, I don't usually take anything from the mini bar, but still! Thank goodness coffee is available
No gym or spa. Dang! With all the free time I had!

Well, it is a worthy accommodation despite these grumbles - if you are just looking for a basic room and board. Le Meridien is quite pricey and Imperial is an alternative.

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

2008-07-26T05:29:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure to stay in Le Meridien Hotel in KK last March while on a business trip. I did not expect much from the place itself, after the horrible Holiday Inn Kuching.

But my colleagues and I were in for a surprise. The rooms were excellent, but perhaps they were so because they are on the Club Floor. Now, for those of you who don't know what a Club Floor is, they are basically the 'prestige floor' of a hotel and usually, the room rates are higher, service better (can't comment) and you get certain perks that guests on the 'normal' floor don't.

The South China Sea

Sunset - View from my colleague's room

The hotel was located smack in the City Centre, within short walking distance from all the shopping attractions. I had the 'city view' room, but my colleague was luckier - she got a fantastic view of the South China Sea. If you like watching the sun set, request for a sea view room. However, this was nothing compared to the view I had at the Shangri-la Tg Aru Resort.

The bed

My bed huge and exceptionally comfy. I didn't feel like getting off it. And furthermore, the pillows were just the right firmness, too! The bed was a bit too high for me, though. Everytime I wanted to get on it, I have to climb. Like a kid getting on to her parents' bed.

The couch, or seating area, whatever you call it

The room was quite big, and just beside the bed, next to the windows where I got to look at Warisan Square next door, was a small seating area. And don't be fooled by the little couch, it was very soft, too. I didn't use the writing desk too much, so, no comments. But, broadband internet access in included in the room. One thing that I think should be provided are stationeries. Most hotel just provide a pencil (or pen) and a notepad. I don't think these are sufficient, if one is on a business trip. At least a meeting pack should be there, like those you get from hotel meeting rooms.

The minibar and wardrobe

I also liked how the wardrobe and mini bar was designed to complement each other, although I didn't fully utilise either. The snack selection was almost the same as what you'd get from other hotel rooms. And I thought you'd get better (or free) stuff. Since Warisan Square is just next door, it'd be pointless to indulge in any of those over-priced things in the mini bar.

The toiletries and the loo

Their toiletries reminded me of those you find in Traders Penang. Other than the usual toothbrush, comb, shampoo and conditioner, you'll also find a tiny bottle of mouthwash. I don't find the bathroom particularly interesting or appealing, but it is clean.

Anyway, our event was held at the Ballroom of the hotel. I spent most of my time at the foyer, where our 'stand' is. The foyer has a balcony which overlooks the South China Sea and the hotel's swimming pool, which I think is great for a pre-wedding reception. Standing at the balcony looking out to the sea, watching boats bob and enjoying the (salty) breeze was calming. I feel I can stand there all day. Well, it wasn't possible, of course, since I am working.

The pool and the South China Sea

If I can choose, I would prefer Le Meridien over STAR, although the latter is more luxurious. At least with Le Meridien, the shops are nearer and you can easily get something to eat. The Filipino market is just right opposite, where you can get the cheapest fresh water pearls. Of course la, you can still bargain with them and get it cheaper still.

The Filipino market - blurry view taken from my colleagues room

And if you are hankering for some seafood, there is also this great seafood restaurant right opposite. It is quite expensive, and I am sure there are some others out there (further away) which is cheaper, but when you are there without any transport, you'll make do. After a heavy, heavy meal, all you do is walk across the road and go to bed.

My personal rating? 9/10.

Technorati tags - Reviews - Hotels

Holiday Inn Kuching

2008-07-24T22:23:00.000-07:00

Yes, the City of Cats, it is. The trip I made in March was my second and unlike the first, I stayed in Holiday Inn Kuching this time. Honestly speaking, I don't really like Kuching - maybe because I never liked cats, but then again, I still want to go there for their Sarawak Laksa and Kolo Mee.

Holiday Inn is located in the city centre, too, somewhere near this statue of cats. I did not take a lot of pictures of the hotel, since it was nothing great to shout about. It was, in fact, quite disappointing. Never mind the hotel was old, it has this musky smell that lingers throughout. When I stepped into the my room, the first thing that came into my mind was - how long haven't they refurbished this place?

I was surprised to see that they were still using those old fashioned looking, brown coloured box-like 'thing' with rusty knobs as their radio and controller for the in-room lightings. Pardon my city-girl ignorance, but I sat there staring at it for quite some time before finally figuring out how it works.

(Their pathetic bed. Two chairs make up the seating 'area')

The bed was worse than what I have at home. The matress was so worn and thin that I practically felt nothing, ie, the softness, when I laid on it. Same goes to the pillows too. Luckily for me, my bed didn't smell. My colleague complained that hers smelt of stale sweat when she lifted off the covers. Yucks.

The whole room reminded me of a run down motel rather than, erm, you know, Holiday Inn. Perhaps they were trying to play on the word 'Inn'. But having said that, the thing worth mentioning here is their service. It was excellent. Yes, it was. We were attended to by this Duty Manager - can't remember his name - but he was extra helpful and extra patient with us. When we expressed our disappointment with our rooms, he obligingly took us to view other rooms that were available and asked us to choose one so that he could move us there.

(Simplistic design of the writing desk and small TV)

Well, we didn't change rooms at the end of the day, since all of them were similar anyway, but it was his 'spirit' that amazed us. I mean, will you get this in KL? Don't think so - all you get is 'Sorry, ma'am, but all our rooms are full'. Yeah, right.

The room rate came with breakfast but I only had the breakfast once. A popular coffee shop selling equally popular Sarawak Laksa was just a stone's throw away, so, we ended up having to wake up extra, extra early one morning to eat Laksa as breakfast.

Well, it was another disappointment, actually. The only thing nice about the allegedly popular Laska was its soup base. Personally, I think the Laksa served near the office was much better. Near the office means the coffee shops near Sri Sarawak Mall, opposite Hilton Kuching.

Our event was held in one off the hotel's function rooms (not ballroom). The place was equally as unappealing. I was stationed in one of their meeting rooms as we hold several seminars there and the place reeked of urine smell. Yes, it was just next to the toilets, but other hotels' don't smell, do they?

(View from my room - the Sarawak River)

However, if you are one looking for just a simple room (or place to stay for that matter) and do not mind, you can opt for Holiday Inn, which I believe is quite affordable.

Furthermore, the Sarawak River Waterfront is just across the road and if, at night, you felt like having a short walk, you will enjoy the cool, albeit smelly air, sitting at one of the stalls sipping your (normal) coffee and eating satay.

And of course, if you are looking into purchasing some Sarawak stuff, there are lots of stalls along the Waterfront selling trinkets ranging from beads to 'medicine for men'

My rating - I certainly don't hope to go back there again, actually.

Technorati tags - Reviews - Hotels

Atrium by Bridgestreet Manchester

2008-05-16T20:30:00.000-07:00

I was sent for a training to the UK by my company and was put up in a serviced apartment on Princess Street, Manchester. The building was just a short walk from the office, so, I guess the convenience explains why our group was put there despite the cost (GBP90 per night inclusive of breakfast)

Some photos:

Entrance of the apartment - Atrium by Bridgestreet, Manchester

Foyer and reception area

My apartment! Central House

The block of apartments were about 20 mins drive away (by taxi) from Manchester Airport and the ride costed us GBP20.00. When we arrived, it was not that busy, so, we were able to check in quickly and try to recover from our jet-lag. Come to think of it, it was never too busy at the reception the whole 14 days we were there. I was checked-in to Central House, one of their three blocks of apartments. My colleagues were placed in another block.

My soft, comfortable bed

Room with a not-so-pleasant view

My first impression when I unlocked the doors of my apartment was relief. It is clean (the most important criterion) but then depression slowly sank in, not because it isn't up to my expectations, but because the apartment was so huge it made me feel lonely.

First thing I checked out was the room. It is quite small, but cosy enough for me. It had a double bed, a cupboard for me to put my clothes, a small TV sitting on top of a chest of drawers (which I never used), and a full length mirror. Of course, all the other neccessities like ironing board, hairdryer and clothes hanger were available, too.

The living room

Small little TV at a corner

Work area - after all, we were there for work

The living room and kitchen is separated from the bedroom in another area, so, basically my room, the living room and the bathroom are all 'individual rooms/areas' with a doors. So, as you enter from the main door, all you see will be three closed doors at all four corners. One for the bedroom, one living (and kitchen) and one bathroom.

I rarely used the living room. When I get back from work, I would keep myself in the bedroom, read or watch TV. By the way, the channels available on the living room TV differs from the channels available on the bedroom TV. Wonder why.

The channels available include Sky TV (paid channels), too, so, the selection wasn't too boring. My favourites while I was there include 'Are you smarter than a 10-year-old', Brainiac and some random cartoons. Internet connection is available at the workstation but the charges are exhorbitant. Better check your mails in the office.

The kitchen which was connected to the living area

The kitchen!

The kitchen has most of the basic utensils that one needs, such as pots and pans, knifes, cutleries, plates, cereal bowls and... microwave oven, fridge and dishwasher! Didn't really make full use of the kitchen, except the one at my colleague's apartment cos I went over to cook. My stay there also taught me how to use a dishwasher! Hahaha... I can't deny that it is very convenient, but the thought of cleaning just one or two bowls and using so much water puts me off from using it every day.

Overall, I would recommend all business travellers to stay at the Atrium - if budget permits. If my stay was longer, I would've made use of the kitchen more to whip up some home-cooked dinner. After all, Sainsbury is also just a short walk away.

Technorati tags - Reviews - Hotels

G Hotel, Penang

2008-05-05T17:08:00.000-07:00

Situated along Gurney Drive, within walking distance from that darn Gurney Hotel is the new G Hotel - same management, but way better. Service is slow, but still in existence. Since they are new, their rooms were, of course, clean and comfortable. The design was funky and chic and I particularly liked how they did the numbering of the rooms - huge and colourful.

Their rooms are pretty comfortable. They are no luxury, but acceptable enough according to my standards. Rooms were tastefully furnished, with being minimal in mind. TV channels selection isn't as good as other hotels, but I don't really mind, since I am not in the room most of the time.

Our event was held in the hotel's ballroom and compared to Traders, this is far better. Although Traders reputation was better, I think G Hotel looked far better and more impressive.

My only complain on G Hotel is that their water heater does not work! So, if you are used to having hot showers, and can't stand cold water, don't check-in here! It wasn't just my room, but my colleagues' rooms as well. The toiletries, although pretty, were quite hard to handle. Yep, the squarish design for the shampoo and bath gel bottles made it so difficult for me to open, especially when your hands are wet. My advice; prise open the bottles before you step into the shower. A hand towel around it helps, too.

Overall, I would definitely recommend G Hotel over Gurney Hotel. At least Gurney Plaza is just adjacent to it and if you don't fancy any of the hotel food, you can pop over to Gurney Drive at night. I think the rooms with the sea view costs more but if you don't mind paying, I recommend that you take these. Rooms on the 'other side' face a construction site, so, not very nice if you want some privacy.

Gurney Hotel, Penang

2008-04-05T17:11:00.000-07:00

Ultimately the worst hotel I have experienced in Penang is Gurney Hotel. They call themselves an all-suite residences but don't be fooled - their suites feels like a cheap apartment.

Service was crappy - most of the staff we've come across with do not even understand simple English! The 'suite' we were given was not cleaned properly - you could see dust on the furnitures, stains on the sheets and a completed feedback form by the previous guest left on the dining table.

The blinds in the en-suite bathroom were not working, so, I called the housekeeping to have them fixed. Otherwise, I can't even use the toilet, since the loo, bathtub and shower had a nice view overlooking the sea. No one came. Even after 3 calls. Or even after I have checked out. Just can't believe how efficient they were.

Breakfast in their coffee house were equally bad. If you have a choice, skip their breakfast and eat at the adjacent Coffee Bean instead. At least you get better coffee! The only thing I like about them was the Wah Lai Toi channel. Perhaps they are the only hotel with WLT - lets me catch up with my drama serials. But then again, since I was there on business, I didn't get the chance to watch much.

Overall, I would say that their rooms are quite affordable, and definitely suitable for families on holiday. However, if you are expecting some service (and when I say service means decent service - cos I am not too demanding, anyway) forget Gurney Hotel. They will spoil your day like no other.

Away from home - Penang

2008-04-04T22:12:00.001-07:00

I wanted to do this eons ago but never really got round doing it. Or rather, I was too lazy to upload the photos. Since I am in the mood now - here you go - my personal reviews on hotels that I have stayed when I travelled on business. Point to name for link to hotel website.

City Bayview

Stayed in this hotel quite some time ago, can't really remember the exact date. It is small, cosy and clean enough. If you are not looking for luxury, then go with this. There are eateries near the hotel and most of the tourist spots are within walkable distance as well. What I particularly can't get enough of was the Kayu Nasi Kandar shop as well as a Kuey Teow Th'ng in one of the coffee shops.

One complain, though. Right opposite the hotel was a row of colonial houses which has been converted to pubs and if you are there during a weekend, your sleep will definitely be disturbed. Unless if you are a night owl, you will like the convenience.

If you'd like to visit anywhere else (eg Gurney drive for the food) you can easily get a taxi. The drivers, however, would not use their meter, but charges a flat rate of RM10. It would be better then if a group goes and comes back together in one car.

Traders Hotel

Stayed here only once - in Oct 2006. The place is kind of old, although I should say the rooms are quite of acceptable standard. Well, we are talking about Traders, aren't we, so, when I say that their rooms are of acceptable standard, I am saying 4 to 5-star hotel standards. To those who didn't know, Traders belong to the Shangri-la group.

We had requested for non-smoking rooms, but were given otherwise. Their excuse? Other rooms were fully booked. And mind you, we have made the reservations more than a month ago! At least mine was free of tobacco smell. My colleague wasn't that lucky. Hers smelt like a smoker had just left the room. Asking for a change of rooms, they did, only for her to find that the second one stinks (of tobacco smell).

Breakfast in the hotel was okay - the usual fare, nothing extra sepcial. I suggest that every one save their money and have breakfast at Prangin Mall next to the hotel instead. And if you felt like walking in the morning, ask the concierge if there are coffee shops around.

Technorati tags - Reviews - Hotels

Kluang Station

2007-01-02T01:42:00.000-08:00

Location: Ikano Power Station

A major disappointment, actually. I don't recommend anyone to go to this restaurant. IF you are left without a choice, don't go for their 'cooked' food (ie, noodles, nasi lemak, etc)

Their coffee and toasts were fantastic but others were not. Even before getting our food, a lady at a table next to us had complained. She got her bowl of noodles changed (I'm not sure what's wrong with the first one) but when the second one came, she took a bite and summoned the waiters to cancel her order.

At first, we thought that she was just one picky eater, but when the basket of fries that we ordered came, we discovered how crappy the food were. At first, the fries they brought us was cold and limpy. They seem to have been soaked in oil rather than fried. When we got it changed, it came back with some fresh ones at the top and guess what... the same cold, limpy ones were buried at the bottom! We ended up ta-pauing the fries for my dog.

Credit must be given, however, to their toasted buns. They were warm and crispy with just enough butter and kaya spread. The combination tasted heavenly.

So, if anyone thinks of ordering some food other than their toasts, think twice. Or maybe we were just plain unlucky that day.

Else, just go to Uncle Lim's Kopitiam on the gorund floor

It's over!

2006-12-01T00:25:00.000-08:00

Thank God it’s over. My novel this year, I think, was quite crappy compared to last year’s, so, there would be a lot of editing and rewriting to be done. I have to take a break before I start to have the mood to look at it again and rewrite most of it, pying attention to things like - grammar, which I am not very good at.

I don’t like grammar - I think most people (or students studying English) don’t like it either and most of the time, I just go with the flow, write something and out it up as long as it sounds right to me. There would be more ‘writing assignments’ to follow — thanks to the creative writing course that I have attended and also some of my ‘homework’ to be uploaded in my website as well. But this website of mine is not even ready yet! I am still in the midst of transferring some files from my old, free Geocities site to this.

But in the meantime, I need some time away from the computer and the keyboard.

P/S: My standing in Malaysia! Click here