Trader's Hotel Manila

Despite spending almost 4 years of my college life in Manila, I never formed an affinity for it cause I always felt it to be a bit too chaotic. I did find myself in the heart of Manila at the Trader's Hotel when we learned that our vacation in Boracay earned us enough points to stay there for four nights for free.

Lobby:

They have a very spacious lobby but just a small sitting area. I've always felt that the hotel would look and smell old but it does not. Their scent brand, which is very welcoming, is obvious the moment you step in.





Room:

I was, again, also surprised at the size of the room. I wasn't expecting it to be also very spacious.



The bed, pillows and sheets are heavenly.



It's very modern and I found the luggage rack below to be particularly nice.





Do note that some rooms haven't been completely updated yet. The TV, luggage rack and even the phone below are all a bit dated.



The best feature of the room for me would be the free WiFi. All hotels should really follow suit.



Toilet:

The toilet is basic but well maintained. The tiles are all white and not a grime in sight.









You get a good view of the CCP and Roxas Blvd from your room, sadly, I wasn't able to take a nice photo of it.

Service:

Service is, as usual, top notch. Everyone is always smiling, even their guards. They have turn down service and they sent a fruit platter upon our arrival.



My only complaint, though not the hotel's fault cause I forgot to hang the "Do not disturb" sign, is I was woken up two days in a row by loud knocking to check if we have clothes we need laundered and another just to check up on us...at least I think that's the reason why. I couldn't be sure cause I was in my half-sleep groggy state.

Gym and Pool:

Their spa is currently being renovated so I guess the gym and pool area would follow next. Upon entering the gym and pool floor, it felt totally disconnected from the hotel. I won't say much, just that they are in bad need of updating.







Breakfast:

Our stay didn't come with free breakfast so we ended up paying for it which I felt was not worth it as the spread is pretty limited.

Location:

The hotel's location is very convenient. It's just across the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the fast developing Harbour Square right beside it giving you plenty of options to eat at. Wensha, the 24-hour spa is also just a couple of blocks away. Walking distance to the hotel, there's a convenience store and SM Hypermart.



SM Mall of Asia and Robinson's Place are also very near, about 60-80 pesos cab ride away.



Cabs are also very to easy to come by so there's no need to worry about transportation.

If you're ever wanting to stay in Manila, do consider staying here. Contact information below:

Address 3001 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, 1305, Philippines
Tel (63 2) 708 4888
Fax (63 2) 708 9850

Lub'd Siam, Bangkok

During our last night in Bangkok, we decided to stay at Lub'd Siam, one of the most well-reviewed hostels there.



Its location is even more convenient than Holiday Inn Express as it is right in front of the National Stadium BTS station. In fact, I learned of this hostel cause I would pass by it on my way back to Holiday Inn.



They have different room types, the dorm, econo twin, econo double and the double deluxe. You can check out photos of the rooms here.



We booked the econo double located on the fourth floor. They don't have a lift so just be ready if you have a heavy luggage.



The room doesn't have its own toilet so Em-J took quite a bit of convincing. Upon getting there, that's what we first checked out. Fortunately, there was nothing to be concerned about. The shared toilet is clean and well maintained. Its also but a few steps away from our room.





My only problem is I normally use the toilet in the wee hours of the morning. Heading out of the room is certainly not as convenient.

Check-in was efficient and the staff were really friendly. The lobby is free for all but you would need your own key card to enter the hotel area.

Facilities:

They have a veranda outside where you can just chill and people watch.



The lobby is quite inviting with several computers and couches if you just want to hang out and meet new friends.





There is a theater on the 2nd floor, it was quiet when we got there but this would be perfect if you are travelling with a big group.





They also have friendly instructions on how to operate the tv and the dvd player.



There is a laundry area as well which I forgot to take a picture of and best of all, you can actually leave your luggage with them even if you're not checked in. They can keep it for you for as long as a month! How nice of them.

They also have different activities planned which you can take part of if you don't have anything planned.



The room with the industrial look is just about the right size.



The bed is comfortable and they have a nook if you feeling like literally rolling out of the bed and using your computer. If you have a problematic back like me, then you'd be glad to know that they have a desk available as well.







Towels are also provided but if you are staying in a dorm, they charge extra for the towels.



While the room is comfortable, I actually didn't like that the airconditioner blows straight at you and try as I might to adjust the fan, it stayed that way.

Overall, our experience was more than satisfactory and I would have no problems staying here again the next time I'm in Bangkok.

Holiday Inn Express Siam

Our budget-friendly hotel of choice, All Seasons Victory Monument, is now being managed by a different hotel chain. While I love that hotel (read my entry here), I was a bit wary about staying there again with the change so I decided to look for a new hotel.

I must have looked at several properties in AsiaTravel before finally deciding to check the Intercontinental Hotel Group's site. This was when I discovered that there's a new Holiday Inn Express that opened. Reviews on Trip Advisor were very favorable so I decided to give it a go.

When I arrived in Bangkok, I noticed that the hotel has a very aggressive marketing strategy. Their cheeky ads and billboards are nearly everywhere.











Their online presence, on the other hand, is not as felt yet to target those that are not yet in Bangkok. At the time that I was making my booking, you won't be able to make a reservation anywhere else but the Holiday Inn site, I'm glad to know that it's now also available through sites like Agoda and Booking.

If you're currently thinking of whether to book this hotel, let me help you decide.

1. Location - The location is very convenient. It is but a few steps away from the National Stadium BTS station and MBK. The BTS station is so near the hotel that if you need to cross the road, you would actually be using the BTS overpass. Jim Thompson House, a popular tourist destination is also but a few steps away. There is also a 7-11 nearby for your late night ice cream craving. You can also walk to Siam Paragon if you can stand the heat but otherwise it's one train station away.

2. Room - The room size is adequate, it's design modern and is very clean.









I have a gorgeous view of the stadium, nope, that's not the National Stadium, there was no activity when I took the photo but it is just beside it.



You are also provided with two pillow types, use whatever you fancy. Personally, I would have preferred the firm ones to be a little firmer.





There's also an iPod / iPhone dock which seems to be a staple nowadays.

Another nice touch is that delivery menu is provided so you are not restricted to ordering room service if you find yourself lazy and hungry.



The toilet is simple, clean and I love the design. You actually have to open the shower door and use it to close the toilet. The Shampoo / body wash comes in a dispenser so it's better if you bring your own. Other amenities like toothbrush and razor, you have to specifically ask for. Their towels are large, fluffy and smells real nice.





Some other notes on the room:

• There are plenty of universal sockets and as it is universal, there's no need to bring your adapters. 
• Wardrobe is spacious and a safe is also provided. 
• There are no bathrobes, there are slippers. 
• Coffee making facility is available. 
• A small ref is also available. You'd be glad to know there are no mini-bar beverages and snacks.

 3. Hotel Facilities

The lobby is small but serves its purpose. There are also two computers which you can use to surf or check your emails.





There's a garden right outside if you just want to stay out, sit and relax.



 I was surprised but glad to see that they have a laundry area.





They also have vending machines and goodies are priced per normal.





There's no pool and I didn't check if there's a gym. I checked the hotel guide provided in the room and there's no mention of it. The good thing is you can use the stadium opposite to do a little bit of running which I did.

4. Wifi is free! Most importantly, it is very strong and stable.

5. Breakfast is served at the great room. One part is quite elegant which could pass off as a fine dining restaurant, the other part looks like your classy cafeteria which I prefer more.





There were only a few items, just enough to get you going. It's quite thoughtful that trays are provided as well. You get everything that you need at once instead of repeatedly going back to your table just because you can no longer carry that glass of juice.



If you're in a hurry, they actually have takeaway breakfast for you.



Overall, I'm impressed. Everything was well thought out and as they say, everything that you need, nothing that you don't.

Check the official site here.