Galleria 10 Hotel, Bangkok

Part of the fun in going to Bangkok is choosing which hotel you're going to stay in.  There are a lot of cool boutique hotels that are accessible and won't break the bank.  One such hotel is Galleria 10 in Sukhumvit. 

It is about a 5-minute walk to the BTS, Asoke station.  It's not located right smack on Sukhumvit road, it's in one of the alleys but it's not hard to find. If you're too lazy to walk, they have a tuktuk that can take you to the BTS free of charge.

A few malls, restaurants and bars are just a few steps away. We also chanced upon the Korean town which you'll pass by on your way to the BTS.  I had to take their picture there because we were supposed to go to Korea if not for my failed attempt to get a visa.

Upon check-in, instead of offering guests with the usual cold towel and drink, Galleria 10 offers free ice cream!

They were also heavily promoting their in-house bar so we also got to try some free cocktails when we got back from our afternoon stroll. 

As with the rest of the hotel's interiors, the room looks very modern and sleek.

I also loved the tuktuk and the night light.

They also have a small gym and a cool looking pool if you need some exercise. 

The breakfast buffet offers limited choices but they have scones so I'm good.

Wifi is strong and best of all free!

Galleria 10 Hotel Bangkok

21 Sukhumvit Soi 10

Sukhumvit Road

Bangkok, Thailand

www.galleriatenbangkok.com

Holiday Inn and Suites, Makati

During one of Em-J's visits here in Manila last year, we decided to check out the newly opened Holiday Inn and Suites in Makati.

Its location is one of its advantages as it is right next door to Glorietta. 

Only the concierge is on the ground floor so you have to go up to the 4th floor where the lobby is for you to check in. Taking it all in, I couldn't help but be impressed at how beautiful everything is, the floor to ceiling windows, a nifty looking staircase, even the public toilets look nice.

Also located on the same floor is one of their in-house restaurants, Flavors. Our stay didn't come with breakfast so I wouldn't be able to write about that but we did have lunch there; it was forgettable.

We were happy with the deluxe room that we stayed in.  The beds are comfortable and the sheets are divine. Wifi is strong and best of all, free.

There are plenty of sockets for your devices.

You also get a choice of your pillow type as with most IHG properties.

There were also two small things that I particularly loved about the room.  I loved how the air conditioning control lights up green.  What can I say? I'm easy to please.

I also loved the glass drawers of the wardrobe.

The toilet is simple and clean.

There's a pool at the rooftop and a gym but I forgot to take a photo of it as I was under the impression that it was still not open when we stayed there.

Overall, we were impressed with the property, the location and the staff.

Holiday Inn and Suites

Palm Drive, Ayala Center

Makati City

Phone: 63-2-9090888

Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria Hotel

Crowne Plaza in Galleria has a multi-level lobby that I love.  You enter the hotel and get greeted by the friendly concierge staff.  Take a few steps up and you get to the front desk, a few more steps to your right and you can while away your time by sitting at the lounge chairs.

It has one of the most spacious hotel rooms that I've stayed in. Some of the furnishings are a bit dated but they have little modern touches to the room so you don't feel as you've stepped back in time. 

Even the bathroom is big with a separate bath and shower area.  Standard IHG amenities are provided wrapped in wax paper, nothing interesting enough to keep. 

I don't remember why but my stay came with access to the lounge.  I opted to have breakfast there which was a mistake.  Unless you want privacy, skip it and head to 7 Corners.  

I didn't get to use the pool but it has to be one of the most disappointing feature of the hotel.  It is also shared by Holiday Inn which is right next door and I find it too small for the number of guests between the two hotels.  It also looks in dire need of a major uplift. 

There's also a Gold's Gym which hotel guests can use free of charge. 

As it is connected to Robinson's Galleria, this would be perfect if you have shopping in mind.  Podium is also but a few minutes walk.  It is also close to several offices in Ortigas but be mindful of the morning rush traffic in the area. 

One of the best assets of the hotel would be their very helpful and friendly staff.  The front desk personnel even went out of her way to look for a cab for me when she noticed that there was no one manning the concierge desk at the time of my departure.  

Wifi is not free unless you are an IHG member so better sign up before checking in. 

Crown Plaza Manila Galleria

Ortigas Ave corner ADB Ave

Ortigas Center, Pasig City

Official site: Click Here