Last year, I was scouring the internet for good hotels in Osaka and Kyoto for my three-night trip. Well, both cities are short of international chain hotels, and their rates can be quite pricey, so my choices were mostly local chain and independent properties with Japanese-style rooms. Personally, I’ve no problem with these compact rooms, Read More
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Fairmont Jakarta: One of the Most Beautiful Hotels I’ve Stayed At
Like Manila, Jakarta can be all sorts of chaotic—the worst traffic jams, the crowded trains, the throngs of people that get into your face—that after a day of exploring Indonesia’s capital, I find myself surrendering and wanting to get a full rest. In my last visit, I chose to stay in one of its best Read More
Banyan Tree Lang Co: A Close Look
As I was staying in Angsana Lang Co, I asked our friends from the resort to tour me at their sister property, Banyan Tree Lang Co. I was eager to check it out because I’ve never been to a Banyan Tree property, let alone stay in one. Banyan Tree Lang Co and Angsana Lang Co Read More
Shangri-La Surabaya: The City’s Only True Luxury Hotel
Admittedly, there is not much to do in Surabaya—Indonesia’s second largest city and one of its centers for commerce—by way of tourism. Rather, most travelers come to enjoy its vibrant cuisine, as well as to make it as a jump off point to explore Mount Bromo. With not much planned in the city, I decided Read More
Jinjiang Inn Ortigas: Exceeded Expectations
As I write this review, I’ve already stayed twice here at Jinjiang Inn Ortigas, and I’m currently here for another three nights—clearly, I’ve grown fond of this hotel. In Metro Manila, great hotels are sadly hard to come by, but fortunately, there are gems like this that are accessible even to budget travelers. Jinjiang Inn Read More