Tag Archives: suite

Grand Suite at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur

Posted on February 25, 2013 | 9 Comments

Fiji Trip Report Index
Introduction: Belgium to Fiji in 13 flights (26561 miles, 42746km)
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Grand Suite at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
Singapore Airlines First Class: The Private Room @ Changi Airport
Singapore Airlines First Class: SQ211 Singapore to Sydney B777-300A
Opera King room at Park Hyatt Sydney
Beachfront View room at InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa
Singapore Airlines Business Class: SQ232 Sydney to Singapore
Thai Airways First Class: Royal Orchid Spa, TG920 Bangkok to Frankfurt A380

Pic: Bedroom Grand Suite 3109 at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur (Jan 2013)
Ever since my expat assignment in Kuala Lumpur (’07-’08) I’ve visited the capital of Malaysia on regular basis.  Back in May 2010, I spotted the construction site of the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur and promised myself to stay at the property as soon as it opened.  Located adjacent to the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center, the Grand Hyatt offers amazing views on the Petronas Twin Towers…at least if your room faces the KLCC park.  The rate for my one night stay was quite steep at MYR678 (€171) compared to other KL Hotels, but as Gold Passport Diamond member I could use one of my Suite Upgrade Certificates to exchange a Grand King room (47-sqm) for a massive Grand Corner Suite (105-sqm).

Pic: Bathroom Grand Suite at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur (Jan 2013)
At check-in around noon, I was originally assigned Grand Suite 3321 which was not facing the Petronas Twin Towers.  After contacting the font desk, I was able to move to Grand Suite 3109 facing the towers.

Pic: Bathroom Grand Suite at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur (Jan 2013)

Pic: Bathroom Amenities June Jacobs Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur (Jan 2013)

Pic: Grand Suite King Bed at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur (Jan 2013)

Pic: Living Room Grand Suite at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur (Jan 2013)

Pic: Diamond Welcome Amenity Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur (Jan 2013)
One of the highlights of my short stay was lunch at Grand Hyatt’s signature restaurant THIRTY8 located on the, you guessed it right, 38th floor.  The service, the food and the view… just amazing!  Similar experience at breakfast at the Grand Club on the 37th floor and again what a view! 

Pic: Giant Prawns at Thirty8 Resto Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur (Jan 2013)

Straight from the Oven Chocolate Cake at Thirty8 restaurant (Jan 2013)

Pic: View from Grand Suite 3109 at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur (Jan 2013)
Video: Grand Suite 3109 at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Jan 2013)

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Caroline Astor Suite at St. Regis Bangkok

Posted on May 30, 2012 | 6 Comments

Pic: Bedroom Caroline Astor Suite 1924 at St. Regis Bangkok (May 2012)
For most of my trips, I book hotels in advance.  This has a number of advantages: better rates, better point strategies, no stress to find suitable accommodation, etc…  My latest trip to Thailand (May 17-27) was an exception, with only the first three nights booked in advance at Hilton Millennium Bangkok and Sofitel So Bangkok.  On my third day in the Thai capital, I decided to add an extra night and pulled-up Hotelscombined.com on my mobile.  To my surprise, ebookers.com was selling St. Regis Bangkok Caroline Astor Suites at a cheaper rate than regular Deluxe rooms.  As the cheapest rate for this suite is normally at least €200 more, I didn’t hesitate and booked it for £137.56 (€176,50 on Amex) including breakfast.
Upon arrival at St. Regis Bangkok, assistant manager Ms. Papatsorn performed our check-in.  “Mr. Lapers, we can’t seem to locate your reservation in our systems…” Here comes trouble, I thought to myself.  I pulled out my laptop and showed the ebookers.com confirmation email to Ms. Papatsorn.  “Mr Lapers, THB6500 for a Caroline Astor Suite?  We normally charge THB25000 for that suite!  Would you mind we verify your reservation with ebookers.com?  We can offer you a drink at the Drawing Room.  Is that alright?”  At that point, I started to doubt whether they were going to honor my rate.  But after 20 minutes or so, the comforting words “Your Suite is ready Sir” were spoken.
Pic: View on pool from Caroline Astor Suite 2025 bedroom (May 2012)
Caroline Astor Suite 2025 was impressive, with a spacious living room and bathroom facing the Royal Bangkok Sports Club and the bedroom facing the St. Regis swimming pool.  Being so pleased with the suite, I immediately checked if the same rate was still available for the weekend after.  It was, and so I booked the Caroline Astor Suite again via ebookers.com for a second stay on May 25-26.  Not realizing yet, Lady Gaga would also be a guest at St. Regis Bangkok that night!  Two days before my second stay, I emailed the hotel to assign me a Caroline Astor suite with bedroom facing the Royal Bangkok Sports Club.  A request which was honored (my second stay was at suite 1924) and which I can highly recommend as those suites have an even more spectacular layout and view from the bedroom.

Pic: Welcome Amenity – St. Regis Bangkok (May 2012)
Pic: Breakfast at St. Regis Bangkok (May 2012) Pic: Wagyu Beef Burger at St. Regis Bangkok (May 2012) Video: Caroline Astor Suite 1924 – St. Regis Bangkok (May 2012) Video: Caroline Astor Suite 2025 – St. Regis Bangkok (May 2012)

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Honeymoon Suite at Sheraton Seoul D Cube City

Posted on March 7, 2012 | 5 Comments


Pic: Honeymoon Suite Bedroom at Sheraton Seoul D Cube City (Feb 2012)
Originally I had planned to stay at only one hotel in Seoul, the Grand Hyatt.  But in the end, I added two more: Sheraton D Cube City and IP Boutique Hotel.  Two days before my arrival in Seoul, I had booked a Deluxe room with breakfast at Sheraton D Cube City for 164,000 South Korean won (incl. Tax KRW180,400 = EUR122)

Pic: Honeymoon Suite Living room at Sheraton Seoul D Cube City (Feb 2012)
Airport limousine bus 6018 (KRW15000) dropped me off at the Entrance Foyer where I was greeted by name by a friendly front desk staff member.  I had been in touch with General Manager David Cuddon prior to my stay, who apparently had briefed his staff about my visit.  After being guided to The Sheraton Club lounge on the 38th floor, I was welcomed by Room Division Manager Nick Song.  I was upgraded to a 72 m² ‘Honeymoon Suite’ on the 30th floor (3014) and provided with access to the Sheraton Club lounge which included complimentary internet access, evening cocktails and Canapes, DVD rental, etc… 

Pic: Working desk of Honeymoon Suite (Feb 2012)

Pic: Honeymoon Suite Bathroom at Sheraton Seoul D Cube City (Feb 2012)
The suite was fabulous.  Living room with TV connected to digital sound system, iPod docking, working desk, full minibar, fresh fruit platter on the table, etc…  Bedroom with awesome design, daytime bed, big tv, separate restroom. Bathroom with huge oversized bathtub with amazing views over Seoul, walk-in shower with steambath functionality.

Pic: View from bathroom at Sheraton Seoul D Cube City (Feb 2012)
But what made my stay most enjoyable was the hotel staff.  The enthusiastic and well trained staff made me feel very welcome at this new Sheraton property.  While not in the same price category, the hotel delivered a service level which could compete with the Park Hyatt Seoul.  Sheraton Seoul D Cube City will definitely end up in the top 5 of Seoul hotels on Tripadvisor!

Video: Honeymoon Suite at Sheraton Seoul D Cube City (Feb 2012)

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Suite at Porto Bay Rio Internacional Copacabana

Posted on December 16, 2011 | 4 Comments


Pic: Exterior Porto Bay Rio Internacional Hotel Copacabana Beach (Dec 2011)
Pic: View on Copacabana Beach from Porto Bay Rio de Janeiro (Dec 2011)

Pic: View on Copacabana Beach from my suite at Porto Bay Rio de Janeiro
Finding decent and affordable hotel accommodation in Rio de Janeiro can be quite a challenge.  A brief look at Tripadvisor’s hotel list reveals the highly inflated prices.  I guess this is because of high demand and limited availability.  The city also lacks the presence of several international hotel chains with those present only having a limited number of properties.  IHG abandoned it’s only hotel property last October after a hostage drama and shootout on Aug 21, 2010 at it’s InterContinental luxury hotel.
Since I couldn’t burn any points at my favorite hotel chains, cash was the only option for my Rio trip early December.  My first three nights were booked at Novotel Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont with a daily rate of EUR105 including breakfast.  The room was small but looked new as the hotel opened only a year ago.  Free WiFi and acceptable breakfast.  Location close to the domestic Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) and Lapa, but not near the beach.  I had hoped to cash in on my freshly achieved A-Club Platinum status (via HSBC referral link) but it resulted in zero perks at this Accor property.  Not an unusual event for the A-Club loyalty program.

Pic: Suite at Porto Bay Rio Internacional – Classic chairs (Dec 2011)
For my last night, I decided to splurge and book at one of the few luxury hotels in Rio, the Porto Bay Rio Internacional.  As they had no availability via their own site, I booked via OctopusTravel.com and paid EUR192,50 for a Superior Room with breakfast.  Upon arrival I was upgraded to a Suite, the highest room category with a rack rate of BRL2507 (EUR1030!)  I guess adding @PortoBay on twitter had something to do with it. :)   The staff spoke perfect English, was friendly and the rooftop pool offered breathtaking views on Copacabana Beach.  I think my pictures and video speak for themselves,  Porto Bay Rio Internacional is a highly recommended property for your next visit to Rio de Janeiro!

Pic: Suite at Porto Bay Rio Internacional – Living room (Dec 2011)

Pic: Suite at Porto Bay Rio Internacional – Sofa (Dec 2011)

Pic: Suite at Porto Bay Rio Internacional – Overview (Dec 2011)

Pic: Suite at Porto Bay Rio Internacional – Working Desk (Dec 2011)

Pic: Suite at Porto Bay Rio Internacional – King Size Bed (Dec 2011)

Pic: Suite at Porto Bay Rio Internacional – Bedroom (Dec 2011)

Pic: Suite at Porto Bay Rio Internacional – Bathroom (Dec 2011)

Pic: Suite at Porto Bay Rio Internacional – Amenities by L’Occitane (Dec 2011)

Pic: Suite Porto Bay Rio Internacional – Personalized housekeeping (Dec 2011)

Pic: Suite at Porto Bay Rio Internacional – Overview (Dec 2011)
Video: Suite at Porto Bay Rio Internacional (Dec 2011)

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Accor Hotels Super Sale 50% Off

Posted on November 19, 2011 | 1 Comment


Accor Hotels currently has a Super Sale with discounts of 50% for reservations made before November 26, 2011 applicable to all stays between 11th December 2011 and 12th February 2012 at participating hotels.  Make sure to enter your A|Club account number to be eligible for the 50% discount.  No A-Club member yet?  Free instant A-club Platinum (100% bonus points, room upgrades, late check-out, etc… ) via this link.  Update 22/11: Free Platinum offer expired.  Sign-up for free A-Club Gold account at A-Club.com using promo code “ACLUBFROHMYGOLD2011″ Update Jan 05, 2012: The A|Club instant Platinum sign-up link is active again! Update Jan 09, 2012: The Free Platinum offer code is no longer valid.

Below a selection of great deals I found using the 50% discount promo.  At many properties the 50% discount also applies to suites which results in even more value for your money.  Note Accor hotels offers lower rates for single occupancy, below offers are based on double occupancy.  Sample dates used are Dec 16-17 unless otherwise stated.  There are many more deals hidden between the 1300 participating hotels, please share your findings in the comments field of this post.  Thank you.

Junior Suite at Pullman Dubai Mall of the Emirates for EUR 126
Check the Accor Hotel Dubai list for more great rates with this promo.
Venice Carnival – Junior Suite at Papadopoli Venezia for EUR 191
Enjoy the Venice Carnival opening weekend (Feb 10-12, 2012) at this awesome rate!
Deluxe Suite at Novotel Bucharest City Centre for EUR 142
Read my review of this massive suite with jacuzzi, highly recommended!  Rate available during Christmas and NYE weekend too!
Executive Suite at Novotel Brussels off Grand’Place for EUR 117
Executive Aisawan Club Suite at Pullman Pattaya Aisawan for EUR 95
Stayed at this hotel in August, read my review.
Grand Deluxe Suite at VIE Hotel Bangkok – MGallery for EUR 58
Stayed at this suite in August, read my review.
Muse Residence King at Hotel Muse Bangkok for EUR 87
Fabulous new design hotel in Bangkok, check the website.
Executive Premier suite at Novotel Beijing Peace for EUR 94
Superior Suite at Pullman Beijing West Wanda for EUR 90
2 Bedroom Suite at Novotel Bali Nusa Dua Hotel for EUR 109

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Regency Suite at Hyatt Regency Cancun

Posted on June 5, 2011 | 3 Comments

Pic: View from my Regency Suite at Hyatt Regency Cancun (Jun 2011)Pic: Regency Suite Bedroom at Hyatt Regency Cancun (Jun 2011)
I’m currently enjoying a 10 9 night stay (arrived one day late thanks to Continental Airlines – United) at the Hyatt Regency Cancun.  The main reason for this trip is to secure my Gold Passport Diamond level for the next two years using the Gold Passport Status Match Challenge.  At arrival I was assigned a Regency Suite King with Ocean view (room 1115).  I used two Suite Upgrade Awards to exchange my King room for a Regency Suite at the time of booking.  Initially I was disappointed with the view.  The room was facing the ocean, but you couldn’t see the Cancun bay.  I went back to the front desk and requested a room facing the bay.  The front desk attendant told me no Regency Suites facing the bay were available, but I should come back the next day at 1pm to check if I could move to an other room.  I was fine with that, as I would stay 9 nights anyway.  Once back in my room, I got a call from John, the Chief Concierge at Hyatt Regency Cancun.  He wanted to check why I didn’t like the room and if he could offer a solution.  Ten minutes later I could pick-up new keys for a Regency Suite (room 1220) with view on the bay.  Now that’s customer service!

Pic: Arial Para Sailing view of Hyatt Regency Cancun (Jun 2011)

Pic: Nighttime view from Regency Suite at Hyatt Regency Cancun (Jun 2011)

Pic: Lobby Area at Hyatt Regency Cancun (Jun 2011)

Pic: Lobby Area and O restaurant at Hyatt Regency Cancun (Jun 2011)

Pic: Main Pool Area at Hyatt Regency Cancun (Jun 2011)

Pic: Pool Area at Hyatt Regency Cancun (Jun 2011)

Pic: Pool Lounge Chairs at Hyatt Regency Cancun (Jun 2011)

Pic: Pool with beach view at Hyatt Regency Cancun (Jun 2011)

Pic: The Beach House Spa Cabana at Hyatt Regency Cancun (Jun 2011)

Pic: Cabanas with beach view at Hyatt Regency Cancun (Jun 2011)

Pic: Cabana with beach view at Hyatt Regency Cancun (Jun 2011)

Pic: Stunning beach at Hyatt Regency Cancun (Jun 2011)
Video: Regency Suite at Hyatt Regency Cancun (Jun 2011)

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