Bart Lapers
Visiting Every Country In The World
Premier Suite at InterContinental Hua Hin Resort
Pic: Hotel Sign InterContinental Hua Hin Resort (Feb 2011)
Pic: Lobby InterContinental Hua Hin Resort (Feb 2011)
Early February 2011, I stayed at InterContinental Hua Hin with a Chinese friend. For transportation from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport to Hua Hin, we used the limo service of www.huahintaxiairport.com
We were charged 4200 baht (EUR 100) for the return trip BKK airport -> IC Hua Hin -> IC Bangkok in a brand new Toyota Camry.
Pic: Guest Lounge at InterContinental Hua Hin Resort (Feb 2011)
Pic: Lee La Bar at InterContinental Hua Hin Resort (Feb 2011)
My Chinese friend had a week off for Chinese New Year and so had 1 billion other Chinese citizen. Rates had skyrocketed at IC Hua Hin, but I had no other choice than to stay that particular week. I had booked a Deluxe Suite with breakfast for 8974 thb per night (EUR 213, VAT and Service Charge included) and got upgrade to a Premier Ocean View Suite (one level upgrade) as per Gold Ambassador benefits. At that time I wasn’t a Royal Ambassador yet (two level upgrade).
Pic: Premier Suite Bedroom at InterContinental Hua Hin Resort (Feb 2011)
Pic: Bath at Premier Suite InterContinental Hua Hin Resort (Feb 2011)
Pic: Daytime Bed Balcony Premier Suite InterContinental Hua Hin (Feb 2011)
When we checked-in at the Premier Suite, I noticed there was no jacuzzi on the balcony as stated in the suite descriptions on the official IC website. Instead we found an empty balcony with two chairs and a second terrace with a daytime bed. When I made an inquiry at the frontdesk, the supervisor stated they were unaware about the incorrect suite descriptions and informed us only some suites had a jacuzzi. She showed us a Deluxe Suite with jacuzzi and offered to downgrade us. As the deluxe suite was closer to the noisy road, didn’t have an ocean view and didn’t have a separate guest room, I refused the downgrade. The supervisor promised they would ask IHG to update the suite descriptions and that actually happened a few days later. If I would visit IC Hua Hin again, I would go for a Premier Suite with Pool Terrace as those have direct access to a (shared) pool. See my video below for more details.
Pic: Pool Cabana at InterContinental Hua Hin Resort (Feb 2011)
Pic: Swimming Pool Shower at InterContinental Hua Hin Resort (Feb 2011)
Pic: Pool Cabana at InterContinental Hua Hin Resort (Feb 2011)
Pic: In-Pool Jacuzzi at InterContinental Hua Hin Resort (Feb 2011)
Pic: In-Pool Jacuzzi by night at InterContinental Hua Hin Resort (Feb 2011)
Pic: Main Swimming Pool by night at InterContinental Hua Hin (Feb 2011)
Pic: Guest Patio by night at InterContinental Hua Hin (Feb 2011)
Malapascua Island in the Philippines
Pic: Bounty Beach, Malapascua Island, Philippines (Nov 2011)
Pic: Tapanee Beach Resort, Malapascua Island (Nov 2011)
Earlier this month, I had the pleasure to visit the Philippines. As I had already visited the island of Boracay in 2008, I was looking for new exotic island to discover. Originally I was thinking about Bohol, the number 1 tourist destination for visitors arriving in Cebu. Eugene, a Russian CouchSurfer, came up with a different proposal: diving at Malapascua island. We met at Cebu North Bus Terminal and joined the Filipinos on the bus to Maya. The four hour ride along scenic routes cost us 160 Philippine Pesos, which is less than 3 euro. In Maya, a banca (local ferry) sailed us to Malapascua island in less than half an hour for 80 pesos.
Pic: Bart enjoying one of Malapascua’s beautiful beaches (Nov 2011)
Pic: Bounty Beach at Malapascua Island in the Philippines (Nov 2011)
As Eugene had already booked at Moonlight Resort, I joined him. Eugene had booked a deluxe room with fan and was quoted PHP 700 by the Austrian owner who runs the place from Austria and visits on regular bases. I was quoted almost the double PHP 1300 for a deluxe room with aircon. Turned out these rooms where exactly the same, only the aircon was disabled at Eugene’s room. Moonlight is located a 10 minute walk from Bounty beach, which makes it much cheaper than some of the other properties along Bounty Beach. The walk from the beach leads you through the local village which gives it extra charm. The accommodation was clean and spacious, had friendly staff and served acceptable breakfast. Unfortunately, my stay at Malapascua was limited to three days, but I used the opportunity to renew my PADI Advanced Open Water diving license with a Scuba Review at Thresher Shark Divers. Excellent dive guidance by instructor Angus, great food and drinks at Oscar’s and everything at very affordable prices.
Video: Lovely Filipina introduces us to Malapascua Island
Accor Hotels Super Sale 50% Off
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
Business Class Deluxe room at Radisson Blu Cebu
Pic: Guarded entrance gate Radisson Blu Cebu, Philippines (Nov 2011)
Pic: Hotel sign at entrance Radisson Blu Cebu (Nov 2011)
For my first night in the Philippines, I booked a room at the number 1 rated hotel for Cebu City on Tripadvisor, Radisson Blu Cebu. I paid 3829 PHP (EUR 65) for a single Deluxe Room + 695 PHP (EUR 12) for the hotel’s airport transfer service to avoid the hassle with local taxi drivers. At check-in I requested if they had any upgrades available for Club Carlson Gold members (obtained via status match). I was told no rooms were available yet (1PM) but if I waited for one hour or so I could get a Business Class Deluxe room. I agreed and went for a shopping spree at next door’s SM City Mall. When I returned at 2.30PM, my Business Class Deluxe room (628) was ready. When collecting my room key, the front desk lady noticed the stack of hotel loyalty cards in my wallet and promptly offered me complimentary Club Lounge access on top of my room upgrade. “You must travel a lot Sir” 🙂
Pic: Business Class Deluxe room at Radisson Blu Cebu (Nov 2011)
Pic: King Size Bed Business Class Deluxe room at Radisson Blu Cebu (Nov 2011)
Pic: Business Class Deluxe room at Radisson Blu Cebu (Nov 2011)
Pic: Club Lounge at Radisson Blu Cebu (Nov 2011)
Pic: Club Lounge Breakfast Spread at Radisson Blu Cebu (Nov 2011)
Pic: Pool at Radisson Blu Cebu (Nov 2011)
Pic: Poolside food (Caesar Salad) at Radisson Blu Cebu (Nov 2011)
Lufthansa Welcome Lounge Frankfurt
Pic: Lufthansa Welcome Lounge at Frankfurt Airport (Nov 2011)
Pic: Staircase to Lufthansa Welcome Lounge Showers (Nov 2011)
Pic: Waiting Area of Lufthansa Welcome Lounge Showers (Nov 2011)
This morning I had the pleasure to enjoy a heavenly shower and breakfast at the Lufthansa Welcome Lounge at Frankfurt Airport (also know as Lufthansa Arrival Lounge) Entry conditions to the lounge are quite strict, see this Welcome Lounge Access Quick Reference Card. As Lufthansa FTL (Frequent Traveller) arriving from Singapore (A380) I was granted access to the lounge along with +-40 other guests. All 28 private bathrooms were occupied at 6.15am on Monday morning, but after 5 minutes of waiting I was assigned shower number 13. All bathrooms have L’Occitane Luxury amenities and clean towels. No extra’s like hair comb, toothbrush, dental kit, etc… so make sure the bring your own. Not sure if there are larger bathrooms for HON Circle members, First Class guests and Senators, but they do get an extra which isn’t available for FTL members: free ironing service. The bathrooms are located in the basement, on the entrance floor you’ll find lounge facilities similar to other Lufthansa Senator lounges offering hot and cold breakfast dishes incl. pancakes and eggs to order. WiFi is free, as in all Lufthansa lounges since July 2011.
Pic: L’Occitane Luxury Amenities at Lufthansa Welcome Lounge (Nov 2011)
Pic: Private bathroom at Lufthansa Welcome Lounge Frankfurt (Nov 2011)
Pic: L’Occitane Bathroom Amenities at Lufthansa Welcome Lounge (Nov 2011)
Pic: Private Bathroom at Lufthansa Welcome Lounge Frankfurt (Nov 2011)
Pic: Shower of Private Bathroom at Lufthansa Welcome Lounge (Nov 2011)
Video: Private Bathroom at Lufthansa Welcome Lounge Frankfurt (Nov 2011)
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