Grand Mutiara, Berastagi, Medan

Just came back last night from Medan for our 3 days 2 nights (shopping?) visit. This is again DIY trip, so everything were squeezed according to budget constraint. Our flight to Medan was at 740am, and that means overnight drive from JB to LCCT. We decided to stay at one of those lodge at Nilai considering our wee hours flight. At Nilai we stayed at Lodge No. 1 for some 4 excruciating hours. That stay cost RM 80 for (what the boss called..) family room. Spacious enough, comes with hot shower, towel and silly smell. The bed (hate to recall..), but that's what you get when you're on budget. Come on, that 4 hours were not that bad.

At around 4.30am we woke up, get dressed and head up to LCCT. Arrived at around 5.30am and LCCT has already bustling with people. I did the self check in at home and bought the boarding pass with those luggages at the baggage drop counter. Breezed through and at 6.50am we were already at the departure hall. The flight took off on time and in less than an hour, we have already seen Indonesian shores. Medan when we landed was still at dusk and we landed at time we board the plane (Medan is an hour behind KL). Its 840am in KL actually.

Upon immigration clerance, we saw some people wearing uniform hovering our luggage and they said they wanted to check whether we collected our rightful luggage. Seemed weird a man even asked my luggage slip for check and when he verified our luggage, he straight away towed our luggage out. Well that was not for free! He did not asked for a fee, but knowing Indonesia airport quite well, I just gave him some thousands and politely turned down further assistance. We just do not want to spend our IDR on them!

We have pre arranged a driver, and that service was quite hefty. IDR 650k for 1 day plus another 250k for trip to Berastagi. We spent 1.7million for driver only for that 3 days. Driver service in Bandung is more affordable I think, 450k to 500k per day. Our driver was an old man who knew every nook and corner of Medan, and upon arrival, we straight away speed off to Berastagi.

My pick in Berastagi was Grand Mutiara and a room cost 600k. Grand Mutiara is an old resort but is well maintained. There is a swimming pool and although it looks appealing, the temperature is just too low for a swim. There is another good hotel nearby, Mikie Holiday but the rate is just to expensive. Our standard room comes with balcony facing some retaining walls, perhaps the one overlooking the main road is better. Standard in room facilities, huge room with 2 queen size beds. No fridge, no electric kettle. Hot shower is not available 24 hours, it only available at 6 to 9 am and 6 to 9pm. They gave sign when the service start and ends (sigh!). You'll experience some power surge when the service starts and ends, perhaps the use nuclear powered generator or something wahaha.

Euljiro Coop Residence, Seoul

We stayed in Coop Euljiro for 6 nights and i must say that this hotel exceed my expectation. We paid USD495 for 6 nights and for me, this place is indeed very awesome. The airport coach stop right in front the hotel (take 6001 for KWN14K) and the journey takes around an hour from ICN airport. The hotel lobby is small and PC with internet is available for free, just in case you need to update the facebook status. Just remember to change the PC language to EN otherwise all you see is Korean. The room is small enough for two people but interestingly, complete with stove and microwave. Kitchen utensils are also available for use. Bathroom is small but all are functioning well. The floor is heated and if the room become too stuffy with the heat, there an aircond to soothe the interior. We bring few clothes and we do our laundry on our own using the washing machine available at the basement 1. Each wash cost KWN4k that complete with a pack of detergent and softener for extra good smell. Subway is nearby, GS25/family mart are also nearby. If you are staying on low level, things might get noisy a bit. We stayed at 14th floor and still the noise is unbearable. There's a park nearby the hospital and it mostly filled with foreign nationals playing cricket or something. My favorite, doota is nearby and just a short walk to dangdaemun fashion market. if you wish to start the scenic river walk, this is suppose to be a good starting point. Overall i will definitely stay here again.

Asmila Boutique Hotel, Jl Setiabudhi, BDO

We were stunned! We should stay here for the whole 3 nights of our trip. This is truly a bargain, well rate per night is somehow expensive, IDR 720k or close to RM260 per night, but, the location is just too awesome. Yup, the famous Rumah Mode is just in front of our very own eyes. We were told by our hired driver that Rumah Mode is just in front of this hotel. We were a bit skeptical, it can't be that close we guess, but it is truly there! right, smack in front of this hotel. It just a matter of time waiting the door of rumah mode to be open before we begin our scouring for clothing. My wife even spare and used up all our IDR balance here (me got few t-shirts also hehe).

The hotel is just perfect. The provide airport shuttle plus hearty breakfast the following morning. I remember their tasty sausages and many food selection available at the coffee house. Our room is a perfect one and a retreat. They provide a standard king size bed and a big couch that double as extra bed. I slept here that night, giving way to my daughter and wife to enjoy the space hehe. Our room during our stay is a deluxe (they don't have standard) that comes with complimentary fruit platter (waited for this, unfortunately it failed to arrive :( ), mini bar (2 drinks, oreo and a packet of lays) and another thing, they give us free hi-tea that afternoon. What else we should asked for hehe. We don't notice much their facilities since we are busy enjoying the room and rumah mode. However, we did notice that they have a small swimming pool somewhere near the washroom. Nobody swim there is guess. Their staff is very friendly while attending to guest, they are prompt and plus, they provide free room service when I asked for porridge for my daughter. We end up paying RM 340 for that night and that comes with a good laundry service. My conclusion: Great place, a bit pricey but worth every penny. Chances to stay again: Absolutely!, Plus point: Rumah Mode, FOs, McD nearby.

Our room. That window is facing directly to rumah mode.

Amaris Hotel (by Santika), Cimanuk

Stayed here on 23rd April 2011 and booked a room through Agoda. First I thought Agoda works as Booking.com (pay when check out), however they actually remit the payment once booking was made. I then received a voucher which need to be shown upon check in. Experience wise, this hotel adopt minimalist concept in their deco. We were given a room at the ground floor which is located near to the check in counter, water dispenser and 1 public wash room. The room is very simple, small LCD though, but our room comes with a huge bathroom. No bath tub, the bathroom is just as big beyond the normal attached bathroom. They have a 'tiny' swimming pool in front of the check in counter and directly facing the common eating area (no restaurant). I doubt who is gonna swim there as it just 2 feet deep. However, I saw a child took a dip while we were busy having out breakfast the following morning. As we do not own a transport to go for dinner nor they offer a room service, we resorted of calling Pizza delivery for dinner. Service is so minimal here even they don't provide direct dial for us to order our pizza. As far I can remember, we check out so early the following morning since it is a bit difficult for us staying there. I remember paying RM 170 for the room and I am sure, i can get better deal elsewhere. One plus point of this hotel is the breakfast. They provide quite a hearty meal the following morning. Some photos in Amaris:

Conclusion: Very quiet near to Gedung Satay, food - good, Service minimal - no room service, Swimming pool - very small and shallow (convert to fish pond, it will be better), chances to stay again - will consider other option. Plus factor - food ok, near to Jalan Riau - Heritage, Cascade few other FOs, Toko Coklat, 5 a Sec (Laundry) and Gedung Satay.

Photo 1 - The breakfast, hearty yumm..
Photo 2 - Bathroom - very 'roomy' can double as extra place to sleep.
Photo 3 - Our room - love the feature wall paint colour.

Marvella Hotel, Jl. Sinargalih, BDO

We stayed here for 1 night on our recent trip to bandung. The hotel was booked by our hired driver. Originally we plan to stay in Guntur for our day 1, however, due to their long weekend which started on 22-24 April 2011, no room was available as per our request. We arrived at the hotel late and room price was paid during check in. Our deluxe room rate was IDR 310k and that I consider a bargain. They have standard which cost less than IDR 300 per night. Breakfast is serve/deliver to our room and the standard fried rice and tea is quite satisfying. Room service is available 24 hrs. The hotel is located close to Jl. Setiabudi which the famous FO is located, however, public cab (during my stay) was not spotted during my stay (perhaps the hotel may arrange).

At first I thought the hotel name is 'Marsela' so I google around and found no hit for it. The actual name is actually "marvella'. It is a new hotel, they have 2 separate sections, most of the standard are in the new block while deluxe rooms are located facing the yards. There is an open area fronting our deluxe room and cars are allowed to park at the area. This hotel is a champion in term of its pricing and perhaps location, but those who look for more service, space and amenities, this may not be the place. Overall, chances to stay again = moderate, food = fried rice and tea - satisfying, others = ok.

Azio Hotel Langkawi

In many places we stay, we like this hotel very much because there is a duty free shop just down our hotel room. Yes, just climb down the stairs and chocolates are there in the duty free shop. We book online and we get rm95 for 1 night. The hotel location is great as it sits right in the middle of pandak mayah town centre. However, looking for the hotel is not that easy task as it located at the end row of pandak mayah. We went all the way to the jetty kuah just to locate the hotel. When we checked in, there was only 1 lady manning the front desk. There is no kettle available but they provide water heater somewhere on the hotel floor. Bathroom is rather funny in term of design, they have glass wall which obviously not tinted or obscured. Your partner will be able to see you inside the bathroom and that I consider funny. The bathroom however, comes with simple PVC curtain so you can peek-a-boo with your partner who is doing her business. Overall, chances to stay again = must when visiting langkawi, food = not provided (find seafood in Langkawi), Parking = free, lock properly, Great because = duty free + night market weekend.

Cititel Express Kota Kinabalu

One of the smallest room we have ever stayed besides tune hotel. Even the front desk guy remind us before we enter into our room "Please do not be surprised, our room is small", and he means it, it really small. Inside the room, there is a bed, cupboard couple as divider to bathroom, small alleyway beside our bed, and one side of the bed is actually sits right at the window. We have to squeeze in and take turn to move inside the room. Rate was good, we booked early and we got less than rm100 for 1 night. Location wise is great, right in the middle of KK and walking distance to major attraction. Parking spaces are available in front of the hotel with fee. Breakfast is included in the room rate but expect descent nasi lemak and some noodles only. Overall, likely to stay again = will weight other option, food = descent, activity = drooling, Location = centre, great for sightseeing. Rating = 8/10. Like the rate.

Mount Kinabalu Heritage and Spa Kundasang

Picturesque and the most beautiful place I ever been. Google this place for quite sometime before deciding to stay in one of its chalet. We were given a unit which face directly the mount Kinabalu. Kundasang is midway to Ranau, and temperature may plummeted at night. This hotel is located on top of a hill and there is a serious climbing should you wish to go there. Rate was around RM 200 for the chalet and its worth the view. However, please do not expect a sturdy chalet as units are constructed with lightweight materials. The wall is so thin and we can even feel the coldness from the weather. That night, we were hoping that night will pass quick since it was so cold in there. There were a family and a couple staying in a unit near us and we believe they are hoping the same too ehhe. View at dusk is so great. The peak of mount kinabalu is visible should the weather is fine. Overall = chances to stay again = Low, food = descent breakfast, activity = no idea. Perfect for = honeymooner + poets +photographers.

Equatorial Cameron Highland

Definitely a great place! We stayed here sometime in 2009 and room rate was not cheap. It costs us around RM400 per night and that includes a yummy breakfast and buffet dinner spread for two. yes, buffet dinner for two. Up there, nothing much you can do at night (especially during weekend + rain) as Brinchang town will be jammed packed with tourists flocking to the night market. This hotel sits near to a local market where endless vegies/flowers are sold. Vegies look fresh, but price-wise is comparable to that in KL (perhaps we don't eat vegetables that much). Hotel seems old but well maintained. Food is extremely delicious and nothing remind me better than the best breakfast and dinner. We had a Deepavali themed dinner that night and that taste so good. There is a fireplace somewhere in the lobby, and there are people who sits so close as it seems that they will fall asleep there and not in their room. Parking is free and there is a covered parking at the basement. We had a few round of billiards that night and that's it. Overall = pricing, hefty, Food = goodilicious. Chances to stay again = definitely. Rating = 9/10.

Thistle PD

We stayed in this hotel sometime in 2010 and we book our room through booking.com, I must say sometime, it worth trying because who knows what you may get through website like that. The rate that was offered to us was less than RM 200 for weekend, and that includes breakfast. Ok, PD beach is not that good after all, but this hotel comes with huge swimming pool. I was told by someone that this hotel was previously belong to other brand, but recently rebrand as Thistle. Room is spacious with all basic stuff you can expect from a hotel and all rooms come with private balcony. Ours were actually country view, but somehow we manage to get upgrade to sea view. Though room rate was not that cheap, occupancy rate was consider high during our stay, mainly local I think. Breakfast was descent and nothing special. Quite hard to find an empty seat and I think they should improve the food replenishing pace. Overall, price-wise = not friendly, condition = great swimming pool, food = need improvement. Overall rating = 7/10. Likely to stay again = Yes.