Sunday, January 15, 2017

Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa

As a person who was born and bred in Sarawak, I was quite embarrassed whenever non-Sarawakians asked me if I had been to Mulu. After all, it is just an hour's flight from Miri, and Miri is just next door to Bintulu.

So for our 10th anniversary last month, we decided to get acquainted with Mulu. And there is no better way to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary other than kick back in style and experience luxury stay-cation at Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa.

When we arrived at Mulu Airport, we were immediately whisked away to the resort on a charming open-window tourist bus complimentary from Mulu Marriott. Our Mulu adventure had begun!

We were greeted by friendly staff who handed us cold drinks and towels to freshen up after our early morning flight. There was a little bit of a glitch with the credit card terminal at the resort, but the lady staff quickly assured us that it was no trouble at all since our booking was made via Booking.com (I was initially quite worried because I didn't bring sufficient cash to cover for hotel bills should there be any problem with the credit card charge).

While I was preoccupied with checking in, our kids were entertained with a complimentary colouring book and kit that came in Marriott pouch bag. How thoughtful of them!

After we checked in, we were accompanied to our room which was just a 100m away from the lobby. The lush forest surrounding the resort gave away a sense of calm and serenity, as we prepared to get disconnected from the rest of the world (there is no Wi-Fi available in all rooms, while mobile network is also limited). We truly felt that we were on vacation at this point.

Stepping into the room, we couldn't help but marvel at the ornate room that we called our home for a couple of days afterwards. Nothing is spared to go 'au naturel' with the resort surroundings in the interior of the room, from the furnishings that are accented with 'belian' (local hardwood), to the carefully orchestrated hues of natural colours used in the room. The result? A handsome, modernly-furnished room that deserved the five-star rating of the resort.

Deluxe Riverside room

When it comes to amenities, everything that is offered at a five-star resort in the heart of a city is also available in Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa. We loved the modern coffee machine to unwind, and the refreshing rain shower in the bathroom after a hard day exploring the famous Mulu caves.

The view from the other side

Love the simplicity of the bathroom design.

Soak up in warm bath after a long day discovering Mulu rainforest, or freshen up under the rain shower before going off on the next adventure. Both are available.

Tea (and coffee) making facilities.

All rooms are appointed with a private balcony overlooking Melinau river or the rainforest

Early morning stroll view. The resort is designed in the style of Sarawak's longhouses, elevated on 15-foot stilts and connected by suspended walkway

I would also highly recommend those going to stay at Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa to sign up room package with breakfast. Although their breakfast spread is rather limited (don't expect to see egg station here), the food is marvellous. Probably we survived the long walks and tiring climbs in the caves thanks to hearty breakfasts we took here.

The beautiful high ceiling lent Marriott Cafe a spacious feel

And what is a resort stay without sampling the spa? After 2 days of adventure in Mulu National Park, a 2-hour spa session at the famous Mandara Spa helped me to restore my energy and of course, rubbed off muscle soreness.

Mandara Spa

The reading room, where guests could also use the computer here to print their boarding pass for the return journey

The lounge area where guests could relax and use the Wi-Fi facility, which we didn't use because we loved our room more.

All in all, Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa is definitely worth our time and money. The facilities, surrounding and hospitality of the staff deserved nothing but praises from us. We certainly look forward to be their guests again in the near future.

Verdict: 10/10

Monday, January 09, 2017

Pullman Miri Waterfront

December is my favourite month because we normally make plans to travel during this special month. The best part of travel is getting to sample hotels and our latest try-out is none other than Pullman Miri Waterfront.

The latest addition to hotel industry in Miri, Pullman Miri Waterfront is certainly giving other hotels a run for their money. Strategically located in the heart of Miri town, the hotel is easily accessible by public transport, 5 minutes away from major shopping centres and 15 minutes away from Miri Airport.

The hotel offers 328 tastefully decorated rooms that overlooks the ocean and river below. The deluxe room that we booked is equipped with modern amenities that cater to the needs of well-connected travelers such as complimentary Wi-Fi in the room and USB charging ports.

What is a stay-cation without sampling the hotel's breakfast spread? While not comparable to Marriott Miri's lavish buffet breakfast, Pullman Miri's buffet choice is not too bad either. Local cuisines such as rice porridge set, laksa Sarawak, mee rebus and roti canai compete with intercontinental menu (choices of egg-based breakfast, bread and butter, cereal, fresh salad and many more). What a perfect way to start our morning.

Subtle colors of beige and grey with a touch of pale green promote chill and relaxing atmosphere in the room

Entertainment comes in the form of 42-inch LED smart TV with satellite channels

Bathroom is equipped with a bathtub, incorporating minimal yet stylish design

Signature Pullman toiletries

Other hotel amenities include steam iron, ironing board, bathrobe and many more

Forgot to bring your charger? Fret not, just plug in the USB cable to charge your devices

A stylish remote control holder

Monday, December 05, 2016

Pullman Kuala Lumpur City Centre Hotel and Residences

With its location in the heart of Kuala Lumpur and within close proximity of a renowned shopping mall (only a stone's throw away from Pavillion KL), makes Pullman Kuala Lumpur City Centre Hotel and Residences (Pullman KLCC) a much sought-after accommodation amongst tourists and out-of-town travellers.

Previously known as Prince Hotel & Residence, the hotel was taken over by the AccorHotels and rebranded as Pullman KLCC. It offers 445 rooms and 157 serviced apartments to cater to the needs of travellers from business to family. Pullman KLCC recently completed revamping its facilities to offer a new two-bedroom family suite and other family facilities including children's area.

Yet much is still needed to be done to bring the recently acquired property up to par with Pullman brand standards. The room that I walked into, despite being clean, was rather dated. I couldn't help feeling slightly let down by the sight of its worn carpet and jaded furniture.

Yet what they are still lacking in terms of revamped facilities, they made up with great services and top of the rack hospitality one could find in any five-star hotel. Not to mention, their mouthwatering breakfast and lunch spread could tempt even the most fastidious diner.

Since it's been quite some time since I last travel on business, I forgot to ask the front desk personnel to change the billing address to my company's, much to my distress a few days later upon submitting my claims. A few phone calls after that, the account receivable department helpfully re-issued my tax invoice as per request which was what I call a true hospitality of the AccorHotels.

Do try out this hotel when you are in KL to experience the shopping scene just across the street.

Verdict: 8/10

Pullman KLCC had not done much to rejuvenate their newly acquired property

The room design has yet to adopt the expansive and open concept that you could find in newer hotels

The luxurious bathroom has lost its grandeur to time and in crying need to be upgraded

The sink area

There's a bathtub in the room, which overlooks the toilet (something you wouldn't find in newer interior design)

The Pullman toiletries

A look inside their wardrobe

Beverage station

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

C'haya Hotel Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Visiting Kota Kinabalu, one should not have to worry about where to stay as there are plenty of current and new establishments offering decent accommodation at decent price.

If you are a traveler on a transit or having early morning flight, you would probably want to look for a hotel that is near to the KKIA Airport such as C'haya Hotel.

The room layout

We booked a Standard room at this hotel during our trip to KK a couple of months back as we need a place to rest for the night before our long journey back to Sarawak the next day. The 230sqft room is appointed with a queen bed, flat screen tv, a working desk, a small built in cupboard and a window seat which my girls loved very much.

Flat screen TV hung on the wall to optimize space

Although the room is quite cramped for a family, for a single traveler it is a cozy space to wind down and relax.

The bathroom is modern and stylish, with a standing rain shower blocked by glass panel.

Bathroom is done in black and white (but mostly black)

The toilet is equipped with hand bidet

The shower area

Basic toiletries (toothbrush and toothpaste are not provided)

Standard room is available at RM157++ and bookings can be done via booking.com and other travel sites. Do check out their rooftop pool which offers amazing view of the Tanjung Aru area.

Verdict: 7/10

Sunday, November 13, 2016

Le Meridien Putrajaya

Fancy staying at a 5-star hotel which is adjacent to a shopping mall without breaking the bank? Then hop over to Le Meridien Putrajaya for an enjoyable stay-cation. The hotel which is part of the Starwood Hotels & Resorts chain opened its doors this year, offering 353 modern rooms to cater to various groups of guests.

I was delighted to find myself with the opportunity to experience this brand new hotel recently when I had to attend a meeting in KL. The warm hospitality of the staff greeted me first thing as the concierge opened the cab door for me. Checking in was hassle-free and I was pleased to be given my preferred room which is near the elevator.

Stepping into the hotel room, you couldn't help but notice the ultra-clean air inside. The room is spacious without being too bare, and the lighting is cozy without being too dim. I fell in love with the room instantly.

Welcome to Le Meridien Putrajaya

The very cozy king size bed with premium bed sheet covers to send you off to a good dream

Ergonomic chair at the working desk guarantees that you could work for hours comfortably

The room is tastefully decorated with contemporary furniture and vibrant colors that exude elegance and modern haute. I couldn't help but wish I had this kind of bedroom sanctuary to retreat to every day after work. A 50-inch plasma TV adorned the wall opposite the king-size bed for those who loves to lie in while surfing the satellite channels. WiFi is available throughout the hotel without additional charge.

The modern bathroom done in shades of black, chrome and red

While the toiletries are not exactly designer brand, this doesn't deter me from enjoying a luxurious bath and catching up on some reading, all the while surrounded by the fresh scent of the shower gel. My only peeve with the bathtub is it takes forever to fill it up only to find myself in half-empty bathtub a short while later as the drain stopper doesn't stop the water from seeping through.

Love the spacious bathtub with ample room on its sides and end to keep your book / tablet / phone for those who prefers to read while enjoying a luxurious soak

Complimentary beverages available for the late-nights coffee while working / early morning tea after waking up from a relaxing slumber

After my meeting ended, I had some time to explore the IOI Shopping Mall which is connected to the hotel and are just within steps. I found it extremely convenient as the shopping mall offers plenty of dining options for guests who want to have something other than hotel food.

IOI Shopping Mall is just walking distance away

Walking past these aesthetic decor to the hotel lobby from the shopping mall

It is not that the hotel food is not good, in fact I found the breakfast spread decent and worth the money. I had my usual stay-cation menu - American breakfast (omelette, with grilled beef streaks, sausages, grilled tomato and baked beans) and also got to savour the local delicacies (nasi lemak, Chinese porridge, roti pratha, as well as breakfast pastries).

The exterior of Latest Recipe restaurant

The interior of the restaurant

Glimmering new hotel lobby

Being a new hotel, I could understand that there are bound to be some hitches here and there. My bathroom mat for example was not replenished the next day. However, other than that small flaw, the rest of the stay was perfect and enjoyable.

Le Meridien Putrajaya is currently offering opening rate from RM360 (RM300 for corporate rate) for their signature room which comes with signature breakfast at Latest Recipe which lasts until 30 November this year. My only regret was not being able to bring my kids to enjoy this hotel while their promotional rate still run.

Verdict: 9/10