Where to Stay in Kuching : The LimeTree Hotel

Strategically situated at the busy city center of Kuching and just a few walks away to the nearby Padungan area, there lies a hotel made easily renowned for its name—the LimeTree Hotel, a tribute to the original owner’s passion for limes which are oftentimes dubbed as “green lemons” for the similarity in their taste despite the obvious difference in outward appearances.   

What exactly is the LimeTree Hotel?

As a business of several years in service since having started operation in 2009, the LimeTree Hotel is not outdated when it comes to architectural design for a business of its kind—it is as contemporary as it gets for its time. Yet, for one whose idea of naming was founded in the love of limes, the design, too, is said to be based on the vibes that come from the actually grown plant—the feeling of zest from the trees of limes.

Complimentary fresh lime juice at the rooftop bar

Years prior to 2009, however, the building that is now the LimeTree Hotel was once an office building until its acquisition in 2007.

With a building spanning 50 unique rooms and suites, each of which equipped with the modern-day amenities that keep us comfortable like a free Wi-Fi internet access, LCD TVs, soft beddings, and the like, you get everything you would need in a mid-range boutique hotel as this place.

Superior Twin (No Window)

Deluxe King

Executive Deluxe Twin

Executive Suite 

Family Suite

Trying to set itself apart from the common cookie-cutter approach of many cafes in various hotel, LimeTree Hotel’s Café Sublime and LimeLight Rooftop Lounge feature drinks and foods based on lime-inspired recipes in line with Sarawak delights. The inclusion of limes in those foods and drinks made an obvious difference.

What are there to like with LimeTree Hotel?

As an awardee of the TripAdvisor awards for three consecutive years since 2012, any person will be intrigued enough to know what’s in the place.

For a hotel known to have been established based on the concept inspired on limes, the LimeTree Hotel is unsurprisingly eco-friendly in its approach to business—the green ways. From the choice of opting for more environment-friendly contraption, to energy-efficient means of saving and reusing energy, use of lime’s pulp and peeling for cleaning, as well as the policies—such as the no smoking policy—that made the indoors of the hotel as health-friendly as possible, LimeTree Hotel truly promotes a green environment for its guests to enjoy a healthful stay at the place.

If you are a professional who is always on-the-go and could not afford to stay at home, choosing to stay at the LimeTree Hotel would be just as good as home for the hotel’s almost home-like features like having paid laundry and cleaning as well as ironing which you can manually do yourself upon request.

Flying for outside the country is not a problem either, thanks to the hotel’s airport transfer service which lets you move to the airport using the business unit’s own van upon reservation.

Goodies from the hotel's in-house souvenir shop

Homeless in Singapore: How Expedia Ruined My Vacation

I booked a bed in a hostel in Singapore as I will only be staying in the country for less than 12 hours so it's most practical to book for a bed than a hotel room which is expensive in Singapore. My flight from Davao arrived in Singapore at past 9PM and I arrived at Gusti Bed and Breakfast around 10PM. I was already tired and hungry so all I wanted was to settle my things in the room and go out to have my late dinner.

The guy at the counter looked confused, so I ask what's going on since I already waited at the reception for over 10 minutes. He said there was an issue as he can't find my booking. He called his colleague and they scan every logbook they have to look for my booking. I waited patiently for about an hour then I asked if what's really going on and the guy at the counter told me that they are fully booked and they were not informed by Expedia of my booking. I was furious but I kept my cool. The guy at the counter talked to the owner and he passed the phone to me.

The owner explained that there was a glitched in the system and they have not received my booking. I told her I have a copy of the confirmed booking which I showed to the guy at the counter earlier. She offered me to sleep in the couch at the reception area or transfer to another hostel. I was like, what? Are you serious but then again, I was tired and did not argue. I told her I'd rather stay a night at another hostel so the guy at the counter accompanied me to the new hostel. It wasn't that near but it was a walking distance. It wasn't fair because I booked at Gusti because of its proximity to the MRT and it has good review. Then I was billeted at another hostel a little bit far from the MRT and looks dirty and old. I didn't have much of a choice so I stayed. I was supposed to leave at 9am but decided to leave at 7am because it wasn't really a good experience.

While at Gusti, I emailed and tweeted Expedia hoping that they will respond but they did not. Nothing. I know it was not a huge amount but it was much of an inconvenience. They should at least confirm the booking with the hostel/hotel to be sure.

I had a second thought and gave them a benefit of the doubt because maybe my booking was overlooked by the hostel but when I arrived in Hotel Sentral in KL, I was shocked that they can't find my booking as well. Good thing they are not fully booked so when I showed the confirmed booking via email, they allowed me to check in. So there you go, book with Expedia at your own risk. Never again!

Microtel by Wyndham Acropolis : A Home Away From Home

Most people prefer to stay in a hotel where they can be comfortable. This includes their safety, convenience and cleanliness. The Microtel by Wyndham Acropolis has it all. This affordable hotel does not provide things that you don’t need, so it fits the budget of their guests. Wyndham Hotel Group has an international chain of hotels. Here in the Philippines, its establishments can be found in Acropolis, QC, Baguio, Batangas, Boracay, Cabanatuan, Cavite, Davao, General Santos, Mall of Asia, Palawan, South Forbes, Tarlac and UP QC.

Location

Located in the urban district of Eastwood, Mictrotel by Wyndham Acropolis is perfect for those who wants to wander around Metro Manila. It is a 0.5 km walk from the city proper and a 45-minute ride from the NAIA (airport). There is no need to worry about accessibility because it is also within the reach of Eastwood CyberOne Mall, John F. Cotton Hospital and the Medical city. The convenience and the safe environment of this hotel makes it a home away from home.

Amenities

Microtel by Wyndham Acropolis offers free wifi in all areas, who would not want a free wifi, right? It also has a free parking area, how good is that? They have 84 rooms ready for accommodating its guests. The rooms are in a decent size, with good air conditioning units, a great factor since Metro Manila is a very hot place. It has an electronic keycard entry system, TV with cable channels, IDD and NDD phone, refrigerator, hair dryer and safety deposit box. Microtel is a non-smoking establishment which makes it a child and family friendly hotel. 

Microtel Acropolis also has conference/meeting room to accommodate guests who are in their business trips. A function room is also available for celebrations and gatherings. The hotel also has a spa where you can relax after a day of wandering around the city.  

Food

Microtel by Wyndham Acropolis offers a complimentary buffet breakfast for its guests. They have a skilled kitchen staff to prepare it for you. They also have a bar to where the guests can chill, a restaurant to serve more of their deliciously cooked cuisines and a coffee shop to accommodate those who are on their business trips and those who are enjoying their solitude. There are also vending machines for your convenience.

Services

Microtel by Wyndham Acropolis has a friendly and accommodating staff who will always help you for whatever assistance that you require. 

Overall, I had a great stay at Microtel Acropolis - a comfortable sleep and a worry-free stay!

Amazing Bagan Resort: A Classy and Traditional Burmese Accommodation

Myanmar is an exquisite destination in South East Asia. The well preserved temples are a must see in this country known as the "land of thousand pagodas". The culture is also equally fascinating, as it tells the tale of a colorful and bold history.  It will never be enough to stay here for a short period of time as there are simply too many things for you to check out. But, of course for people who have limited time like myself, a squeezed itinerary is also doable. 

Most, if not all visitors of Myanmar go to Bagan - an ancient city located in the Mandalay region. There are lots of accommodations both in the old and new Bagan. I recommend you stay at the Amazing Bagan Resort for a comfortable and relaxing holiday.

The Amazing Bagan Resort remains as Myanmar’s most recognized name. It is a nice place that you can stay in while exploring the city. It is located in Old Bagan where you can have a great view of the main temples, and the lush golf course of the resort. Contrary to the other hotels, the Amazing Bagan Resort is safely tucked away from the busy streets of the city center.

Upon arrival you will notice the classic Burmese architecture all over the place, from the intricately crafted arches, to the finely sculpted furniture. Their decors which are primarily composed of traditional Burmese art works and craft go well with the timeless feel of the resort. 

If you're worry about going to the city center or to the pagodas, you can rent out their e-bikes for only 8,000 Kyat ($7.00). You may also use their bicycles for free. You can travel to the city to grab an interesting meal, or to visit different places as you wish. You also have the option to rent one of the cars that they are renting out for their guests.

If you want a hassle-free tour of the city, you may avail of the resort's packages for leisure activities. The tour usually lasts for an hour up to five hours depending on the kind of activity. The price ranges from Ks10,00 ($8) to Ks50,000 ($40). 

Apart from these savvy traveling options, they are also popular for their simply delicious servings of breakfasts and dinners. Get to enjoy well prepared Burmese dishes that are meticulously prepared by their kitchen staff. I personally enjoyed their buffet breakfast with a lot of options to choose from. From continental dishes, to Asian and local cuisine, you'll surely have a satisfying gastronomic experience.

You can also get to enjoy other facilities like their swimming pool and spa center. If you don’t feel like going out and you just want to enjoy a relaxing day in the resort, then you can ask for their spa services or dip in the pool. Nothing beats lying down on a bed, smelling essences and being pampered by trained therapists after a long day.

You can stay connected with your social media network and your email with the Free WiFi provided by the hotel available in all rooms. This is Myanmar so do not expect ultra fast internet speed but I guarantee you, their internet speed is more than enough to open websites and send emails. In case you do not have a laptop and you need to browse the web or send an email, you can go to their business center and use their computers.

The resort is equipped with three kinds of accommodations namely the Suite Bungalow, the Suite and the Deluxe rooms. Among the three, the Suite Bungalow is the most preferred kind of accommodation.

The Suite Bungalow features a very spacious room, colored with an earthy palette and accentuate by touches of gold and green. Their bed in the Suite Bungalow is large and it has just the right feel, it’s not too soft and not too hard.

Right now, they have 20 Suite Bungalows. Each are equipped with the basic room amenities such as TV, Coffee Maker, Air Conditioner, Mini Bar, Shower and Bath Tub. The luxurious look of the suite is coupled with its affordable and reasonable rate.

Amazing Bagan Resort

Bagan, Myanmar, Mandalay Division

Tel :95 9 402630885, 2042094

Email: amazingrm.abr@amazing-hotel.com

Website : www.amazing-hotel.com