Arnoma Grand Bangkok: Your Tourist Haven in the Heart of Bangkok

A visit to the capital and most populous city in Thailand is always an interesting experience. Bangkok is a bustling metropolis known for its ornate temples and lively street life, and this is all within easy distance from one of the best tourist hotels in the central business district, Arnoma Grand Bangkok.

Location

Just across from Central World, Asia's largest mall and a 10-minute walk from the Platinum Market and Platinum Mall in the Siam/Pratunam district, it is nestled among the best offices, shops, and restaurants in the city. It is within a stone’s throw from the Big C Supermarket if you need any essentials, and a 7-11 if you get the munchies in the middle of the night. You can easily stroll around the street market to get a bit of local flavor and some souvenirs, but leave most of your money and passport in the hotel safe as the streets can get very crowded. The hotel is also walking distance from the BTS Sky Train Chit Lom station, which is the best way to travel around Bangkok.  If you are in Bangkok for business or leisure, it is a convenient choice for home base.

Amenities

The hotel was recently renovated, and the lobby is splendid. It has 369 well-appointed rooms and suites with excellent beds, and each one was bright and cheery, complete with welcome drink and basket of fruits. Ask and you can get a room with a great view of the metropolis.  All rooms have free Wi-Fi, large screen cable television, and excellent air conditioning, which is an important feature in humid Bangkok. The hotel has meeting rooms, a fully equipped gym, and both indoor and outdoor covered swimming pools with sundecks. You have everything you need for work and play.

Dining

You can enjoy a splendid Asian-Western buffet at Mango 99 with an extensive choice of cuisines, including authentic Thai. Complimentary buffet breakfast is served at Mango 99.

If you fancy a snack or a drink, head over to the open air Arnoma Terrace or the Camelot Wine Pub. You can also choose to stay in your room and order room service, or you can check out one of the excellent restaurants in the area. 

An upcoming restaurant, Ah Yat Abalone Forum Seafood Restaurant, Bangkok's iconic Chinese restaurant will be opening soon at Arnoma.

Services

The best thing about Arnoma aside from the excellent location is the hotel staff. Everyone from the hotel manager to the cleaning crew is very friendly and helpful, willing to bend over backward to satisfy client needs, and all with a smile.  They all speak English, so communication is not a problem for most visitors. The massage service is a must-try. If you need private transportation, want to book a tour, or require an airport shuttle, all you need is to ask and they will accommodate you. 

The Arnoma Grand Bangkok is one of the best tourist hotels in Bangkok. It combines a central location, friendly staff, comfortable accommodations, and reasonable rates to make it a prime favorite for many visitors to the city. If you want to do a lot of shopping in Bangkok, Arnoma Grand Bangkok is your best bet hands down. 

Arnoma Grand Bangkok

99 Ratchadamri Road, Pathumwan, 10330 Bangkok, Thailand 

Phone +66 (0) 2655 5555 Fax: +66 (0) 2655 7555 

E-mail : arnoma@arnoma.com

http://www.arnoma.com/

Rest. Heal. Renew at Park Inn By Radisson Davao

Rest your body and uplift your soul at the comfort of your hotel room. Park Inn by Radisson Davao in partnership with Elysia Wellness Spaintroduces a relaxing and soothing in-room massage that will help you refresh and rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit. (Read: Davao City Complete Travel Guide)

Enhance your overall wellness by enjoying an array of massage treatments that can increase circulation and relieve stress. Take a break from your exciting Davao vacation or business trip and enjoy a massage customized to suit your needs and preferences. Elysia Wellness Spa’s masseurs and masseuses are professionally trained.

Spend a night in one of Park Inn Davao’s colorful standard rooms and avail of the relaxing massage package. It includes a welcome drink, revitalizing tea & a fruit platter, your choice of a 60-minute massage or facial treatment by Elysia Wellness Spa. Then, you can start your day with a morning juice or tea at the poolside, followed by their Super Breakfast (also included in the package) for lovely day ahead. You can also enjoy the late check-out benefit until 2pm.

Park Inn Davao’s Super Breakfast includes a selection of fruits, yogurt, congee, noodle soup, fresh salad bar, cold cuts, hash brown and freshly baked breakfast breads. You may also enjoy their traditional hot Filipino variety of Tapa, Tocino or Longganisa and American breakfast favorites such as Bacon and Eggs, Pancakes, Cereals and freshly done Waffles. The Buffet breakfast is served daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM on weekdays and 6:00 AM to 10:30 AM on weekends.

PArk Inn Davao's GM Mr. Pavan Kakar and Elysia Spa's Ms. Cherry Al-ag

“This room promotion is a total wellness package at Php5,700 net for double occupancy and Php 4,400 for a single room.” says General Manager Pavan Kakar. “Our well-appointed rooms will give you your much needed rest, the massage can calm your nerves with just the right touch and our superb breakfast buffet will surely energize you in the morning” he added. “All this is possible due to our partnership with Elysia Wellness Spa.”

Park Inn Davao's Management Team with City Tourism Officer Lisette Marques & Eden David of DOT XI

The partnership between Park Inn Davao and Elysia Wellness Spa brought a new hotel experience. Elysia Wellness Spa company began with the husband and wife tandem of Dr. Bernie and Cherry Al-ag to provide work to those asking help from them. From one batch of women sent for formal training at a Department of Health accredited training institution in 2013, a massage center was established where they could work and apply what they learned immediately. It now has four (4) branches in Davao and a well-established loyalty among local residents.

I was lucky enough to try this package and I really enjoyed it. It was perfect after a very tough week I’ve had. It felt like I was in a massage room. The masseuse brought an mp3 player and played tranquilizing music. She also had an aroma humidifier so it added to the spa experience. It was indeed relaxing that I immediately hit the sack after. I suggest you avail of this package and experience rest and rejuvenation at Park Inn by Radisson Davao.

*Disclaimer: The writer was invited along with other media guests to experience the massage package at Park Inn Davao.

Value REDefined: Red Planet Amorsolo in Makati

Red Planet Hotel, a new hospitality brand in the Philippines recently opened its 10th branch in the country - Red Planet Amorsolo. Red Planet is one of the most trusted brand when it comes to budget accommodations. They have hotels located in Davao, Cagayan de Oro City, Cebu, Angeles City and Metro Manila. 

Red Planet Amorsolo is conveniently located at Urban Urban Avenue in Makati City. It can easily be recognized due to its white and red paint, identical to other Red Planet Hotels in other places. It is ideal for both budget and business travelers due to its location.

The Room and Amenities

Just like in any other hotels, the check-in time is at 2PM and the checkout time is at 12nn the following day. Room rates start at Php1,200 for a twin room (two single beds) or a double room (one double bed). They are currently giving 10% discount when you book via their mobile app or their website, upon registration to their RemembeRED Program. In addition, they are also coming up with promotions from time to time, so follow them on social media to avail of huge discounts. To know more about their room rates, please visit RED Planet Hotel's website.

The room is perfect for two people. It has a toilet and bathroom, a cable TV, a safety vault as well as a hair dryer. Most importantly, complimentary WIFI access is available in the rooms not just in the common area. It's really a good bargain if you're looking a budget place to stay in the business district of Makati.

Red Planet Hotel Amorsolo

Urban Ave, Makati City Metro Manila

Telephone No. : (02) 838-0888 

Email: philippines@redplanethotels.com 

Website: www.redplanethotels.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/redplanetphilippines 
Twitter: www.twitter.com/RedPlanetPH
Instagram: www.instagram.com/redplanet_philippines

A Gastronomic Feast at Park Inn by Radisson Davao

August is one of the most celebrated month in Davao City. It's the time where Davaoenos celebrate the city's bountiful harvest through the Kadayawan Festival. During this month, most establishments have their own promotions in line with the festival. As one of the leading hotels in Davao City, Park Inn by Radisson introduces its Kadayawan Promo called "Kadayawan Special Boodle Fight".

Starting on Saturday, August 15 until Monday, August 31, RBG Bar and Grill at Park Inn by Radisson will start offering their Kadayawan Special Boodle Fight meal to its diners. This special promotion will be offered daily for lunch and dinner.

Mr. Pavan Kakar, Park Inn's General Manager said "As part of the Kadayawan celebration, we are adding a twist to our Supersize family meal offering by making it a Boodle Fight style."

Park Inn By Radisson Davao's General Manager talks about the Supersize Boodle Fight

Mr. Kakar also added "Daily for two weeks, the sumptuous dishes created by our chefs are surely going to excite all Dabawenyos and visiting tourists alike."

Priced at only Php1,999.00 net good for 6-7 people, the Kadayawan Special Boodle Fight meal includes Grilled Vegetable Salad with Chevre Cheese, Kinilaw with Pomelo Salad, Tinolang Manok Soup, Grilled Squid, Fried Crablets, Grilled Tuna Belly, Chicken Inasal, Grilled Shrimp, Crispy Pork Belly, Lumpia Shanghai, Pancit, Special Davao Cake and Fresh Fruits. The meal is all served with Plain and Garlic Rice and a pitcher of drink.

Chicken Inasal

Fresh Kinilaw with Pomelo

Fried Crablets

Grilled Vegetable Salad with Chevre Cheese

Shrimp and Pork Barbecue

Special Davao Cake (Chocolate and Durian Flavor, yum!)

What's more interesting about this special promo is the hotel's partnership with FujiFilm's Instax PH. Every group who availed the Boodle Fight meal  will have one complimentary Instax photo printout as a souvenir. Another copy will be posted in the hotel's "Wall of Memories" which will become a raffle entry. Winners will receive gift certificate which will be announced on September 3, 2015.

Let the Boodle Fight begin! Visit RBG during Kadayawan season and experience Davao dining at its best.

You may book your reservation through 082-272-7600 or email them at fb.supervisor@parkinn.com.

Davao Media, DOT XI and Park Inn Reps

Disclaimer: The author was invited during the press launch of the promo.

Accommodations in Cebu : Escario Central Hotel

Located within the vicinity of Escario Central, a vibrant strip mall with a variety of interesting retailers, Escario Central Hotel is a 46-room hotel with modern-type accommodations. It is conveniently located within few distance from Zubuchon, 711 convenience store, Politics Cafe and the newly opened Family Mart which is just across the street from Escario Central.

The Rooms

There are two types of accommodation in Escario Central Hotel. You can either stay at their Orange Room with two queen size beds or the Red Room with Double beds. We're booked in a red room and I must say it's a good deal considering the price of the room. The mattress is soft and comfortable and the linens are clean. The lighting is good and the colors red and orange added a relaxing feel.

The Amenities

Escario Central Hotel has basic amenities. A complimentary bottled water is available in the room. Wifi access in the rooms, cable TV, and hot and cold shower is available. A small garden with chairs and tables is located near the reception area perfect for lazing around. 

The Breakfast

Breakfast at Escario Central Hotel is available for an additional fee. We availed of their plated breakfast served to us by Cafe Sarree. I had their chorizo rice and it was good.

Location

As mentioned above, the hotel is conveniently located within reach from shopping malls, capitol and other tourist spots. A lot of jeepneys pass the area so commuting in not an issue. Restaurants, bars, and convenience stores are also within the vicinity so you'll not get bored when you stay at Escario Central Hotel.

Escario Central Hotel

Address: N. Escario Street Kamputhaw Cebu City, Philippines

Tel: +63 (32) 520 2222

Email: rsvn@escariocentral.com

Website: http://escariocentralhotel.com/

Room Rates at Escario Central Hotel

Orange Room : PHP 1,800 net
Red Room : PHP 1,500 net

Disclaimer: Escario Central Hotel is one of our hotel sponsors during our weekend getaway in Cebu.

Hotels in Cebu : St. Mark Hotel

St. Mark Hotel is a mid-range hotel in Cebu City. It is situated just few minutes from Mango Avenue, where the two major shopping malls are located, Ayala and SM. The hotel also provides easy access to guests who want to explore the city’s prime tourist attractions such as Plaza Independencia, Taoist Temple, Magellan’s Cross, The Sto. Nino Church and many other iconic landmarks.

It was already late when we arrived in the hotel. Our flight from Davao was delayed for over seven hours so we were already tired when we arrived in Cebu. The receptionist greeted us with a smile when we checked in. We were so excited to see our room and get some sleep before our very early morning call time for the canyoneering.

The Room

After checking in, we took the elevator and proceeded to our room at the 6th floor. The room looks really good, it feels more like a condotel than a hotel. It offers complimentary bottled water, a kettle with free tea and coffee, a safe, a fridge and a weighing scale which is very useful when you want to check the weight of your luggage or conveniently check your body weight too, haha.

The room is also equipped with a work table, a cable television, lampshades and an ipod dock. It is also decorated with a variety of wall paintings which made the room more pleasing to the eyes. The mattress was also very comfortable to sleep with.

The Breakfast

One of the most talked about part of staying at St. Mark Hotel is their buffet breakfast. We were excited actually, unfortunately due to our very hectic sched, we were not able to enjoy the breakfast at the hotel. We had to leave at 6AM otherwise we will not be able to fully enjoy the canyoneering experience.

Summary of Facilities and Amenities:

Complimentary Bottled Water

Free Wi-fi in all areas of the hotel

Free buffet breakfast for two adults

With parking spaces at ground floor

32-inch LCD TV

Ipod Dock

Electronic Safety Box

Complete Bathroom amenities with bedroom slippers

Hair Dryer

Iron and Ironing Board

Coffee and Tea Making Facility

Fridge / mini bar

St. Mark Hotel

Queens Road, Redemptorist Plaza, Camputhaw, Cebu City

Tel. No: (63)(32)505-5555; (63)(32)520-3798

Website: http://www.st-markhotel.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/stmarkhotel

Room Rates at St. Mark Hotel

Superior Room: Php 2,300 nett per room per night

Deluxe Room: Php 2,500 nett per room per night

Junior Suite: Php 3,500 nett per room per night

One Bedroom Penthouse Suite: Php 7,000 nett per room per night
Two Bedroom Penthouse Suite: Php 10,000 nett per room per night

Disclaimer: St. Mark Hotel is one of our hotel sponsors during our weekend getaway in Cebu.

One Night in a Whole New World (Hotel)

Valentine’s Day is just a few days away.

And either you’ve been a good soldier and have planned way ahead or you’re still racking your brains for what you and your sweetheart might be doing on V-Day.

I haven’t done any planning of the sort because my heart is on the other side of the world. But because I am full of love and happiness, I would love to get yours all warm and mush on the big day. So here’s a suggestion if yet you still don’t have a plan.

GO ON STAYCATION.

Yes, check-in to a hotel and just stay put. Avoid the agonizing hours of inching your way across the metro, playing chase around the parking lot, or queuing for a table at a much-hyped restaurant. Then again, you are going to be with your sweetheart so those things should not matter. But just in case you're the impatient sort, I believe it’s one of the best ways to spend the day – next only to going on an actual holiday.

I am sure you can think of several wonderful things to do in a hotel room with your honey but this suggestion also applies to the single ladies out there. In fact, two girlfriends and I went on staycation at the New World Hotel in Makati. My friend Chinggay and Issa checked-in right after lunch as I had to attend an all-day event. When I finally managed to get to the hotel and settle down, we footed it across to Greenbelt 2 and had supper. We went to namnam for its Filipino comfort food. After a hearty supper, we went back to our hotel room and did the ff:

1. Commented on whatever was on the telly.
2. Gabbed.
3. Soaked in the tub.
4. Tarot Card reading c/o Chinggay.
5. Gabbed.
6. Slept.

The next morning:

1. Joined the other guests for the hotel's breakfast buffet.
2. Swam in the pool.
3. Had mid-morning snacks at the Residence Club's Living Room.
4. Gabbed.

After which, we checked out.

Save the movie-and-dinner date for another Saturday night.

Do something different on this day of hearts.

"A whole New World with you."

New World Hotel's ground floor lobby is sleek, neutral, and contemporary. 

Didn't know there was such a thing!

We had to check-in at this reception area on the 24th floor.

Our home for the night!

Two beds for three girls. Aaack! But they were really comfortable!

"Friends" was on the telly that night. 

That divider slides open to the bedroom. I had my tarot cards read by Chinggay while I was in the tub.

This seems to be a good peg for shelves. 

We were still figuring out what to have for morning Merienda. 

Sofas and tables share space in the Residence Club living room. 

These biscuits and biscotti were good. 

You can either serve yourself or wait for a pretty lady to help you.

"Coffee, tea, or me?" 

They're using Philippine honey!

Here's the Makati Skyline from the balcony. 

Issa decided on a pot of hot chocolate. 

I had iced tea and a bottle of water.

Hair still wet from our morning swim. 

Right across the hotel is Greenbelt 3.