Category: Hotels

A look at our best reviews from hotels we have stayed in all over the globe.

Find out what’s on offer, our inside tips and all the important hotel details we could provide

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Our Hotel Reviews

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Our Hotel Reviews

We have stayed in a large amount of hotels in our time. We love taking the time also to give our hotel reviews for other people. We do like a bit of comfort and have some nice to wind down at night. And maybe somewhere with a nice bar for a cocktail or to

For us a good base is essential and to be honest when we are away we are go go go, so somewhere nice to to relax at night is essential.

Here below is a list of all the hotel reviews we have done from our stays

Enjoy reading!!

The Hotels

CORDIS HOTEL HONG KONG

In the Heart of Mongkok on Kowloon island lies the great Cordis close to the action but still quiet enough

NIKKO HOTEL HO CHI MINH CITY

The Nikko, is one of our favourite stays to date. Close to everything in Ho Chi Minh and a 5 star stay without the price tag.

VICTORIA AND ALFRED HOTEL CAPE TOWN

Pull back the curtains and there is Table mountain need we say more. Well equipped rooms and a buffet breakfast to rival any around the world.

YOTEL NEW YORK

A look into the future with this futuristic look at a hotel. Making the most of tight spaces but no compromising on quality. And a robotic bag holder, yes that’s right.

ILALA LODGE VICTORIA FALLS

Closet hotel to Victoria Falls, view the spray from your room, wildlife roaming the gardens in front of your balcony. Add to this a restaurant to rival any around the world.

PETHERS RAINFOREST RETREAT TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN

It’s a giant tree house what could you not love about this. Your dreams come true complete with a hot tub looking out over the rainforest.

SAVANNA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE SOUTH AFRICA

In the heart of the private game reserve, with wildlife all around you. Full in room bar, giant bath and rainforest showers. And we haven’t even got to the game drives yet.

A Couple Of Tips When Booking Hotels

This may not be where everyone starts but we always research somewhere with a good breakfast. A good hearty and healthy breakfast can set you up for the day. Like I said earlier we are go go go so we need plenty of fuel.

The location is vital yes sometimes it’s nice to be away in the middle of nowhere and to relax but if your going to be on the go try get somewhere close to transport. Near train stations, taxi ranks or even a bus stop. Do your research before hand.

Research reviews compare Trip Advisor, Facebook, Hotels.com and even local guides gather as much info and read through plenty on each hotel it’s the best way to really know what people think.

Now you have booked enjoy the stay

Thanks for stopping by

Let us if you have stayed in any of these. And dont forget to let us know what you think

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The Cordis Hotel, Hong Kong, Mong Kok

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Cordis Hotel

The Cordis Hotel Hong Kong, Mong Kok. So here is the story on our flight back to Australia from our wedding last year, we thought we would have a stop over. We wanted somewhere different, somewhere were we could relax and enjoying our two favourite things. Yep good food and cocktails, and well there is no other place better for it than Hong Kong.

We had heard from numerous people that Hong Kong was flowing with eateries and bars and this was certainly up our alley and mix with a totally different culture we were on board and booked the flight.

Now being a kind of pre honeymoon, we were looking for something top end, and the Cordis stood out to us so we didn’t hesitate and we booked it.

The Cordis Hotel was situated on the Kowloon side of the river in Mong Kok. We found it has a bit of more Chinese culture, and full of great little markets and more of a local feel than crossing the other side.

As mentioned we had just got married so we decided to treat ourselves and add the club lounge to our stay. Now we did not regret this the club lounge offered complimentary food and drink all the way throughout the day. Including champagne hour with beautiful snacks and delicate canapes. There was also a cocktail hour also late evening offering spirts and host of mixers. These were great ways to start and end your evenings, and obviously part of the club lounge package. The views from the lounge over Hong Kong were unreal, you can see as far as the eye can see, great place to sip on that champagne and unwind

Club Lounge ( Photo courtesy of Cordis Hotel)

Rooms @ The Cordis

The rooms at the Cordis hotel are great, they are modern, ample room, comfortable and offering again some great views again over the Hong Kong skyline.Comes with mini bar, Tv, safe and all the extras iron, robes etc. The bathrooms are massive, huge power shower and large bathtub which looks out onto the room allowing you to see out over the Hong kong skyline.

( Photo courtesy of Cordis Hotel)

Food & Drink @ The Cordis

The Cordis is a mecca for food and drink, with 4 great venues for food and drink.

The Place

this is a buffet style restaurant, this is were buffet breakfasts are served offering great variety of cold and cooked breakfasts, providing local and international foods. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinners also although we didn’t try we were told they are great with great variety like the breakfasts.

The Garage Bar

The Garage Bar is a funky rooftop bar with food trucks and craft beers. Low sofas and dim lights set the scene to create a wonderful atmosphere. When we were there the food was American style burgers, they were delicious and flavoursome after a long day exploring. I believe the menu now it Mexican style burritos.

Ming Court

Ming Court is a Michelin starrred restaurant and bar far the fanciest of the all the eateries at the Cordis from top class food, service and a sense of sophistication Ming Court has it all. We were not disappointed one bit. I always say restaurants with high prices better deliver and Ming Palace certainly does

Alibi Wine Bar

Although we never ate here this is certainly the place to go if you enjoy a good quality beverage. A wine list like no other offering local and international wines. We opted for a few cocktails and well, we could not complain they were divine well mixed and beautifully balanced.

Alibi is a perfect spot to wine dine be social and enjoy a good time.

The Garage At The Cordis ( Photo courtesy of Cordis Hotel)
Ming Court At The Cordis ( Photo courtesy of Cordis Hotel)

Facilities @ The Cordis

Facilities at the Cordis are second to none and are maintained to the highest quality.

Chaun Spa

Top quality spa offering a range of treatments drawing on the power of five elements wood, metal, fire, earth and water. The treatments have been expertly chosen and development with naturopath and Chinese medicine in mind all in a relaxing and calm environment. Chaun Spa is great after a day on the road to unwind before that champagne hour.

Health Club

Offering full gym with all the usual machines and equipment. Such classes like spin bikes are also given (will need to check timetables). The views over Hong Kong are unreal, now I wouldn’t be one for training on holiday but the scene set would certainly encourage us a bit more.

Rooftop Pool

Beautiful setting at the top of the Cordis, offering spa, sauna and steam room. Fully stocked changing rooms with towels and robes etc. Great way to unwind at the end of the day. Perfect size lap pool to shake off those morning blues.

And Finally

Overall the Cordis hotel Hong Kong offers everything from comfort, luxury, great facilities, tasty food and quality service. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the Cordis to anyone.

Whilst on this trip we managed to also make it to Macau as well as a few things around Hong Kong like Disneyland and we managed to sample plenty of great restaurants and bars.

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Nikko Hotel Ho Chi Minh

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Nikko Hotel Ho Chi Minh

We stayed in the incredible Nikko Hotel Ho Chi Minh City and would stay there again without a doubt. With reasonable pricing, we were blown away by the amazing service, high-class facilities and cleanliness of the hotel.

Comfort and a high level of cleanliness is so important when visiting a city like Ho Chi Minh City as having somewhere amazing to retreat to after a day exploring a culture so different to your own, makes the world of different to the whole trip.

Rooms @ The Nikko Hotel

The standard rooms were huge in our opinion. They had a shower room, separate toilet and stand-alone bath, perfect for a long soak after a day exploring in the hot, humid weather.

Each night on our return to the room, we had handmade chocolates waiting for us on our pillows (I’m not going to lie…there may have been a race back to the room each night to have first pick!)

View from our room

The Location Of Nikko Hotel

The location of the hotel was perfect for getting around and all major points of interest in the city were easily accessible from here.

It was about 2 kilometres to the major markets in the city centre (Bến Thành Market),and 3 kilometres to some of the major historic tourist attractions such as the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica.

We walked to both areas of the city from the hotel on numerous occasions but if walking isn’t your thing, there is a complimentary shuttle bus from the hotel to the city that leaves frequently throughout the day.

Facilities @ The Nikko

The Hotel also had a well-equipped gym and beautiful rooftop swimming pool.

There were complimentary towels available in each and were never too busy which was ideal for a relaxing start to the morning or chill out in the afternoon.

The Bar @ The Nikko

The Hotel bar was the perfect place to finish off a busy day and I will admit, we had one or two night caps there during our stay. Our cocktail of choice was the Saigon Rock, a ginger twist to the perfect mojito, and the perfect partner to the candied nuts that accompanied our drinks. A pianist on a grand piano and a honey-voiced singer set the ambience in the bar, adding the class you would expect from the incredible hotel.

The Food @ The Nikko

We didn’t actually eat in the restaurant because we were so busy out but the breakfast there was something else. The choices on offer were the usual , egg station, hot food items, pastries, fruit, cured meats, cheeses, fresh cereals and granalos, fresh juices but on top of that a wonderful Japanese section, which were served in little almost like tapas plate style and every day a different Vietnamese soup.

Vietnamese soup @ the nikko

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. So definitely worth fueling up here.

Check out the Nikko for deals and see what’s available

Longing for some more of Ho Chi Minh, we have visited the Mekong Delta and many restaurants in HoChi Minh aslo.

Yotel New York

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Yotel New York

New York was one of our most anticipated stops and we were excited, we wanted a centrally located and the Yotel seemed a great idea.

Yotel NYC


The Yotel seemed really a funky place, and we wanted to try something different. The reviews were great and we booked away.


Hope this review of the YOTEL New York can help you out.

Hotel Location

New York City is one of the most expensive places to stay, and to find somewhere with a sensible price tag in this bustling city is hard to come by. We wanted to be close enough to Times Square but not sat on its door stop. And with it only being 3 blocks away from it the Yotel was perfect. As for the price well it wasn’t cheap but compared to a lot was relatively good.

The Robot Entrance at The Yotel

Now me being a sucker for gadgets, the Yotel brings modern technology to the forefront, with the great addition. On entering the building and seeing a robotic bag storage system i was sold straight away.

The Robotic Bag Holder


We flew in from Australia via LA, and landed in JFK and straight way jumped into a Uber. It took around an hour as the traffic was hectic, and i quote “was hectic” i would certainly recommend Uber as its affordable and also a bit of comfort whilst stuck in the mad New York traffic.


The lobby at the Yotel is well a little different to most hotels. As i mentioned the large robotic bag holder on the right, and to the front is a selection of screens. A little like a airport check in you are asked for personal and card details to confirm your room. And voila there is your key card. Now you head to the lifts and off you are into the hotel. (i like this as you know the hotel is exclusive to hotel guests only as you need this card to get in at all)


Once up the lift and you arrive on your floor you enter a corridor which would best represent a modern version of star wars. You would actually feel as if you are on a space ship. Time is now upon to go to your room.

Rooms at The Yotel

Now let me begin with saying, if your after room to swing a cat then this is not for you. However if you are after quality, futuristic and cleverly thought out room then step inside.

A Standard Room

There is everything you need TV, hanging racks, bedside tables, lamps etc. And of course a bed now when you walk in you may look at the bed and wonder how on hell are we going to get in that. Well Yotel has thought this one out brilliantly. The best expands and retracts by remote giving you a little extra space in the day and that much needed space at night. And you would think that such gimmicks would take away from the comfort, but this surely doesn’t i have to say it was one of the most comfy beds i have stayed in at a hotel.


Now, and this is important, if you’re all about privacy or lets say on you and your partner and not at that comfortable stage then the bathroom here is not for you.


However the bathroom itself, i loved the shower was as powerful as i have been in. It has a sink, loo and you have all your soaps, kleenex, hanging space, and there is an iron and ironing board.
But ill get to privacy, the bathroom is all glass and you can see straight in from the bed. And well if you not a fan of listening to your other half having a number 2 then this probably isnt for you, as soundproofing certainly was not considered here.

Room Summary


I probably didn’t do my best to sell this room but all in all i actually loved it, it had all you need. The comfort in the bed, a great shower and all the mod cons, and well lets be honest if you were expecting a big room in New York you would be much mistaken, and also who goes to New York to stay in an admire a room get out and explore.

Facilities at The Yotel

The Yotel also has a fantastic bar, we had many of night caps during our time there from a range of cocktails to some superb craft beers. These is also an adjacent restaurant which, though we never used the reviews from people we spoke to it was great. In the summer months a rooftop bar is also in use again was something we used as we there at christmas.
To rap up all in all we were delighted with the Yotel New York and well we would certainly recommend again.

The Bar

Check out a few more of our New York posts below

New York City

New York Food

Thanks for reading hope to see you again soon

The Victoria and Alfred Hotel Cape Town

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Victoria And Alfred Hotel

Last year whilst on our honeymoon we were lucky enough to travel to South Africa. We had 4 stops on our trip and with one being Cape Town. We wanted an area full of life, entertainment and of course nice restaurants, and that’s when searching for a hotel we stumbled upon the V & A waterfront. Our choice of hotel was the Victoria and Alfred hotel.

The Victoria and Alfred

The Victoria and Alfred is situated right on the harbour waterfront. It has full views of the amazing table mountain, which just has to be seen to believe how amazing it is.

Food

The hotel has an amazing restaurant downstairs, serving amazing breakfast from buffet to al la carte breakfast great opportunity to get your day started all fresh and absolutely delicious. The evening menu sounded delicious but with it being within walking distance to at least 50 restaurants located along the waterfront, from high class eateries to takeout’s available in the mall located 5 minutes away, we decided to get out and try some other options. But we did enjoy sitting at the restaurant mid afternoon, sipping on a glass of pinotage ( Oh pinotage how we miss you) and looking out over table mountain.

The Buffet

The service at this hotel is 5 star!!! Every person you encounter is friendly, attentive, and just generally helpful. From the front desk staff who greet you to the restaurant staff who get to know you and enjoy a good chat. Even the people who clean the room do an excellent job twice a day to make your stay wonderful.

The Rooms

The rooms are huge, with some of the best beds we have ever been in, so soft and comfy. There are the usual cons, mini bar, tv, lounge area and huge shower room with bath and shower. The rooms were so clean, and even on arrival we were, as being on honeymoon treated to a trail of roses and a complimentary bottle of champagne. The champagne in its self won us over.

The Rooms

Lastly

We didn’t avail to the fitness centre or the pool, however from photos looked great and had everything you needed from these facilities.

Overall the Victoria and Alfred was a beautiful stay and highly recommended.

Fancy checking out some of our other Cape Town posts then check the link below.

Our Cape Town Posts

Stay in touch to find out our next hotel review

That’s all for now thanks for reading our Victoria and Alfred hotel post

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