Guest Reviews

Locavore: "Don’t go home without a visit"

This was our third visit to Locavore and once again we went away fully impressed by the menu, the quality and presentation of the food, the skilled pairing of the drinks, the efficient service and the art and professionalism of the chefs as we sat at the kitchen table. You never fail to take away at least 3 ideas for un-thought of combinations of ingredients to try in your own kitchen. Bravo Locavore !

Cheong Fatt Tze – Blue Mansion: "Hauntingly beautiful"

"Staying at the Blue Mansion was an experience in itself! One of the highlights of our time in Penang! This courtyard house is exquisite beyond words, from the lobby to its inner courtyards. Calm and quiet, we were immediately transported to another century. Guests can join any of the daily tours for free. The guides were fantastic in explaining the history of Cheong Fatt Tze, the man and the house. There are small displays that remain open throughout the day that guests can browse at leisure. The mansion is bright and open in during the day. And turns mysterious and haunting at night with its glowing red lanterns. One of the most romantic places we've ever stayed. Breakfast was simple and elegant, with a la carte options as well. We had dinner at the restaurant which was good but not particularly memorable. Everyday, the staff will bring some small desserts for afternoon tea (always different and carefully created!). The location is also very central. Right next to a large covered open air food market with every type of cuisine imaginable (and very cheap). The hotel also provides bikes for rent for free but bikes are not all well maintained. We will never forget our stay at the Blue Mansion and if we return to Penang, we will not stay anywhere else."

Maison Polanka: "A welcoming oasis with boutique charm"

Great for families and couples who are looking for tranquility and excellent service after long days at the temples. The rooms are clean, charming and tastefully appointed (we were 2 couples, we had the Khmer House for our parents and stayed in the Orange Room just across the way), and the pool and grounds are tidy and inviting. We enjoyed a couple of breakfasts and a dinner there -- the food was delicious and the setting so peaceful. I might only suggest that the early morning to-go breakfast be amended to forgo the heavy full sets of flatware and replace the bread slices for an omelet option or something. The generous coffee and hot chocolate thermoses were genius, though. My highest starts for this stay was for the service -- we were made to feel like we were the only guests there, though we weren't. Francis was a particular gem: so helpful over email before we arrived and exceedingly courteous and thoughtful about arrangements throughout our stay (important since my father-in-law has a prosthetic leg and doesn't fit well in small cars, and none of us are accustomed to humidity). I would return to Maison Polanka in an instant and already have recommended it to friends. I have no doubt it is one of the most special hotels in Siem Reap -- we enjoyed it even more than our consequent stays at luxury properties like the iconic Metropole Legend in Hanoi, Vietnam. It's just a lovely place with lovely people.

VILLA SONG SAIGON: "Sanctuary by the Saigon River"

"This is an outstanding hotel. Beautifully refurbished former French colonial mansion with about 25 rooms. We stayed in a Sanctuary room on the top floor. High quality dining at tables beside the Saigon river. Rooms are beautifully decorated with every facility. Loved the TV that rotated 360. The hotel's own speedboat runs a shuttle service to the city centre. Staff excellent. Attention to detail (eg anti mossy spray on dining tables) My wife had a birthday while we were there. Bouquet of flowers and special cake unsolicited. "

Inle Princess Resort: "Lovely in every way"

The Inle Princess was just lovely; and the staff was eager to please in every way. The thatched roof bungalows were very well done and the grounds were meticulous, peaceful and enchanting. I'd recommend a bike ride to the nearby vineyard. Also, bring warm clothes for the very cold nights and mornings.

The Apsara Rive Droite: "A gem in the jungle"

I don't usually write reviews but this is an exceptional one. A perfect & reasonable priced villa for a quick getaway and a relaxing laid back holiday...The manager, Mr Haan and the staffs are very hospitable and very dedicated to provide good service and assistance to ensure our stay is as comfortable and memorable one.Continental breakfast is excellent with fresh and warm croissants and good home made jam, and pretty table setting too...so lovely, ooh la la...All in all, we had a good time here and will come again soon...

Rachamankha: "Serenity in the city, beatiful interior, outstanding services, love breakfast the most esp in December"

Quality of everything in the hotel are outstanding. The owner and staffs are very dedicated. A real hideaway break that you can find in the city of Chiangmai. Walking distance to weekend night market and close to temple and Oasis Spa

Mie Cafe: "Delicious, calm restaurant!"

Near our hotel (Meridian)so a convenient tuc tuc ride for $2. Lovely and calm venue after a busy day out! Pork spare ribs yummy!! Great meal! Service impeccable Thanks!

Mathis Retreat: "Small, peaceful and calming paradise in the ricefields"

My boyfriend and I started our Bali journey in the heart of the island. After a good hour drive we arrived at the Kenanga Boutique Hotel in Ubud and were totally amazed by it only after a few minutes of our stay. Away from the hustle and bustle of Ubud downtown, the hotel offers breathtaking views of the rice fields. A sleep in the traditional-inspired suite made all the anxiety and jetlag disappear, the staff was extremely nice and made us feel very welcome, while the whole atmosphere left us feeling relaxed and peaceful. Beside the outstanding views, Kenanga has the most amazing infinity pool. A swim by the rice field panorama, relaxes your mind in a nicest way possible. I had one of the best breakfasts in there, the food overall was extremely delicious (I would highly suggest you visit their Terra Cotta restaurant for a healthy meal with the best view ever) The hotel was the perfect starting point for exploring the Ubud area (...) The reason more why I would recommend a Kenanga stay is the fact that they are highly connected with the local community, therefore they are helping good local people make their living. The manager was very kind and helpful, providing us with many relevant information. The overall experience exceeded our expectations, a calming and relaxing feel made us forget about the worries and opened the Bali trip we would surely never forget.

Samanea Beach Resort: "Relaxing"

"Pros: - Spacious, traditional-style villas with large bathrooms complete with outdoor showers and hot tubs - Very peaceful, lush landscaped grounds with stunning views over the Bay of Thailand and Bokor Mountain - Extremely friendly, helpful and attentive staff - Sea View restaurant menu is focused but of great quality, and the unlimited a la carte breakfast is a delightful start to the day - Lounges and huts overlooking the pool & sea are quiet and comfortable Cons - The private beach is man-made and the sea water is very shallow and not suitable for swimming - Our Junior Suite Villa front doors didn’t completely close shut Considerations: - The resort is located between a mangrove which can heighten the alert for mosquitoes - The centre of Kep is a 5 minute tuk tuk ride away Bottom Line: The Samanea Beach Resort makes for a very pleasant stay in Kep and is a great choice for its views, excellent staff and reasonable room rates for the area"