Guest Reviews

Neeleshwar Hermitage: "Serenity in India"

"We were privileged to spend 5 nights in the hotel and 2 nights on the Lotus Houseboat during February. Our hotel stay was truly perfect. It is a very relaxing environment and just what was needed after a busy stay in Mumbai. We were in one of the beach facing bungalows, called Virya (strength!). It was spotlessly clean, with a comfortable bed, quiet and efficient air conditioning and an outdoor bathroom. The food was lovely - fresh, colourful, healthy and tasty. Experiencing real Indian food on our trip was quite a revelation, particularly compared to the version we get at home! I also enjoyed the extensive a la carte breakfasts at the beachside restaurant - much nicer than a normal hotel buffet breakfast. The free yoga sessions each morning were enjoyable, and pitched at a beginner's level, so accessible to all. We both had spa sessions every day, leaving it to the on-site doctor to choose and schedule our treatments. I loved the treatment where oil is dripped onto your forehead - it was so incredibly relaxing. The beach is deserted, and great for long walks. The sea was rough while we were there, so not suitable for swimming. The pool area is serene, and the sun beds super comfy. We found the service throughout the hotel to be exemplary. We really couldn't fault it. Just a little thing to be aware of - the hotel does not serve spirits, and there is only a limited selection of wine and beer available with dinner - so do stock up on duty free before you arrive if this is an issue for you. If I were to rate our 2 night stay on the Lotus Houseboat, I would probably give it 4 stars. Overall, it was a unique experience and we are glad that we did it. The service was again, very good, though a little more formal than at the hotel. We had an on board chef, who prepared the most delicious food. Our cabin was spacious and luxurious. Having seen a handful of other houseboats drift past, I would say that the Lotus is one of the nicest on this stretch of the backwaters. Unfortunately, however, we were unlucky during our stay because there was an issue with the generator. As a result at night it was either like a sauna in our cabin, or very noisy. In addition, there were constant loud explosions nearby (from the nearby naval base?) throughout the first night. It proved absolutely impossible to sleep, and not at all the romantic, serene experience it could have been. The write up you are given in advance about the trips onto land should be taken with a pinch of salt. For example you don't visit an ancient sacred snake temple in the middle of a monkey forest - you are no longer allowed near to the temple. The reality is that you wander through some scrub land to the side of the road to feed some monkeys with vegetables. Not a big deal really, but just a case of over promising and under delivering in some areas. In hindsight we would have preferred instead to have spent more time relaxing on the top deck of the boat. If you do decide to overnight on the Lotus, it's probably best to book the boat on an exclusive basis, as we did. Sharing the limited space aboard with a couple of strangers could be a little awkward! Overall we really had a fantastic time, and would love to return one day. It's a perfect spot for some R & R."

Satri House: "Gorgeous little 5 star oasis in Luang Prabang"

Beautifully appointed room and super food. An oasis in the middle of Luang Prabang and is the place of choice if you want to do Luang Prabang in style. A superbly managed property with absolutely charming staff.

Cheong Fatt Tze – Blue Mansion: "A step back in time not to be missed: gorgeous place"

"Absolutely amazing place! This was the house of a rich Chinese merchant which is/ has been restored to its former glory. We stayed for 3 nights in 2 different rooms: they were both gorgeous, dark wood/ white walls, Chinese furniture - all well appointed. Comfy beds. Breakfast was good and varied, some buffet items with other dishes on order (included in price). Small but perfectly formed pool area, with some rooms having direct access. There is a small museum as part of the hotel and tours are free for customers. Great staff too. The location is good for the city centre, about 5mn walk. There is a night food market next door with about 30 different stalls offering different foods: just grab a table, do a tour and order food - they will bring it to you. Entertainement is provided and well fun. Strongly recommend this hotel and will definitely stay there again!"

David’s Kitchen: "Excellent food, service and atmosphere."

I was visiting Chiang Mai for a short weekend and read about this restaurant online. Reservations were made easily online and followed up by email. The restaurant was easy to find but location change across the river. The restaurant is beautiful inside with a very cozy atmosphere. There was a live piano during my dinner, which was nice. David personally came and greeted every table. He stayed by my table for a bit because I was alone and made me feel at home. The food was exquisite. I had a raw salmon appetizer, lobster bisque, and lamb chops - all of which I would recommend. David suggested a restaurant for lunch the following day and sent me a very detailed and warm thank you email the following morning. Thank you David!

Supanniga Eating Room: "Superb"

Found through Time Out and it was a great shout. Excellent food in a small and modern restaurant with a nice vibe. Excellent staff and importantly great flavour to the food including a wonderful crab meat curry.

Samanea Beach Resort: "Perfect chill out place"

We loved it here, our favourite hotel in Cambodia. We stayed in a Junior Suite only for two nights but it was bliss. So quiet and relaxing. Our room was huge and I loved the outside bathroom. We were given many options for breakfast and all were excellent. We only ate one night at the restaurant on site and it was the best meal we had on our trip. The pool was divine and for a lot of the time we were the only ones in it. There were only two things I would suggest to the hotel. One is newer thicker bath towels, another is a top sheet for the bed as the duvet was a little warm. We had no mosquito issues in our room at all. Staying here ticked all the boxes for a wonderful restful break in touring and I would happily return, next time for longer.

Sanak Retreat Bali: "Little piece of paradise"

We stayed here for 4 nights and what a magical time that was. We could not have been happier with the service we received by staff of Sanak. The employes of Sanak retreat is what makes Sanak of what it is. They are absolutely amazing. Fell in love this place and will definitely come back on my next trip to Beautiful Bali

David’s Kitchen: "David’s Kitchen – amazing service, amazing food"

"We were in Thailand for our honeymoon and my husband planned a dinner at David's Kitchen for our one week wedding anniversary. The service was truly the best, it was amazing to have the actual David come and speak with us and congratulate us on our wedding! But more importantly (in my opinion :) ) the food was OUTSTANDING! The spicy fish salad with green apple - one of my absolute favorite dishes in Thailand (from our whole trip)! We also got the oysters which were so delicious! For dinner we had the Squid ink linguine with spicy seafood sauce which was cooked to perfection and the Braised Beef cheek slow-cooked in red wine with Paris mash, it was sooo tender and delicious. There was even a lemon sorbet pallet cleanser between courses...it was so delicious, we ordered it for dessert too! David's Kitchen is a must if you are visiting Chiang Mai - you will not regret it!! :)"

Inle Princess Resort: "As before, just excellent"

"My most recent stay at Inle Princess Resort was, like all my previous ones, wonderful. I find everything at the resort just excellent, the chalets, restaurant, spa, bar, gift shop and again, above all, the people. Several staff members speak some basic German and Spanish and I encourage guests to give them a chance to practice their language skills. The resort is beautiful (a swimming pool was almost completed when I was there), but I find it a very good experience to take a bicycle and to explore the countryside, nearby villages, markets, or the winery, just ask at the front desk. The food, whether Burmese (e.g., curries, Mohinga, home made ice cream) or Western (e.g., BBQ Chicken on Steamed Pumpkin), was always delicious. My secret, I simply followed the recommendations of the chef (Nwe Oo) or of one of her assistants (Mo Kham). Very impressive is the social responsibility of the resort owner family, supporting the local population in many ways (e.g., health, orphanages, schools, education and more)."

The Cabochon Hotel and Residence: "Classic & Valued Boutique Hotel in BKk ever!"

"Hiii ! This is for many times I visited this city, BANGKOK. THAILAND!!! I heart you ever. For this time I traveled with my cousins & her daughter, for them that was 1st visit & memorable they whispered me at the plane :p Well, i would like to falls some wordings here about this boutique hotels! We spent only 3 nights 4 days on the first week of June, this hotel is stunning & room was spacious with living room shared & an amazing design... & other good point is their location was a central of bangkok in Sukhumvit street as i know every single corner way of it. Almost forgot, my room with a shower in the bathtub anyway, it was really an unique style i have ever seen... so perfectly! Service was excellent since we got an assistance from the staff, the girl one who wears white blouse & served our breakfast is well named ""A"" (read : ei'), the bartender names Thanuwong Hompan Kun, the girl i forgot her name who welcomed us when we were check in at evening & the guy at the roof top who always met when i was swimming at the roof top ... i thanking to you guys & warmest hospitality when i was there. Ohh ya, we had dinner at 2nd night in lovely boutique hotel (The Cabochon), the food was really fantastic taste & good presentation as same as we had breakfast style (semi buffet & ala carte service) :) I highly recommend this boutique hotel & am already planning return for a holiday with my sister (hopefully get special rate / hotelier rate since me & her are hotelier in Bali) :D next year where i will most definitely return to The Cabochon Hotel Thank you & i do sorry to keep you waiting a month for my reviews :) Do not worry i remember that, & now see above ! 555555 Kapunkaaapppppp!"