Guest Reviews

Tugu Lombok: "Stunning property with good surprises everywhere"

"I find myself at a loss for words to describe Tugu. It is such an amazing place with lovely people that I really don’t know where to start! We stayed during the end of rainy season and were amazed to find we were almost the only guests there at the time. Sure it rained a couple of times in the afternoon, but there is plenty enough sun in the mornings so this really should not keep you from going there then. The hotel is on the northern side of Lombok, a path much less trodden by tourists there so definitely a bonus for us as we prefer to steer clear of mass tourism. It is a great place to stay in a peaceful surrounding while also being a good base to see other parts of the island. It is also only 30 minutes from here to the Gili islands and the hotel offers rides there on its own dragon boat. The wow factor started for us the minute the car entered the driveway, the grounds on which the hotel sits encompass 6 hectares and all the buildings are well spaced apart. The entrance/reception is beautiful with antique wood carvings and a cooling carp pool where you sit while being registered with a lovely cool drink astound and soothe you after your journey there. We had booked a Svarga villa, but we were also shown the Aloon-Aloon villa and took this instead as the bathrooms are indoor (but not air-conditioned) whereas in the Svarga they are partially outside and we were worried about mosquito bites when using the bathroom at night. Both villa types were stunning and each villa, even of the same type, has slightly different compositions (e.g. different styles of beds) making each a very individual experience. The Aloon-Aloon villas are stand-alone, each with a private walled in garden and all the lights are controlled from what can only be described as a James Bond style control box on the bed side table. They are also close to the main restaurant and bar in a garden area with large coconut and other trees offering lovely shade and cool. The villas are huge, our own flat at home now seems so much smaller and cramped we wish we were back there! You have almost absolute privacy and the only thing we heard in our time there was the Muezin call to prayer that you hear anywhere on the island. The hotel has two restaurants, the main one with a T-shaped pool in front not far from the Aloon-Aloon villas and reception area was the one we mainly used as the other (wedding) hall is only open three times a week if enough guests are there. This other hall was stunning, huge and high ceilinged with a range of captivating statues and antique art pieces and included a number of ceiling fans that were great for cooling you while you ate. We did not use the adjoining bar, but did take a look and it was just like a vision out of colonial and historic buildings from all over Asia. The main restaurant was smaller and had no ceiling fans, however, you have the opportunity to eat at various places on the property if it was not raining. We ate on a raised dais just in front of the beach a couple of times as there was a nice breeze there. Regardless of where you choose to eat the service is fantastic and the food is amazing. I am allergic to cucumber, Zucchini and related food stuffs while my wife is allergic to onion and garlic, quite a challenge for the kitchen who were amazing about it all and the staff were very good with us. We also did a cooking course with Sukma, which we thoroughly enjoyed and I learned an awful lot about Indonesian cooking in the process. I can only highly recommend this course. The hotel also offers a number of activities and outings that we found very useful and excellently delivered. While the tours are pre-defined they are always very accommodating in changing the parameters of these if this is required. There are two pools on the property all can use, some of the villas also heave their own private pools. The largest pool is around 2 minutes’ walk from the main reception and has it’s own bar on site. A small children’s pool leads into the main pool, which has a deep centre with sides you can walk on. There are several sun loungers around the pool and it is a great area for families. We mainly used the pool at the front of the main restaurant that is built in a T-shape. It is perfect for cooling off while staying close to the main restaurant and bar areas, I would say it could do with a little clean as some of the inside surfaces including lights did have a build-up of algae on them, but this in no way stopped us from swimming there. Please do not get the wrong idea from my last comment, I have to say the staff are amazing and spend a huge amount of time cleaning in all areas of the hotel. The staff are wonderful and very attentive while also keeping a level of distance in order to provide the guests with a level of privacy. We got on really well with everyone and all staff made a huge effort to make our stay as fantastic as possible, I have to give particular thanks here to Ruslan who took the time to teach me a number of Indonesian phrases I found very useful while there. The beach is amazing here with lovely white sand and direct access to the sea. The corals near to shore are a little bleached and covered in sea weed, but there are still amazing fish to see not far from shore. It might have been the time of year, but there were always strands of sea weed floating in the water that were a little off putting, but otherwise well worth a visit. All around the hotel grounds and buildings there are amazing statues and details to be discovered while walking around. I think I could have easily spent another week there and still not get bored of discovering the place, I can only highly recommend a stay here and hope to be back some time myself too. Room Tip: Ask to see the rooms available, you can then chose the best for your needs"

Heritage Suites: "Old but goal"

It soooo Wonderful hotel it kind like you lived in 90's in French :) but luxury model decor . Beautiful view for walking or I will tell you some if you had honeymoon come here and take a photoshoot with there view and grab a wine and dinner

Inle Heritage Stilt Houses: "Incredible Experience, not to be missed"

I loved my time visiting the Inle Heritage House during my stay in Inle Lake. Passionate and talented people doing fantastic work. I enjoyed the cat sanctuary, the architecture and design of the space, the garden and sustainability efforts, and the opportunities for cooking classes... all of this while supporting the local community and hospitality education program. I would recommend a visit to anyone who will be traveling to Myanmar. Please support and enjoy this fantastic organization.

Villa Song Saigon: "Superb Hotel"

"We spent a couple of nights here at the end of our trip and it really was excellent. The staff were first class and extremely helpful at all times. The free boat rides into central Saigon are really useful and allow you to explore the sites. Rooms are really well designed and very comfortable. Pool is lovely. Food was good but on the expensive side but all the restaurants in the area are quite dear as the hotel is in the expat area of town. Would highly recommend it though"

Talabgaon Castle: "A pearl tucked in the beautiful Rajasthani countryside"

"Located one and a half hour from Jaipur on the way to Ranthambore or Bundi, Talabgaon Castel is the perfect blend of Rajasthani heritage and culture ! The road to reach is crossing the countryside and villages. I love the thrill of diving deep in the rural India and suddenly reaching this splendid property. It brings you back in the royal times ! The castel has been remarquably renovated and improved by this family of polo players who are passionate about their legacy. I came with some friends and we were welcomed and by two of the brothers who take great care of us all along our stay. The staff is professional and provided an excellent service. They serve authentic Rajasthani food made with the vegetables from the organic garden. The rooms are large, clean, comfortable and beautiful. Chose one with the view on the swimming pool ! I particularly loved the gardens where you can stroll until the organic gardens, the farm the polo field and meet on your way some peacocks and even an emeu ! Perfect place to explore the rural life of India and to relax. They offer a large range of activities in an around the hotel (horse riding, walks, jeep safaris, camel cart ride...). We all wished we had stayed longer ! Thank you to the Talabgaon family for lovely time! Stayed January 2017, traveled with friends"

Glenburn Tea Estate: "An oasis in beautiful landscape"

"We stayed 4 nights here and felt this was just about right. 2 nights is just not enough for the journey in and out which is yes long and yes bumpy.. but it is an adventure.. and to be honest after reading about the road I was slightly worried. In our opinion it is not as bad as its made out to be. If you want to get away from it all and off the beaten track you have to put in some effort. Will, Faye and the team were great with exceptional levels of service given at every moment. If you like the ski chalet concept you will love Glenburn. This is a ski chalet in the foothills of the Himalayas. There is a wide variety of activity and plenty of time just to relax if you want to. One tip take good walking shoes to really enjoy the treks available. Rooms are big, unique and lovely. You could put on pounds if you ate all the food. There was plenty of it and at all times of the day. Bed tea in the mornings was a real treat. WiFi was weak but leave it behind and put it away is our best advice. We did and were so refreshed by doing so. All in all a really lovely place to stay."

Satri House: "Colonial splendor a walking distance from the historical center"

Satri House is a charming colonial style hotel in Luang Prabang in a quiet area of the city. It is a walking distance from the historical center and if you wish some bicycles are as well free of charge at your disposal in the hotel. You can just ask for a lock at the reception. The hotel complex is highly elaborated with some charming rooms in the new part of the property in colonial like buildings that look just like they were conceived at the French colonial period. One older building was the official house of the Laos Crown Prince and you can stay there in three suites with antique furnitures. A pond with lotus flowers, many tress give to the place a very romantic touch. A restaurant with a talented Lao female Chef is at your disposal for delicious meals Lao or Western. Breakfast is served there at your convenience. The staff is particularly nice and friendly and will always do their best to assist you. Take time to have a talk with them as they love to practice foreign languages. The managing director is a young european guy who is very welcoming and will help you make your stay unique. Take time to wander around Luang Prabang and enjoy your time in the hotel itself (the place is great for romance ! Keep it in mind)

Villa Song Saigon: "Cheerful Place"

We really spent a beautiful time in this hotel. The staff are always there for us, any time, any moment. They are very helpful and friendly, professional and very nice, they were always smiling and happy. Breakfast and meals at the restaurant were just perfect presented and so tasty too. Room is clean and spacious, furnished with antiques and are very comfortable. Wifi is free, air-conditioning is quiet and the bathrooms are all you could wish for. There is a beautiful garden courtyard with as well as an view to the river. Every corner in the hotel has something spiritual and nice. This is a best hotel we ever stayed with charm and has nothing to do with those big and tourists hotels. We were really happy and i hope to be back soon.

Reverie Siam: "Beautiful resort – great place to stay"

I can't recommend Reverie Siam enough! Set in a quiet location away from the hustle and bustle of the main part of town, Reverie Siam is a relaxing and peaceful retreat. It offers beautiful and comfortable rooms with ensuites (including a deep bath tub), two pools, a restaurant, a free shuttle service into town (including providing a mobile to call them for pick-up), free wifi, and complementary breakfast. The staff were very friendly and accommodating. I would definitely stay here again!

CHAKRABONGSE VILLAS: "The perfect oasis in the heart of Old Bangkok"

"I have used tripadvisor to plan trips for years, but our magical time at the Chakrabongse Villas has finally inspired me to write a review of my own. We could not have found a more perfect place to spend the final 3 days of a 2 week trip to SE Asia. Atom, the manager, and her staff were incredibly warm, welcoming, and helpful in making our stay in Bangkok so special, and upgraded us to the Garden View Suite, which was lovely. Tucked away in beautiful, lush gardens right on the banks of the Chao Praya river and directly across from Wat Pho and a short distance to the Grand Palace, the Chakrabongse Villas, is truly a hidden gem. Being in the heart of Old Bangkok meant that we could return to the hotel for a quick dip in the gorgeous pool to cool off from the infamous Bangkok heat before heading out for the next excursion. I highly recommend arranging to have dinner at the Chakrabongse Villas for an unforgettable experience - the dinner we had with a private table set up on the terrace right next to the river was the most romantic, and one of the most delicious, we've ever had (the owner is a descendant of the Thai kings Rama IV & V so the dishes are from the Royal Family's own recipes). We also enjoyed our tour of Bangkok's canals in the Chakrabongse Villa's own long tail boat. If you are looking for the perfect boutique hotel that offers a peaceful, historical oasis in hectic and hot Bangkok, then I cannot recommend Chakrabongse Villas highly enough. Thank you, Atom, for helping to make our stay so extraordinary. "