Guest Reviews

Glenburn Tea Estate: "Perfection!"

"I can't believe I left my visit to Glenburn (and Darjeeling) to the end of my time in India. I definitely would have returned if I'd been earlier in my tour. The overall experience is fabulous, though there are adjustments that could be made to the property to make it out of this world. The property may not be as fancy as some five star resorts but the experience is everything you could hope for, largely thanks to the wonderful efforts of caretakers Will and Faye (and Alex, who is helping for a few months). They went out of their way to make the it memorable, warm and welcoming. The views and the grounds of the estate are lovely. The tea fields are interesting for a few hours. A lot of guests loved the trek to the Ranjeet River. I preferred whiling away the hours on the front verandah, which really is the perfect antidote to the chaos and dirt of most Indian cities. The catering is superb - kudos to the kitchen staff. If you like kitsch, it's worth the visit to the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway - though much of its journey is through town centres, cheek by jowl with people and their homes. The Shimla toy train may be better. Was lucky to catch a glimpse of Kanchenjunga on my last day but many don't get that lucky. It's still beautiful with or without that experience. The rooms are gorgeously quaint and the attention to detail with the decor is lovely. I loved all the butterfly touches in the Butterfly Room. But the owners may want to consider upgrading the sealing of rooms and electricity given the rates are in the higher bracket for the region. Post monsoon, I found a lot of creepy crawlies were making their way inside through gaps in the windows and an external door that couldn't close/lock. Also plugging in and using the hairdryer could get a bit buzzy given the old electrics. An upgrade to smooth the road to the property also wouldn't go astray. There is bumpy and there is feeling like you're in a washing machine. It's manageable if you don't get car sick but would be horrible if you do - I think the driver also makes a big difference. I did the road with two fabulous drivers and a less careful one as I was leaving and I noticed the difference. Despite those quibbles, I'd go again in a heart beat. Really loved the place. I was lucky to get a late room over the Dusshera/Durga Pooja holiday but apparently it books up fast."

Tugu Malang: "Love this piece of Gem"

My second visit. Staff remembered and adressed me with my name. Arrived 5 mins to high tea but was accommodated. Rooms uniquely decorated. As the common room with peranakan-javanese style furnitures and paintings. ENJOYED SO MUCH....

Nimmu House: "Wonderfull stay and rest in Nimmu House"

"We had a peaceful, relaxing and perfect experience in Nimmu House. Welcoming staff (Alice is lovely, take care of everything), stunning old house which is still being renovated, tents are all comfort. Perfect place to rest and near not so far from Leh, and from there you can visit western Ladakh monasteries and go for trekking. Food is awesome (the chef works in a French owned restaurant in winter as far as I remember). Best nights we had in two weeks in Ladakh, without any hesitation!"

SEEDS Restaurant & Lounge: "Wow"

We were seated at the chef's table got to watch The Kitchen Magic. One of my favorite all-time meals treated to a 10 course dining experience, the service was great and the dining with Windows overlooking the gardens you're breathtaking. The prices were great for the meal we received I would highly recommend and hope to return some day

Manda De Laos: "Delightful"

More expensive than most for reason. The setting is fabulous and the service outstanding. The food matched both of these criteria– it is a modern take on Laotian cuisine, we loved it and thoroughly enjoyed the meal. The cocktails, although quite a limited selection were worthy of the relatively high price.

The Cabochon Hotel and Residence: "Best food in wonderful hotel"

It is one of the most wonderful decorated places in Bangkok with the best Thai food we have ever had! And we had a lot of Thai food within the last 24 years visiting Bangkok every year at least once. Having a break and left in paradise The Cabochon is the place to go. Service is excellent and the whole house is just stunning. If you want to have your special moment-Cabochon is the place to experience it! And I am not mentioning the pool on the roof and the hotel rooms (secret gem)

Neeleshwar Hermitage: "Beautiful, Calm and Relaxing"

"Stayed here with family in the second week of May. Though not the best period to visit this place (it being peak summer).....we had initially planned for 2 Nights, but then extended our stay by one more Night. We had booked 7 villas and everyone of us had a wonderful time. Firstly, thanks to Allaah, who made this possible. He is the best of planners. The property is just beautiful, with well designed villas, top class hygiene and very warm and courteous staff. Everyone, right from Front Desk, House Keeping to the Restaurant are very courteous and friendly. And the F&B Manager and the GM go the extra mile to make your stay memorable. Look forward to visit again, Inshaa Allaah - (God Willing)."

Chakrabongse Villas: "Secluded Paradise in a Bustling City"

"Once you enter through the gates, a fairytale world emerges. Around every corner another surprise awaits, orchards by our front gate, or kittens sleeping under the bench, the beautiful sunroom. The commissioned pictures are very accurate. My daughter feel in love with mangosteen fruits, first time we tasted them! Ask Ms. Atom (excellent English) to open the book store for browsing. The cookbook from the Villas' restaurant is a MUST buy--not only for the royal family's cooking recipes but the stunning pictures, an absolutely wonderful souvenir!"

Villa Song Saigon: "Great hotel away from the center"

Colonial villa with smart decor. Lovely big swimming pool. Located next to the river. Enjoyed the complimentary 10 minute boat ride to center of Ho Chi Minh. Excellent restaurant. A la carte extensive breakfast menu in a lovely setting. We had two adjoining rooms with a sitting room inbetween overlooking the river. Third floor no lifts so you needed to be able to manage stairs although I think there were rooms on ground floor. Lovely atmosphere and very attentive staff.

Villa Mathis: "second séjour, toujours le paradis"

Pretty well decorated room, a beautiful card to the restaurant, attentive staff, good places to stroll or go on trips, a little away has Seminiak which is rather more since the place is very Zen with shuttle to downtown. Also thank you to the new manager and his wife for their hospitality and kindness. we will return