Guest Reviews

Cheong Fatt Tze – Blue Mansion: "history"

"If you want that historical experience then this is the place to get it. there is no luxurious Hilton Hotel room but the charm & historical feeling is all worth it. The room is enormous & the bathroom although has modern shower taps the decor is from the era long gone. service is great & the food was good as well. Breakfast was included & consisted of buffet of fruit & cereals & a la-cart hot breakfast & first time I had a hotel say to me after I had finished my breakfast ""have you had enough, would you like some more?"" The house is also a museum & has daily tours & is very interesting to learn about the history of the house. its close to a lot of attractions including the wharfs & a short distance to all the famous Panang street wall paintings & art. Stayed December 2016, traveled as a couple"

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."

David’s Kitchen: "Incredible and delicious"

I cannot say enough good things about this restsurant. Everything was perfect from greeting us at the door to the food to the service. We had a double birthday so we went and everyone wished us Happy Birthday, Mr David came to greet and speak to us as he knew we live in Chiang Mai, the food was to die for (definitely order the pumkin soup for starter) and everything was on point. Lovely piano music as well.

Slow Villas and Spa: "Best place on gili air"

Such a beautiful looking place in a quite part of the island, this resort is full of lovely little details that make your stay so special. The whole team are there to help you and every thing you need has been provided. The villas are spacious and luxurious, you could easily stay for days and I wish we could have stayed longer! We visited as a big group and had so much space to spread out! Such a great place to stay, can't wait to get back!

Neeleshwar Hermitage: "Excellent. quiet stay"

This is a wonderful place with superb accommodation, a deserted beach and fabulous infinity pool. The food is outstanding and the staff excellent and and couldn't do more for you. The attention to detail sets it above the rest. Highly recommended.

Rachamankha: "Inner city oasis"

"Rachamankha is more than a boutique hotel – it is an architectural master piece and a very comfortable oasis right in the middle of Chiang Mai`s hustle and bustle. The rooms are nicely decorated in a very tasteful mix of antiques from different parts and time periods of the world. Everything has been done in a very comfortable way. Attention to detail is visible all around the grounds. During our 7 night´s stay at the Rachamankha we enjoyed the view to the pool from our room and considering that it is located in the middle of the city it is very quiet during the night. The breakfast at the elegant restaurant consisted of a delicious variety of cooked dishes from the menu and a small buffet. The dinner menu offered a wide range of international and Thai dishes which tasted well but not outstanding. To avoid misunderstandings it would be perfect if the waiters would speak a little bit more English."

Sea Dance Resort: "FLAWLESS — one of the biggest highlights of our Thailand trip"

We visited Koh Samui at the very end of our 2-week Thailand trip &, specifically, Sea Dance Resort. Our stay was, honestly, flawless. It started with a very quaint, beautiful, well-cared for resort where we were warmly greeted upon arrival & given some nice juice drinks as a welcome. Then, we went to our bungalow/room which was so stinkin' cool! It's this round, stand-alone building with a king bed in the center, little desk & day bed along the wall (which our 8 year-old son slept in comfortably). Even better, the shower, toilet & vanity were connected & outdoors. It was really special & well-done. We happened to arrive on a Wednesday evening & every week they do a complimentary happy hour from 6-7 by the water & you have a terrific cocktail or glass or wine by the sea & a band plays. You socialize with the staff & we particularly enjoyed talking to Rory, who we soon learned owns the resort. He is SO kind & personable & caring about his guests, as is the entire staff (Faith, Helen, John, etc.), I was impressed that they learned/knew my & my families names immediately & there IS a casualness to everyone yet their service is spot-on. Little examples-- we were goofing around in the pool & when we came out fresh towels & glasses of water were on our chairs. On one hot day they brought around gin & tonic popsicles for the adults, juice popsicles for the kids. The breakfasts are excellent with an egg station, tons of fresh fruits & pastries, Asian foods, cereal, juices, espresso drinks & so on. There are kayaks & SUPs you can borrow & lots of beautiful places throughout the resort where you can sit on a bench & relax. The staff took a particular liking to my son & went above & beyond by allowing him to feed their koi fish, giving him little treats, etc. We encountered a couple from S Africa who said they could "travel anywhere" but they choose to come back to Koh Samui & more specifically Sea Dance again & again because of the staff & resort; that spoke volumes. I have traveled a lot & Sea Dance is in my Top 3, best hotel experiences, ever. Partly because of the wonderful resort, even moreso because of the people.

Nimmu House: "A memorable visit, I won’t forget"

"I came to Nimmu House in July 2015. I landed in Ladakh and went straight to the hotel. HOTEL MANAGEMENT: The caretakers/managers were two of the most wonderful people: a young Caucasian woman and her Indian husband. I came on the day of the festival so no one else was around. They welcomed me, got me food, drink and told me their story and about the hotel. They also took wonderful care of me, letting me how much I should eat, drink and sleep before my journey to Nubra Valley the next day. They also came by to check in on me, filling up my water so I could get the full 4ltrs. HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS: I stayed in a tent, and I wholly recommend it. While some people in previous reviews complaint of hot water issues, I would say to them: calm down. This is in Northern Northern India, in a small village. Yes they will try and accommodate you with warm water, but you knew what you signed up for when you decided to gallivant to this side of the world. I got warm water for the most part, but took quick showers so not to use up too much water. I also showered at odd hours which is why I benefited. The actual tent is spacious. It has a huge bed that is utterly comfortable, a nice space for shower and little study area at the front. Couldn't have asked for anything more. In addition the courtyard is wonderful. I was journal-ling at the time and wrote a lot about sitting in the courtyard and hearing the thumping of apricots on the ground, the little brook that lined the courtyard, the hammocks, it really was magical during the day and evening. LOCATION: If you are looking to assimilate at a reasonable height, this is the place. It has clean air, fresh water, open spaces etc. Its a bit out from Leh but its probably best to leave the dusty loud city/town at arrival and head somewhere quieter. FOOD: I love their use of apricots in everything. While quite a bit of food -- felt like American portions -- it was very welcoming to get such a lovely meal when I arrived (even though they did not have me down for lunch) and prepared so fast. Dinner was wonderful, they sat me next to two people they thought I'd get along with and we did! We talked all night about our lives while sipping on local Chang beer and eating delicious food. I would say it was a bit standard in terms of type of food -- didn't really get local Ladakhi food -- but I was only there one day. OVERALL: Don't miss it. If you start your trip or end on it, this is the place to be. Room Tip: Get a tent, and spend some time in the courtyard on the hammocks See more room tips Stayed July 2016, traveled solo"

Cheong Fatt Tze – Blue Mansion: "A must see"

"The so called Blue Mansion located on 14 Leith Street, is one of the places you cannot miss in Georgetown ,Penang. There is a 45 minute daily tour at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 3.30 p.m and the price is around 17 RM per adult. These tours are in English but there are tours available in other languages as well. The only thing that you won't like about it, is that it is not permitted to take photographs inside the house, which is a pity because it's beautiful. In spite of this drawback the mansion is worth visiting . The mansion is also a boutique hotel for those who want a traditional style accommodation and there is a restaurant as well. Visit my blog The Leisure Diaries to see some pictures."

JING’S RESIDENCE: "Live like a weathly merchant in Ancient China! The Real Experience!"

"I was a wealthy merchant 500 years ago...my home was full of carved wood and art and lavish fabrics..I had a staff eager to please my every need..I sat in my warm lush living room looking at the last bits of the sun as it set over my ornate terra cotta roof... This is a review of Mr Jings Residence..where you get to pretend to live in another time and place... Pingyao is an ancient walled city cut off from car traffic that looks and operates as it has for a thousand years. If you want to experience historical China this is the place to visit! It's crowded with Chinese tourists in spring and summer but still a must see. In a day you can do a quick tour and see the many restored museums, temples and explore the nooks and and secret walkways that make up this city. (...)The courtyards and sitting spaces laced into the ancient buildings..all your own private sanctuary in warmer weather... The restaurant chef and Jing's Restaurant staff were excellent. Unlike a lot of problems with service in China, the folks at Jing's were helpful, friendly and eager to please. A diverse menu of Thai, Chinese and western food was great. Their spring rolls were light, crispy and perfect!!! My Thai peanut chicken was sooo good! I wondered how the chef could source food in the dead of winter..but amazingly he did!My husband had pork that was fresh and savory. The folks at Jing's were always there to help..they even packed us a picnic of banana chocolate bread for our train ride to Beijing. This place is ancient, quiet and yet modern and luxurious. A must do for any visit to China! Bluntly, I would put Pingyao on any travel plan just to stay at Jing's Residence...It was that good!"