Hotel Review: Park City Hotel at Luzhou

Accommodation is always the most important part, next to transportation when one is on vacation. 

It does boil down to the matter of individual preference when it comes to this subject, as there are always options from simple home stay to hostels, inns or luxury resorts, depending on the travelers and of course, dictated by an assortment of factors, from budget to location, cleanliness, security, comfort, and the list goes on.

I am fine with any option, and typically in our case, it depends a lot on the location, cleanliness and definitely security. When it comes to Asian countries, the location is vital as typically lots of traveling is involved which translates to the easy and quick accessibility to the modes of transportations available.

Park City Hotel is a family of hotels located almost everywhere in Taipei (or around Taiwan), as we could see that there is a Park City Hotel in different districts. We selected the branch in Luzhou, which was recommended by Trip Advisor, as it is located in a quaint neighborhood where the St Ignatius High School is. In fact, along the MRT line that runs along this part of Taipei, there are three other schools which are in this district. (So I am pretty much running along the school's line, literally so, each day as I take the train to and from the hotel).

With the MRT station and the location right above the St Ignatius plaza (the hotel is right inside this shopping complex; though not a huge one), there is no wonder that this is an extremely popular hotel among foreign and local tourists.

St Ignatius Plaza is located in the same building, and the MRT station is just literally underneath the hotel (take the elevator to the Ground Floor or the B2 for direct access to the station).
Located in the district of Luzhou, this area is termed as the new Taipei, as while it is away from the hustle and bustle of the busy metropolis, the area is still lively with the schools and her own local attractions making it a town of her own. Furthermore, the easy access to the main city of Taipei or getting around adds to all the attractions of Luzhou.
It is for this convenience factor that placed the above mentioned hotel in the recommendations of Trip Advisor.



The Hotel Lobby and a view of the outdoor patio of the cafeteria in the background


The hotel is a combination of both homey and business-like ambiance as contemporary art dominates the design of the hotel's interior, seen evident in the pragmatic furniture settings in the lobby's waiting area. In fact, to the left of the hotel, heading to the elevators to the rooms, there is a working area equipped with desks and magazines, and of course, free internet access.

Elevators
There are two elevators;
1)Access to St Ignatius Plaza - Hotel lobby is located at 6th Floor
2)Access to the guest rooms 

Access to Guest Rooms
The access to the guest rooms (from Level 7 onwards) are strictly monitored with the access cards activation at the sensor installed inside the elevators; promising tight security and a privacy to the guests staying in this hotel, not to mention a peace of mind.
I always look forward to the security features provided by the hotel, which adds to that appeal when staying on my vacation. After all, there is no such thing as being too safe, don't you think?

Hotel Rooms


The rooms are fashionably contemporary and gives that mixed feeling of business and leisure together (having stayed for business trips most of the time), but I can't say I am not liking the rooms which were designed with practicality in mind and at the same time, the clean and no-nonsense colors and placement of the furnitures just makes it really comfortable.
I won't say that the room is homey, to be exact, but it is really, orderly and systematic, in its own sense.

I am a fan of simple and fuss free contemporary designs, and I must say the hotel meets my requirements. In fact, I actually liked staying in this hotel, because it just feels like home to me.
While many may find it a little too business-like to a certain extent, at the same time, I find its clean designs is appealing to my tastes.



The open concept of the bathroom, with the glass window overlooking the bathtub where the slides are automated reminds me of the business hotels which I used to stay at frequently.


Basic amenities are provided and neatly placed within a black box on the counter from the entrance into the room.
Body and Hand lotion
Comb
Hand Soap/Bath Soap
Toothbrush and toothpaste kit
Shaving Kit with razor and cream
Shower Cap
Cotton Pads and Cotton Buds


Mini Bar Counter (All complimentary items, as there is nothing in the fridge)
It is interesting to note that the fridge is left vacant for the guests to fully utilize during their stay and it makes perfect sense, as there is a mall below the hotel, and just right beside the hotel is a 7-11.

Two bottles of complimentary mineral/drinking water
Coffee
Long Jing Tea
Green Tea



I loved how the hotel went to the extent of welcoming their guests with a plate of fruits and with knife and fork prepared on the coffee table.
It is this little touch which sets them apart and away from the other hotels, and I love how the hotel pampered the guests (yes, I like being pampered!)


I am glad we picked this hotel, and had no regrets at all; despite it being slightly higher on the price compared to the other options we could have had as the hotel was rated 4-stars.
The hotel compensated with the other facilities they offered at the price:
Gym 
Laundry room (you could utilize the washing machines and dryers available in the laundry room to do free laundry, lightening that need to pack so many clothes while traveling)
Free Internet Access (Wi-Fi)
Television
Hair Dryer
Free Breakfast at the cafeteria


With awesome views from my window, I am more than happy to call this my home for my entire stay in Taiwan~





Overall review:
Hotel Ranking: ☆☆☆☆
Location: Good
Accessibility to Transportation/Other Location: Good
Facilities: Good
Amenities: Good
Cleanliness: Above Average
Service: Above Average (this is no Marriott or Hilton, but the warm touch by the hotel staff who greets and bows when they meet you at hallways just speaks more than hospitality)
Security: Good
Price: MYR300 onwards (On the higher side)
Food: Good
Overall: Good

I would recommend this hotel if you are planning to stay in Taipei, or getting around Taipei as the direct access to the restaurants, convenience stores and of course, the MRT station just makes it the ideal location for travelers.

Relaxation beckons from the Veranda~

City dwellers know what it is like to be working or living in the city where daily scenes of rushing through crowds and maniac motorists honking and swerving their cars out of nowhere, with blaring city neon lights towering over the hordes of people appearing like massive army of ants from the sky-sweeping city scrapers standing proudly as iconic landmarks. Though the blasting sounds from this familiar scene may just sound like music to the ears, there are days when one just wants to get away from them all; far away to a place where it is all quiet, except, the occasional songs from nature.

A place like, a beach resort, a distance away from the city sounds like the perfect getaway for the everyday city survivor where the images of the soft swaying of the lanky coconut trees amidst the dazzling blue landscape of the sea backdrop and casting the dreamy silhouette is enough to snatch one's attention from the mundane tasks at hand.


Oh yes, a picture like this says a thousand words and with the many voices in your head screaming, "I wish I am there now" (Trust me, it's normal and you are fine in the head)

While beach resorts are common these days, right in our own backyard in Malaysia which is a tropical paradise herself, there are also many others all over the world and especially so, in our neighboring country, which is quickly rising to international fame for being one of the top tourist destinations - for the island/beach getaway locations set within the borders of her land. I am speaking of none other but Thailand, the rice bowl capital of Asia, and one of the high-ranking countries for tourism known for the great hospitality and the colorful local culture which is just an indefinite crowd magnet of all times.
Thailand may be known to many for the notorious traffic conditions in Bangkok, and the long sprawling streets of the food and clothing in the rising metropolis as many international flights swoop into the hectic yet impressively designed airport, but the capital city shares her limelight with the other attractive locations in the country in vying for tourists' attention, and Phuket, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, Krabi, are all fast rising to international tourism star destinations in the industry today.

Two hours away from Bangkok, is this quaint little town of Hua Hin, in the province of Cha Am, which is also rising to internationally acclaimed fame for its idyllic beach backdrops, making it perfect for a romantic getaway and also for total relaxation in escaping the hustle bustle of the big cities.
I was there last year, though not for the main purpose of relaxation (unfortunately so!), for a business conference, and like many others, I landed in the international airport of Suvarnabhumi in Bangkok, before being escorted by a private chartered van on a two-hour long drive out of Bangkok to this county.
It does sound like a luxury treat; with the private transportation and the wonderful idea of spending the next few nights in a beach resort, if not for the business purpose I was there for originally.
Of course, I didn't mope for long when I caught the glimpse of my supposed residence for the trip, largely displayed as my van turned into the resort's premises.




Veranda Resort and Spa, a 5-star award winning luxury resort, was indeed the sight of a getaway and it quickly set my mood to that of a vacation mode and an instant transition (or determination) to relax while I was at work here.
(Perhaps that was the intention of the management, thank you, for the treat and hard work we have gone through. Whatever the reason, I am definitely not complaining).

Like all beach resorts, the design emphasized on the open concept with heavy emphasis on wood, glass, brass and the flow of water through the place. Perhaps it was also in accordance with the laws of feng shui, to increase the qi in the area, or to promote the idea of tranquility through the simulation of natures under the roof. No matter the intended purpose, I think it did the trick for I already felt relaxed as I stepped onto the foyer of their reception area which sets the projection of a tranquil backdrop flanked by the borderless step pools leading to the ocean.




Located right in front, near to the lobby is the conference room where I will be spending most of the part of my days during my trip here.
I guess they intended for the rooms to be right at the front ; where the main entrance/exit are, to separate and distinguish from the functional (events and work purposes) to the fun under the sun. How thoughtful, and great thinking to be near the main exit for anyone strangulated from the boredom/stress to just run off in the direction (but make sure you have a map of where you are heading to, if you are a foreign tourist. You wouldn't want to lose your way and not make it home)



Check in process was swift (or at that time of my arrival), and we enjoyed a treat of chilled fruit punches while waiting for our turns.



The open alley leading to the guest rooms


A sneak peek into the room; a picture of peace and tranquility in my own privacy is just the perfect treat for me and I just could not wait to just unwind and relax, after my flight and long ride from the capital.


A well-made bed with pillows (lots of them!) just screams "Jump on me!"


The bed just looks so inviting, but I still have tons of things to work on first. Discipline and priority...bummer~


They teach you how it works without bedside tables...




The Bathroom












From the Mini Bar


The interior design of the room, at a glance may strike that pang of familiarity with many beach resorts or luxury resorts but a step outside the room through the sliding glass door to the balcony is what sets it apart; revealing a veranda, all to your private use and facing the flowing waters, is indeed an ideal setting of serenity and distinguishes the identity of the original name of this resort; Veranda.
(However, this is only for those residing in the rooms on the lower floor; but if you are on the upper floor, you still get to enjoy the view of the setting and with more privacy and security with the fenced wooden balcony)


There is also a comfy and wide couch out on the veranda for those enjoy basking in the sun in their own comforts, or just reading - maybe a little of people/scene watching and appreciation?


Drying area for the wet swimwear, towels, etc


I just love the lovely view from my own room; just perfect for lazing in the afternoon with a good book!



Much as I enjoyed the room, I did a little exploring on my own (out of my room) and wandered around the resort to check out the overall ambiance and offers from this award-winning luxury resort.
The design remained consistent throughout the entire location; with their conceptualization of tranquility through the strong emphasis of water, solid wood, marble and such, flanked by living things (fish) and the thick green bushes and trees sprawled over the place, in its own pride of upkeep.


Lush greenery decorated the resort; giving it the soft setting of a natural background.


This place is not known as a beach resort without reason; as the walk leads to the beckoning sounds of the ocean at the end of the walkway.



The soft movements of the trees by the touch of the flowing breeze just makes a dreamy and romantic backdrop and sets one in the mood to just run towards the beautiful and welcoming ocean with open arms.
Oh, such bliss and what a sight of a paradise!~



There is also a bar located near the beach; serving the surfers from both the beach and the swimming pool; another sparkling gem of gorgeous diamond blue waters right beside it.











The verandas of the guestrooms


The view of the main foyer building




If you think that it is pretty under the hot afternoon sun, the night scene is not at a losing end either as it is a picture of peace and quiet with the cool hues popping from the yellow light bulbs plopped sporadically across the premises just makes it all the more romantic.




A rather relaxing atmosphere to put one's mind at ease and retire to bed for a good night's rest~

Overall, this was a beautiful resort I have stayed in Hua Hin and though I have not much to share on touring around the quaint little town of Hua Hin (I hope to do so again someday), the resort promises much more within its walls for a good relaxing weekend in its paradise-like settings.

Price: On the Higher side (this is a luxury resort; 5-star)
Ambiance: 4/5
Service: 4/5
Overall: 4/5

(This is not a sponsored post, and there is no affiliation/association with Veranda Resort and Spa)