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.

Taiwan Travelogue: Taoyuan International Airport and a glance at the city

When the word Travel pops up, I am almost instantly excited and all the pictures of vacation and the prospects of wandering to a new place to see the other side of the world just come rushing into my mind. I mean, who doesn't like the idea of traveling, right?
So, when we decided and finalized on a surprise trip (oh, my surprise trip actually, by my hubby) last two months, I was thrilled and overjoyed that I was to pack my bags and get ready for another adventure.
Destination?
Taiwan, yes, that is the place that I have been talking about for years, and have yet to make a trip and finally, it was realized early this year.
Almost everyone has been to Taiwan, but hey, it is not a race, so we are taking our own time to plan and explore this gem in Asia (though I would not say much about the planning, as it was more of a spur-of-the-moment kind of trip).

The idea of an early flight never bothers me, as I am naturally an early person who wakes up way before the birds do in the morning every day. Besides, when one is to embark on a journey to see the world, who needs that much sleep anyway?
I was busy finalizing my packing from the night before, and needless to say, I need no alarm clock to wake me up that morning as I was just anticipating the trip.

The newly renovated Penang International Airport, with the International Departure Gate beckoning to us while we finalize our documents after checking in.



 It was an approximately 5 hours flight; with a layover at the Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok International Airport, for about an hour before we finally landed at our destination.



Huge Taiwan flag displayed at the airport, greeting visitors at first sight upon landing at the international airport's runway.





Taiwan's Taoyuan International Airport, formerly known as Chiang Kai Shek International Airport (CKS) has seen the years taking its toll on this once glorious and much acclaimed landmark making to the list of one of the most impressively modern architecture for an airport in Asia and today, its lacklustre appearance has dethroned her from the likes of the rise of the other much modernized counterparts in the neighboring countries.
It was rather quiet really, at the time of my arrival, and the airport, while still maintaining the basic architecture is currently undergoing minor modifications to upgrade her already fading glory as proudly worn now by the far more impressive airports in Asia. While it is not too bad, I could not help but agree that the airport did indeed lack the wow factor and did not seem to synonym with the prestigious hat worn by one of the Five Tigers of the East, in which Taiwan was in the list. It may signal time for an upgrade, and I am sure it would be on the many belts of planning in the country.

Spotted, Hsin Tung Yang's outlet located at the airport, one of the big household names in the country for their pastries and baked goods (perhaps something like our very own Bee Cheng Hiang?)



As usual, we always preferred to travel on our own rather than book on tours and therefore, most of the time, it would require a lot of of research and planning to get around independently.
The first and foremost concern in question is the transportation, upon arrival, as in, getting out of the airport and to our hotel.

We found that there are bus services available at the airport, and for an approximate of TWD150 (~MYR16), we could board a bus which would take us to the nearest MRT station to our hotel.
(There is no direct bus to the hotel where we have booked for our stay).



There was a designated area right outside the airport where we could wait for our buses, and the lines are drawn clearly on the grounds for the queues. The Taiwanese do take their queues really seriously, based on my first impression as I noticed how the people would stand religiously and obediently to wait and there is no one who would cross over to overtake another. I would say this is something which should be observed and practised in all the countries.



Now, I have to admit, I am not much of a bus person. In fact, I am not much of a public transportation system either, and maybe you could say I am spoilt in that sense, but in my country, it seems to be easier and more convenient to own a car which gets us everywhere. Okay, now that sounds a little like over pampering, and I guess it is true. Don't get me wrong, I have gotten on buses and trains back in my country before, but not on a regular or daily basis, perhaps also due to my job nature and the frequent traveling, I am more used to cars.

Anyway, I am not that familiar with the bus system, and I was a little skeptical initially, preferring the cabs over the buses, but I was proven wrong when the bus arrived.
I was instantly bowled over by the warm welcome of the bus steward (yes, they have one) who came over to our queue to greet and to confirm on our tickets and destination, and of course, checking on the luggages. He helped us to put the luggages into the designated compartment at the lower part of the bus and then gladly answered our questions as we checked with him on the direction the bus will be traveling and our destination.

The bus was not like those public buses I had pictured, but rather, it felt more like a luxury coach which just made me instantly relaxed as I got on and enjoy my trip.
Oh one thing though, I remembered that the bus had this flapping sound at the roof; where I noticed that there was a huge plastic taped to prevent rain drops so I guess, it is time they look into the maintenance of the bus. After all, Taiwan is prone to rainfall too.



It was an approximately 45 minutes ride to the town; as the airport is located at an estimated 40km (~25 miles) away from the center of the city.

Scenes of Taipei from the bus (be reminded that these are from the outskirts of Taipei, as these are taken while traveling from the airport)









Arriving at the city; and the sudden change in the weather.
We were there in January, and it was during the winter season where sudden changes in temperature and rainfall can occur.
However, the weather was not too cold as in some of the other countries I have traveled to, and it was just nice with an average temperature of 16 degrees Celsius, and on certain days, it could go up to 18, or drop to 10, but in general, the temperature was just a cooler escape from the heat in our country.





Taipei is another metropolitan city that is full of hustle bustle and needs no introduction as our bus enters the roads lined with shophouses, skyscrapers and swerving against the motorcycles or rather, scooters which were so notoriously known and associated with the city that they have almost become one of the most iconic things to look out for in the city.



To be continued....

My First 48 Hours in Oahu

Sun, sand and surf, tall and lean coconut trees swaying gently to the soft breeze, clear blue skies, emerald green sea, soft white sand, beautiful and bright sunny weather are all images formed to depict Hawaii in one's mind; not to mention the words exotic, tropical, relaxing, sunny; are sets of flamboyant adjectives synonymous with the famous destination for beach vacations and romantic getaways.

Islands are what formed the foundation of the enchantment factor drawing visitors from all over the world to enjoy the exclusivity of these islands across the Pacific, promising bliss and warmth from its sandy shores.

Put on your swimsuit and sunnies, wear your sandals and bring your towel and you are all set for a Hawaiian vacation are probably some of things one may have heard or conjured in their mind when dreaming and plan a getaway to Hawaii, and guess what, I did none of that; on the first 48 hours upon landing on the tropical soil of this famous place!

Alright, no need for panic or distorted shape of frown forming on anyone's face as I am not here only for 48 hour and Oahu, is not at all as pictured when one thinks of the word Hawaii and the closest that one can come to is probably the word Aloha.

Oahu is not your typical laid back kind of island; but rather it is a fully developed city and I am referring to office buildings, large shopping malls, busy traffic, patrolling police cars taking place in this very island; the first few scenes which greeted me upon my arrival at the airport.
The airport itself, was a rather enchanting sight with the rustic charm of the architecture and design from the past; but that image fades as soon as one steps out of the airport area and heads to the town.

Development sprawled all over Oahu island; with buildings, institutions, and well-built highways emerging into sight as one drives on the highway towards the city center.
These were scenes so familiar to me, that had it not been for the customs officer stamping my passport to admit me entry earlier, I would not be able to believe that I am, indeed, in Hawaii.

Oahu is indeed an island; of the other islands which offer most of everything and is suitable for families or city dwellers like myself as everything is just easily accessible and available and I find that thought comforting, though I may have lost my memory of my main objective here; which is a romantic island honeymoon with my newlywed husband.

However, I can only blame it on the long and exhausting flight which tire us so much that we whiled the first 12-24 hours with casual activities like driving around and shopping, then heading back to catch up on some beauty sleep to adjust to the local hours; which by the way, is 18 hours behind my local time.
It is not too bad though; as the three quarters of the day difference somehow made it close to some of our meal times thus compensating for the time lag and minimizing our adjustment levels.


Before a beach or island vacation seeker runs off in the opposite direction upon reading the first part of my article, let me assure that Oahu is not all city-like either as the island still maintains its allure and charms in its well-planned layout of the attraction spots including that of the mystical yet breathtaking views of the mountainous areas, the active harbors, boathouses and also shipyards, the rich cultural and historical background still in place today, the sandy beaches and the blue sea, all awaits visitors in every corner.


Like a treasure box slowly creaking open to reveal its treasures, it was an exciting and breathtaking experience as I reveled in the pleasure of exploring the island of Oahu; which offers much more than just sun, sand and sea, and promises a journey filled with memories through a rich blend of history, technology, culture and traditions all in one as one takes in bits and pieces of the most developed island in Hawaii.

I may have taken a slow ride on my first 24 hours, but Oahu did not let me stay in my slumber too long as it beckons with its many attractions and itineraries which must be properly planned to ensure one get the best of Oahu and I made sure I started right; with a glimpse into the past of Oahu in the first 48 hours, after taking in the sights of the city.

To be continued...

Counting down...

One-of-a-Kind Luxury Vacation on Pangkor Laut Resort

The destination my dearest hubby picked for our honeymoon's prequel is none other than the multi award winning luxurious resort owned by YTL, tucked away in an exclusively owned private island located off the west coast of Malaysia; Pangkor Laut Resort.


The motto of 'One Island, One Resort' best describes the exclusivity of this island which is tucked away from the main Pangkor Island and Peninsular Malaysia.

The clear waters, white sand and lush greenery from the natural tropical rain forests surrounding the island are few of many attractions on the island.
In fact, the rain forests on the island are as old as two million years, no kidding!


As I was busy with the wedding planning for the past year, I barely had time to do my research on this place and what I did, was just pack after the wedding and looked forward to unwind ourselves after our busy schedule.
I did not have much expectation despite having heard of the many great reviews of this place, and I think that was good; as I ended up having a great time here, uncovering one gem after another every moment I was here. (usually, I am not even into sunny and beach vacations! :p )

Our peek of luxury began when we arrived at the Lumut jetty; after our 2-hours drive from Penang and we were welcomed by the Pangkor Laut Resort friendly attendants at their private counter facing the jetty.

We didn't even need to lift a single finger as they were just so thoughtful and kind to help us with our luggage and even directed us to a place where we could park our car for the next few days.
They even served us with a cold fruit punch upon arrival and ushered us into their air-conditioned office as we await for our jetty transfer.


We didn't have to wait long as they have the transfers every hour, via the resort's privately owned speedboat.



The boat ride only took 20 minutes to reach the private island, and it was a breezy and exciting ride as we bobbed up and down in rhythm with the waves.


As we approached the jetty, I already felt relaxed when I saw their outlying villas and the tranquil settings surrounding the island resort.







Our luxurious and pampering vacation begins as soon as we stepped into their beckoning lobby.


We were attended privately by a dedicated staff who went through our itinerary with us and made most of our reservations at the restaurants, and we were led to our rooms by another staff.
They even have shuttle service to ferry you to your rooms!



I was immediately relaxed when I caught glimpse of where I was about to stay for the next few days!


The water; with its clear emerald green sparkle just seemed so inviting!



To be continued...