Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi

Entry contributed by Filly.

Another hotel that I stayed during my trip to Dubai, or more appropriate a palace, the Emirates Palace of Abu Dhabi. I remember there was a forward email about this Emirates Palace saying that its the residence of one of the Arabs Prince. Well I can tell you it isn’t, although it is fit for a prince/princess. My first impression of this hotel would have to be of this expression – *speechless* . Yes it’s simply is in a class of its own. Just take a look for yourself…

All I can say is that never in my wildest dream that I’d experience staying at this luxurious place since I know I could never afford it because I heard even just a coke will cost you probably around 30 to 50 USD, if I’m not mistaken. But I must say the downside of the Emirates Palace would be that you can get lost easily because the palace is so huge that getting back to your room could be quite a walkathon. But then again, don’t worry about getting lost because they will assign each one of you a butler. Now I’m sure when the word butler is mentioned, you’d quickly picture Alfred from Batman or Mr. Belvedere. Nope you don’t get the old men type but instead the butler is a lady (mine looks like Shakira!) with a very nice and unique uniform looking to show you your room and how everything in your room operates. Men would definately love this. Oh, one of the unique thing about the room is the coin shaped key (middle pic below).

So do you really still need my ratings? Ok I’ll say 7 stars out of 5. Hehe…

The Emirates Palace is part of the Kempinski Group which also owns The Kempinski Mall of Emirates.

Note: Main pics taken from The Emirates Palace main website. Thumbnails are taken by Filly.

Posted by Andrew Rijley

Villarica Park Lake Hotel, Pucon, Chile

It may seems forever to reach the hotel especially if you come from Asia. Once you reach Santiago, you have to take a flight to Temoco and an hour’s drive to Pucon. Once you reached Pucon, you will appreciate the beauty of the place with the lake in front of you and Mount Villarica in your background.

Villarica Park Late Hotel is not the only hotel in Pucon but one of the best there.

A total of 70 rooms with two swimming pools, a spa. gym and other amenities and lovely view of the Villarica Lake. The Hotel is packed especially in the Summer where the Chileans will come and spend their summer here.

Food is great with international cuisine and local Chilean wines to suit your choice of meals.
While you are there, you can visit Mount Villarica and many of the “thermas” or hot spring around the area.

Definitely 5 out of 5.

Post by Georgious Papardous

Ritz Carlton, Santiago, Chile

A hotel designed for World and Corporate leaders. The Ritz Carlton in down town Santiago Chile is made for the immaculate world travelers.

The roof top swimming and spa facilties with the snow capped Andes Mountain in the background, provide an excellent retreat in the middle of the city.

Since its creation in June 2003, The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago has received all the major awards the local and international hospitality industry and leading consumer organizations can confer. The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago is the first and only Chilean hotel to be named the number one hotel of Mexico, Central and South America by the prestigious Travel+Leisure Magazine.

My rating : 5 out of 5.

Post by: Georgious Papardous

The Kempinski Mall of the Emirates

Entry contributed by Filly.

Stayed at this hotel on the second day it officially opened so being the first to sleep in the room is an honour. Its a very modernly furnished hotel with one of the most comfortable bed of the trip and its very spacious.

These pictures of my room are their standard room and its complete with dining, living room and the best part is its located inside the biggest mall and the so called indoor ice skiing in Dubai.

My rating: 5 stars out of 5.

Kempinski Mall of the Emirates website

Posted by: Andrew Rijleh

Riviera Hotel, Brunei.

A very pleasant and modernly furnished hotel located in the heart of Kuala Belait. I stayed in the Junior Suite (pic above) for the night and found it very comfortable. I especially like the bathroom, quite a retro fix. Every floor has its own WiFi connection and just next to the hotel, there is a Riviera Cafe which is actually right next to the Belait river where you can enjoy magnificent sunset views such as below as you unwind for the day.

image source: for blue skies, my next door heaven

My rating: 3 stars out of 5.
Riviera Hotel website

Posted by: Andrew Rijleh