Australia…one of the countries I’ve always wanted to visit, and not only because of the accent but the surroundings, the atmosphere and of course the kangaroos (along with plenty other animals).

When it comes to accommodation in Perth, you’ll want to make sure you’re situated in the right area, with easy access to the local shops, top-notch restaurants and bars, along with the must-see attractions. Parmelia Hilton Perth celebrating its 50th year for the first luxury hotel in Perth is a fantastic choice, especially for those who love luxurious travelling and accommodation.

With 284 guestrooms, including 22 spacious suites,  steaks and seafood at Adelphi Grill along with incredibly tasty breakfast available every morning, a fitness centre and outdoor pool you really can’t go wrong.

Hotel Name: Parmelia Hilton Hotel Perth
Star Rating: ****
Location: 14 MILL STREET, PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA, 6000, AUSTRALIA
Rooms:  284 guestrooms, including 22 spacious suites
Top Tip: Consider getting breakfast delivered to the room, it’s well worth it. Also, book your trips with Scott Hulme, the head concierge – you’ll get discounts via booking with Hilton.

With the incredible success, this hotel has had alone, they’re currently opening two more hotels also situated in Perth. DoubleTree by Hilton which is located on the waterfront and will include Panoramic Views of Swan River & City Skyline.

Being a frequent Hilton Hotel guest, I knew what to expect when arriving at the hotel. The staff were very friendly, welcoming and all had smiles on their face happy to help. The check-in was very quick and before I knew it, I was in the beautifully designed lift taking me to the sixth floor, for room 629 – King Hilton Deluxe.

Location

The location of this hotel is perfect. Situated just a 5 minute walk away from Elizabeth Quay on the Swan River, His Majesty’s Theater, top quality restaurants and bars and the Perth Arena complex all within short walking distance, you can’t go wrong. Local transport is available along with Ubers and Taxis, but if I’m honest, you’re able to walk to majority of the attractions. You even have the option to hire bicycles at a nearby shop.

You will require transport to visit the beach, however, that works out cheap when using an Uber or public transport, so not much of a problem.

King Hilton Deluxe

For my visit to Australia, I stayed in the King Hilton Deluxe room at Parmelia Hilton Hotel Perth. The spacious 46 sqm room accommodates up to two people and is a fantastic choice for business travellers, a romantic couples retreat and perfect for luxury solo travellers.

The room had it all, from a super comfy king bed to a stunning large bathroom, seating area and 37-inch TV with complimentary cable channels, you’ll feel like there is nothing else needed to make your stay unforgettable.

The safe was very spacious and suitable to store iPads, Mac’s and many large gadgets. The WiFi was extremely fast and I never had an issue with loading a page on any device.

I’m happy to report the room was very comfortable, clean, beautifully designed and worth looking into if you decide to book a special luxury Australian getaway.

Dining at Parmelia Hilton Perth

The hotel has it’s own Adelphi Grill, which is open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks. The restaurant specialises in serving sizzling steaks, meats, and fish on the grill with boutique beers and wines in a contemporary, relaxed atmosphere. The opening hours are Monday – Friday 6:30 am – 12:00 am, Saturday and Sunday 7:00 am – 12:00 am.

During my stay, I enjoyed a delicious daily buffet breakfast and mouth-watering dinners. All of which were very tasty and presented very well. There is a great selection of food and drinks available all at reasonable prices.

All facilities and services

• Air Conditioning
• Alarm Radio
• Bathrobe
• TV-Pay per view
• TV-Standard Network
• Work Desk with Adjustable Lamp
• Spacious Safe
• 24 Hour Housekeeping
• Bathroom Amenities
• Coffee Maker
• Hairdryer
• High-Speed Internet Access
• Iron/Ironing Board
• Mini Bar
• Rooftop Pool
• 24/7 Gym
• Babysitting Service
• Children’s Menu
• Baggage Storage
• Bar Area
• Concierge Desk
• Electric Service
• Elevators
• Gift Shop
• Hairdresser
• Luggage Hold
• Multi-Lingual Staff
• News Stand
• Room Service

Pros

• Such beautiful interior designs throughout the hotel and in each and every hotel room
• Very polite, professional and friendly staff ready to help with a smile on their face
• Fast WiFi
• Delicious breakfast with a wide selection of food available including breakfast on the go option
• Complimentary daily bottled water
• 20% discount on dinner at Adelphi Grill (food only, valid once per stay)
• Rooftop Pool
• 24/7 Gym with plenty of equipment

Cons

I experienced no negatives during my stay. This hotel was very well presented with very friendly knowledgeable staff and local amenities close by.

The wrap-up

Parmelia Hilton Hotel is the perfect choice for those who love luxurious accommodation. There’s plenty of local bars and restaurants nearby along with popular attractions within short walking distance. Rooms start from $244/night, but if you’re a Hilton Honors member, you’ll be able to get discounted rates.

Disclosure: My stay was hosted by Parmelia Hilton Perth, but all views are my own and reflect my stay accurately.

Duration: 3 nights (2 nights complimentary), Sunday 25th - Wednesday 28th March 2018

If you’re looking to visit Bali on a budget, Kuta Beach is a great place, there’s plenty of accommodation options available such as Best Western Kuta Beach, a three-star hotel located in the heart of Kuta Beach.

Due to the location of this hotel, you’ll have an extremely short walk to the beach, a few minutes ride to Ngurah Rai International Airport and will be surrounded by many popular areas that include restaurants, bars, shopping malls and more – making it a great hotel for surfers and travellers.

Hotel Name: Best Western Kuta Beach
Star Rating: ***
Location: Jl. Benesari Pantai Kuta, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Top Tip: Try out the red velvet latte, it’s amazing and goes very well for breakfast and/or dinner!

Best Western Kuta Beach

Arriving at Best Western Kuta Beach was easy and a quick process for getting my room sorted. I was greeted by the receptionists with a smile on their face. They were all very friendly and were happy to help if I had any questions. I opened the door to my room and was impressed with a nice room layout – the interior was great and not too basic for a chain known for budget accommodation.

Location

Best Western Kuta Beach is situated directly in the heart of Kuta. The beach is only 50 metres away, is surrounded by popular areas. Due to this, the hotel is in the perfect spot for surfers and travellers looking to get the most out of Bali’s most famous beach. At night you’ll run into lots of trendy clubs and bars and beautiful sunset spots to chill out.

The rooftop pool will give you a lovely view of the surrounding areas, so don’t forget to take a few pictures and unwind with a few drinks.

Deluxe Room

For my stay, I was in the Deluxe room which included a comfy double bed, high-speed wifi, private safe box, bathroom with shower, tea and coffee making facilities, flat screen LCD TV and much more in this cosy 22 sqm room. All rooms are equipped with WiFi, tea and coffee-making facilities and comfortable beds.

Dining at Best Western Kuta Beach

The restaurant at Best Western Kuta Beach serves both breakfast and dinner. The breakfast buffet is basic which includes the pancake station, salad bar, fruits, egg station, hot dishes, a variety of bread, Indonesian stall, juices, cereals and some soup. Keep in mind, it tends to get busy around, 7:30, however, for dinner, the meals available on the menu are great and there’s plenty of room available. My evening meal was delicious, I opted for a carbonara and it was one of the best throughout my stay in Bali. The red velvet latte was amazing and I’d highly recommend that.

All facilities and services

• Unlimited Hi-Speed Wi-Fi
• International Taste Restaurant
• Rooftop Langit Bar & Lounge
• Rooftop Outdoor Swimming Pool
• Internet Corner with Hi-Speed Wi-Fi
• Meeting Rooms
• Laundry, Dry Clean and Pressing Service
• Room Service
• Tour Desk

Pros

• Quick and easy check-in
• Spacious room
• Comfy double bed
• Room included a balcony
• Flat screen TV
• Tea and Coffe amenities
• Very kind staff
• Evening meals were tasty and great value
• Plenty of plug sockets available in the room
• Reasonable costs

Cons

• Not enough tables for breakfast during early mornings – 7:30 am I struggled to find a spare table
• No gym facility
• Limited towels available for the rooftop pool

The wrap up

If you’re on a budget visiting Bali or would like somewhere close to the beach and local popular attractions, Best Western Kuta Beach is the ideal hotel. With friendly staff, affordable accommodation yet comfort, you can’t go wrong. You’ll be close to the popular areas and a short walk to the beach. For breakfast, try to avoid peak times like 7:30 am – you’ll struggle to find a spare table.

Disclosure: My stay was hosted by Best Western Kuta Beach, but all views are my own and reflect my stay accurately.

Duration: 1 night, 24th - 25th March 2018

When visiting Bali it’s important you choose the right accommodation. Whether it’s a solo travel, couples retreat or a family holiday, accommodation is one key factor in making your holiday perfect. Akmani Legian specialises in providing stunning luxury accommodation at affordable prices.

The Akmani Legian Hotel not only offers extremely comfy beds and beautifully designed rooms, they also have a rooftop swimming pool, a swimming pool with a kid’s pool on the ground floor, a gym and meeting rooms. With poolside access just a few feet from your room, there’s nothing better than being able to wake-up in a spacious room and go for a quick dive.

Hotel Name: The Akmani Legian
Star Rating: ****
Location: Jl. Legian Raya 91, Kuta – Bali, Indonesia
Rooms:  152 rooms
Top Tip: Treat yourself to a hazelnut latte in the morning, you won’t regret it! Unwind in the evenings by the pool drinking a variety of cocktails on offer.

The Akmani Legian

After my driver pulled up at this beautiful hotel, I admired the stunning interior and thoughts gone into the lobby designs. I checked in quickly and was dealt by very friendly staff, which were happy to help whenever I had questions. They were doing everything they could throughout my stay to ensure I had a relaxing comfortable experience.

For my stay, I was in the Grand Deluxe Pool Side / Access room 106. Upon entering, I was immediately met with a beautiful view of the pool right outside just a few steps from my bed. Also outside, not far from the room was the ground floor swimming pool bar serving cocktails and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Location

The Akmani Hotel is located on Jalan Legian, just a short distance from Kuta Beach. With plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from and various shops surrounding the hotel, you can’t go wrong with accommodation in this area.

Grand Deluxe Pool Side / Access

During my stay at The Akmani Legian, I was lucky to get the Grand Deluxe Pool Side / Access close to both pools and the bar. This stunning room accommodates up to two people and is perfect for those who want to enjoy a romantic vacation with pool access just a few feet away.

The interior of the rooms are amazing, you can tell this hotel has really put a lot of thought into making the rooms beautiful. They even went to the point of creating towel art, which I love! I can honestly say, this is one of the best rooms I’ve stayed in at a hotel.

Dining at The Akmani Legian

During my stay at this stunning and very welcoming hotel, I enjoyed both a delicious breakfast and mouth-watering dinner. When it comes to breakfast, there is a buffet available on the top floor with views of the surroundings in Kuta. There’s plenty of food to choose from with the option of omelettes and other foods available on request. The special selection of coffees and lattes is also worth trying out. The presentation of them is fantastic!

For dinner, the restaurant is located just outside of the hotel reception, Legian Street Food. The restaurant serves local Indonesian food, with the option of burgers and other generic meals. Legian Street Food is open daily, on Monday – Thursday : 04:00 pm – 11:00 pm and then Friday – Saturday : 05:00 pm – 02:00 am.

 

All facilities and services

• Private Bathroom / Shower
• LED TV with International Channels
• Safe Deposit Box
• Daily Bottled Mineral Water
• Coffee/Tea Making Facility
• 24/7 Reception
• 24/7 Room Service
• Strong WiFi
• Restaurants
• Airport Transfer
• Swimming Pool with Kid’s Pool
• Rooftop Pool & Bar
• Gym
• Laundry & Dry Cleaning Service
• Meeting rooms
• Car Rental
• Tour Desk Information
• Basement Parking Space
• Spa

Pros

• Stunning rooms with such beautiful interior designs and layout
• Delicious breakfast daily
• Very friendly and welcoming staff
• Poolside access
• Strong WiFi
• 24/7 Room service

Cons

I experienced no negatives during my stay. This hotel was very well presented with great staff and local amenities close by.

The wrap-up

The Akmani Legian Hotel is a fantastic choice for those looking to relax and enjoy Bali with access to Kuta Beach just a short walk and plenty of restaurants and bars surrounding the hotel. Rooms start from just USD 68.34, but using my promo code; GARETH you’ll get 11% off all rooms, starting from USD 60.82 with the discount applied. (Code valid for booking until 31 May 2018 and stay period until 30th June 2019)

Disclosure: My stay was hosted by The Akmani Legian, but all views are my own and reflect my stay accurately.

Duration: 2 nights, Thursday 22nd - Saturday 24th March 2018

Whether you visit Bali for a romantic getaway, a solo travel or even as a family break, staying in a villa is a fantastic choice. Especially luxury villas that include a private pool just like Villa Seminyak Estate & Spa.

Staying in a modern Balinese style villa is a perfect way to create special memories. Villa Seminyak Estate & Spa specialise in providing comfortable and luxury villas finished in fine quality, local stonework, copper, indigenous timber and hand-woven fabrics. Each and every villa has a thatched roof and interior design to give you the feeling of tropical Balinese living.

With the nearest beach, only a 5-minute drive away and Seminyak’s finest boutique shops and dining places surrounding the villas, it’s the perfect place for couples and families to create special unforgettable moments.

Hotel Name: Villa Seminyak Estate & Spa, Bali
Star Rating: ****
Location: Jalan Baik Baik Seminyak, Kuta, Bali 80361 Indonesia
Villas: 52 villas
Top Tip: Don’t forget to book a special treatment at the Lagoon Spa! I would recommend the Seminyak Estate Massage and the Seminyak Estate Facial.

Villa Seminyak Estate & Spa, Bali

After arriving at this beautiful Villa, I was immediately impressed with the interior in the lobby and surrounding areas. It felt like arriving in paradise, very tropical and stunning villas. Once I checked in, I enjoyed a delicious welcome drink. I then hopped onto the buggy and was driven to my villa. I stayed in the Grand Deluxe Pool Villa, also known as the honeymoon villa.

Opening the door to the villa, I soon had a big smile on my face and couldn’t believe how luxurious it looked, both the exterior and interior designs. I dropped my bags off, look around then jumped right into my private 4×8 meter swimming pool.

The 200 sqm villa included outside kitchenette, a private pool, spa gazebo, garden, en-suite bathroom, queen-sized bed and a living area. I had everything I needed for a luxury comfortable and unforgettable stay.

The staff at the resort are extremely helpful and very welcoming. They helped me resolve any issues I came across and made sure I had an enjoyable comfortable stay.

Location

Seminyak has commonly known for being the home to the most luxurious resorts on the island. Villa Seminyak Estate & Spa is one of them, with the Lagoon Spa Seminyak winning 2016 and 2017’s world luxury spa awards.

With access directly to local attractions, a wide variety of dining and a short drive to the Seminyak’s Beach, you’ll have everything you need right near the resort.

Grand Deluxe Pool Villa

During my visit to Bali, I stayed in the Grand Deluxe Pool Villa at Seminyak Estate & Spa. The villa accommodates up to two people and is fantastic for a romantic couple retreat. After stepping into the villa, I noticed it was very spacious and had plenty to offer.

From a king-sized bed to an en-suite bathroom with a beautiful interior, an outside kitchenette, a private pool, spa gazebo and garden. The villa includes a flat-screen TV, music docking station, fridge stocked with drinks and several snacks and plenty more. You’ll also receive complimentary bottled water.

The safe was spacious and suitable to store iPads and other smaller gadgets. However, you may have trouble with fitting a laptop/MacBook. The wifi was a little slow and took several attempts to get some connection, of which still seemed to be a little slow. However, the wifi in the lobby and restaurant is very fast.

Other than the above, I’m happy to say this resort is very comfortable and worth looking into if you decide to book a special luxury getaway.

Dining at Villa Seminyak Estate & Spa

Whilst staying at Villa Seminyak Estate & Spa, I had both dinner and breakfast the following morning. Both were delicious and the menus were varied. For breakfast, there is a buffet available with some foods available to order, such as scrambled eggs, omelettes etc.

The restaurant is located above the reception has a beautiful Balinese design. With plenty of options to choose from, you’ll find some delicious food to start your day off right or end it with a mouth-watering evening meal. For my breakfast, I had a plate full of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages and plenty more. A coffee and some fresh juice accompanied my meal nicely.

Breakfast is available from 6 am – 10.30 am, lunch from 11 am – 5 pm and lastly dinner from 5 pm – 11 pm.

All facilities and services

• 24/7 Reception
• Romantic Dining
• In-villa Private BBQ
• Award Winning Spa
• Bedroom (King)
• En-suite Bathroom
• Living area
• Kitchenette
• Spa Gazebo
• Swimming Pool
• Garden

Pros

• Stunning luxury villa with beautiful interior and exterior.
• Welcome drink and chilled towel upon arrival
• Daily breakfast
• Two large bottled mineral water
• WiFi in each villa
• Free Shuttle Service to the nearest Seminyak beach
• Private large pool

Cons

• Experienced connection issues with the villa WiFi and seemed to be a little slow.

The wrap-up

Villa Seminyak Estate & Spa is perfect for a couples retreat in paradise, Bali. You’ll have access to the local attractions, a short drive to the beach and the option of having a very high-quality treatment at the resort’s award-winning Spa. With prices starting from 991,680 IDR (51 GBP) you can’t go wrong with grabbing a luxury villa at this bargain price.

Disclosure: My stay was hosted Villa Seminyak Estate & Spa, an Astadala property, but all views are my own and reflect my stay accurately.

Duration: 1 night, Wednesday 21st - Thursday 22nd March 2018

Desperate to jet off to a warm beautiful country with plenty of exciting adventures awaiting? Indonesia is the perfect country, more specifically, Bali is an ideal destination. With beautiful beaches, lots of temples and thrilling activities, what’s not to love?

With super friendly, affordable yet luxurious and family-friendly accommodation at Hard Rock Hotel, there’s no reason not to visit. I’m happy to say, your search ends here for a luxury, fun and exciting stay full of friendly staff, mouth-watering restaurants and fantastic activities.

Hotel Name: Hard Rock Hotel Bali
Star Rating: ****
Location: Jalan Pantai Kuta, Banjar Pande Mas, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Rooms: 418 rooms, 50% of which are being refurbished in June this year.
Top Tip: If you’re into music and love to sing/play guitars, check out the on-site recording studio. Also, don’t miss out on the cocktail masterclass, get that booked – you won’t regret it.

Hard Rock Hotel Bali

Whether you’re looking to visit Bali for a family holiday, a couple’s retreat or a just a solo adventure, Hard Rock Hotel caters for all. Kuta is a great location in Bali with lots going on, a great beach with beautiful sunsets, a strip full of clubs and bars and plenty of shops available for you to grab a bargain. Hard Rock Hotel is situated right near the beach, just a short walk across the road and you’ll soon be stepping on the beach of Kuta.

As you may have guessed, a popular chain such as Hard Rock not only offers guests a very comfortable and relaxed stay, they ensure you have the best time possible whilst in Bali. Each and every room is equipped with a bathroom which includes a very well designed shower and bath, very comfy beds, large pillows, work-desk, flat screen TV stocked with various new films available to watch for free, a mini-bar and more.

Other services available at the hotel include;

• Rock Spa
• Swimming pools with 22 poolside cabanas available
• Body Rock Gym
• Rock Climbing
• Rock Shop
• The Sound of Your Stay®
• TABU Teens Club
• Rock Royalty
• Foam Party
• ROXITY Kids Club
• In-House Clinic
• 8 dining and nightlife places to kick back and relax

Location

Kuta is Bali’s most popular tourist destinations, especially for surfing sports enthusiasts. The area is also full of star hotels, restaurants, villas, malls, and so forth, making it the perfect location for an enjoyable getaway. Hard Rock Hotel is situated directly in front of Kuta Beach with access to the beach just across the road.

The surrounding areas of the hotel include many shops and restaurants including Hard Rock Hotel Bali’s Jamie’s Italian.

Deluxe Room

After checking in at Hard Rock Hotel Bali which was very quick and easy, I proceeded to my room 6414. The Deluxe room was very spacious and had plenty to offer. The room accommodates up to 2 adults and 2 children. I was also impressed with the flat screen TV being personalised with a welcome message displaying my name and a quick guide. Before unwinding, I had a quick hotel tour followed by a cocktail masterclass, which I highly recommend – such an exciting and fun experience!

This room consisted of a shower and bathtub all in one. The bathroom also had a basket of the all the amenities you’d need including a toothbrush, toothpaste, shower gel, shampoo, hairdryer etc.

I’m pleased to report the room was very comfortable and had everything for a relaxful yet exciting and fun stay.

Dining at Hard Rock Hotel Bali

Where do I even begin? When staying at Hard Rock Hotel Bali you’re given various options when it comes to breakfast, lunch and dinner. The hotel has 8 restaurants and bars. From the very popular Hard Rock Cafe to Jamie’s Italian, you’ll have plenty to choose from, all serving delicious foods.

During my stay, I had breakfast at Starz Diner twice, lunch at Jamie Italian and lunch at the Splash Bistro. All of which were great and had very friendly staff and service.

Being a big Jamie Oliver fan, I was excited when I knew they had a Jamie’s Italian. I decided to go for something different, something I’ve never had before – crab spaghetti…it was actually very tasty! I will definitely be having it again.

The deserts were also extremely tasty, I would recommend the tiramisu!

Don’t just limit yourself to just Jamie’s Italian, make sure you also visit the Splash Bistro for a fantastic delicious lunch.

All facilities and services

• Free fast WIFI
• 24/7 Reception
• Rock Spa
• Swimming pools with 22 poolside cabanas available
• Body Rock Gym
• Rock Climbing
• Rock Shop
• The Sound of Your Stay®
• TABU Teens Club
• Rock Royalty
• Foam Party
• ROXITY Kids Club
• In-House Clinic
• 8 dining and nightlife places to kick back and relax

Pros

• A very simple friendly check-in process
• Spacious room
• Very comfy king-sized bed
• Great view of the family courtyard with balcony
• Tea and Coffe amenities
• Flat screen TV
• Beautifully designed bathroom interior featuring both shower and bathtub
• Very fast WIFI throughout the hotel
• Extremely kind and welcoming staff
• Great selection of food and drinks available at a variety of restaurants
• Lots of exciting activities to do at the hotel including the cocktail masterclass

Cons

• Safe isn’t big enough to fit an Apple Mac, but it’s the perfect size for an iPad or smaller gadgets.

The wrap up

Thinking of booking a family holiday in Bali? or maybe a break for yourself and partner? Well, Hard Rock Hotel Bali caters for all, and they have plenty of activities and services available for both kids and adults. With Kuta Beach right outside the hotel, friendly welcoming staff, plenty of restaurants, daily activities and entertainment, you’ll have an amazing unforgettable stay at this holiday resort.

Disclosure: My stay was hosted by Hard Rock Hotel Bali, but all views are my own and reflect my stay accurately.

Duration: 2 nights, Monday 19th - Wednesday 21st March 2018

If you asked me the best country I’ve been to, I would have said the Dominican Republic, but now, it’s Indonesia – Bali. With plenty to do and such tropical scenery, Bali is a must for your travel bucket list.

Choosing accommodation to stay in when visiting Bali can be a little tricky, however. Depending on what type of vacation you’re wanting and where you would like to stay, U Paasha Hotel in Seminyak, Bali is an ideal destination for luxury travellers and is perfect for couples or solo adventurers.

Hotel Name:U Paasha Hotel by U Hotels & Resorts
Star Rating: ****
Location: Jalan Laksmana, No. 77, Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia.
Rooms: 88 Suites (Size: 55 sqm), 10 Suites with a view and a Penthouse (Size: 110 sqm)
Top Tip: Relax by the pool with a Coconut Breeze cocktail, they’re amazing!

U Paasha Hotel, Seminyak Bali

My experience with U Paasha Hotel started as soon as I got off the plane. Airport transfer by the hotel was arranged prior to my landing resulting in a smooth and relaxful transfer directly to the hotel. U Paasha Hotel is located in Seminyak, just 14 minutes drive from the airport.

Upon arrival at the hotel, I was greeted by the receptionists of which sorted my room out very quickly. They were all very friendly and were happy to help if I had any questions. As I opened the door to my room I knew U Paasha Hotel was a great choice. All rooms are equipped with fast WIFI, tea and coffee-making facilities and very comfortable beds.

For my stay, I was on the 5th floor in room 519. With a spacious room a total size of 70 sqm, a walk-in shower and a king sized bed, I had everything I needed for a luxuriously comfortable and memorable stay.

Location:

Seminyak is Bali’s most stylish and top-notch beach resort area. It’s known for being the home to the most luxurious resorts on the island. With easy access to local attractions and plenty of dining and mini markets just a short walk outside the hotel, you can’t go wrong with this location.

Due to the hotel being situated in a stunning location, heading up to the rooftop swimming pool and bar will give you an incredible 360 view of the surroundings.

Suite with a view:

For my visit to Bali, I stayed in the Suite with a view at the hotel. This suite accommodates up to two people with a king size bed. After stepping into the room, I noticed it was very spacious and offered a lot. Walk-in shower, double sink, sofa, flatscreen TV, music docking station, balcony along with the general tea and coffee-making facilities and a mini-fridge.

Whilst there wasn’t a bath-tub, a very spacious walk-in shower definitely topped that. The only downside I encountered was the safe not being big enough to store a Mac.

Other than that, I’m very happy to report, the hotel came equipped with everything needed for a luxurious stay in Bali.

Dining at U Paasha Hotel

Whilst I did miss out on dinner at U Paasha Hotel, I did make the most of my breakfast. Every morning you’ll have the option to choose from a variety of mouth-watering foods from the breakfast buffet. With plenty on offer, you’ll definitely find something that will be very tasty. All rooms include free breakfast and is available from 6:30 am – 11 am.

Throughout the day, you’ll be able to visit the rooftop bar and purchase drinks and snacks at reasonable prices. At the time of writing this blog post, I’m currently sat outside on the rooftop bar with a stunning view and a bottle of Bintang!

All facilities and services:

• Free WIFI
• 24/7 Reception
• 24-hour room usage policy (whatever time you check-in you can check-out at the same time on your date of departure.)
• Laundry
• 24 hour Gym
• Rooftop Pool
• Rooftop Bar

Pros:

• Quick and easy check-in
• Spacious room
• Very comfy king-sized bed
• Great view with balcony
• Tea and Coffe amenities
• Flat screen TV
• Spacious wardrobe
• Two sinks, beautifully designed bathroom interior
• Very fast WIFI throughout the hotel
• 24-hour room usage policy
• Airport transfers
• Very kind staff
• Great selection of food and drinks available

Cons:

• Safe isn’t big enough to fit a MacBook Pro
• No bathtub
• No free shuttle service

The wrap up:

If you’re looking for a luxurious stay in Seminyak, Bali exploring the local attractions then U Paasha Hotel is the perfect hotel. With affordable accommodation, high quality, luxury and comfort, you will be able to enjoy Bali and create many memorable experiences. The staff at the hotel are extremely friendly and will do whatever they can to make your stay the best it can be.

Disclosure: My stay was hosted by U Hotels and Resorts, but all views are my own and reflect my stay accurately.

Duration: 1 night, Sunday 18th - Monday 19th March 2018

Thinking of planning a city-getaway to Norway? With plenty to do in Stavanger and budget-friendly accommodation available such as Smart Hotel Forus, there’s no reason not to. Your search ends here for affordable accommodation in the city centre.

Hotel Name: Smart Hotel Forus
Star Rating: ***
Location: Luramyrveien 12, 4313 Sandnes
Rooms: 155 rooms
Top Tip: For breakfast, try out the natural yoghurt with mixed fruit, it’s delicious!

Smart Hotel Forus

If you’re wanting to visit Norway and take in the beautiful views, amazing attractions and incredible fjords, Stavanger is the perfect location. Smart Hotel Forus is situated not far from the city centre, a 14-minute taxi will get you there before you know it.

Whilst being a budget-friendly hotel, all rooms have everything needed for a comfortable and smart stay. Each and every room is equipped with a bathroom including shower, very (very) comfy beds, large pillows, work-desk, free WIFI and a flat-screen TV.

Other services available at the hotel include;

• Scandinavian breakfast and buffet dinners
• Free parking
• Free bicycle rentals (from June to September)
• Car rentals
• Late checkouts

Location:

Stavanger is well known for the incredible fjords and the popular Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen). With the beautiful city streets and attractions all close by, staying at Smart Hotel Forus gives you access to all major attractions within a short distance.

You’ll be able to relax and unwind in a quiet location with plenty of dining options nearby including Domino’s for those pizza lovers out there. The hotel is also situated right next to Kvadrat, Rogaland’s largest shopping mall with a total of 170 stores, 60 of which are clothes, shoes and fashion related.

After checking in at Smart Hotel Forus which was extremely simple and very quick, I proceeded to my room on the fourth floor, room 430. I was greeted with a very nice welcome gift which made the evening even better after a busy day at work and then, of course, the flight to Norway.

Due to the location of the hotel being situated a little out from the centre, you will be required to use transportation. The friendly and very helpful staff at Smart Hotel Forus are more than happy to help with booking a Taxi.

Smart Superior Room

For my visit to Stavanger, I stayed in the Smart Superior room at the hotel. This room accommodates up to two people with a 140cm queen-size mattress. After stepping into the room, whilst it was quite small, it certainly does have the basics for a comfortable weekend away. The hotel room consisted of the usual room facilities;

• Flat Screen TV
• Free WIFI
• Climate Control
• Minifridge
• Shower

The only thing that I was concerned with, just like any traveller would be, is that there was no safe in the room.

Other than that, I’m happy to report, the hotel came equipped with the basic needs for a short city break stay.

Dining at Smart Hotel Forus

The hotel offers both breakfast and dinner every-day of the week. For breakfast, it’s a Scandinavian buffet every day, Monday- Friday: 5.00 a.m. – 10.00 a.m and Saturday- Sunday: 6.00 a.m. – 11.00 a.m.

The price of breakfast is 125 NOK, however, if you book directly with the hotel you will receive complimentary breakfast.

For dinner, it’s an evening buffet which is open from 5 p.m.- 9 p.m Monday-Thursday and on Sunday’s it’s a pizza buffet.

All facilities and services:

• Free WIFI
• Free Parking
• Car Rentals
• Free Bicycle Hires
• 24/7 Reception
• Free Late Checkouts
• Laundry
• Sporting Events

Pros:

• Quick and easy check-in and check-out
• Room included the basic needs for a budget hotel
• Beds were extremely comfy
• The hotel is located 10km from the city center of Stavanger, 4km from down town Sandnes and 10km from Sola airport
• Location is great, but will require transport to visit Stavanger
• Good choice of food for breakfast
• Free bicycle hire
• Free late checkout

Cons:

• No safe in the room
• Not many plug sockets available in the room (Usually one spare under the bed near the wall)
• WIFI can be a little slow when utilising in room

The wrap up:

If you’re looking to make the most of Stavanger, exploring the local attractions and not be situated directly in the centre with everything going on, then Smart Hotel Forus is the perfect hotel. With cheap accommodation, high quality, simplicity and comfort, you will be able to enjoy Stavanger on a budget and create memorable experiences. The staff at the hotel are very friendly and will do whatever they can to make your stay the best it can be.

Disclosure: My stay was hosted by Smart Hotel, but all views are my own and reflect my stay accurately.

Duration: 2 nights, Friday 23rd - Sunday 25th February 2018

 

Hotel Name: Expo Congress Hotel Budapest
Star Rating: ****
Location: Expo Congress Hotel Budapest, H-1101 Budapest, Expo tér 2.
Rooms: 120 standard rooms, 36 superior rooms, 4 disabled access rooms.
Top Tip: Make sure to check out the Sky Bar and enjoy a few drinks relaxing with a nice view.

Expo Congress Hotel

If you’re looking to go for a short city break and admire amazing views and stunning architecture, Budapest, Hungary is a great choice.  Expo Hotel Congress is situated not far from the city centre. A short 16-minute tube will get you there in no time. There are a total of 160 stylish rooms at Expo Hotel Congress. All rooms feature nice designs and consist of the basic hotel facilities.

Other services available at the hotel include;

• Sky Bar
• Expo Brasserie
• Lobby Bar
• Spa and Fitness

Location:

Budapest is well known for its beautiful buildings and stunning architecture. There is plenty to see and explore around Budapest. With the hotel being situated not far from the city centre, you’ll be able to relax and unwind in a quiet location in a more local less-touristy area.

The quickest way to get to the city centre is via the Metro which is situated right near the Puskás Ferenc Stadion – a short 24-minute walk.

After checking in at Expo Congress Hotel, we explored the local area and came across a Burger King not too far from the hotel itself. We decided to grab some food from there and explore more areas. Due to our arrival time in Budapest, we didn’t manage to explore the city until the following day.

Due to the location of the hotel being situated a little out from the centre, you will be required to use public transport to access the main attractions – but don’t worry, if you pick up a 24-hour or 72 hours Budapest card, you’ll be able to travel on the Metro, Trams and Buses using your ticket.

The Superior Room:

Upon arriving at Expo Congress Hotel, there was no queue so we were able to check-in within minutes. We stayed in the Superior room on the 9th floor with a front-facing view towards the Castle and Parliament in the distance. The Superior room accommodates up to two people in single beds or a double, upon your request.

After stepping inside, I was very happy with the room. It was pretty spacious and stylish and consisted of the usual hotel room facilities.

• LCD TV
• Spacious Safe
• Free Fast WIFI
• Climate Control
• Minibar
• Walk-in Shower
• Tea and Coffee Facilities

What was very handy that I’ve not come across in other hotels during my travels, is the travel-buddy phone they provide to guests. In your room, you’ll find a smart-phone docked with interesting Budapest attractions and guides along with more hotel information. This makes your trip more enjoyable knowing you don’t need to worry about your data usage on your own smartphones.

I’m happy to say, the hotel came equipped with the basic needs for a short city break stay.

Dining at Expo Congress Hotel:

Expo Congress Hotel has a bar and a restaurant. The bar is available on the 12th floor and is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 17:00 till 24:00. Whilst you can’t order major food and snacks, you can take advantage of the happy hour promotion and great prices for an evening drink with a lovely view.

The food available in the morning at the Expo Congress Hotel restaurant concluded of the usual all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast. You can also request the breakfast to be delivered to your room for a small cost.

The dinner menu was quite interesting. I opted for the stuffed chicken with pasta, it was pretty nice and needed after a long day of exploring.

Amenities & Entertainment:

The hotel has various spa facilities which include, a sauna, steam bath, jaccuzi, relaxing area and sundeck terrace. Other facilities available in the hotel include the fitness studio, which consists of various machines, dumbbells and access to the sundeck terrace. Both are open from 7am to 10pm.

All facilities and services:

• Free WIFI
• Restaurant and Bar
• 24 Hour Reception
• Fitness Centre
• Sewing service
• Ironing service
• Shoeshine service
• Porterage
• Complimentary Luggage Room
• Late check-out until 3 pm for EUR 25 / room

Pros:

• Quick and easy check-in and check-out
• The room was very spacious and comfortable
• Breakfast can be delivered to room
• Safe is spacious, big enough for a laptop
• Beds were comfy for a short stay
• Location is slightly good, not too far away from the city centre but will require public transport
• Stylish wall-art and designs
• Travel buddy phone – Extremely handy!
• Bathroom has a walk-in shower
• Nice view looking towards the Parliament building and castle
• Good choice of food available at the restaurant
• Variety of drinks available at the Sky Bar

Cons:

• Some food was a little too cold to enjoy
• Water wasn’t complimentary and carried a €2 price tag
• No swimming pool at the hotel
• No Instagram account specifically for this hotel, which is a lost opportunity to connect with the guests staying at Expo Congress Hotel

The wrap up:

If you’re looking to explore Budapest for a few days and not be situated right in the centre with everything going on, but still a short metro ride away, then Expo Congress Budapest is the ideal hotel. All rooms are very stylish and easy to access via lifts or stairs. The staff at the front desk are ready to help if you have any issues during your visit.

Disclosure: My stay was hosted by Expo Hotel Congress, Mellow Mood Hotels, but all views are my own and reflect my stay accurately.

Duration: 2 nights, Monday 4th December - Wednesday 6th December 2017

Hotel Name: Vienna House Andel’s Cracow
Star Rating: ****
Location: Pawia 3, 31-154 Kraków
Rooms: 159 rooms and suites
Top Tip: Try out the Italian Chardonnay at Oscar’s bar. If you’re into your pasta, give the Tagliatelle chicken and spinach a go – that was delicious. After a long day of sight-seeing, I recommend getting a massage at Vienna House Andel’s Cracow.

 

If you’re looking to explore Poland, Krakow is a great choice. There’s plenty of history to be learned, lots of attractions to visit and sight-seeing to be done. Vienna House Andel’s Cracow is the perfect option if you would rather a luxurious stay for several nights with everything within walking distance.

Each and every room at Vienna House Andel’s Cracow feature state-of-the-art amenities. The hotel consists of 159 rooms and suites – standard, superior, executive and suites.

Andel’s Cracow by Vienna House offers its guests various options. these include restaurant and bar with terrace, spa and fitness facilities, 24/7 reception and room service, free high-speed WIFI, underground parking spaces.

Location:

Krakow is a popular tourist location with lots to offer. Vienna House Andel’s Cracow is situated in the heart of Krakow with everything within an extremely short walking distance. Honestly, there’s no need for public transport. I’ve not used any throughout my duration of my Poland trip.

Upon arrival of my stay at Vienna House, I was immediately impressed with the location and surroundings. Andel’s Cracow has a tram station less than a minute’s walk, a massive shopping mall right outside, and access to smaller shops from the underground passageway.

Vienna House Andel’s Cracow is centrally located in Old Town giving you plenty of sight-seeing and photo opportunities within minutes of exploring. After checking in, I would highly recommend exploring the local areas and taking in the sights both during daylight and at night with everything lit-up.

The Superior Room

Once I arrived at Vienna House Andel’s Cracow, I was given the Superior room – a luxurious room equipped with a double bed, a very fancy bathroom with both a shower and bathtub (with a beautiful neon lighting option – perfect for that relaxing bath after a long day of sight-seeing), LCD TV with DVD and CD player, super-fast free WIFI, a big safe, minibar with luxury coffee and tea making facilities, daily digital newspaper, DVD library and the option to have free breakfast delivered to my room – what else do I need? This is perfect.

After stepping out the lift, I was faced with various room doors, all of which were designed very well. Once I opened the door to my room, I was amazed to see such a beautiful room layout with lots to offer and presented very well. I’m not even sure where to begin.

Hopefully, the pictures above will get my point across, but let’s just say, I was extremely pleased with everything the room had to offer.

Also, I would like to thank Lukas for the amazing welcoming gift.

Dining at Vienna House Andel’s Cracow:

For my first night stay at Andel’s Cracow, I was excited to try out their dishes. I went for taglitelle chicken and spinach dish. It was delicious. For the cost of £6 it was superb. The presentation was great too.  Yet another glass of Italian Chardonnay was accompanied beside this dish. The wine of which I’ve just taken a sip of as of writing this sentence.

Amenities & Entertainment:

Vienna House Andel’s Cracow has a spa and fitness studio available to every guest at the hotel. They also have a sauna and massages available – I booked in for a massage on Sunday night. Considering I booked quite late at 6pm, they still organised a massage for me later that night at 7:45pm. The massage was great and really made me feel relaxed afterward.

I couldn’t help but get into that bathtub with the neon lights straight after dinner and a few more glasses of the Italian Chardonnay – which I highly recommend. This completed my night.

All facilities and services:

• Free High-Speed WIFI
• Restaurant and Bar
• Underground Parking
• 24 Hour Reception
• 24 Hour Room Service
• Fitness Centre
• Massages
• Daily Digital Newspaper
• Free Breakfast Delivered to Room
• Free Welcome Drink
• Early check-in or late check-out on request – this was perfect for me, I was able to check-out at 6pm for my flight, yes that’s 6pm!

Pros:

• Very quick check-in and check-out
• Location is perfect – the majority of attractions are within short walking distance
• The WIFI is incredibly fast and accessible throughout the hotel
• Both the bedroom and bathroom were very luxurious
• Great amount of detail and design has been put into each room
• Vienna House Andel’s Cracow staff are very helpful and polite with a positive attitude
• The bedding was extremely comfortable
• Luxury tea and coffee making facilities
• Great choice of meals on the dinner menu
• Variety of drinks available at Oscar’s bar
• Free welcome drink
• The massages are brilliant, especially after a long day of sight-seeing
• Suprise gift if you choose not to have your room cleaned the next day

Cons:

• No swimming pool at the hotel
• TV has limited channels
• No Instagram account for Vienna House Andel’s Cracow – this is a lost opportunity to connect with guests staying at this hotel, whilst also increasing brand awareness.

The wrap up:

If you are looking to explore Krakow a little more luxuriously, then staying at Vienna House Andel’s Cracow is the perfect option. With each and every room having a luxury design and options available to all guests, with polite and positive staff team members ready to help at your request, there’s no reason not to book a city getaway break at Andel’s Cracow. The ideal location for solo travellers, corporate and family vacations.

Disclosure: My stay was hosted by Vienna House Andel’s Cracow, but all views are my own and reflect my stay accurately.

Duration: 2 nights, Sunday 12th - Tuesday 14th November 2017

Hotel Name: Novotel Krakow Centrum
Star Rating: ****
Location: Tadeusza Kościuszki 5, 30-105 Kraków
Rooms: 198 rooms and suites
Top Tip: Check out the breakfast options to start your day off healthy, then begin a short a walk along the river right outside the hotel to admire the views.

Novotel Krakow Centrum

If you’re looking for a short two-night city break, Krakow, Poland is the perfect place. Novotel Krakow Centrum is an ideal hotel for your solo retreat or family vacation. There are 198 rooms and suites at Novotel Krakow Centrum, 21 family rooms, and 38 connecting rooms. The hotel offers various options for each and every guest – indoor heated pool, fitness room, spa, gaming area (Xbox 360 + Kinect) with interactive table for children, bicycle rental and Novo Square lounge bar – a combination of a bar and a restaurant, the perfect place to rest.

Location:

Krakow is a popular location for tourists, there’s plenty of history and landmarks to see. Novotel Krakow Centrum is just a short walk from the Old Town and is positioned right in front of River Wista.

On my first night staying in Krakow, after checking in at Novotel, I explored the local areas and due to most of Krakow’s attractions being in walking distance, the location of this hotel was ideal. It took me less than 14 minutes to walk to Wawel Cathedral from this location. There is no need for public transport, and I would recommend walking as you’ll see much more. A walk along the river is definitely recommended – it’s very beautiful at night with the various buildings all lit up!

The Standard Room:

Upon arriving at Novotel, I checked in within minutes. There was no queue, I was straight up and the check-in process was simple. I was given Room 317, Novotel’s Standard room that accommodates up to two adults and 2 children.

After stepping a foot inside, I was very pleased with the room – it was very spacious, had a great view from the front of the hotel right above the entrance (the windows are huge – pretty cool!) The Standard room includes free WIFI, LCD TV, air-conditioning, bathroom with shower, minibar, basic tea and coffee facilities (didn’t come across any milk) and a pretty big safe with plenty of room.

I’m pleased to report the room was equipped with the essentials for a short enjoyable stay.

Dining at Novotel Krakow Centrum:

Hotel Novotel Krakow Centrum has 1 restaurant and a bar. Novo Square is a modern interior designed lounge bar with a restaurant serving light and healthy foods from all over the world.

The food available for breakfast at Novotel’s restaurant included scrambled eggs, sausages, tomatoes and beans, boiled eggs, vegetables, fruit, cereals, toast and bread, and croissants. Whilst, not the biggest selection, there was a good variety to choose from to start your day off healthy. Bacon along with other food is available upon request. Some of the dishes are also available 24/7 via Room Service. Novo Square’s menu includes alcohol and soft drinks along with a selection of interesting regional beers.

Amenities & Entertainment:

The hotel has one swimming pool (heated), a wellness centre which includes a gym, sauna, jacuzzi, beauty parlor and also massages. Hotel Novotel Krakow Centrum also has a children’s play area which consists of an Xbox 360 with Kinect, along with an interactive table for children. They also have a chill-out lounge in the lobby with charging units allowing you to take a rest after your day’s exploring.

All facilities and services:

• Free WIFI
• Online Check-In
• Parking
• 24 Hour Reception
• 24 Hour Room Service
• Indoor Heated Pool
• Fitness Centre
• Restaurant and Bar
• 24 Hour Security

Pros:

• Quick and easy check-in and check-out
• The room was very spacious and comfortable
• Nice design for sink and bathroom layout
• A complimentary breakfast was included with my stay – the food was tasty! Great selection of drinks, however, the glasses were a little small, so I did find myself going up for more after a few sips.
• The location is spot on, the majority of attractions are within walking distance
• Huge window with a great view of the river and surrounding areas
• The service was fantastic, front desk was very helpful
• The bedding was comfy for a standard room
• Received a helpful interesting Krakow pocket guide and map
• Variety of food and drink to choose from at the Novo Square Restaurant and Bar

Cons:

• The room only featured one image, it could do with some more decoration – different style of modern photography or art. This would make the rooms more vibrant.
• The LCD TV was limited to a few channels
• There was no milk provided with the tea and coffee facilities

The wrap up:

If you want to explore Krakow and have the majority of attractions within walking distance of fewer than 20 minutes, yet stay in a quiet clean location with great facilities at reasonable prices, shopping centres on your doorstep and plenty of restaurants nearby, I recommend staying at Hotel Novotel Kraków Centrum.

Disclosure: My stay was hosted by Novotel Kraków Centrum, AccorHotels, but all views are my own and reflect my stay accurately.

Duration: 1 night, Saturday 11th November 2017