Tag Archives: hotel review

Quest Hotel Midport, Port Dickson

Posted in Good Things, Leisure & Travel, Reviews by

If you are like me, who has kids and a husband with different interests, and all you want to do is stay there for the whole weekend and GRAB food, this is the place. Admittedly, this hotel is far from where the local attractions and beaches are. In other words, if Zombies decided to attack the hotel, it would take a while for people at Teluk Kemang would know. It’s quite isolated from the touristy area.

However, my family and I already have plans. My daughter and I are going to enjoy the Splash Park to the max. Whilst my demure husband and son will stay in the room, watch Netflix and make sure the food ordered by GRAB has arrived by the time we return from the Splash Park

Splash Park

The Splash Park is within the hotel grounds itself. Access is through the restaurant. It does not have a strict dress code, which mothers with muffin tops love. They may not have a lot of shaded area,s but you can always bring minimal items with you to the pool. We just went there with our slippers and put them to the side. Plus, they provide beach towels and also clean toilets for you to change into dry clothes if you wish, before you go up to your room. We just patted ourselves dry. Did I say it was FREE once you stay at this hotel? Did I also say that it is very kid and elderly friendly? I saw a few grandparents enjoying one of those bucket splashes on the boat.

The park is huge and is able to accommodate the high volume of visitors. To me, this is enough entertainment for parents with little children. There are a few water slides, which are enough. The depth of the pool is also less than 0.6M m. I feel that I would enjoy this more than going to Sunway Lagoon or any other parks that would cater for more adult visitors.

My daughter and I went to the Splash Park 3 times during our 3D2N stay there. Once after checking in and then twice the next day, morning and evening. I am sunburnt already. I have stripes on my face!

The Family Room

My husband and 14-year-old son, on the other hand, preferred to stay in the room to watch endless Netflix (free WIFI) and GRAB food. I had thought men would enjoy the park more. I was wrong when it came to my husband and son. It seems that they prefer less movement. Ha ha.

I booked a Family Room with breakfast included that could fit around 4 to 6 people. Perhaps more. It has a double bed facing the forest. Then, there are two bunkbeds that are double-sized as well. Obviously, my daughter and I shared the bunk bed on top, my son had the bottom one, and my husband had the double bed to himself. There was also a comfortable sofa with a large space in front of the TV that could fit another set of toto, if you bring one.

The toilet was OK. There is heated water with a provided toothbrush and soap. I like that the floor is made up of a material that easily dries over the day. The lighting in the toilet was also nice, as I felt so pretty while drying my hair with the hairdryer.

There is a water dispenser on my floor, making it easy to refill our jug, which is also provided in the room. I paid RM 1068.9,8, including tax and fee, through Agoda.com

Breakfast

Since our visit was during the Merdeka weekend, we anticipated a huge crowd during breakfast. Indeed, there was a queue despite abiding by the recommended hours given by the receptionist. We would give our room numbers and then the number of pax and wait at the lobby for our table.

Of course, this is Malaysia, so we know that some visitors may not follow the recommended time given to them. After all, it can be challenging if there are kids involved. It’s quite hard to stave off hunger when they need to be fed. Plus, kids do take their time to eat their meals. So, patience is necessary as we witness parents struggling to feed their children.

The good thing is that the staff is very attentive and friendly. They would make sure that everyone has a good breakfast experience. The tables are wiped clean. The food is replenished at all times. Unlike certain hotels, they just don’t replace the empty trays of food. Quest Hotel is different. There would always be fresh cucur, fresh fruits cut up, milk for coffee, and other items replaced, etc. Furthermore, it is worth waiting for breakfast because the spread is delicious. Cuma kena tunggu je. On the first day, we had to wait for 30 minutes. On the second day, the wait was less than 20 minutes. I think if you can remain hungry for a while, you can come a bit late. Say, by 930am. It is because most parents would bring their kids to breakfast early, because well, the offspring become wild creatures when they don’t get food. It is also because most parents would want to bring them straight to the park after the meal, before the day gets too hot.

Overall, it was an enjoyable stay. I dream of coming here again, in the near future.

GBW Hotel, Johor Bahru

Posted in Everyday Life, Leisure & Travel, Reviews by

This is what I said on Google Reviews. Mr Husband booked a room here during the Deepavali holidays. Coincidentally, school is also out so we get to go for a staycation at Johor Bahru.

My daughter was really looking forward to our stay here. She said it’s been a while since we went for a holiday. Although I believe we’ve just had a weekend stay at The Everly Putrajaya a few weeks ago.

Kids waiting at the lobby while Mr Husband checked us in.
Little fashionista going up the lift with her new hat and Anya

The moment I stepped into our Premier Suite, I immediately loved it. It was a lovely room that had a kitchenette equipped with a microwave, a fridge and a kettle, a dining space, a living area and a separate bedroom. There were two writing desks which is great. I could continue doing my assignments in the room and he could do his work in the living area. My daughter enjoyed the bath tub of course and the son just loved being in an air-conditioned room. Staying in a dorm means that he is deprived of life luxuries. This room probably cost us roughly between RM250 – RM270 per night through Agoda.

Free WIFI is available but only 4 gadgets are granted access. There’s an ironing board with iron as well. The pool is on the 7th floor. We wanted to have a look but then we got stuck in the lift. Hence, the mission was aborted.

Breakfast for 2 adults is included in our room rate. So we paid extra for the kids. The breakfast menu was top-notch for a 4-star hotel. As mentioned, I loved their nasi lemak paru. The restaurant is also not overly crowded making it a pleasant experience in the morning. If you prefer having breakfast outside, either order a GRAB and have it sent to the lobby or walk across to the R&F Mall.

During our stay there, we were out and about mostly until after lunch. We would just order our dinner through GRAB but that is when an unfortunate incident happened. Our Kacang Pool and rice meals were stolen by a fellow hotel visitor. The hotel cooperated by giving access to their CCTV. Mr Husband had a good look of the culprit’s face, requested a refund from GRAB and was hoping to confront this guy during breakfast time. We didn’t see him. Most likely he enjoyed our meal as breakfast. HA HA HA.

Since this hotel is near the main road, we could hear motorcars honking almost every 30 mins during rush hour. It’s almost normal to see some shameless car owners cutting the queue. I understand the frustration.

Overall, it was a very comfortable stay. I would definitely repeat a stay here although I’d be more likely be trying out other hotels if we are ever going to JB again. It would be nice though if the big windows were cleaned as the view seems amazing at night. Minus the smudge.

Pulse Grande Hotel, Putrajaya

Posted in Leisure & Travel, Reviews by

I wish I could say I enjoyed my stay. Unfortunately, I didn’t.

I was prepared that the place wouldn’t be as gah as it would have been before the pandemic, but I wasn’t prepared for what ensued. The only commendable thing about the whole experience was the staff. The communication skills were superb, but the service and the facilities/layout, whatever you call it, are slowly going down the drain. It would be pretty sad for all these young skilled staff to go just because the place is unable to serve as an exclusive abode for travellers.

So, what could be improved?

Check-in ritual

Taking into account that the lady could be new, I just feel that there is certain information that must be conveyed automatically to the guest. Which should be included as part of the training if you are to man the check-in counter. Such as the WIFI password, breakfast time, breakfast area and highlights of the hotel such as access to the garden park, pool, and directions to the kids club room. I felt that the lady failed to recognize that I actually booked extra service from the hotel which included the birthday room decor and kids package. It would be helpful to advise guests early regarding payment and such activities.

The rooms

My room is on the ground floor because I chose the garden view. Plus point is that it is near the breakfast cafe. The minus points are that you will be walking through the hallway that has public toilets. If they are cleaned regularly, they will not smell. Otherwise, merasalah kau bau hancing sepanjang jalan menapak ke bilik. You could also feel this damp, musty feeling as you walk through the hallway and also as I entered our room. Macam bilik yang tak pernah dapat cahaya matahari sort of thing. Lembap semacam. It is honestly very uncomfortable. The room lighting is also so malap with the switches macam haywire. Like, OMG.. porque? porque?

Not only that, my room is directly beside an open hall area where activities are held. So, be prepared to have people standing outside your hotel room door during the day. It’s like dah kenapa ko bersidai tepi pintu aku.

I was also very disappointed with the gifts that my kids get from the extra room package thing. I mean, how is a puzzle that has a tank at a dataran picture spells out cute for kids? Even if you give a standard, white embroidered towel with cute animals or flowers, the type that they can bring to the pool pun budak akan suka. But puzzle? Who’s great idea is that?

Thankfully, the birthday room decor was ACCEPTABLE although I was like, why is the Happy Birthday balloon decor in black? What happened to happier colours? I would suggest the fruits to be cut up though. Guest bukannya bawak pisau nak potong epal, oren bagai untuk kongsi dengan semua. Please don’t say something like, boleh gigit kan epal tu.. haih.. hempuk jugak lah.

Husband’s 37th birthday – yep, he is younger than me

Housekeeping

As of most 4 or 5 star hotels, you wouldn’t see a water dispenser anywhere. Hence, you would depend on the complimentary mineral water and kettle in the room for drinks. Can you imagine the horror when you realize that in the room tetiba no remote control for the TV, no kettle and there is only ONE cup to drink your hot beverage. Itu pun, bila tengok supplies tu macam, kau ikhlas ke nak terima aku as guest ni? Seriouslah.. I have never been so pissed. So we called room services and had these problems sorted out.

sedihnya housekeeping macam ni

Room service

Room service is supposed to be convenient. People order room service because they do not want the hassle to leave the room to eat. They are willing to pay extra just so they could attend to their matters in the room while having a nice, hot meal. This hotel does not have the usual hard copy menu in the room. Instead, we have to scan a QR code. Only, they did not tell where the QR code is. Jenuhlah aku mencari dlm laci, at the check in card and all for this QR code. Only later did they say they will send the QR code to the room and to call 0 to place an order.

Eh.

Might as well you give me the physical menu and take my order at the door, kan? Tapi takpe.. I will take that QR code, call O and place the order before 930pm. Now, a wait of 30 to 40 mins to me is acceptable but to wait for nearly an hour – is just ridiculous. Lebih me-ridiculouskan is that the staff said they are still busy with the buffet. Well lady, I don’t give a shit. I have kids who is having trouble to stay awake but hungry at the same time.

The food finally came. My initial order was a set of chicken briyani, honey bbq club sandwich, tomato arabiatta from the kids menu, 2 cans of Sprite and 2 additional bottled mineral water. They did not provide me with the mineral water, reason being, there’s already water in the room (masalahnya aku nak extra, and I am paying for it, part mana yg tak faham tu?) My problem with the meal was the spaghetti. They should put a chilli picture next to the menu to indicate the level of spiciness. Since it was under the kids menu, mestilah kita tak expect it wouldn’t be THAT spicy kan? Well no, it was damn spicy. Thankfully, the briyani saved the day.

Final verdict

This hotel has a really nice location. The garden park is wonderful. Cuma tuhlah.

I can imagine it’s majestic reputation at one point in time. I believe it could be what it was once again with time and a bit of improvement to the facility and service. You’ve already got the people. Until it buckles up, I have to say, it is not an option for my hotel stay in the future.

We checked in at 8pm, after hadap terrible traffic on the highway for hours, and I had imagined a night where everything is in place. I imagined a night where I could take my hot shower, hair in a turban, sipping hot coffee at the desk while eating my hot meal and watching TV. I’d imagined the kids be sleeping restfully after the meal while my husband and I have a chat. But no, it did not happen. Room service was so lambat that the kids were already asleep.

ntah berapa kali aku angkat tepon, call for this, call for that.. haih.. stress sangat. I am not paying for 280 per night taw.

I am paying RM360/night with an additional RM120 for decor (&cake) and RM125 for room service meals. Can you sense the disappointment?

In short, don’t waste your money here until you read a better review this year.

Le-Venue Hotel, Bangi Avenue

Posted in Leisure & Travel, Reviews by

I don’t know how Mr Husband finds these cool hotels but so far his choices for bookings are not disappointing. This hotel is new. It would be popular in the new future as it has a nice exterior with eating hubs sprouting nearby. You take away the hot Malaysian weather, it looked like a place overseas in photographs.

Website: Le-venue hotel

The interior is so Instagram-mable

Our room has two double beds, and the usual mini fridge with complimentary beverages. There’s a hot shower with nice smelling bath gels. I think the restaurant has yet to be open so we had our breakfast outside. There’s a nearby Mamak but since it’s Eid, the joint is closed. So we had Mcdonald’s instead.

Bangi Wonderland, the theme park is within walking distance. So is Tesco/Lotus. And when you have Lotus, that means you have every other shop under its roof too like a Mr Diy or Guardian, at least. I would definitely book this hotel again in the future if it is still around. Not quite sure how many stars this hotel is but it sure looks like an easy 4 to 5 star to me.

I am in the middle of editing my Eid videos for Youtube – it will be kind of the 14th episode for Season 4 of my life on the channel. This means I am still hovering over episode 13. I had to reshoot my videos for ep13 because the film came out dark. Like a Batman movie and no amount of Brightness setting could fix it.

A one night stay at Dorsett Putrajaya

Posted in Everyday Life, Leisure & Travel, Reviews by

I love staycations. Especially when we landed on a bargain for a hotel room or an experience. Last weekend, it was my moms 60th birthday. After the feast I decided to check into DORSETT PUTRAJAYA hotel overnight based on its location near Masjid Besi and the Food Truck Area in Putrajaya.

Hotel parking was adequate. FREE of course. Reception was friendly. Room was spacious. Breakfast was a delight. I love how they give you mug options for your coffee. Cause mom’s ain’t gonna have enough of caffeine in those eeenny meeeenyyy white cuppas. Ee’s breakfast rate was RM25.

I booked a Deluxe Room with balcony for a night through Agoda.com and it was RM210.00 including service tax and fee. My room comes with a nice view, free WIFI, complimentary breakfast for 2, coffee. tea and 2 bottles of drinking water. There is an in room iron with board, hairdryer, bath robes with slippers and alhamdulilah a prayer mat. It’s those little touches that make your stay wonderful.

The bathroom had no bath tub but it was fine. The toiletries were cute. I had to try the shampoo and conditioner. It smelt like Lemongrass.

The hotel has an infinity swimming pool and gym on the top floor. The pool is open from 7AM to 7PM whilst the gym is open for 24 hours. The hotel was initially conjoined with a shopping mall but we noticed that only the main supermarket and a few eateries are open. I am not quite sure what happened to the rest of the business premises. The mall looked haunted. Such a waste of space and facilities. I really hope that Waterfront Hotel in Kuching would not suffer from a similar fate.

The scene outside at the balcony in the night was really really beautiful. I could stare at the mosque all night. We had dinner at the food truck area. The options were alright and they had a sitting area too for you to eat your meals. It’s like an open air foodcourt cuma yg berjualnya guna truck. We had western food – spaghetti aglio olio and carbonara with iced milk tea.

 

I would book a room here again if I had any business going on in Putrajaya. The location is calm. There is not much traffic for a weekend staycation. You could even get involved in healthy activities like walking or cycling.

Upon completion of my stay here, I received an automated email saying that I am now a member of Dorsett Loyalty Rewards programme. This entitles me to exclusive member benefits etc. Will explore on that later.