Guest Reviews

Rachamankha: "wonderful place to stay if the architecture inspires you, but not expect five-star"

The hotel is an architectural masterpiece in my view. If you share this view then you will appreciate your stay here very much. The design of the hotel creates a sense of monastic serenity within its walls. If Serenity is the result, Simplicity and Restraint are the techniques. Five primary materials are used constantly to create unity and simplicity: terra cotta roof tiles, white plaster walls, dark brown wood trim, polished concrete floors and rustic brick paved paths. The exterior spaces are where the hotel really excels: colonnades, antiques, an open-air reading and sitting area, a lovely pool lined with blue porcelain tile, and a sublime library with 12 foot high wood bookcases. Rooms are simple, keeping the inside is in harmony with the outside, and are accented by tasteful antique furniture reproductions. However, the bathroom and shower tile are noticeably below standard for a hotel of this quality. The mattress also would benefit from an upgrade and the anachronistic boom box needs to be immediately removed. Dining al fresco in the courtyard is exquisite. The flavor of my dinner was no better than what might be available at an average place outside for fewer baht, but to enjoy dinner in the calm ambience of the Rachamankha dining courtyard is a special experience. It was presented on the hotel's blue/white china, with crisp white linens. Service while dining is attentive yet unobtrusive. To go outside the perimeter walls means to leave serenity for scooter noise, and if you love the Rachamankha as much as I do then you will not want to leave.

Jing’s Residence: "Made a big mistake only staying one night"

This place was utterly amazing! My family and I stayed here for a quick stop on our way back from Xian to Beijing. We made a big mistake not staying here longer and we will definitely come back for a longer stay. The service staff anticipated every needs we had even escorting my wife to a store to buy some local dates they served. They even helped us bargain a price. After feeling ripped off by the local taxi getting there, they arranged for their hotel van to take us back to the train station. My favorite part was sitting in the courtyard at night and taking in the nice quiet atmosphere.

Sea Dance Resort: "Outstanding service, gorgeous resort."

"We have just spent 7 nights at the magical Seadance Resort and it was superb. We originally booked for 3 nights and fell in love with the place, so we decided to stay for longer. Even after a week, we didn't want to leave. A huge thank you to Poy, the lovely owner, Faith, Helen, Guy and all of the wonderful staff at Seadance for making our last week in Thailand so special. The staff are incredible, so helpful, so friendly and they are what truly makes this Resort stand out from anywhere else we have ever stayed. The accomodation is fantastic, we were lucky enough to stay in Villa 5. The views were beautiful and it was so private and peaceful. Seasalt Restaurant at Seadance is incredible, the food is first class, with a huge choice of Thai and western cuisines. The cocktail list is very extensive and they sure know how to make them. They also have a very impressive array of high quality gin, and thanks to Poy, we are now converts. The breakfast was really yummy, a perfect amount to choose from and they make the best cappuccinos we had in Thailand. The resort is only a 10 minute drive away from busy Chaweng beach, if you feel the need for nightlife and crowds. The big Buddha pier is only a short drive away and a 30 minute boat ride to Ko Phangan. We highly recommend Seadance and we can't wait to return. Thank you again to the beautiful staff, you guys are awesome!!"

Hotel Tugu Lombok: "Idilic Tugu"

What a wonderful Aloon Aloon room we chose with a partly outside bathroom - which did tend to get a little wet in parts due to a deluge of rain at times but we had plenty of towels to mop up with if needed - well it was the rainy season-Many rooms to choose from - The hotel is approx an hour and a half from the airport - but the last half an hour has very winding roads which have amazing views but I felt quite sick sitting in the back of their private taxi - the driver was very good and stopped for me when needed - on the return journey I sat in the front and was much better - we had a lovely welcome from Mr Lin - we sat in front of the wonderful pond with the fish to greet us - Mr Lin let me feed them a few times which was very nice of him - All the staff were very helpful indeed and special thanks to Ellie - sorry if spelt name wrong - enjoyed our chats etc - I couldn't believe the vast grounds of the hotel - you have to see it to believe it - and two amazing swimming pools -not the best beach Ive been to swim in - but you could get their dragon boat which was fun over to the Gillies for half or a day - so comfortable - I could go on and on about Tugu but all in all had a fabulous time so again thank you to everyone - just one thing - the hotel does not have hair dryers which I did find out about before I come after reading trip advisor so I took my own - but it wouldn't hurt to have one for the ladies.

Glenburn Tea Estate: "Absolute gem in the Himalayas"

"My mum and I spent a wonderful, serene few days at Glenburn and we absolutely loved it. Each (huge) room was quaint and charming in old Colonial style, all with their own unique theme - ours was the Rose Room. We went at the recommendation of two friends, who also stayed at Glenburn together with us, and we even made new friends over the communal dinner table. The staff were helpful with everything from making a cup of the delicious home grown tea to organising hikes and day trips. They prepared three meals a day, of various Indian and western cuisines, and even packed delicious picnics that were brought to us on our hikes. They were also very accommodating with food allergies. The surrounding gardens and tea plantations are absolutely exquisite, and it is definitely worth going on hikes around the area, especially the hikes down to the river through Darjeeling's own plantation, and up through the local village to the neighbouring plantations in Kalimpong. There is free wifi but the signal isn't too strong in the rooms - leave the laptop behind and bring a couple of books to read while soaking in the view on the terrace. Be prepared for an extremely bumpy and windy ride from Bagdogra airport. If you are at all prone to motion sickness then I would strongly recommend bringing a motion sickness armband or tablets, and ask the driver to take the calmer road through Darjeeling town rather than the precarious ""highway"" that passes the Bhutanese border."

Mathis Retreat: "great hotel"

Quiet rice fields rooms with great pool and good breakfast. Good to use as base for family to explore Ubud and neighbouring villages. Manager was great and helped organize quite a few day trips for us.

Mie Cafe: "A Gem"

"There was a power cut during our first visit, they lighted up a lot of candles in order to carry on the service, we actually found it rather romantic ! My husband had the gourmet set and I had the scallops and beef curry, all very delicious. They gave us a discount as their appreciation that we stayed even there was a power cut, nice gesture. We went back for another dinner, we requested a table upstairs , very nice setting to look over the garden, unfortunately the next door restaurant was very busy with a lot of people and live singing etc. and hence we couldn't enjoy our dinner as much. Delicious food, attentive staff, great value. Would recommend this restaurant."

Jing’s Residence: "Really excellent"

I really recommend this hotel. Everyone speaks english and the personal is really helpful . Explanation were particularly clear. The spa is really nice and the rooms are very comfortable and nicely decorated

Hotel Tugu Malang: "Artistic wonderful hotel"

First time I visit this hotel is really amazed me. All the side as far as we take our eyes was really beautiful, many historical items have its own stories behind it about art, sadness, patriotic, soldier, happiness, unique, even horror.

Locavore: "A wonderful experience."

"Fantastic fine dinning in the heart of Ubud. The seven courses plus matching drinks were excellent and delicious, as was the pre dinner 'snacks'. The highlights for me were 'into the sawah' and 'bubur sumsum'. The service was outstanding with each dish and drink fully explained by the waitress. My partner and I left full and very satisfied. The experience is not cheap by any means but certainly worth treating yourself when in Ubud or Bali."