Guest Reviews

Noel Rodrigo’s Leopard Safaris: "Amazing weekend"

"This has been the best weekend we have experienced since arriving in Sri Lanka 10 months ago. This safari, from the greeting of cold face washer, cold drink and big smiles to the amazing food served at every meal (with attention to detail never experienced before) is by far one of the best experiences. The guides (most with Masters degrees), the chef (waistline is bigger than I started with) and all the behind the scenes means 6-7 star camping. Truly not sure that camping adequately covers. The knowledge of the park, the enthusiasm and the interest taken means this is one of the must do things when visiting Sri Lanka. Thanks Samirya, Pasindu and Praneeth - you are truly amazing. Stayed April 2017, traveled as a couple"

Tugu Bali: "Amazing Hotel with the kindest Staff ever!"

"I have always been passionate about learning and embracing the local culture whenever I travel and Hotel Tugu brought me the perfect balance between Western commodity and Indonesian Traditions The staff was genuine and friendly and they made sure all our stay was special and unique. From the setup for the breakfast on the outside area to the afternoon tea on the raised bed in the garden area it was all perfectly planned and executed. On our second night we had the pleasure to enjoy dinner while watching a Traditional Balinese dance performance. It was interesting to see such performance while enjoying some delicious traditional food in the majestic entrance hall. They also have a delicious Japanese restaurant next door with an amazing decoration and an original Chinese temple surrounding the tables area that was impressive. The Hotel is walking distance to the beach where we walked to see the sunset and see the surfers catching some waves while enjoying our Balinese coffee. Our room was on the upper floor with a beautiful view over the ocean and the most comfortable king size bed I have ever slept in. The room was completely filled with vintage and local items and a traditional bath tube for a late evening bath after exploring Canggu area. The swimming pool made the perfect spot for my girlfriend to read a book and sunbath. On our last night it happened to be my birthday and the hotel staff surprised me over dinner with a delicious birthday cake. If that’s not the ultimate definition of a perfect hotel, I don’t know what could be. Will be returning again on my next trip to Bali and recommending to my friends back home."

Le Calao: "Lovely place, delicious food"

Oh yes, and a great spot, excellent cocktails and perfect service. We’re just back from a wonderful dinner there, and very pleased. We had exclusively Lao food, and loved it. Good luck with the new endeavor.

Muang La Lodge: "formidable"

Great room overlooking the river. Magnificent bathroom. Raphael and Mathilde are enough for their guests. high-end kitchen, we feasted. The activities are very interesting, beautiful walks in the forest, great track for minority ethnic groups and the descent of the river Nam Ouh is superb. Dream stay at this property which employs people from surrounding villages.

Inle Princess Resort: "A Magical Place"

From being "driven" into the hotel by a one-leg oarsman to enjoying the palacial dining room, this is a magical place. The contrast between life here, and the abject poverty in Myanmar fomented by years of dictatorship is instructive.

Cheong Fatt Tze – Blue Mansion: "Wonderful property with a few tiny misses"

"Walking into the Blue Mansion really does take your breath away. It's a beautiful property with a sense of serene grandeur that photos don't *quite* do justice. Every courtyard, corridor, staircase and room just looked beautiful. The feeling of tranquility was such a contrast to the hustle and bustle of George Town. There is a new pool that is opening in January apparently. We could see it through a window and it looks AMAZING. The 3 daily tours (don't go into guest wings) gave a great historical background to the property, walking through the building afterwards you could feel the echoes of past inhabitants. Overall Would definitely stay here again, serene, relaxing, historical, photogenic! Room We stayed in a Liang room - Towkay. Liang is the base room type, but it is very big and spacious. Comfortable and appropriately decorated in keeping with the mansion. Snacks and juices were provided daily. The room was really welcoming and relaxing to come back to after a humid day of urban hiking and eating! Some other reviews mentioned mosquitos, we didn't have any problem. We were staying in the quiet wing, away from the hawker centre next door. That side has some decorative pools, so maybe an issue on that side, but we didn't have any problem at all with mosquitos or noise. Breakfast The breakfast is served in the central courtyard and was fine. Good coffee, fruits toasts, DELICIOUS spreads. There is also an a la carte menu of around 6 choices of local and western cooked breakfasts, which were good also. Not spectacular, but good. We didn't eat lunch or dinner there. The staff could sometimes take a looonng time to acknowledge you and the cooked breakfast could take it's time. Coffee was good :) Location Great. Walking distance to everything you need. Close to a hop on hop off bus stop if that takes your fancy. Service Good by Malaysian standards. Calls to the front desk were dealt with promptly, friendly and cheerful at all times. Tiny Misses The wifi in the room was great on the first day and then terrible for the next day or two. Really, really frustrating when using to research things to do and book tours etc. When we asked if it was being fixed, we were offered a pocket wifi to use out and about and in the room. This may have been mentioned in the room booklet, but we didn't notice it until our last day! We arranged an airport transfer, and understand that this is always going to cost way more than a taxi or uber. Pick up was good, in a nice car. Return trip they put us in a taxi that I think was waiting for someone else, the driver put the meter on when we sat down and had no idea that it was paid for by the hotel and had to go back in and check. I don't think they actually booked the return trip. We could have got a taxi ourselves and paid half the price we did. PS. Uber is so super cheap in Penang! Nice Touches Juices, treats most afternoons, and some nice soaps as Christmas presents (we were there on Christmas day), friendly front desk staff. Room Tip: Ask for rooms away from the Red Garden hawker centre. Ask for pocket wifi on arrival!"

Goldhen Budha: "Our happy place"

"We have spent 6 days at Golden Buddha in December 2015 and it has been one of the best Holiday experiences so far. The location is fantastic, the staff and the management are very friendly and the whole atmosphere is very familiar and relaxed. Food, drinks and services (e.g. Thai Massage) are great and our Baan was also stunning. Hopefully we can come back one day."

David’s Kitchen: "Best Restaurant on Trip To Thailand"

"I recently visited Davids Kitchen on my honeymoon to Thailand. My husband and I came in with high expectations given the incredibly positive reviews. It was the most fantastic dining experience I can remember - I wish I could give it more than five stars. The host, Tea, was chatty and delightful as we waited for our table. He ensured that the table was customized for our arrival with personalized flower decor for our honeymoon celebration (and a bouquet for me upon departure). The staff was incredibly attentive throughout the evening. The chef came by before we left for feedback on the meal (which was superb so we could only lavish him with praise). Davids Kitchen was a highlight of our trip to Thailand and certainly a highlight of our time spent in Chiang Mai. I cannot recommend strongly enough for a truly special (and delicious) evening."

Rice & Zen Boutique Resort: "Beauty by the Sea"

"We both loved this place! Even though its accessible from a main beach road it seems very sheltered from the hustle and bustle. The setup is so perfect for total relaxation and enjoyment. The staff are so friendly and solely focussed on giving you the best experience possible. Also they have an incredible beachfront pool and adjoining restaurant/café where you can sit and watch the waves roll in. Would love to go back someday. Stayed March 2017, traveled as a couple"

Rachamankha: "A beautiful & well-situated hotel"

This is a very lovely boutique hotel & we had a lovely stay there. Lovely room, beautifully furnished in old antique furniture with an ambiance of old Chiang Mai yet all modern conveniences. Great location in the old city, a short walk to all attractions there & a short tuk=tuk ride to some great restaurants. Food in hotel was excellent. Lovely swimming pool, friendly staff.