gina's deck & lab

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gina's deck & lab

Monthly Archives: Nov 2016

Promenade Hotel, Kota Kinabalu (April 2015)

21 Mon Nov 2016

Posted by Gina WNDR in from the deck

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#gina #ginatravels #ATEbygina #2The9s #ToTheNinesPLT #travelessentials #travelbug #wanderlust #TripAdvisor #TopContributor #globetrotter #globetrotting #newdiscoveries #premium #lifestyle

​It was a business trip. Stayed on the 11th floor where the reception was separated. For higher levels, the reception is on the 10th floor. Had I gone there alone, I would not have expected that I should just go up to the 10th floor to check in. I didn’t notice any signage but I guess knowing that everything had been arranged I paid less attention. 

Checking in –
Checking in was quick. Nothing fancy or lacking. Nice part was that the higher floors get to enjoy the perks of a different café / restaurant located on the 10th floor. Gives you that exclusive feel to it. Our breakfast and tea time were there too.

Room –
I love the room. The bed was nice, the pillows were perfect I wished I didn’t have to get out of bed, the bathroom was clean and nice and had this nice drawer containing the usual complimentary toiletries. Just nice …

The location –

The hotel is not too far from the airport. It is also not too far from a shopping mall. From my room I could see the sea, which is nice although I could also see loads of construction works being done. Around the hotel and across the street you can find plenty of eateries. So, generally, location wise was good.

The complaints, if any –

The lobby / lounge, is noticeably somewhat old. There was the sense that it wasn’t kept at its best. The restaurant on the right hand side as you enter was not really that great but it was okay. I didn’t try the lounge café on the left hand side of the hotel but I noticed it was frequently occupied. I guess it is just nice to sit there and unwind since the music was not loud too.

Conclusion –
The bed and everything in it just made me wish I could spend more time there.

P.s. – The Group Director of Marketing Communications responded to the above review on Trip Advisor.

The Pod, Boutique Capsule Hostel, SG

20 Sun Nov 2016

Posted by Gina WNDR in from the deck

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#gina #ginatravels #SG #globetrotting #globetrotter #lifestyle #Singapore #hostels #travelling #TripAdvisor #TopContributor

​The Pod is not difficult to find. Located opposite Park Royal any taxi driver should be able to get you there without a fuss. It cost me SG20 from Changi International Airport to The Pod. Not sure what the journey would be like if you were to take the bus but the bust stop is right in front of The Pod. MRT station (Bugis) is within walking distance. I travelled through Singapore via the MRT save for the journey from the airport as it was raining. 

Check in was a breeze too. The Reception was good. The manager/reception at that time brought us for the tour of the Pod, that started from the lounge and dining areas which are just next to the reception desk to the common bath and vanity area and finally our Pods. We were briefed on the simple rules. The areas look nice and tidy. Can’t help but thought of the coffin when I first saw the Pods. Initially, I felt warm lying in the Pod as I chose the front entry Pod, which means I either change the direction of my sleep position head in feet out vice versa. It was a bit of a struggle to have a good sleep as I could easily hear movements of other occupants, going up and down their Pods (I got the upper Pod). I have stayed at hostels of 12 people per room but my stay was a lot more comfortable than this. I am a light sleeper but I had no problem sleeping comfortably in the other hostel. I suppose next time I should try the side entry to see if it feels as warm as the front entry. I chose the front entry to avoid “disturbances” when people walk by…
There were big luggage backed to the walls as the drawers underneath the Pods were enough only to fit cabin sized luggage. At first I did not even notice the nice sofa in the room because of the bags but of course, this is not due to any fault of anyone. Each Pod comes with a bath towel, a drawer and shoes drawer outside the room. The drawers are based on your Pod number. Pod-ers are given complimentary mineral bottled water for every day of stay.
The common areas are spacious enough for a considerably small space. The bathroom was extremely comfortable, one of the parts I love about the Pod. The lounge is comfortable as too the dining area. 
As accommodation in Singapore is known to be on the higher side, it is an option that most travellers cannot resist. The fact that coffee is free flow made me said to my friend that we have no reason to hang out at a café. It would be brilliant if there is a balcony but not having it is not a minus point.
All in all I think it is not that bad. In Malaysia, the place we hang out often are referred to as the “port”. As such, the Pod can be the port too 😉

Making a comeback… Hopefully a better return and frequency

20 Sun Nov 2016

Posted by Gina WNDR in Uncategorized

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I will start sharing my travel experiences from 2015 to the most recent, as much as possible. For those in 2015, I cannot guarantee you will have the same experiences. Then again, from my personal experience, 1 year does not bring about much change.

So, let’s begin our next journey around the world with #gina on #ginatravels #globetrotting the world one at a time.

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