Hotel Review: Meritz Hotel, Miri

Early of last year, my Boyfie and I decided to do long road trip all the way from Kota Kinabalu to Brunei and Miri. The last time I on this road trip was back in 2012 with my family for my cousin's wedding (My Old Post: 7 Hours From Kota Kinabalu to Brunei). Both Boyfie and I have been through this long and winding road trip quite number of times, just that we're not the who drove all these while. So surprisingly when I told Boyfie about my plan to do road trip across states and international borders, he agreed instantly to be the one who handling the steering wheel - guess, he doesn't trust my driving skills. 

As this road trip takes almost 20 hours to go and back, the choice is either overnight in Brunei or Miri. However taking into consideration that a Brunei Dollar is almost equivalent to RM3, hence I opted to stay in Miri for a night. Thanks to my BFF who is living in Miri, she recommended me to stay in this hotel, Meritz Hotel. 

#1: Meritz Hotel of Miri

Meritz Hotel is the latest four-star business hotel smacked right in the center of Miri city center. The two main reasons why I chosen this hotel are because first, it adjacent to shopping mall, the Bintang Megamall - that's pretty cool! Secondly, complimentary parking space provided as we're driving our car. I rarely take into account for parking space but this time, I have to. 

#2: Friendly front-desk staff . The check-in process was easy and breeze

#3: Hotel room cards

#4: Hotel floors

The hotel houses 290 elegantly and beautifully appointed rooms and suites for a comfortable night of stay. There is four types of room to choose from; Superior Room, Deluxe Room, Grand Deluxe Room and Family Room. All the rooms and suites are situated on 8th floor onward up to 16th floor. 

#5: Superior double bed room 

Thoughtfully designed in such a rich brown wood tones, both Boyfie and I never expected the room to be relatively huge and spacious even for our superior double bed room type. Our modern and contemporary elegant room is well-equipped and furnished with the up-to-date facilities for entertainment and connectivity including flat screen LED TV, minibar fridge, tea and coffee making facilities, in room locker, iron and ironing board, hairdryer and my worst fear of all time, weighting scale. Wait, there is even a sofa places inside the room which making us feel like our own home sweet home. Our room view is overlooking the main street, in case you are wondering. 

#6: Facilities within the room 

Bathroom wise, we're so delightful to find out there is a bathtub inside. Time to soak our body after driving for more than 9 hours. Although the bathroom lighting was a bit dim and wasn't bright enough, I was pretty satisfied with the hot shower bath and daily bathroom amenities provided. 

#7: Bathroom with bathtub 

#8

#9: Complimentary full breakfast buffet

The room that we booked come with complimentary full breakfast buffet which serves on the highest floor. Serving both local delights and international cuisines, I can see that majority all the hotel guests were indeed enjoy the breakfast to kick start their day.

#10: View overlooking of Miri town from the top of the hotel 

#11: Overview of the hotel from the street

#12: The hotel adjacent to one of the lifestyle themed mall, Bintang Megamall

Meritz Hotel is not just perfectly catering for both business and leisure travellers, it even suits for the big group of family and friends to enjoy the exceptionally pleasurable and unparalleled experience of staying in this well-designed and luxurious hotel.

Date Stayed: 17th - 18th January 2015 (1 night)

Rate We Paid: RM320 per night for a superior double bed room with breakfast (Booked via Agoda)

Disclaimer:

This review is truly based on my own personal experience and is my genuine and honest opinion of this hotel, and that I have no personal or business relationship with this establishment. 

WOLO Bukit Bintang Hotel

I love to stay in boutique hotels, that's pretty obvious.

And I love to stay in Bukit Bintang whenever I went Kuala Lumpur.

Combine both of these, WOLO Bukit Bintang Hotel certainly suits my preference and taste.

#1: It's easy to spot WOLO - Just next to Tous Les Jours

One of the main reason I chosen this boutique and chic hotel is because of its strategic location - situated right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur's Golden Triangle. Less than 5 minutes walk from the 

Bukit Bintang Monorail Station, this hotel is easy access to majority of the famous and popular spots such as Jalan Alor, a haven for hawker and street fare, numerous of shopping malls such as Sungei Wang Plaza, Lot 10, Pavilion KL, Fahrenheit 88, Berjaya Times Square and more. 

#2: The hotel lobby is located on the second floor 

#2: Colourful and artistically decorated wall behind the front desk 

#3: The key to our room

#4: Our room theme with two single beds

Stepped into the room, both my friend and I were absolutely being "wow-ed" by its chic concept and interior design of the room. We were underestimated the size of the room and we're totally wrong about it. The room was pretty huge and spacious. The two single beds were surrounded by a wooden platform which I found it's unique and special. 

#4: Free drinking waters were provided

Wide range of amenities are available within the room such as free WiFi, mini bar, LCD/plasma screen, work desk, telephone, iron, iron board and more. 

#5: Black coloured marble bathroom - Love this concept

The bathroom is divided into two partitions; the toilet and shower room. The interesting about the shower room is the glass covered by the blind and if don't mind showing off your sexy and fit body, you can open up the blind and enjoy the beautiful scenery outside of the room. 

#6: View outside from our room - Intersection of Bukit Bintang road and Jalan Sultan Ismail

The room that we booked inclusive of breakfast. And guess where we had our breakfast? None other than the notable authentic French bakery, Tous Les Jours. I dined in here before and frankly speaking, I love the bread and pastries here. 

Breakfast was served from 7.30 am until 10.30 am at the first floor, which mainly catered for the hotel guests only. By the time we were there, it was quite packed and crowded but luckily we found a table for us. The breakfast consists of Western meals such as sausages, ham and numerous of breads and pastries, fruits juice, coffee and tea. There even has live egg station (my favourite) where the guests can order sunny side up, scrambled egg and mini omelette. 

#7: Breakfast served at first floor

#8: Western breakfast which consists of bread, pastries, sausage, hams and fruit juices

#9: Tous Les Jours on the ground floor

With its perfect and convenient location, WOLO Bukit Bintang hotel is definitely one of the hotels I'm looking forward to return again when I back to Kuala Lumpur. 

Date Stayed: 29 May - 30 May 2015 (1 night)

Rate I Paid: RM274.81  per night for a "Our Room" twin bed including breakfast (Booked via Agoda)

Disclaimer:

This review is truly based on my own personal experience and is my genuine and honest opinion of this hostel, and that I have no personal or business relationship with this establishment.

Follow me on Twitter | Instagram | Dayre cause I'm currently away for Winter Wonderland! 

Tune Hotel Danga Bay, Johor Bahru

My Singapore trips are kinda like incomplete if I didn't involve Johor Bahru as part of the trip. Fly in Singapore and then fly out Johor Bahru or vice versa is always what I did for the past few years. After staying for a night in a cute and chic hostel with a reasonable price, A Beary Bear Hostel, my friends and I took public bus (CW2) from Queen Street Bus Terminal (Bugis MRT) to Woodlands. It's cheap but then, it wasn't convenient especially when you carry big luggage with you. 

This time around, we booked Tune Hotel in Danga Bay. It was actually suggested by my Johor friend as it was relatively near to her wedding venue.

#1: Overview of Tune Hotel - Danga Bay

#2: One of Lego's models displayed at the lobby - Please Do Not Touch Me!

I reserved a room with double bed whereas my other friends got themselves a room with two single beds. I can't clarify the differences, especially in terms of size of the rooms but my room was fairly cheaper than my friends. We even bought the Comfort Package consists 24 hours air-conditioning plus towels and toiletries kit. Similar to its sister airlines, this is a no frills hotel where no amenities is provided unless you purchase them. 

#3: My double bed room 

It's a simple and basic room with modern and minimalist designs. The room houses wall-mounted LCD television (need to pay one), portable table and safety box. One thing I love about the room is not just for its comfortable and fluffy bed but thank goodness, there's a window. The more I travel and stayed in numbers of hotels, somehow I would prefer a room with window. 

#4: Besides towel and toiletries kit, they gave us air-con remote control and TV too (I added TV right after I back from wedding dinner)

#5: Hangers corner

#5: Key access 

#6: Hot shower, hairdyer and toilet roll are provided without any additional charge

Other facilities can be found within the hotel are computer with internet connection, massage chairs and ample of free parking space provided for the in-house hotel guests. There are even AirAsia agency office, 7-Eleven and restaurant located right next to the hotel. 

My verdict? If you are looking for budget hotel just for the sake of rest and recharge, probably Tune Hotel Danga Bay would be your ideal option but in terms of location, honestly speaking I still prefer to stay nearby KSL Shopping Mall. There are nothing much you can linger around the vicinity - so quiet location I could say. One of the reasons I found out this hotel is packed with family is because there is a shuttle service directly to Legoland. 

On my way to the airport, I decided for a quick pitstop at Johor Premium Outlet. But then, it's hard to get any taxi outside the hotel until I tried to use MyTeksi apps, which recommended by another good friend of mine who is living in Johor Bahru. It's my first time of using this app but then, I quite enjoyed the ride - a friendly driver who non-stop chatting with me throughout the ride. 

Date Stayed: 7 December - 8 December 2014 (1 night)

Rate I Paid: RM77.68  per night for a double bed room including Comfort Package which consists of 24 hours air-conditioning plus towel and toiletries kit (Booked via TuneHotels.com)

Disclaimer:

This review is truly based on my own personal experience and is my genuine and honest opinion of this hostel, and that I have no personal or business relationship with this establishment.

#aabc Penang Takeover

Thanks to AirAsia and Penang Global Tourism, I was in Penang last weekend for an adventure to experience and explore Penang cuisine, heritage, culture and more. 

#1: Welcome To Pearl of the Orient! 

My last visit to Penang was like two years ago for my very best friend's wedding and I'm barely remember whether this is my 4th or 5th trip to this food paradise city but then, I still love to return again for more.
For this particular event, total of 16 #aabc members were exclusively invited - 10 from Kuala Lumpur, 2 from Kuching and 3 from Kota Kinabalu. All those from Kuala Lumpur and Kuching were arrived earlier whereas for us three from Kota Kinabalu, we arrived pretty late due to flight delayed for almost two hours. Upon arrived, we immediately check-in into Olive Tree Hotel, threw our luggages and get ready for seafood dinner.

#2: A very new hotel in the island - Olive Tree Hotel 

Restoran Bali Hai

#3: Restoran Bali Hai

For our first night dinner, we were brought to this Restoran Bali Hai located along of popular Gurney Drive Seafood. Stepped right into the restaurant, we were greeted with vast of fresh live seafood aquarium tanks consists of lobsters, prawns, crabs, fishes and lots more, which I can relate that is looks alike to most of the seafood restaurants in Kota Kinabalu. 

#4: What we had? Chilli crabs, salted egg crabs, butter prawns, fresh fish, petai and more. 

#5: Group photos of #aabc. [Photo Credit To: Amir Nawawi]

Address:

90, 90A, 90B, 90C, 90D,

Persiaran Gurney Georgetown 10250,

Penang, Malaysia

Open daily

Here comes our real adventures on the second day. Besides 16 of us, we were joined by another 10 amazing Penang bloggers. Divided into 5 different groups, each group being assigned to finish 5 challenges - the best breakfast in Penang,  heritage trail, eat Penang style, guide for tourists visiting Penang and what resemble Penang.

Being in Group 1, teamed up by Calista Liew, Ana Jonessy and Jian Goh and not forgetting yours truly, we were joined by a Penang food blogger, Ken and he led us all the way in order to complete the assigned challenges.

#6: When most the other group went for either roti canai or toast, Ken brought us to Sin Seow Fong Lye Cafe for chee cheong fun and char koay kak for best breakfast in Penang. 

#7: To travel around Penang, ride on their free shuttle bus

#8: We even ride the unique heritage mode of transportation, ferry from George Town Island to Butterworth and back and we got to see clearly of their famous iconic, Penang Bridge.

#9: That's us with the local! [Photo Credit To: Ana Jonessy]

After more than 10 years later, I can't believe I will be back again for another sae ferry ride. My virgin ride when I was still in secondary school having vacation with my family.


#10: Eat like Penang in Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Kuih where dipped fried popiah (spring roll) in Asam Laksa soup.

All the 5 groups managed to finish the assigned tasks on time. And before they decide to announce the winner, we were brought to Queensbay Mall for AirAsia's Battle of The Year 2015.

#11: AirAsia's Battle of The Year - The biggest street dance competition in the country 

Then, it's time for dinner at Yeng Keng Cafe in the bustling Chulia Street along together with the rest of the Penang bloggers. Yeng Keng Cafe is well-known for its delicious and scrumptious Hainanese cuisine and coincidentally, the chef who prepared all of our dishes is from Kota Kinabalu. Known as Chef Tan, he is claimed to be the oldest chef in Penang.

#12: Hainanese dinner at Yeng Keng Cafe

Thats's explain why I can't be a proper food blogger cause overall for me, the food taste pretty fine and good for me but for the rest, they said either the food were so-so only or kinda disappointed.

Ended our night by lucky draw to the 10 amazing Penang bloggers who have been working so hard with us to finish the 5 challenges and the three lucky winners got themselves flight ticket to Medan, Bangkok and Kota Kinabalu. As for the team who won the challenges, the prize is flight tickets to Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Super envy with them!

Although my group didn't win anything, but we have one the most amazing time having fun travel and eating around Penang. Not forgetting, I would like to extend my gratitude to Ken for his passion to bring us around Penang without involvement of his car.

#13: Thanks to AirAsia and Penang Global Tourism once again for the goodies

Planning To Travel To Penang?
AirAsia is flying directly from Kota Kinabalu to Penang with two flights daily.

So what are you waiting for? Hurry up book your ticket for another food, heritage trails and street art adventures.

P/S: I'm using my new toy, Sony DSC WX-500 (a compact camera eventually) and honestly, I found out my mirrorless camera, Sony NEX 5N which I have use for more than three years perform better than the compact one. What do you think?

My Posts on Penang:

• Penang's Art Street, Wall Paintings & Steel Sculptures 
• Old Penang Guesthouse

Capsule by Container Hotel klia2

Looking for a place to crash overnight before catching the next flight but travel alone and in tight budget, Capsule by Container Hotel klia2 is definitely the ideal place for you to have short nap and quick break.

Previous years, I used to either stayed in Tune Hotel (this would be worth staying if two people shared the hotel cost), recharged in Plaza Premium Lounge (quite pricey) or even stayed awake for the whole night before catching my flight on the next morning but that's when I was young and full with energy. However as age is catching up, I found out no matter how tough I was, I still need to find a place to recharge energy and sufficient rest and there's where I found this - Capsule by Container Hotel klia2. Thanks to social media network, nowadays everything can be found by just one click away.

Located on the lower ground floor which just next to the bus and taxi counter, this capsule hotel consists of 79 capsules inspired by contemporary design & sustainable living on the mezzanine floor, upper and lower decks. In order to make reservation, one can either book online or walk-in for three different packages; opt for 3 hours, 6 hours or 9 hours. For someone who always like to book beforehand, I booked via online earlier for 6 hours packages. Upon check-in, guests are required to pay RM50 for security deposit and will be refundable upon check-out. Besides the key for the pre-asssigned capsule given, I was also provided with clean white towel and locker key.

Their locker which for guests to place baggage is located outside and before proceed to the capsule, remember to take all your valuable belongings along with you and things you need to use afterward. Each locker I believe can fit up to 28" of luggage size. 

This access key is very important cause besides in order to access into your pre-assigned capsule, it also use to activate the light and electricity of the capsule.

 The capsule - Perfectly fit for someone short like me. 

I have no problem with their capsule as it was pretty clean and comfortable. Each capsule equipped with two pillows, blanket, foldable table, personal locker/drawer, reading light, power socket and there is even blind which you could fold down if you want some privacy.

Separated bathrooms and toilets

One thing that concern about me is the cleanliness of sharing bathrooms but for this, there's nothing to worry about cause it exceptionally clean with pretty and stylish environment too. The bathrooms are equipped with hairdryer, hot and powerful shower as well as shower gel and shampoo are readily available.

Separated male and female toilets


Common area/Library with book exchange

Will I be back again? Of course I would and eventually I went back and booked for second time when I back from my Bangkok trip last May. It's fairly affordable, clean and most importantly I enjoyed my sleep comfortably before catching my flight back home on the next day.

The one and only downside I experience throughout my stay was the air-conditioner was not cold enough in the beginning and I found it quite stuffy. Another downside if you are light sleeper this capsule hotel might be not suitable as you could hear noises outside of the capsules. And this place is worth to stay in the case of travelling alone cause if two or more people, perhaps Tune Hotel would be the suitable option to stay.

Book online:
3 hours = RM50
6 hours = RM75
12 hours = RM95

Walk-in Rate:
3 hours = RM55
6 hours = RM80
12 hours = RM100

Capsule by Container Hotel

Lot L1-2 & 3, Gateway,
Terminal KLIA2, KL International Airport,
Jalan KLIA 2/1, 64000 KLIA, Sepang,
Selangor, Malaysia.

Official Website Page: http://www.capsulecontainer.com/index.html