Can't believe I've been back from the States for almost a month now. As it was my first trip there, it was a really good experience for me, work and personal.
Good things I like about the States:
1) The speedy check-out from the hotels! They slipped the invoices through the door so that I could check if the bill was right and I could just walk out of the door without the need to go to the front desk to check-out!
2) The number of tv channel.. I love watching TV in the States! I have to admit that it was probably coz I had the time (yup, I spent 3 weeks there, I had plenty of time), and most importantly, my son was not with me, I could watch without interruption! :-D
3) The big big big houses.. and they all look very nice. It was really unfortunate, no one invited me to their house, otherwise it would be another good eye opener.. haha!
4) Most of the hotels I stayed in have microwave ovens.. wahaha!
5) The gratuity system! I like it when I was served by the same friendly staff when I dine, and I really think the customer service level is so high compared to in Singapore.. or Malaysia..
Not so good things:
1) The speedy check-out made me felt like being chased to check-out fast fast!
2) Coffee is everywhere which is fantastic, but not all of them are good coffee and Americans like their coffee in paper cups and on the go. Although I like on the go at times, I do prefer sitting down and enjoy my cuppa too.
3) All the meals are in gigantic portions, at least for me. I couldn't finish even their salads, not to think about ordering appetiser and main. It got so bad that towards the midst of my trip, I got so sick of the portion, the moment they serve my food, I was almost full. And so, the microwave oven in the room came handy, to heat up food that I took away. A plate of pasta I ordered for dinner in Anaheim, I could eat for 3 meals.. that dinner, next day breakfast and lunch!
4) Most hotels do not provide full range of toiletries (body shampoo, shampoo, conditioner, face soap, shower cap, toothpaste and toothbrush) and no bedroom slippers too... :-/
5) I do not like to use disposables.. even if they are biodegradeable.. I really thought it's not going to help the environment and I felt sad.. imagine, a country like US, so huge, how much waste are they producing daily?
Monday 26 August 2013
TCC @ Anchorpoint
Date patronised: 25th Aug'13
Spent: S$100++
No. of pax: 6 adults + 5 toddlers
As my friend's birthday falls in the month of August, and she is a member of TCC, her card entitled us to 50% off the bill. And so we made reservation for dinner after the kiddos' photoshoot.
They provided us with only 2 highchairs. You can really imagine the chaos when you have 5 toddlers at the same place.
The staffs were very friendly, even when one of our kiddos broke a glass. He smiling happily to clear the broken glass away.
And then another one of our kiddos puked onto the cushioned chair and the floor. Yet, the staffs were cool about it.
They were so cool, although we were very sure they were cursing us like mad in their heart. For that, I wrote a compliment feedback in TCC website. Within half an hour, I've got a reply!
Good deed done! Hope compliments breed good customer service!
Wednesday 21 August 2013
Excellent Emirates!
Date: 20th Aug'13
Spent: S$734.70 (for return flights SIN-MELBOURNE)
It was a last minute decision to join my girlfriend to her business trip to Melbourne. It's going to be my first solo (cum girlfriends) holiday. I'm very excited about it.
I was comparing flight tickets fare online and decided Emirates gives me the best deal (same as CheapTickets.SG). Hubby says Emirates is world class airline.
I was making payment for my flights when my credit card just couldn't get through. Not once, not twice, but thrice. And then I was told I have exceeded the number of attempts allowed and that I had to choose other payment options, which was NETS. Obviously, that wouldn't be my choice if possible, how much cash rebate can I get via credit card payment you know?
So I did the unbearable, I called their Customer Service. The call was smooth, I was connected to a human being within a minute. He sounded like an Indian, but he spoke so clearly and slowly that I was very impressed. He first explained that I couldn't do it after 3 attempts for security reason.
Throughout the call, he confirmed my particulars, retrieved my failed attempt booking, and then he reinstated it, and then told me that he would try to make payment via phone. He also explained in length what I would expect if he COULD and COULD NOT make the payment.
If he COULD, I would get my reservations, obviously.
If he COULD NOT: I would have to try again with the credit card 24 hours from this attempt
So we decided to try another credit card instead. What if there's no seats available tomorrow?
Payment was successful, he then asked me about my meal preference, my seating preference and then he made sure I get my tickets via email. While he knew it would take some time, he made small talk with me, why I'm going to Melbourne and all.
It was a very long call, but I didn't detest any second of it.. perhaps a little when he went in length even about my baggage allowance, liquids that is allowable etc, but that's just show how detail he was.
And so I received my tickets, he also reminded me that I could check-in online 24 hours before departure if I wish so that I do not have to be at the airport 3 hours before departure.
This is new to me, as for Singapore Airlines, we can check-in 48 hours before departure, OR we have to be at the airport 2 hours before departure.
I was very happy when I ended the call and decided to drop a compliment to Emirates. It was fairly easy to do so, as Emirates websites has choices, whether to give Complaint or Compliment.
Today, I received their feedback. I'm glad he's recognised for his good service. Hope there are many more to come.. and I'm so looking forward to go onboard Emirates!
Spent: S$734.70 (for return flights SIN-MELBOURNE)
It was a last minute decision to join my girlfriend to her business trip to Melbourne. It's going to be my first solo (cum girlfriends) holiday. I'm very excited about it.
I was comparing flight tickets fare online and decided Emirates gives me the best deal (same as CheapTickets.SG). Hubby says Emirates is world class airline.
I was making payment for my flights when my credit card just couldn't get through. Not once, not twice, but thrice. And then I was told I have exceeded the number of attempts allowed and that I had to choose other payment options, which was NETS. Obviously, that wouldn't be my choice if possible, how much cash rebate can I get via credit card payment you know?
So I did the unbearable, I called their Customer Service. The call was smooth, I was connected to a human being within a minute. He sounded like an Indian, but he spoke so clearly and slowly that I was very impressed. He first explained that I couldn't do it after 3 attempts for security reason.
Throughout the call, he confirmed my particulars, retrieved my failed attempt booking, and then he reinstated it, and then told me that he would try to make payment via phone. He also explained in length what I would expect if he COULD and COULD NOT make the payment.
If he COULD, I would get my reservations, obviously.
If he COULD NOT: I would have to try again with the credit card 24 hours from this attempt
So we decided to try another credit card instead. What if there's no seats available tomorrow?
Payment was successful, he then asked me about my meal preference, my seating preference and then he made sure I get my tickets via email. While he knew it would take some time, he made small talk with me, why I'm going to Melbourne and all.
It was a very long call, but I didn't detest any second of it.. perhaps a little when he went in length even about my baggage allowance, liquids that is allowable etc, but that's just show how detail he was.
And so I received my tickets, he also reminded me that I could check-in online 24 hours before departure if I wish so that I do not have to be at the airport 3 hours before departure.
This is new to me, as for Singapore Airlines, we can check-in 48 hours before departure, OR we have to be at the airport 2 hours before departure.
I was very happy when I ended the call and decided to drop a compliment to Emirates. It was fairly easy to do so, as Emirates websites has choices, whether to give Complaint or Compliment.
Today, I received their feedback. I'm glad he's recognised for his good service. Hope there are many more to come.. and I'm so looking forward to go onboard Emirates!
Ma Maison @ Bugis+
Date patronised: 18th Aug'13
No. of pax: 2+1
Spent: I'm not sure, hubby picked the bill
I didn't really feel like taking pictures of the place and blog about it. Mainly coz I regretted my decision to lunch there.
I had a great time having lunch with my girlfriends in Ma Maison Bugis, I didn't take note of what they really serve before suggesting to hubby to try them.
So son and I went to get a seat while hubby put shoppings into the car.
My son went to a 2 seaters immediately while I struggled to pull a highchair out. Son insisted not sitting on a high chair. Then came a male staff that sound like a Filipino and asked how many we were and suggested that I take bigger table instead.
Before I go further, please bear with me that the arrangement of the place such that there are 2 sections, so this one is separate by a small aisle for passerby to walk by obviously, from the kitchen, cashier and the staffs. So, not that we didn't wait to be seated, but it somehow didn't work that way.
Anyway, he didn't sound very friendly, but we were given menu right away, and asked if I wanted cold or warm water. He got a small cup with straw for dear son and a bigger mug for me.
I took a long time deciding what to eat, as I was obviously regretting my choice. There was almost nothing I could order for my son's lunch! But.. I was served water, so I can't just say thank you but no thank you, right? Though technically I can, I wouldn't do it.
After what seemed a long time, I ordered Tonkatsu pork cutlet (below picture) as son would like to have crunchy with his rice.
Hubby joined us later, he too, didn't know what to eat. And he decided not to order. The menu already put his appetite off. The staff didn't offer him water by the way. So he took mine instead.
To my horror when the Tonkatsu came, I asked "no rice?", he answered "if you want, you can order the set, ma'am".. sounded really not nice. So I said it's ok.
We made do with the set.
Not that I didn't want to top up for a set, but the sound of it, he wasn't very happy. I was not very happy too. He should have told me there's set option when I ordered... I could have missed it.. I could have not understood the menu, etc...
Long story cut short, I couldn't wait to leave the restaurant, that is why you see, I didn't even bother to see how much hubby paid for the lunch.
And I posted on my Facebook immediately, about how the customer service sucks here.
It was as if he could read my Facebook update real time, he was all friendly when hubby paid. He even offered dear son a basket of toys, and asked him to choose one. And for that second, he smiled widely.
How handsome he looked when he did smile.
Singapore customer service standard? Way to go manz!
PS: In the end we bought a cup of bubble tea from Gongcha due to the unsatisfaction.
No. of pax: 2+1
Spent: I'm not sure, hubby picked the bill
I didn't really feel like taking pictures of the place and blog about it. Mainly coz I regretted my decision to lunch there.
I had a great time having lunch with my girlfriends in Ma Maison Bugis, I didn't take note of what they really serve before suggesting to hubby to try them.
So son and I went to get a seat while hubby put shoppings into the car.
My son went to a 2 seaters immediately while I struggled to pull a highchair out. Son insisted not sitting on a high chair. Then came a male staff that sound like a Filipino and asked how many we were and suggested that I take bigger table instead.
Before I go further, please bear with me that the arrangement of the place such that there are 2 sections, so this one is separate by a small aisle for passerby to walk by obviously, from the kitchen, cashier and the staffs. So, not that we didn't wait to be seated, but it somehow didn't work that way.
Anyway, he didn't sound very friendly, but we were given menu right away, and asked if I wanted cold or warm water. He got a small cup with straw for dear son and a bigger mug for me.
I took a long time deciding what to eat, as I was obviously regretting my choice. There was almost nothing I could order for my son's lunch! But.. I was served water, so I can't just say thank you but no thank you, right? Though technically I can, I wouldn't do it.
After what seemed a long time, I ordered Tonkatsu pork cutlet (below picture) as son would like to have crunchy with his rice.
Hubby joined us later, he too, didn't know what to eat. And he decided not to order. The menu already put his appetite off. The staff didn't offer him water by the way. So he took mine instead.
To my horror when the Tonkatsu came, I asked "no rice?", he answered "if you want, you can order the set, ma'am".. sounded really not nice. So I said it's ok.
We made do with the set.
Not that I didn't want to top up for a set, but the sound of it, he wasn't very happy. I was not very happy too. He should have told me there's set option when I ordered... I could have missed it.. I could have not understood the menu, etc...
Long story cut short, I couldn't wait to leave the restaurant, that is why you see, I didn't even bother to see how much hubby paid for the lunch.
And I posted on my Facebook immediately, about how the customer service sucks here.
It was as if he could read my Facebook update real time, he was all friendly when hubby paid. He even offered dear son a basket of toys, and asked him to choose one. And for that second, he smiled widely.
How handsome he looked when he did smile.
Singapore customer service standard? Way to go manz!
 |
| The Tonkatsu Pork Cutlet - really juicy, succulent, tender, crispy - yummy |
 |
| The boy was happy of course with the little gift from them |
PS: In the end we bought a cup of bubble tea from Gongcha due to the unsatisfaction.
Wednesday 7 August 2013
Hotel NH Valle Dorado, in Mexico City, Mexico
Date of stay: 24th Jul'13
Duration: 1 night
Booking Agent: Direct
Paid: MX$1,493.29 (MX$995 for the room, MX$159.20 for IMP IVA, X$246.37 for a dinner, MX$39.43 for IMP IVA, MX$39.80 for Imp S/Hops 4% (don't ask me what's this), MX$13.50 for tips)
Wifi: Free
Breakfast: Continental
I spent 9 hours in this hotel, in and out as swiftly as I could. Reaching at about 11pm, after another 6 hours car ride from Aguascalientes, I was famished. But the chicken wings I ordered was not fully cooked. They were still bloody. But again, I was too tired to make a fuss, and ate just the cooked portion. The staff apologised, but that's beside the point.
Anyway, I'll let the pictures do the talking. This hotel is situated in a shopping mall. It was new I was told. But the elevator was not visible and it was not convenient to lug suitcases on travellator up a few floors. What's more dampening was, when I reached, the shops were already closed.. and they were still closed when I left the next morning.
Somehow I feel the hotel is good enough for a night, short stay.
For more details:
Website: Click here
Address: Manuel A. Camacho 3130, Col Valle Dorado Mexico City (Mexico)
Tel:+52-55-19403770
Duration: 1 night
Booking Agent: Direct
Paid: MX$1,493.29 (MX$995 for the room, MX$159.20 for IMP IVA, X$246.37 for a dinner, MX$39.43 for IMP IVA, MX$39.80 for Imp S/Hops 4% (don't ask me what's this), MX$13.50 for tips)
Wifi: Free
Breakfast: Continental
I spent 9 hours in this hotel, in and out as swiftly as I could. Reaching at about 11pm, after another 6 hours car ride from Aguascalientes, I was famished. But the chicken wings I ordered was not fully cooked. They were still bloody. But again, I was too tired to make a fuss, and ate just the cooked portion. The staff apologised, but that's beside the point.
Anyway, I'll let the pictures do the talking. This hotel is situated in a shopping mall. It was new I was told. But the elevator was not visible and it was not convenient to lug suitcases on travellator up a few floors. What's more dampening was, when I reached, the shops were already closed.. and they were still closed when I left the next morning.
Somehow I feel the hotel is good enough for a night, short stay.
 |
| Located in a mall |
 |
| Simple cosy bed |
 |
| Green was obviously the theme |
 |
| You've got what you need |
 |
| Bathroom |
For more details:
Website: Click here
Address: Manuel A. Camacho 3130, Col Valle Dorado Mexico City (Mexico)
Tel:
Marriott Hotel, in Aguascalientes, Mexico
Date of stay: 23rd Jul'13
Duration: 1 night
Booking Agent: Direct
Paid: MX$1917.50 (MX$1625 for the room, MX$32.50 for ISH Tax, MX$260 for IVA Room Tax)
Wifi: Free
Breakfast: International
It was a very short stay, thus I do not have too much to talk about this hotel. I went and left in 11 hours.
If you choose to stay in this hotel, however, be prepared to spend a LOOOONG time checking-in and out. I arrived quite late in the day, nearly 9pm, after a 6 hours ride from Mexico City Airport. Thus, I was quite irritated when the check-in took forever. Learnt from the checking-in lesson, I decided to check-out slightly earlier before I went for my breakfast, true enough, they took forever again.
The good thing about staying here, as an Asian, is you see many Asians around. You don't talk to each other, but it was impossible to ignore one's presence.
Also, the staffs in the restaurants were very friendly and helpful, plus point.
For more details:
Website: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/agumc-aguascalientes-marriott-hotel/
Address: Boulevard Zacatecas Norte S/N,Col Trojes de Alonso · Aguascalientes, 20116 Mexico
Tel: +52-449-1394060
Duration: 1 night
Booking Agent: Direct
Paid: MX$1917.50 (MX$1625 for the room, MX$32.50 for ISH Tax, MX$260 for IVA Room Tax)
Wifi: Free
Breakfast: International
It was a very short stay, thus I do not have too much to talk about this hotel. I went and left in 11 hours.
If you choose to stay in this hotel, however, be prepared to spend a LOOOONG time checking-in and out. I arrived quite late in the day, nearly 9pm, after a 6 hours ride from Mexico City Airport. Thus, I was quite irritated when the check-in took forever. Learnt from the checking-in lesson, I decided to check-out slightly earlier before I went for my breakfast, true enough, they took forever again.
The good thing about staying here, as an Asian, is you see many Asians around. You don't talk to each other, but it was impossible to ignore one's presence.
Also, the staffs in the restaurants were very friendly and helpful, plus point.
 |
| From afar - finally, after 6 hours drive |
 |
| They ran out of twin bed, funny thing was my colleague got a twin bed, anyway I was too tired to make a fuss nor demand |
 |
| Simple arrangement |
 |
| Very simple wall decorations |
 |
| Pantry full of chargeable stuffs |
 |
| Bathroom |
 |
| The shower |
For more details:
Website: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/agumc-aguascalientes-marriott-hotel/
Address: Boulevard Zacatecas Norte S/N,Col Trojes de Alonso · Aguascalientes, 20116 Mexico
Tel: +52-449-1394060
Embassy Suites, in Anaheim, California
Date of stay: 20th Jul'13
Duration: 3 nights
Booking Agent: Direct
Paid: U$409.41 (U$103 for the room, U$15.45 for Suite Tax, U$0.08 for State Tourism Assessment PER NIGHT + dinner + laundry)
Wifi: Free
Breakfast: Included but I didn't check it out
This hotel is strategically located near Disneyland and what's better is they provide free shuttle to and fro, on half hourly basis. You can also purchase tickets with them, at a discounted price.
I didn't go to Disneyland as I am not a fan, and it would look really stupid to be go alone. I was lucky an old friend offered to bring me around Los Angeles.
I was awed by the surrounding in the hotel, it looks very family friendly, although I do not really like that they look like apartments (oh well, I know they are almost like one), but I felt very cautious when I went out and back to the room, paranoid that someone might be watching me, and the lights in my room. Hahaha, paranoia, I know!
For more details:
Website: http://embassysuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/california/embassy-suites-anaheim-north-LAXANES/index.html
Address: 3100 E Frontera, Anaheim, CA 92806
Tel: +1-714-632-1221
Duration: 3 nights
Booking Agent: Direct
Paid: U$409.41 (U$103 for the room, U$15.45 for Suite Tax, U$0.08 for State Tourism Assessment PER NIGHT + dinner + laundry)
Wifi: Free
Breakfast: Included but I didn't check it out
This hotel is strategically located near Disneyland and what's better is they provide free shuttle to and fro, on half hourly basis. You can also purchase tickets with them, at a discounted price.
I didn't go to Disneyland as I am not a fan, and it would look really stupid to be go alone. I was lucky an old friend offered to bring me around Los Angeles.
I was awed by the surrounding in the hotel, it looks very family friendly, although I do not really like that they look like apartments (oh well, I know they are almost like one), but I felt very cautious when I went out and back to the room, paranoid that someone might be watching me, and the lights in my room. Hahaha, paranoia, I know!
 |
| The inside of the hotel |
 |
| Looking down to the restaurant |
 |
| The living room |
 |
| The study table and TV in the living room |
 |
| The mini pantry - with microwave oven in the cabinet |
 |
| The bed with small squarish pillows |
 |
| Ample of wardrobe and the TV, with washing basin outside bathroom, in the bedroom |
 |
| Bathroom |
 |
| Simple neat |
 |
| Free shuttle to Disneyland Park |
 |
| OH ya, did I mention there's cocktail reception every evening? |
For more details:
Website: http://embassysuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/california/embassy-suites-anaheim-north-LAXANES/index.html
Address: 3100 E Frontera, Anaheim, CA 92806
Tel: +1-714-632-1221
Staybridge Suites, in Salt Lake City, Utah
Date of stay: 18th Jul'13
Duration: 2 nights
Booking Agent: Direct
Paid: U$226.10 (U$99.95 for the room, U$6.85 for State Tax, U$4.25 for Transient Tax, U$2 for Innkeepers Tax)
Wifi: Free
Breakfast: Local
For more details:
Website: http://www.ihg.com/staybridge/hotels/us/en/west-valley-city/slcbt/hoteldetail
Address: 3038 Decker Lake Dr, West Valley City, UT 84119
Tel: +1-801-746-8400
Duration: 2 nights
Booking Agent: Direct
Paid: U$226.10 (U$99.95 for the room, U$6.85 for State Tax, U$4.25 for Transient Tax, U$2 for Innkeepers Tax)
Wifi: Free
Breakfast: Local
The hotel is very neat and suitable for family stay, especially those traveling with young children.
It is also situated within 5 mins walking distance to Amtrak station, you could take an Amtrak to downtown to shop and sightseeing ;-) What's more there is free laundry, they have 2 washing machines and 2 dryers free-of-charge! The staffs were very friendly and really very helpful. They have a mini theater, you could make reservation and bring them DVD or borrow from their library. They also provide free shuttle to and from the airport!
 |
| From the roadside.. isn't Salt Lake's sky beautiful? |
 |
| The bed |
 |
| Couch |
 |
| Study table |
 |
| Bathroom |
 |
| Kitchenette |
 |
| For laundry! |
 |
| There's a waterpark too! |
 |
| For the kids |
 |
| I wished my son was with me |
 |
| Can you see the slide going out and back into the building? |
 |
| Fountain! |
 |
| Amazingly simple but nice breakfast, we got to make the waffle ourselves
|
Website: http://www.ihg.com/staybridge/hotels/us/en/west-valley-city/slcbt/hoteldetail
Address: 3038 Decker Lake Dr, West Valley City, UT 84119
Tel: +1-801-746-8400
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)