Grand Aston Bali, Indonesia

Date of stay: 2nd ~ 6th Dec'13
Duration: 4 nights
Booking agent: Direct
Paid: U$188 per night
Wifi: Free (strong signals at public area like lobby, lounge, restaurants but very weak in the room)
Breakfast: International

We had our honeymoon in Aston Bali Resort a month shy of 5 years ago. We had a good time, and enjoyed ourselves. So much that hubby kept reminiscing the club sandwich we had throughout the 5 years.

We made a pact then, that we would be back, for our 5th anniversary, with our children. (Read then: not sure if we wanted any, or how many)

We were both looking forward to the re-visit. We made the flights and hotel reservations 4 months earlier, we would bring our son who was turning 3 yo.

Just days before our trip, I made a last minute check on the website. To be surprised that they changed their name to Grand Aston Bali instead. I had to check and confirm twice, in case I got the wrong resort name. But there it was. Changed. A more pleasant surprise was, there would be a kids room with babysitting service! Gosh, we were sure we would have a good time!



Upon arrival.. its outlook is astonishing




At night




Its a beauty isn't it?




Beautiful traditional music at the lobby upon arrival




Welcome drinks for us by super friendly staffs




Guest Relation Officer showed us our upgraded suite - as the suite I asked for (the one we had our honeymoon) was not available as it was under renovation




The spacious hall




Cum dining area




Looking towards the door




There was an extra toilet at the foyer




Coffee maker at pantry




Balcony




Looking over to the pool and sea!




The super king bed!




Wardrobe and looking over to the bathroom




Dresser and the in-room TV




The huge bath tub - our son enjoyed it very much




It was very cosy




Shower room




Toiletries




4 bottles of water everyday




A beach bag for our use




View from the beach




Beautiful private beach




Benches near the pool




Gym




Breakfast area




The ever so beautiful pool - we went into it everyday




Beautiful view and weather




The 4-5 months old Kids Club!



Activity chart





The bedroom - cosy enough for our son to sleep in there for 2 hours and more



Looking into the club



Table soccer! - remind me of good old school days



Unfortunately the TV was playing songs most of the times




It could get a little too sunny with this kind of roof - but it's air-conditioned




Spacious play area




Like a glass-house




Pinky table and chairs



The picture says it all




The Game Room




In the Toilet




Isn't it cute?




We paid for pizza making class


Little thoughtful things from the resort:


Birthday cake for our son who turned 3 on the 2nd day




Free shuttle to Kuta town



Sweet choc every night


So you ask me what's the difference 5 years on?



Flower arrangement.. it's nicer now right?



The shape of the cake? - Although I secretly wished they put Happy Anniversary than Congratulations




The club sandwich then and now - apparently it doesn't look and taste as nice as 5 years ago.. boohoo!


What we love most:
1) very friendly staffs - from front desk to kitchen including chef
2) thoughtful arrangements - flower, cake, speeches
3) feeling important as a customer - invitation to VIP cocktail party by the Mgmt and their GM, Mr Ian Cameron asked for feedback, talking to each VIP
4) Very clean private beach
5) beautiful pool
6) wonderful spa
7) wonderful food

What we think lacking:
1) variety of food - although there were Italian and local, western food in the resort, we still felt something missing, we had to cross the street to a Japanese restaurant 3 of the 4 nights we were there.
2) White fresh towels - the towels look a little yellowish
3) our son enjoyed the pizza making, but if they could make a child friendly platform for the kids, that would have perfect!


For more details:

Website: http://www.grandastonbali.com/

Address: JL. Pratama No. 68X, Tanjung Benoa Nusa Dua 80363 Bali - Indonesia

Tel: +62 (0) 361 773 577

More little things:

Ramada Plaza Pudong Shanghai

Date of stay: 10th ~ 14th Nov'13

Duration: 3 nights

Booking agent: Direct (Corporate account)

Paid: RMB760 per night

Wifi: Free

Breakfast: International

Location was superb near Hong Feng Road, never short of food, from Western to Indian cuisine. It is also about 15-20 mins walk to Carrefour, a little shorter to Starbucks Coffee if you need your shot.

The room rate was not exactly the usual price we paid for Ramada hotel chain. And we booked under Corporate account as our 3 days meeting was held in the ballroom. But the personal touch was really heart warming.

Breakfast was good, but after few days, you just make get a little bored of the food, don't you?

As I had to take a midnight flight from Shanghai on my last day of stay, I asked the front desk staff if there was anywhere I could take a shower in the evening when I finished work, before I head to the airport. The staff was very kind to tell me I could use the shower facility in their spa on the 4th floor. (I wanted to ask them to give me a late check-out, but their policy is full rate for check-out later than 6pm)

So when I went back to the hotel later that evening, and ended asking for an hour of foot reflexology. I believe that's how they do their marketing too eh? Offer free shower, and the guest may choose other services to pass time. The foot reflex was good!

The comfortable bed

Study table and a pathetic tv (not that I ever watched it)

Mini bar

Bathroom

Toiletries - I wish the bottles were easier to open with wet hands

Welcome "gifts"

The macaroons were damn good!

Fresh flowers! - on table as well as the bathroom

Multiadapter! Just nice as I forgot to bring mine!

Stationaries

The way the bedroom slippers would be place every night without fail

Good night surprise on 1st night

Good night surprise on 2nd night

Good night surprise on 3rd night

More details:

Website: http://www.ramada.com/hotels/china/shanghai/ramada-plaza-pudong/hotel-overview

Address: 18 Xin Jin Qiao Road Pudong Shanghai China 201206

Tel: +86-21 5055 4666

8 Degrees Taiwanese Bistro

Date patronised: 21st Nov'13

Spent: S$24

No. of pax: 2 adults 1 toddler

My friend shared about this bistro for a few weeks. I've always wanted to try but thinking of the parking on weekends, I just get lazy. Last night, my friend and I brought my son along, we walked there. If you are taking public transports, you can walk here from Serangoon MRT Station actually.

I had high anticipation, as my son loved the food we had in Taiwan. So I hope he could find the food here nice, and eat more.

The bistro was very quiet, probably because it was a weekday.

Prices are within reasonable range, but we were disappointed by the food. Perhaps, just perhaps we didn't order the right food.

My son didn't take more than 5 spoons of the stewed pork belly rice. And asked for durian instead.

BBT is something I would recommend. This place can definitely be a good yumcha place.



Interior




Fruit beer - sure try next time




Yummy BBT  @ S$3.80 each - we even packed another cup




Stewed Pork Belly Rice at S$3.80 - my son didn't like it




Weekly special at S$8.80

 Note: they have high chairs if you need it for your kids.


More details:

Website: http://www.8dtb.com/

Address: 37 Teck Chye Terrace (S)545734

Tel: 6284 8226

Kempinski Hotel, Wuxi, China

Date of stay: 21st ~ 25th Oct'13
Duration: 4 nights
Booking agent: Direct
Paid: RMB500.01 per night
Wifi: Free
Breakfast: International

As Double Tree by Hilton is fully occupied this week, Admin made reservation in Kempinski. They told me it's only 15 minutes from the office, so I guess no harm trying new hotel, since I'm quite sick of Double Tree's breakfast options.

Check-in:

I arrived rather late, about 9+ in the evening as I went for a dinner right after I arrived in Wuxi from Pudong, Shanghai. The 2 crews at the entrance could do with a more helpful pair of hands. One of them literally watched while I pushed my luggage bag in, while another did come over to me. But while walking me to the reception, he asked if I could handle the luggage up to my room myself. Well, I could. But in Double Tree, they usually would wait till I checked-in and offer to send my bag up. In short, there, I would have to ask the crew to leave my luggage as I could bring it up myself.

Checking-in was a breeze, I stood less than 5 mins there. I was surprised when it was over.

Going up was a breeze too, they have 5 working lifts and within seconds, I was lifted to 8th floor.

The room:
The room looks bigger than Double Tree's, the bathroom is obviously bigger but I can't understand the bathroom design. The shower was cramp, you can tell. I'm very petite, but I felt like I was not able to wipe my body without knocking on the wall nor shower door, I may be overly exaggerating, but you get what I mean. I do not use bath tubs during my business trips as I rather spend the time reading or sleeping, obviously.

The really nice feeling after shower is, I did not feel cold breeze when I step out of the shower. Unlike many other hotels, you'll be embraced with cold breeze from the air-cond in the room. I have to say Kempinski's bathroom is nicely sealed, I still felt warm and nice when I dressed up (instead of rushing into my clothes). Haha!

I hate the shampoo though, they made my hair as dry and rough as patches of grass. I'm sure glad I brought my Tsubaki hair treatment along. I have to use it daily, it looks. I miss Double Tree's Crabtree toiletries! :-s

I didn't sleep well the 4 nights, I'm not sure why. If I was over-tired when I finally get to sleep, or coz of anything else. In short, I woke up every morning feeling more tired than the night before.

Breakfast:
Breakfast was something new but I did not like the scattered seating arrangement. First day, I was by the water, next day, I was at the far side, third day, I was completely out of the place and last day, I chose my own seat (exactly the same as the day before) as I had a luggage with me so I chose out of the main eating area.

There were a great variety of food though, and I love their chili sauce to go with my sunny side up. I take only sunny side up, cereals, yogurt drink and coffee for breakfast everyday.

The morning staffs were more than sufficient. They were everywhere and you'll not get frustrated trying to get someone's attention.

Going to work was a pain. For the start, I have to tell the main entrance crew that I needed a cab. He would walk out to the main street to get one for me. While he managed to get one every time, it did not make me feel good. I wish he would take the cab in instead of walking gazillion times a day. If they had a sign by the street that the hotel needed a cab, just like what we had back in Singapore, that would be wonderful.

To reach to workplace, it didn't just take me 15 mins. I was far from office, far from clients entertainment spots.

Check-out:

I nearly fainted when I saw the queue to check-out. However, I was really impressed. They separated the check-in and check-out counters, something I didn't notice through my stay. And there were 3 staffs doing check-outs. I was further impressed when I saw granite table at the counter, for guests to put their bags while they check-out. It was extremely useful for me to place my handbag and dig my wallet out. I must say they are very thoughtful in this sense.

Checking-out was a breeze too. The staff apologised to keep me waiting when I took my envelope. And then there was a concierge staff waiting to help me with my luggage right away. I was WOW-ed and WOW-ed.
While it was generally a good experience in Kempinski, I would prefer Double Tree anytime. Not just for the Kris miles, but mainly for my convenience and sanity sake (due to lack of sleep). But then, Double Tree is different now, from when they were newly opened, they are not as customer oriented, do not feel the personal touch anymore.

Kempinski generally is a customer oriented hotel, I dare say.