Hyatt Regency Birmingham, United Kingdom

When in Birmingham we generally have stayed at the Hyatt Regency and this time around we had it included in our itinerary for a night in October 2015. This was our fourth stay at this beautiful hotel.

We arrived shortly before the official check in time. The hotel has changed and was fully renovated.

Check in was done by a trainee and took a bit longer than usual. The wait was worth it, because we were asked which preferences we had. They were all fulfilled. We had booked a Club Room with King bed. It was located on the 22nd floor, a corner room and near the club lounge. We had views - as requested - over the Alpha Tower and the new library. The building site opposite the hotel didn't impact us.

The room was large with a king sized bed, a white colored wardrobe and dark furniture.

The storage space is good for a short stay.

The club chair with ottoman and coffee table was comfortable.

We liked the orange colored upholstery of the writing desk chair, the grey blue carpets and the artwork depicting a Birmingham Canal and a sketch of a bridge in the city.

The flat screen TV offered regional channels, BBC24 or Sky News. There was no dedicated intern. business channel.

The mini bar was stocked with typical beverages, like Coca Cola (3.50 GBP / ca. 4.50 Euro / ca. 5 USD), water (2.50 GBP / ca. 3.25 Euro / ca. 3.60 USD), wine (5.50 GBP / ca. 7.10 Euro / ca. 7.90 USD) and liquors at 6.50 GBP (ca. 8.35 Euro or ca. 9.30 USD).

There were also tea/coffee making facilities and included a wide choice of Twinning’s Teas.

The bed was very comfortable and it was difficult to get out of it the next morning.

The full 24 hour in room dining was available via the TV.

The free WIFI internet access was fast.

The bathroom was large with a bath/shower combination, toilet and a sink. The bathroom amenities were by Portico (Verbena) Spa, made in Canada. We like the products, but they are a bit difficult to squeeze out of the bottles. Either I had too much or nearly nothing.

The public spaces have changed too. There is now a seating area near the reception. It is thoroughly contemporary and has also a small Shakespeare library.

Trees and shelves are used as dividers and Aria, the bistro, is in the center of the atrium. I will write a review about our dinner too, coming up soon.

There is also the spa and the Gentleman & Scholar Pub.

The club lounge offers breakfast Monday to Friday from 06.30 hours to 10.30 hours and on weekends from 07.00 hours to 11.00 hours. There is an evening service between 17.30 hours to 19.30 hours with canapés, desserts and a wide selection of wines.

During our evening we had the choice of stuffed zucchini with cheese, cakes, savory tarts, salads, olives, crackers and cheese.

It was a taste of what Aria had to offer, as the lounge staff explained to us.

Breakfast had a good choice of cereals, milk and soya milk products, eggs, cold cuts, bakery items, juices tea, coffee and much more.

We checked out soon afterwards, because we had a lunch reservation at Purnell's and a different hotel for our next night.

The concierge stored our luggage until our return from lunch.

We enjoyed exploring the nooks and crannies of the hotel, the dinner, club lounge, friendliness of the staff and comfort of the room.

When going back to Birmingham this will be our go to hotel.

©2016

Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Thailand

We know the Novotel Suvarnabhumi seven years now and found out about it only by accident. At the time we were on the way to Koh Samui, but our plane from Copenhagen had been delayed due to technical problems. We received a day room, courtesy of SAS, at the Novotel with free breakfast and lunch. We were impressed by the friendly staff and how beautiful the hotel looked. Ever since we have stayed there, we stay here too, when in Bangkok.
On this occasion we arrived via the Airport Train Link at Suvarnabhumi and took the underground walkway. It was well signed and took around 10 minutes.
We went to the check in desk. Since we had booked an executive room for one night before our flight home we were brought to the Business Center, which also contains the club lounge. Check in took a bit longer than expected, because a suitable room had to be found for us. The staff was always friendly, but very busy.
We were directed to our room, which was based in the same wing as the club lounge.
The rooms hadn't changed much since our last stay in 2009. Ours was large. The walls were dark blue and the furniture also dark. There was Thai modern art work and the room overlooked the pool.
We had a comfortable king sized bed, a writing desk, a chair and coffee table, a mini bar, wardrobe and cupboard. There was also a flat screen TV with local and international channels.
The medium sized bathroom had Novotel own branded amenities, separate bath tub and shower, a sink and toilet.
The shower was smaller than at the Four Seasons or Banyan Tree (please see also reviews), where we had stayed before. All was comfortable to use, though.
Beside the comfortable rooms, we actually enjoy the romance of the hotel and the convenient location to the airport.
All of the restaurants, the reception, the concierge, business center, Executive Club Lounge and some shops are located on the ground floor.
There are Sala Thai for Thai cuisine, The Square (24 hours open and international), Golden Village for Dim Sum and Cantonese, Kinsen (Japanese), the Atrium Terrace, Le Gourmet and Splash Pool Bar.
We went to Le Gourmet for desserts. It has been moved from the side of the stunning atrium to the center. All the cakes we had were wonderful as always. It's our favorite outlet.
The atrium has a lot of Thai features. The reception for example depicts an orchid. There are trees and a water feature. There was also an art exhibition on display, which we found interesting and the art could be bought at the art gallery in the lobby.
During previous stays we went to the pool, enjoyed drinks at the swim up bar, used the spa and visited the Thai Garden, which is a must. It's hidden and a bit difficult to find, but when there, it's tranquil and peaceful.
Kids are also catered for with a small play area in the lobby.
After our stroll through the Thai Garden we went to the Happy Hour at the Club Lounge. The lounge was modern and medium in size.
There was a good selection of hot and cold dishes and desserts.
The staff made also cocktails on request.
There was a small selection of wines and liquors. The red wine we had was very good.
After our savory choices we wanted to have some of the chocolate tartlets. Unfortunately they were finished already, but when we asked nicely we were told they would be back soon. Taking some other nice sweets we returned to our table. A member of staff approached us and apologized, advising that there weren't any chocolate tarts left after all. That was okay with us, but we were surprised when we received a small plate with other chocolate desserts (there were at least six) as an apology. Trying most of them we were really stuffed. To our next surprise somehow the staff had organized three chocolate tartlets for us. We appreciated what the employees did for us, but were in a bend. Being full already we couldn't let the employees down after they went to great length to please us, so we ate the tartlets. They were delicious and worth it.
Originally we had planned to have in room dining after the club lounge, but we had to forget that quickly.
Breakfast is available from 05.00 hours, which was just right for us, because we had an early start to catch our plane to London Gatwick.
The medium sized buffet was good and as all meals high quality. There was a wide choice of Asian and Western dishes, cold cuts, yogurt, cereals and much more.
Check out was done quickly and correctly.
We then took the free shuttle bus to the airport. It runs every ten to fifteen minutes, depending on the time of the day.
We love the Novotel Suvarnabhumi and will always stay there either after or before a flight.


©2014

Hilton London Gatwick, United Kingdom

When we bought our flight to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, we wanted to make our journey as smooth and convenient as possible.

Since we had to buy separate tickets (We had to find our way from Dublin to London Gatwick.) we also didn't want to run the risk of missing a connection, so we booked the Hilton London Gatwick on the night before and after our flight to Bangkok.

Please see also the flight review.

We had still points left from the Hilton Honors rewards program and used them for both nights.

Arriving with Aer Lingus at London Gatwick's South Terminal we followed the signs to the hotel. It meant going to the parking garage and taking a lift.

It wasn't our first stay. When we were last there we were impressed by the friendliness of the staff and our treatment as entrance Hilton Honors Blue members. We received an upgrade to a newly renovated room at the time. Only parts of the lobby had been accessible then due to building work. Now the hotel is completely renovated.

As soon as we entered the hotel we encountered a nice atrium with Amy's Restaurant and Bar as center piece.

There was also a Costa Coffee and Journey's Friend gift shop.

At check in a few people were queuing in front of us, but it didn't take too long. We were welcomed as return guests (on both occasions) - even though it had been a few years back - and as Hilton Honors Gold members upgraded to an Executive Room with Executive Lounge access. We were pleased with this.

The hotel is large with over 900 rooms, so to locate the room can be an issue (which lift to take) and the walk could be long.

Besides Amy's there is also the Garden Restaurant and Charlie Fly's Sport's Bar. In room dining is 24 hours available. Starters begin at 7.50 GBP (ca. 9.45 Euro / 12.85 USD), pasta and pizza from 13 GBP (16.35 Euro / 22.25 USD), mains from 16.50 GBP (ca. 20.70 Euro/ 28.20 USD) and desserts from 8 GBP (ca. 10.05 Euro / 13.70 USD).

Our first room was located on the 2nd floor of the new wing with views over the garden and another wing of the hotel, while the second room was on the fourth floor in the same wing. The layout was slightly different, but the color scheme in different shades of brown and furniture was the same.

We had a queen-size bed, a chair with ottoman, coffee table, writing desk, credenza, large flat screen TV (with all important channels) and a wardrobe.

The artwork was photographs depicting nature, like leaves.

The tea/coffee making facilities were by Twinning’s Tea (Every day and peppermint) and Douwe Egberts Coffee, brown and white sugar and sweetener. The cups were by Villeroy and Boch.

The mini bar contained Pago juices from Austria, which we liked and took all two of them, one was 2.95 GBP (ca. 3.70 Euro / 5.05 USD).

The rest was more typical beverages like Coca Cola.

There was a short hallway with a wooden floor, leading off to the bath room. The bed room was carpeted.

The bath room was medium sized and tiled in different colors (green and white) and sizes. The bath tub and shower were separate and there was a sink and toilet. The first bath room was stocked with shampoo, conditioner and shower gel, while the other had also body lotion.

Both rooms were good, but I thought the layout of the first room was slightly more comfortable and the shower a bit bigger.

While my better half could sleep without any issues, I had problems. The pillows were too soft for me and didn't offer enough support.

Otherwise the bed was comfortable.

As Hilton Honors Gold Members we also received free internet access. It was spotty.

During our second stay the hotel had issues with their computer system, so no swipe of the credit card could be taken and we didn't have access to the minibar and the internet log in didn't function at all.

We were glad we had stopped at the Marks & Spencer's at the South Terminal to buy our dinner and a few beverages. We were too tired to bother going to the restaurant or order room service after our long flight from Bangkok, so the internet access wasn't that important and the drinks had been thank goodness already sorted.

I also received an apology at check out when I mentioned the mini bar had been locked.

The Executive Club Lounge is located on the 4th floor and easily to identify by the aquarium.

The lounge is L-shaped and longer than wide. There is a reception area, stocked with newspapers and check in/check out facilities.

The seating is restaurant style.

The buffet during Happy Hour was small, but sufficient to make dinner out of it. There were cold cuts, vegetables, cheese, crackers, stuffed peppadew, rolls, bread stuffed with grilled vegetables, chicken wings and more.

There was a small selection of non-alcoholic drinks including Strathmore still or sparkling water, Squash and other soft drinks and a small selection of liqueurs, wines and beers.

The quality was good, so we were happy. During our second stay we missed the Happy Hour due to our late arrival.

We went on both occasions to the breakfast and enjoyed especially the fresh strawberries. There were coffee, tea, two juices, cold cuts, smoked salmon, fruit salad, cheese, scrambled eggs, cereals and much more. The items were regularly replenished, even shortly before the breakfast service finished.

Before our flight to Bangkok we arrived early; on our way back to Dublin we were there shortly before the breakfast service closed. We had already chosen our breakfast, when punctual at 10.30 hours the staff began carrying away the food without informing the guests. It would be nice if one of the hosts could go from table to table - maybe five minutes before - and advise they are clearing the buffet.

Breakfast was quieter during our weekday stay. On the Sunday nearly all tables were taken.

Wake up calls were delivered on time, so thumbs up for this.

Check out was pleasant and without any issues.

All staff encountered were very friendly and efficient.

We like the location, comfort of the rooms, quality of food and the staff.

The Hilton London Gatwick allowed us to travel without stress and arrive relaxed at our destination.

Should we need in the future again a night or two at Gatwick we would love to stay here again.

©2014

Hilton Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

We monitored different hotels and their overnight rates for a few months, before making a decision and booking the Hilton Kuala Lumpur for one night.  One of our thoughts was that we didn't want to have a full blown KL experience after a long flight, so we had to make our mind up, if we wanted to stay at the airport or take the KLIA Ekspress into KL and stay at the Le Meridien or Hilton. In the end we decided to take the train to KL Sentral and walk the short distance to the Hilton.

We also deliberated fairly long which room type to take. We booked an Executive Room Plus with Lake Garden view.

As mentioned we took the KLIA Ekspress, a fast train, to KL Sentral. The journey takes 28 minutes. Two Return tickets cost 140 MYR (ca. 32.40 Euro or 43.80 USD). They are valid three months from the time of issue. At the central train station we followed the signs for the Hilton and Le Meridien. The hotels are located in twin towers opposite KL Sentral. We left the train station and crossed the street at the traffic lights. At the ground level of the buildings is a parking lot; an elevator leads up to both hotel entrances on the same level.  Keeping to the left led us to the Hilton. If we had turned right it would have brought us to the Le Meridien. In 2009 we had a night at the Le Meridien and now in 2013 at the Hilton.

We were impressed by the large, airy lobby and floor to ceiling windows over the Lake Gardens.


Cafe Oro, the Lounge, Vasco's and the Chambers Bar & Grill are on one side, the concierge and reception at the other side.

The lobby was nature inspired, contemporary and for example the barrier between the reception area and Vasco's was looking like huge trees.

Cafe Oro and the Lounge were understated. The cakes and chocolates were presented like jewelry. All was very beautiful and up to a high standard.

There are also Graze, Chynna (Cantonese), The Board Walk (poolside bar) and
Iketery (modern Japanese).

For relaxation guests can enjoy the fitness center, swimming pool and spa. Massages start from 250 MYR (ca. 57.85 Euro or 78.10 USD).

We arrived at around 09.00 hours. We were advised our room wasn't ready. If we preferred we could have another one with city view. Even if this would have been an upgrade we choose to wait and were sent up to the executive club lounge. After an hour we were handed our room keys.

Our room was on one of the highest floors. It was contemporary and large; mostly kept in brown, black and grey shades.

There was Malaysian artwork, wooden floors and a carpet, a huge bed, large TV, DVD player, a chaise lounge, a luggage rack, a large wardrobe, big writing desk and floor to ceiling windows.

The TV offered international and regional channels including CNN and Bloomberg. There was also a mini bar stocked with Sunraysia juices, Asahi or Carlsberg beer and Tau water. Prices ranged from 26 to 34 MYR (ca. 6.05 Euro to 7.40 Euro or ca. 8.15 USD to 10 USD).

The tea and coffee facilities were Nescafe and Hausbrandt from Italy and Ronnefeldt.

The bathroom was large with separate shower and bathtub. Both toilet and the bathtub were from Toto. Until then we associated the company with toilets only, so it was a bit of a surprise for us. The toilet had a bidet function.

The mirror had an integrated TV, but individual channel control wasn't possible. The person in the bathroom has to watch what the person in the bedroom chooses. In November 2010 we had also such a TV set-up experienced at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo.

There was also a weighing scale and Peter Thomas Roth amenities.

Unfortunately we couldn't use our balcony, because the door was locked.

The bed was very comfortable and allowed a good rest.

The wardrobe light wouldn't switch off, when closing the door and I thought this was going to cause problems, but that wasn't any issue. During the night my better half had to get up and use the toilet. Since the bathroom door was made of glass it let the full light into the bed room and woke me up as well.

The black out curtains were very good, making the room completely dark.

The rain shower had strong water pressure and the bath tub was comfortable too, allowing great views over the Lake Gardens, like the floor to ceiling windows did as well.

As Hilton Honors Gold members we received blackberries, apples and salted peanuts as a welcome gift.

In room dining is available 24 hours and offers a wide range of Malay, Chinese and Western dishes. Prices range from 19 MYR to 68 MYR (ca. 4.40 Euro to 15.75 Euro or ca. 5.95 USD to 21.25 USD).

Turn down was also automatically provided and delivered free water bottles.

Being tired after the long flight we went to nap for a few hours as soon as our room was ready.

Afterwards we ventured out to explore the area a bit.

Before we knew it was already evening and time for the happy hour at the executive club lounge.

The executive club lounge is located on the 33rd floor and offers stunning views over the city and the Lake Gardens. It is divided into two parts - a restaurant and a lounge set up. There is also a small library with books and magazines.

During the happy hour alcohol and food was served. There was wine, whiskey, rum, vodka and gin. Of course there were also non alcoholic beverages. The buffet was large and had western and eastern delights. It was enough to cover dinner. There were for example small sandwiches, sushi, cold cuts, Chicken Kong Po and short ribs.

The next morning we headed again for the executive club lounge for breakfast. There was a wide choice available, including Beef Rendang, noodles with ground chicken, dim sum, sausages, tomatoes, salad, mushrooms, cakes, yogurt, donuts and much more. Eggs were made to order at the egg station.

Every member of staff was friendly and efficient. They were also unobtrusive, but there when needed.

When it was time to check out, the electricity was suddenly gone and we were trapped on the floor, because we couldn't use the elevators and were unable to access our room again, since it was working via electric key. Thank goodness the black out lasted only a few minutes, but it had started to get uncomfortable hot since the air conditioning had stopped working when the electricity was gone.

When the elevators were working, we made our way down to reception. It seemed the hotels own generator had kicked in. Check out was fast and painless.

Unfortunately electricity hadn't been restored in the whole building and before waiting ages until the lift was working again, we decided to walk the stairs down. We were accompanied by a member of staff with a torch. Safely on the ground floor we crossed the street, ready for our next adventure: using the public transport and checking in at the DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur.

Would we stay here again? Yes, we would for longer than just one night, though, and we wished that the glass door could be replaced.


©2013