Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa, Algarve, Portugal

In 2015 my fiancé and I had agreed to requalify for the Hilton’s loyalty program Hilton Honors gold status, so in January 2016 we pre-booked stays accordingly to achieve our goal.

One of those was the Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa.

We stayed for 5 nights in October 2016.

The property has won many awards including Portugal’s Leading Resort 2016 at the World Travel Awards.

We organized our transportation from Faro Airport with Yellow Fish, which came highly recommended by Tripadvisor members. It was good, reliable and affordable.

When we were dropped off at the Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas we were impressed by the Moorish design and elegant entrance.

The bell captain greeted us warmly and took our luggage. We were accompanied to reception. Janine checked us in efficiently. Since the resort is large, she provided us with a map and explained all necessary features including the shuttle service to the center of Vilamoura incl. Marina and the beach as well as giving us the tip, that a Spar supermarket was ca. 20 minutes’ walk away.

The lobby was large and thanks to an atrium and floor to ceiling windows filled with day light.

There was a butterfly artwork installation. It reminded us about Polish Hilton properties (Gdansk and Warsaw), which have similar ones.

Within the lobby were the Rubi Bar to the right, a golf and gift shop, a small library at the Hilton Vacation Club Office and Moscada, the all-day dining buffet restaurant and the fine dining Cilantro to the left.

Meeting rooms were in the basement with access to the outdoor waterfall and swimming pool, where Aquarela, another restaurant was located.
Other facilities included the 7 Seven Spa, 24 hour fitness center, tennis courts, Paradise Island Kids’ Club and teenager arcade, a golf simulator and snooker room.

As Hilton Honors gold members we were upgraded from a King Deluxe Pool View Room to a King Deluxe Plus Pool View Room with two balconies.
The room felt more like a junior suite. 

There was a small hallway. 

The bathroom was to the left.

The room was open plan and contemporary like the hotel. A partial wall was dividing the seating area from the bed room.

There were two flat screen TVs, one mounted on the wall of the bed room and the other could be watched from the seating area with modern art above the sofa, a coffee table and two small side tables. Interesting enough there was only one remote control. It functioned with both.

We were happy with the choice of around 100 local and international channels.

Like the hotel itself, the room was contemporary and beautiful. We loved that we had two balconies. One was furnished with two loungers, the other one had two chairs and a small table. We enjoyed sitting or lying there and enjoying the sun.

The color scheme was white and grey. The furniture was made from blond wood.

The views were over the poolscape and the surrounding villas.

The bed was king sized. It was comfortable and allowed for restful sleep. Beside it was a chair with ottoman.

Artwork was contemporary and made of tiles.

A writing desk, credenza, wardrobe with safe and tea/coffee making facilities completed the amenities of the room.

24 hours in room dining was also available, which we used once after a tour we took to Sao Vicente, the most South Western Point of mainland Europe. We had booked it via our hotel.

It included a bottle of still water, two hot chocolates, one Algarvian salad, one penne Bolognese, one ravioli and one white and milk chocolate cheese cake.

It was all delicious and of high quality.

The bill was 61.50 Euro (ca. 70.20 USD).

The bath room was divided into two rooms. 

The shower, bidet and toilet were in one and the other contained the bathtub and sink. Amenities were Peter Thomas Roth.

The water pressure was very good and there had been no problems with temperature fluctuations.

There were two hairdryers. The one in the bathroom overheated fast, so it was better to use the Corgi professional one, which reminded us about the Philips branded at the Inntel Hotels Art in Eindhoven (please see review).

We loved relaxing in our room or strolling along the pool and appreciated the gift we received as golds (two bottles of still Luso water, tomato chutney and locally produced fig and mint liquor).

As guidance I noted that main courses at Cilantro started from 26 Euro (ca. 29.70 USD).

Buffet dinner at Moscada was 27.50 Euro per person, ca. 31.40 USD per person.

As golds we also had free buffet breakfast. The quality and choice was good, but didn’t vary much, but we didn’t mind. It included among many other items French Toast, pancakes, fried and scrambled eggs, sausages, bacon, grilled tomatoes, olives, sardines, cold cuts, cheese, muesli, cereals, bread and much more.

Other specialties like Eggs Benedict or smoked salmon with caviar could be ordered and were payable. The charge for the Eggs Benedict was 7 Euro/ca. 8 USD and for the salmon with caviar 10 Euro/ca. 11.45 USD.

For tea drinkers a selection of teas was placed on the table together with sugar. Hot water was brought to the table. This solution was much better than self-service and felt more upscale too.

We used the shuttle bus regular to Vilamoura. It left on the hour between 10.00 hours and 12.00 hours and 14.00 hours to 17.00 hours. In the evenings from 19.00 hours to 21.00 hours it was scheduled half hourly. 

During off season the timings are not as regular, since we received a notification about the time table change.

Free WIFI access as golds was also very good and stable throughout the resort.

Another plus was the close proximity to Willies Restaurant, which holds one Michelin star since 2007. We had once dinner there, a review will follow.

Check out arrived as always too soon and it was time to take a taxi to the Conrad Algarve, located in Quinta do Lago, ca. 20/25 min. driving distance from the Hilton where we stayed another three nights/four days.

Would we return? We would, if we wanted a romantic golf resort at a peaceful and quiet location within walking distance of Willies in upscale and beautiful Vilamoura.


©2017

Hilton Vienna, Austria

In July 2016 I celebrated a milestone birthday and we decided to spend it in Austria. A wish of both, my fiancé and I, was for a longer time to stay at the Hilton Vienna, the largest hotel of the country.

We booked two separate nights, one after we arrived and the other before our departure from Vienna International Airport. This is a combined review of both stays.

The hotel is ideally located. We took the City Airport Train, short CAT, to Vienna Mitte train station from Vienna International Airport and the Hilton Vienna is just across the road. This remembered us about the Hilton Kuala Lumpur and their connection between the KLIA and the hotel incl. KLIA Express [KLIA Ekspres] and the Central Train Station [Sentral].

At first sight it was easier to find the side entrance than the main entrance.

Reception was on the immediate right, when entering via the main entrance. The Lobby Bar and Lounge is to the left and there is a sign, indicating the bar with an arrow with Gin Tonic and the other arrow the reception with check in.

The check in experiences were very different each time. The first was businesslike, the other warmer and more personal.

We had once paid cash and once with points. Each time we had chosen a King Cathedral View Room. During our first stay we weren’t upgraded. The second time we received a Corner Junior Suite with views over the city, the Stadtpark and the Steffel.

During our first stay a convention of Neonatologists took place, so the hotel was very busy, but the convention didn’t disrupt other guests.

On the ground floor was also S’Parks Restaurant, which won best “Genuss Austria” [which promotes regional products] restaurant in Austria for 2015/2016. We ate dinner there twice – a review will follow – and we can confirm that the award is well deserved.

We liked also the display cabinet with different awards, for example best traditional gugglhupf in 2012, a Hilton Vienna Teddy Bear and kid’s lunch boxes on offer.

The elevators were a bit hidden away and not too far from the public rest rooms.

Our room was located on the 6^th floor and had the desired views over the Stadtpark and St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

The furniture was made from blond wood and the overall color scheme was light brown and felt fresh and attractive.

As a gold member of the Hilton Honors loyalty program we received a personalized welcome letter from the hotel manager, Roemer Quelle still water from Austria and three pistachio macaroons. They were yummy. We appreciated that our preference for still water had been remembered.

The writing desk had a glass plate with little white dots printed on it and a stylish lamp.

There were also a wardrobe and credenza, a comfortable bed, a coffee table with magazines Wien Exklusiv and First Class Vienna.

The minibar was stocked with Vaihinger juices, Roemer Quelle, Evian, Manner wafers, Kitkat, Red bull, Coca Cola in glass bottles, Havanna Club, Beef Eater and much more.

The snacks were 3.50 Euro (ca. 3.85 USD), the non-alcoholic beverages ranged from 4.25 Euro to 5.75 Euro (ca. 4.65 USD to ca. 6.30 USD), beer was 5.50 Euro (ca. 6 USD) and all liquor 10 Euro (ca. 11 USD), while Champagne was 48 Euro (ca. 52.50 USD).

The flat screen TV had 86 channels, of which around a third were German speaking. The rest was international and included CNN, CNBC and Bloomberg.

On one of the German channels we saw Ali Guengoermues of the one Michelin-starred restaurant Le Canard Nouveau in a reality TV series, where he trains an ambitious young chef.

We had lunch at Le Canard Nouveau in Hamburg in April earlier in the year, so it was nice to remember our encounter with the chef, his cuisine and to see him on TV in “action”.

There were also a tea/coffee making facility with Tschibo coffee and Ronnefeldt tea.

The bathroom was small with a bathtub/shower combination, sink, toilet, marble top, wood, and tiles. Amenities were by Peter Thomas Roth. We liked also the mosaic in different shades of green.

Overall the atmosphere of the hotel and room let us relax and we felt well throughout.

As gold we received complimentary breakfast at S’Parks. The breakfast buffet was large and had everything one could want. On a personal note, I would have preferred, though, to have a few more vegetable choices. Otherwise I loved it. The quality was memorable and included an egg station, an Asian section, yogurt, fruits, smoked salmon, cold cuts, cheese, different types of bread and pastries. Tea and coffee was self-service.

Our Corner Junior Suite was large and open plan. The floor to ceiling windows offered stunning views.

The color scheme was different shades of brown and blond wood furniture and had a lot more storage space. There were three wardrobes and a credenza.

We also had a seating area for two, a coffee table and again Wien Exklusiv and Cercle Diplomatique – the leading magazine for the diplomatic corps, international organizations and the economy – and a flat screen TV.

As a welcome gift as golds we received three chocolate macaroons and still water. My birthday had been five days earlier. I was pleasantly surprised, when a personalized birthday card, two vouchers for sparkling wine at S’Parks and a coffee flavored cake were waiting for us. A wonderful/personal touch which we both appreciated very much. Our thanks to the Hilton Vienna.

The bathroom had the same size as the one we had during our first stay. The Peter Thomas Roth amenities included the massage bar, which is rare and we like, it seems this particular soap bar is available at suites only at the Hilton Vienna.

In both rooms were artwork of Viennese landmarks.

With the upgrade to the Corner Junior Suite came Executive club lounge access.

The lounge on the 12^th floor was divided into three rooms. Some gave views over the Stadtpark, others over the neighboring buildings.

When we arrived during Happy Hour wine, beer, vodka, sparkling wine and gin were served as well as alcohol free beverages. Appetizers included ham salad, curly fries, hamburgers and dessert Panna Cotta.

Breakfast was a choice between S’Parks and the club lounge. We chose the club lounge, because we thought it would be quieter there and we’d already tried the breakfast at S’parks during our first stay a few days earlier and decided it would be good to compare both offerings.

The breakfast was smaller of course, but included all essentials and had to my happiness more vegetables on offer, overall we felt well catered for and received throughout memorable service in a memorable and beautiful hotel in the heart of Vienna.

Would we stay here again? Yes, definitely. The staff is very friendly and efficient, the location, club lounge and restaurant are excellent. We enjoyed the comfort of our room/Junior Suite and the recognition as gold members was wonderful too. Good to know: the hotel through the concierge offers also reasonable priced luxury limousine airport transfers from/to the hotel.

 

 

©2017

Hilton Dublin Airport, Ireland

Having stayed over thirty times at the Hilton Dublin Airport we returned after an absence of a couple of years.

 

This is a review of our combined three stays in January 2016.

 

The hotel has been mostly renovated, the dining concept changed and a lot of new staff was working there.

 

On one occasion the check in was a bit rushed due to a large queue behind us. Otherwise staff was always friendly and warm.

 

We were upgraded during all our stays as Hilton Honors Gold members. Twice from an entrance category room to a Deluxe Room and once to a Corner Deluxe.

 

The furniture had changed from blonde wood to dark wood. The lightning was reduced and sultry. The newest alarm clock – much smaller than the former model – was also available in two of the rooms.

 

The mini bar had been replaced with a mini fridge, which was empty.

 

The flat screen TV had an improved line up of channels including CNN, Bloomberg, CNBC and BBC World.

 

The artwork was still the same, but in different frames, depicting Irish seascapes.

 

The king sized bed was comfortable on all three occasions/stays.

 

One room did show more wear and tear than the other two and hadn’t been renovated yet. One example was the remote control. It had been used so often that the buttons were unreadable.

 

In one of the other rooms the feather in the safe door was too tight and didn’t let allow the door to open. At first we thought the safe was broken until a manager opened the safe for us and showed us how to deal with it.

 

Views were either over the entrance and Clare Hall Shopping Centre or Clare Hall and the sea in the distance.

 

The bathrooms hadn’t been changed.

 

Gold amenities were 4 bottles Deep River Rock water, Doorman’s salted peanuts and Wasabi peanuts as well as drink vouchers for two at the bar and restaurant. Each time we received a slight variation, i.e. just water and voucher, all items and once no Wasabi peanuts.

 

24 hours in room dining had improved too and was delicious. We enjoyed for example Irish smoked salmon sandwiches with a generous amount of salmon and salad, Chicken Satay and green Thai curry.

 

Earlier each meal came with crisps or fries. We were happy to see, that fries were still on the menu as side dishes, but had been generally replaced with green leafy salad.

 

At Burnell’s Restaurant and Bar we had a memorable pumpkin risotto.

 

Breakfast has been also upgraded. It was very good before, but it’s even better now in terms of choices on the buffet. Before tea and coffee were brought to the table. Now a coffee machine and tea making facility are at the buffet for the guest’s own use.

 

On weekends live entertainment still takes place in the evenings.

 

The shuttle to/from the airport was reliable, only once it arrived a bit late. One of the drivers recognized us from earlier stays and was as happy to see us again as we were.

 

In our opinion the Hilton Dublin Airport is the best hotel near the airport and we will use it in our future again before early flights or when arriving in Dublin from a flight in the late evening.

 

©2016

Hilton Charlemont Place, Dublin, Ireland

On a weekend in January we stayed for one night at the Hilton Dublin, located at Charlemont Place overlooking the Grand Canal.

We had stayed there a few years ago and thought it was good to get a refresher, since the hotel had been renovated and had a brand new restaurant concept.

We used the online check in and trusted the choice the hotel had made for us was a good one.

In the e-mail for the online check in we were also advised we were as a Hilton Honors Gold Elite Member upgraded to a King Hilton Deluxe Room with sofa and Turn Down Service. The seating arrangement was not guaranteed. Originally we had booked a Double Hilton Deluxe Room with Turndown Service.

We also pre-ordered a watermelon fruit platter. The confirmation e-mail didn’t show what we had requested.

The lobby had changed very much and looked brighter and more modern. When entering to the left was the Charlemont Bar & Bistro and on the other side was the Breakfast Room.

A bit further inside the lobby was the reception to the right.

Check in was friendly and quick. Our late checkout was granted with a smile and Turndown Service, which was offered due to the room type we booked, easily arranged.

When discussing our blank amenity request we were re-assured it was already on the room.

Our room was located on the 3^rd floor, also called the Club Floor, with a corner for a Nespresso Coffee Machine, Twinnings Tea and depending on the day of the time complimentary cookies or pastries.

There was also a large fruit bowl with apples, oranges and grapes on the elevator landing.

Our room was large and held in dark and light brown tones with ochre walls and a colorful cushion on the very contemporary chair with ottoman.

On the coffee table were VIP, Dining in Dublin and Stellar magazines and as promised our watermelon, orange, fig and strawberry plate was already waiting on the writing desk.

There were mirrors in different sizes on the walls and artwork depicting flowers or synapsis, depending how you interpret it and a photograph of the Ha’Penny Bridge in the bathroom.

Storage space was limited with only a small wardrobe and a luggage rack.

There was also a mini fridge, which was not stocked.

While exploring the room our Hilton Honors Gold amenity was delivered: Two bottles of Celtic Pure water, Guinness toasted Cheddar hand cooked potato chips and Grace’s Irish Oatmeal Biscuits. The biscuits are shaped like a shamrock and tasted very delicious. He says the chips are also very good. Unfortunately he was quicker than I and ate them all by himself, so I can’t comment, but I guess I would have liked them too.

The views were over the courtyard, so our room was very quiet during the night.

There was also a flat screen TV, which offered only British and Irish channels beside RT, the only international channel.

The hotel related material was a bit outdated. For example the In Room Dining menu showed mini bar prices, but obviously the fridge was empty. Drinks can be ordered from room service, though.

The Guest Directory still invited us to join Uisce Restaurant and Stil Bar.

The king sized bed was very comfortable and huge. The mattress was a bit harder. We like firm mattresses, so it was ideal for us.

The bathroom was on the smaller side, but had everything we needed, including enough space to store our own cosmetic products, a sink, a double set of Peter Thomas Roth amenities, bath/shower tub combination and toilet.

Turndown arrived while we were having dinner. When we returned another two bottles of water and a 2-piece Lily O’Brien’s chocolate box were waiting for us.

We enjoyed lunch and dinner at the Charlemont Bar & Bistro.

The refurbishment itself has paid off. The bar had a club atmosphere with floor to ceiling windows, black and blue furniture, wooden floor, and the entrance reminds me about understated Japanese architecture.

The bar island was decorated with green and white bottles, especially made for the hotel, on the top and the hard stuff was in the middle.

Dinner service was attentive, but a bit confused with our drinks order. We had requested a large bottle of still water for both of us and an Espresso Martini for him. For some reason the person taking our order thought I wanted a glass of tap water and he the cocktail. It was rectified immediately and a bottle of Irish Echo3 (for three times filtered) was brought to our table.

Our main courses were Clonee beef fillet with red wine jus, parsnip and potatoes and Sea Bream with asparagus, baby potatoes, broad beans, tomato salsa and citrus oil. All was very delicious and the fish dish looked especially colorful. We shared a side salad.

Dessert was the Chocolate Melody, including a popping candy milk chocolate mousse, an opera cake and a chocolate ball. It was scrumptious.

We rounded the meal up with a hot chocolate.

It cost ca. 80 Euro (ca. 87 USD).

Lunch was a slightly easier going with soups, salads, burgers and sandwiches on offer. He had the beef burger (massive), which was as good as the steak, while I had the trout salad with beetroot and apple. Again the quality and taste were excellent. Drinks included a Kahlua and two green tea. The bill was ca. 40 Euro (ca. 43.50 USD).

Breakfast was served buffet style until 11.00 hours (In reality a bit longer, because many guests arrived relatively late, and there was a warning when the buffet would be cleared away.) on Sunday and had a wide variety of cold cuts, cheese, porridge, fruits, fruit salad, cereals, pastries and much more.

Again a small mishap when ordering tea for both of us. Only one cup arrived and when I asked another waiter for green tea I was told I had to get it myself from the tea/coffee station. That was a first, but not a problem. The coffee machine, tea selection and hot water was located beside the pastries, so easy to find.

We explored the hotel and found lots of beautiful photography of Dublin landmarks in the public spaces. There is also a Coffee Hub for meetings and conferences and a small fitness center on the first floor.

Time was passing quickly and soon it was time to check out, which was done in seconds.

We are looking forward to a stay in the near future.

©2016

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

Hilton Dublin Airport, Ireland

Before our flight to Brussels we stayed at the Hilton Dublin Airport.

This one is just a short review about the changes since our last stay. You can always check out an extensive review I wrote last year.

We took the shuttle bus from the airport to the hotel. Unfortunately the journey was not as pleasant as usual, because there was a rowdy group of Finns on board, who drank alcohol and were very loud. The driver reminded them that alcohol consumption on the shuttle was not allowed.

It helped for a bit, but then the bottle made the round again. 

We were glad when we arrived at the Hilton. While the shuttle bus to the hotel is free, from the hotel to the airport costs however 2 Euros per person, be aware of this and must be booked at check-in for your departure.

Check in was pleasant and quick. As returning guests we were warmly welcomed and explained what was new.
Our room was located on the 4th floor and overlooking the opposite apartment complex.

All rooms are refreshed now and have the Serenity bed, which is a Hilton standard.

Our amenity as gold members of the Hilton Honors program had changed to the better. There were two Doorman jars, one with gummi sweets and the other with salted nuts as well as two bottles of water.

We also received a free drinks voucher for two.

Major changes had taken place at the Burnell's Bar & Restaurant. Instead of serving two menus, there is only one, and guests can choose their own seating without waiting for a waiter at the restaurant.

The menu has changed for the better too. There are more healthy options. We had for example a melon medley with Greek yogurt, which was light, refreshing and delicious as a starter. Our main courses were pasta in spicy tomato sauce and vegetables and Pasta with chicken and pesto. My pasta was overcooked, but the sauce had a nice kick and the vegetables were plentiful. Each dish was tasty. We also used our voucher. It was a choice between beer and wine, would be nice when at least Baileys would be included, so there is room to expand this offer. We chose two glasses of red wine and a large bottle of water.

The staff was busy, but very friendly and efficient.

Overall the Hilton Dublin Airport has much improved and is now a solid 4 star. We are going to return soon, when we have an early flight again and are looking forward to our stay.

©2013