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Showing posts with label Accommodation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Accommodation. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

[Accommodation] Cloud Village 雲山水小築民宿, Jinguashi, New Taipei City, Taiwan


When I said that I will be flying off to Taiwan soon and ask for recommendations, the first thing that people would mention is homestay. Homestay is one of the most popular accommodation in Taiwan; it offers cheaper price yet giving the same or even better services than hotel. I'm so glad that I get to experience two different kind of homestay while I'm up here in Jinguashi (金瓜石). Here's where I stay on the second night in Taiwan, Cloud Village (雲山水小築民宿).


Cloud Village is one of the oldest homestay in this area, hence you can see that all the furniture and decorations are very traditional yet well maintained.


I was also shocked to hear that the pentroof is made up of asphalt where people use it for paving. Back in 20 years ago, asphalt is one of the cheapest and feasible option.


A shared platform is installed in this secluded lane where you may have your breakfast here while enjoying the astounding view in this cooling weather. What a perfect way to start your day :)


Contrary to Levite Villa (利未庄园民宿), Cloud Village offers a different view of Keelung Mountain (基隆山) as well as the Yin Yang Sea (阴阳海) but unfortunately it's all covered up by mist.


Then we were brought to our room and settle down before heading out to explore this beautiful town.


Cloud Village is not a building but they have a few different spots around catered for different needs. Hidden inside the secluded lane are not rooms, but individual portals respectively. I was so surprised when I entered the room house because it's way too much for two people to stay in and it has two floors.



It possesses its own living room, small kitchen and separate bathing and grooming facility just like a home. Air conditioner, coffee and tea making facilities, fridge, stove, toiletries and even tourist information are all provided as well as TV.


Usually I do not have any special requirements towards washroom as long as it provides mirror, hair dryer and cleanliness are well maintained.


This is how the upper floor looks like. There are a few tatami mats hence the stone lodge which I stay in can actually accommodate up to 4 persons even though there's only one double bed. Books and various board games are prepared by the host as well.



As I've mentioned previously, Taiwanese are very much emphasize on health which same goes to Cloud Village's host that she only uses organic ingredients while preparing breakfast. Honestly I was a bit disappointed at first because normally hotel prepares western style breakfast with snacks like kokokrunch or honeystar (very much like a kid, I know! :P) but guess what, this is so yummy and got me addicted once I tasted it! I feel so warm and touched to have taken care of even though I'm 1847.61 miles away from home.

I also feel grateful that the people I've met by far are so kind and friendly. Similar to Levite Villa's host, she starts introducing me the attractions nearby, how to get around and visit all places in the shortest time yet the most economic way once she greets me. I realize most of the homestay here acts like a tourist information center that the hosts are very familiar with the transportation, routes, attractions and etc around Jinguashi. They also have a few vacation brochures in-house and close contacts with tour guides, so no worries even if you come here without planning at all.

I'm so glad that we have a pleasant stay here in Cloud Village and I will revisit this place again! Everything is perfect here except that transportation may be a problem, hence you may need to communicate to Cloud Village's host beforehand if you need a ride to and fro any bus station nearby unless you're very familiar with this area that you can walk around. Cloud Village offers a whole new experience even though it's just located two house away from Levite Villa. For the stone lodge (No. 78, Golden Secluded Lane 隐巷金) which I stay in, it costs NT 4000 per night and it can accommodate up to 4 persons with the extra tatami mats.


Cloud Village 雲山水小築民宿
22450 No. 72-1, Shanjian Road,
Ruifang District,
New Taipei City 224, Taiwan.



Tel: 02-24962201 OR 0919-131846 (Sister Two 二姐)
Email: yunshan.shui@msa.hinet.net OR sister2wu@gmail.com
Website: www.cloudvillage.netwww.facebook.com/yunshan.shui
Room types & rates: cloudvillage.okgo.tw/room.html


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Recommendations/Tips:
For traffic information, please refer to my previous post (link) on how to get to Jinguashi by public transport. You may need to contact the host beforehand if you need a ride from the bus station nearby.

I personally think that there are many things that you can do or see around Jinguashi (eg. Jiu Fen (九份), Shi Fen (十分), Ping Xi (平溪)), therefore I would suggest you to stay here for at least two nights but of course it's up to your own preferences. Cloud Village is located about two house away from Levite Villa (which I've mentioned in previous post), hence you may choose to stay 1 night each if you would like to experience both homestay.

For the stone lodge which I stay in, it's located at Golden Secluded Lane (No. 78, Shanjian Road) which you need to pass through a long stair, hence those elder one, disabled, or carrying large suitcase are not recommended. Cloud Village is not a building like Levite Villa but they have a few different spots around (eg. Chez de Jinguashi, tree house, mountain lodge) catered for different needs. Therefore, you may need to communicate with the host when making reservation.


Another sneak peak and I promise detailed itinerary will be up soon! Stay tuned :)


Other posts of Taiwan:
[Accommodation] Levite Villa (利未庄园民宿): www.yuhjiun09.com/2014/10/accommodation-levite-villa-new-taipei.html
Day 1 & 2: Keelung Miaokou Night Market (基隆庙口夜市) & 891 Goldwater Romantic Shuttle Bus (891金水浪漫号): www.yuhjiun09.com/2014/11/day-1-2-in-taiwan-keelung-miaokou-night.html
Day 2: Shifen, Jingtong and Jiufen (十分, 菁桐, 九份): www.yuhjiun09.com/2014/11/day-2-in-taiwan-shifen-jingtong-and.html
Day 3: Cyuanji Temple, Baoshi Mountain and Gold Ecological Park: (勸濟堂, 报时山, 黄金博物园区): www.yuhjiun09.com/2014/11/day-3-in-taiwan-cyuanji-temple-baoshi.html

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

[Accommodation] Levite Villa 利未庄园民宿, Jinguashi, New Taipei City, Taiwan


Just when I thought Krabi would be my last overseas trip of the year, I received a shocking news saying that I will be travelling to Taiwan for job purposes! Thanks to Taiwan Tourism Organisation for the invite, it was such a huge milestone for me and my blog as well. I've always wanted travel as part of my job and now my dreams came true! These 8 days in Taiwan was such an eye-opening experience and of course I do not forget to take loads of pictures of this amazing city until my memory card full. I'm still managing the pictures so here's an update of the accommodation which I've stay in on the first night in Taipei.


Up in the hill with an amazing view of mountains and the well-known Yin Yang Sea (阴阳海), warm and cozy interior designs, here's where I stay on the first night in Taiwan. Levite Villa (利未庄园民宿) in Jinguashi (金瓜石) is a four-floor European-style homestay built by slope architecture. With a stone finishing exterior and black pentroof, Levite Villa looks like a church from afar.


The interior designs of Levite Villa is just exactly like a home which gives me warm and fuzzy feelings right when I get inside despite the cooling weather up there. There is a 42-inch LCD TV, CD and DVD player in the living room where you may watch movie or listen to the music as they do provide some collection of CDs and DVDs. They also prepare various genre of books for guests where you may have some reading while enjoying the breathtaking view of Jinguashi.


Since there are a few rooms available, we were given a choice between a double room and this family room (free upgrade! :P). No doubt we chose this room as it's much more bigger and spacious with a balcony overlooking the Gold Mountain (黄金山).



The room just look exactly the same as the picture shown in their website; it's well equipped and nicely decorated. Besides, I gotta say Levite Villa's host is so thoughtful that they only use the best Egyptian cotton for their bedding set which claimed to be softer, more breathable and carries the finest quality. I doubt that 5 star hotels use as good quality bedding set as Levite Villa's one.



As usual, they do provide shower facilities (hot shower is available), shampoo, shower gel, slippers, toothpaste, hair dryer and etc. However, for the environmental protection, they don't offer disposable towels, bath towels and toothbrush where you need to prepare on your own. The washroom may not look as fancy as hotel one but it is well maintained and kept clean.


One of my favourite spot in the room would be this full length mirror! Girls being girls, how can I miss out an #ootd shot here? :P


If I'm not mistaken, every room reservations do come with a free breakfast prepared by the host personally. Taiwanese are very much emphasize on health, hence they only use organic and the freshest ingredients when cooking. Most of the fruits and vegetables are planted by themselves so it is 100% organic and safe to consume.



To be honest, my first impression of Jinguashi wasn't that good especially when the taxi driver couldn't find his way here, I was thinking if there's anything that I can do/play in this 'jungle' and if I will get lost up here. However, Levite Villa's host has proved me wrong. Right when I step into the house, they start planning the itinerary for me by introducing me the attractions nearby, where should I head to at this hour, how to go and etc. I was so shocked as I've never received this type of 'special treatment' before and now I understand why those who have visited Taiwan before keep saying Taiwanese are the most friendly one. They are so kind and down to earth that they would explain everything to me in details, give me recommendations yet try to match with my original itinerary and even drive us to the nearby bus station or attractions. The owner himself is a certified professional tour guide and they love travelling a lot, hence you can find many travel books and brochures (Taiwan and other foreign countries as well) here in the living room.

Overall, I'm very satisfied during my stay here in Levite Villa and I wish I can spend more time here. Kind and friendly hosts, cozy environment with stunning view over the sea and mountains, cleanliness are well maintained, strategic location (transportation may be a problem but Levite Villa's hosts are willing to drive you around), I will definitely revisit this place again! Levite Villa does offer different type of rooms and prices vary accordingly. For the family room no. 101 which I stay in, it costs NT 4000 per night and it can accommodate up to 4 persons. For more information, kindly visit their website and I bet you will fall in love with this place after staying here.


Levite Villa 利未庄园民宿
No. 97, Shanjian Road,
Ruifang District,
New Taipei City 224, Taiwan.



Tel: 02-2496-1658
Email: levite.home@msa.hinet.net
Website: www.levitevillage.netwww.facebook.com/www.levitevilla.com.tw
Room types & rates: www.levitevillage.net/sub02_2.htm


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Recommendations/Tips:
I would not recommend you to stay in Jinguashi on your first day because it can be quite troublesome due to transportation and luggage. You may hail a cab at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (台湾桃园国际机场) which we did, it took us around an hour and half to go Levite Villa and costs NT 1985. No doubt there's another more economic but longer way where you can take bus to Zhongxiao Fuxing Station (捷运忠孝复兴站), walk to the opposite bus station which located near the exit 1, Shou Xin Fang (手信坊) and Hi-Life (萊爾富), and take Keelung Bus No. 1062 (基隆客运1062) (bus routes as attached) from there. You may then stop at any station nearby (where you need to talk to Levite Villa's host beforehand) and Levite Villa's host will get you from there.


It's better to take bus if you're travelling light or you reach Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport early in the morning where you have time to linger around, or else a cab will do. Note that the weather in Taiwan is very different compared to Malaysia where the sky there gets really dark around 5:30PM and then there will be nothing much to do up there.

On a side note, if you're taking a cab to Levite Villa and couldn't locate the place like what happened to us as well, look for the sign of 金瓜石土鸡城 and Levite Villa is just right opposite of it. You may also contact the host anytime if you have any problems.


Here's some sneak peak of my following itinerary: Keelung Night Market (基隆庙口夜市), taking the 891 Goldwater Romantic Shuttle Bus (891金水浪漫号) which will bring me to every single attractions of Jinguashi and etc. I gotta say I've totally change my point of view towards Jinguashi now and I wish I have more time to explore this little amazing town! Stay tuned for more. :)


Other posts of Taiwan:
[Accommodation] Cloud Village (雲山水小築民宿): www.yuhjiun09.com/2014/10/accommodation-cloud-village-new-taipei.html
Day 1 & 2: Keelung Miaokou Night Market (基隆庙口夜市) & 891 Goldwater Romantic Shuttle Bus (891金水浪漫号): www.yuhjiun09.com/2014/11/day-1-2-in-taiwan-keelung-miaokou-night.html
Day 2: Shifen, Jingtong and Jiufen (十分, 菁桐, 九份): www.yuhjiun09.com/2014/11/day-2-in-taiwan-shifen-jingtong-and.html
Day 3: Cyuanji Temple, Baoshi Mountain and Gold Ecological Park: (勸濟堂, 报时山, 黄金博物园区): www.yuhjiun09.com/2014/11/day-3-in-taiwan-cyuanji-temple-baoshi.html

Monday, September 22, 2014

[Accommodation] Mercure Krabi Deevana, Thailand


I just received the most awesome birthday gift ever! Million thanks to Nuffnang, DiGi Telco, Malindo Air, Mercure Krabi Deevana and Asia Web Direct, I've won a 3D2N paid beach getaway (inclusive of flight + accommodation with free breakfast and hotel transfer) to Krabi! I almost jump in joy when I read the message from DiGi Telco as I've never thought that I will be travelling to overseas so soon after Macau trip in June.

I know some of you must have seen my updates of Krabi trip in Instagram or Facebook (thanks to DiGi's unlimited data roaming with Dtac at RM32/day) and hoping to see more pictures of it, but today I will be posting about the hotel that I've stayed in Krabi, Mercure Krabi Deevana.


"Mercure Krabi Deevana offers chic accommodation in contemporary low-rise buildings located a short distance from Ao Nang beach. With 213 stylish rooms and suites, each with a private balcony, guests can enjoy the resort's excellent facilities and benefit from gracious and personalized service from the welcoming Mercure team. The brand new resort features an exceptional restaurant and bars, three large outdoor swimming pools, a kid's pool, a restful and rejuvenating spa, and outstanding meetings and events facilities. Conveniently located a 30 minute drive from Krabi International Airport and 20 minutes from Krabi Town, the Mercure Krabi Deevana is the ideal choice for leisure guests, as well as corporate meetings and incentive travellers."

Upon arrival, we were greeted by their staffs and they're all so helpful and friendly. The check-in process was quick and they always try to fulfill our requests (eg. king bed instead of two twin bed, any specific view from the room's balcony). Then she show us around the hotel while leading us to our room. Fyi, Mercure Krabi Deevana does provide free shuttle bus to Ao Nang beach (which you need to reserve at concierge beforehand) as it's not located by the beach but 10 minutes walking distance.




Library and Internet corner right beside the lobby filled with a wide range of books, local and international newspapers and magazines. DVDs can also be borrowed to watch in your own room too.


While Starling Lobby Lounge on the opposite. They do serve international snacks and beverages, with live music adds a little extra sparkle in the evenings. I've been wanted to try it out but we always walk back to hotel with bloated stomach at night.


Thailand is always famous for its traditional Thai massage, hence most of the hotels in Krabi have their in-house spa facilities.


Swan Spa offers an extensive menu of rejuvenating massage and body services, each created to aid relaxation and improve wellbeing. They feature 1 private twin room with a Jacuzzi and steam room (couples are welcome!), 2 private single rooms, and 3-bed rooms for foot massage and authentic Thai massage.


Further down here's the Kingfisher Restaurant, which is Mercure Krabi Deevana's signature restaurant offering Thai and International cuisine served in the open-sided or alfresco on the terrace, from buffet breakfast to extensive lunch and dinner menus.


We've never skipped the buffet breakfast at Kingfisher Restaurant during our stay especially when you have such amazing view of this even though we need to leave at 8:30AM for activities.


As I've mentioned, Mercure Krabi Deevana has three large swimming pools and a kid's pool and they all are looking amazing. With broad shade giving parasols and comfortable sun loungers at the poolside, it's definitely the perfect spot for a refreshing dip and relaxation throughout the day and early evening.


They do provide parking space for guests too, but you will need to email them for detailed information.


I must say they've done a good job on cleanliness of the hotel as I do not see any rubbish in the corridor, swimming pool or any other areas.


Tadah, here's our 33-square-metre superior room with a king size bed! Like the usual hotel rooms, it's equipped with bedside reading lamp, flat screen LCD TV with cable channels, IDD telephones with voicemail, Wi-Fi connection (they will provide you the Wi-Fi password upon check-in), coffee and tea making facilities, mini bar and safety deposit box.


No doubt it's really comfortable but the only thing that I dislike is they have two pillows only. I'm the type of person who like to sleep with many pillows around me hehe. :P


Bathroom which includes a refreshing rain shower and Mercure branded toiletries. Double thumbs up that the housekeeper will change everything new everyday (eg. towel, tissue paper and even toiletries) especially when I have a fetish about cleanliness. They do provide two bottled water for free everyday too.


Little did you know that the bathroom has a huge glass window that can see through which adds a little bit more of romance. Of course you can also pull down the curtain if you wish for more privacy.


Best part is they have a private balcony for each and every rooms, the perfect spot to chill at night in a more economy way. :P


Nice view from our room overlooking the swimming pool. If you're wondering, those are deluxe pool access rooms where you can slip off a private terrace and into the swimming pool. How good if we're staying in pool access room aww...


Normally we will seek for guesthouse or homestay when we travel to overseas (except with family) to save money and we don't really stay in the hotel most of the time. But this time was an exception as it was sponsored by Mercure Krabi Deevana and Asia Web Direct and I'm so glad that we have a pleasant stay here in Mercure Krabi Deevana. Being ranked at 7th out of 84 hotels in Ao Nang, Krabi by Tripadvisor, I gotta say they have outstanding customer service,  quick check-in and check-out processes, great location as it's walking distance from Ao Nang beach and other stores (free shuttle bus is also available) and well maintained cleanliness of the hotel.

Overall, I'm very satisfied during our stay here in Mercure Krabi Deevana, except that we're not staying in a pool access room. I will definitely come back here again because 3D2N is never enough for me! Stay tuned for more updates about Krabi. :)


Mercure Krabi Deevana
186 Moo 3, Ao Nang Soi 8, Ao Nang Beach,
Ao Nang, Muang, Krabi 81000 Thailand.



Tel: +66(0) 7563 9999
Email: H7539@accor.com
Website: www.mercurekrabideevana.com | www.facebook.com/MercureKrabi

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Update as at 14/08/2015:
Mercure Krabi Deevana is now called Deevana Plaza Krabi-Aonang and you may visit their website at www.deevanaplazakrabi.com. As I've browsed through their website, there are nothing much changes of the management or facilities but the name itself. For those who're interested for room reservation, be quick because they've having early bird discount of 30% (inclusive breakfast) from now till 31st October 2015 for all room types! ;)

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