Travel + Decor + DIY: hotel review

It was my second time exploring Bangkok and to be honest I was clueless on what to do. It was a stopover (that ended up for a few days) on my quest to conquer the Banana Pancake Trail.

I flew from Malaysia after a clean up drive event called the Tioman Island Conservation Day. It was so much fun and very meaningful. I will be writing all about it in a separate blog. Geared with just a backpack I started exploring Bangkok.

Being the first Thai city that will be part of my month long trip, I was happy that I got to stay at the Adelphi Forty- Nine Hotel (you will know why after reading the blog).

ADELPHI FORTY-NINE HOTEL BANGKOK

adelphi forty nine bangkok thailand hotel review travel blog thonglor azul

LOCATION

If you are coming from the airport, it is very easy to reach Adelphi Forty Nine. Don’t get confused as this is one of the two Adelphi Hospitalities in Bangkok. If you are hopping on the skytrain, the best station to go down to is the BTS Station Thonglor. Exactly 14 stations from Mo Chit Train Station (without any train transfers).

Located at Thonglor, Bangkok’s hippest district. The moment I stepped out of the skytrain, several artsy restaurants and cafés welcomed me and instantly felt at home! The only bad thing about this location is that, you’ll easily feel comfortable just being in the neighborhood sipping your crafted latte and you’ll forget the rest of what Bangkok can offer (which is a lot!).

[caption id="attachment_5621" align="alignnone" width="800"]

The view of Thonglor from my room balcony[/caption]

From BTS station, you’ll have to walk a few blocks to reach the hotel, if you don’t fancy walking, you can easily get a Grab, an Uber or you can call the hotel for pick-up assistance (I am sure they can help you out). I was only carrying a backpack so I didn’t mind walking, plus this way, I’ll be able to get familiarized with my neighborhood.

MY ROOM

When I arrived at the hotel, I was served with a welcome drink and a cold towelette to freshen-up while they were checking my booking details. I got upgraded to the executive floor and got the Executive One Bedroom Premier (THANK YOU VERY MUCH).

[caption id="attachment_5610" align="alignnone" width="800"]

adelphi forty nine bangkok thailand hotel review travel blog thonglor

Went straight to bed and watch tv (the life haha)[/caption]

The hotel’s design is gearing towards modern contemporary. The lobby is sleek, subdued with a hint of elegance. Nothing very exaggerated.

My room looks like an apartment, like the rest of the hotel, it doesn’t have a traditional “Thai” decor elements, but it mimics a modern contemporary home .

[caption id="attachment_5619" align="alignnone" width="800"]

Living area[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5617" align="alignnone" width="800"]

Got my own personal Segafredo Coffee Machine[/caption]

My room is complete with a living room, 2 flatscreens (I got spoilt too the max), a bedroom with a king sized bed, a Japanese style electronic toilet complete with all seat controls and the best part is, I got my own washing machine! Whew! It felt like, my room knows what I needed for the day. I have been in so many 5-star hotels and I only experienced this kind of rooms at the Adelphi Forty Nine and at the Address Hotel Dubai Mall in the UAE.

As I relaxed, and prepare for my bubble bath, I popped my laundry and expectant for clean clothes that will last me for a few days while I’m on the road (or until I will find a laundromat in Chiang Mai).

[caption id="attachment_5624" align="alignnone" width="800"]

Time for laundry!!!!!! YASSSS!![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5613" align="alignnone" width="800"]

Clean clothes finally!!! Thanks Adelphi Forty-Nine[/caption]

Here are the run down of facilities that Adelphi Forty Nine Hotel offers to its guests.

Hotel Facilities
• Fitness centre with state-of-the-art TechnoGym equipment
• Swimming pool
• En-suite Private Internet (15/5 Mbps)
• Major international & domestic TV Programs
• Down duvets & pillows
• Japanese Electronic Toilet
• Toiletries
• Rain shower and bathtub
• Bathrobes & hair dryer
• Fully-equipped kitchen with microwave, refrigerator and stove
• Internet corner 24 hrs
• Business Services (on request)
• Car parking

Hotel Services
• Laundry/ dry-cleaning/pressing
• Concierge
• 24-hour security
• Limousine service
• Daily housekeeping service
• Doctor or nurse on call 24-hour
• Babysitting
• Non-smoking rooms
• Umbrella
• In-room dining
• AZUL Nuevo Latina Kitchen
• Complimentary shuttle service to Samitivej Hospital & BTS Thonglor Station

[caption id="attachment_5627" align="alignnone" width="800"]

Can I just stay in this bed forever!!!! (well at least a few days more!)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5628" align="alignnone" width="800"]

Pool with a view[/caption]

DINING EXPERIENCE

The hotel is home of Azul Restaurant by Monsoon. As part of my guest benefits I got 2 complimentary drinks from Azul which I claimed on my first night. Located at the ground floor, Azul offers a wide range of International, Mexican and Asian cuisines, including some traditional Thai dishes with a modern twist.

[caption id="attachment_5629" align="alignnone" width="800"]

Welcome drinks from Azul[/caption]

Aside from getting some evening drinks, I was able to try their breakfast buffet, which is a mix of continental and traditional Thai dishes. I love how the restaurant transformed from a posh diner in the evening to a hipster sort of a café in the morning (with an option of sipping your coffee al fresco).

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Azul Restaurant in the evening[/caption]

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Breakfast buffet spread[/caption]

MY VERDICT

I really love my stay at the Adelphi Forty-Nine Hotel. The staff were amazing and very hospitable and as mentioned, my room feels like home. I felt so bad checking out and I know that I will be staying at a hostel in Chiang Mai (oh I definitely missed my own washing machine).

Will I go back? YES! Will I recommend this hotel to you? YES!

This post is in collaboration with Adelphi Forty Nine Bangkok. All opinions, editorials and photographs are my own.

Adelphi Forty-Nine

16 Soi Sukhumvit 49, Sukhumvit Road,
Klong Tan Nuea, Bangkok, Thailand
Tel : +66 2 662 7575
Fax: +66 2 662 5849
Email: reservation@adelphi49.com

kenneth surat Dubai Travel Blogger Philippines

A few weeks ago I was invited by The Address Dubai Mall for a full-board staycation (yes, including a massage! Yippee) and I was really excited about it.

I was given a Burj Suite with a view of the Emaar Square. It would have been nicer if my view was the Dubai fountain and the Burj Khalifa, but the receptionist said that the rooms on that side of the hotel were already fully booked or had a view of the on-going construction (yes, I asked :P). You can however choose these options when you book your room there.

[caption id="attachment_3176" align="aligncenter" width="800"] The Address Dubai Mall[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3181" align="aligncenter" width="800"] My very comfy bed. Lovin the small details (and the chocodates beside my pillow)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3175" align="aligncenter" width="800"] My full board room (with full functioning kitchen and washing machine)[/caption]

My room was huge for a solo traveler/staycationer (if there is a such word). It was complete with a fully functioning kitchen and laundry. It is ideal for someone who is looking to stay longterm such as for business or if you are staying with a family.

It was spacious and clean. Even though I didn't get the Burj Khalifa view, I am not complaining about my view (see photos below).

I loved the personal welcome touch. I saw a welcome note on my coffee table with my name on it, my A/V entertainment system was personalized (with my name on the screen) and whenever I called the reception, they immediately addressed me with---yes, my name! I think it adds to the whole experience. Even with these simple touches, you'll feel extra special. I surely did.

[caption id="attachment_3177" align="aligncenter" width="800"] A personalized welcome note[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3183" align="aligncenter" width="800"] The view of the Burj Khalifa from my room's balcony[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3182" align="aligncenter" width="800"] The view of the EMAAR Boulevard from my balcony[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3186" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Evening view of the EMAAR Boulevard from my balcony[/caption]

First in my itinerary was to go to the spa. The Address Dubai Mall boasts about its luxury spa treatments and I must say that they were amazing. I am not easily pleased when it comes to massages: maybe because next to eating and sleeping, a massage is the one thing that I think about 24/7.

Like everything else, it seemed that everyone knew who I was as they all addressed me by name.

I was escorted to the changing room complete with shower. I think they will also have a sauna and steam option soon because I saw a sign about it but didn't find it. (There was a room under construction though). After a quick warm shower, I waited for my massage therapist in the lounge where you can just chill and have a cuppa. That itself was relaxing already. The only problem was you don't know when the massage therapist will come. In my mind I was wondering if there was a bell that I should ring or if I should shout 'I am ready!'. But within a few moments, my massage therapist Hamza arrived and escorted me to my room (that avoided a very embarrassing scene). He explained all about the treatment. He said that the Oriental massage is their specialty and so I chose to have that.

[caption id="attachment_3180" align="aligncenter" width="800"] S P A -------nuff said[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3178" align="aligncenter" width="800"] A very relaxing lounge area.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3179" align="aligncenter" width="800"] shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh[/caption]

It was very relaxing and soothing. It was not too soft yet not too hard and very flowy. Can I have another round please?...I think a massage should be a daily requirement for everyone like breakfast haha.

After that soothing massage, I prepared for an Iftar buffet. I asked my friend Zara to join me cause it is a bit sad to eat a buffet alone (right?). It was a good time also to chat and catch up. This was the day when my blog about 'What Young Filipinos can Learn from Traveling' started to go viral and Zara was helping me to proof-read it (yheap I know that "sometimes" I make some grammar mistakes :p).

NA3NA3 was very busy during iftar. I remember last year when I visited and tried their Iftar, it was almost empty. This time though you could hardly see any empty seats. The food was great and aside from the typical Arabic selections, they also offered a lot of international varieties.

[caption id="attachment_3184" align="aligncenter" width="800"] A traditional Iftar Buffet at Na3Na3[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3185" align="aligncenter" width="800"] I must say a perfect dinner[/caption]

The Address Dubai Mall is pretty much part of Dubai Mall. There are several access points that connect the hotel to the mall. I normally go through the passage way from Bloomingdale. For short-term visitors, this fact is awesome and very helpful. Location-wise you can already see a lot of what Dubai can offer. Aside from a huge shopping mall you can also visit the Dubai Fountain, Dubai Aquarium and the 'not-to-be-missed' The Burj Khalifa. If you don't fancy dining in the hotel restaurants, Dubai mall offers a lot of F&B outlets as well.

[caption id="attachment_3199" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Dubai Fountain[/caption]

The following day, I woke up earlier than usual to try the fitness gym. I thought of going for a swim but I opted to go to the gym instead. The Address Dubai Mall has an outdoor pool and offers a cabana (which serves some juices and canapés) which is good to experience if you are in a group.

The fitness gym is conveniently open 24/7. It has all the latest gym equipment including a sauna and a spa.

[caption id="attachment_3188" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Time to burn burn burn[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3189" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Luvin all the up to date equipment[/caption]

After going to they gym and before checking out, I filled myself up with a buffet breakfast. It has an array of fresh detox juices and cold cuts. Perfect for my gym body hahaha... I took time to eat and relaxed a bit before heading back to my room to prepare to head back home.

[caption id="attachment_3190" align="aligncenter" width="800"] A very filling brekky[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3191" align="aligncenter" width="800"] My dream brekky -------- ok I need time to process this![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3192" align="aligncenter" width="800"] My morning must haves to start my day right[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3173" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Thank you back![/caption]

It was a great experience. I normally book hostels and Air BnB during my travels but compared to the rest of the world, part of Dubai's culture is the glitz and the bling, so this hotel is a good introduction to Dubai's luxury lifestyle without breaking the bank.

If you are visiting during the summer, The Address Dubai Mall offers a lot of discounted rates. So if you are a budget traveler and want to experience a well deserved R&R, I recommend booking The Address Dubai Mall.