Swissotel Merchant Court
20 Merchant Rd Singapore
November 2007
We arrived at the Swissotel at night by taxi after the driver took us around the block a few times trying to find the entrance. First impressions were very nice with a good sized room. We waited for our luggage to arrive and then went for a walk.
 The hotel is located by the Singapore River at Clark Quay with lots of restaurants and bars and there were a lot of people about so it felt quite safe to be walking around so late at night and it looks lovely with all the lights and the lanterns.
The next morning we had breakfast at the hotel overlooking the river which was very nice and the breakfast itself was varied and then we went shopping (hey you have to shop when in Singapore).
We didnt have enough time to explore the Clarke Quay area properly because we were on our way to Bintan Island but I would definitely stay in this hotel again.
Liked: Big room and tastefully done
Disliked: Cant think of any
Tip: Get a room deal with breakfast included
Banyan Tree Bintan
Bintan Island, Indonesia
November 2007
We got the ferry from Singapore to Bintan Island which takes about an hour. The trip was smooth thank goodness. You pay at Bintan for an Indonesian Visa of $10US per person and we were then ready to pick up our bags and to be taken to the resort by the staff who were waiting for us. 
When we arrived we were taken into the main building to check in and were given some refreshments while this was being checked in. We had some ginger and lime chilled tea which was so refreshing. We were escorted by buggy to our Valley Villa and it was spectacular even at first sight with an outside spa and lounging deck, four poster bed with mosquito net, window seet and sunken shower/bath with separate vanities.
Every day we were left some fruit delicacy and my favorite was local banana and cinnamon. We tried out The Cove which was an Italian restaurant and was very pleased with the views and the food. We had breakfast the first morning at Tree Tops Restaurant but it was a bit expensive so we opted to eat on our deck the rest of the time. 
The whole resort is a very peaceful place and wherever you want to go you can get a buggy to take you there. The resort is hilly and if you stay in the valley villas you will welcome the ride. We used the pool and the beach area and walked across from there to Ansara Resort which is a sister resort.
My partner had a massage and I had a pedicure while we were there and we loved the attention the professional staff gave us. They really look after you there with a time to relax before your treatments with a refreshment and also another afterwards. We never felt rushed.
We spent 3 nights here but could have stayed a week.
Liked: Peaceful, beautiful surroundings
Disliked: Breakfast a bit expensive
Tip: Explore every part of the resort and take the buggies
Empire Hotel Kowloon
62 Kimberley Rd Kowloon, Hong Kong
November 2007
We got a taxi from the Cruise Terminal which isnt very far away but with luggage you need one. This hotel is in the middle of town near all the shopping and we walked from here every where.
The room was ok although a little on the small side but clean. We were only staying two nights and we didnt have breakfast included. We ate most of our meals at Knotsford Terrace which was a short walk away. We walked down to the harbour and caught the Star Ferry across the harbour which was a nice experience and I would recommend it.
There is an Airport Express stop (free bus that takes you to the train station) across the road from the hotel and I recommend that you use this to get to the airport as you can check your luggage in at the train stop all the way through so you dont have to check them again at the airport.
This hotel is not 'flash' but if you are looking for a convenient location then this one is ok. I think I would look for another hotel if I stayed again in Hong Kong.
Liked: Convenient location
Disliked: Smallish room
Tip: Take the Airport Express Bus to and from the airport
RACV City Club
501 Bourke S, Melbourne, Australia
December 2007
We stayed a night there in December 2007. We arrived by taxi from the airport not really knowing what to expect from an Automobile Club hotel but we were pleasantly surprised.
We booked in fairly quickly and courteously and given our room key to go the room straight away. Our luggage was brought up fairly quickly. The hallway was very wide (good for wheelchair access), rooms were large and the bed was comforable. We had a king size bed, bathroom and walk in dressing room The room didnt have a view but that wasnt an issue as we were ony staying the 1 night and we were were situated in the iddle of the shopping district so I wasnt going to be in the room much and had also to attend a presentation evening at the club that evening.
The conference room was very nice, tables were immaculately set and the food was beautifully presented.
We had a buffet breakfast in the ground floor dining areabut it was only just ok. The service there was very slow but the selections were alright.
Overall I found the hotel very comforable and so I would recommend this hotel for anyone staying in Melbourne who wanted to stay close to the shopping area.
Liked: Big rooms
Disliked: Breakfasts
Tip: Eat nearby for breakfast as there are many choices
North Sydney Harbourview Hotel
17 Blue Street North Sydney
December 2007
This is a boutique style hotel with beautiful views of Sydney Harbour and the Harbour Bridge. We stayed here for one night only but were very pleased with the room (probably more because of the view than anything else). The bathroom was adequate although a bit small. The hotel is located near the train station (which travels across the Harbour Bridge to the City of Sydney) and walking distance to Luna Park where we were going for a Christmas function, which was the main reason we booked there.
There is a bar downstairs (Blues Bar) which seemed to be quite popular with business clients mainly. We didnt have breakfast at the hotel so I cant comment. Parking is an extra cost. For Cheap Hotel Deals  book through HotelClub.
Overall we were pleased with the hotel and would stay there again.
Liked: The view
Disliked: Bathroom could have been more modern and a little bigger
Tip: Stay here if you are visiting Sydney for a cheaper rate than across the bridge
500 Tokko
Narita City, Japan
I was connecting from Australia to Vancouver at Narita and as the next flight was not until the next day Japan Airlines put you up in their hotel. You get a shuttle to the airport and I was with a group so they booked us in and we were given keys to our room
The rooms are clean and and the shower was very welcome after the long flight. The bed was comfortable and thats what really matters when you are tired.
We had a drink at the bar upstairs which was a bit expensive but had lovely views at night. Breakfast was nice with plenty of variety.
The hotel has a shuttle that will take you to near Narita Village. It drops you off near the station and we walked to the Budhist Temple, the gardens and the padoga which was quite impressive. Our flight wasnt leaving until after 6 pm so this was a nice way to see a little of Narita which is a lovely village.
Liked: Breakfast, comfy beds
Disliked: Nothing
Tip: Take the shuttle and look around the temple
401 Havelock Rd
Singapore
I stayed here for 2 nights on my way to Europe and found this to be a good hotel for a stopover. I arrived at about 11 pm and was given a room facing the river. The location isnt the best it could be but there is a CityBuz Bus that stops outside the hotel that will take you to most of the tourist places you want to go for $1S one way. I used the bus to go to Orchard Rd to shop and also to Chinatown.
They have a buffet breakfast included which was quite extensive so make use of that. Part of the hotel has been renovated since I stayed there so ask for a room in that area.
I booked the Night Safari from Viator.com  before I left and just confirmed my booking when I got there. Its worth doing the safari as it was a real experience up close with the animals and my booking including dinner which saved me worrying about that as I was traveling alone. It was raining but the rain had stopped by time we took the tram tour.
Overall I would recommend this hotel for those staying a few days.
Liked: Courteous and friendly staff, breakfast
Disliked: Would like to be closer to more restaurants and night life
Tip: Take the CityBuz to get around the city
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