‘Hotel Reviews’

When you think of the Gold Coast and Surfer’s Paradise, the first things that come to mind are surf, great looking people and an ultra-modern atmosphere.

The creators of luxury hotel chain QT Hotels and Resorts kept these aspects in mind when penning the QT Gold Coast hotel. Everything from the designer lounges, through to the eclectically dressed staff leaves a lasting memory — and that’s before you have had a chance to see the views from each room.

Boasting meeting areas for up to 750 guests over three floors — including a grand ballroom with 6 metre high ceilings — the QT Gold Coast isn’t just reserved for weekend breaks.

As always, first impressions last. The first impression for most hotel users will be the willingness and speediness of a concierge. Within 15 seconds of driving in to the QT Gold Coast, a smartly dressed staffer was available to greet and take bags up to the room — not bad for such a busy hotel.

After running through the standard check-in process, I needed a moment to take in the quirky and unique architecture and styling within the hotel lobby. Deck-esque wood finishes are strewn as far as the eye can see, while an area termed as ‘The Lawn” provides a holding spot for guests wanting to hang ten.

QT designers manage to also captivate waiting lift users with an active set of lights depicting the lift’s location at any given point. When the lift does finally arrive, be prepared to meet one of four human-sized painted people that adorn the lift’s mirror.

Of the 297 guest rooms, I sampled an ocean view room located on the 21^st floor. QT Gold Coast uses a new Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) style access system for rooms. Instead of the traditional credit card swipe or key arrangement, hotel guests are able to simply tap their access card on the reader to gain entry to the room.

Before getting the chance to inspect the room, I was instantly blown away by the ocean views. Without shadow of a doubt, this is one of the best views on the Gold Coast. An accessible balcony allows you to take in miles of gorgeous coastline and the surrounding hustle and bustle of Gold Coast traffic.

Back in the room, it’s immediately evident that QT Hotels and Resorts have spent a great deal of money adding value to the guest experience. Each room comes with a large 42-inch television, in addition to an iPod dock and designer furnishings.

Fittingly, QT also offers thongs (or ‘flip-flops’ for American readers) that hang off the wall for guest use. Be careful though, almost everything in the room comes with a price tag. Even the postcards are not free — just something to keep in mind.

The spacious rooms are laid out nicely with the modern bathroom featuring a walk-in shower and dark tiles.

Internet comes courtesy of wired and wireless. I tried a 24-hour pass to see how reliable and fast the connection was. Several speed tests were performed during peak times with the connection remaining a constant 300kb/s — an excellent feat for a hotel with almost 300 rooms. The Internet pass can also be used on multiple devices during the 24-hour period, as opposed to some hotels that limit access to one device.

A host of drinks, nibbles and espresso (from a real espresso machine) are made available at the entry of the room. The bar fridge features a clear glass door to make the selection of drinks all the more tempting.

When it’s time to finally turn in, prepare yourself for ultimate sleeping bliss. Having stayed in countless hotels around the world, the QT king bed has to be one of the best. It’s a perfect mix between soft luxury and plush bedding. Sleep is soothed by the distant sounds of waves crashing.

They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. So, with that, I headed downstairs in the morning to give it a try. After a short five-minute wait during peak serving period, I snagged a table at one of the most unique breakfast venues in Australia. Breakfast is served at Bazaar within the hotel and the selection of foods is simply staggering.

Everything from your standard egg, bacon and fruit fare is complemented by an Asian section, fruit smoothies and an array of pastries. Slabs of meat hanging from skewers, along with fridges packed full of fresh vegies and fruit surround the breakfast serving area.

The food tasted excellent and was testament to the attention to detail paid within the Bazaar serving area. Food was continuously restocked during the peak period, there was seldom times where serving dishes were left empty.

My stay was almost entirely faultless. If I had to draw criticism, it would be at the dull and desolate looking car park. Located under the building, the car parking facility didn’t quite match the upmarket, funky elegance of the hotel upstairs.

Rates begin from $165 per night for a QT King room. Moving up to the QT King with ocean views will cost an additional $30 per night, while the top-spec QT King Suite is priced at $265 per night.

Excellent prices, an electric atmosphere and amazing views set the QT Gold Coast apart from the rest. If your genre is chic, ultra-modern and quirky, it’s impossible to look past one of the coolest hotels on the Gold Coast.

 

Origin of Venice

Venice’s history dates back to the days when barbaric tribes from the north started ravaging the northern part of the Italian mainland. Out of pure necessity to survive from a brutal death at the hands of the barbaric tribes, mainland Italians, started to settle down on the only refuge that they could find, a muddy swamp with 118 islands near the Adriatic Sea, now known as the Venetian lagoon. Built on foundations made from the wood of Alder trees, slowly and steadily human ingenuity built one of the finest cities of the western world, a seat of power and an icon celebrating the spirit of human survival instincts.

How to reach Venice

There are several ways to reach this wonderful city. Coming from the mainland one can take the train. Getting off at the Venezia Santa Lucia station (which is on the western side of the city) one can then take a vaporetti (water bus) from there to reach the city. If you are coming by air, the nearest airport is the Marco Polo Airport near Mestre. Mestre also is the last train station on the Italian mainland. Coming by car can be both expensive and inconvenient because there are no roads in Venice and parking is very expensive. Venice never even had any routes for carts either.

All cars must stop and be parked at either Piazzale Roma or Tronchetto. From here Venice’s amazing waterways provide easy and comfortable transportation to any parts of the city. However please bear in mind that the final legs of the journey, no matter where you want to go have to be done on foot and the streets can be very narrow.

The best time to visit Venice

Venice, lying at the feet of the Adriatic Sea is influenced heavily by the kind of weather that the sea brings in. Its uniqueness in being dominated on all sides by the water is also a major challenge for both the residents and the tourists alike. Visitors to the city will be exposed to the smelly waters, the infestation of flies and the high tide (Acqua Alta) that comes and goes flooding the streets and the squares.

This is also an amazing thing to experience if you are in the city at the time of the high tides. By and large the best time to visit is the winter months when the total tourist population subsides a bit and you can experience the city at your own leisurely pace.

Accommodation in Venice

Visiting Venice is exciting and a cultural experience, but you need quality accommodation for your stay. The best way to stay in Venice is to rent an apartment. Renting an apartment in Venice couldn’t be any easier, with companies like Venice Apartments Italy offering quality accommodation at excellent prices. Find out more about apartments to rent in Venice by checking out the Venice Apartments Italy website.

Moving around Venice

Back when the city was established, the citizens of Venice realised that the water around them not only formed a natural deterrent from attackers but also provided the means of easy transportation. So more than a thousand years ago, early Venetians became master boatsmen and experts in designing boats. A unique type of boat known as Gondola, with flat under side and slim hulls were designed. Even today the Gondola is an important way of getting around the city. They however are slower when compared to the water taxis that are run by the ACTV.

If you are in the city only for a day or a few hours, then a quick ride in one of the ACTV water buses is the best way to see the city. It is fascinating to note that there are no cabs, no vehicles and everything is transported only via the water route. For a truly leisurely experience of Venice, however, you will have to take a walk.

What to see  and do in Venice

Venice is not a big place, but can be confusing if you don’t read the signs. The total area is divided into boroughs and the most visited are the ones that make up the main 118 islands. San Polo, Santa Croce, San Marco, Cannaregio and Castello are the main places to visit along with a number of other places depending on the amount of time that you have.

The best way to travel is by a water bus or for a more personalized experience a gondola is the ideal way to travel around apart from of course walking. However a gondola can be an expensive mode of transportation. Do your research and make a list of the places that you wish to visit and then negotiate with the gondolier so that he covers all of them for the agreed price.

The Basilica of Saint Mark is the finest specimen of Venetian architecture and the place that houses the relics of the patron saint of the city Saint Mark, the evangelist. Built in 832, legend says that the remains of the Saint were buried inside a crypt in the Basilica. Nearby is the Campanile di San Marco or the St Mark’s bell tower.

The old tower had collapsed back in the second decade of the last century and a new one exactly the same as the old one was erected in its place. The Doge’s palace is another must see. The Doges were the selected head of state in one of the earliest democracies of the world. This is the official residence of the Doges of Venice.

Dorsoduro is an important district of Venice and one that houses the Galleria dell’Accademia, Venice’s most important collection of renaissance works of art. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is another attraction which houses contemporary 20th century art collections from Picasso, Tanguy, Dali and Duchamp among many others.

The Mocenigo Palace houses an important collection of clothes that dates back to the 18th century. One can take a quick look at Carlo Goldoni’s house was a famous Venetian playwright.

Cuisine in Venice

The Venetian cuisine is not something of a real interest to someone coming in from other parts of Europe or the North America. The reason is Venice is not as famous for its cuisine as for its architecture and canals and food is very expensive. However having said that there are hundreds of small, medium and luxurious places to eat.

The best way to eat is how Venetians do, eating at the roadside eateries serving anything from pizza (which is by the way best served in the southern parts of the country), Venetian tapas, tramezzini (sandwiches made with white bread and cut in triangular shapes), polpette (fried meat or fish balls) and cuttlefish (which is a Venetian specialty).

How does the thought of a romantic candle-lit dinner in a limestone cave sound to you? Does the thought of a private speedboat adventure on your honeymoon excite you? If yes then the new Rayavadee three or seven night honeymoon packages are just the thing for you. Rayavadee is like a private resort or sorts, secluded from the Krabi Airport and accessible only via speedboat. It has 4 private beachfront villas and 98 pavilions; situated across 26 acres of coconut plantation. Rayavadee is a member of the prestigious group of Leading Hotels of the World and is located at an amazing spot on South Thailand’s most dramatic coastline.

Looking around you can see the clear blue waters and the sheer limestone cliffs that surround the destination, Krabi is a honeymooner’s dream come true, a perfect start to a happy life ahead. The ‘Rayavadee Romance’ is a splendid package offering three or seven nights of togetherness in an exotic Thai resort. It offers couples the opportunity to enjoy Thailand’s best kept secret the Rayavadee resort. These packages offer a couple accommodation in some of the most luxurious of rooms, complete with gourmet meals, relaxing spa treatments, plenty of activities (or none if preferred) and a number of private excursions to make this a truly memorable experience.

Some of the best experiences offered are in the form of a candle-lit romantic dinner for two at the resort’s Grotto restaurant, located inside a natural limestone cave and overlooking the picturesque Phranang Beach, a relaxing massage at the Rayavadee Spa, a private full day snorkeling expedition by a speedboat to the amazing under water world of the renowned Phi Phi island (exclusive with the seven nights package), a half day speedboat trip to the Bamboo island and a picnic on the beach (exclusive to the three nights package) and a choice of either an authentic Thai cookery class or a couple’s Yoga session. Also included in the packages are daily breakfasts, a bottle of champagne and transfers.

The ‘Rayavadee Romance’ seven night package will include –
Accommodation at a deluxe pavilion
Daily breakfasts
A bottle of champagne
One dinner for two at the Grotto
A 75 minute massage of choice at the Rayavadee Spa for two
One Thai dinner at the Krua Phranang Restaurant
A full day tour by speedboat at the Phi Phi Island plus picnic on the beach
A choice of either an authentic Thai cookery class or a couple’s Yoga session
A floral bath arrangement at the pavilion
Tropical fruit basket at the pavilion
Daily afternoon tea at Raya Dining semi outdoor
Use of the water sports equipment (non-motorized)
Transfers

The ‘Rayavadee Romance’ three night package will include –
Accommodation at a deluxe pavilion for three nights
Daily breakfasts
A bottle of champagne
One dinner for two at the Grotto
A 75 minute massage of choice at the Rayavadee Spa for two
One half day private tour and picnic at the Bamboo Island
A choice of either an authentic Thai cookery class or a couple’s Yoga session
A floral bath arrangement at the pavilion
Tropical fruit basket at the pavilion
Daily afternoon tea at Raya Dining semi outdoor
Use of the water sports equipment (non-motorized)
Transfers

Following major successes in opening some of the best known urban properties in Bangkok, Macau and Seoul, Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts have followed it up with their first urban property in mainland China. Shanghai’s ultra modern setting is the location where Banyan Tree Shanghai On The Bund has opened its doors for its patrons. Overlooking the Huangpu River all its 130 rooms has a clear view of the river, a first for any property in Shanghai.

Banyan Tree Shanghai On The Bund is a delight for travelers looking to soak in the urban spectacle that is Shanghai. It features amazing attention to detail, mixed with a standard in hospitality that the group is renowned for, providing comfort and luxury that is unmatched. Also being located only a stone throw distance from the major attractions of the city, shoppers, businessmen and leisure travelers have everything that they need at hand.

Guests staying at the hotel can take advantage of a number of facilities including its award winning spa, a plethora of dining venues and ample space for conducting business meetings. The Banyan Tree Shanghai On The Bund is thus the perfect place for doing business and then unwind at the end of the day.

There are several types of rooms to choose from at the Banyan Tree. The Oasis Room with Romantic Pool is the signature one at the Banyan Tree, having its own dipping pool. If you’re interested in having your very own swimming pool then the Banyan Suite should be your choice. Incidentally a private swimming pool in a resort room is a first among all Shanghai properties.

Each room has large windows that open to a grand view of the Bund thoroughfare and the Huangpu River at a distance. The group is known for its meticulous attention to customer satisfaction. Each room is treated to a new refreshing fragrance every day. Guests can choose between six different types of pillows for the ultimate in comfort. For expediting petty errands such as polishing the shoes or getting the laundry done there is an expediency box provided just for that purpose outside each room.

The Banyan Tree offers its guests a choice of four different venues for dining. The Oceans serve western seafood. The Ming Yuan offers exquisite Cantonese cuisines with a beautiful garden view to enjoy while dining. The Tai Hei is a Japanese Sashimi and Sushi counter that offers guests an authentic taste of Japanese food. If you prefer a more panoramic view while enjoying a cocktail and the breathtaking sunset, then the alfresco roof top bar Stars should be your destination.

The Banyan Tree offers a bouquet of rejuvenation packages for its guests. From an award winning spa that occupies three floors of the resort and offers 11 exquisite types of treatments, to a dedicated nail salon, a Banyan Hot Stones treatment and a classic Chinese treatment based on the concept of Yin and Yang; the Banyan wellness treatment centers are a treat in itself for rejuvenation seekers.

The highly popular DumaTau Camp of Wilderness Safaris has recently been given a new lease of life. Relocated to a different spot on the Linyanti River, the camp has been almost entirely rebuilt and keeping in mind with the tastes and preferences of its guests, has been adorned with most of the modern amenities that they need. For a better part of two decades, the DumaTau Camp of Wilderness Safaris has been a popular destination for wildlife lovers and provides one of the best locations to watch Africa’s wildlife.

Located on the banks of the Linyanti River the camp shares the prime 125,000-hectare known as the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve. Located in the northern part of Botswana, this is one of the best places to watch large herds of elephants, hippo, lion, cheetah, the endangered wild dogs, leopards, spotted hyena and other animals. Conveniently located adjacent to the famous Okavango Delta and right in the middle of two elephant trails this place is a treasure trove if someone is genuinely in love with Africa’s wildlife.

Accommodation is provided in a choice of two types of tents. There are eight twin bed accommodations and two family tents. The tents have been slightly raised so that they can offer a better view of the Osprey Lagoon at a distance. The overall design is reminiscent of the days of the explorers and despite the fact that there are ten tents in the enclosure; there are ample open spaces for one to enjoy nature at its serene best. Each tent has a wraparound clear-storey type window design which allows great views of the surroundings.

Maintaining the strict requirements of the 4Cs (Commerce, Conservation, Community and Culture) of the company, the entire DumaTau Camp harnesses and use only renewable energy obtained from the Sun. Everything from heating water to turning on the camp lighting and all other energy needs are obtained from solar energy only. Even the timber that has been used to build the camp is FSC-standard. Additionally there is an elaborate waste removal system in place which has been constructed using green technology and thermal insulating materials.

If you are thinking of visiting Vietnam, the Hanoi Daewoo Hotel could be your ideal starting point whether you have business in mind or whether you are planning an unforgettable holiday.

Opened in 1996, and the recipient of a number of best all-round hotel awards, the Hanoi Daewoo Hotel offers a wide variety of accommodation and prices, convenient central location, and all the facilities you would expect in a hotel that offers the highest level of international standards.

Let’s start with the location. The hotel is in the Ba Dinh district of Hanoi, convenient to all major areas of interest – the tourist areas, the business district, and the diplomatic precinct.

Now for the accommodation and facilities. The hotel has 411 rooms, of which 34 are suites. It has a Business Centre and the largest pillarless Ballroom in Hanoi, which can cater for up to 800 people, and 12 meeting rooms. The Events Team can assist you in creating a tailor-made package to suit your particular needs.

You have a choice of four world-class restaurants: the Café Promenade, for international cuisine; the Silk Road, serving Chinese Imperial food; the La Paix Mediterranean Steak House; and the Edo Japanese restaurant.

The Hanoi Daewoo Hotel also has its artistic side. It contains one of the most extensive collections of modern Vietnamese paintings, which were built up by Madame Heeja Chung, Chair of the Daewoo Development Co.

Highlights of the long list of hotel amenities include a Fitness Centre with a sauna and spa, a beauty salon, an 80 metre swimming pool (yes, 80 metres!), safety deposit boxes in the rooms, satellite TV with 26 channels, free Internet in all guest rooms, an airport and downtown shuttle service, a limousine service, and a doctor and nurse on call.

A fine reputation

The Hanoi Daewoo Hotel was voted Vietnam’s Best All-round Hotel by readers of The Guide magazine and, in 2008, it received an architectural award when it was included in the list of Vietnam’s Top 20 Building Designs. The list of Presidents and Prime Ministers of various nations who have stayed at the hotel covers five pages, and it includes former President of the US, Bill Clinton, Mr V Putin from Russia, Hu Jin Tao, and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil.

Places of interest in or near Hanoi

At first glance, Hanoi strikes visitors as a chaotic city – but it grows on you. If your stay is short, try at least to visit the Old District and Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage area with thousands of islands. Other attractions include the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Fine Arts Museum, the Opera House, the Ngoc Son Pagoda on Hoan Kiem Lake, and the bustling Hang Gai shopping street. On the cultural side is the temple of literature, built in 1070 AD. This was Vietnam’s first university, and was dedicated to Confucius. The Perfume Pagoda can be seen in a one-day excursion from Hanoi, usually in a minibus.

And further afield

One of the great favourites is Sapa, a town in northwest Vietnam which is the starting point for treks. Most treks last for two to five days. Alternatively, you can visit Sapa over a weekend and enjoy its markets. From Hanoi, you can travel to Sapa by an overnight train.

If you want to get away from tourist areas, you can visit northeast Vietnam. Here you can see Babe Lake and the even more remote landscapes of Ha Giang and Cao Bang, where you can join a five-day tour or travel in a four-wheel drive vehicle.

The ancient capital of Vietnam, Hue, is 410 miles south of Hanoi. You will need two days to complete this visit.

Turning to beach life, Nha Trang is a big town with fine beaches. It is a favourite of people who enjoy scuba diving. From there, you can travel on to Muine, another favourite for beach lovers.

Finally, we should not omit Phu Quoc Island, an island south of Cambodia that has been described as “a paradise on earth”. It has crystal clear water and long stretches of beautiful white sand. You will want to stay here for at least four days, even if you have a busy schedule.

Hanoi Daewoo Hotel – At a Glance

• Address. 360 Kim Ma Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, Vietnam

• Contact. Tel +84 (4) 8 31 50 00  Fax +84 (4) 8 31 50 10

• Email. reservation@daewoohotel.com.vn

• Website. www.hanoidaewoohotel.com

• Website: worldhotels.com

• Note: Hanoi Daewoo Hotel is affiliated to WORLDHOTELS

In the world of luxury hotels, the Caravelle Hotel in Ho Chi Min City is the epitomy of hospitality. Whether you are visiting Vietnam for business or pleasure, and whether your stay is long or short, you will find that the spirit of hospitality motivates every service the hotel has to offer.

Ho Chi Min City, formerly known as Saigon, is Vietnam’s largest city, with a population of 8.4 million.

The Caravelle Hotel is Ho Chi Minh City’s leading international 5-star hotel, conveniently situated in the centre of the business, shopping, market and entertainment district, and only 8 km from Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

Hotel facilities

The Caravelle has 335 superbly appointed rooms and suites as well as the exclusive Signature Floors, Signature Lounge, and non-smoking floors. It also has dedicated rooms for disabled visitors, and luxurious serviced apartments. Many of the rooms have panoramic views of the Saigon River and the city.

Facilities in the rooms include in-room IDD telephone/Broadband Internet, satellite television, compact disc and DVD players, and many other facilities.

The Caravelle has many superb wining and dining venues. The Reflections restaurant specialises in modern fine dining, while Restaurant Nineteen serves buffets, a-la-carte cuisine, and other delicacies. The Saigon Saigon Bar has been voted ‘Best Bar’ in the city, with a birds-eye balcony view of the neighbourhood and live music. On a lighter note, you can enjoy refreshing drinks and light snacks beside the Pool Bar, or you could sit in the Lobby Lounge and watch the hustle and bustle of city life while you sip an aperitif.

Hotel entertainment includes the Club Vegas, bringing you Las Vegas style fun and excitement, while the Fitness Centre includes the latest cardiovascular and weight training equipment. It overlooks the landscaped pool and the sun terrace with the Qi Salon and spa.

For business travellers, there is a Business Centre with excellent secretarial support, the internet, and email.

Dear Traveller

While hospitality is the keynote of the Caravelle Hotel, the Directors respect the fact that visitor’s want, on their part, to be “responsible travellers”. For this reason, please ask the hotel for a copy of their Responsible Traveller guidelines. These include respect for local customs and human rights, for the environment, for health guidelines and warnings, and for the laws of the country.

About Ho Chi Min City

Although Ho Chi Min City today is dominated by modern high-rise buildings, it still has many examples of French colonial architecture. It provides a cornucopia of restaurants and bars, from pavement stalls to the most sophisticated establishments, with a corresponding range of prices. Nightlife is cosmopolitan, and its shopper’s paradise includes modern shopping centres, trendy boutiques, and traditional street markets.

Worthwhile excursions

The Ho Chi Minh City Tour is well worth considering. You will be driven along the French-built boulevards in the city centre, and on to the Norodom Palace; then to the War Remnants Museum and the imposing Central Post Office; then on to the Notre Dame Cathedral and City Hall; and finally to the amazing Ben Thanh Market.

Another fine tour is to the Cu Chi Tunnels. You will travel 60 kilometers through green paddy fields, stopping at rubber plantation on the way. Then you will head for the Cu Chi Tunnels, which Viet Kong fighters used during the Vietnam War.

Yet another worthwhile visit is to the Mekong Delta, where the Mekong River meets the Gulf of Thailand in one of Vietnam’s most fertile regions. This is the home of hundreds of paddy fields and fruit orchards and a water world of floating markets and river life.

Caravelle Hotel – At a Glance

• Address. 19 Lam Son Square, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
  

• Contact. Tel +84 (8) 8 23 49 99 Fax +84 (8) 8 24 39 99
  

• Email. hotel@caravellehotel.vnn.vn
  

• Website. www.caravellehotel.com
  

• Website: worldhotels.com

• Note: Caravelle Hotel is affiliated to WORLDHOTELS