About Atlantida Boutique Hotel

Five-star Atlantida hotel is all about feeling good in your skin. This luxury hotel in Rogaska Slatina connects indulgence and healthcare. We loved the open design that connects the stylish indoors with the natural world on the other side of the glass wall. Attention to the pristine environment can also be found in the Atlantida SPA center, which practices the PEGAZ-Mg method. The PEGAZ-Mg method is based on local mineral-rich water, so it is only fair to say you can’t get it anywhere else in the world.

Atlantida Boutique Hotel Wellness & SPA Center

Doors to the pool and sauna, Turkish and Finnish sauna, are open to all guests of the Atlantida Boutique hotel. However, those who are after something special and unique can get that as well. On offer are four different PEGAZ-Mg programs that are tailor-made for every individual. The personalization process for the desired program is made with the help of medical experts and is based on modern methods. In addition to that, you can enjoy body massage or face care with high-quality cosmetic products by Afrodita Professional. By the way, Afrodita Cosmetics is a local company, established in 1970 and proud owner of the ISO 22716 certificate. Let’s not forget to mention the Salt Room, which is the perfect contribution to overall health. Here is our Atlantida Hotel Spa Review if you are interested more in wellness.

Salt Room

We must start with the personal testimony of the positive effect the salt room had on Vivi’s skin. It is quite unbelievable how only 40 minutes in the salt room improved the stubborn rash by up to 70%. No wonder it is so good for the skin because the salt aerosol strongly influences the lymphatic system which helps to remove toxins and other impurities from the body. That is not all, salt therapy strengthens the immune system, and works wonders on the respiratory system, to say the least.

Beauty Treatments

If you want to pay extra attention to your looks, you can explore treatments that include advanced cosmetic devices. The list of treatments is long so it is best to get in touch with your needs and talk to the kind staff at the SPA center to find the best match for you. Besides the overall body care, you can also choose facial care, Mani/Pedi, or depilation.

PEGAZ-Mg Programs

All four different Pegaz-Mg Programs are based on the mineral-rich healing spring water that is local to the Rogaska Slatina. A holistic approach to every program ensures maximum exposure to the world’s richest magnesium water called Donat. The luxury SPA Hotel Slovenia considered the most sought-after opportunity for guests and ended with programs for a woman, a man, a couple, and a detox-oriented treatment. Each program includes doctors’ consultations for personalized treatments. Programs are advised to last at least a week or 10 nights for the maximum effect.

A Few Words About Donat Mineral Water

Donat mineral spring water is pumped from a depth of 260 m to 600 m below the surface. Every single liter contains 1040 mg of magnesium in it, plus other elements that also matter. A whole lot of other minerals, if we are honest. As already stated Donat mineral-rich water has a long history of health miracles and was analyzed for the first time in 1572. However, the local voices praised the miracle water much earlier and the first mention dates back to 1141. Recently, scientists measured the average age of spring water to be about 8000 years old.

Medical Center Rogaska

Just a 3-minute walk from the Atlantida hotel is the Medical Center Rogaska. We can say that over 400 years of tradition make the Medical Center Rogaska the heart of the Slovenian wellness hub. Rogaska Slatina wellness vacation gets only better when you know that under one roof, about 50 doctors specialize in 15 different medical areas. In addition to the unique healing resources, they also use modern medical equipment to ensure the optimal treatment best suited to the individual. Medical Center Rogaska is also home to the mineral-rich Donat where you get a recommended daily dose straight from the source.

Atlantida Boutique Hotel Facilities and Amenities

Atlantida Boutique Hotel review situated in Rogaska Slatina, wouldn’t be complete without the mention of the comforts you can enjoy during your stay. Let’s start with Atlantida’s spacious lobby hall that is a café, reception area, and sitting room all in one. From the lobby, it is easy to access the dining room where you’ll get delicious and healthy breakfast or dinner. Above it, is a Atlantida Bar that extends into the ala cart restaurant. In case you want to use the calories feel free to enjoy well-equipped fitness or have fun at the billiard table.

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Atlantida Hotel Spa Review

Our Room

The modern interior design feels comfortable and draws a sense of buoyancy to the spacious design. For extra light exposure, one can always use the balcony that comes with every room. It was a joy to watch birds in their natural environment from the roofed-up balcony. An unspoiled view of the forest is another bonus of the hotel room. We also loved the bathroom with all the advantages of a five-star hotel luxury.

Food and Beverage

Buffet breakfast in the dining room presented everything our hungry bellies were after. First, we passed the well-stocked healthy corner with different cereals and ready-to-eat fresh fruit. At the end of the healthy corner, we found an array of freshly baked bread, croissants, and other sweet treats, including baked fruit.

Opposite the health station, we were happy to find an array of cold cuts with numerous condiments and pickles. Next, we focused on the cheese section, which consisted of some smoked, soft, and young cheese. Most of all we were happy to see the buckwheat with milk and buckwheat “struklji” or dumpling rolls. All the kudos go for the organic offer and free flow of sparkling wine.

Final Thought

With so much to do in Rogaska Slatina, it is important to get a good night’s sleep and stay hydrated. Luckily in Slovenia, all tap water is safe to drink so spare the plastic water. We can say we certainly had a good time at the Atlantida Hotel. Feeling good started with a warm welcome and this continued throughout our stay. No matter what our questions were, we always got a helpful response. All we can say now is, that we warmly recommend you to choose the Atlantida Boutique Hotel whenever you plan to visit Rogaska Slatina.

Atlantida Boutique Hotel Review Card

• 9/10
  ATMOSPHERE – 9/10
• 9.2/10
  CLEANLINESS – 9.2/10
• 8.7/10
  ROOM – 8.7/10
• 8.5/10
  FACILITIES AND AMENITIES – 8.5/10
• 8.3/10
  FOOD AND BEVERAGE – 8.3/10
• 9.7/10
  SERVICE – 9.7/10
• 9/10
  VALUE – 9/10

Price and Location

Room with breakfast, dinner and unlimited use of the indoor pool and sauna will set you up for about 380 USD. Here is a link to the location for easier navigation.

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Exclusive Experience

Sofitel Millesime Club offers an exclusive experience tailored to your individual needs. This experience involves luxurious amenities, personalized service, and full attention to detail. When you book a room, you’ll have access to exclusive lounges, private check-in, and 24-hour butler service, ensuring that your stay is as comfortable as possible. If you ask us, the Sofitel Millesime Club is where you can enjoy a luxury stay like no other.

Boutique Ambiance

It’s worth noting that Sofitel Millesime Club’s boutique ambiance gives it an advantage over other hotels. Firstly there’s an intimate atmosphere, which makes your stay more personalized and unique. Secondly, the hotel’s decor features a mix of traditional French architecture with a modern twist, ensuring your surroundings are as calming as they are luxurious.

Fine Dining

Good food is an integral part of a luxurious experience, and you’ll find precisely that at the Sofitel Millesime Club. The hotel has multiple dining options to choose from. Not just different cuisines like French, Asian, and International cuisine but healthy options as well. The hotel’s restaurants are famous for using only the finest ingredients and a commitment to delivering fresh, sophisticated meals. Surely you’ll find great choices to satisfy your every culinary craving. After all a lot of thought and effort goes into menu making.

Access to Special Events and Amenities

When booking a room at the Sofitel Millesime Club, you’ll have exclusive access to a range of events. These events range from art exhibitions to private wine and cheese tastings, providing entertainment that elevates your stay. Sofitel Hotel offers personalized cultural experiences for guests, which is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture. Well, on top of that, you might get also free Wi-Fi access at Millesime Club.

Convenient Location

Another plus is the Sofitel Millesime Club’s convenient location. Usually, the hotel is situated in a prime location right in the center of the city, making it easy to access the area’s most popular attractions. You can also take advantage of hotel car service and be chauffeured to nearby locations.

Final Thought 

We believe that Sofitel Millesime Club is a luxurious, boutique hotel experience that’s worth partaking in. Seriously, who doesn’t like to have tailored proposals to meet personal needs? We certainly do, and that is why we believe that every high-end traveler should choose Sofitel Millesime Club when booking a room.

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Ambiance

Before we get to the ambiance of the hotel, let me tell you a bit about the location. Hotel Papadopoli is located just at the edge of the Venice canals and is close to all main transportation stops. If you came by train, bus, or boat, you are practically a few footsteps away from Papadopoli Hotel.

The hotel has two advantages, a Papadopoli Gardens and a bit higher ground than some other hotels. During the last floods in Venice, they luckily stayed dry. What about other aspects?

The hotel is small, and you will discover all of it in about 5 minutes. On your right, you will see a lovely reception desk with eye-catching Murano glass features. Just straight from the entrance, there is a restaurant “Giardino d’Inverno,” and on your left, there is a lounge bar “La Terrazza.” Probably the biggest jewel is hidden behind the restaurant – Papadopoli Gardens.

Speaking of design, Venetian all the way, with hints of modern touches. Murano, marble, chandeliers, gold, Venetian costumes, masks, feathers, fine-cut velvet, and even fashionable Italian shoes. Dark coming together with gold and beige, although the materials speak for themselves.

Check-In

Check-In was in Mgallery standard; quick and efficient. We got a lot of information about the city itself, a map for exploring, and even a welcome drink, served at the La Terrazza Lounge Bar. A flexible time frame for a welcoming drink turned out to be a great idea to put into action in the evening. That was when we enjoyed our tiki cocktails with snacks and traditional creamed cod aka “baccala montecato”. A luscious spread with origins dating back to the early 15th century when Venetian sailors got stranded on a Norwegian island.

Our Room

The first thing you will notice is a Baroque style canopy bed with lavish red velvet headboard and lovely wood-carved detail. As soon as you will change your view, you will see these wonderful fabric wallcoverings all over the place. The pastel colors with patterns are just perfect for an ambiance like this. Resanobly, the finishes are made with gold strings that help the details to connect the different styles. Antique furniture, some modern art, and a Morano glass table lamp in its place. There was also a balcony and a legendary view of the canal. 

The bathroom is small but functional. Rainfall shower and Egyptian cotton will give you a sense of luxury but nothing standoffish. If you please to “do as Romans do” then don’t hesitate and splash your rare bottom in true Italian style. Italians are passionate bidet users for many reasons, most important to us is environmentally friendly practice.

Facilities and Amenities

Hotel Papadopoli Venezia is stripped down when it comes to facilities. You will sleep like a baby, eat quite well and drink like a king. However, that’s about it. Probably the majority of guests are looking just for this. The main adventure is out of the hotel and canals are calling your name.

Despite all this, if you are planning to stay a bit longer in Venice, this hotel probably won’t satisfy your expectations. On the other hand, if you are a bohemian writer you will be sitting on your balcony, sipping espresso and considering your next words. So it might work.

Amenities are great, especially the emergency kit. Besides the usual tea and coffee, we got delicious meringue cookies and interesting – C.O. Bigelow toiletries. C.O. Bigelow is the oldest apothecary in America, working since 1938 and representing their personal care remedies. Carefully selected ingredients scented with lavender and peppermint are a propper fit for the evening routine, even if their roots are from America.

Food and Drink

During your stay make sure to try some of the original cocktails inspired by the Venice at the La Terrazza. There you can have a light snack or enjoy a solid meal at the Giardino D’Inverno restaurant. This romantic setting will boost your appetite for attentively prepared local and international dishes.

Breakfast

Winter Garden’s restaurant Giardino D’Inverno should be the focus of hungry tummies. Whether you are a hotel’s guest or not, you can enjoy a meal here. Every morning the centerpiece is a buffet breakfast filled with local delicacies such as the Venetian Pinza, Venetian Frìtole, and Panna Cotta. Needless to say, that is just the beginning of the dessert table. Those of you, who are looking for a healthy start to the day will be happy as well choosing among the plenty of nourishing bites, for example, detox salad. We started with the orange detox and green detox juice before moving on to the large Italian cheese plate. The selection of cold cuts was a perfect match also to the bruschetta and stuffed zucchini.

Winter Garden 

Buffet breakfast and ala carte meals are served at “Giardino d’Inverno” restaurant, situated in hotel’s winter garden, designed by famous Pietro Porcinai. When this garden was built there was upwards of 30 different indoor plants varieties, including Ficus repens, Ficus Benjamina, Ficus pandurata, Ficus bengalensis, Rhoicissus, Citrus mitis, Sparmannia africana, Stephanotis, Clerodendron, Philodendron pertusum/laciniatum/scandens, Begonia riga, Anthurium andreanum, and others. Time took a toll on the plants, but the garden is as desirable as ever. After all, the Papadopoli is the only public garden in Venice. Sadly, indoors the number of plant species is scarce with convenient plastic replacements here and there.

Final Thought

And here is the end of our Hotel Papadopoli Venezia Review. In summary, Hotel Papadopoli is a nice small hotel from the Mgallery collection and it can is obvious why they have this title. The whole hotel is designed thoughtfully and the service is superb. After all, this is something one would expect from Mgallery hotel. However, there is some room for improvements, but when one is in Venice…

Will be mostly wandering in this romantic city on the water. That’s why this hotel is lacking some facilities and rather encourage you to explore the city itself. Would I recommend Papadopoli Hotel? Sure, it is not extremely expensive, as can be seen here in Venice quickly. We truly liked the vintage touch and Venetian style all over the place. If you are a Venice fan like myself, here is my Venice photo gallery, where you can enjoy some wonderful Venice photos.

Hotel Papadopoli Venezia Review Card

• 9.1/10
  ATMOSPHERE – 9.1/10
• 9.1/10
  CLEANLINESS – 9.1/10
• 8.6/10
  ROOM – 8.6/10
• 7/10
  FACILITIES AND AMENITIES – 7/10
• 8.8/10
  FOOD AND BEVERAGE – 8.8/10
• 9.6/10
  SERVICE – 9.6/10
• 9.4/10
  VALUE – 9.4/10

Price and Location

A room like ours with breakfast will cost you about 250 USD. Here is a link to the location if you miss the hotel when you come to Venice.

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Ambiance

Piece of Morocco in Siem Reap features impeccable ogee curves and high ceilings that defy hot weather. Of course AC is on, but not at the inner courtyard where you can freshen up in the large hotel pool. By the looks of it, one is easily transported across the globe to Morocco. However, an open hallway on the way to the Sarai hotel room sets you right in Siem Reap and so does the food. 

What we loved was an abundance of natural light and charming details Morocco is famous for. Then there is the story of an act where ancient Siem Reap meets Cambodian second-largest city. So why not mix colonial French legacy with the Instagrammable hot spots?

Check-In

Before I got a tour around the “lobby charms”, Ian was waiting for me with the keys in his hand. What can be better than fast check-in, right? In a word, Ian described staff here at check-in as fast, nice and welcoming.

Our Room

Most of all, we loved the reusable water bottles that staff change every day. Minimalizing single-use plastic waste is on top of our demands that luxury hotels fail to fulfill. And here we are talking about big names like Mandarin Oriental, Sofitel, Intercontinental, Four Seasons…

We also loved the bathroom sink at the doors, after all, washing hands should be the first thing after entering the private quarters. To point out, our room had interesting layout. It stretch over two floors, where lower space has a bedroom and bathroom, and upper floor vast terrace.

We’re talking about the semi-enclosed terrace with very comfortable sitting and hanging daybed. Suddenly we were faced with the temptation of sleeping outside, but the cozy king bed downstairs, sorted this “problem”. In general, the room was clean and neat, providing everything we need. Wow, it’s rhyming. To continue… However, some maintenance show wouldn’t hurt, though.

Facilities and Amenities

If you aren’t feeling right for a Sarai Seasons SPA, you’ll enjoy a cooling inner courtyard. Especially thanks to the salt-water swimming pool. Although, we urge you to visit Seasons SPA, at least for a relaxing foot massage. If not you can pull out Ian. Cold cocktail by the pool and he is all cool.

By the way, this layout of the pool is a traditional Moroccan trick that keeps the place cooler. The pool is especially charming after dark, possibly for a post-workout cool-off. Guests can exercise their hearts out at the hotel gym if the meal at the Goat Tree Restaurant was too big.

Goat Tree Garden Restaurant 

Sarai Resort’s buffet breakfast happens every morning from 6 am to 10 am at the Goat Tree Garden restaurant. In that time frame, guests can choose among the western breakfast classics and local must-haves. Let’s not forget the fresh fruit and salad selection, which got replenished as needed. Then there is the egg menu that soothes the hungriest souls. The breakfast selection is broad enough to keep you full till lunch.

From noon till 2:30 pm anyone can visit the Goat Tree Restaurant for some tasty Khmer dishes. We tried some of their signatures, like Combination platter and Chef’s mix. Both plates included different local Khmer salads, with the winning chicken and green mango salad. We proclaimed it unanimously due to the wonderful alliance between fragrant herbs, crunchy vegetables, and tender chicken. Here we must admit that the rest was very tasty as well, especially the rich plum sauce that was perfect with the fried spring rolls.

Following toothsome starters, we tried creamy yellow chicken curry with sweet potatoes, carrots, and long beans. It wasn’t too spicy and tasted very nice, but we preferred the luscious coconut soup with a shrimp ball and fresh Kampot pepper. We finished our delightful meal with a scoop of coconut ice cream and passion fruit sorbet. Both were spot on and we recommend a meal at the Goat Tree Restaurant during your stay at the Sarai Resort & SPA.

Final Thought

Indeed, we loved the most Instagrammable hotel in Siem Reap with all its charms and plant abundance at the ground level. Although it isn’t quite as luscious as the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra, it is picture-perfect. However, it has something that many hotels lack; in-room reusable glass bottles and infused water in the lobby. We get that pandemic changed the rules and single-use plastic soared, which is just heartbreaking. Hopefully, with unforeseen reset, we will change our attitude towards earth. It is now or never! Thank you for reading our Sarai Resort & Spa Review and see you next time.

Sarai Resort & SPA Review Card

• 9.5/10
  ATMOSPHERE – 9.5/10
• 9.3/10
  CLEANLINESS – 9.3/10
• 9/10
  ROOM – 9/10
• 9.2/10
  FACILITIES AND AMENITIES – 9.2/10
• 8.8/10
  FOOD AND BEVERAGE – 8.8/10
• 9.5/10
  SERVICE – 9.5/10
• 9.2/10
  VALUE – 9.2/10

Price and Location

A room like ours at Sarai Resort & SPA will cost you about 150 USD. Here is a link to the location for easier navigation! Damn, I am good with rhymes today.

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Ambiance

The moment you’ll step on the property of the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, you’ll get a sense of a real green oasis. From all sides, it is encased with greenery and flowers. That is why we were able to hear birds singing every time we were outside.

To be honest, the lush park looks like a dream and feels like a fairytale. The thoughtfully planned complex will urge you to explore every corner, and if you are a true nature lover, you will love every inch of Sofitel Siem Reap.

Check-in & Chill

After the brief check-in, we were presented with a beautifully put-together welcoming drink. Needless to say, we enjoyed the intense lemongrass iced tea, although the presentation itself was equally satisfying. The tea was placed in the charming see-through bottle with fresh infusion, but we were thrilled with the lemongrass stem as a plastic straw replacement. 

Facilities and Amenities

The first and to us most important facility is the lush park with benches and a walking path. Going through the neatly manicured green surface before reaching the pool area is incredibly relaxing, but you’ll easily find a shorter route if you want to avoid a walk in the park.

Once you get to the pool area, you’ll discover that the hotel gym is right at hand. The gym is well equipped for a good workout with provided water and fresh fruit. After good cardio, you might want a SPA treatment at the award-winning luxury Sofitel Spa with L’Occitane or relax with a book at the outdoor library in the middle of the lake.

Although, the golf at the Phokeethra Country Club might be a tempting idea as well. Regardless of your desires, we are very confident that you’ll find something that will meet your needs. 

Regarding the amenities at Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, we can only confirm that you will get everything you need. However, the TV channels aren’t exciting at all, but hey when the adventure outside is calling for you, TV is the last concern. The downside is their beverage offer. Your complimentary tea will be Twinings and the water is in a plastic bottle.

Our Room

Rooms are cozy and bright. Our favorite part of the room was the comfortable sitting area from where we could see the park. Clever plant design and curtains provided enough privacy to feel cozy and carefree inside the Sofitel Siem Reap hotel room. Like the rest of the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, the room is also equipped with a charming colonial design.

The layout of the room is not bad at all, but you might be disappointed with the bathroom design. Its design is more likely for socialist blocks than a luxury 5-star hotel.

Food

During your stay at the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, you’ll be able to try some fine French cuisine with a glass of wine or enjoy a local Khmer dinner with a traditional dancing performance. The resort has also its own herb garden and we love that.

Here we must mention their substantial wine collection, which is on display at the Explorer’s tales bar. Sofitel Siem Reap houses three restaurants, while the poolside Serpent Bar caters to refreshments of all sorts. As expected, the lobby bar and wine room are meant for a thirst-quenching break, but you can expand your order at the Explorer’s Tales bar to the afternoon tea set.

Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort High Tea

There is probably no better way to celebrate luxury life, than with a good afternoon tea set. For the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra High Tea, one can choose between the classic and Khmer version. In a word, we preferred the Khmer high tea version, although the whole tea-time experience was much better at the Club Millésime. For More Information, please check our Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra High Tea Review

Buffet Breakfast at the Citadel

All you can eat breakfast at the Citadel restaurant caters to an Asian and Western array of dishes. We found the healthy station with freshly prepared 100% juice with a fitting menu. Close by was the yogurt and cereal station, plus nuts and fruit.

Only a step away was a salad station with numerous add ons that continued to the neatly displayed cold cuts and cheese area. Of course, there was also a bread station and eggs cooked to order.

A list of more fulfilling dishes goes on and includes soups, baked vegetables, meat, and warm sides. Without a doubt, you’ll enjoy a selection of pastries that will fit perfectly next to a cup of coffee or tea.

Club Millésime

Club Millésime is the executive lounge of the Sofitel hotel chain. To join this club you must be a high-rank customer, make a reservation for a high-end room or add on extra service to your rate. From time to time, we do opt for Club Millésime, and here is our review. At Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, they hold their Club Millésime on this beautiful floating house in the middle of the lake.

Food was ok, and according to our zig-zag walking to the room, the drinks were good as well. They did serve a few cocktails and also wine. On top of that, you will be even able to try out some of the high tea bites here. And if you like mornings calmer, you can have your breakfast rather here, than in the more crowded Citadel restaurant.

Service

Service at Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort is great as it is common for Sofitel Hotels. Khmer people are welcoming and somehow remind us of Thai. Wide smiles, French greetings, and chatty nature. We would like to express admiration to the all staff here.

Conclusion

No doubt! Sofitel did it again. Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort is another hospitality haven for all travelers who are looking for something more than just stay. Sure the competition in the luxury hotel segment is harsh here in Siem Reap, so everyone is doing their best to prove their superiority.

Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort is a great resort with amazing ambiance and the most friendly service. However, when it comes to food, there is a lot of space for improvements. But we figured out what is going on there in this resort.

The majority of the guests here at Siem Reap Sofitel Resort, are seniors and the hotel simply fell into the senior trap. These guests aren’t very demanding when it comes to food and the staff just get used to it. However, seniors aren’t the only bad thing for hotels. Far from that. They are bringing that tranquility to the hotel and this is what we truly like here. Are you looking for a calm stay? If yes, this is the venue for you. I hope you liked our Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort Review. See you next time.

Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort Review Card

• 9.9/10
  ATMOSPHERE – 9.9/10
• 9.8/10
  CLEANLINESS – 9.8/10
• 8.5/10
  ROOM – 8.5/10
• 9.5/10
  FACILITIES AND AMENITIES – 9.5/10
• 8.4/10
  FOOD AND BEVERAGE – 8.4/10
• 9.7/10
  SERVICE – 9.7/10
• 9.3/10
  VALUE – 9.3/10

Price and Location

A night here at Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort will cost you about 200 USD for two persons. At this price, it is included Club Millésime access and breakfast. Here is a link to the location for easier navigation. Enjoy your stay!

The post Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort Review appeared first on Wild 'n' Free Diary.

About Macalister Mansion

More often than not, heritage hotels are involved in cool stories; hence it is interesting to learn about the building’s past. It would be a pity if there would be only an Eastern & Oriental Hotel with a rich history in Penang’s UNESCO protected city, Georgetown. To be exact, Macalister Mansion was built in 1880, only nine years before the first Eastern Hotel.

However, at that time, the mansion was owned by an Indian moneylender but only for a short while. Rich Straits Chinese were rapidly settling on Penang island, and one rich Nyonya named Choong Lye Hock bought the mansion. At that time, the estate had 41 rooms and an iconic spiral staircase that led to a watchtower on the third floor (This staircase is still a part of room number 4).

Did they need that many rooms? I think yes, where else could you put 20 servants from China, they had at that time. After Choong Lye Hock’s death, his two sons took over the mansion. One bought others’ share and leased the whole estate to the Consumers Association of Penang for about ten years, followed by the Arredo furniture showroom and Crystal Brides, a bridal house.

First Design Hotel In Malaysia

Finally, in 2010, local businessman Datuk Sean H’ng and his wife Datin Karen H’ng undertook the restoration that took about 20 months. With the refreshed looks, Macalister Mansion was opened to the public. Now guests can choose among the eight guest rooms, in addition to the Living room, Dining Room, Bagan Bar, The Den and The Lawn took places. After our visit, they facelifted the Dining Room and even all eight guest rooms. To be exact, the hotel is evolving all the time and excites guests with its aesthetics.

Who Was Macalister?

Macalister Mansion’s name honors Sir Norman Macalister, one of Penang’s (Penang was formerly called Prince of Wales Island when the Malay States were a British colony) first British Governors from 1808 to 1810. In Penang, the present brick structure of Fort Cornwallis was built by convict labor in 1810 during his term as Governor of Penang. In August 1810, Sir Norman Macalister was lost at sea, in the South China Seas, while traveling back home to Scotland. His successor was his good friend Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles.

Macalister Mansion Design

The main idea is to keep that old English mansion feel and uplift it with a contemporary touch. All heritage details are preserved and well composed with modern design. With this approach, we get a nice balance between nostalgia and a vision of the future.

The interior came from architect Colin Seah from the Ministry of Design (MOD), a Singapore-based interior design company. I should point out that Macalister Mansion is decorated with many local art pieces. So, this place is not only stylish but also artish.

Through the site, you can see bespoke furniture pieces and bold carpets that merely round every room. If you think the design ends at the bathrooms, you are wrong. Both mosaic tiles and mirrors as a centerpiece are features that will shine to you.

Macalister Mansion Rooms

At Macalister Mansion, one can find eight unique spacious rooms designed with an idea of a glamorous lifestyle and functionality. Every room has its unique art pieces and luxurious amenities. All this will give you a feeling of staying at some private mansion rather than in a typical hotel.

All rooms are equipped with all you need; a Nespresso coffee machine, TWG tea collection, Bluetooth sound system, and well-known Aesop toiletries. The best feature in this hotel, in our opinion, is a tower where you can read a book or enjoy the sunrise before the birds start their morning song. To get to the tower, you will use the original staircase and provoke that colonial feels.

The Food at Macalister Mansion

What we truly like is breakfast. At Macalister Mansion, they realize the most significant advantage of being a boutique hotel, and every breakfast is made fresh. You choose from the menu, and the kitchen is right on it.

Macalister Mansion Afternoon Tea

Not having Afternoon Tea in the English mansion would be Sin! And not only that, Malaysia is all-in when it comes to the high tea tradition, and we can only encourage this. If you are interested, you can check the best afternoon tea in Kuala Lumpur, and you will see how relentless the competition is here.

However, Macalister Mansion afternoon tea is pure joy. It is served in their chic Living Room or, as they call it, now Guest Lounge, which can be a show by itself. However, not for long. When the afternoon tea set arrives, you will forget about everything. To find out more, please check our Macalister Mansion Afternoon Tea Review, and if you wanna find the best afternoon tea in Penang, click here.

What Else They Serve Here?

We haven’t tried any other dishes so we can’t make conclusions about that. However, we can give you the information; their focus is on contemporary French cuisine, which can be paired with selectively curated wines. To show the seriousness of the wines, they opened their Cellar with more than 300 labels of wine. We will stop there for dinner next time we visit Penang.

Who Should Stay at Macalister Mansion?

Macalister Mansion is a fitting hotel for all heritage hotel lovers, sophisticated people, or simply tourists with high standards. I can guarantee that you will enjoy yourself here and explore Penang Island like a boss. As a matter of fact, the hotel is located in a great location from where one can get around and find all these delicious meals. Penang is known as the culinary pearl of Malaysia where foodies from all around the globe can find their next pleasesures.

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About Hotel Kendov Dvorec

Kendov Dvorec dates back to 1377 when the first landowners managed a homestead above the Idrijca river valley. It is part of a small town, Spodnja Idrija, which is even older by a couple of hundred years. Some documents of its existence date back to 1156 and mention the Virgin Mary’s church.

You’ll see the expanded pilgrimage site from the Kendov Dvorec. Like the church, Kendov Dvorec went through an extension in which it became a boutique heritage hotel. Today, it has 11 rooms, a fairytale garden with an old apple tree in the center, topped with a magnificent restaurant.

Ambiance

A small town caught between hills, overlooking the river, is the perfect spot for a 5* hotel. Owners of the Hotel Kendov Dvorec know how essential nature is when it comes to hospitality, so they don’t act against it, but rather with it.

All that is apparent even before you reach the reception desk as the greenery surrounds the hotel. From the outside, the old building radiates the medieval charm and quietly promises a journey through time.

Hardwood and terracotta flooring with additions of Persian rugs, antique furniture, and iconic Idria lace on every step will easily delight you. On top of that, every guest gets a tour around the hotel, which ends with a delicious mocktail.

Our Room

We stayed at the master suite, which comes with an outstanding and unique feature – 120 square meters of terrace. The terrace is partly in the shade of a nearby tree and makes a perfect spot for leisure. Birds chirping might be the only “intruder” in your zen moment, although in our case, the weather was the real spoiler.

Regardless of the weather, indoors is very cozy with antique furniture crowned with handmade Idria lace. An item of admiration is also the mesmerizing crystal chandelier.

Just looking around the room and enjoying the views is an unforgettable experience. Only the bathroom has room for design improvement, but nothing disturbing as it has all the necessities you will need during your stay.

The Terrace

We all know how awesome it is when your hotel room has an attached balcony where you can get some fresh air. Usually, there are small but functional balconies, but here… Master suite has attached 120 square!!! meters of lovely terrace.

Here you can read a book under the giant tree or have your favorite tea in a colorful teacup. It’s kinda sad that Slovenia doesn’t have afternoon teas. Here it would make all the senses.

Amenities

In the bathroom, you’ll find Organic Aloe Vera toiletries by Relais & Châteaux spa line. We didn’t miss anything during our stay. They even have a sanitizer in every room. And not only that, you will get some home-made cookies when checking-in and chocolate truffles at turndown service – love it.

Facilities

Hotel Kendov Dvorec gives a chance to the exciting surroundings, so it is modest when it comes to facilities. Nevertheless, you won’t miss a gym after a day-long hike. On the other hand, you might be hungry, and we advise you to make a reservation for a locally inspired menu at the house restaurant.

Breakfast at Hotel Kendov Dvorec

In the morning, we were kindly greeted by caring staff and by the smell of freshly baked bread and croissants. The perfect match with the local goodies (two cheese varieties, prosciutto, salami) and fresh fruit.

Luckily we came in time for some incredible fresh figs and apples from the garden. Equally irresistible was the honey collection of chestnut, acacia, floral, forest samples. Besides that, we found a western “must-haves” and egg menu.

In-house Apple Tree

In the middle of the park garden, you will notice an old but firm apple tree. I bet whoever planted this apple tree, did not imagine that this apple tree would give apples for the needs of the hotel. You heard right! At Kendov Dvorec, they use these apples for their juice and some desserts.

Kendov Dvorec Restaurant

The lunch and dinner menu at the Kendov Dvorec restaurant is a regional gourmet experience made with local ingredients. Slovenia offers an incredibly rich culinary map for its size, and this old town has some delicacies.

To find out more about this delicious experience, check our Kendov Dvorec Restaurant Review.

Service

Service at Hotel Kendov Dvorec is just like it should be in every boutique hotel – warm, homely and friendly. The team is small and you will get along with everyone, probably even with the knight.

Conclusion

Hotel Kendov Dvorec represents everything that Relais & Châteaux is standing for. A unique experience is granted as soon as you will enter their portal. Affectionate service, cozy rooms and greenery on every step.

Slovenia is a green country for sure, so why not celebrate this and incorporate it in the hotel itself. The terrace of the Master Suite is a true relief, especially if you are coming from a busy city like us.

Any downsides for our Hotel Kendov Dvorec review? Well, if you are a hardcore gym freak, you might miss a proper gym. However, there are many activities around, so you can exhaust your body in different ways.

Our lux eye found some design failures, which would make this hotel even more fantastic. Another downvote is in lack of a super comfy bed, although you are searching for a pristine experience, aren’t you? But hey, these are small fails. Regardless of all, so far this is our favorite hotel in Slovenia!

Hotel Kendov Dvorec Review Card

• 9.5/10
  ATMOSPHERE – 9.5/10
• 9.5/10
  CLEANLINESS – 9.5/10
• 9.3/10
  ROOM – 9.3/10
• 8/10
  FACILITIES AND AMENITIES – 8/10
• 9.5/10
  FOOD AND BEVERAGE – 9.5/10
• 9.7/10
  SERVICE – 9.7/10
• 9.1/10
  VALUE – 9.1/10

Price and Location

Hotel Kendov Dvorec is located in Spodnja Idrija, which is a bit remote from bigger cities. However, this might be only a plus. The roads are likable and Slovenia is small. You can easily explore it from here. For easier navigation, here is a link to the location. However, rooms start at 170 USD. Master Suite like ours is about 300 USD, including breakfast and an unforgettable terrace.

The post Hotel Kendov Dvorec Review: Boutique Heritage Hotel appeared first on Wild 'n' Free Diary.

Ambiance

The modern exterior of the tallest hotel in Slovenia is glassy, decorated with a native cross-stitch pattern. Contemporary touch breaths airy sophistication in every part of the hotel, including the B-Bar on the 20th floor. There you’ll feel that the Ljubljana castle is only a touch away; furthermore, on the other side, you will have a nice view of the Julian Alps.

The lobby is bright and airy, with a long reception desk on one side and the other’s street view, where we left our car with the valet. In the lobby are visible V-shaped concrete supporting beams, an excellent detail. Another designer touch is behind the concierge desk; you’ll notice the Ljubljana cityscape outline.

Anyway, this spacious lobby plan is working great with the interior design. Dark marble, warm wood, and light floors are perfect with a hint of gold and pastel colors. The mustard pastel colors are continuing to the sofas and cushions as well. Sculptural lighting is doing its job and keeping this place classy as it should be.

Our Room

InterContinental Ljubljana has 165 rooms in four categories – Superior, Deluxe, Club Rooms, and Suites. We stayed at a spacious, bright, and airy King Deluxe room with an evident layout.

Nevertheless, I should warn you, club rooms and suites are in high demand, so make sure you make a reservation well in advance. Probably, this is the result of the first 5-star hotel in Ljubljana.

The room design is contemporary with a modern luxury feel. Dark wood, gold details, and bold lights are always a great touch. Speaking about lighting, InterContinental Ljubljana has a neat lighting setup. We took advantage of the bed lights and made a little photoshoot.

Bathroom

The bathroom is spacious with a freestanding bathtub as a centerpiece. Enjoying the bath time might be more peaceful if the toilet space were separate, something as we had at the Sofitel Damansara Kuala Lumpur.

We liked the ambient lighting, which makes night bathing even more relaxing. The view is undoubtedly superior in the bathroom than in the room, where it faces the rising building. Naturally, the bathroom also has a bright walk-in rain shower and a large floating sink. Another thing we liked was the invigorating scent of Anne Semonin Exotic Verbena toiletries. 

Cleanliness

The cleanliness around the hotel is pitch-perfect. Probably this is the only way in these pandemic times.

Food and Drink

InterContinental Ljubljana has three dining options. The first one is the Bloom Bar on the ground floor, where they serve light snacks and coffee. As the day turns into the night, it becomes a cocktail venue. 

Still, we advise you to look around the rooftop bar. The B-Bar is located on the 20th floor and is a fabulous lounge bar. Here you can read our B-Bar review and check their artisanal cocktails. 

On the same floor as B-Bar is also B-Restaurant, where they serve contemporary dishes. Some are more international, others reflect the Slovenian legacy. If you’re staying at the hotel, the on-site B-Restaurant is worth setting aside time for. It’s not just convenient, it’s one of the better fine dining spots in Ljubljana. We covered the full experience, including food and wine. Here is our B-restaurant review.

Breakfast

Pandemic rules shaped the self-service breakfast at the B-Restaurant with extended à la carte and “long reach” buffet. Even though the offer on display was stunted, it still held the westbound must-haves handed to us by request.

Despite the unfortunate obstacle, everything went smoothly, and our breakfast couldn’t be fresher. We liked every dish we had and confirmed that Chef Komnen Bakić’s menu suits a wide range of taste preferences.

Amenities

The first thing we want to compliment is the charging station with a bunch of different types of USB connectors. While charging a phone, we enjoyed complimentary tea and coffee. We were able to choose from the Puro freeze-dried instant coffee and the espresso from the capsule. Both were delicious, but the fair-trade Puro coffee exceeded our expectations. The tea lovers get four different Ronnefeldt options, two energy-boosting, plus fruity camomile and sweet berries. Naturally, the freshly madeleines were perfect with coffee and tea, but we left the fruit for later. 

Facilities

On the 18th floor, you’ll find a recreational and wellness center with the Saruna SPA. Close to the SPA, you’ll find the large heated indoor pool and a separate steam bath. The same space as the zero-edge pool is also Finnish and infrared saunas, and a steam room with the resting area.

In the same time frame, from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., it is possible to use a spacious and well-equipped gym with a vitamin bar that has freshly squeezed juice on hand.  

In addition to that, just one story up, the Intercontinental hotel Ljubljana holds flexible meeting rooms for smaller and bigger events. 

Conclusion

All right, we’re almost to the end of our InterContinental Ljubljana Review. In conclusion, I can say that the rooms here are majestic. I love how much light there is, the layout and overall feel. On top of that, the staff at InterContinental Ljubljana is super nice and professional, which only helps to achieve a pleasant stay.

Is there anything we would change? Sure, a time without a pandemic going around… And yeah, we wouldn’t mind some lit common space where one can escape the room and enjoy some alone time.

InterContinental Ljubljana Review Card

• 9.3/10
  ATMOSPHERE – 9.3/10
• 9.2/10
  CLEANLINESS – 9.2/10
• 8.9/10
  ROOM – 8.9/10
• 9/10
  FACILITIES AND AMENITIES – 9/10
• 9.3/10
  FOOD AND BEVERAGE – 9.3/10
• 9.6/10
  SERVICE – 9.6/10
• 9.4/10
  VALUE – 9.4/10

Price and Location

The King Deluxe room, like ours, with breakfast will cost you about 200 USD. Regarding the location, Intercontinental Ljubljana is located near the main bus and train station. Only a 10-minute walk will get you to the old part of Ljubljana and all the main sights, which is great. Here is a link to the location for easier navigation.

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Hotel Muse Bangkok’s Ambiance

From the outside, Hotel Muse Bangkok looks like any other modern building among skyscrapers. However, once you step into the lobby, you will notice graceful Euro-Asian design full of lush, playful decoration. Despite many ornaments, space remains open and neat.

The most enchanting detail for me was the arcades, which gave away baroque feel. Maybe the interior designers had an idea of presenting human’s best eras in one space. As always, the cultural meeting point is art, which is presented under the spotlight and scattered around the hotel.

The lighting is another aspect that makes Hotel Muse Bangkok even more outstanding. The neon blue color is giving some cyberpunk vibe when discrete yellow spotlights are making it sure, you will see all the details.

Check-In

Check-in was quick and efficient, served with a platter of their mixed drinks. What a nice gesture, especially after being in hot tropical Bangkok streets, right? Having fun is the biggest priority in the Hotel Muse Bangkok. With that being said, expect affectionate staff to take you through the reception in no time. Our room was ready even before we finished our drinks. Lovely!

Our Room

Rooms at Hotel Muse Bangkok will see you through everything that you might be expecting from the Boutique Hotel Accommodation. The typical layout of the room lets in plenty of natural light and has a spacious feel.

A unique feature is a glass between bathroom and bedroom, which gives you a chance to watch your spouse taking a bath 🙂 What? I told you Muse Hotel is a fun place at the beginning of this Hotel Muse Bangkok review!

Anyway, the most significant wow factor here in the room is undoubtedly a bathroom. Attractive black marble leaves the spotlight to the standing bathtub, and one another feature – the sink. Vivi fell in love with this oriental sink, which is a true purposeful art. Besides silk, some of Bangkok’s history is represented in the details of the classic European interior.

Amenities and Facilities

Ok, ok, take a breath and take this in – Hotel Muse Bangkok has a tinny fitness room and small, let’s say swimming pool. Well, it’s not actually appropriate for swimming, but it works like a charm for cooling down on hot days.

On the other hand, recreational space isn’t that important, with Lumpini Park just around the corner. There you can have a fabulous morning recreation like no other, and feel like a local. However, here at the Muse Hotel, they focus on something different than sports activity – Bar hopping and food. This area is full of cool bars and great restaurants, so the nightlife is alive. At the same time, why seek nightlife out of the house if you have it right there in your hotel.

Room Amenities

In the room, you will find all the necessary amenities that will keep you fresh during your stay, including unisex scented body products. Neatly packaged are also the toothbrush, shower cap, and sewing kit. You know, to sew all your bad decisions from the last night…

Medici Kitchen & Bar

Medici Kitchen & Bar is an Italian restaurant serving traditional Italian cuisine. Apparently, it is quite famous among locals who are craving some real Italian food in Bangkok. Sadly, we didn’t have supper here due to our busy schedule. However, we made a promise to come back and listen to the live performance by the Fivera Opera.

Babette’s The Steakhouse

This American-retro styled steakhouse is the top-rated steakhouse in Bangkok. Here you can find aged finest cuts and fresh seafood. Besides the animal protein-filled menu, you can take a look around their walk-in cellar, and find the perfect pairing for your order. 

The Saloon and Rooftop Bar

It doesn’t matter if you start your night at Muse’s famous bar or close it there. The point is to visit at least one, if not both, in-house bars. The first bar is situated on the 24th floor, where you will have a great view of Bangkok’s surroundings.

Though, I doubt you will have a moment to look around! The place is stylish, and waiters have these neat uniforms, imitating 1920’s gangsters. Yes, my friends, here is all about the prohibition era, with one minor change – alcohol and fun certainly aren’t prohibited. 

The Saloon looks stunning. I can imagine having a small group of friends with neat whiskey and cigars while listening bouncy swing. Not only that, here they have a thing for craft cocktails. A mixologist can make a cocktail to your preferences that will suit your mood and taste.

Every “respectable” bar in the prohibition era had its speakeasy bar, so does this! Just ask your waiter about the hidden bar and follow his lead.

Second Muse bar is a speakeasy rooftop bar with a laid back atmosphere and showstopping view. The only thing that really disappointed was the lousy execution. I will write more about this speakeasy, next time.

Hotel Muse Bangkok Breakfast 

As I said before, we haven’t had a chance to feast, but we enjoyed the self-service breakfast during our stay. Breakfast is served on the 19th floor, inside Babette’s The Steakhouse.

The breakfast menu took care of the hungry early birds that like cold cuts and cheese platter with salad or wholesome Asian options. Part of the self-service breakfast took care also of the fun-loving souls in need of fresh energy.

In this case, one could enjoy the Bloody-Good-Morning-Drink aka good old blood Mary, others are more into fresh tropic fruits. However, if the stomach can take the idea of detoxing with tasty seaweed soup, we encourage you to give it a try, as well.

Let’s not forget about the egg station, muesli offer with many bread toppings. The offer of prepared dishes is diverse and caters to European and Asian tastes.

Conclusion

Bangkok is a city like no other. Therefore your stay in Bangkok should be unforgettable and mood-boosting. At the Hotel Muse Bangkok, we felt relaxed and joyful at all times.

Truth be told, it is difficult to feel any other way when the environment is so creative. Are there any downsides for the Hotel Muse Bangkok review? I think only their speakeasy could be better designed, and yeah there is a lack of some of the essential facilities. Bigger swimming pool and gym would be great.

Well, as you can see this is totally different type of hotel than the last time when we introduced Mandarin Oriental Bangkok. Sure, the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok Hotel is all about heritage, prestige, and high-end culinary experience. On the other hand, Muse Hotel Bangkok is more about Fun, Chillout and Party.

Hotel Muse Bangkok Review Card

• 9.3/10
  ATMOSPHERE – 9.3/10
• 9.1/10
  CLEANLINESS – 9.1/10
• 9/10
  ROOM – 9/10
• 8/10
  FACILITIES AND AMENITIES – 8/10
• 9.2/10
  FOOD AND BEVERAGE – 9.2/10
• 9.3/10
  SERVICE – 9.3/10
• 8.9/10
  VALUE – 8.9/10

Price and Location

A room at the Hotel Muse Bangkok will cost you about 130 USD. Here is a link to the location for easier navigation.

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Fresh Wind: 1893 – 1919

In 1893, Siam was a buffer state among two strong enemy countries – British Burma and French Indochina. Siam was surprisingly strong enough to maintain ‘independence’. Even Siam’s first railway was opened without any help from France or Britain. In the same year difficulties between France and Siam reached their climax. It started with the ‘Paknam Incident’.

Three French ships were fired by Siamese and as a result, France blockaded Bangkok. French warships anchored directly in front of the French Embassy and the Oriental Hotel. The King of Siam diplomatically solved this situation, but the price was high. There was a huge payment and the cession of a certain territory. Three years later after the Anglo-French Declaration of London was signed, King Chulalongkorn did a European diplomatic tour. His nine-month tour was successful and Siam was well accepted among leading countries of that time.  

Collapse and Women Empower

For quite some time the hotel was working fine and it was known as a high social hub. However, in 1899, Hurst decided to sell his interests in the Oriental Hotel to a syndicate of a Mr. W Downie. During the following three years the Oriental underwent further expansions and improvements. These times were also very turbulent for the hotel.

In 1903, the hotel was taken over by F S Robertson, but not for long. Just a few months later he had to leave town in a hurry, due to his debts. The hotel was closed down temporarily for two years when it was established back by Mr. Carl G Edwards, an American. Management was proposed to Mme M O Bujault. She engaged Viennese orchestra, revived the tradition of musical dinners, and employed a new French chef – Monsieur Brier. From this time on the cuisine in Oriental Hotel was at exquisite level.

Maria Marie

Successful years of Madame M O Bujault lasted only till 1910. She was the first women manager of The Oriental, but certainly not last. Her successor was Maria Marie, who became a legend in her own right. The hotel was in its ‘golden era’, with its patron – Peter Carl Fabergé. He is a well-known jeweler known for the precious Fabergé egg. At Oriental Hotel he did a few successful exhibitions where he caught the eye of the new King Vajiravudh – Rama VI, who became his valued customer.

The Oriental Hotel became a famous center not only for travelers but also for diplomats and businessmen. It even became the seat of a diplomatic mission. In 1913, the Imperial & Royal Austro-Hungarian Legation in the Kingdom of Siam established a chancery at the hotel. Good relationships lasted only one year. World War I started and even here far away from action one could still feel it. Naturally, the effects weren’t so disastrous but the egos of Austrian diplomats were hurt when they weren’t invited to a French garden party. Nevertheless, The Great War left a huge crisis all over the world. Luxury travels were out of business and a hotel like The Oriental was affected. 

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1920 – 1940

The hotel was badly affected by the global economic crisis. In 1920, M Henri Cucherousset, correspondent of the Hanoi journal L ‘Evil Economique de l’Indochie came to Bangkok. He did an article about the Oriental Hotel, which wasn’t in its best form. He deplored its lack of ‘a drawing-room for ladies’ and a ‘proper bathing accommodations’. Worst of all he critiqued its generally rundown appearance. Henri Cucherousset had dared to attack a national institution. The response of the public can be described as frantic. The answer to this was a new firm raised capital of 60,000 Baht. The idea was Maria Marie’s, who became one of the shareholders and was appointed a managing director.

Renovations went amazingly well, and the Oriental Hotel was once again admired and praised. In the city, new hotels opened and started to compete with the Oriental Hotel. Even so, guests mostly stayed in the Oriental Hotel, they recognized it as much more than only luxury accommodation. After all, this was the oldest hotel in Bangkok with a rich historical background and Royal appearance. After the renovation, Daniel C Sweeney, a seasoned illustrator, arrived. He drew posters for leading Asian hotels. Among them are also the Grand Hotel Metropole in Hanoi and the Continental Palace in Saigon. His work for the Oriental Hotel is considered one of his finest pieces of art.

The Connections

Siam offered four aerodromes, in 1924. However, plains in that time were rare and mostly used by the military. Later in the 1930s, it was more common to travel by plane. At that time the travel from London to Bangkok lasted nine days and it wasn’t considered as safe travel. After all, first air hostesses were trained nurses. The first group of aerial travelers landed at Don Muang airport in 1931. Among them were also Oriental’s first air-borne guests.

The train connections became much more expanded as well. You could easily visit most of the Siam’s parts. Wealthy citizens of Bangkok traveled to Huan Hin, where it was the legendary Railway Hotel and only 5 minutes away, the brand new Royal Golf Club. This Club is the first golf course of international standards in Siam. It had been completed in 1924 and carved on over 240 acres of natural terrain. The course was designed by Arthur O Robins, who was a Scottish railroad engineer.

A keen golfer at that time was also Oriental’s manager Maria Marie. She was the Siamese woman champion for a few years in a row. In 1928 she got divorced and married Arthur O Robins in London in 1932. After 22 years of managing the hotel, Maria decided to retire. Her son was planned as her predecessor, but after his wife’s death, the plans changed. After her son couldn’t take over, so she put a couple, Lt Col and Mrs. Sylow, in charge.

Political Instability

On 24 June 1932, occurred the most important political change of that period. The country’s educated ruling class, calling themselves as the People’s Party, staged a bloodless coup which finally brought to an end Siam’s days as an absolute monarchy. King Prajadhipok signed the nation’s first constitution in December that same year. Nationalism in the Kingdom was growing, the same as a friendship with Japan. In 1939, Siam’s name was officially changed to Thailand.

At the beginning of World War 2, the Marie-Robins’ family received news that the manager of the Oriental Hotel had been killed in a car accident. Maria and Arthur went to Bangkok and were lucky to be able to formally transfer the hotel’s lease and sell all equipment and stocks. As British subjects, after the Thai declaration of war against Britain, they were taken to a camp in the Jungle. Later they managed to escape that camp and return to Britain.

After WW2

The second Great War was at the doors. Japanese troops began to blockade French Indochina. Thailand signed a treaty of friendship with the Empire of the Rising Sun and officially joined the axis side. Japanese armed forces requisitioned the Oriental Hotel. The average occupancy was 25 guests per night. In February 1942, the Japanese International Tourism Bureau requested that the Imperial, the most prestigious hotel in Tokyo, take over the management at Oriental Hotel. American forces regained their power in the Pacific and it became clear that American forces were heading for Okinawa and eventually for the Japanese mainland. On 14 December 1944, American aircraft bombed Rama VI Bridge across the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. After the war, the hotel was requisitioned by the American armed forces. Unsurprisingly the interior was already in a bad shape at that time.

Correspondents and journalists used to sit on the terrace, sipping cold drinks and swapping the stories. Among them was also famous Colonel Jim Thompson.

Jim Thompson and Oriental Hotel

Jim Thompson was a close friend of Germaine Krull, a famous photographer. She reported the return of King Ananda Mahidol from his studies in Switzerland, took portraits of Jean Cocteau, Andre Malraux, and Einstein, she took photographs of de Gaulle and Churchill during the liberation of Paris. Jim one day proposed to Germaine a partnership and idea of taking over the Oriental Hotel.

Krull decided to team up with the Thompson for the sake of the hotel’s revival. Their partners were General Chai Prateepasen, HRH Prince Bhanu, Mr. Pote Sarasin, and Mr. John Wester. On 9 May 1947, the Bangkok newspaper Liberty reported about Madam Germaine Krull as a manager of the Oriental Hotel. Madam Krull was busy restoring life to this remarkable institution. There was a lot of work needed to revive this “Old Lady”. Just a few weeks after she had taken over, Madam Krull opened a Bamboo Bar. Bamboo Bar became Bangkok’s most fashionable hangout. The menu in the Bamboo Bar was quite simple, but for that time very “advanced”. American sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers, and fried chickens were filling the guests, while live music established a nice atmosphere.

Thai Silk

Krull and Thompson didn’t agree over various things, one of them was architectural change and the reconstruction of a new wing. Thompson bailed out and sold his shares. Later he established his own silk company, which made Thai silk famous and brought him fame and wealth. To be honest, the Tower wing (the new wing, today is known as a Garden wing) is designed well. As we know Jim Thompson had a great taste for design and décor!

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed our Oriental Bangkok History part 2 article. As you can see today Mandarin Oriental Bangkok Hotel is full of heritage. After all, it is one of the oldest hotels in the world. And not only that, one of the best as well. Next time we will check the modern history of this heritage hotel.

Main Source for Oriental Bangkok History is Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental

[1] Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 35.

[2] Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 77.

[3] Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 57.

[4] Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 78.

[5] Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 58.

[6] Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 67.

[7] Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 64.

[8] Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 78.

[9] Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 78.

[10] Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 100.

[11] Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 78.

[12] Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 78.

[13] Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 88.

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