Ibis Hong Kong Central & Sheung Wan has a great location

The new Ibis has easy access to all the iconic things to see and do on Hong Kong Island and beyond. The vibrant colors of the 550 rooms may be classified as simplistic but the large bay windows, high ceilings, and timbered floor create a comfortable combination. Guests can opt for a standard room with a bay view or a larger studio room. Several rooms are designed to meet the needs of the handicap traveler. Gratisinternet is a wonderful bonus.

Their TASTE restaurant offers all day dining with a breakfast buffet from 4 to 11 a.m. – how reasonable and thoughtful is that? TASTE’s menu features Hong Kong flavors along with Western favorites. The LE BAR is open 24/7 with bar service from 12 noon to 11 p.m. From 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. they offer muffins, sandwiches, and other items on a self-service basis. A microwave is available.

The Ibis is close to shopping and dining. The combination train from the airport and free hotel shuttle means getting to the hotel is a no-brainer. The affordable, historic Tram stop is located right outside the door, the MRT station is a short walk, and so it the Macau Ferry Terminal. The friendly staff is multi-lingual and quick to be of service. The Ibis is part of the Accor family of hotels. For more information log on to Ibishotel.com or Accorhotels.com

Make the Mercure Hotel Ginza your home while in Tokyo

The three most important aspects of hotel are location, location, location. The Mercure Hotel Ginza has all three! Located in the heart of the city’s shopping area all the name-brand stores are just a few steps from the hotel. Subway lines that whisk visitors to all the important things to see and do are nearby with access to the Ginza Ichrome on the lower level of the hotel.

Also within walking distance is the temporary home of the Kabuki – the Shimbashi Enbujo Theater and a little farther on the famed Tsukiji fish markets. Staff will help to plan the day’s tour but first check the information rack for definitive hotel-prepared day trips that include travel instructions and what to do… and in English. One do not miss day trip is the Travel Guide to Ueno Park. Ueno Park is glorious during cherry blossom time as well as the rest of the year.

Guests will enjoy the Mercure’s distinctive French flair, friendly staff, and international buffet breakfast. The hotel’s restaurant is popular with locals and a great gathering place in the evening for happy hour followed by a great dinner making it a great place to unwind at the end of the day.

The three most important aspects of hotel are location, location, location. The Mercure Hotel Ginza has all three! Located in the heart of the city’s shopping area all the name-brand stores are just a few steps from the hotel. Subway lines that whisk visitors to all the important things to see and do are nearby with access to the Ginza Ichrome on the lower level of the hotel.

Also within walking distance is the temporary home of the Kabuki – the Shimbashi Enbujo Theater and a little farther on the famed Tsukiji fish markets. Staff will help to plan the day’s tour but first check the information rack for definitive hotel-prepared day trips that include travel instructions and what to do… and in English. One do not miss day trip is the Travel Guide to Ueno Park. Ueno Park is glorious during cherry blossom time as well as the rest of the year.

Guests will enjoy the Mercure’s distinctive French flair, friendly staff, and international buffet breakfast. The hotel’s restaurant is popular with locals and a great gathering place in the evening for happy hour followed by a great dinner making it a great place to unwind at the end of the day.

Novotel Amsterdam City

• Nearby rail, underground, and tramway stops offer excellent connections to Schipol Airport and/or city center
• Recently upgraded rooms and public rooms complimented by friendly service
• The trendy Food Bar Restaurant offers unique tables for one with personal TV

For more information on this hotel and other Accor properties check www.novotel.com or www.accorhotels.com.

Dalat, Vietnam: Sofitel Dalat Palace

• Beautiful restored 1922 hotel in the heart of Dalat
• Ask for a room facing the lake
• Offers great tours and even a cooking class in a local French-style villa

For more luxury accommodations check www.sofitel.com or http://www.accorhotels.com/.

Bangkok, Thailand: The Novotel at Suvarnabhumi Airport

There is a lot to like about the Novotel.  Guests can arrive anytime and check-out 24 hours later. The choice of five restaurants and bars off the lobby make dining a pleasure.  The hotel has one of the nicest roof top swimming pools I have had the pleasure to enjoy. It breaks the mold of airport swimming pool with its Thai design and

plenty of trees.  Adjacent to the pool is a workout room.  The spa is also wonderful with special massages designed to relieve jet lag. When I arrive after a long flight I like to spend a day getting adjusted to the time change, going to the pool, and getting a spa treatment.  The hotel also has an open-air “garden room” where it is possible to relax surrounded by greenery; a wonderful place to chill out with a book. I usually book a night or two at the same Novotel when it is time to return to the States so that I feel ready to endure the long flights.  

I am a fan of the Novotel’s Le Club Level and find it value-laden. Checking in at Le Club is a sit-down experience and swift.  The accommodations are large and Le Club includes complimentary internet, breakfast in Le Club or at The Square’s massive buffet. We prefer breakfast in the serenity of the Le Club at “our” table by the window.  Le Club bookings also include discounts at the spa and other benefits. We like the friendliness of Le Club and have come to know some of the staff and they often remember us. A nice touch.  We transit via Bangkok several times a year and always look forward to our stay. For more information check www.accorhotels.com/.