Most In Demand Hotels in Singapore

Whether for business or pleasure, many people come to Singapore and stay there for a few days to settle their purpose for travel. With all its beautiful attractions and diverse cultures, it is a breeze finding comfort and getting adapted to the place.

With this, the necessity of finding good hotels in Singapore to stay in comes. There are a lot of these lodging establishments around the country, all offering impeccable accommodation to its valued guests.

Some of the most in-demand are as follows:

1. Grand Copthorne Waterfront

Find comfort in the elegance of this tropical resort-like Grand Copthorne Waterfront. Rated 4-stars, this deluxe hotel features modern facilities to satisfy the guests. Also, it provides great accessibility to the central business district and Chinatown.

2. Fragrance Hotel-Royal

Staying on budget yet enjoying the best is possible with Fragrance Hotel - Royal. Situated in TelokBlangah Road, this Singapore hotel is close to the central business district and is just half an hour of drive away from the airport. It is also just minutes away from Sentosa Island where Resorts World and Universal Studios are.

3. Hard Rock Hotel

Get enthralled with the 5-star rock and roll experience at the Hard Rock Hotel. Posh facilities and exquisite services are available for the satisfaction of the guests. This hotel is within the Sentosa Island premises, and is just a few breaths away from Resorts World and Universal Studios.

4. Fragrance Hotel-Riverside

With its strategic location in Hong Kong Street, Fragrance Hotel-Riverside is an ideal budget lodge which offers prime facilities and services which guests will surely appreciate. Staying in this hotel keeps people close to the central business district, Clarke Quay and Boat Quay, Chinatown, Orchard Road and the Marina Bay Area.

5. Orchard Hotel

Set within the enclaves of the famous Orchard Road is the beautiful Orchard Hotel. Matching the elegance of the shopping area are its impressive facilities and services. Guestrooms and suites are available for tourists and business travelers alike. It is also near the airport, National Museum and Botanic Gardens, China Town, Little India, and Sentosa Island.

6. The Elizabeth Hotel

It is not just the façade of this Singapore hotel that is beautiful, but the services it provides as well. The Elizabeth Hotel is a boutique lodge in Mount Elizabeth which is known for its distinctive European design. It is located in the city center, just a few walks away from the famous Orchard Road shopping district.

7. Pan Pacific Orchard Hotel

Opulent facilities and sophisticated service is what Pan Pacific Orchard Hotel is all about. Popular among business and leisure travelers, the hotel offers suites and guestrooms, equipped with prime appointments to cater the guests’ incessant needs. Located in Claymore Road, it is along the Orchard Shopping Road, and is close to the Central Business District.

8. Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Center

Located close to the Orchard Shopping Road, the Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Center is undoubtedly one of the most popular hotels in Singapore for many travelers. Aside from its impressive sets of facilities and services, its closeness to the MRT station provides great accessibility to everywhere including the Marina Bay Area, airport and Sentosa Island.

9. Mandarin Orchard Hotel Singapore

A deluxe hotel in Orchard Road, the Mandarin Orchard Hotel Singapore (now Meritus Mandarin) is where the Oriental and Western influences connive to produce an astounding medium to deliver impeccable accommodation through sophisticated facilities and services. It is close to the central business district, Orchard Shopping Road, and Marina Bay Area.

10. M Hotel

Probably one of the most modern Singapore hotels is the M Hotel. Situated in Shenton Way, this establishment lives up to its reputation by providing astounding services and facilities for the satisfaction of its guests. This deluxe hotel is just near the Central Business District, shopping malls, and dining venues.

Abovementioned are ten of the most in-demand lodging establishments in Singapore. However, some people may deem it a little out of budget; but that’s the least to worry about because hotel deals Singapore are easy to find.

Johor Bahru Hotels Near Legoland Malaysia

LEGOLAND Malaysia opened its gates to the public last September 15, 2012 and it is expected that many tourists from all over the world will visit this spectacular and first-class amusement park. Thus, it is also anticipated that the demand for hotels in Malaysia will be higher, particularly those that are located close to the said premier Asian destination.

Among the recommended choices for accommodation are as follows:

1. Thistle Johor Bahru

Known to be one of the best hotels in Malaysia, Thistle Johor Bahru assures great comfort and convenience to its guests. It is just a few minutes of drive away from the amusement park, as well as from Singapore. Set within this beautiful hotel are 382 opulently-appointed rooms and suites that scream out total relaxation. It also has first-class facilities which include restaurants, bars, swimming pool, spa and fitness center.

2. Pulai Springs Resort

As a 5-star hotel situated at the foot of Mount Pulai in Johor, Pulai Springs Resort may be a favorite hotel for people going to Legoland Malaysia. Its location has allowed the hotel to feature an 18-hole golf course which features terrains, hills and water elements.

Accommodation-wise, it has 313 luxuriously designed apartments and 22 suites on its boutique hotel. Dining venues are also available, serving local and international specialties. Amenities also include swimming pools, Jacuzzi, sauna, gym, Cineplex, squash and tennis courts, etc.

3. Hotel Sentral

Strategically located in the heart of Tanjung Puteri, Hotel Sentral is just close to Legoland park and is thus a good choice for accommodation when visiting the park. It has 138 newly-furbished rooms and suites which will suit the tastes of the whole family. Room amenities include comfortable beds, flat-screen TV, telephone, Wi-Fi connection, tea/coffee making facilities, and laundry services.

4. Tune Hotel

Just 20 minutes away from Legoland theme park, Tune Hotel is a premier hotel situated in Danga Bay. Set within its 6-storey building are 138 rooms which guarantees total comfort and relaxation. Aside from the amusement park, Tune Hotel is also close to shopping, dining and entertainment venues; as well as Resorts World Sentosa and Universal Studios in Singapore.

5. Puteri Pacific

Continue experiencing international standards at the Puteri Pacific. Top all the exciting memories of Legoland Malaysia (which is just 35 minutes of drive away) with a relaxing and invigorating stay at any of the hotels’ 500 well-appointed rooms. Services and amenities are guaranteed top-class so choosing this accommodation is surely worth it.

6. Zon Regency Hotel

Breathe in the magnificence of the sea after a whole day of fun at Legoland. Just less than an hour of drive away from the amusement park is this spectacular hotel that features 400 interesting rooms, appointed with opulent amenities intended for the satisfaction of the guests. It also features health, dining and entertainment venues which would amplify anyone’s stay.

7. Legoland Hotel (in progress)

Deemed to be completed by 2014, Legoland Hotel will be the 4th of its kind around the world. It is located in Nusajaya and will therefore be the closest hotel to Legoland Malaysia once it opens.

Different Johor Bahru hotels are offering its services to people who wish to visit Legoland Malaysia; so set aside all hesitations and obtain a once-in-a-lifetime experience – entertainment and accommodation wise.

Top 10 Haunted Hotels in Asia

Haunted houses around Asia are normal feats; but haunted hotels in Asia are quite an intrigue. It would even make one wonder, who would be willing enough to stay in a lodging establishment with supernatural beings? Well, some may not consider; but for those who are adventurous enough for this experience, here is a list of the recommended destinations:

1) Grand Hyatt, Taipei

It is a first class hotel, yes; but that doesn’t mean it cannot be haunted. Many guests of this impressive hotel in Taiwan declared that they have supernatural experiences during their stays. Ghosts haunt the top floor and disturbing noises are heard from the corridors. The hotel is believed to have been built on what used to be a cemetery for World War II casualties.

2) Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai

This iconic hotel is said to be haunted by its engineer, W.A. Chambers. According to stories, the chief engineer traveled to France before the hotel completed but when upon his return, the hotel was said to have been finished in an opposite direction. Because of this, he took his life and haunted the building. It is also infamous for its 26/11 terrorist attack.

3) Diplomat Hotel, Baguio City

It is quite a normal feat in Baguio to encounter ghosts but it seems like those in Diplomat Hotel are extremes. Imagine seeing a headless ghost walking around the Diplomat Hotel as they carry a platter with their severed heads on it. Now that is creepy!

4) Hotel Pelabuhan Ratu, Indonesia

The extraordinary experience began with Room 308 of this hotel. The room cannot be occupied as it is for the Goddess of the Southern Sea only. Those who wish to enjoy the beach are advised not to wear green. This is because if drowning occurs, the goddess will be held responsible.

5) Yunshan Hotel Chengde

Years ago, the Manchu royalties would go to a place near Yangtze River during summer seasons to escape the heat. Years after, the 220-room Yunshan Hotel Chengde was built on the same spot. It has been repeatedly reported that guests were seeing Dowager Empress Cixi. Apparently, her attachment to her beloved garden is still intact.

6) First Hotel Bangkok

Ghost stories are not uncommon in Bangkok and one typical venue for the appearances is in First Hotel. Located in Pratunam, it is one of the more popular lodges for leisure travelers as this establishment is close to top shopping destinations like Pratunam Market and MBK Mall.

7) Asia Hotel Bangkok

Another Bangkok hotel that is reported to accommodate spirits too is the Asia Hotel. It’s probably because of the dim light rooms and quite old environment that some guests reported to have seen spirits seating in the couches in their rooms, staring at them and then vanishing in an instant.

8) Baiyoke Sky Hotel Bangkok

This 88-storey hotel is one of the contributors for the city’s impressive skyline. It is famous for providing impeccable accommodation to its guests as it is a deluxe lodging establishment preferred by many business travelers. However, it is also known for the death of three billboard installers who died after falling from the 69th floor of the building.

9) First World Hotel, Genting Highlands

One of the most haunted places in Malaysia is the First World Hotel in Genting Highlands. It is a famous resort hotel but it has been a venue for numerous paranormal activities. It is presumed that the spirits were actually souls of those who have committed suicide in the hotel after losing a lot in the casinos.

10) Buma Inn, Beijing

At night, it is believed that the Burserker (a supernatural creature in Beijing) roams around the Buma Inn. He is always angry and seeking revenge so guests do not wish to encounter him.

Perhaps, there are more hotels in Asia that are occupied by ghosts. These list is based on the past experiences of hotel guests and some stories told from locals within the area.

New Tune Hotel Opens in Patong Beach in Phuket

New Tune Hotel opens in Patong Beach in Phuket

Low cost hotel chain Tune Hotels is moving now to Patong Beach in Phuket, offering special rates for the pre-opening period.

KUALA LUMPUR- Tune Hotels will open its latest property in the heart of Patong beach, Phuket next January. This will be the value branded hotel chain’s fourth hotel in Thailand, after the success of Tune Hotel Hat Yai, Pattaya and the recently opened Tune Hotel Asoke, Bangkok.

Tune Hotels now has 27 hotels available for bookings located in Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, KLIA-LCCT Airport, Penang, Johor Bahru, Kota Damansara, Bintulu, Kota Bharu and Kulim in Malaysia; Kuta and Legian in Bali and Jakarta in Indonesia; Westminister, Liverpool Street, Paddington and Kings Cross in London and soon-to-be-opened Tune Hotel Edinburgh, Scotland in the United Kingdom;  Angeles City, Cebu City, Ermita and Makati in Manila in the Philippines; Hatyai, Pattaya, Asoke, Bangkok and soon-to-be-opened Tune Hotel Patong, Phuket in Thailand.

Tune Hotels is part of Tune Group, a lifestyle business conglomerate co-founded by Tan Sri Tony Fernandes and Dato’ Kamarudin Meranun, who are the Group CEO and Deputy Group CEO respectively of Asia’s largest low cost carrier AirAsia.

The Gamification of Hotel Booking Heats Up

The Gamification of Hotel Booking Heats Up

To really predict or gauge the impact a new third-party booking channel will have on the hotel industry, it’s often best to take the simple approach: Put yourself in the shoes of a consumer and ask what the benefits are to you. If there’s no reason YOU would book through a third party, then typically there is no reason anybody else would either. And if no one books, the third-party company isn’t going to have much success, no matter how much media coverage or marketing dollars they throw behind it.

When Expedia executives first introduced the agency model on the company’s second-quarter earnings call three months ago, I began thinking what the ramifications would be. So now I can book a room on Expedia.com and pay later at the hotel. OK, cool. But what else does it allow me to do?

A Gamification experiment:

Armed with the ability to make a hotels reservation today, pay later and shop around in between, I decided to conduct an experiment using these new(er) third-party sites that promise me, as a consumer, a great deal. In the process, I learned a lot about how these sites operate and that, in fact, they really aren’t getting me a great deal at all.

First, I booked a hotel room for an upcoming stay on Tingo, the site that promises to monitor your reservation; if the rate at that hotel drops, Tingo will cancel the reservation and re-book for you, then refund you for the difference. The rate I booked on Tingo was the exact same as it was on brand.com for the same room on the same nights (in parity).

Then, I sent my reservation to Backbid, the site that promises to send you “bids” for your business from competing hotels in Philippines are the same category and geographical area.

The trip is still nearly three months away, but here are the results so far: Tingo continues to “constantly (obsessively) watch the rates for my reservation” but hasn’t saved me $1 yet. Every two weeks or so I get an email saying they’re still monitoring, but I have zero faith that the rate will actually drop at this hotel. In fact, the rate for a reservation similar to mine has increased (must have a smart revenue manager).

North Korea Ryugyong 'Hotel of Doom' Images Has Been Released

Pictures have emerged showing the inside of a 105-storey pyramid-shaped hotel that has been under construction in Pyongyang for 25 years. North Korea began building the Ryugyong hotel in 1987, but construction was halted for 16 years when funds ran out. Although work restarted in 2008, the hotel has become, for many, a symbol of North Korea's thwarted ambitions.

The tour company that took the pictures says the hotel is now due to open in two or three year’s time. Few people have been allowed inside the notorious hotel, which has been variously dubbed the "The Hotel of Doom" or "The Phantom Hotel". When conceived, the Ryugyong was intended to communicate to the world an impression of North Korea's burgeoning wealth.

But other economic priorities meant that the hotel had to be put to one side, and it remained untouched until a city-wide "beautification scheme" was introduced five years ago. At that time, external construction was forecast to take until the end of 2010, with work on the inside being completed in 2012 at the earliest. But the photo of the interior taken by Koryo Tours, a Beijing-based company that specializes in travel to North Korea, shows a vast concrete lobby with barriers around the edge of each floor.

Hyatt Hotels Corpation Introduces the New Hyatt Regency Qingdao Hotel Opening in China

Hyatt Hotels Corporation today announced the opening of Hyatt Regency Qingdao, introducing the Hyatt Regency brand to China’s booming coastal city in the Shandong province. Hyatt Regency Qingdao will be the first upscale urban resort in northern China with an idyllic ocean setting. “The opening of Hyatt Regency in Qingdao, a popular gateway city, is a significant milestone for us, as we continue to grow our brands in China in a sustainable manner” Known as the “Pearl of the Yellow Sea,” Qingdao’s location on the Shandong Peninsula, beside the Yellow Sea, is renowned for its natural scenery, beautiful coastline and pleasant climate. It is also recognized as an important economic hub and port city on China’s east coast.

A popular tourism destination full of history, visitors also flock to Qingdao to savor its world-famous Tsingtao beer and delicious seafood. Qingdao was crowned China’s Most Liveable City in 2011 by China Institute of City Competitiveness.

Ideally positioned for business and pleasure, Hyatt Regency Qingdao is located in Laoshan district, Qingdao’s new business, commercial and entertainment center. It has direct access to Shi Lao Ren Beach, a nearly two mile stretch of yellow sand beachfront and azure waters. “As the only upscale beachfront hotel in northern China, our urban resort truly offers the best of city convenience and resort-style indulgence. We look forward to bringing Hyatt’s world-class dining, hospitality and amenities to the beautiful beach city of Qingdao,” says Anthony Ha, general manager of Hyatt Regency Qingdao.

“The opening of Hyatt Regency in Qingdao, a popular gateway city, is a significant milestone for us, as we continue to grow our brands in China in a sustainable manner,” said Christopher Koehler, vice president of operations for Hyatt Hotels & Resorts in China. “We are very pleased to be able to offer our signature brand of hospitality and unrivalled guest experience at Hyatt Regency Qingdao and believe that this opening will underscore our commitment to creating preference for Hyatt-branded hotels throughout China.”