It’s a pleasing start when the greeting you get from reception is the friendliest ever. Not only very welcoming, the staff seemed genuinely enthusiastic about both the hotel and the city, which honestly, is pretty unusual. Before we’d even got to our room the eager excitement for this often dismissed city had rubbed off.
The hotel feels modern, but the fabric of it is anything but. The context for its ‘relaxed luxury’ interior is old brick walls, high arched windows, a dimly lit courtyard and a roof top terrace with views encompassing an early medieval castle. Float dreamily in the roof top pool, as the sun slowly shifts the deliciously old-world skyline to silhouette. As the pool is encased in glass even the chilly months shouldn’t deter you.
Location wise you couldn’t be more central. One road back from the beach and paseo, a stone’s throw from the marina, close enough to bars and restaurants to get a sense of the lively atmosphere, tucked away enough that it doesn’t keep you awake.
If you can’t quite extricate yourself from the peaceful and relaxed ambience to eat then there’s a treat on your doorstep- a tantalising Michelin starred restaurant – Monastrell Restaurant. Tucked away at the end of the narrow inner courtyard it’s so close you could almost venture down in your slippers.
From our 2 night stay, you can certainly understand why the 5* Hotel Hospes Amerigo is number 1 on TripAdvisor for Alicante.
Starting at US $130 including WiFi and Spa
– The bathroom freebies are a cut above the usual, including tea tree bath crystals and natural loofa!
– The bath- big enough for 3 (if one is a toddler!)
– Easy underground parking right in the centre of Alicante
– The breakfast was good but not outstanding for a 5* hotel
Chris & Hannah
Directors
The small, three-story O on Kloof Boutique Hotel and Spa has only has eight rooms and the staff know how to make you feel special. From the moment of inquiry to the moment we left, the staff was amazing. They had champagne ready on arrival, they talked to us about our day and our upcoming plans. They asked what we’d already seen and wanted to help with the rest of our stay. They really made an effort to get to know us. For that reason alone they have a lot of repeat customers. I know I didn’t want to leave and already wanted to start planning my next stay.
On reservation, you can reserve the room of your choice, whether it be an ocean view or a view of the mountain. Each of the eight rooms is unique. Our room was pool side and opened up to a spacious balcony. It was a quiet escape from downtown Cape Town and the tourist strip of Camps Bay, yet a short walk to the ocean and many great restaurants. If you don’t want to walk, the staff is on standby to call a great cab company (with fair rates, which can be an issue in Cape Town).
The hotel may be small but there are plenty of amenities, including a pool, workout room and spa on site, as well as a comfortable lobby that feels like home. You don’t need to leave the comforts of the property in order to be pampered.
Breakfast is included in your stay and served on the balcony or in the dining room overlooking the ocean. The staff is there to make sure you have everything you need to start your day off on the right foot. They are also there to make sure you have a great end to your night, including complimentary sherry or cocktails made to order. It’s a great spot to watch the sun go down in the comforts of the leather couches.
O on Kloof is small in size but big on style and service. You won’t regret your stay at this beautiful boutique hotel. All the comforts of home with the pampering of a large hotel.
Starting at US $203 for single occupancy per night, cooked to order breakfast is included
– With so few guest rooms, you often feel like you are the only ones at the hotel, being waited on hand and foot.
– You have to book early to make sure you get the room of your choice for your stay.
Melissa D. Jones
Review Team
As you’re careening up the Saigon River from Bach Dang pier in Villa Song Saigon’s private boat, you aren’t entirely sure what to expect. The city seems to disappear as you wind around the corners, anticipation increases as you see the spectacular villas that dot the river front. 15 minutes into the trip, you begin to slow down and the beautiful hotel shows itself.
From the second you step on the pier, you can tell you’re in for a unique, luxury hotel experience.
Villa Song Saigon was originally the private residence of a wealthy banker, but about 10 years ago it was converted into a luxury hotel. After a two year renovation and restoration project, the hotel opened in December 2013, and the result has been one of the most unexpected surprises of our recent trip to Ho Chi Minh City. The French colonial style building is home to 23 rooms, each individually decorated with local Vietnamese artworks.
Villa Song Saigon is unique in that most people enter through the river side, so the hotel is set up to accommodate that.
Upon being greeted at reception you’re handed a refreshing glass of fresh juice that sets the tone for the rest of the day. Passing through the lobby on the opposite side you’ll find the immaculate 30 metre salt water pool, where we spent many a pleasant hour.
It was the perfect place to unwind after the frantic, hustle and bustle of downtown Saigon.
The food produced by the new Luxembourgian chef at the Villa is some of the best I’ve had in Ho Chi Minh, and the prices are extremely reasonable for the quality and exclusivity of the resort. You can dine in the air conditioned restaurant or in the garden area as you watch the river flow by. An all-day breakfast is included so not matter how late you sleep, you won’t miss out. We can recommend the eggs Benedict and the French toast!
Our Villa Room was extremely well appointed, and made us feel right at home, as we had the best night’s sleep of the trip in the oversized king bed. The drinks selection in the minibar is entirely complimentary, a nice touch.
The concierge was more than happy to set up spa treatments in their wonderful spa, and even inquired about a round of golf for me at a nearby course.
This hotel is perfect for a couple looking for an oasis in the midst of one of the busiest cities in the world. It’s a short boat ride back to the centre of town (or about 25 minutes by taxi). There are six departures to and from the city with the last returning at 6pm. As long as you’re not on a strict timeline, I would choose Villa Song hands down over most of the other highly rated hotels in the area.
If you’ve ever wondered how it would feel to be treated like royalty in Vietnam for a few days, look no further than Villa Song Saigon.
From US$150 per night including breakfast and shuttle boat to District 1
– Scenic, tranquil riverfront location
– Extremely attentive and friendly staff
– Beautiful and comfortable rooms
– If you’re looking to sample Saigon’s nightlife, the location might not be convenient
This 
hotel is a member of Secret Retreats, a collection of boutique residences, hotels and boats throughout Asia and a brand that provides experiences for the discerning traveller.
Simone
Review Team
We stepped into the hotel lobby and we instantly felt luxurious! The air con hit our faces and we were pleased to escape the Nevada sun. If you are particularly looking for luxury in Vegas, then this is your place. We only had three words repeatedly gasped during our stay here: Amazing. Stunning. Classy.
The customer service we received, from everyone from the waiters to the concierge, was top of the league with no detail too small. The Aria Resort and Casino is one of many hotels on the Vegas strip but what really sets the Aria aside from the others is its affordable pricing for the quality you receive.
We entered our room on the 52nd floor and the size was exceptional. Sean loved the state of the art technology throughout the room that allowed you to control every aspect, ranging from lighting to the TV to opening the curtains. Overall, we were impressed with the high class facilities.
Which brings me to the next fantastic aspect of the Aria, and that was the view that we were privileged to witness throughout our stay. We had stunning views of Vegas that were frankly quite mesmerising. Be sure to ask for a room high up if possible, the view of Vegas lit up is one not to be missed!
The Aria boasts 16 unique restaurants so we had a hard time choosing where to go! (We recommend you sample the epic pancakes at Jean Philippe Patisserie). We tried all three of their distinctive pools that vary in entertainment factor (one pool had top DJs playing all day). At night, we checked out the Cirque du Soleil show ‘Zarkana’ which was a phenomenal performance, ending the night in the busy but relaxed casino.
The location is perfect for wandering along the strip and they have prompt services for hiring cars and ordering a taxi should you wish to roam Vegas aimlessly (which we did!).
The Aria had everything we were looking for. We ate, swam, shopped, sunbathed, gambled, and relaxed to our hearts’ desire. If you need anything extra, literally all you have to do is ask.
The hotel recently received the Forbes 5 star award for 2015. In our humble opinion, it’s not hard to see why.
From US$158 per night for a Deluxe Queen Room, not including breakfast. Resort fee of US$32 a day is also not included.
– The customer service and exceptional staff were a big thumbs up.
– Food was extremely good quality and a wide variety, whatever you fancied.
– The pool area is clean and full of atmosphere. Food and drink are brought to your sun lounger.
– Waited 1 hour to check in (although we were there in the busy August period).
– Although the food was delicious, it was a bit on the expensive side.
Jess & SeanReview Team