#itsemifiedtravel

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What It’s Like Staying At Grand Hyatt Manila

Grand Hyatt Manila is a posh luxurious hotel that just started operating last year. If you’re looking for a place to stay in Taguig, why not give this hotel a try?

Recently turned 24 and I decided to spend my birthday weekend in Bonifacio Global City. Choosing a place to stay in for the night was not difficult because Grand Hyatt Manila was an option. 

Upon arriving in the hotel, I instantly noticed how stinky their lobby was. The dreadful stink lingered the entire day and no one from their staff did anything about it until the next day! I was clearly disappointed with this because a luxurious hotel was clearly failing when it comes to hygienic purposes.

Stayed in their 1 King Bed Room + extra bed where everything was absolutely splendid. They gave us a room with a “view” although it was just a bunch of boring buildings.

Said bed:

The room has a work desk area with electrical and USB outlets in the side where you can charge your gadgets as you work.

They have a mini lounging area in the room where you can sit back and relax or invite your guests for a quick chat.

Their elegant bathroom has both a shower area and a bath tub. Pick your poison! Unfortunately, I only got to use the shower area because I was too lazy to warm up the bath. :(

Of course the bathroom was complete when it came to toiletries - everything you would need and want were available. They have the June Jacobs brand as their complete hair and body care package.

My biggest concern was the separate toilet room from the bathing area. There was no bidet available where you can wash your parts after every usage. Nobody bothered suggesting to include bidets when they were constructing the hotel???

Complimentary coffee and tea was available. 

I appreciated that their walk in storage had a mini sofa where you can sit when you want to wear your shoes. You can also find your hotel slippers in here too.

I wasn’t able to explore their gym area so I settled for their poolside area. The place was absolutely relaxing and I felt like a pampered guest when I visited. I got temporarily separated from my family and I appreciated that the poolside desk lady knew my family name and guided me to where my family was. Kudos to her! <3

Their pool was quite big but a bit shallow. Perfect for the kids but terrible for the adults. Nothing fun to do around here except taking a couple of drinks. You don’t have to bring your towels because the staff would offer complimentary towels if you ask for it.

Got myself a lychee vodka. :)

Since I didn’t bring any money, they were okay with payment upon checkout. *thumbs up*

They also have 2 temperature-controlled jacuzzis. It can fit at least 9 people but it would be crowded. 

They have a locker area where you can deposit your valuables and other items before entering the pool area.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to take a picture of their breakfast buffet area but the food they were serving there wasn’t the typical hotel breakfast buffet menu. They have numerable delicacies that were bound to satisfy your appetite.

Overall, I would rate my Grand Hyatt experience a 3.5 out of 5 stars. It was smooth-sailing but they could have done a better job when it came to multiple aspects.

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What Went Down In My Boracay 2019 Trip

When it comes to summer destinations, Boracay is the leading tourist spot. With its awesome nightlife and breathtaking views, one would surely want to live here forever.

It was actually my first time going to Boracay. The journey’s short thanks to Air Asia. Everything was smooth except for the bumpy boat rides from the airport to the Boracay island itself.

The city was bustling and the roads were full of foreigners. The place made me feel like I was in a foreign country due to the influx of various nationalities. It was complete chaos but nothing was going to stop me from having fun.

Staying in a posh and relaxing resort was an absolute must. My family decided to settle in Fairways and Bluewater Resort. It was a completely different experience from all the resorts I’ve tried before. They treat every guest as a VIP - I can attest to this!

Here’s my OOTD:

Shades: Gucci Scarf: HM Top: Forever21 Bottom: Uniqlo Bag: Mango Shoes: Parisian

Boracay’s full of water activities and I intend to enjoy the best ones to fully maximize the trip. My itinerary included: helmet diving, parasailing and relaxing in a private beach. Every single one was an utter blast.

Here’s me soaking in Fairway’s infinity pool. The view behind me was outrageously gorgeous. Will never forget the view! <3

Of course, when you’re in Boracay, mini activities like getting your hair braided and getting henna is a must. That was why I participated in both! Unfortunately, I don’t have a clear shot of my henna which I asked to be placed on my neck. I was surprised that both mini activities were cheap. The braid costed PHP250 while the henna was PHP200. Expected both to be in a higher price range.

I even managed to score this sarong for PHP350. I don’t know whether that was overpriced or not but I really liked the design so money wasn’t much of an issue here.

OOTD:

Shades: Tom Ford Top: Forever21 Bottoms: Uniqlo Shoes: World Balance

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Marina Bay Sands Hotel Room Experience + Review

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to stay in one of Marina Bay Sands’ rooms in Singapore? Gotchu covered!

When you’re visiting Singapore, it’s a must to check-in at Marina Bay Sands. The hotel itself can be considered as a Singaporean landmark due to its convenient location from various tourist spots, remarkable services, and luxurious experience.

My family booked a Deluxe Room for 4 days and 3 nights. It includes a privileged access to the popular Marina Bay Sands infinity pool and skypark. It also has access to their posh gym but since I didn’t bring any athletic wear, I did not get to use that facility.

They have this cute bunny-wrapped towels waiting when you enter the room.

Place is spacious and well-lit. Perfect for 2-3 persons. A King-sized bed is waiting for the kids (and even the kids-at-heart!) to be jumped on.

Unfortunately, we did not get a room with a balcony but some Deluxe Rooms have this feature. My family specifically chose a room with a view but I forgot (teehee!) which view we picked. Marina Bay Sands Hotel offers a city, garden or a harbor view.

The Deluxe Room has an executive work desk with fully-functioning pens. The seat’s made out of leather so extra points for that.

Their sofa is plain and nothing extraordinary. The couches at home are far better and more comfortable than what Marina Bay Sands is offering. 

In case you’re wondering about their bathroom amenities, here it is. :)

I’m quite disappointed with their amenities. Since it’s a 5-star hotel, you’ll be expecting luxe bathroom shampoos and soaps, but they just provided an unknown Chinese brand. This is such a downgrade as compared to Sofitel’s Lanvin and Lotte Hotel World’s Molton Brown.

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Dongnae Halmae Pajeon

An APEC restaurant that’s rumored to have its food served to ancient Korean kings would surely pique any person’s interest. Naturally, it caught mine so I had to try it out when I visited Busan.

When it comes to traditional Korean restaurants, there are not a lot that exude fine dining vibes. In fact, most traditional Korean restaurants would prefer on focusing improving their food rather than revamping their restaurant’s interiors.

Dongnae Halmae Pajeon’s interior design is nothing short of amazing. It’s totally rich in Korean culture, I can attest you that. There are a lot of restos with great ambience in the Philippines, making DHP look bland.

Don’t be fooled. Despite the lackluster ambience and the unwell plated dishes, the price is very hefty. You’ll drop $45 for just a plate of Korean pancakes.

Honestly, DHP is a major letdown. Its appetizers are quite common and its Pajeon is soggy. I thought I would experience a world-class culinary delight since South Korea would invite various political leaders to dine in this place, but it turned out to be overhyped.

The only thing I enjoyed is their rice cake, but the cost is just too much for such a few serving, especially when there are far more delicious rice cakes being sold for just $2.

Will I come back? No. Should you try it? Maybe. I’ll give it a 2.5/5.