We have picked a hotel. (This is where we cheer and throw our hands in the air.) The Swissotel. This place is great. It’s unique (only 1 in the US), newly renovated, right off the river, great views and its walking distance to both the reception and the church. We were really impressed with the rooms and with the service we received. And the rate, was one of the best….$129 a night. Downtown Chicago….come on that is so awesome. We could not be happier and we hope our guests feel the same way when they arrive at the hotel.

Here is a map of the location of our hotel (red dot) and our church (pink dot). The reception (sears tower) is a little further south on this map.

The past week Todd (aka “that guy, “the groom” or “the fiancé) and I have been looking at various hotels for our guests to stay at during the wedding. Criteria for the hotel is based on three things: location, cost and the size of the lobby. Please keep in mind I am only reviewing hotels we saw in person. In order for us to see them in person, their rate had to be under $139 per night and for some reason not be a Marriott hotel (requested from the fiancé ). I think the reason why is because we really want a unique hotel that is just in Chicago, but we will see what we find.

First up is…

The Avenue- upon entering this hotel, 50 or so people came off a bus. This was a blessing in disguise. When we entered we noticed a really small lobby and a really long line, but we weren’t sure for what (check in or elevator: they were very close to each other). So we tried the stairs, dead end. An employee directed us back downstairs to fight the crowd. We maneuvered our way through and soon found out the guests were not waiting to check in, they were waiting for the elevators. They hid the check in area. Right away I knew this would be a no. We will have over 80 guests, how can they accommodate 80 if they cant even accommodate 50? The whole place was not designed correctly,. That was a no

The Allteron Hotel, upon entering this hotel we noticed a very small common area and the elevators. The lobby was on the 2nd floor. We went to the check in area and again noticed a small lobby. We talked to the front desk about seeing a room and they helped us right away. Overall this place is nice, it has a lot of history and if I were seeing Chicago I would recommend it. But for 80 guests doing things in harmony, it may not work. They have a very small lobby and the rooms are very small. Price was great (around $100 a night) but in this case, you get what you pay for. No views, and small rooms and lobby. This one is a no too.

Ok so we have to steer away from the boutique hotels, those will not work. Next on our list were:

The Hyatt Regency- Located right on the river, this hotel was very nice and huge. It is the largest hotel in Chicago (from the front desk clerk). I favored this hotel because it was very reasonable (around $120 a night) in cost. But “the guy” didn’t like it so much. The rooms were very “90’s try to be modern”, I agree. They did say they were revamping the rooms, but we have no idea what they would look like and that’s a risk i don’t think we are willing to take. This is one of our plan B hotels.

Swissotel – Located right next to the Hyatt Regency, this hotel has a nice lobby, it’s not small, but not grand,. The rooms were wonderful and had great views. We got a very good rate with the Swissotel they are as of now our top pick.

Swissotel's Corner Lifestyle Suite

The Dana hotel and spa – I was really routing for this hotel.  We talked them down to our price range, so I was very excited to see it. The hotel overall is very small, much like the first two we visited, booooo. It was a very nice hotel, but the rooms were very small and the lobby was the size of our living room. We visited the spa and I was swooning, ahh. I  so wish this hotel was a little bigger. O well another one bits the dust. This one is a no.

Wyndham – ok so the Wyndham wasn’t that bad. I really am not a fan of the “enter and take an elevator or stairs to the lobby” but it was doable for me. What made this hotel a no was the service. If the service is bad to someone wanting to block off rooms, the service will be bad to the individual guest. We entered and asked to see a room. Now I understand the marathon was this weekend but every other hotel we saw that day said they were pretty much sold out, but they all managed to find a room to show us. The person at the front desk was rude and said he was sold out (obviously). I so badly wanted to ask to talk to a manager but i let it go and we left. Their loss. Wyndham is a no.

Next up.. Sheraton – This hotel was very nice and it has the grand foyer/lobby we are looking for. And the rates were not to bad, but we hope to negotiate a little. We visited this hotel a few weeks ago when the future in-laws were in town and everyone really liked it. We have a few more to look at but so far this is in the top running. We plan to go for a visit today. So lets hope they will work with us.

today, i had a show at one of the poshest restaurants i’ve been to to date – the equinox @ swissotel. we performed – - dressed as waiters, for some gathering of the asean nations. it was one of the most amazing show venues i’ve performed at to date ; it was held at the private function room and the view from the top was so amazing, i had to run home after my sound check and get my camera! i managed to get some snaps in when the sun was still up, and thinking i could get back in the main function hall after the show was over to get some night shots, i huddled back to the holding area to charge up the ol’ lithium. unfortunately for me (and for you, if you really dig scenic shots) i was not allowed back in, so here are just some of the snaps i managed to grab.

portrait shot

some greenery in the smoking lounge

big champagne!

munching on some grub prior to our show (i don’t look too happy do i? )

JK dosn’t look too happy either. i wouldn’t be if i had to come back on show on my BIRTHDAY!

i managed to take some pano’s of the place as well.

alcohol cellar pano FAIL

singapore skyline pano SUCCESS!

Challenge yourself and conquer  one of Southeast Asia’s tallest hotels – Swissôtel The Stamford, Singapore Scale new heights and attain personal bests as you race 1,336 steps up 73-storeys only the toughest will reach the pinnacle.

Emerge as Champions of the Men’s Open and Women’s Open and be rewarded with a trip to New York to compete in the prestigious Empire State Building Run-Up.

All new Lovebirds’ Challenge where couple will compete and reach to the Finish line hand-in-hand. Their timing would be based on the lower of both timings.

Prize

Participants who complete the race in their chosen race category will be awarded a Finisher’s medal at Swissôtel The Stamford’s Helipad.

For more information please visit : www.swissotelverticalmarathon.com/

We were invited to the event held in Swissotel The Stamford’s Helipad on the 12th this month and we had such a good time. Guests were all making small talk, drinking their wines and nibbling away with the endless rounds of finger food going around. Of course, we were too,  sipping our champagne and some really potent cocktails.  No. Swissotel doesn’t skimp on such events.  The alcohol content was real.

The finger food was ok. Nothing to rave about. The beef was a tad tough and the tarts were a little sweet. What kept us on the terrace, braving the wind and the crowd was the promise of good food by the chefs. We couldn’t wait to be charmed. With a stroke of luck, we actually stood at a really strategic position. The station right in front of us was manned by our favourite chef, Andre Chiang. My god, his scallops were amazing. 

There were 4 main stations. But what was another significant dish was the foie gras  served at another station. It was yummy..  such that the usual health-conscious us didn’t care a hoot about cholestorol for once and had not one but three goes at it.

We left the place happy. Whatever frustrations or differences we had because of the recent move were somehow alleviated.  Mr No-Plan wasn’t in our minds for the first time. This grievance-free evening… how refreshing!  

http://www.equinoxcomplex.com/cwa2009/programme/index.html

Located just beside Singapore River and opposite to the night life of Singapore, Swissotel Merchant Court proved to have a very good night view as well as chill out location. For those who are not driving, it is just 5 minutes walk from Clarke Quay mrt (very convenient).  The entrance to the banquet hall is just on the left of the main pedestrian walk, and can be seen from far (if you are looking for it).

The cocktail and reception area is a rather long but not very wide area, with plenty of tables for you and your pals to crowd around. The decoration is somewhat modern, but retains a little bit of vintage/cottage feel with its wooden tables and chairs. The 8 course meal that is served during the event was slightly above average. The must-try is one of the fish (I have no idea what fish it is), but the soy sauce and garnish makes it look as appealing as it is tasty. The service was normal, but for people sitting right at room corners, expect slightly slower service as the corner tables are more inaccessible. One thing to mention, the toilet is classy and clean, very well ventilated too. For a dinner party, Swissotel Merchant Court may just be the right place for you!

1. Overall: 7.5/10
2. Service: 7/10
3. Food: 7.5/10
4. Atmosphere: 7.5/10
5. Affordability: 8/10
6. Ease of transportation: 8.5/10

Location: Swissotel Merchant Court

20 Merchant Road

Singapore 058281

Directions: Take the mrt to Clarke Quay station. Exit in the direction of Central mall. Walk along the Singapore River (on your right hand side) and you’ll reach in 5 minutes! Visit http://www.swissotel.com/EN/Home for more details.

view from my morning shower
Originally uploaded by jasmined

Maria and I finally used the pool at the hotel this morning. Now that the weekend crowds are gone, we had the pool to ourselves. Maria swam while I worked on my non-existent stroke and did lunges up and down the length of the pool. Alas, no pictures of us in our bathing suits.

I took a quick shower in the locker room so I could stare out this window and think about what to do with my day.

Sipping a glass of champagne and enjoying the beautiful sunset, I never knew that Singapore could look so beautiful. 

Today, I experienced this at City Space.

City Space can be found at Level 70, Swissôtel The Stamford.

(*Photo was taken by an iphone, which doesn’t do well in dim lights. Sorry)

I’m back home from Singapore. It was my first time to ride the plane alone but I got there in one piece. Now, starting from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, it was good to know that I had been exempted from paying the travel tax (it has been included in my ticket already.)

A Chinese couple behind me asked if I could check in some of their luggage to declare as my own so they wouldn’t have to pay for the excess. They assumed that I could speak in Chinese but they were right, I could (at nursery level) but in the middle of the whole conversation, I gave up and told them that I’d rather converse with them in English. I was terrified when she said “thank you” at the end of the discussion because I feared that she assumed that I was willing to check in their baggage together with mine. In panic, I told the guy at the counter that I did not know the Chinese couple behind me and soon enough, they were directed to the next attendant.

Now on to the terminal fee. To be totally honest, I felt that my Php750 had gone to waste. The seats were hard, the gates were separated by ropes and some facilities in the restroom didn’t work.

Under maintenance?

I also took a photo of the toilet but that would be too nasty to post. I noticed too that there were a lot of ads inside the airport. With the money that they could get from those ads, can’t they make any more improvements?

Ding dong is staring!

Anyway, I got into the waiting area around 12:00nn. I had lunch/breakfast at Kopiroti. While waiting, I realized that my roaming was still disabled. Panicked, I texted Globe but I kept receiving that they could not process my request. Even more panicked, I called Globe and the Customer Service Representative immediately turned my roaming on. She did save my life and I think I should commend Globe for this (Yes I know, the text service should have been working in the first place but at least there was a workaround.)

When it was our turn to board the plane, I realized that there was someone on my seat. Being the sissy that I am, I told the stewardess about it and she asked the man if he was on the right seat. I don’t like confrontations very much so I let the stewardess do her job. Turns out he was on the wrong seat but to be honest, at the back of my mind, I was hoping they could bump me up to Business Class. Hahaha!

Still, the flight was entertaining. Singapore Airlines has this interactive remote where you can watch movies and T.V. shows, listen to music and play video games.

Muse - Hysteria!

I only spent 5-10 minutes inside Changi Airport. The lines were short and the baggage claim was very very quick. As soon as I got out of the terminal, my driver, Inda was there. I wasn’t entirely sure if I should give him a tip, something we all do here in the Philippines but my friend told me that it wasn’t practiced in Singapore.

In 25 minutes, I was at the hotel and I checked in. I stayed at the Swissotel along Stanford Road. Above the lobby was a shopping mall.

Esplanade

Anyway, we went to Jurong Bird and Sentosa (the usual tourist spots in Singapore) and this Toy Museum called Mint Museum of Toys (featured in Mel and Joey according to my mom). Below are a couple of photos.

I only placed a few because I don’t to reveal what museum has to offer in case you guys plan to visit.

Anyway, 3 days actually isn’t enough if it’s your first time in Singapore especially with my schedule. But I think I will come back. They’re building a lot of potential tourist spots like the Universal Stadium.

Next on the list, Boracay. Good night world!

Even as a travel agent with Colorado Concierge Services, I have my personal preferences concerning hotel operators. I am a big fan of Swissotel, having visited many of their properties worldwide. While not widely known in the United States, travelers should consider this hotel chain if they desire a mid-size well located property in the destination of travel.

From March 1 through May 31, 2009, guests staying at Swissotel properties save 20 percent on the best available rate for bookings of at least two nights. This Spring Saver can be booked at any of the 28 deluxe hotels in the international chain in 15 countries worldwide via www.swissotel.com  or any travel agency. Depending on the destination, taxes may already be included. For more information, visit www.swissotel.com.

Hotel Club/Executive Floors

When I was younger I traveled around the world on the cheap – really cheap (80 days around the world for about $5,000.  And that was including airfare.  For TWO people).  At that time in my life, anyplace that did not have hoards of bedbugs or cockroaches was a good place to stay.

Needless to say, my criteria have changed a bit over the years.  I now enjoy a nice hotel – love luxury when I can get it.  But even when my budget doesn’t permit the Four Seasons I can find just that little something extra on the club floor of many hotels.  A hotel room is a hotel room is a hotel room.  And if you have so much disposable income that you feel comfortable snacking on $12 peanuts from the minibar and ordering room service for dinner – well then maybe a regular room’s enough for you.  But a club floor – now we’re talking’.  There is a private, dedicated check in desk – no waiting in line. You have your nice room – even if it’s small  (mostly it’s not) – and then right down the hall is a lovely living room or lounge – usually a bar, often times a breakfast room (private, away from the riffraff of the rest of the hotel).  There are almost always computers/internet to use at no charge, a pleasant concierge of your very own and free food morning, noon and night.  Oh yes.  And free drinks during happy hour.  Of course perks vary from hotel to hotel. Prices, too.  Naturally the club floors cost more, but in many cases only $35 – $50 than a regular room.  Some more than that, but hey – when you’ve slept through as many cockroach marching formations as I have – they are worth it!
My favorite club floors so far:
Swissôtel Quito Executive Floor – An amazing floor to ceiling view of the surrounding mountains, breakfast, lunch, tea time and light dinner are all included.  And open bar from 8:30PM to 10:30PM.  Computers, concierge, valet service, business center and check in/out in exclusive lounge.  Uber comfy and very special feeling – I love this floor!
Fairmont Copley Plaza Gold Floor – This club floor has so many things going for it, not the least of which are the historic quarters with the look and feel of a 1912 mansion house from Boston’s Back Bay area. It’s got a dedicated reception area – and there are only 59 rooms – with a staff devoted exclusively to only those guests. The private lounge has three large rooms – including a library (so cozy).  The lounges are equipped with board games, fireplaces a library and magazines and books. The kitchen area has the look of a butler’s pantry (which I suspect it was at one time) with glass front cupboards holding all types of glassware and fully stocked (and free) hidden refrigerators below.  They serve a hot buffet breakfast, daily snacks and evening hors d’oeuvres. Alcohol is a help-yourself honor bar. When I poured myself a very short vodka – one of the waiters said ”oh don’t bother to write that down.  It’s not enough to make a difference.”  What a sweetheart.

Need to book a room on a hotel club floor?  Email me at anne@onthemaptravel.com. Be glad to help.

I like. T’was a mingle of shanghai styled guests and old tunes last night at Swisstotel. T’was the wedding of George & Michelle. My team was made up of Ruby on vocals, Jason & Jacob on guitars and Dominic on sax.

George had serenaded Michelle with a re enactment of what song he sang in the morning (Moon represents my muh heart)

During which, I’m glad Jacob & Dominic spontaneously left their seats to provide for the soundtrack

And also when Michelle’s grandma came up to sing Bengawan Solo! She even told the band, “C”. We were impressed.

and George made an impromtu request to sing Somebody by Depeche Mode

Here’s the Wo Yao Ni video by Ruby.. and a picture of the band, which called themselves Char Shao Baos?! yesterday. They will be performing at Esplanade 24 January at the Outdoor theatre. More updates about that soon.

„Und wie isst man das jetzt?“ Kay Kutschkau guckt abwechselnd auf das Kunstwerk auf seinem Teller und die vielen Messer, Gabeln und Löffelchen daneben. Chefkellner Ilja Schierz, der jeden Gang ansagt, legt die Hände ineinander und erklärt geduldig, dass jetzt der kleine Gourmet-Löffel zum Einsatz kommen könnte. Die Publizistik-Studenten Kay Kutschkau, 26, und Thanh-Van Tran, 29, sitzen heute Mittag mal nicht in der Mensa, sondern im Restaurant 44 von Haute-Cuisine-Koch Time Raue, um ein außergewöhnliches Angebot zu testen: Das Twenü.

So nennt sich das Drei-Gänge-Feinschmecker-Menü inklusive korrespondierender Weine, Wasser, Amuse bouche, Zwischengang und dem Espresso danach, für Twens, also alle unter 30. Es kostet 47,- Euro pro Person – ein Preis, den auch Studenten mal berappen können und auf den das Nobelrestaurant draufzahlt. Denn Tim und Marie-Anne Raue wollen junge Leute einladen, mal was Neues auszuprobieren und auf höchstem kulinarischem Niveau zu lustwandeln. Das beginnt für die beiden glücklichen Tester mit einem roséfarbenen Champagner-Aperitif, in dem eine marinierte Hibiskusblüte taucht. Parallel kommt der obligatorische Gruß aus der Küche: Baliklachs mit Gin-Gelee und Kaper auf dem Löffel, in den Hummerfonds mit exotischen Früchten und das herzhafte Kürbis-Aijoli kann man die hauchdünnen Brot-Röllchen dippen, die mit Mohn, Sesam oder Kreuzkümmel bestreut sind. „Prima“, findet Kay das ungewöhnlich leichte Gebäck, weil es ein guter Träger für die Dipps sei, ohne den Geschmack zu stören oder zu sättigen. Es folgt die eigentliche Vorspeise „Dattelsalat mit Zitrone, Minze, Gurke und Granatapfel, dazu Gamba-Haschée“ zusammen mit dem ersten Wein, einem leichten Rosé Saignér vom Weingut Markus Schneider. Ilja Schierz erklärt den angehenden Publizisten, dass möglichst alles zusammen im Mund landen soll, damit die Komposition aufgeht. „Ich bin überrascht“, sagt Thanh-Van, „dass einem alles so nett erklärt wird.“ Der Service sei überhaupt nicht steif und abgehoben, wie sie es erwartet hätte, sondern locker und kompetent. Andererseits sind beide Testpersonen auch schon leicht beschwippst, als mit dem Hauptgang der zweite Wein nachgeschenkt wird. Der schwere 2004er Merlot  namens „Aia“ kommt aus Petra auf Mallorca und passt zum Filet vom Pata-Negra-Schwein. Aufregend ist die Begleitung: ein Schichtsalat aus glacierten Birnen mit Kreuzkümmelhonig und Sobrassa-Blätterteig. Sobrassa ist diese leckere fette mallorcinische Mettwurst, die verrät, dass das ganze Menü von einem Urlaub inspiriert ist, den Raues kürzlich auf Mallorca verbrachten. Es folgen noch ein supersaures Sorbet, geröstete englische Teekuchen mit Safraneis sowie ein Schwung Pralinen aus der hauseigenen Patisserie. „Es war toll, satt bin ich auf jeden Fall geworden“, sagt Kay und hofft, bald mal einen besonderen Anlass zu finden, zu dem er wieder kommen kann. Denn für einfach mal so zu Mittag, sei es ihm dann doch zu teuer. Thanh-Van findet vor allem den vielen Alkohol zur Mittagszeit problematisch, „jetzt könnte ich nicht mehr lernen.“ Außer dem Safran-Eis hat ihr aber alles super gut geschmeckt. „Vielleicht bin ich das nächste Mal auch etwas experimentierfreudiger, wenn ich selbst wieder was koche“, sagt sie, „aber auf jeden Fall komme ich abends noch mal wieder, wenn man auf den beleuchteten Ku’damm gucken kann.“ Oliver Numrich

Restaurant 44
Im Swissôtel
Augsburger Strasse 44
10789 Berlin
Telefon 220100
www.swissotel.com

Swissotel (Chicago, IL)-http://www.swissotel.com/EN/Destinations/USA/Swissotel%20Chicago/Hotel%20Home/Hotel%20Home.htm

After a few hours at the office I finally made it to the hotel.  The hotel is near the Navy Pier and very close to Michigan Ave.  I had the corner room (Primere Room) which was a decent size. It’s sort of L shaped with windows all around. The bathroom and entrance was at one end and the bed/desk/chair/TV was at the other. King size bed (which was really big considering it was just a little’ole me (everything was so soft and they use down comforter and pillow not just some crappy comforter and pillow), 30″ something LCD or Plasma tv (really cool to hook your laptop to and watch movies), iHome radio (you can hook your iPod to), mini fridge etc….everything will cost you.  The bottle of FIJI water was$6. If you move anything in the fridge it will cost you….I was afraid to lay on the bed just in case it cost extra…..haha. I think they also charge you for using the toilet paper as well….just kidding….There’s also a separate shower and tub. I would recommend this type of room since I think it’s roomier. It’s what you can expect from a Luxury hotel.  If you like to know more detail of the room then just leave me a comment and I can tell you.

BTW-Don’t open the mini fridge…they will charge your room.

Here’s some pictures. Sorry it’s kindda crappy…I took it with a camera phone.

Synn and I have been practicing taking Tristan out to our neighbourhood malls for some time now, and we decided perhaps it was about time to try something more ambitious.

Are We There Yet?

 

Yo Yo Where's My Bling?

Mmm...Juicy Thumb

We happened to be there at the time when full dress rehearsal of the impending National Day celebrations were taking place. It was rather amusing to watch the water performance at the bay from the 70th floor. Too bad we couldn’t stay into the night to watch the fireworks since ours was the High Tea session.

Who Doesn't Love Pizza?

While the main foods were the obligatory run-of-the-mill high tea foods like fried vermicelli, sushi, fried chicken and assorted breads and were rather forgettable, we did get some gems like the fresh pasta and pretty yummy pizza.

Of course, what would High Tea be without scones?

The Scones Worried Who Was Next

Of particular interest were the desserts:

*drool*

Waffles were freshly churned out every few minutes and went great with the ice creams. We got Maple Walnut ice cream and Pear and Raspberry sorbets as flavours of the day. While we didn’t actually try the carrot cake, it looked gorgeous!

I Wouldn't Have Guessed What Cake This Is

There was some fondue to be had as well:

 

Amazingly, the little man was super well behaved, preferring to chew on his thumb over giving the rest of the diners a migraine.

Sadly, the food was forgettable. Considering that the bill came up to SGD82.00, I would have expected a wider variety of food aside from the carbohydrate class of foods that covered about 90% of the buffet spread. Or at least better tasting carbohydrates. I would rate the quality of the food as 3 out of 5.

But, like Synn said, I guess 90% of the money covers the entry fee and bragging rights to the spectacular view.

 After that, it was time to do the coffee joint chill:

Just Me And My Homey

 Where we plotted our battle plan:

What Shall We Do Next?

After some mall cruising, we went home, and Synn and I congratulated ourselves for an awesome time out in town, thanks to the stellar performance by our little friend.  ^^ 

Apparently roses grow beautifully on the equator! Our tour of Quito began at a very scenic overlook. Mountain Travel Sobek has arranged that we will tour Quito for a day before we depart

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