Tag Archives: crabtree and evelyn

the exchange regency

Posted by rob on

there was this residence hotel that i stayed in for a night when i had my days off in manila last july.  it is situated in ortigas complex and the place itself was new.


Experience the modern comforts of home amid hotel convenience, only at The Exchange Regency Residence Hotel. Located at the heart of Ortigas Center, where shops, sights and sundry are just around the corner, we’ll provide you with warm and personalized service and a host of amenities that’ll truly make us the hotel you’ll call home.

Managed by Hospitality International, The Exchange Regency Residence Hotel is a 42-storey property developed by Nobleland Ventures that stands magnificently at the heart of the Ortigas Center skyline.

the lounge area looks simple with classic, contemporary furnitures.

i was given a room at the sixth floor.

tha hall way was typical for residential hotels.

the room i got was a deluxe with a queen-sized bed.

it has a work desk, a 32″ flat screen lcd tv and wireless internet.

a welcome note.

the clothes cabinet has a security box available inside.  laundry and pressing services is also availble with a fee.

the toilet and lavatory.  toiletries from crabtree and evelyn.

the shower area.

after a relaxing sleep i had my complimentary breakfast the next day at benassi. at the ground floor of the establishment.

the breakfast was basic (set menu), and i chose toast with spreads (butter and jelly) and scrambled eggs.

the coffee was great – something that i can recommend.

it was raining hard outside as i checked the swimming pool of the hotel at the third floor.

on the same floor is the fitness center with complete facilities.

the rate for a deluxe room is mid-range and i find it quite high if i compare it to other condotels in ortigas that i have been to.

exchange regency residence hotel . . the modern traveler’s choice.

hongkong chronicles: ovolo 100

Posted by rob on

i decided to visit hongkong when i was on days off last december.  i was not thinking of a shopping spree weekend but instead, i wanted it laid back – sort of get a good room to relax and maybe visit disneyland or ocean park.

i arrived hongkong international airport after about a two-hour flight from manila.  it was not my first time in this airport for i used to have a  few hours stop-over here when our company used to fly us with cathay pacific.  hkia is one of the largest and busiest international airports in the world.

i took bus A10 from the airport to aberdeen where i have booked a hotel.

ovolo 100 shek pai wan is a 27-storey serviced apartments that offers a mountainside or seaside view of “little hongkong”.

the hotel is very accessible with public transportation and is just a stone-throw away from restaurants and convenience stores.

hotel staff was very accommodating and have expected my arrival.  i have actually made my booking through agoda and not met any problems during check-in.

i noticed a desktop computer and a comfortable sitting area for their guests.

their lounge also has an area where one can have a quick fix of coffee or tea.

the room i got was a one bedroom type suite with a panoramic view of the aberdeen harbour.

the floor bed’s mattress is comfortable and the bedroom cabinet includes items for a more worry-free stay.  even a yoga mat is available! 😀

modern entertainment amenities can be found in the living room.  there is a flat tv with surround sound, a dvd, an apple tv and complimentary wi-fi internet brodband access.

the kitchen is fully equipped with a microwave oven and refrigerator.

the bathroom amenities include toiletries from crabtree and evelyn.

i was fully satisfied with my three night stay at ovolo 100.  the hotel staff were all approachable and courteous.  i would just want to suggest to them about the availability of a cleaning lady on sundays (though as much as possible, i keep my room clean on any hotel i stay), i think that is a necessity even its a weekend.

ovolo 100 at shek pai wan road in aberdeen is only one of the six properties of ovolo group across hongkong island.  check their website at www.ovologroup.com.