Category: Accommodation Reviews

So you’re planning a trip to London. You’ve got your itinerary down (Big Ben, London Bridge, anything Harry Potter related, etc), you know exactly what you want to eat and drink (fish ‘n chips, cold beer from the pub), and you know exactly where you’re going to stay. Hold up, you don’t know where you’re going to stay? We get it, finding accommodation in London can be a headache. You want to stay close to the sights, but don’t want to pay upwards of 100 pounds per night for a dingy room in a run down apartment. Fair enough. Luckily, we’ve got you covered.

We chose the Palmers Lodge Swiss Cottage because it checked all of our boxes for London. Close to the city? Check. Affordable? Check. Awesome vibes without being an all out party hostel? Check. It was an awesome experience, without breaking the bank. What more could you ask for in foggy London town? Here’s why we loved it so much:

Rooms & Facilities

When you first enter the building, you’d swear you just stumbled into a room in the Hogwarts castle. The hostel itself is located in a beautiful Victorian building that screams traditional London. The dark wooden doors and red velvet upholstery give it a classy, almost luxurious feeling you don’t usually find in a hostel. There’s a large common room with free coffee and tea all day long, perfect for that caffeine boost you’ll need after a long day of sightseeing. The bar and restaurant downstairs has a variety of food on offer, including a buffet breakfast. The rooms themselves are fairly average size. Dorm beds have big curtains for some extra privacy. Our private was small, but cozy. Bathrooms were clean, which is always a plus, and unisex, which is good to know when you step out of your shower and come face to face with a 6’5” Swedish man.

Location

The location was fantastic. The Palmer’s Lodge is in a good neighborhood with plenty of food options around. When you want to go into the city center, the tube is just a few minutes walk and pretty easy to navigate. On a good day it took us only 10 minutes or so to get to the main sights. We found this really useful on days when we wanted to come back to the hostel and rest for the afternoon before heading back out at night.

If you’re flying in from Stansted Airport, the National Express drops you off just a short walk from the hostel. We had a late flight into Stansted and instead of finding a pricey hotel room near the airport, or pulling a full backpacker and sleeping in the uncomfortable chairs in the airport, we were able to bus to the hostel. Palmers Lodge has 24 hour check-in and even at 3 am the front desk staff was very welcoming.

Value for Money

The Palmers Lodge is great value for money. London is really expensive. Finding a cheap room in the city is almost impossible. It’s very common for backpackers and budget travelers to stay just outside of the center. Breakfast isn’t included but you can purchase a full continental buffet breakfast for just a few pounds. It’s a great way to start a big day of sightseeing and much cheaper than anything you’ll find near the tourist sights.

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Traveler Vibes

The big common rooms mean there’s plenty of space for relaxing at the hostel and meeting new friends. They have games and computers available for use. Breakfast in the morning is a great place to meet fellow travelers to explore the city with.

At night, there’s always music and at least a few people enjoying a mug of fresh cold beer. We had a room on the lower level and never had any problems sleeping at night because of loud revelers. When you find a hostel that you can both party at or get a good night’s sleep, you’ve hit the jackpot.

Overall we had a fantastic time at the Palmer’s Lodge Swiss Cottage. From the moment we booked our reservation to the time we finally said goodbye,  the staff was attentive and friendly. It’s no wonder the Palmers Lodge has won so many awards for the best hostel in London. From great value in price to excellent facilities, it’s definitely our top pick for budget accommodation in London.

In the middle of Bangkok’s busy business district, the Amari stands as a serene haven from the city’s chaotic streets. As soon as you step through the doors to the expansive air conditioned lobby, you’ll feel a sense of relief escaping the sticky humidity outside. For us, the Amari was not just another hotel on our Thailand tour, it was the last place we’d stay before flying home after 10 months in Southeast Asia. It was also our last weekend together before separating for a month. After our two nights at the Amari we would both be catching flights to our respective homes, so we wanted to make our last few days together special. We weren’t sure if a “romantic weekend getaway in Bangkok” would be an oxymoron considering the city usually leaves us exhausted, sweaty and a bit grumpy, but the Amari Watergate was a perfect oasis for our time together.

 

 

Executive Club

We had a room located on one of the Executive floors and let me tell you, it is so worth it. The entire hotel is beautiful, but staying in an Executive Club room will make you feel like royalty. When we first entered the hotel we were brought to the private Executive check-in on the 24^th floor. While they prepared our room we waited in the Executive lounge area, enjoying complimentary fresh juice and cookies and cooling off with a refreshingly cold hand towel.

 

 

Our room was spacious with a plush king size bed. The bathroom was luxurious with a huge bath, perfect for a post-happy hour soak with a glass of champagne in hand, of course. We were grateful to find a box of chocolates on the table with a note welcoming us to the Amari. The floor to ceiling windows revealed a view of the cityscape.

 

 

The room had free wifi (available throughout the hotel) and a big desk to work that went unused during our stay because #VacationLife. In the morning we had access to the larger buffet breakfast downstairs, as well as a private buffet in the lounge. Complimentary snacks were available throughout the day, then from 5 to 7pm Executive Club guests had a happy hour with complimentary drinks, hors d’oeuvres and a light dinner buffet. So basically we were eating all day. We especially enjoyed getting a bit dressed up for the happy hour and sipping champagne overlooking the gorgeous skyline of Bangkok at night. Does it get any classier than that?

 

 

 

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Read more reviews at:

Agoda – HotelsCombined – Booking.Com

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The Staff

We knew we would love the staff at the Amari before we even arrived. Our email correspondence with Ari, the Social Media team leader, was refreshingly down to earth and friendly. After the second or third email exchange Jules and I turned to each other and said, we want to be friends with this girl! Luckily she was available when we arrived at the hotel and we were able to chat with her before settling in. The rest of the Amari staff were just as sweet. From the lounge staff who never let our wine glasses empty, to the hotel salon’s hairdresser who not only gave me an amazing haircut but also a Thai geography lesson, we always felt well taken care of.

 

 

The Facilities

The facilities at the Amari Watergate are so accommodating that we literally did not leave the hotel during our entire weekend. I know that may make us sound like bad travel bloggers, but we’d done Bangkok before. We’ve seen the Buddhas and had enough 25¢ street Pad Thai to last a lifetime. This was our weekend for some pampering. We lounged by the pool, taking in the view of skyscrapers, a fun reminder that despite the serenity we’re still in the middle of Thailand’s biggest city. At the Amari there’s a poolside restaurant and bar, where the servers will bring your food to you, so you can enjoy it in your lounge chair, kicking back by the water. Across from the pool is a full gym with exercise equipment, squash courts, Jacuzzi and steam room. Jules enjoyed a full workout one afternoon while I sat by the pool and ate. Don’t judge me!

 

 

On the same level is Amari’s luxurious Breeze Spa. We had a calming Jacuzzi bubble bath in our private room followed by a foot soak and heavenly one-hour massage. The spa was beautifully designed and our room was spacious. Following our treatment we were given a delicious refreshing beverage, which we sipped, basking in the calm post-massage relaxation.

 

 

Overall our stay at the Amari Watergate was exactly what we were looking for in a hotel for our last weekend together. The facilities kept us entertained when we wanted something to do and the room was luxurious, perfect for snuggling in on our down-time. We loved being Executive Club guests and felt like absolute royalty. Thanks to the Amari staff for such a fabulous stay!

 

 

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Headed to Bangkok and looking for luxury? Book a trip to the Amari Watergate from anyone of the booking sites below for guaranteed best prices!

Agoda – HotelsCombined – Booking.Com

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Tucked away in the mountains of Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand, the Panviman Resort and Spa is a paradise for guests that are looking to escape the noise and pollution of Thailand’s big cities. And after spending 10 months traveling through Southeast Asia, Jules and I were in desperate need of some personal care. We had had several friends who stayed at the resort and one after the other they would come down the hill back into town with a restored sense of calm and peaceful energy. We absolutely could not wait for our weekend at what seemed like a magical healing paradise. And I can tell you now that we were not disappointed.

 

Our luxury spa and resort weekend began with a private shuttle that picked us up from our apartment and drove us the hour or so up the windy hill. We arrived excited, if not a bit car-sick, and stepped into one of the most beautiful hotel lobbies I’ve experienced in all my travels. We had seen beautiful photos of the property before coming, but seeing it in person was truly stunning. Throughout the weekend we became more and more impressed with every well thought out detail of the Panviman Spa Resort, and we’re convinced that it truly is one of the most relaxing resorts in Thailand.

 

 

The Property

The only “stress” I felt during my stay at the Panviman was my indecisiveness about whether to stay in our gorgeous room or be outside in the incredible resort. The property of the Panviman is simply breathtaking. The Chaing Mai Panviman is perched high up in the mountains and the view looking out over the valley from the dining room is incredible. We spent most of our meals overlooking this gorgeous view, looking out in awe over the serene landscape.

 

The rest of the resort is equally gorgeous. With a sprawling property, you could seriously spend weeks here without getting bored. Panviman is the perfect resort if you’re looking to rest your mind and rejuvenate your body. The meditation cave and yoga studio are always open to provide yourself some peace and quiet. The well-equipped gym overlooks the gorgeous 2-story pool if you’re looking to get your sweat on before taking a dip. Guests with children will enjoy that the resort has plenty to offer kids (or kids at heart) including mini-golf, giant chess, archery, pool table and ping pong. Or if you’d rather just kick back with a good book there are lounge chairs and gorgeous outdoor beds overlooking their beautiful lake.

 

 

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Looking for more reviews or pictures? Check out:

Booking.Com  //  HotelsCombined  //  Agoda

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The Food

I’ll be honest and say that good food is not hard to come by in Thailand. Chiang Mai especially is brimming with restaurants, street stalls and carts that sell incredible meals for even better prices. Or you can even sign up for your very own Thai cooking class. During our month in Chiang Mai we were spoiled with the tasty choices just on our block, so food wasn’t what we were looking forward to most at the Panviman. That was before we tried their cake. When we first arrived we joined the hotel’s manager, Charles, for coffee and some homemade desserts. I ordered the caramel cake and Jules had the banana fritters. Holy deliciousness. All of the desserts are made in house and they are fantastic. The cake was moist and not overly sweet while the bananas were fried to perfection.

During the rest of our stay we were equally impressed with all of the meals we had. Buffet breakfast in the morning was a lovely mix of traditional Thai breakfast items with Western choices. We opted for beautiful fresh fruit (including local Thai dragon fruit), piping hot omelets made to order and delicious locally made jams with toast.

The adjoining restaurant served huge portions for dinner and we especially enjoyed the Caesar salad and vegetable curry and the complimentary appetizer of fresh cut veggies. Everything tasted healthy and local, not surprising since much of the produces comes from an organic garden within the resort. If you find the food particularly delicious, the resort also offers cooking classes to learn traditional Northern Thai recipes. Yum! And surprisingly, for a big fancy resort, the prices are very very reasonable.

Depending on how long you’re staying at the resort, you may want to bring some snacks up with you. While the restaurant is fantastic, the resort’s location means there aren’t many options for switching it up, grab some snacks before you arrive. We brought cheese and crackers and stopped off at a local strawberry stand on our way up.

 

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“If the Panviman resort is heaven, the masseuses are certified angels.”

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The Spa 

As we mentioned, Panviman Spa Resort is tucked away up in the mountains, making it a bit difficult to leave. They have free shuttles down to Chiang Mai and can organized nearby activities, but because the property itself has so much to offer, we recommend savoring every moment you have up in the hillside. The Panviman is a place for relaxing, healing and pampering yourself. And how better to do that than get a spa treatment?

If the Panviman resort is heaven, the masseuses are certified angels. The spa has a selection of treatments but we opted for the 90 minute Aromatherapy Well-being Massage. The treatment started in the spa’s gorgeous lobby where Jules and I had the opportunity to choose our favorite scent. We then met our masseuses who sat us in two reclining chairs overlooking the beautiful lake. Our feet were gently dipped into a wooden bowl filled with warm water and floating flowers. We had a relaxing foot massage before we were taken to our massage room for a 20 minute sauna. After the steam our 90 minute full body massage began. I can tell you honestly, without exaggeration, that this massage was the best of my life. There is an obvious attention to detail as everything from the music, to the decoration, to the bed was perfectly organized for a relaxing treatment.

 

 

The Hospitality

Anyone who has visited Thailand before knows the Thais are incredibly hospitable. The reputation as “the land of smiles” is well earned. As a five-star establishment, the Panviman takes that hospitality to the next level. From the gracious driver that picked us up from our apartment, to being welcomed with warm tea and a cold towel at reception, we always felt like royalty. Charles, the hotel manager, gave us a lovely tour of the grounds and it was apparent that he is very passionate and proud of his work. The staff were courteous, from the gardeners always greeting us with a “saweedi ka” to the maids fulfilling our requests for more tealight candles to line the jacuzzi. We never felt dismissed or looked down upon because of our age or well-worn clothes. And that’s the way it should be.

 

 

The Rooms

The only thing that could pull us away from exploring the incredible property of Panviman Resort was our equally gorgeous room. We stayed in the Jaccuzi Villa. Emphasis on the word villa. Our room was huge. Double the size of an average hotel room and then some. The interior design was beautiful and heavily influenced by traditional Thai architecture. We had a beautiful outdoor deck overlooking the lush countryside, but our favorite part of the room was the private Jacuzzi located on the deck. If anything says romantic weekend, it’s a private Jacuzzi looking out into the Thai jungle.

 

 

The Panviman has a selection of rooms for guests on varying budgets. They have more budget friendly options in their main building, with something for everyone. Although a bit smaller than our villa, these rooms are still gorgeously decorated and have their own private balcony. For those that want a bigger splurge there are also bigger villas with private infinity pools, which would be are perfect for families that would like to have multiple bedrooms. What we really appreciate about the Panviman Spa Resort is that they cater to a variety of budgets for any luxury resort goer. And despite your room choice, every guest has access to the stunning grounds and extra amenities around the resort. That’s a massive tick in our books!

 

 

What are you waiting for? To book your stay at the best resort in Northern Thailand compare the following search engines for the cheapest prices hands down.

Booking.Com  //  HotelsCombined  //  Agoda

 

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If you search accommodation in Bangkok on Hostel World, you’ll undoubtedly find Lub D Hostels in one of the top spots. Now normally when a hostel is rated so highly, there’s a chance that they may start resting on their laurels. With such good reviews, they can probably afford to relax on the quality of their hostel. Luckily the Lub D (both the Silom and Siam Square locations) is NOT one of those places and it makes a continual effort to stand out as the best hostel in Silom Bangkok. Aside from all the comfortable and homely features the staff at Lub D go above and beyond to make your stay even better.

 

 

Rooms & Facilities

First off, Lub D is huge! There are a ton of rooms, yet somehow it manages it’s space really well and doesn’t feel crowded. Each floor is big so it doesn’t feel like a million rooms are squished into one space. The industrial design gives the whole hostel a sleek, clean look. Rooms are simple and comfortable with key cards that you slot in to power the electricity (two thumbs up for being eco-conscious!). Lub D also has something that I don’t think I’ve seen in any hostel in my entire travels- a flashlight! They have flashlights in every room in case of emergency. Smart. They also have a ladies room only floor that requires key card entry so women can feel extra secure!

 

 

There are also plenty of common spaces at Lub D. When you first walk in there are tables and chairs out front that will most likely be filled with guests planning their day in Bangkok or sharing beers before going out. Past those doors is another common area with a huge table and plenty of couches, chairs and desktop computers for guest use. There is a bar downstairs that also sells food. While we were staying at Lub D many guests would gather around the big table and have breakfast together, a perfect way to find a buddy for exploring the city.

 

 

 

Location

Lub D has two locations in Bangkok, Silom and Siam Square. We stayed in Silom, but heard the Siam Square one is an equally fantastic hostel. The Silom location is a quick 7 minute walk to the nearest metro station. The neighborhood is a good spot to be, with plenty of cafes and bars to keep you entertained. There’s the infamous Patpong Night Market just a 10 minute walk down the street where you can find anything in the lines of shopping, and probably a few things you aren’t looking for in regards to seedy bars and dodgy sex shows.

 

 

Value For Money

Lub D isn’t the cheapest hostel in Bangkok, but if you are looking for a clean, comfortable hostel with an awesome social vibe, it’s worth the price. The staff go out of their way to make you feel at home. They add little extras like freshly popped popcorn from an old school machine and services like free luggage storage! When you’re splitting hairs trying to decide if it’s worth the extra dollars let us help you… it is! Sometimes it’s the little things that really make the difference in a hostel and Lub D goes that extra mile to make your stay memorable.

 

Check Lub'D Prices

Traveler Vibes

Because Lub D is so highly ranked on Hostelworld, and other review sites, it’s no surprise it attracts a social crowd. If you’re a solo traveler or with a group looking to make more friends, this is a great spot for it. The staff at Lub D host events almost every night to get people together. Friday nights they run a club crawl and Saturday nights are reserved for beer pong. An adjoining tour company is located downstairs and they hold free walking tours. Even if there’s nothing “official” going on, the common room is always full of guests gathering around the downstairs bar. Overall, Lub D is a great spot if you’re looking for a quality hostel with a fantastic social vibe.

 

If you’re looking for the best hostel in Sukhimvit area that has the perfect combination of class, atmosphere and price then you can’t go past The Blocks Hostel. Located in a prime location for shopping, nightlife and transportation, you’re only ever a short distance to the best attractions in Bangkok, regardless of the hectic traffic.

Before we arrived at The Blocks we’d actually met people who were staying there, so we were already really excited about checking it out. On arrival we walked up the steps to the hostel, kicked off our shoes, entered and were immediately met with a good feel about the place. First impressions indicated a clean, spacious and fun hostel, and over the next few nights we can definitely confirm those feelings as correct.

 

 

Facilities

The Blocks has a nice open common space downstairs, where we were immediately met with other friendly travelers before we even got the chance to check in. Downstairs the hostel offers some quiet passive working stations (as well as computers) before two big doors open up to a chill out cinema area with scattered bean bags across the floor. There’s also a washing machine and dryer at hand (for free), which is a great extra feature when you need a quick turnaround on that stinky laundry.

After checking in we headed for our room. With rooms spread out across a number of floors we boarded the old service elevator to reach the top. Equipped with a double-sided sliding screen door, this elevator is one for the ages. Hesitantly we jumped inside, but we arrived safe and sound.

 

 

Rooms

In classic boutique fashion there are some really awesome features on offer at The Blocks Hostel in Bangkok. The rooms are set up with comfortable and wide beds, perfect pillows and soft sheets. There are individual charging stations for each bed, as well as a light. Spacious lockers round off the room’s features, with enough space to put your whole bag in if needed. It’s another testament to the good quality thinking that is going into hostel designs these days.

 

 

Location

The Blocks Hostel is located in an amazing position. Just a short walk from the ever-interesting Sukhumvit Rd you’re only a 5min walk to the Nana BTS station. From there it’s quick access to the shopping district of MBK and Central World. Or head somewhere different and check out Terminal 21, only a short walk from The Blocks. This shopping centre is based off the concept of an airport, with each floor representing a different world destination, workers dressed like flight attendants and escalators looking like departure gates.

 

Vibe

One of the best things about The Blocks is the chilled out vibe. You can really be as social as you want to. The kitchen is a great place to mix pre-drinks and make friends before heading out for the night. And the next morning, nurture your hangover in the movie room. The keep this area super dark and have tons of pillows to lay down on, basically made for hangovers. The staff here are super friendly and always down to hang out and give recommendations for the best attractions in the area. Ask Pixie if you plan on going shopping in the city, he knows all the best markets.

Overall, we loved our time at the Blocks Hostel. The management has done a terrific job designing a practical and visually appealing hostel with a chilled out social atmosphere. If you’re looking for the best hostel in Sukhumvit, make a reservation at The Blocks.

With such a busy and crowded city like Bangkok, travelers will find no shortage of choice in accommodation. With hostels and hotels on almost every corner, businesses have to do something a little different to grab the attention of potential customers. And that’s exactly what Here Hostel has done. The best hostel near Khao San Road, they’ve created a unique setting with a flair for design and, wait for it… a slide!! Yes, there is a legitimate throw-your-hands-up-in-the-air, unleash your inner child, slide! How many hostels do you know that have a slide? Slide aside, the team at Here Hostel work hard to maintain facilities that are clean, quirky and fun. Here’s what else we loved about it:

 

Facilities

Here Hostel doesn’t have your standard cookie-cutter layout, which is one thing we love about boutique hostels. It was originally a residential home and much of the original Thai architecture remains. The common areas definitely have a “hipster” vibe with wood floors and eccentric knick-knacks placed around including an old typewriter and two glass jugs with fish in them (say hi to Ethan and Panda for us!).

The bathrooms have the same old school vibe with antique pipes and décor. The showers are awesome (although admittedly a bit confusing to operate), but have fantastic water pressure with complimentary shampoo and soap.

And did we mention the slide??

 

Rooms

The rooms are clean and simple. We stayed in a 12-bed dorm room, which sounds like it would be a room packed with beds and luggage everywhere, but it was surprisingly orderly. Beds have a thick curtain that provides privacy while you’re sleeping. Each bed also comes with large storage space to put your backpack. This keeps the room looking clean and uncluttered, no easy feat for a 12-bed dorm! Extra luxuries include a thick, soft comforter and some of the most comfortable pillows we’ve ever used. I seriously almost stuffed one into my backpack to keep.

Private rooms are super simple, with just a bed and bedside table. If you prefer privates, you’ll have more space to yourself in this room. However, we felt that the curtains in the dorm bed gave us enough privacy. Our only complaint was that the overhead lights are kept very dim, but each bed has a bright light so it’s not really a problem.

 

 

Location

The location, near Democracy Monument, is a little bit out of the way from certain areas, but it’s still in central Bangkok. We even had one tuk-tuk driver ask us why we wanted to go all the way out there. But in the end, we really enjoyed the location. The hostel is set on a quiet street. The party and craziness near Khao San Road is only a 10-minute walk, but it’s far enough way to be able to sleep peacefully. There’s actually a bit to do in this area including Golden Mount Wat Saket and Wat Pra Kaeo. Famous hole-in-the-wall restaurant, Krua Apsorn, is just around the corner. Apparently it’s a favorite of the royal family.

 

 

Value For Money

Prices at Here Hostel are standard for a boutique Thailand hostel. If you’re concerned about money, we recommend a dorm bed rather than a private as it’s still very nice.

The price of the stay includes a free breakfast (that’s actually going to fill you up). The breakfast includes eggs, toast, salad and fruit. Complimentary tea, coffee and water are available throughout the day for caffeine addicts like myself.

There are also appreciated little extras like a fridge to keep leftovers in and brochures in the lobby with information about local sites.

 

 

Traveler Vibes

The hostel has plenty of common space for socializing. Other travelers usually congregate late morning for a sleepy breakfast and it’s a good time to meet buddies for exploring the city. The “dining room” is big with plenty of chairs and benches to sit back with a beverage or write that belated email to your mom.

Here Hostel isn’t exactly a party hostel (at least not when we were there), but it definitely has a social vibe and it’s not uncommon to see travelers congregating around a table for pre-drinks before heading out. The staff are super friendly and will sometimes pull out a sneaky bottle from the back to keep the party going. Sometimes it can be difficult to meet locals when you travel, so we appreciate staff that go out of their way to befriend travelers.

 

Overall we really enjoyed the quirky vibe of Here Hostel. From the design to the thoughtful extras, we would recommend this hostel as a great place to stay in Bangkok.

The first time we heard of Z Hostel was from a friend living in Makati who suggested we visit a roof top party there one weekend. He had never stayed there, didn’t know anyone that had, but had still heard, through pure reputation, about the amazing features of Z Hostel. After visiting that night we were hooked and just had to stay there to check it out for ourselves.

Staying at Z Hostel in the Philippines is not just staying at a hostel, it’s an experience. From the moment you walk in the front door and check in with the amazing staff, right up until you unhappily leave for your next destination. Z Hostel is mixing luxury hotel features with all the perks and facilities of a social hostel. And they’re it right! There’s little surprise that Z Hostel is emerging as the best hostel in Makati Manila, and here are a few reasons why.

Rooms and Facilities

On the outside Z Hostel is modern and edgy, but the inside has a much softer, personal touch. Immediately after stepping into the building the industrial chic exterior makes way for a clean, crisp and comfortable feel on the inside. Careful consideration has gone into the interior design, as beautiful photographs hang from the walls and stylish leather couches make up the lounge area.

 

 

Inside the rooms, in the style of true boutique hostels, Z Hostel offers its guests some of the most comfortable beds and pillows you’ll find in all of your travels in the Philippines. After sleeping on thin foam mats for the last 5 months it’s almost too difficult to describe how comfortable they were. Once we laid our heads on the pillows it was basically bed time. Only downside is you might not want to leave the room! Each bed has a charging station, equipped with a power socket and USB plug, as well as a light. It’s a nice touch, and another confirmation that the little things are often the most appreciated.

Unlike traditional dorms that have external share bathrooms, all of the privates and dorms in Z Hostel have their own bathrooms inside the room. Modest showers and toilet facilities provide all you’ll need in the sanctity of your own room, which is a surprisingly nice change from walking around a hostel in your towel waiting for a shower to free up.

 

 

Location

Not only is Z Hostel within a prime location of the ever interesting Makati, but the hostel itself boasts an exciting array of social events on its roof top bar. From live DJ sets till the early hours, to private acoustic shows at sunset, there’s always something happening at Z Hostel to entertain the traveller and local alike. If you want a night out exploring, the heart of Makati’s nightlife (predominantly red light district near Z Hostel) is only a short walk away. From oiled up midget boxing (personally not our thing, but we’re not judging) and ladyboy cabaret shows, to sports bars and some tantalizing restaurants.

 

 

If the grungy side of Makati isn’t your scene than take a short Jeepney or taxi ride to the ritzy shopping area of the Greenbelt malls. Here you’ll find more glamour and glitz than you’d ever imagine. This high end shopping center is worth a visit, even just to see the sheer contrast of socio-economic status in Manila.

 

Value for Peso

Dorm bed prices range from 1000PHP to 1300PHP per person depending on the number of beds in the room and privates start at 2400PHP. This may seem a little pricey for South East Asia, but for the Philippines it’s very reasonable considering the serious lack of budget/comfort options available. The all female dorms have a few added extras like bathrobes and vanity mirrors, to make any scrubby traveler feel like a princess for a night. There’s also a decent breakfast included in the price, which is enough to get you started for a big day around Manila.

 

 

Believe us when we say this, prices are very reasonable for the Makati area. After walking around Makati checking out a few places for comparison purposes we can confidently say that your options are very slim when looking for budget and comfort. Actually make that budget in general. Even the “budget” rooms were charging at least 1500PHP a night for a double, and they definitely didn’t invoke a sense of comfort.

That’s why at Z Hostel you really get a lot of bang for your buck. Hotel luxuries and hostel social life really do make for a brilliant combination and Z Hostels manages to pull it off with an elegant charm. Without a doubt making it our definite pick as the best hostel in Makati Manila.

 

Thanks a lot to everyone at Z Hostel for making our time memorable. If you’d also like to stay at the best hostel in Makati Manila then you can book your stay here. 

Maybe we’re getting older or maybe the tide is changing in backpacker’s taste, but Jules and I have noticed that boutique, upscale hostels are all the rage. These hostels mix hotel comforts with hostel social life, and a perfect example of this is SPIN Designer Hostel El Nido, Palawan. From the moment we entered the hostel we were greeted by a cheerful front desk staff and really got the royal treatment. The design of the hotel is miles above the typical grungy hostel you’ll find on the road, and we kept discovering extra little luxuries included with the stay. Admittedly, SPIN’s rates are higher than neighboring hostels, but when you factor in extras like free breakfast, free drinking water and a million other little touches, you’ll get your money’s worth. Here’s 15 of those things that we absolutely love about SPIN hostel El Nido:

 

1. The Beds

Jules and I have had our fair share of cramped single dorm beds- his feet hanging over the edge and my restless sleeping banging me into the wall or side rail. Thankfully the team at SPIN has figured out just how important a comfortable bed is. The beds are HUGE! And I don’t mean slightly longer to accommodate tall people, I mean like spread out, sleep diagonally, roll around double beds! And that’s in the DORM, as well as the privates! Heck yes!

 

 

2. The Showers

After a big day island hopping around El Nido, all you’ll want is a nice relaxing shower and SPIN has you covered. No weak pressure here, these showerheads are massive, making you feel like you’re showering in a warm tropical downpour. And not that you need to ask at a boutique hostel like SPIN, but yes, there’s hot water. Whether you’re staying in a private room or using the common bathroom in the dorm, the showers are the same, so everyone can enjoy the luxury!

 

3. The Staff

No matter how nice a hostel is, rude staff can ruin your experience. Luckily SPIN has chosen absolute super stars to run their hostel. From the security guard out front who will protect you from the rain with an umbrella on the short walk from your tuk tuk to the front door, to the staff that carried our bags into our room when we arrived, to the never-ending smiles from Jinky and the gang at reception. Backpackers rarely receive the 5 star concierge treatment, so it’s a real treat!

 

4. The Breakfast

Forget your measly spread of white bread and Nescafe, SPIN actually serves a real breakfast! There’s a cook making fresh eggs and omelettes to order. A legit selection including wheat bread, pineapple marmalade, cheese, fresh fruits and, my personal favorite, REAL brewed coffee available all day! Caffeine addicts rejoice!

 

 

5. The Nightly Activities

The great thing about SPIN hostel El Nido is that they mix hotel luxury with the social atmosphere of a hostel. This means they’re actively finding ways to get the guests mingling. From jam sessions to game nights to arts and crafts, they have a different activity each night!

 

6. The Lockers

They are HUGE! Like you could have a dance party in there huge. Or stuff your entire backpack in there for safe keeping!

 

7. The Design

The hostel is designed with sleek modern concrete floors and elements of natural material like bamboo. A lot of thought has been put into the interior design and the gorgeous green landscaping that surrounds the building. It’s this added hotel-like luxury that makes SPIN worth the money.

 

 

8. The Common Spaces

The spaces! There are so many spaces! Seriously, there are decks, a patio, a music room with instruments, a game room and more. Plus a communal kitchen if you’d like to cook!

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9. The Guests

Given that it’s a bit more expensive than other hostels in the area, SPIN attracts a certain type of guest. These are people who could probably afford a cheap room at a hotel, but prefer the social life that comes with staying at a hostel. Everyone we met was super friendly and I sincerely think we met some life-long friends here!

 

10. The Saturday BBQ

On Saturday nights the hostel hosts a BBQ. Huge portions of fish, chicken or pork, plus rice, condiments and a tasty fresh coconut for 170PHP. And when I say huge, I mean HUGE! If you’re not super hungry you can easily split one dinner between two. We arrived on a Saturday and it was the perfect way to mingle and meet the other guests.

 

 

11. The Blankets

When you arrive you’ll receive a blanket and towel rolled up with a bamboo twine, a super cute finishing touch. You may be thinking, “I don’t need a blanket in the Philippines.” Trust me. With the AC on, snuggling up in this soft, fuzzy blanket is a dream.

 

12. It’s Clean

Should be a give-in, but cleanliness is not always a top priority for hostels. At SPIN the staff make sure all of the common areas and rooms stay spotless- a big job for such a spacious hostel!

 

 

13. The Extras

Backpackers can tell when a hostel was designed by a true traveler. All of those little extras that really make a difference shine through. At SPIN those extras include a shelf and personal power outlet next to every bed for charging all your electronics. They also provide each bed with a little set of pockets that can hold any personal items, like books or toiletries.

 

14. Don Don

I know we’ve already listed the staff, but the manager Don Don deserves a special shout-out. A savvy businessman with a constant smile, he is dishing up food on BBQ nights and is always around to hear about guest suggestions or needs. Definitely get in touch with Don Don if you have an idea!

 

15. Laundry Room

Last on the list, but certainly not least, is the holy grail of hostel amenities. As rare as sighting a wild tarsier, the washing machine is on top of every traveler’s wish list. And best of all, it’s free! Just grab some detergent from the nearest sari-sari, crank up that cycle and enjoy clean clothes! Ahhh, does it get any better?

 

A huge thank you to all the staff for making our stay at SPIN wonderful! Jules and I were guests at SPIN Hostel El Nido in the Philippines, but all opinions are our own. You can book your stay with SPIN Hostel El Nido here. 

The drive to Anda Beach is just like any unassuming Filipino small town road. Except for the regular signs directing you to beach-side resorts and the occasional glimpse of bright turquoise water between the trees, you wouldn’t know what a spectacular coast line awaits just a couple kilometers away. After a broken side mirror on our motorbike and a couple hour drive in the unrelenting midday sun, Jules and I were begging for some beach time, cue: FloWer Beach Resort, Anda.

 

 
 

FloWer Beach does an excellent job of preserving the authentic Filipino landscape and combining it with resort luxuries. Forget the cookie cutter resorts you might find in Boracay or Cancun, where you might as well be back in your home country. At FloWer Beach you’ll get a true taste of the Philippines. You won’t find perfectly manicured lawns, but this adds to the resort’s rustic charm. Instead you’ll find natural beauty at its best. As we entered through the stone path, our first view was of the huge infinity pool, with an adjoining smaller pool for kids. We’ve swam in our fair share of pools, but this one is a knock-out. The pool is even deep enough for beginning Scuba lessons. Lounge chairs surround the perimeter for lazy sun-baking afternoons and if you swim up to the pool’s infinity edge you can find an a view of the resort’s private beach, obstructed only by the swaying of palm trees.

At the feet of the resort lies one of the most beautiful beaches we’ve seen in the Philippines. As the Lonely Planet has described it, this “small but luxurious” strip of white sand is FloWer Beach’s highlight. So bright that I had to immediately put on my shades, the sand is incredibly soft, it felt like silk running through our fingers. That sounds like a travel blogger cliché. It isn’t. See for yourself and report back.

On a sunny day the water lapping up at the shore is a brilliant clear blue. Calm and perfect for swimming, snorkeling here provides glimpses of the Philippines famous blue starfish, although we were told the best snorkeling is a bit further from this area. Palapa umbrellas line the back of the beach and lounge chairs with swim towels are provided for guests. The beach bar sells drinks in the high season and the area has a Wi-Fi connection, although the only reason you should be using it is to post photos that make your friends back home jealous, then put away your devices and enjoy the spectacular view!

Just around the bend past the rooms closest to the beach is another route to the beach. Hanging over the water sits an idyllic hut that would make a Travel + Leisure magazine editor swoon. Rooms are simple, made out of indigenous materials, which make them look natural in the lush landscape. Deluxe rooms are located in the back and have electric hot water showers and air conditioning. We stayed in a standard room overlooking the beach, which we definitely recommend. I don’t think we’ve ever stayed this close to the ocean. There’s no air conditioning in the standards, but the cool breeze coming off the coast is enough to keep the room fresh. All rooms have a private bathroom and the resort provides nice touches like an electric kettle with complimentary instant coffee, creamer and sugar. Outside the room was a little patio with chairs, perfect for enjoying a morning coffee and digging into a good book, if you can keep your eyes off the view long enough to read anything.

The resort has a restaurant on-site that serves delicious big portions of Filipino food, with a few Western options on the menu as well. Other services include a dive shop, a private boat for island hopping and transportation available for tours to nearby sights like the Chocolate Hills.

One thing that kept popping up in reviews we read before coming to FloWer Beach was how absolutely lovely the staff is. The resort is owned by a very friendly German/ Filipino husband and wife team, Werner and Flo (hence the name FloWer Beach). Werner is known for meeting guests at the restaurant and exchanging stories over a few drinks. Unfortunately while we were there he had recently broken his foot, but he still made sure we were greeted with drinks of local spirits at our first dinner. He also chatted with us about his development of the resort and all of the incredible highlights Bohol has to offer.

Werner and Flo do amazing work at the local Florence Technical College, which they founded in 2013. This college provides technical education to local youth in areas like technology and tourism. The couple employs students studying tourism and hospitality as staff at the resort to give them real world experience. At Don’t Forget To Move, we love to see local business owners giving back to the community in a very tangible and sustainable way. It’s clear Flo and Werner care about the livelihoods of those in the area, and this is just one more reason to visit the lovely FloWer Beach Resort, Anda.

Thanks to Werner, Flo and the staff at FloWer Beach for hosting us during our lovely stay! As always, all thoughts and opinions are our own. If you’d like to visit FloWer Beach Resort, Anda you can check them out on their website!