My Favorite Hotels
Friday, April 25th, 2008Throughout the years that I have been traveling - may it be with family, friends, or both - I have tried a diverse mix of accommodations. From camping, town inns, luxury hotels to pool villas - I’ve tried them all. Diverse as they are, all these experiences have definitely been memorable.
Two hotels, however, will forever have a place in my heart. These hotels take the top two positions in my favorites list.
In 2007, I took two trips to Manila. Weeks before leaving, I searched around online for a nice hotel around the Ortigas area, and found the site of Astoria Plaza Suites. The photos of the hotel’s rooms made my jaw drop, and I decided instantly that I wanted to stay there.
Situated in Ortigas, Pasig, Astoria Plaza Suites made it easier for me to get to my appointments in Eastwood, Shangri-La, and I also got to visit grandmother in Diliman. The 35-storey hotel has very spacious accommodations that can cater to different types of clients. The contemporary designs of the rooms are definitely something to look forward to. I especially loved their Bedroom Suites - with a living room, dining and kitchen areas, I instantly felt at home! Only our home is far from how nice that room was! And I definitely want something like that! 
In October of that same year, my family and I took our first trip to Bangkok, Thailand. We stayed at the Baiyoke Boutique Hotel - a few steps away from Baiyoke Sky Hotel (Thailand’s Tallest Tower). It’s modern and trendy design was truly eye-catching! From the artworks, the door signs, carpeted floor, to the elevator doors - we would see funky designs everywhere! My siblings and I had fun fooling around and taking photos all around the hotel. Even the front-desk staff took a quick time out to join us in our photo op!
Staying at the Baiyoke Boutique Hotel also proved convenient for us. It was just a few steps away from the bustling tiangge markets, and a few minutes’ cab ride to the busy malls. We could shop during the day, AND at night! We could just walk back to the hotel to drop off our shopping bags when they were a handful already, then we would go right back out!
I do love to travel, and great hotels are always plus points in making an experience memorable. I may not be able to count how many hotels I’ve stayed in anymore, but these two definitely made a mark with me. 
