Cubao's Hidden Cheap Hotel -- Ibis Styles Manila Araneta City

ABBEY: For our staycation before heading to Bulacan, we chose to spend a night at Ibis Styles Araneta City in Cubao. From the moment we entered the hotel, we were welcomed by a giant glove sculpture in the lobby, which added a playful touch to our arrival. Check-in was a breeze—just a couple of minutes, and we were on our way to our room.

The room was immaculate, exuding a cozy ambiance that made us feel instantly relaxed and ready to unwind. The fragrant toiletries added a touch of luxury, and I took full advantage of the hot shower, letting the warm water wash away the day’s fatigue.

One of the perks of staying at Ibis Styles is its direct connection to the nearby malls. We couldn't resist exploring, so we strolled through the shops and grabbed some snacks at Manam. The place was bustling, so for dinner, we opted for a KFC takeaway, bringing our meal back to the comfort of our room.

As we settled in, we tried to catch a bit of the Formula 1 Grand Prix, but the cozy bed quickly lulled us to sleep. Before we knew it, morning had arrived, and it was time to pack up and check out.When it comes to transportation, there's no need to worry—plenty of options are available right outside the hotel, making travel a breeze.

A Modern Hotel in the Heart of Quezon City: Our Ibis Styles Experience

WILL: Cubao, Quezon City, often known for its bustling streets, love hotels, and the infamous pickpocket, isn't the first place you'd expect to find an upscale hotel. Yet, the Accor Group has strategically placed Ibis Styles Manila Araneta City right to Gateway Mall, a move that left me both surprised and impressed.

Initially, I wondered who this Ibis Styles Manila Araneta City would cater to. However, during our stay, we observed a diverse crowd—business travelers, seminar attendees, and international guests. It’s clear that Ibis Styles has tapped into a niche market here, providing a fresh and modern option for those visiting the area on business.

Check-In/Check-Out Experience: As an All Accor Plus member, Abbey and I experienced the perks of priority service. The check-in and check-out process was seamless, reflecting the efficiency that the Accor Group is known for.

Room Experience: The room was charming, with a layout that reminded me of our stay in Danang. However, I noticed one peculiar omission—there was no proper desk, a surprising detail for a hotel branded as business-friendly. Despite this, the room hit all the right marks in terms of cleanliness, making our stay comfortable.

Location and Amenities: One of the major perks of Ibis Styles Manila Araneta City is its location. Being adjacent to Gateway Mall, we had easy access to a variety of dining options, which made exploring the area a delight.

Final Verdict: Will we return? Absolutely! Despite some minor drawbacks, Ibis Styles Manila Araneta City offers a unique and convenient option for those visiting Cubao. It’s a refreshing addition to the area, and we look forward to our next stay. 

Per Night: Php3,206.50

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Ibis Styles Manila Araneta City

(W) https://all.accor.com/

(A) General Roxas Avenue, Araneta City, Quezon City 0810 Philippines

Nusa Transport - The Best Way to Travel with Kids from Singapore to Legoland Malaysia

ABBEY: When traveling between Singapore and Malaysia, there are plenty of transport options available, but we’ve found that Nusa Transport stands out for a few key reasons. First off, their website is a breeze to navigate. It's clear, concise, and gives you all the information you need—pricing and vehicle options—without any unnecessary fluff. 

Booking with them is a hassle-free experience, too. Their customer support team is quick to respond to any queries, and they make sure to keep you in the loop by sending driver details and arrival card links the day before your trip. 

As for the ride itself, it’s top-notch. Our driver was not only professional but also incredibly helpful, assisting us with our luggage, ensuring we were comfortably seated, and even guiding us through the immigration process. The Starex vans were spacious and spotlessly clean, giving us that premium, private car experience we were looking for.

Nusa Transport - The Best Way to Travel with Kids from Singapore to Legoland Malaysia

WILL: While taking a bus directly from Singapore to Legoland Malaysia is a popular choice, we opted for a private car service instead. With two kids and all our luggage in tow, this option offered us the convenience and comfort we needed for an stress-free journey.

Benefits of Using a Car Service:

—Convenient Pick-Up and Drop-Off: The service picks you up from anywhere in Singapore. For a small additional fee, you can even arrange for multiple pick-up or drop-off locations.

—Hassle-Free Immigration: Unlike buses, you won’t need to unload your luggage or step out of the car during the immigration process.

—Spacious and Comfortable: The van provided was large enough to comfortably fit all our luggage and accommodate all six of us. The seats were comfortable, and the driver was friendly and professional.

Nusa Transport service is highly recommended for families who value comfort and ease when traveling to Legoland Malaysia. It made our trip smooth and enjoyable, letting us focus on the fun ahead!

2-Way cost :: SGD290

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Nusa Transport

(W) https://www.nusatransport.com/

Lloyd’s Inn: An Honest Review of Our Singapore Staycation

ABBEY: Lloyd’s Inn always comes up whenever I check where we can accommodate our visitors. At last the day has come and we booked an overnight stay on their Big Garden and Garden rooms. 

The place is filled with plants and trees. Our rooms are Japanese-inspired wherein the mattresses are in elevated floors. We even had yukata. Toilet and bath are outdoors but still maintain privacy. We’re not able to lounge in the garden as we have to leave early to our next destination. You have to fill your water bottles from the dispensers stationed at every floor. The same goes for vending machine coffee. Don’t worry they are free for the guests. 

A traditional kaya toast set (with soft-boiled egg and hot drink) can be claimed to a nearby Kopitiam with the provided voucher.

Lloyd’s Inn An Honest Review of Our Singapore Staycation - Pool 

Lloyd’s Inn An Honest Review of Our Singapore Staycation - Garden Room

WILL: During the pandemic, Lloyd’s Inn kept appearing in my feed, suggesting it as a staycation option. I initially dismissed the idea, thinking it was too far or not easily accessible. However, when the need arose to book a room for 6 people, Lloyd’s Inn became a strong option.

As I researched more, I discovered that some of the myths I had heard about Lloyd’s Inn were far from true.

Myth 1: It's Too Far from the City
Lloyd’s Inn is actually very well situated, just a 10-minute walk from Singapore’s Orchard Road, the heart of the shopping district. Despite being close to the city, the tranquility of the place is remarkable. There’s no loud music or crowds of pedestrians on the street outside.

Myth 2: It’s Expensive
When you break down the cost, Lloyd’s Inn is surprisingly budget-friendly without compromising on quality.

Myth 3: No Amenities
This couldn’t be further from the truth. Lloyd’s Inn offers a serene pool area and an unlimited coffee supply in their common pantry.

Lloyd’s Inn goes the extra mile to make your stay special. When they learned we were celebrating a special occasion, they surprised our niece with a chocolate bar and a handwritten note.

Overall, our stay was pleasant—until bedtime. I had trouble sleeping due to some itchiness while lying in bed. Since we were only staying for one night and I didn’t have the energy to complain, I slept without the quilt, and the itching subsided.

Another drawback is the lack of a driveway. If it’s raining and you have a lot of luggage, be prepared for it to get a bit wet.

Cost: Starts from SGD200... 

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Lloyd’s Inn Singapore

(W) https://www.lloydsinn.com/singapore

(A) 2 LLOYD ROAD, SINGAPORE 239091

(T) 65 6737 7309