• My recent stay at the Hilton Suites Jabal Omar Makkah was a largely exceptional experience, perfectly blending comfort, convenience, and spiritual proximity. The hotel’s most significant advantage is undoubtedly its unparalleled location, situated a mere one-minute walk from the Masjid al-Haram, making it an ideal choice for pilgrims and visitors.

    The Room: A Spacious and Comfortable Retreat
    I stayed in a King Junior Suite with a Partial Kaaba View. The suite was impressively spacious and well-appointed. The bed was extremely comfortable, ensuring a restful night’s sleep after long days, and the shower had excellent, powerful water pressure. While the room was categorized as having a “Partial Kaaba View,” this was indeed very partial; the primary benefit was a pleasant, general view of the Haram area, which was particularly atmospheric at night. A notable safety observation was the wooden blinds on one side of the room, which felt fragile and covered a significant drop. This could be a potential concern for families with young children.

    Dining: Extensive and High-Quality
    The breakfast and dinner buffets were a highlight, offering an extensive selection of high-quality food. The variety and taste were excellent. A valuable tip is to arrive early for breakfast, as the dining area gets very busy. For those needing to work, the hotel provides a well-equipped business lounge with computers and a printer, which is a thoughtful and practical touch.

    Amenities: Comprehensive and Well-Maintained
    The hotel’s gym was well above average, featuring a good range of both cardio equipment and free weights, catering to most fitness routines. The magnificent, beautiful lobby sets a grand first impression, and the staff throughout the property were consistently helpful and professional.

    Location & Overall Impression
    Beyond the direct access to the holy mosque, the hotel exits directly into a connected mall, offering a huge range of shops and food establishments, adding immense convenience to the stay. The combination of this prime location, spacious and comfortable rooms, and excellent facilities makes the Hilton Suites Jabal Omar a top-tier choice in Makkah.

    Overall Rating: 4 / 5

    The hotel is magnificent, and its strengths are profound. The minor issue with the view not fully meeting expectations and the noted safety concern with the blinds are the only factors preventing a perfect score. I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone seeking a comfortable, convenient, and well-appointed base for their spiritual journey.


  • Overall Rating: 4 / 5

    My stay at The Tower Plaza Hotel Dubai was a memorable experience defined by its staggering vertical scale and vibrant energy. It is a hotel that delivers breathtaking moments and fantastic convenience, thriving on its buzz, though this same energy comes with minor operational trade-offs that prevent a perfect score.

    The Highlights: Views That Define a City

    The hotel’s most powerful and unforgettable feature is its elevation. Our room on the 58th floor offered a truly breathtaking panorama of Dubai, which was particularly magical at night. The sight of landmarks like the Museum of the Future, all lit up against the cityscape, was a daily highlight that never grew old. Furthermore, the hotel’s location right on Sheikh Zayed Road is ideal, placing you at the very heart of the city’s pulse with easy access to major attractions.

    The Room: A View with a Room

    The room itself was comfortable and well-appointed. While the decor felt slightly dated, the quality of the furnishings was still very decent. However, the view was the undisputed star of the show, so much so that the room’s interior design became a secondary feature. The floor-to-ceiling windows perfectly framed the epic Dubai skyline, making it a private spectacle well worth the price of admission.

    Amenities & Dining: Extensive, Quality, and Lively

    The hotel’s facilities are comprehensive and impressive. The pool was a delight, with the added bonus of being open until 9 or 10 pm for a refreshing evening swim. The gym was exceptionally well-equipped with a huge variety of machines and free weights, catering to all workout styles. The spa also appeared modern and inviting. Dining was a highlight of abundance; both the breakfast and dinner buffets were extensive, featuring high-quality meats among other options. The lobby was a great, multi-functional space to relax, with an integrated cafe and a selection of boutique shops for clothes and perfume, adding to the convenience.

    The Letdown: The Price of Popularity

    The hotel’s clear popularity is both a testament to its appeal and the source of its minor shortcomings. The elevators were consistently packed, leading to slight but noticeable delays when moving between floors. This busy nature also extended to the breakfast service, which was bustling even for early risers, occasionally impacting the tranquility of the start to the day.

    Verdict

    The Tower Plaza Hotel Dubai is a towering success in delivering a classic, vibrant Dubai experience. It excels where it counts most: unparalleled views, a prime location, and a vast array of high-quality amenities. While it operates with the bustling energy of a major hub, which leads to minor congestion, the overall value and the sheer spectacle it provides are undeniable.

    Recommendation:

    I would confidently recommend this hotel to tourists and city lovers who want to be in the center of the action and are seeking those iconic, jaw-dropping views of Dubai. It is perfect for those who prioritize a fantastic pool, a serious gym, and extensive dining options over absolute tranquility. If you can embrace its vibrant, busy energy, you will find it to be a comfortable, well-located, and visually spectacular base for your adventures.

  • Overall Rating: 4.5 / 5

    My stay at the Skyview Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit was a deeply impressive experience in modern luxury and convenience. It skillfully blends high-tech comforts with impeccable service and a fantastic location, creating a stay that feels both indulgent and effortlessly connected to the best of the city.

    The Highlights: Service and a Sky-High Oasis

    From the moment I arrived, the staff were exceptionally welcoming and attentive, setting a warm and professional tone for the entire visit. The hotel’s crown jewel is undoubtedly the pool area—an incredibly cool, stylish space with breathtaking views of Bangkok that provided the perfect urban escape.

    The Room: A Luxurious, High-Tech Sanctuary

    The suite was an absolute delight, embodying luxury and smart living. The floor-to-ceiling windows were a spectacular feature, flooding the space with light and framing panoramic city views. Beyond the opulent furnishings, the room was equipped with an array of high-tech amenities that elevated the experience, including a advanced bidet toilet and a latest-model washing machine, adding a layer of practical convenience to the stay.

    Amenities & Dining: Designed for Variety and Vitality

    The hotel’s facilities are top-tier. The gym was modern and comprehensive, boasting a wide array of both cardio and weights equipment, perfectly catering to a serious workout routine. Dining was a highlight. The breakfast was extensive and superb, with a notable station dedicated to cooking eggs any way you could imagine. The restaurant itself was a pleasant and inviting space to start the day. I was also thrilled to see the hotel features an exciting Japanese restaurant, complete with a live kitchen, promising an authentic and dynamic culinary experience.

    Verdict

    The Skyview Hotel masterfully combines cutting-edge comfort, exceptional amenities, and genuine hospitality. It’s a hotel that not only meets the needs of the modern traveler but anticipates them, from the in-room tech to the professional gym.

    Recommendation:

    I would highly recommend this hotel without reservation to any traveler seeking a luxurious, well-connected, and technologically-savvy stay in Bangkok. It is perfect for couples, luxury seekers, and business travelers alike. The combination of its fantastic amenities, from the pool and gym to the exciting dining options, and its unbeatable location right next to the Emporium Mall and food court, makes it a standout choice that delivers on all its promises.


  • Overall Rating: 5 / 5

    My stay at the Valia Hotel Bangkok was an exercise in flawless hospitality, setting a new benchmark for what a luxury city hotel can achieve. From the profound attention to service to the spectacular physical design, the experience was consistently exceptional from check-in to check-out, with no notable shortcomings.

    The Highlights: Service That Defines Excellence

    The hotel’s most powerful asset is its staff, whose performance redefines proactive and personalized service. The team demonstrated a remarkable ability to anticipate needs, from providing umbrellas the moment rain began to fall to offering assistance with crossing the nearby street—a gesture that exemplifies their commitment to guest safety and comfort far beyond the hotel’s walls. This unwavering standard of care was the golden thread running through the entire stay.

    The Room: A Masterclass in Urban Design

    The room was nothing short of spectacular, masterfully blending aesthetics with deep comfort. The bed was supremely comfortable, ensuring perfect rest, while the floor-to-ceiling windows framed a breathtaking view of the Bangkok skyline. The undisputed centerpiece was the enormous, fully marbled bathroom, which felt like a private spa. It was equipped with a powerful, rainforest shower that was a daily pleasure to use.

    Amenities & Dining: Curated for a Memorable Stay

    The hotel’s amenities are designed not just to meet expectations, but to exceed them. The pool is a massive, inviting oasis that remains open until 10 pm, perfect for a refreshing dip under the stars. The gym is equally impressive—modern, impeccably clean, and equipped with a comprehensive range of high-quality equipment. The dining experience was equally stellar. The breakfast buffet offered an excellent and varied selection, while the daily 3 pm complimentary chocolate buffet was a unique and delightful treat that added a layer of indulgence to the afternoon. In-room dining was prompt, professional, and of excellent quality.

    The Letdown: An Absence of One

    In the interest of a balanced critique, it must be stated that there was no discernible “letdown.” Every facet of the stay, from the significant elements to the smallest details, was executed with precision and a clear focus on guest satisfaction.

    Verdict

    The Valia Hotel Bangkok does not merely operate at a 5-star level; it defines it. The harmony between its world-class service, stunning rooms, and thoughtfully curated amenities creates an experience that is both luxurious and effortlessly comfortable. It is a rare property that manages to be both spectacular and consistently reliable, achieving a flawless standard that is worthy of the highest accolade.

    Recommendation: I would recommend this hotel without a single reservation to any traveller seeking the pinnacle of Bangkok hospitality. It is an exceptional choice for couples, luxury seekers, and discerning travellers who appreciate when impeccable service is matched by stunning design and premier facilities. You will not be disappointed.


  • Overall Rating: 4.5 / 5

    My stay at the Al Meroz Hotel was a fantastic discovery, offering a level of value and halal-friendly convenience that makes it a standout choice in Bangkok. While a few aspects were functional rather than exceptional, the hotel’s strengths in pricing, dining, and genuine comfort are truly remarkable.

    The Highlights: Unbeatable Value and Halal Convenience

    The most immediate highlight is the sheer value for money. At approximately £50 per night for two adults and a toddler, including a stellar breakfast, it feels almost too good to be true. This value is perfectly complemented by the hotel’s fully halal environment, which provides immense peace of mind. The most consistent delight, however, was the Diwan breakfast buffet—it was absolutely amazing, with a vast and delicious spread that effortlessly caters to diverse tastes. The staff throughout the property were uniformly friendly and helpful, adding a warm, personal touch to the experience.

    The Room: A Comfortable and Surprising Sanctuary

    I found the room to be a genuine sanctuary. For the price, my expectations were modest, but I was pleasantly surprised by the comfort of the beds, the overall cleanliness, and the more-than-decent bathroom. A particular standout was the great view of the city, which provided a lovely backdrop day and night. It was a comfortable, quiet, and perfectly appointed space to return to after a day of exploring.

    Dining & Amenities

    The dining experience is a tale of two halves. As mentioned, the breakfast buffet at Diwan is a 5-star experience in its own right. For lunch and dinner, the a la carte options were satisfactory; our curry and pasta were decent quality and arrived quickly, though they didn’t quite reach the heights of the morning spread. The amenities are solid: the pool on the top floor is a great size and a real asset, while the gym is average but sufficient for a basic workout. The lobby area, with its cafe and shops, is a nice, convenient touch.

    The Letdown: A Few Functional Flaws

    The only aspects that prevent a perfect score are a few functional shortcomings. The gym, while adequate, lacks the equipment and appeal to be a real draw for fitness enthusiasts. Similarly, the a la carte lunch and dinner, while convenient and acceptable, felt like a noticeable step down from the exceptional quality of the breakfast buffet. They served their purpose but didn’t excite.

    Verdict

    This hotel operates at a 4.5-star level in the aspects that matter most for a value-conscious traveler: room comfort, core amenities, and an unbeatable halal breakfast. The minor issues with the gym and the merely decent a la carte dining do little to diminish the outstanding overall value and comfort. It’s a brilliant hotel that proves you don’t need to spend a fortune for a great, culturally considerate stay in Bangkok.

    Recommendation: I would highly recommend this hotel without reservation for Muslim travellers, families, and anyone seeking incredible value. It is an exceptional choice for those who prioritize a halal environment, a fantastic breakfast, and a comfortable, well-located base. If your top priority is a world-class gym or gourmet evening dining, you might look elsewhere, but you will still be immensely impressed by everything else Al Meroz offers for the price.


  • Overall Rating: 4.5 / 5

    My stay at the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport was overwhelmingly positive, offering a level of luxury and convenience that truly redefines the airport hotel experience. While there was one notable oversight, the property’s strengths in service, design, and facilities are exceptional.

    The Highlights: Unmatched Convenience and Service

    The first thing that strikes you is the magnificent lobby—it’s vast, elegantly designed, and makes a powerful first impression of calm and sophistication. The most consistent highlight, however, was the staff. Every employee I encountered was exceptionally polite, friendly, and proactive, setting a wonderful tone for the entire stay. The complimentary airport shuttle service was flawless—frequent, efficient, and removing all the usual stress of transit. The recreational facilities are top-tier; the pool is genuinely large and inviting, and the gym is arguably one of the best I’ve seen in any hotel, with a staggering variety of machines, weights, and even a table tennis table.

    The Room: A Perfect Retreat

    I found the room to be a sanctuary of comfort. The bed was extremely comfortable, ensuring a perfect night’s sleep before an early flight. A particular standout was the huge, deep-soak bathtub, which was an absolute blessing for relaxing after a long journey.

    Dining & Practicalities

    The dining options were impressive. The breakfast and dinner buffets in the main restaurant were delicious with a great variety, and having access to a high-quality Japanese à la carte restaurant on-site was a fantastic bonus. The Club Lounge was a quiet and comfortable space, though the complimentary food and drink selections were merely satisfactory and lacked the excitement found elsewhere in the hotel.

    The Letdown: Facility Maintenance

    The only significant blemish was in the changing area adjacent to the pool and gym. The jacuzzi was visibly dirty and appeared to be completely out of service. In a hotel that otherwise radiates cleanliness and order, this was a surprising and disappointing oversight.

    Verdict

    This hotel operates at a 5-star level in nearly every aspect that counts most: service, core amenities, and room comfort. The single issue with the jacuzzi prevents a perfect score, but it does little to diminish the overall excellence of the experience. It’s a brilliant hotel that is just one small step away from being flawless.

    Recommendation: I would highly recommend this hotel without reservation for any traveller, whether on a layover or starting a Thai adventure. It is an exceptional choice for those who value seamless transit, outstanding service, and superb facilities. If your top priority is 100% perfect maintenance of every single amenity, you might notice the jacuzzi, but you will still be immensely impressed by everything else.

  • Overall Rating: 3.0 / 5

    My stay at the AC Hotel Iberia Las Palmas was a mix of strong positives and noticeable oversights. The hotel has a fantastic foundation with its modern design and excellent amenities, but inconsistencies in attention to detail prevent it from being a top-tier experience.

    The Highlights: Style and Facilities

    The lobby is stunning—sleek, contemporary, and immediately impressive. The real winner for me was the rooftop. The pool area is a beautiful oasis with great views, perfect for relaxing, and the adjacent gym is well-equipped and a real asset for any traveller. The hotel’s direct connection to the main bus station is a massive logistical advantage for exploring the island.

    The Room: Functional but Let Down by Housekeeping

    I stayed in a Standard King Room. The layout was efficient and the bed was very comfortable. However, the housekeeping was inconsistent. I noticed some stains on the walls and in the shower, suggesting a surface-level clean. The most telling example of this was when I discovered a previous guest’s leftover sandwich, still wrapped in foil, in the mini-fridge. This clearly indicates that the fridge was not checked or cleaned between stays, which calls the thoroughness of the entire cleaning protocol into question.

    Dining & Practicalities

    The food was fairly standard. The breakfast offered a decent continental spread, and the lobby bar was fine for a casual drink. I opted for the set menu for my dinner instead of the buffet option. The food was average I would say. It served its purpose without being exceptional. For those driving, please note that parking is available but comes with a daily charge.

    Verdict

    This hotel feels like it’s operating on autopilot in some key areas. The foundation is fantastic—the lobby, pool, and gym are all 4-5 star quality. However, the lack of meticulousness in room preparation, lowers the overall score significantly. It’s a good hotel that could be great with more diligent operational oversight.

    Recommendation: I would recommend this hotel with caution. It’s a great choice for travellers who prioritize style, location, and the pool/gym, and who won’t be spending much time in their room. If impeccable room cleanliness and thoroughness are your top priorities, you may want to manage your expectations or look at other options.

  • Overall Rating: 4.0 / 5

    Having recently returned from a stay at the AC Hotel Gran Canaria by Marriott, I can confidently say it delivers a solid, stylish, and efficient experience that aligns well with the brand’s modern ethos. It’s a hotel that excels in specific areas, making it an excellent choice for certain types of travellers.

    First Impressions & Location:
    The hotel’s location in the Las Palmas urban area is its defining characteristic. It sits directly on Las Canteras Beach, one of the best city beaches in Europe, and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean and the bustling promenade. This is not a secluded resort; it’s a gateway to the energy of Gran Canaria’s capital. You are steps away from a fantastic stretch of sand, countless restaurants, shops, and cultural sites like the Pérez Galdós Museum. The immediate area feels safe and vibrant, perfect for evening strolls. The trade-off is that you are in a city, not a purpose-built holiday complex.

    The Room:
    My room was a testament to the AC Hotel philosophy: sleek, minimalist, and intelligently designed. The décor was contemporary, featuring a neutral palette with clean lines, creating a calming and uncluttered space. The highlight was undoubtedly the private balcony, which offered a stunning, uninterrupted view of the Atlantic Ocean—perfect for a morning coffee or an evening drink. The bed was very comfortable, fitted with high-quality linens, ensuring a good night’s sleep. The bathroom was compact but impeccably clean, with a powerful, modern shower and the signature AC Hotel toiletries. It was a well-appointed sanctuary after a day of exploration.

    Dining & Drinks:
    The hotel’s breakfast buffet was a definite strength. It offered a wide and satisfying selection, from fresh fruits, pastries, and cereals to Spanish charcuterie, cheeses, and hot options. The quality was consistently high. The on-site restaurant and the rooftop bar are major assets. The rooftop bar, in particular, is a destination in itself, serving expertly crafted cocktails in a sophisticated setting with what must be one of the best views in the city. For other meals, the surrounding streets of Las Palmas are a culinary treasure trove, offering everything from traditional tapas bars to innovative fine dining. I booked my room as Half Board so the evening meal was a set menu. The food was great and I was also given unlimited soft drinks (which I’m not sure if they made a mistake doing so?)

    Facilities & Service:
    The rooftop pool, while not large, is a lovely spot to relax and enjoy the vista. The gym is well-equipped with modern machines, catering well to those who like to maintain their fitness routine. Service throughout the hotel was professional, efficient, and courteous, exactly what you would expect from a Marriott property. The staff were helpful and multilingual, though the atmosphere is more business-like and less personally attentive than at a smaller boutique hotel.

    Final Verdict:
    The AC Hotel Gran Canaria by Marriott is a superb choice for the discerning traveller who values modern design, a prime beachfront location, and easy access to city life. It provides a comfortable, stylish base from which to explore the cultural and culinary delights of Las Palmas. If your ideal holiday involves a sleek hotel with incredible views, a fantastic rooftop bar, and the freedom to step directly onto a world-class beach and into a vibrant city, then this hotel is an outstanding option that I would not hesitate to recommend.


  • Overall Rating: 4.8 / 5

    Having recently returned from a stay at the Meydan Hotel in Dubai, I can confidently say it offers a uniquely tranquil yet utterly luxurious experience. While many Dubai hotels thrive on bustling energy, the Meydan provides a refreshing sense of calm and space, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking both relaxation and sophistication.

    My arrival set the tone for the entire visit. The hotel’s architecture is nothing short of magnificent, with a modern and expansive design that pays homage to its world-famous equestrian connections. The grand scale of the lobby and the sleek, wood-accented interiors immediately convey a sense of understated luxury.

    This theme continued into my room, which was a highlight of the stay. I was fortunate to be assigned a room with a breathtaking view over the Meydan Racecourse. Waking up to that vast, green track was a unique and memorable experience. The room itself was a masterclass in modern design, featuring rich wood panelling and an array of cool technological features. The remote-controlled curtains were a particularly nice touch, adding a layer of convenience and modernity that I greatly appreciated. The bed was supremely comfortable, ensuring a perfect night’s sleep, and the bathroom was a spa-like haven—incredibly spacious, beautifully appointed, and equipped with a powerful, invigorating shower.

    Dining was another strong point. The breakfast and dinner buffets at Farriers Restaurant were exceptional. The variety was impressive, but more importantly, the quality of the food was consistently high. From fresh, international dishes to local specialties, every item was delicious and well-prepared, surpassing the standard of most hotel buffets.

    The pool area complemented the hotel’s serene atmosphere perfectly. It was a good size, never felt crowded during my visit, and provided a wonderful space to unwind under the Dubai sun.

    Final Verdict:
    The Meydan Hotel is a standout choice in Dubai for travellers who appreciate modern design, top-tier amenities, and a more peaceful environment. Its unique location overlooking the racecourse, combined with its luxurious rooms, excellent dining, and superb facilities, makes it a truly five-star experience. The combination of a magnificent setting, a incredibly comfortable room, and delicious food makes it a hotel I would not hesitate to recommend and one I am eager to return to myself.

  • Overall Rating: 4.2 / 5

    Having just returned from a week at the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa in Mogan, I’m excited to share my thoughts on this sleek, modern hotel. It’s a resort that impresses with its contemporary design and fantastic facilities, offering a luxurious base in one of Gran Canaria’s most charming areas.

    First Impressions & Location:
    The first wow-factor is the architecture. The resort is a stunning example of modern design, all clean lines, white surfaces, and open spaces that frame the brilliant blue of the ocean. It feels more like a boutique luxury hotel than a typical Canarian resort. The location is a mix of pros and cons. It’s perched on a cliffside just outside the beautiful Puerto de Mogan (a 10-15 minute scenic stroll away), meaning you get breathtaking views and a sense of exclusivity. However, this also means the entire property is built on a slope with numerous steps. While there are elevators, it’s something to consider for those with mobility issues. The hotel’s “beach” is a small, charming man-made cove; for a long sandy beach, you’ll need to walk to the main one in the village.

    The Grounds & Pools:
    The pool complex is arguably the heart of the resort and is absolutely magnificent. A network of interconnected saltwater pools, including a large main pool, a peaceful adults-only section, and a smaller kids pool. The area is surrounded by ample sunbeds and stylish lounging cabanas. The atmosphere is vibrant yet relaxed. The real highlight for relaxation is the Spa by Clarins—a truly world-class facility with a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, and an extensive treatment menu that is worth every penny.

    The Room:
    We stayed in a Premium Room with Sea View. The room was a highlight—spacious, immaculately clean, and beautifully designed in a minimalist, calming style with a palette of whites and blues. The king-size bed was incredibly comfortable, the private balcony offered a stunning panoramic view, and the bathroom with a rainfall shower felt luxurious. Modern amenities like a smart TV, a coffee machine, and a well-stocked minibar were all present. It was a perfect, serene retreat after a day in the sun.

    Food & Drink:
    We were on a half-board basis. The main buffet restaurant, Aquarella, offers a good variety of well-prepared food with live cooking stations and themed nights. The quality is solidly high for a buffet. However, the star of the dining experience is the adults-only Roca Coral à la carte restaurant. The Mediterranean cuisine here is exceptional, and the cliffside setting is unforgettable (booking is essential). The Olé Tapas Bar by the pool is perfect for a casual lunch. The only slight drawback is that for a 5-star resort, the number of à la carte options feels a bit limited, which might prompt you to explore the excellent restaurants in Puerto de Mogan.

    Service:
    Service throughout the hotel was professional, efficient, and generally very friendly. Check-in was smooth, the restaurant and bar staff were attentive, and the room cleaning was impeccable. It met the high standards you expect from a international brand like Radisson Blu, though the sheer size of the resort means it can feel more efficiently corporate than intimately personal.

    Final Verdict:
    The Radisson Blu Resort & Spa is an excellent choice for couples and families seeking a stylish, modern, and activity-filled holiday. Its stunning rooms, world-class pools, and superb spa make it a destination in itself. While the terrain and limited dining options are points to note, its overall quality, luxurious feel, and proximity to beautiful Puerto de Mogan are major strengths. I would highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates contemporary design and top-tier facilities.