TravelCommentator

Category: Reviews

* Review / Accommodation

Glam Hotel Milan

Good Marks for Location, Room and Service. Food OK A better than expected experience. Wasn’t sure of the quality of this establishment and didn’t know what kind of room we were getting for a family of four as I didn’t see one on their website. I knew it was in a prime location right opposite Milano Centrale station, across Piazza Duca D’Aosta. That was one of the reasons why I chose this hotel because it would be easy to reach from Malpensa Airport and to leave when we took the Frecciarossa to Firenze (Florence). Also having access to two lines of the Metro, M2 (Green Line) and M3 (Yellow Line). M2 for Porta Garibaldi station and trains to Lake Como and M3 for Duomo,...

* Review / Places

Amsterdam’s Red Light District

Ladies of the Day and Night The Red Light District of Amsterdam. Would I recommend this place? All depends on what sort of person you are and what interests you and whether you get offended or not. If you like erotica and perhaps seediness, yes, it’s the place to get your kicks. If it is the novelty effect, and I guess many people go here for that, it’s just something you’ll need to experience. Like many other places during travels you may even learn something. Me? I look at things from cultural and an historical perspective. As an ex-photojournalist I’m desensitized (if that’s the right word…) when it comes to seeing women like this, I have photographed many in all sorts of states of...

* Review / Accommodation

Absalon Hotel Copenhagen

Colourful, Trendy with Great Staff, Breakfast & Handy Location A classy boutique hotel. Located in a prime position, a short distance away from Copenhagen central railway station, in Vesterbro, southwest of the city centre and close to the old “meatpacking district”, the hippest, trendiest place currently in Copenhagen. The hotel is positioned on a street corner with other hotels close by. Across the street there’s a sex shop. It’s part and parcel of Northern Europe and Scandinavia, so don’t be put off by this, it can easily be ignored. My kids had a laugh the few times we went past. Our room for four, two adults and a 12 and 14 year old, was on the fourth floor facing the internal courtyard. Windows flanked...

* Review / Trains / Transport

Leonardo Express

Still Best Way to/from Rome Fiumicino Airport Have used this train service many times and have reviewed it before with lengthy explanations. One thing I must add since my review of November 2016 is that the walkway that used to go across to Terminal 3 has been pulled down. The façade at Terminal 3 has returned to its original design of mostly glass. The walkway to Terminal 3 is now the same one that takes you to Terminals 1 and 2. So head straight ahead away from the train platforms and concourse until you come to what seems a dead end and turn right. The signs above will indicate T1, T2 and T3. This walkway has travelators and was the one I used back...

* Review / Bus / Tours / Transport

SIA Hop-on Hop-off Bus

See Singapore in Comfort A great way to see Singapore and its highlights all done while sitting in an air conditioned bus. Or, if you prefer from the open-deck of the top level from where you’ll get a great view. If you fly with Singapore Airlines you get a discount (which I do) by using your boarding pass or your KrisFlyer membership card. If you are on a stopover holiday it is free, otherwise pay full price if on neither. It’s not public transport, but you can use this bus to go to any of the best sights and hop-off and hop-on again later. So it can be worthwhile compared to catching public transport, either buses or trains. At least you get to see...

* Review / Accommodation

Hotel Royal at Newton Singapore

Perfect for a Short Stopover A stopover organized by Singapore Airlines (SIA). My second stay at this hotel this time with my family. Basically this is a stay to recoup some sleep after arriving from Europe on an early morning flight. Our flight out was late in the evening. Singapore Airlines gives rooms out for free depending on the fare you’ve paid. Ours was included. If you are on a cheap fare you’ll need to pay a supplement if you want them to organise a stopover for you. That was the case with our kids who were on a cheaper fare. Otherwise you need to book a hotel yourself. The price seems to be reasonable for a day rate (07:30 to 20:30). We had...

* Review / Shopping / Technology

iStudio Apple Premium Reseller

Handy Apple Reseller At Changi Airport Singapore iStudio is an Apple premium reseller in Singapore. Been to several of their stores, Plaza Singapura and at Changi Airport, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. If you want to purchase something at the airport while transiting a good idea is to check their website first before arriving to see if they have what you require. All shops have plenty of accessories, but if you are looking to purchase an iPhone, iPad or MacBook make sure to check. Otherwise you can always order online and pickup later. I wanted an Apple Pencil as I bought an iPad Pro 12.9 for my daughter several weeks earlier at home in Australia and the Pencil was out of stock. She wanted...

* Review / Trains / Transport

Singapore MRT (SMRT)

Coolest Way Around Singers I use the MRT extensively when in Singapore. It’s my favourite mode of transport, safe, clean, very efficient and reasonably priced. Not taking anything away from the other forms of public transport in Singapore, all excellent, the MRT is definitely the best way to get around the city-state whether you are a tourist, local or a regular visitor like me, alone or with my family. Most places of note are in walking distance from the stations, some are right above or within the building. The network is mostly underground keeping you out of the heat and humidity but a few lines run above ground in the outer areas of Singapore, such as part of the track to and from Changi...

* Review / Lounges

SilverKris Lounge Adelaide International Airport

An Adequate, Comfortable Lounge for Short Stay This lounge is airside of passport control/emigration and is adjacent to Gate 16 about 50 metres from Gate 18, the usual departure point for Singapore Airlines flights. It’s located below the Departures concourse (Transit area) and is accessible by an escalator. The lounge opens in the mornings about 90 minutes before departure of flight SQ278. It is also open in the late afternoon for SQ276 when this flight is part of the schedule. Entry is allowed for Singapore Airlines Business Class, PPS, KrisFlyer Elite Gold and Star Alliance Gold status holders flying Singapore Airlines. A guest on the same flight is also welcome. The lounge is windowless and is on the small side, but big enough for the...

* Review / Cities & Towns / Destinations / Places

Zaanse Schans, Netherlands

An afternoon trip to Zaanse Schans to see the windmills. Not the best day for us as it was grey and windy, not unusual for the Netherlands at the time of year, autumn. It would’ve been nice if we had blue skies with the wind to run the windmills. Best time to visit is in spring (April) when the tulips are normally in bloom. This will add colour to any view. Getting to Zaanse Schans is easy from Amsterdam. We caught the train from Amsterdam Sloterdijk where we were staying but you could easily do it from Amsterdam Centraal. It takes approximately 15 minutes from Sloterdijk to the Zaandijk Zaanse Schans railway station. Then a short walk of approximately 20 minutes to the historical...

* Review / Trains / Transport

Train: Schiphol to Amsterdam Sloterdijk

Efficient, Inexpensive Airport to City and Country Service Very efficient and inexpensive way to travel to and from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. The station is located under Terminal 1. Access to the train platforms are by escalators from the Arrivals concourse. For information there’s a small kiosk next to the Meeting Point Red and White sculpture. Make your enquiries there regarding which public transport ticket will suit your stay best. The NS Ticket office is opposite the kiosk and you can buy tickets for travel all over the Netherlands. We chose a 3-day ticket for Amsterdam and its surrounds that could be used on all forms of public transport. Remember to check-in and check-out every time you board and alight (trains, trams etc.). We stayed...

* Review / Accommodation

Meininger Amsterdam City West Sloterdijk

Good Modern Hotel in Prime Transport Location If you want handy public transport and don’t mind a sterile location – not in the heart of older more charming Amsterdam but in modern office surrounds – the Meininger Amsterdam West is in the perfect spot. Coming and going to Schiphol Airport, getting around Amsterdam or the surrounding countryside is easy from Sloterdijk. I chose Meininger for this reason, its location. Sloterdijk Station is a short walk (about 150 metres) from the hotel. Two stops from the airport and one stop to Amsterdam Centraal. We visited Zaanse Schans, Haarlem, Den Haag (The Hague) and Rotterdam by train from here. If we had more time we would’ve visited Utrecht and a few other places. Outside the station...

* Review / Accommodation

Hotel Grand Pacific Singapore

Quick Relaxing Stopover This is my fourth visit to this hotel, this time just for a one-night stopover before heading to Europe. Also this time with my family. When I booked I actually made a terrible mistake and got the date wrong. Only finding out when we arrived. They were also fully booked. Luckily though after sorting a few things out they found two rooms for us. The only drawback, I had to pay extra, $SGD160 for the rooms. I wasn’t planing to spend that extra money on accommodation but it was a small price to pay for my error. I didn’t want to go looking for another hotel just after arriving with luggage and family in tow, especially after I had already mucked...

* Review / Chauffeur & Taxi Services / Transport

Adelaide Metropolitan Chauffeurs

Reliable Airport Transfers This is a chauffeur service I use regularly to and from Adelaide International Airport. I’ve always had reliable and efficient service, whether with Peter, the owner, or any of the drivers he’s sent when he is busy or booked. Peter and the chauffeurs are courteous and well-presented. Their vehicles comfortable and spotless. Some cars will have an entertainment system with monitors on the rear of the front seats. Great for keeping the younger ones entertained. Peter’s Chrysler has a Harman Kardon system with 19 speakers throughout the interior giving surround sound when videos are played on the front screen. Pricing is reasonable considering the quality of the service, point to point. Definitely the best way to start and finish your journey...

* Review / Lounges

KrisFlyer Gold Lounge Terminal 3, Changi Airport

Acceptable But Needs Refurbishment Singapore Airline’s lounge for KrisFlyer Elite Gold and Star Alliance Gold members. The KrisFlyer Gold Lounge in Terminal 3 is located on Level 3 above the shopping concourse between Emigration/Passport Control and Gates A1-A8. It is a very popular lounge and can get crowded at times. My suggestion? Be aware of the departures schedule and plan ahead, especially when there are several flights into Asia on A380s. The service is OK. The food is acceptable, but can become boring if you use this lounge regularly. Also considering the amount of people you’ll have to be lucky to time new servings of hot food. There are sandwiches, small cakes and nibbles as well. Coffee and tea and plenty of soft drinks,...

* Review / Shopping

Plaza Singapura, Singapore

Moderately Priced Shopping Mall One of my favourite malls in Singapore. Plaza Singapura is located at the eastern end of Orchard Road, Singapore’s famous shopping strip. Easily reached by bus and MRT, the mall sits atop of Dhoby Ghaut MRT station. Escalators from the platforms take you to the basement floor of the mall, but if you’ve never been before make sure to read the signs carefully as Dhoby Ghaut is a major interchange for three MRT lines, North South Line (red), North East Line (purple) and Circle Line (yellow). I usually come from Bras Basah on the Circle Line, a one station hop to the terminus and a short escalator ride to the entrance of the food court on the basement floor. Still...

* Review / Eatery

Pizza Express Kornhill Plaza, Hong Kong

Great Pizza: Price, Quality and Service Happened to come across this place while I was enjoying a ride on the Hong Kong tramway. Had seen it on my way to Shau Kei Wan and then on the way back I thought I should give this pizzeria restaurant a try. It was already about 3pm, a late lunch. I managed to get their midday special, an entrée and a main. I originally only wanted a pizza and a drink, however the waitress pointed out that if I wanted, it came together with an entrée. So on her kind advice I decided on the minestrone and a giardiniera pizza. To drink a pot of hot tea with lemon. As I make my own pizzas at home...

* Review / Transport

Hong Kong Tramways (Ding Ding)

Iconic Tram Experience Probably the best way to see the bustling city of Hong Kong on the cheap. The flat fares per ride are: adult $HKD2.30, children (3 to 12 years) $HKD1.20 and Seniors (65 years and over) $1.10. Boarding of trams is always done at the rear, leaving and paying done at the front. If paying by cash leave the correct fare in the coin box. The driver does not carry change. Otherwise scan an Octopus Card (reloadable transport card). Two staircases, one behind the driver and the other at the back get you to the enclosed top level. Seats are in wood with no cushioning. They can be hard on the bottom if you do the whole trip from one end to...

* Review / Eatery

Food Republic, Bras Basah Road, Singapore

Good Moderately Priced Food for the Occasional Visit This particular Food Republic is not overly large and can get crowded at meal times, especially during lunch when many locals and students pop in. It’s also not the cheapest as you can get similar food at hawker centres and other less flashy food courts for several (Singapore) dollars less and even at half price. But if you find yourself on Bras Basah Road and don’t feel like walking too far, Food Republic is still a fine place to eat. It is clean and the service is relatively quick. There’s a good selection of cuisines: Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and the food caters to most eaters: vegetarian, duck, pork, beef, seafood, rice, noodles, dumplings, soups, fruit juices,...

* Review / Places

Hong Kong Heritage Museum

Chinese Culture & Art. Worth a Visit! Anyone who loves culture, art, design, etc., should give this place a visit, whether the exhibitions are permanent or temporary, free or paid. I visited during March 2017 and was fortunate enough to catch the Bruce Lee special exhibition: Bruce Lee: Kung Fu-Art-Life. Been a fan of his work as a martial artist, actor and person. A real insight into his life seeing the exhibits and the documentary “The Brilliant Life of Bruce Lee” screened in the theatre. Also the other exhibitions of Chinese, Cantonese and Hong Kong culture, history, art, design and fashion. Here below are several images from the exhibition on paintings adapted from Jin Yong’s Novels. Time wise, give yourself at least 3 to...

* Review / Accommodation

Hotel Grand Pacific Singapore

Good Choice Mid-range Hotel My third stay at this well located hotel in the heart of Bugis. This time for one night only. Like in my previous visits the staff were attentive and courteous, at check-in, check-out and when I had any questions that needed answered. The room 617, a Deluxe Twin, at the rear of the building faces the Royal at Queens Hotel. These rooms a reasonably spacious, like all the rooms in the Grand Pacific. Bed mattress was firm and comfortable. Sheets looked clean. Bathroom on the aged side, door, grout, fixtures, etc., but in general clean. The chunky furniture, as in my previous visit, is dated, but as I’m used to them now they don’t worry me. On level 5 there...

* Review / Accommodation

Ibis Hong Kong Central & Sheung Wan

Good Hotel Let Down by Laundry Overall had a good experience. The location of the hotel is easy to get to thanks to the free Airport Express Hotel Shuttles from Hong Kong Central. Other forms of transport all close by, tramway, buses and MTR at Sheung Wan. Everything is not far, including places to eat and drink, etc., like Soho nearby. So no dramas getting to places either walking or using public transport. The reception is on the fifth floor. Check-in and check-out was done very efficiently. Polite and attentive staff at reception and at the bar and restaurant on the sixth floor. Only had one meal there and it was good, as was the ample buffet breakfast every morning. One improvement perhaps, the...

* Review / Places

Hong Kong Island Skyline

Asia’s World City Lights Up The skyline can be viewed from many angles at different times of day. Perfect on a beautiful sunny day, better still at sunrise or sunset, but the best time to view the Hong Kong Island skyline is in the evening when the Symphony of Lights show comes on. The show starts every evening at 8pm. Vantage points can get very crowded so best to get in early. The laser light show and led lights, accompanied by music, can be seen and heard from the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade and viewed from the Avenue of Stars and the great vantage point of the indoor observation deck of the International Commerce Centre (ICC) in Kowloon. If lucky enough when there’s low...

* Review / Transport

Airport Express Hong Kong

Unbeatable Transport Option HKIA The number one transport option in and out of HKIA. The Airport Express is part of Hong Kong’s superb MTR network, arguably one of the best mass transport systems anywhere. From HKIA trains operate every 10 minutes between 05:54 and 23:28 and 12 minutes thereafter until 00:48. Running on separate tracks to the rest of the network the service is direct and fast, taking 14 minutes to Tsing Yi (New Territories), 22 minutes to Kowloon and 24 minutes to Central on Hong Kong Island. The ride in modern, fully air conditioned carriages is comfortable. Complimentary WiFi and two ample luggage racks in the middle portion of carriages round off the amenities. At Kowloon and Central stations MTR runs free shuttle...