Hotel Reviews

The Westin Resort & Spa Ubud, Bali is an excellent choice if you're looking to experience the quieter, more peaceful side of Bali. Located about 45 minutes to an hour from Seminyak and just a short drive from attractions like Ubud Monkey Forest. The location is absolutely stunning. Ubud is known for its natural beauty, and The Westin takes full advantage of it. The resort is nestled among rolling greenery and rice fields, creating a tranquil atmosphere that's perfect for slowing down and recharging after a few days in the more crowded beach towns.

The rooms are spacious, comfortable, and exceptionally clean. One of the highlights is the signature Westin Heavenly Bed, which lives up to its reputation. After long days exploring temples, rice terraces, and cafés around Ubud, coming back to a comfortable bed makes a noticeable difference.

The resort grounds are beautifully maintained, with tropical landscaping throughout the property. The main swimming pool is a standout feature, offering a peaceful setting surrounded by greenery. Whether you're swimming, reading by the pool, or simply enjoying the views, it's an easy place to spend an entire afternoon doing very little.

One small tip: if possible, request a room that doesn't face the road, as traffic noise can occasionally be noticeable. The resort is also entirely non-smoking, which many guests will appreciate, although the designated smoking areas feel somewhat isolated and less inviting.

Overall: The Westin Resort & Spa Ubud is a great option for travelers seeking comfort, nature, and a slower pace. It may not have the dramatic cliffside views of some luxury resorts in Bali, but it offers excellent value, beautiful surroundings, and the kind of peaceful atmosphere that makes Ubud such a special destination.

W Bali – Seminyak is one of the most iconic beachfront resorts in Bali and an excellent choice if you want to stay in the heart of Seminyak while still enjoying a luxury resort experience. Sitting directly on Seminyak Beach and overlooking the Indian Ocean, the property gives you easy access to Bali's restaurants, cafés, shopping, and nightlife without feeling like you're in the middle of the chaos.

The resort is modern, stylish, and energetic. Rooms are spacious and bright, featuring balconies or terraces with garden or ocean views. For travelers looking for more privacy, the villas come with their own private pools and generous outdoor living spaces.

One of the biggest highlights is the resort's beachfront location. Unlike many hotels that require a shuttle or a long walk to reach the beach, W Bali places you directly on the sand. The property also features a large terraced pool that becomes a popular gathering spot throughout the day. Whether you're swimming, enjoying a cocktail, or simply relaxing on a sunbed, it's easy to spend an entire afternoon without leaving the resort.

For guests looking to recharge, the spa offers a relaxing escape from the busy Seminyak scene. There are also quiet lounges, gardens, and plenty of corners around the resort where you can slow down and enjoy the tropical surroundings.

Overall: W Bali – Seminyak successfully balances luxury and fun. It's lively without feeling overwhelming, stylish without trying too hard, and perfectly positioned for travelers who want both resort relaxation and easy access to everything Seminyak has to offer.

The driveway into Six Senses Con Dao was so low-key it was almost invisible. The entrance was just a random turn on a curvy road – I didn’t even realize we arrived until the driver told me. Inside, we were welcomed warmly by reception and the hotel manager, and the calm luxury vibe hit immediately.

We stayed in the Beachfront Duplex Pool Villa, a spacious split-level villa with direct beach access, panoramic ocean views, and a private infinity pool just steps from the sea. Since it was only a weekend trip, we went all in – yes, I used the villa’s amazing sound system and played music out loud like it was my personal resort.

For our anniversary, I booked a private beach dinner on the first night. The resort started setting up at 4pm for our 7pm dinner, creating a beautiful path with soft lighting and seashell details leading to a table decorated with items collected from the sea. Since most activities happen within the resort, we hoped the food would be great, and it was beyond expectations. Everything tasted fresh and elevated, especially the lobster bisque and Hokkaido scallops ceviche (still unforgettable). The chef even came out to greet us afterward, which made the experience feel personal and special. For about 10 million VND (~$450 in Jan 2022), it honestly felt like a Michelin-level meal.

After dinner, we returned to the villa to find the room gently sprayed for mosquitoes and the bed prepared with a mosquito net – small details, huge comfort.

The next morning, the resort arranged a private sunrise hike with a guide. It was a short 2-hour trek with snacks, fruit, and water provided along the way. After that, we treated ourselves to the spa… and don't ask me much because I mentally left the planet during the massage. Highly recommended.

Overall: Six Senses Con Dao isn’t a place you rush through. It’s where you slow down, spend time with loved ones, and feel surrounded by nature that’s still respected and protected. Quiet, clean, meaningful – and one of those stays that stays with you.

InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort is an excellent option if you want beachfront luxury on Long Beach without paying the premium of nearby resorts like Regent Phu Quoc, which sits right next door. You’re essentially enjoying the same prime location and ocean access, just without paying a premium for it.

The resort sits directly on Long Beach, one of the most desirable beach areas in Phu Quoc. It has its own private beach, and while the area outside isn’t very walkable, everything within the property is easy to get around on foot. The resort also provides bicycles, which makes exploring the surrounding area a bit more fun and effortless. A nice bonus: Sailing Club Phu Quoc, a popular beach club, is within walking distance.

Despite being a large resort with many rooms, it still feels private once you’re in your own space. The resort features a huge pool, perfect for both lounging and swimming. Service in Phu Quoc is genuinely top notch – classic Phu Quoc hospitality, and InterContinental delivers that warm, attentive hospitality Vietnam is known for. Food across the resort is excellent: fresh, flavorful, and well executed.

One of the highlights of staying here is INK 360, the resort’s rooftop bar. In the evening, it’s the perfect place to watch a beautiful sunset over the ocean, with stunning views that feel cinematic. Just don’t forget mosquito spray.

The resort can also connect you with trusted outside services for island excursions, including boat trips to nearby islands.

Popular activities include:

• Speedboat or large boat tours to nearby islands

• Sea Walker at Hon Thom (Coral Park) – walking along the sea floor surrounded by coral and fish

• Single or double parasailing at Sun World Hon Thom

• Flycam filming and underwater photography, including photos and videos taken at the bottom of the sea as an add-on service

Overall: InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort is a well-balanced resort with great location, strong service, and excellent value for a Long Beach stay in Phu Quoc.

If you’re looking for a place to stay in the heart of Myeongdong, Le Méridien Seoul, Myeongdong is one of the most convenient options in the entire district. The location is right between the night market and the mall, with shopping streets, street food stalls, cafés, and restaurants all within a few minutes’ walk. For anyone visiting Seoul to eat, shop, explore, or simply experience the energy of Myeongdong, this hotel is a good idea.

I stayed here in December 2022, just as the property opened, and the rooms were impressively fresh and modern. It’s an excellent mid-size hotel: clean, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed, after spending the day in the lively neighborhood outside.

That said, the hotel does come with one drawback: the public spaces feel small. The lobby is compact and can get crowded, and the bar feels more like an afterthought – with limited seating and a modest drink selection that doesn’t quite match the Le Méridien brand. These spaces aren’t bad, just not as spacious as you might expect from a luxury hotel.

Overall: Le Méridien Seoul, Myeongdong delivers where it matters most: location, comfort, and convenience. If you prioritize being in the center of Myeongdong with easy access to everything, this hotel is an excellent choice – just don’t expect expansive public lounges or a standout bar scene.

The InterContinental Dubai Marina by IHG is one of the best five-star hotels in Dubai Marina, offering luxury, convenience, and great value. Its prime waterfront location puts you within a short walk of JBR Beach, Dubai Marina Mall, and the Marina promenade.

Rooms are modern and upscale, with floor-to-ceiling windows, Nespresso machines, and stylish finishes. We stayed in a Marina-view balcony room. Watching the boats pass by at night was the highlight – I even sat outside on my last night there, sang my heart out, and it felt like the best meditation.

Food, drinks, and service are consistently excellent – attentive staff, well-made cocktails, and quality dining options. The hotel also offers a sleek pool, full gym, and smooth check-in, making the entire stay effortless.

Overall: InterContinental Dubai Marina is a top choice for anyone seeking luxury, comfort, and unbeatable location. With modern rooms, beautiful views, and outstanding service, it's one of the best hotels in Dubai for Marina stays.