Monday, September 16, 2019

City Light Hotel
As we plan last minute where to spend the long weekend holiday, a friend and I decided to go to Baguio.

We ended up booking Citylight Hotel which is just around 6-7 minutes walk from the Genesis bus terminal. This hotel was what we exactly needed at that time because as growing adults, walking now seems to be the hardest thing to do..queue in 98 Degrees.

Reception Area

Their receiving area is very spacious, clean, and elegant. People behind the reception area are also nice and courteous. Upon check-in, they require a Php 500 cash security deposit, which they will give back once you check out. Make sure to keep the claim stub so you won't have any problems in getting your security deposit back.

The lobby or waiting area.
They have a cozy waiting area. You can actually stay here and enjoy the view after check out and while waiting for your bus to Manila. Unfortunately, there is no TV to keep you entertained while relaxing or waiting. They do have a cafe near the entrance if you want to get some cafe, a small meal, or bread while waiting.

Room

Our original plan was to book the room for one night only, and just walk around or stay near session road until we board the bus back to Manila. We did attempt to ask if we can extend our room stay for a few hours but since it's a holiday weekend, all rooms were fully booked.

Deluxe Room
2 Double beds
No aircon
Inclusive of buffet breakfast
Shower with water heater

More room details are available here: Agoda.

Citylight Hotel
Room is very spacious

The bed is comfy, but the pillows are a bit flat. They have towels in case you forgot to bring or do not want to bring your own. Slippers are provided as well. 

Large TV for a very spacious room. Water kettle, 3in1 coffee, and complimentary water are also provided.


The bathroom is spacious as well.  The usual complimentary bathroom toiletries are provided. Though I noticed that the water pressure is low but manageable.

They don't have bidet but they have 'tabo' or water dipper.

Buffet Breakfast at the Penthouse level.
Our experience on our first night at this hotel was great. However, the second one was not. Our confidence in our energy towards the day got the best of us, and ended up deciding to find another hotel or room where we can stay, shower, and have a sleep before we head back to Manila. We called back the hotel and fortunately, they did have a spare room that we can check-in. 

When we arrived, what they offered was the basement room (non-aircon) which was much smaller than the first room we booked. This was fine with us at first since we will just be using the room for a few hours. 

For reference, details of their basement room are available on Agoda.

Just a heads up on what you might experience when you get the basement room:
  • There is a window but your view would be a stack of construction materials.
  • No ceiling or desk fan. We had to call and request it.
  • Low water pressure. Despite that fact that the room is located in the basement.
As the saying goes, beggars can't be choosers. At that moment, we had to make do of what we had because there was no available room at other hotels. This was also the nearest hotel to the bus terminal so I am just thankful that we only had to endure that room for a few hours.

Despite the bad experience from our last night, the hotel staff is still commendable for being helpful and courteous. I still highly recommend this hotel because of its great location, buffet breakfast, and helpful hotel staff. If ever I'll book at this hotel in the future, I'll just make sure not to take the basement room ever again.










Monday, January 28, 2019

Address: No. 35號, Section 1, Kaifeng St, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100
I treated my parents for their anniversary to a short trip to Taiwan last weekend. This is my second time to visit, and because of various reasons (cheap fare, visa-exempt for Filipinos, previous travel experience, cold weather, etc.), I decided to bring them to Taiwan so they can also experience first hand how gorgeous this country is.

As the only young and millennial adult to assist my parents for this trip, I did a lot of research to make sure we don't end up getting lost and lose time. We only have 3 days to spare and explore Taiwan so I had to make sure I'd make it worthwhile. Part of my research was the hotel I  booked from Agoda, and I'd like to share some tips and information I gathered and discovered about this place.

Nearest Taipei Main Station MRT Exit
Single Journey Token

If you are coming from the Taoyuan airport and will be taking the bus (1819) to Taipei Main Station, the nearest exit you can go to is Exit Z10. If you will be taking the MRT express train to Taipei Main Station, the nearest exit is A1 Exit 4.

The nearest MRT lines if you will be coming from Exit Z10 are the Bannan (blue) line and Tamsui–Xinyi (red) line. The red line is quite a few walk and 2 escalators away.

Tip when using the single journey token:
Entry: Tap the token on the turnstile
Exit: Tap the token first before inserting into the turnstile's token slot.

Breakfast

They serve buffet breakfast which starts 6:30AM to 10:30 AM. Their breakfast consists of salads, rice, sausages, buns, porridge, soup, and cereal. They serve coffee but no fresh juice. Instead they have carbonated juice and drinks.

At the counter near the breakfast area, you can see small biscuits or snacks displayed. These are free and you can get them anytime you want.

Room

We booked the Deluxe Triple room and were satisfied with the space and amenities. They replace complimentary water, tea bags, and coffee everyday. Toiletries are also complete. The only complication we experienced was on how to operate the shower. Although there was an instruction manual posted, it would be more helpful if they add a note that the faucet needs to be turned 180 degrees to the right. We had to get some help and call the reception but all is well and the guy was able to assist and help us with the shower.

Instead of the usual paper card that you hand by the door handles, they have a touch screen pad that you can use if you want to have your room made up. Same touch screen for operating the lights.

When turning on the AC, a card is provided for the instruction. Basically, you have to point the remote to red-orange sensor pad located on the ceiling.


Nearby Convenience Store, ATM Machines, Stores, etc.

There is a Family Mart just a few steps away from the hotel. On the other side, there is a 711 store. If you do not have an Easy Card yet or need to reload before you start your Taipei adventure, these two stores are conveniently near the hotel.

ATM machines are also near the hotel. If I remember correctly, I was able to pass by two ATM machines.

Also a block away, there are stores selling a variety of fruits. 

Luggage Service

Check in is 3PM but in case you get to arrive at the hotel before the check in time, you can leave your bags at the reception. People assigned to the reception speak good English so you won't have any trouble in explaining or asking questions. They are also very courteous and helpful.

Nearest Shopping District

The hotel is just10-15 minutes walk to the Ximending Shopping District.





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