Home Away from Home

After a long day out, whether on business or leisure, I look forward to a little pampering, some level of comfort and having a particular standard of convenience, especially when the accommodation charges are relatively expensive in a city like Sydney Australia.

Perhaps for health legislation reasons, Australian commercial abodes are peculiar in not providing toothpaste and tooth brush packs.   Cleanliness levels are increasingly observed not acceptable in some hotels.   Staff who work at the reception counter are often the first point of contact for hotel guests - and there are varying levels of training for such individuals, who may or may not realise that rightly or not, they echo and project the image,  service vibes and manner of the hotel brand and experience.  

Vehicle parking by hotel guests can be a pleasant or painful experience.   Anytime I prefer the spaciousness of car parks in regional areas as opposed to those in capital cities.   What makes me down grade hotels is the dungeon like atmosphere of their hotel parking environment, as if they want to deter guests with vehicles.   There are hotels which provide parking facilities to bot the public, their commercial clients in their office wings and hotel guests at the same time.    In such scenarios, hotel guests are often treated as the least priority, an interesting potential message that these hotels are not interested as much in their customers  - echoing experiences with telecommunications, financial and utility businesses once they have your account locked in.


I believe in utmost personal security for hotel guests, especially in these times of increased risks, dangers and violence in our city and suburban environments.    The use of a poorly working access card in hotels not so well run can cause frustrations wanting to enter their room urgently for a well deserved rest.   You and I may think the solution is simply to invest in a new and more effective system of door and lift access, but that requires money to be spent by the business.   


Australian hotels are well known in inflexibility in accommodating guests for late check outs when compared to their rivals located overseas.  At times, staff of poorly run hotel businesses forget their business is one of people, over riding everything else in the picture.
On the other end of the spectrum, I have encountered those on the front line knowledgeable about their locality's transport and logistics, willing to offer alternate suggestions and responsive to effectively help when a guest finds things not working in their recently checked in room or suite.   I often first look at the skirting on the walls, the corners of a toilet and the insides of a kitchen or laundry room on first coming into my guest room.

Okay, it is but an unavoidable truth that the ore you pay, perhaps you get better chances of a a better service, but it need not be so and it must not be so.   Some hotels are so hung up on their branded environment that they forget about customer service and engagement.
Brands of hotels must be tied back to the core of customer experience.    Issues and problems inevitably arise in providing services but what hotels must never forget is how they must have a viable and logical process and system in helping customers resolve any matters that arise.  Leaving it to the vagaries of the moods or ineptness of particular individual staff is a No-no  - the critical thing in hotel business is revenue, repeat business and the customer.


Consistently good hotels have staff naturally greeting customers.   They do not have frightened or lonely looks from housekeeping staff.  The hotel guest has and build expectations during the stay.  That consistency must be reflected across all service lines - the dining room, the bar, the gym and pool attendant, the lift greeter, the porter, the butler and the administration.  There is no point developing expectations in only certain categories of the staff.  


At this stage, no tips are required in Australian hotels, but you never know.    Tips will not be given by customers if hotel staff do not know how to provide above a certain level of quality of service.    Australia is a high cost place to survive through and the stiff upper lip attitudes from its heritage cultures can at times resurface in the hotel service.   

Clipper Restaurant, Commodore Legacy - Cape Town Breakfast Time

The staff are attentive for the dawn hour, conscious of your need and to ensure that your hot beverage of choice is always with you.  The tables can be packed close when filled up on a busy time but with table cloths of white and an extensive array of cutlery, guests know that are being pampered.  The variety of the breakfast choices is generous, especially for the breads, fruits and hot food.  Quality preserves are from the Stellenbosch area,  walnuts and cashew nuts are available and the eggs are meticulously prepared for customers according to their whim and fancy.  The coffee pouring waiter may seem to be a bit more serious that day but otherwise everyone else feels so relaxed and may not want to leave.   The breakfast starts as early as 630am if I am not mistaken and goes on till 10am.  Presentation, presence and peacefulness - those are the hallmarks of the Clipper.

Fruits, nuts and croissants galore early in the morning.

Single served poached eggs according to your liking - soft, medium or hard - on top of waffles (foreground).  Generous ingredients for your also personalised omelette (background).

The seated lobby that precedes the Clipper restaurant's main dining area.

A sumptuous Continental breakfast

The inner sanctum of the hotel.

Cold soba with warm omelette.

The Clipper Restaurant provides sit down meals, ala carte and buffet, at the Commodore Legacy Hotel,which is located at PortsWood Road, Portwood Square, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town.






 

The Fullerton Singapore

Formerly the Singapore GPO, the building housing today's Fullerton has been restored to more than its colonial splendour and attention to architectural detail.  White, a plethora of small and large palms and shutter windows (that allow more effective ventilation in an equatorial climate) are the themes continued from its glorious past when Singapore was considered  to be a gem of the British Empire, the geographical most far flung empire in history.

Good ham cuts, fresh pineapple, watermelon and more for morning breakfast.

A welcome Chinese cooling flavoured tea with a Granny Smith in your room.

Poaching eggs for the traditional kaya toast bread set.

A scene reminiscent of old Singapore, by that river itself, not far by foot from the Fullerton, which has a river side view.
The grand hotel centrally located in downtown city, with Chinatown, Marina Bay Financial Centre, Raffles Place, Clarke Quay, Clifford Pier and Marina Sands casino within a sweaty walking distance in this equatorial heat, but on well designed, broad and clean pavements.  There are also river ferries to catch for slow rides.

Fettucine marinara served by enthusiastic, friendly and well trained staff at one of the Fullerton's dining rooms.

Coffee and tea traditionally made with condensed milk are served by the Fullerton  in unique porcelain cups that still bear the designs familiar from my childhood.

The Fullerton pool for guests, overlooking a scenic and sedate river and Singapore's financial district, has been named as one of the top resort pools in the world.

Newspapers in hard copy are still left at your room or suite door - or provided at breakfast time, which has a menu encompassing he best of East and West - above, congee is available with poached egg, waffle, Mediterranean tomatoes and Cantonese baked roast pork buns.

A bird's eye view of the inner sanctum of the Fullerton.  A recommended place to unwind is the Post Bar on the ground floor.  Wi-fi is provided free to hotel guests.  Rooms are sumptuous with writing desks, bathrobes, carpet slipper wear, glass display shelving and mat laid near your turned bed while you are away at dinner.

Freshly made omelette surrounded by croissants and breads.

Eastern & Oriental Hotel, Georgetown - Penang

Ware typical in south-east Asia from Chiangmai to Bali, one that also reminds me of water storage, preserving fruits and keeping stuff.

There are abodes for the historical  traveller, the adventurer, the tourist, the resort seeker.  Places of maintained elegance that hark back to another time and cultural ambiance. Residences that offer alternatives to current commercial offerings.  Hotels that have a proud past. Rooms that were occupied by celebrities of every shade, whether artistic, political or business. You can find such gems in most corners of the world, in the Caribbean, New England, Italy, India, Japan or Spain. In south-east Asia, a long period of colonial rule by various European powers has planted an outstanding such establishment in various cities, offering a key respite from the harsh climate, the ordinary masses and to recollect and recover in a world full of competition, fast paced trading and violent skirmishes. These institutional abodes do survive and prosper today, although under different owners and each facing varied socio-cultural trends and pressures.  On Penang Island, it is the all suite Eastern & Oriental Hotel.

A snapshot selection of the raw seafood offered at the daily buffet on the ground floor.

A visitor to early 20th century E & O would still familiar and comfortable many of the amenities and features available today in the 21st century version of the same place.  Tiled floors pamper your feet as you stroll along its indoor passage ways to your room or its several function facility venues.  The waterfront, looking out at the Straits of Penang to the mainland and the hillock known as Bukit Mertajam and also the higher point of Kedah Peak,  has solid parapets to form a fence against any surging tides (and which encountered the dissipated spill over from the Aceh tsunami back drift).

The swim pool is petite but good enough for those who just want to soak in the sun between conferences and business talks.  The palm trees are still there, remaining friendly and constant sentinels even if the city and nation has gradually changes.  The new Victory Annexe wing built recently gently sweeps in to the original parts of the hotel (the Heritage Wing) without a battered eyelid.  Many a function is held there in the tradition of yesteryears - weddings, club gatherings, expats hanging together late in the happy hours afternoon and family get togethers.

Sauces and condiments are essential to fully appreciate the potential of the local cuisine. 

The E & O could have been viewed as a refuge for European styled cooking in the past, especially to cater for Englishmen, their families and cohorts who have obviously been away for a long time from home, due to the then realities of long and arduous travel just to get back to the motherland.  These days the political and commercial powers and influences have changed significantly, with more island locals patronising such hotels for weekend gatherings or as suitable weekday venues to negotiate and do deals with the Malay Muslims from Kuala Lumpur, Singaporean investors, Middle Eastern stakeholders and China interests.

E & O survived the tribulations of the wold wars from the last century, endured Japanese military occupation and adapted to the changing socio-political landscape of an independent nation.  It was closed down in 1996 and suffered the indignity of decay and disorder for a certain period. The founders, the Armenian Sarkis Brothers, would have approved the transformation that has emerged from such times - and so would its more well known guests like Lee Kuan Yew, Michael Jackson, Charlie Chaplin, Sun Yet-Sun, Rudyard Kipling, Sir Noel Coward, Douglas Fairbanks and Herman Hesse.  British writer Somerset Maugham did reflect on life in colonial Malaya in his books and may have written some lines inside this very hotel itself.

A shoe shine box and polish options are made available in the washroom for gentlemen.

The surroundings on the boundary of the E & O are not your movie stereotype, falling out to busy street markets, huddled dwellings or jam packed traffic, but to more benign seafront with cooling breezes, similarly constructed buildings and a continuing theme of colonial settings.  This is  a terrific base from which to commence the heritage walking trail which may take anywhere up to four hours in the Old Quarter of Georgetown.   It is also a naturally chosen base to return to in the afternoon for a quiet refuge after surviving the humidity and heat of such an outdoor trail.  The seaside breezes from the harbour do circulate better past its walls and through its windows.

As the Malaysian Ringgit devalued much in recent years, the suite charges at E & O have moved on to  four figures per night.  Most are studio suites but you can also ask for the corner versions.  It is most enjoyable relaxing on your own balcony looking out at the placid waters of the Harbour on a lazy afternoon.  The corporate entity that owns and manages this hotel is indeed a diversified business that has also constructed residential and commercial buildings.  The inspiration and image they have adapted from this anchor hotel arm of the business is infused into their other projects.  A twenty minute car drive to the north-west brings you to the Straits Quay, developed and owned by the same owners as the E & O.

The diversity of food and drinks at the E & O can range from an Brit styled pub to tearooms, ballroom fine dining and buffet meals.

The character of the main foyer says it all - immaculately presented, lovingly detailed, spacious as the guest rooms with airy high ceilings and over seen by attentive staff.

A simple test of the integrity of the services with any establishment is to sample the fruits served at the end of a meal.

The washroom is graced with Victorian era lampshades, purposefully provided with low lighting and sinks that remind one of  Britannia at its political height.

Influences of Thailand, Cambodia and Indonesia are acknowledged in traditional styled panels.

Penang Island's iconic street food, the char koay teow, is stir fried to your personal order and came out tasty, even without the use of pork lard, often utilised at street stalls and food courts to enhance the flavour and kick.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel - Ha Noi, Vietnam

The continuing hype is that Charlie Chaplin and Brad Pitt brought their beloved wives here, but it is true. The reality is an elegant and inspiring step back into the colonial past - in architecture, ambiance and arresting captivation. The experience is one of refined service, spacious environs and a touch of class.  There is an airiness in here that sets it definitely apart from the other parts of Ha Noi.  French can be heard spoken  in several conversations, as you sit on the lobby's Euro furniture, soaking in both the historical and present day ambiance or just waiting for your friends who are residing in the Metropole Hotel.
Above, noodles served in fine bone china complementing the the green house surroundings of the tea room at the Spices Garden, garnished by  a variety of local musts - basil leaves, chili cuts,  capsicum, onion slices and chicken.  Mrs Nguyen Thanh Van is currently the head chef presiding over three kitchens - and also serving the Angelina Restaurant & lounge, together with the Le Beaulieu Restaurant.

The underlying and over flowing theme is in white (pictures above and below), whether you view the rooms, with balconies and facade green window louvres, from outside, or when you look up from a dining or drinking table.  The Metropole has existed since 1901 and witnessed the various significant events and transitions in Vietnamese history of the 20th century.  Located in the Hoan Kiem District of the city centre, it is only a walk away from the Opera House and the Government Guest House (formerly the official residence of the colonial French Governor).

Well placed ceiling fans, exquisite touches of local pottery, cantilevered wooden windows, silk fabric cushions, dark wood paneling and French styled furniture (photo above) all help to build up a snug and comfortable feel even in the lobby itself.  Wrought iron is embellished to create a contrast with the comfortable soft hues and provide assurances  of stability and strength.  Ecological designed materials are used in the guest rooms, villas or suites, which stand out graced with lush curtains, pillow accessories and chateau-like colours.

There are lush green lawns maintained in the inner courtyards of the hotel. With 22 suites and 364 rooms, three separate bars, an outdoor heated pool and a rooftop garden, it does offer many choices.
Romance and business seem to be the two key selling points of the Metropole, in that they offer to guests the high standards required by both.  The buildings have not always been  in such a glorious state, having been left run down between 1954 and 1986, but now the Grand Old Dame is back in all its glory.

The La Terrasse Du Metropole (photo below) suits cool evenings and Parisian-inspired preferences for easy and informal meet ups. My own experience of eating at the Spice Gardens is one of quick and friendly service, all wrapped in a professionally trained manner and one that offers a realm of comfort and relaxation.

Vladimir Putin, actors like Noel Coward and Michael Caine and a host of writers, including Graham Greene and W. Somerset Maugham have graced this unique institution.  There can be comparisons with the Oriental in Bangkok, the Raffles in Singapore and the Eastern & Oriental in Penang, but the Metropole in Ha Noi to me is a class apart.

Batemans Bay, NSW - Getaway Evening

Batemans is a lifestyle point on the South Coast of New South Wales, perhaps a third of the way ocean side from Sydney to Melbourne, definitely a summer gathering place for worn out city folk and twenty somethings wanting their share of surf, sun and slumber. Sited on the estuary of the Clyde River, the town is the largest on the NSW coast south of Nowra and the Shoalhaven. The Princes Highway bridge linking to the town has enabled more traffic from the north, perhaps a dubious decision to townsfolk who treasure their solitude and peace.  Canberrans also flock to the Bay as their nearest practical beach site, away from the oppressive temperatures of the inland Australian capital.  Named by Lt James Cook in 1770, Batemans boasts good oysters, unspoilt coastlines, interesting trekking possibilities and deep sea fishing.  In classic Australian stereotyped expectations from foreigners, yes, there also reside koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, parrots, bandicoots and possums.  Nearby Mogo has a zoo and mountains with names like Pigeon House beckon inland.  Batemans itself has a Birdland Animal Park and a golf course.  The nearest local airport is at Maruya to the south, around 45 minutes drive away.

I had the opportunity to spend an evening at Corrigan's Cove, located between the suburbs of Catalina and Batehaven when one drives along the coastal road. The accommodation stood out as being clean, well thought of and very comfortable.  The bed especially was a winner, high-ended, with fluffy pillows and with a flat TV monitor strategically placed for the ideal line of sight.  The bath had toiletries normally found in a  five star hotel. Morning breakfast offered a complimentary choice of cereal and coffee or tea, but if you prefer, cooked hot breakky only costs ten dollars.  Corrigan's is not far from the Batemans Bay High School, but in the other direction, guests can stroll, run or cycle along Beach Road beside sweeping bay views.  There are local cafes and restaurants within walking distance of the Cove, with ample vehicle parking space on the grounds of the resort.

Batemans is part of the Eurobodalla Shire and can have chilly nights in the southern hemisphere winter season.   That is when the pool decks at Corrigan's Cove can be empty (below) but there is always a cosy balcony to sip, sit and stare (photo above).   There are isles in the Bay itself, like the Tollgate. Montague Island, sited off Narooma further south, boasts Australian fur seals.  To the north, there is Mollymook, hosting Brit chef Rick Stein's Bannisters Seafood Restaurant; Jervois Bay National Park; the small fishing village of Milton; and Ulladulla.

Gardens Hotel, Kuala Lumpur

Pillows that offer some fluffiness but not too soft, firm for support for the neck but not hard and with a huggable feel. A mattress that provides a comfy feeling of stability but not inflexible. You have the daily newspaper, the IPad and the flat monitor remote. Time to settle in, time to relax and let go of things.  Immerse into the media without any thoughts and let the subconscious just absorb.

A round face wash basin and surrounding panel that is clean. Beside you is the see through shower equipped with an over hanging typhoon rain washer, the water coming down like sky juice and without a need to hold anything. The toilet bowl is discreetly kept from view behind well placed glass doors. There is a dressing table and huge double mirrors envelope your wardrobe activity.

Complimentary from the Gardens are bathrobes, a security safe tucked away discreetly behind a drawer, shoe polishing basket and accesories plus the inevitable ironing board, even if this is not a serviced apartment. (Picture above) As you walk towards the exit door, bottles of drinking water await, together with the usual coffee, sugar and tea sachets.  (Picture below) Once you get out of your guest room, a myraid number and variety of shops wait for your attention - and wallet.