Travel Smarter with Tips & Trusted Stays
Welcome to my travel corner — a collection of insights, gear reviews, and personal recommendations to help you travel smarter, lighter, and with less stress. Whether you’re after practical travel hacks, reliable gear, or ways to stay organised on the go, you’ll find it all here.
In addition to my blog posts, I’ve also shared a curated list of hotels I’ve personally stayed at and recommend — complete with links to book via Agoda. If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, Vietnam, or beyond, these trusted stays might just help you narrow down your options.
Let’s make travel simpler and more enjoyable — every step of the way.
My Personal Hotel Recommendations
I’ve stayed in plenty of hotels during my travels — some memorable, others best forgotten. The ones listed below are places I’ve personally enjoyed and would happily recommend.
Quality and service levels can change over time though, so I’d always suggest checking recent reviews before you book.
Thailand
Phuket Hotels
The Novotel Kamala Beach Hotel remains one of my favourite hotels.
Located at the far end of one of Phukets best beaches, it’s reasonably priced with a pool and roof top sunset bar.
Beach front restaurants / bars are within a 20 minute walk.
CLICK HERE for more information.
The Diamond Cliff Resort and Spa Hotel is an established luxury hotel with traditional Thai decor and multiple pools.
It is located across the road from Patong beach & away from late night noise.
Central Patong is a 20 minute walk / short taxi ride.
CLICK HERE for more information.
The Centara Karon Resort Hotel is centrally located within Karon, yet only a 10 minute walk to Karon Beach.
It’s more geared for families with its multiple pools & childrens entertainment.
Has it’s own spa for the parents deserving a well earned rest!
CLICK HERE for more information.
The The Marina Phuket Hotel is located east of Patong, approximately 2km from central Patong.
Walking distance / short cab ride to central Patong, yet far enough away from the late night noise.
Roof top pool, restaurant / bar with views of Patong Bay.
CLICK HERE for more information.
Located in Kathu, the Areca Resort and Spa Hotel is a 10-15min cab ride to Phuket Town.
Away from the main tourist areas it’s good value for money, with walking access to local restaurants
Many popular beaches are a short 20-25 minute cab ride.
CLICK HERE for more information.
Bangkok Hotels
Galleria 10 Sukhumvit is a quality low priced hotel located in the city centre.
Located only a few km from Siam Square & Terminal 21 with Asok BTS train station a few minutes walk away.
Has a great roof top pool / bar to enjoy the Bangkok skyline from.
CLICK HERE for more information.
One of the most unusual hotels I have ever stayed in, the Siam@Siam Design Hotel decor is a feast for the eyes!
Great facilities including Spa, pool and roof top restaurant / bar.
Located appx. 20 mins from the city centre.
CLICK HERE for more information.
The Jasmine Grande Residence is located approximately 7km from Bangkok city centre.
Local BTS train station is a 10-15 min walk with 20 min ride to the city centre.
Spacious rooms with 8th floor pool, fitness centre and tennis court.
CLICK HERE for more information.
Vietnam
Located across the road from the Han River, the Glamour Hotel is a comfortable and friendly hotel with river views.
The famous “Dragon Bridge” is a 10-15 minute walk, with Da Nang centre a short cab ride away.
CLICK HERE for more information.
The Mercure Danang French Village is a themed French village, located on the top of Bana Hills.
Only accessible via cable car, there’s lots to see including “The Golden Bridge” & great views of Da Nang.
CLICK HERE for more information.
The Calm House Hotel is a great value hotel, with friendly staff and views of local marshlands.
Hoi An ancient town is a short cab ride / 25 min walk with good restaurants and a large night market.
CLICK HERE for more information.
Singapore and Malaysia
The PARKROYAL Collection hotel offers more competitive pricing and has a stunning atrium.
Good outdoor pool / bar and access to the huge underground shopping mall, which can be used to walk to Marina Bay Sands and Science Museum.
Most Marina Bay attractions are within walking distance.
CLICK HERE for more information.
The Stay with Bintang hotel offers spacious rooms for a great price, in central Kuala Lumpur.
Despite being a quiet hotel, many restaurants and bars are within easy walking distance. Including the famous Jalan Alor Food Street.
KLCC (Petronas Twin Towers) are a short cab ride away.
CLICK HERE for more information.
India
The InterContinental Marine Drive Hotel is a well located hotel boasting fantastic views of the bay.
Traditional architecture with spacious rooms and nice bar for evening relaxation.
There is a small roof top pool and eating area with great evening views.
Friendly staff and reasonable prices!
CLICK HERE for more information.
The Fragrant Nature Backwater Resort & Ayurveda Spa is in a fantastic location on the shores of Kollam lake.
Beautiful lakeside views and complimentary rides around Kollam Lake on a traditional boat.
The Ayurveda Spa is well equipped with reasonably priced treatments.
A wonderful place for rest and relaxation!
CLICK HERE for more information.
The Taj Connemara is a beautiful traditional luxury hotel, located in the heart of Chennai.
Spacious rooms around a central pool, surrounded by well kept gardens. The cuisine is exquisite.
The on site Spa offers a range of packages at reasonable prices.
Fantastic base for exploring Chennai!
CLICK HERE for more information.
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Thank you for your support and Happy Travels!