Hotel Sorowwa, Habarana, Sri Lanka

We stayed 2 nights at Hotel Sorowa, which served as a good base to visit the Cultural Triangle, in particular Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya and Dumbulla.

Lobby area.

The breakfast spread was good.  Buffet dinner was good and the price reasonable for a hotel.

Wifi is only available at the lobby and restaurant.

The room that we had was spacious, and facilities are adequate.  We had problem with the electricity plug but it was resolved later.

The pool is more for dipping rather than for swimming.  It is maximum 20 metres in length.

There is a gym which has basic equipment. I did not use it.

The hotel is facing a lake and offers good view.

The path is used for the elephant safari where the start and end point was nearby.

I would recommend Hotel Sorowa for its comfort and nice surrounding.

Read more: Sri Lanka Travels

Hotel Khamvongsa, Vientiane, Laos

A friend recommended this boutique Khamvongsa Hotel and  I tried it when I visited Vientiane this time.

The hotel is few minutes walk to the river front, a few streets off the busy streets but still centrally located.  It is within easy walking distance to the restaurants.

Essence Hanoi Hotel

I have read good reviews of Essence Hanoi Hotel at 22 Ta Hien Street so after one false start, I managed to check into this place.  Upon arrival, the receptionist was efficient in checking me in, and swiftly updated me with the surrounding and also providing me with basic tourist information. A welcome drink was provided and at the same time, my luggage was already being sent to the room.  Good first impression.

For the price range (around US$50), the room is value for money.  There was complimentary fruit basket and best of all, a laptop was provided (though a website hacked into the web on my laptop - a minor distraction).  Cannot complain about the room.  My room was located away from the street so it was quiet throughout my stay.







The service rendered by the staff was of high standard.  They could remember my name during my stay and would even bring me personally to some points of interests (like food).  You definitely feel the warmth of the staff.

I did not take the breakfast at the cafe as I don't need a heavy breakfast.  I did not have the opportunity to dine at the restaurant.  By looking at the menu, I think it suits non-Asians more.

This is a highly recommended place to stay.

Essence Hanoi Hotel is located at the Old Quarters, and there are many good eating places around.

Nans Cafe: From hotel, turn right and walk towards the junction Hang Bac, turn left and walk 50m on the left hand side)
http://www.clumsycompass.blogspot.sg/2012/06/sipping-traditional-coffee-at-nans-cafe.html

For breakfast:
http://clumsycompass.blogspot.sg/2012/06/breakfast-in-hanoi.html

Little Hanoi Restaurant:
http://clumsycompass.blogspot.sg/2012/06/having-banh-da-at-little-hanoi.html


Outside Old Quarters:
Vegetarian Restaurant: Com Chay Nang Cam Vegetarian Restaurant
http://clumsycompass.blogspot.sg/2012/06/com-chay-nang-cam-vegetarian-restaurant.html

Things to do around the Old Quarters:

Water Puppets:
http://clumsycompass.blogspot.sg/2012/06/vietnam-water-puppets-again-and-again.html


Visit Vietnam/ Hanoi travels for more blog entries

Penang Day 3: Char Kuey Teow stalls and Hotel Chulia Heritage

Back from Kok Lok Temple.  The well known char kuey teow (fried noodle) stall at Lorong Selamat was finally opened for business. I decided to try it even though I was pretty full from the laksa earlier.

If you have known from some other sources, the stall was managed by a lady who wore a red hat, and apparently she has a strong character.  And that's the reason I did not dare to take a photo of her.

Taste wise, it was tasty and fragrant and worth the RM8 price tag.

Down the road, there was another char kuey teow stall that I tried on day 2.   If you like your noodle with a little burnt smell, this stall is for you.  I however prefered the other stall.

The stalls selling ngoh hiang (something like meat pate) and ice kacang (shaved ice) were good.

 Note: opposite this stall is the Midland Cafe where dim sum is served in the morning.











Walked past Red Rock Hotel and saw a lot of people gathering outside.  I thought that there was a fire, not knowing that an earthquake just hit Penang.

The taxi driver took a while to locate Hotel Chulia Heritage in the old town.   It seemed that the hotel is a new outfit and the owner was still renovating the place.

The hotel was located in the old town.

The lobby area was nicely done and the ground floor rooms looked nice.  I stayed at the upper floor where toilets were shared and they did not stock up on toilet paper.  The floor also squeaked when you walked, so it may affect occupants downstairs.  Hopefully all these matters could be resolved soon.

On the plus side, the staff were courteous and helpful.

City Inn Hotel, Vientiane, Laos

Stayed at City Inn Hotel for a week.  It was more a business class-type hotel.  The room was comfortable and the service staff were polite.  The buffet breakfast spread was sufficient.

Location wise, it was near Nam Phu (the fountain).  It was also near the stadium where you could jog on the 400 m track.

Overall, the US$60-70 was reasonable.  You could however find cheaper options elsewhere.  This hotel is more for business travellers.

For more pages on Laos: Laos Travels