Ramada Seoul Dongdaemun: Our home in Seoul

I'm back Yamisweeters!  Yeah, I'm still here. I want to continue my story about my recent travel.

I'd like to share our experience to our "home" during our stay Seoul, South Korea.  We stayed at Ramada Seoul Dongdaemun for three(3) nights.

Photo from Hotel's website

  Getting to the hotel from Incheon Airport is an easy travel adventure as I've mentioned on my Day 1: Travel Diary.

"This Hotel is member of Ramada International, Inc.  It is one of the worldwide hotel brands of the Wyndham Hotel Group." -ramadadm.com

The location of the hotel is very accessible because it is situated in the heart of business and shopping district of Seoul City.  It is near to top tourist attraction like Insadong, Itaewon and Cheonggyecheon. There are also several dining options around the area and a walking distance to train station.

Our stay in the hotel was so convenient and comfortable.  Free fast WIFI connection made my hubby na magdalawang-isip to stay at the hotel the whole day.(FYI, my hubby was not in travel mode, that's why!)  But again, he was under instruction, "iwanan ang trabaho, mag-unwind muna".

The hotel has a spacious lobby with very accommodating front desk officers.  If you missed to grab a tourist guide pamphlets at the airport, you can find a lot at the lobby of the hotel.  You're free to get and you can see the several ways to explore the Seoul City and nearby spots.

Beside the lobby is an elegant Coffee of Dream Cafe that offers cakes, pastries, smoothies, coffee etc. It's a nice place if you want some quiet time while planning for your pleasant tour and discover the dynamic city where the past meets the present.  Sadly, we did not experience coffeeing here because of our full-pack tour schedule.

Lift Lobby

I just love the drop lights.  It's so elegant.

Beside the lift lobby is the La Belleza Bar & Grill where they serve meals. 

Dyaaaarrrraaann! This was our room.  It's equipped with four single beds(pero kasya ang four couples dito haha!).  Very comfortable and cozy.  It has a 42-inch TV mounted on the wall and a coffee table that served as working table for my hubby.

This hotel is good for traveller because it has cabinets that will keep your things organize.  If you don't want to bring more clothes, you can wash it with the Samsung washing machine.  It also has an electric kettle for hot water and a fridge to store food and drinks. Since we were on a budget trip,  we shopped instant foods for our breakfast and midnight snack.  I love their spicy noodle soup.  Complimentary instant coffee and tea are also available.

Complete bathroom supplies like towels and toiletries were replenished everyday.  I also experienced here the automatic bidet and heater on the toilet seat.(haha! it's my first time experience in colder country, that's why kinda amazed ako, hihi!) 

It's the view from our room.  No much difference here in Manila.  Same same sabi nga ng mga Korean.

And this is my so-trying-hard #OOTD post in front of the hotel.

Staying here is affordable and worth the price.  We had a nice sleep throughout the nights and was able to enjoy the proximity to shopping district and tourist spots as well.  Staffs can speak English well.  We felt the comfort of our home.  So when you want to visit Seoul, South Korea, consider this hotel, it's perfect for your purpose.  Be it is business or pleasure trip.

It's all for now, watch out for more of Seoul, South Korea!

Think Positive Be Positive!

A Staycation at Azumi Boutique Hotel

Hi there Yamisweeters!

If you follow me on Instagram,  you might see several post about #staycation #The Macs last weekend.  And here is the story!

As I've said before I am a goal-oriented person.  And one of my goal is to have a "financial freedom". My number one strategy to reach that goal is to watch my spending in order to increase my cash flow.  But I admit, sometimes I can't resist to commit impulse buying.  I was caught by the promotion posted by Deal Grocer about this newest eco-friendly gem in the south.  In just one click, taaaaadaaah!  charge to credit card.  I set that as a reward for a very tiring and stressful days for my hubby.  I want to spend one weekend just to relax and stay in one cozy place.  As the promo said "looking for a posh, comfy and clean retreat in the city without burning a hole throughout your pocket?" Wapak na wapak sa pagoda na Mister at Misis.  Kaya print agad agad ng voucher and kept for future weekend since it was valid until July.  And here comes August 1,  when I opened up again the voucher it was expired.  I got so disappointed because of my very wrong decision of buying and yet not even enjoyed it.  I missed it due to hectic photography schedule.  Hindi ko tuloy masabi kay hubby na nag-aksaya ako ng money for that.  Hinayang na hinayang ako.

Of course hindi tayo papayag ng ganun ganun na lang.  I wrote an email to Deal Grocer and begging for a consideration.  I have a very flowery word why I chose Azumi Boutique Hotel.  I said, I read several reviews about the Hotel and really want to experience what other blogger is sharing.  They had immediate reply on my mail and insisted that the merchant is very strict when it comes to expiration dates.  They advised me to mail the Hotel for a consideration.  Which I did.  And their reply is the same with Deal Grocer but promoted their rainy day promo.  In short, they extended their promo.  They allowed me to use my voucher.  I am so grateful with them for being so considerate.  Yes, it's true that I already paid the voucher and I am entitled to the benefit of it.  But it's also the responsibility of the voucher holder to be aware of its validity.

What I've learn from this experience is always make your spending valuable and don't hesitate to ask a consideration because I believe that there is always a chance. ahihi!!

Here is our short but meaningful staycation at Azumi Boutique Hotel

Simple yet elegant logo

I fell in love with the white painted wall accentuated with eclectic European-inspired display. It's an elegant yet not intimidating ambiance in the lobby.

Books everywhere!

A polygonal lights hanging above the bar

Remarkable photographs

 I was amazed with the sophisticated interior design of their chic lobby.  I was caught with the way how framed photographs were arranged that makes it not crowded.

We were welcomed with smile and a hassle-free checked in with beautiful and accommodating staffs.  I was asked to sign a waiver for the use of balcony and rooftop pool.  The front desk officer reminded me that all rooms are no-smoking area.

We were booked in a Queen Room.  We have my kids with us and they are free of charge.

Clean and peaceful hallway

The room is just enough for my family. The couch became the kid's bed.  The walls are tiled with "ecocarat" that absorb moisture, odor and toxins.  

The room has a cabinet, fridge and microwave.

 

The bathroom is isolated with transparent glass.  Just nice for a couple guests.  They provided organic bath and body products.  It is chic, modern and clean.  Water supply is also good.

One thing I observed was the absence of bidet. But the rest went well during our stay.

















Another thing that my kids enjoyed was the sparkling infinity lap pool in the roof deck with sensational night view of Alabang City skyline.

Cityscape

Definitely, we enjoyed our stay.  We had a nice sleep in a comfy bed and fluffy pillows.  My hubby caught two good movies with the flat-screen TV and stayed very late on bed the next morning.

Such a comfy stay

See???? Our smiles(scroll down), it shows satisfaction.  It was such a relaxing weekend.

My voucher didn't include breakfast so I don't have reviews about Romulo Cafe, but it has a catching interiors too.

As always, my photos says it all! It has value for money.  A worthy weekend. And another parenting and relationship workshop.

Thank you Azumi for your beautique service!

AZUMI BOUTIQUE HOTEL

2205 Market St. , Madrigal Business Park,

Phase III Alabang Muntinlupa City, Phils.

Email: reservation@azumi.ph

Website: http://www.azumi.ph

My Pico de Loro Experience

Pico De Loro Cove is the first Hamilo Coast's development by SM Land, Inc. A 5,900 hectares where 1/3 of the total area is developable.  It is located in the province of Batangas famous to beaches and vacation destination. Particularly situated in Nasugbu, Batangas.  Pico De Loro Cove is named after the distinctive peak of Mt. Pico de Loro in its mountain horizon, which was claimed to look like a parrot's beak.  It is accessible via Tagaytay-Nasugbu route in 3-4 hours drive from Manila.  The other option is the ferry service at MOA complex to have shorter travel time.

Photo by Rochelle Acosta

There are wide variety of dynamic activities this place can offer.  "LUCKY US" because my beloved company ABOSTA SHIPMANAGEMENT CORPORATION chose this breathtaking place as our SUMMER 2013.  Of course with the best effort and classy choice of our Admin. Dept.  We're accomodated at Pico Sands Hotel which offers a complete lifestyle experience.  One more thing that made me so lucky,,,,  I was able to go with my family.  A luxurious summer "all expenses paid" for my family.  Wow! This is what I call "LIFE".

Pico Sands Hotel
Photo by Rochelle Acosta

A cozy and spacious lobby

The other side of the lobby and dining at night

We just arrived in time for lunch.  And we had it at Pico Restaurant.

Exclusive for us

Our tummy was very satisfied with the lunch they served.  Our lunch came with several choices, from appetizer to desserts.  And since I'm with my family, I need to attend them first before taking photos of food.  And here are my few shots.

Salad Station

Chicken Barbeque

Fruits

Pinakbet

Chopsuey and Pancit Canton

After our satisfying lunch, we had some photo ops for memories.

Photo by Rochelle Acosta

And not so long waiting, we checked in to our room while some have to wait for more minutes.

Front Desk

Premier Room

Comfort Room

Counter

Toiletries

We stayed in a 37 square meter simple yet elegant Premier Room.  Its accommodation came with two queen-sized beds  that can fit up to four adults or two adults and two children.  The room is all ours because one office mate couple were not able to join for medical reason.  The room has 7 square meter balcony with the view of mountains and man-made saltwater lagoon.

View from Balcony

Those buildings are the residential condominium which suggests a remarkable vacation lifestyle.  Best for rich citizen who afford to have a quick weekend get away with all-in amenities to enjoy at their own.

A capture of my family's stay in a classy hotel

Pico Sands Hotel by night

COUNTRY CLUB 

Aside from the comfy staycation at Pico Sands Hotel,  we were able to discover the Country Club of Pico de Loro Cove. It is an intimate resort experience with the exclusivity and privacy of leisure club community.  Indulge yourself to the splash of swanky pools in front of the club infinity to the saltwater lagoon.

Country Club

Infinity Pool

My kids enjoying the pool

Gaining friends too

Kiddie Pool

Country Club-Front

I love summer!

My pageant pose in my COTTON ON Swimwear

Oh I love summer as I love my body today after a year of being a SLIMMERS WORLD client.  Actually, I gained weight to have some fluffy face to look better.  I am enjoying it!

Showing off my asset....my perfect teeth

Country Club is engage in a healthy and active lifestyle.  It is an ideal spot for family and friends to enjoy wide selection of indoor and outdoor sports and recreational amenities. They have the gym, billiards, kidsroom, basketball, bowling, badminton, table tennis, long tennis, music room and even wii sports.

Billiards

Bowling Lane

And my score.....competitive (MIRI 129)

My chubi chubi baby at kids room(By Rochie)

Photo By Rochelle Acosta

We had our breakfast at the Country Club dining "LAGOA".

Buffet breakfast

After our breakfast we explore again the swimming pool at the Country Club. Summer lovin'

My boys and me

My summer lovin' drama

Summer get-up in Forever 21 cover up from Mommy T

With some of my officemates

My family had a great time exploring the Country Club.  We love the place and it's good for you to experience it too.

Country Club at night

BEACH CLUB

In an endless view of South China Sea, 1.5 kilometers sloping beach shore embraced by lush green mountains, where we can enjoy the outdoor activities like biking, beach sports, row boat, banana boat, water taxi, scuba diving, jet ski and ATV.  They also have dining and swimming pool to enjoy.

Beach Front(Photo by Rochelle Acosta)

Busy beach front

Beach Club

Beach Club Pool

Let's go kayaking

Banana Boat

Banana Boat(Photo by Rochelle Acosta)

Jet ski(Photo by Rochelle Acosta)

Banana Boat(Photo by Rochelle Acosta)

A well spent weekend with my Abosta Family.  Thank you very much to the management and to our Director Capt. Chung.  It was a relaxing and refreshing get away.

Cheers to All!

My Abosta Family

Happy Summer! Thank you Pico De Loro