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Friday, February 26, 2010

Suitcases: Macro Polo Gateway, Hong Kong

I recently took a short trip to Hong Kong for some shopping and foodie eating. Of course, the weather there was a big clincher! It was winter season which allowed me to whip out my winter clothing. What a wonderful difference from the ever hot little country we reside in. That was the good part.

The bad part? I fell sick! The night before I was to leave for my morning flight! The flu it seems. How unfortunate as I was so looking forward to this trip, it being my first time back in Hong Kong in 7 years!
I have a few posts lined up regarding said trip. This is the first, about the lovely hotel I stayed at. This place is called the Marco Polo Gateway Hotel at Tsim Sha Tsui. One of the great things about this particular hotel is its location! Located along Canton Road, it is one of the main roads in Hong Kong. Think Orchard Road in Singapore. And, it is connected to a major shopping site which has several sections and names, but mostly called The Gateway. Now think Cititel Hotel/Mid Valley Megamall/Boulevard Hotel/The Gardens/The Gardens Hotel in Kuala Lumpur! Same concept, just bigger!

Here’s a look at the hotel. You can watch a 360 degree video on the official website! Very cool stuff!




 




What’s that? Why show Prada instead of the hotel? Well, the main entrance is actually right across from Prada! Really unhealthy for those without their belts fastened tight! Imagine, I see this very sight every time I go in and out of the hotel! It sure makes my tongue wag and my fingers itchy.



A shot of the room. That’s pretty much it! Besides the bathroom which I never take pictures off. Oh, please excuse the bags! I think this is a really adequate room for 2 people, especially in a busy and happening country like Hong Kong where you are mostly going to find yourself anywhere but the hotel room, besides resting time.




First thing I did after checking in and unloading the bags? Eat of course! I went to my favourite restaurant! That one deserves a post on its own for sure! It’s going to be a really yummy one! Promise!

Just a little note, I’ve stayed in this very hotel 4 times in the last 10 years. And it is getting better and better! Mostly due to the great location. The hotel hasn’t changed, it is the surrounding stores outside that have changed so much that I got lost so many times looking for my favourite spots. I did go home with a better sense of the new Hong Kong!

The ferry terminal behind the hotel/The Gateway shopping complex.


On a good, clear night


On foggy nights


A mural on the other side of the harbour walkway

A lovely and yummy art display

Loves: Convenient location, lots of shopping, good hotel service, adequate sized rooms
Gripes: NONE so far!

All in all, a really nice hotel. If you want a more upper class version, there are 2 more hotels under the same parent company which are also located around the shopping complex. They are the Marco Polo Prince and Marco Polo Hong Kong.

But if I were you, I'd prefer to spend that extra dough on some major shopping and eating! Heck, you only spend a few hours in the hotel room once you get to Hong Kong. So don't waste it!

Until the next post! Ciao!


Disclosure: I was not compensated for this review financially or otherwise. Everything mentioned are my own thoughts based on my experience.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Random Thoughts: Happy Chinese New Year & Valentine's Greetings!

I'll start off by saying the obvious.


Happy Chinese New Year & Happy Valentine’s!!



Hey everyone!


I hope you’re having a good time! It’s a dual celebration this year, treble for those having birthdays today.


I will be doing my rounds as usual. CNY is a big event for my family, lots of relatives to visit. How about you?


To those love-birds, I hope you have a nice evening!


By Abby

Sunday, February 7, 2010

MIA News and Updates Coming Soon!

Hi all,

Sorry for being so MIA recently. Just got back from yummy Hong Kong!

Scenes and reviews about Hong Kong and Penang are coming up soon.

And unfortunately, I have been rather sick. And so has my computer, believe it or not! We both had to visit the doctor. One is fine now, the other getting there.

Anyway, stay tuned and stay healthy! Chinese New Year is right around the corner!

Signing off for now!

By Abby

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Must Go's: Kiehl's Party Update - I Got An Invite!!

Friday, the 15th of January 2010, a day that will live with me forever. That was the day of the longest annular solar eclipse of the millennium and will remain the longest until the 23rd of December, 3043! And where was I? At Miu’s Superhero (Berry) Birthday Party of course! The party’s actual name has been misused so many times even I have forgotten what it was originally called. Anyway, I got an invite! Woo hoo…


Guest Book Superhero-Style

Lovely Chandelier

WARNING: PIC & WORD HEAVY POST AHEAD!!!!


So it was the Superhero party of the century hosted by Kiehl’s! Everyone (ok, almost everyone) came dressed up as their favourite Superhero. Those sighted were SuperMiu, SuperMom, Catwoman, Elizabeth Swann, and Fly Devil (don’t worry, I’ve never heard of Fly Devil either!) But what did I dress up as? Well, ME of course! Haha…I supported in a red ensemble (let’s just put it that way shall we).


Group Pic!


Spidey Alert!


The activities of the day were held right outside the Kiehl’s store in 1 Utama. Thankfully they occupy a corner lot. There were Q and A games, a mini “treasure hunt” encompassing the store window, a Best Dressed award giveaway, a 2 minute intro to their new Acai Berry range plus a self demo, face-painting, eating, drinking, and mingling!


Acai Berry Range


2-minute Acai Berry Intro


Miu trying out the Toning Mist

Oh, and CAMWHORING of course! Boy, were there a lot of cameras in the house that day! We could have opened a camera shop right there and then!


Behold, the elusive Fly Devil Spotted!!

Did I mention there was Camwhoring??


And as it was a Super Kiehl’s parties, good food was aplenty! I wasn’t even expecting to see food at that hour!


Food!!!

Mini Pretzels and Onion Dip

Dessert

Cake! For Miu and I! How generous are they!


Now now, we will get on to the prizes and promotions. First up was the Q and A session based on the 2 minute intro. Nadia Yap, PR Manager, acted as the questioner and was almost bombarded with the then pre-scrapped “ring-the-bell-before-answering” procedure.


It's Elementary My Dear Superheroes!


Acai Berry Promoter Miu


Then came the mini treasure hunt and after that the Best Dressed giveaway! It was no big surprise who won. Or was it? We all thought SuperMiu would win! Check out the costume, that pose, the Miu-ness!!


Look at them Prizes!!


SuperMiu Pose!


But, since the party was held for her, she was sadly cut out. SuperMom ended up winning the grand prize! Followed by Supernerd, and some Consolation prizes going to Catwoman and Elizabeth Swann.


SuperMom to the Rescue!

Supernerd! Nerd No More!

Catwoman! Meowrr....

Captain Jack? Or Elizabeth Swann?
You decide!

No one went back empty handed! Goodie bags were given out, the recycling bin filling up, and purchases made.


Buy 2 Acai Berry products to get

the lovely Kiehl's Bag!


More Special Promotions!!


I went back with an extra pressie! Oh, did I forget to mention, it was also MY BIRTHDAY that day! So what did I take home? A special goodie bag courtesy of the generous Kiehl’s 1 Utama and a Kiehl’s pressie boxful of Kiehl’s (yes I do love the brand!) goodies from Miu! Yay me! More stuff to review now. Everyone should stop feeding my addiction. NOT!


This was the most memorable birthday I have ever had and will remember forever. A BIG THANK YOU to Kiehl’s for hosting yet another SUPERb party and to Miu of course for inviting me as well as the amazing pressie!



*Will post my pressies from the Kiehl's Party in another post. This one is way too long!


By Abby

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Giveaway Goodies: What's Your Name Little Kitty??

Isn't she the cutest! You wouldn't want this kitty to go on in life nameless would you? Are you a name whiz who wouldn't mind scoring some cool goodies while you're at it? Click HERE to "Name That Kitty!" Remember, no boy names as this cutey is a female! Maybe her name should be Shopaholic! Just kidding. No, really!




Here's a look at the goodies you'll get if your name is chosen!

The Body Shop Merry Cranberry Lip Balm
and
Boots No7 Stay Perfect Nail Colour in Oyster


This is what you have to do at Fatin's blog:

1) You must be a follower of her blog. Just click on 'Follow'.
2) Suggest name(s) for Kitten*.
3) Leave your Follower Id & Email.
4) Blog about it if you have a blog & leave her a comment.

*each follower only can suggest 2 names per person!

Submit your suggestions by : 15/01/10 (Friday) 11:00pm

Get to it Name Whizzes! Send in your entries!


By Abby