The Travelling Journals

The Jewel Hotel New York

Stayed in July, 2011

We were really lucky to come across this new boutique hotel and its welcoming room rates.
Hotel AreaSet in the middle of the city center, right across the Rockefeller plaza and a breath away from 5th Avenue and all the shopping havoc that a traveller seeks. It is also close to important sights and attractions: St Patrick's Cathedral, Radio City Music Hall, Top of the Rock, NBC Studio Tours and MoMA. It is undoubtedly the best location anyone should have as a starting point, especially if it is your first visit in New York.
Bedroom & Facilities
We were 3 guests in a double room so we had to set up the extra rollaway bed in the corner next to the desk area. The room space was minimized but it was still enough for the 3 of us. Apart from the double bed there was a sofa, a plasma tv, a desk area, a microwave, a coffee machine, a fridge and also an alarm and ipod dock set next to the bed. We had free internet access, a considered bonus for any hotel of its kind, and also free print-outs from the hotel's lounge.
The bathroom had a wooden floor with a dark gray marble sink, a toilet and a bath. The bathroom amenities included a hair dryer, bath gel, lotion, shampoo and conditioner along with a bathroom kit.
The room's design is modern with a touch of wooden and leather furniture all blended together with the colours of anchor gray.
ServiceThe front desk was quite surprisingly helpful and friendly. They answered to all of our questions providing straight answers and they appeared very willing to keep our bags and providing assistance even long after our check out.
The hotel lounge on the 2nd floor had everything a guest needs. Everything there is self service. There are two computers with free high-speed internet, a living room area with a cable tv, newspapers and magazines as well as a coffee machine and a chilled water filling machine. With that in mind we were surprised that our room had all the quietness needed, despite the fact that it was right next to the lounge area, on the 2nd floor.
Overall a very clean and elegantly decorated hotel with amazing service and a rare "must-book" location!

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Bedroom amenities

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Room Tip: Be careful to book a room at the hotel main building so as not to end up at the hotel next door when booking online from hotel agencies!

Bond Place Hotel Toronto

Stayed in July, 2011

Bond Place Hotel is a boutique hotel which was in the process of renovation when we went there for 2 nights and the hotel’s logo was not even visible from outside.

Location
Located in the center of Toronto, Bond Place is practically on the Dundas-Yonge Square opposite Eaton Center with a subway station nearby. The area is full of shops, restaurants and cafes but although it is a central location, it is rather unsafe to walk around. There are also plentiful parking spots around the hotel with different prices but the hotel offers its own parking lot underground across the street and therefore we chose the safest and cheapest solution.

Room
Our room was brand new on the 13th floor, slightly narrow but super clean. Wireless internet has to be purchased and the whole building is non-smoking. Housekeeping and front desk service was very good.

We would return to this hotel if we go back to Toronto again.

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View from room

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Room Tip: Ask for a high floor room with Dundas street view

Shelter Hotel Los Angeles

Stayed in July, 2011

Location
The hotel sits at the Korean district in a quiet neighborhood. It is mostly surrounded with houses and you will need a car to get to most of the good restaurants or cafes around the district as well as to Hollywood. The car is a must option once you decide to stay at this hotel and if the reason of you visiting the city is for sightseeing since taxis are nowhere to be seen even if you reach the closest avenue which is Wilshire (5 minute walk). Buses run from Wilshire too but you need to know where you’re going and be well informed. That is not a problem of the hotel but obviously of the city that does not provide any convenient transportation services whatsoever.
The hotel was recently renovated, as all of the reviews and the hotel’s website claimed, so we booked a double room for 2 nights on a special 2+1 night’s price. The hotel’s sign though is not even visible from outside and both the rooms and building need a serious makeover.

Room
The room was cozy and big but literally empty! That didn’t really discourage us but there are very essential things missing from their rooms. There is free Wi-Fi available as long as you ask for the password! They don’t provide any room service or breakfast but they make a really warm gesture by offering coffee and cupcakes every morning at the front desk.
We also encountered a problem with the elevator which doors didn’t shut easily and that was a bit annoying. The hotel’s architectural structure was really odd and we couldn’t find our room easily. All in all the hotel looks like it is a friendly family run business with little to limited amenities and services but certainly worth staying for the price we paid and the generally ridiculously overpriced hotels in LA.

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Room Tip: Check for special offers before booking a room

Hilton Doubletree Fallsview Niagara Falls

Stayed: June, 2011

Location
A hotel set only 10 minutes’ walk from the Canadian side of the Falls with a downhill road leading to them. For that though be ready for the uphill when going back to the hotel! Both the exterior and interior of the hotel look so much better than what the photos depict on their official website. There is ample parking around the hotel which you need to pay for at the check in.

Room
We were offered an upgrade to the 18th floor with a restricted Falls view (upper level of the falls and Skylon Tower) from a floor to ceiling window. The room was a real beauty with a king size bed, a Jacuzzi, a coffee machine and several other amenities. We also had free Wi-Fi internet access from the room.
The service at the front desk was also really good and overall our stay was lovely and we regret not having stayed longer! We would surely go there again and anyone visiting the Niagara Falls should consider this hotel for their lodging.