NEW YORK: GARDENS NYC: AN AFFINIA HOTEL - HOTEL REVIEW

I travel to NYC often as some of you will know. My love affair with this city is well known.

For my trip to the NYC marathon in Oct/Nov 14, it was a hunt to get decent priced accommodation for my 10 nights.

This is a hideously expensive time to travel to New York and when you are paying the whole room cost yourself, getting a good deal is a must.

I had all but given up getting end thing under $350AUD a night and was about to can the trip. A Canadian friend gave me a code for an agent rate for which I managed to snag a Junior Suite for well under this. Great deal. Now always keep your eye out for good discounted rates and sign up for their deals email so you can be notified of good rates. There are a number of properties in this group which are all excellent.

I had never stayed on the East Side before and being up at 63rd was also new.

Subway is about 6 minutes walk away depending on the line. But it is a nice walk all the same.

Location is great. The hotel is right next to Sloan Kettering cancer hospital so my understanding is this hotel is also used for recouperating patients.

There are ample ammenities in the area including a Food Emporium, chemist and restaurants and cafes. I actually really liked the area. It was different for me considering I normally stay south of the park. I found the area safe and felt comfortable walking around at night.

Prior to arrival, I had had email communication with Nino, who was prompt with his replies.

The staff at the hotel upon arrival- magic, Marla and Caprice get special mention.

The doorman, especially Kris so attentive.

Check in was easy. Check out was also easy.

The room, absolutely massive. I had chosen not to upgrade to a patio suite due to it coming in to winter. Quite glad I did as some days it rained, thus making the area almost unusable. This however would be great for summer stays. I think from memory it was about an extra $15USD a day for that time of year. I am not sure if this rate is seasonal, but worth looking at all the same if the weather is good.

The Junior Suite I was in had a King Bed and a King Sofa Bed. There is so much space I could have opened a night club in here and still had room.

Small kitchen with fridge, sink, cooking area which is great. I didn't cook but I did use the fridge a lot for storing drinks, snacks.

My room was on the street side, but you would never have known, it was so quiet. 

There was a small closet (with only one luggage rack- my pet hate seeing there is often two of you travelling). The safe is in the closet. I'm short, the safe was up high, so I had to really stretch to make sure I got everything out. 

Bathroom was also well designed and functional. It also had a bath (shower of bath combo). I love baths in hotels.

Just before the bathroom as a small dressing area with mirror that enables you to do your makeup etc while someone else is in the bathroom. 

I had trouble with the Internet to start but that was soon fixed by the front desk. The wifi was free as I had booked direct. You may want to check your inclusions. There is free wifi in the lobby.

What I really liked is as you came and went from the hotel, the staff made the effort to greet you. 

I really loved this hotel. I would recommend it especially if you are looking to stay away from the hustle and bustle of the Times Sq area. 

The staff here are just exceptional and are a credit to this property.

Huge bed, you can see the large sofa. TV is to the left of the sofa as is the bathroom area.

 Unfortunately not amazing lighting but smaller area before bathroom is the dressing room.

ADELAIDE: SOSTA- RESTAURANT REVIEW

My family and I went to this Adelaide restaurant for my brother's 40th birthday in June.

On the ever popular Rundle Street, it is a great choice for steak/ Argentinian Barbecue. We are all fans of steak and we love great steak.

To give you some history on how much we love steak, we lived in Japan in the late 80's. In Japan during that time, steak was around $100 a kilo stretching up to $300 a kilo for the top stuff. Interestingly now it is all about the "marbling" of the fat within the steak. Well back in the 80's this was a new concept to 14 year old me in Japan but it was the norm there and I enjoyed being treated often to steak when we lived there. Essentially we were eating this "Kobe" beef back then, long before it became the "in thing". I used to eat my steak well done. It needed to be cooked within an inch of its life. Now I like it rare. How times have changed!

We didn't have a reservation but as we were quite early for a Friday night we were able to be seated. It's a cosy set up with some bigger tables for group towards the back near the kitchen pass. However, it isn't noisy so you can hold a conversation and hear what is being said. 

We didn't order any starters as we wanted dessert. Three of us had the eye fillet and my brother had the mixed grill plate (which really in essence is good enough for two).

Mum and I had one of the Malbec wines and it was great.

Your main courses are accompanied by a plate of their special potatoes. Little cubes of carb enriched delight with seasoning. Just delicious. 

We also ordered some sides: the mushrooms and the mixed seasonal vegetables.

All just amazing.

Our steaks came in good time and were honestly perfect. 

I have had two memorable steaks in my adult life so far (Gordon Ramsay Steak, Las Vegas and Black Cow Bistro, Launceston), and this makes it three.

Mum and I had also ordered a Gorgonzola sauce and I can safely say this is one of the best sauces I have ever had. It also went really well with the potatoes.

Desserts are pricey at $16AUD each. Mum and I shared the creme brûlée. It's was lovely. Didn't blow my mind but was delicious all the same.

Our female waitresses were just lovely and couldn't do enough to make our stay enjoyable. There was one male waiter who we did find a bit pompous. We didn't let that affect us.

All in all a great dining experience which my Mum and I were still living off the next day.

We will definitely return to Sosta and if you are visiting our fair town, please do your self a favour and make a reservation here for dinner.

Next time I think I will try some of the starters.

My mouth still waters when I think of that steak.

HONG KONG: LUXE MANOR: HOTEL REVIEW

I was on my way to a big conference in Macau in July 2014 and decided to have a one night stop in Hong Kong.
My choice of hotel was all about the best price with the most inclusions. I also prefer staying on the Kowloon side.
I got a very good rate thru Travelcube and the rate included Buffet Brekkie and free wifi.
I arrived very early at the hotel due to early arrival of aircraft but did not book early check in.
The girls at reception were great. They offered me a key to the gym to go down and get a shower (gym is small but would be functional for a small workout). I had to wait a few minutes for them to clean the showers as other guests had just done the same thing, but no drama, the fact they offered this to me was wonderful.
They said I would have a priority for check in as I was an agent (which was really nice) and to come back about 11am. As I walked out after my shower, it had started to rain but I decided to keep wandering. I sat on the step of a bank for about 30 mins people watching, and then headed back at about 10:30 and a room was ready.
I had room 702 which was a superior room- it looked out on to Kimberly Road.
King bed and delicious white linen. 
The decor is interesting but funky and I liked it. In room safe as well.
I didn't use the smart phone but probably should have. 2 complimentary bottles of water.
Buffet Breakfast was good. Lots of different things including fruit, cereal, hash browns, eggs, bacon, toast etc.
Interestingly, however something I was not aware of was that the hotel takes a $500HKD deposit per night on your card. This was not in the conditions thru Travelcube, nor on my voucher. This is something the hotel needs to advise to the wholesaler but is not a negative as all hotels take a deposit of some kind, I just like to know what it is.
A lovely hotel that I would put my clients for a stopover for a couple of nights. Great location, within walking distance (15 mins) of Star Ferry, 10 mins from Jordan for Temple St Markets, smack bang in Tsim Sha Tsui.
Definitely recommended.
You can get the train from the airport and then the connecting shuttle drops you right outside the hotel door- all for $90HKD.

SYDNEY: SHERATON ON THE PARK- HOTEL REVIEW

I stayed here for a conference July  2014(5 -6 July).
It's a great location for shopping in Pitt St. If you are coming from the train from the airport you can get off at St James and walk across the road.
The bell boys were busy when I arrived so went in and asked to leave my bags for the conference. Out of the 400 bags left, mine was the only one not taken to my room as it had been marked wrong (not marked check in). Was a busy morning, so I will let it slide, but as feedback, it would have been nice to be listened to.
Check in was actually a breeze after the conference.
I was in room 813. It had a park view. So am going to say it is a Hyde Park View Room.
They had clearly run out of proper twins (not a complaint as we had taken up a lot of rooms). So we had a king split (that could be unzipped for 2 singles but that couldn't be separated properly because of bed head).
Bathroom was great and shower awesome. There was also a bath and there was a space with room for 2 cases in the hall. (love this). The hotel also had a proper hairdryer (took me a while to find as there are tonnes of drawers.
There was a little sitting area as well as a desk in this room.
Wifi was paid wifi. Not sure of the rates.
The bar 1 floor up from the entrance was great, but not quite enough wait staff, but we liked it.
I did like the hotel and it is always nice to visit properties I haven't stayed at before.
Get a good deal and this is a winner

HOBART: HADLEY'S HOTEL- HOTEL REVIEW

Aunty and I stayed here in May 2014. I chose the hotel based on the Stay 3 pay 2 deal I got direct on their website. Rosie G was very helpful when I hadn't got my email confirmation as was the other Rosie when we checked in :)
The location is fabulous, within walking distance of Salamanca, the main town and all attractions.
The car park is around the corner a bit but you can park just outside (paid) and they give you a card for the car park ($15/day). 
There was no one to bring our luggage in from outside but we are not sure if this is standard or if the bellhop was busy.
When we arrived, we found we had been upgraded to a 2 room suite. Lovely- the only complaint (we had the one that looked out towards the water (no water view)- was in bedroom 2 the wall was near something maybe washing machines for the cleaners?) which turned on early in the AM. I am sorry but I cannot remember the room number- it is the room at the end of the hall on the top floor. 
However, an upgrade is an upgrade and the fact we had a lovely bathroom, 2 separate bedrooms, a dining table and a lovely sitting area in front of the tv, we were happy.
There is no kitchen but there is a small fridge and a kettle.
In the bathroom we had a spa bath.
This hotel is just lovely. There is a breakfast room that has good value breakfasts.
Their bar is like the old style speakeasy bars and did great chips and a great Toblerone cocktail for us.
The decor fits with the heritage of the hotel, so please do not expect fine lines and modern decor.
Location as mentioned is exceptional and the airport bus does stop right opposite for you.
Loved it and would recommend to my clients.

Bedroom 1

Bedroom 2

 Living Area

Bathroom

LAS VEGAS- HERE I COME!

Each year the company I work for offer the opportunity to go to a conference somewhere in the world for the weekend. This year is Las Vegas and again, I will be going. Also hoping for a side trip to NYC (again).
So look out for new reviews on The Venetian. It will be the first time I get to stay here. Lots of excitement.
Currently planning the spare time in the "weekend". I will get to spend 2 extra nights in "The Paradise of Vice" either side of the possible NYC trip, where I hope to stay at Mirage and New York, New York. Just sourcing best rates for each night.... and getting my self wound up in the never ending back and forth of choosing a hotel for 2 one night stays. I don't want to stay at hotels I have stayed at before, despite them offering the best rates for my dates. Should get some great material for you all on this trip, so stay tuned.

Have a great day

LAUNCESTON, TASMANIA: BLACK COW BISTRO- RESTAURANT REVIEW

Four of us ended up here at Black Cow Bistro in May 2014 after being so offended by the staff across the road at the Mexican restaurant. It was clearly meant to be. We had been at a quilt retreat at the Grand Chancellor for the weekend and were now under our own steam for dinner. To our surprise, this little find was absolutely packed with people.
We were greeted at the door (and I am so sorry that I now can't remember this chap's name but he was lovely) and made to feel so welcome even though we did not have a reservation.
We were seated and proceeded to enjoy what the BCB had to offer.
Dylan took care of us- what an amazing man. So proud of the restaurant he works in. So proud of the team he works with. He is constantly checking around the restaurant for drinks to be filled, plates to be cleared, orders to be taken. His service is worthy of that found in a Michelin star restaurant.
Our first night we tried a selection of entrees- but knew that we would have to be back when we saw the steaks come out.
I tried the pork belly. Best I have EVER eaten. Please consider I have eaten in top restaurants world wide including those with Michelin stars. I never expected to find a restaurant of this quality in Launceston, but it must be on your list of must do's for this town.
For dessert I had the Frozen Caramel Slice- OMG- you will die and go to heaven.
Ever single meal that came out was thumbs up at our table.
The next day we called to make a reservation and Dylan could only fit us in at 8. Not a problem.
When we arrived, we were about 5 minutes early, he was beside himself as he had given himself a buffer for our arrival but he was so upset our table was not ready for our arrival. We were not worried as we knew that we would have a great night and we were early. We went outside and watched the tv at the real estate agents (to snoop on the houses for sale) and he CAME OUT to meet us and bring us in and welcome us again.
Apologising profusely (for something that was really not an issue), he bought our first round of drinks.
I had come for steak and I was not disappointed. One of the most amazing steaks I have eaten. Equal billing with #1 which was at Gordon Ramsay Steak in Las Vegas where I ate in 2013. Asked for the rare side of medium rare and it was perfect. I cherished every morsel of that steak.
This is safely in my top restaurants worldwide. 
Dylan- the complete professional. The food, total taste sensations.
I cannot speak highly enough of this restaurant and will be recommending this to clients. 
Dylan, you should be so proud, you do a fabulous job in a fabulous restaurant. The food is unbelievable.
Thank you for taking care of us and indulging us 2 nights in a row.
An amazing experience.

Pork Belly (photo a bit dark)

Green Beans

Nicoise Salad

Frozen Caramel

Panacotta

Eye Fillet Steak

NEW YORK : AIR BNB

Being an agent, I am usually wary of private rentals and the "deals" people get. I have heard too many sad stories where I just think "Why did you even think that was a good idea?".
In March 2015 I was going to New York to run the NYC Half Marathon. The rate of exchange of the Australian dollar to the US dollar had dropped and so what I would normally call a great deal was now well above budget.

I decided to give Air BNB a shot to:

1) See what all the fuss was about
2) Get some cheaper accommodation that I could afford for the last 6 nights of my 10 night stay.
3) Find somewhere that I could recommend

I really do have to put a disclaimer here:
Short term rentals in NYC under 30 days are actually apparently not legal.
So I do need you to note:

1) You make a booking at your own risk
2) If you do not feel comfortable, do not hand over your money
3) Understand that not everyone is as ethical as you.
4) Do you research on different properties- read the reviews.
5) Be patient, sometimes the first one you choose may not be available. Properties are being loaded all the time.
6) Read the terms and conditions of each rental. You are entering into a contract. Know your rights with Air BNB as well.
7) Understand that you are staying in someone's house. They want you to have a good stay.  Respect their space like you would want someone to respect yours.You are not staying in a hotel, so don't expect those facilities.


After 1 cancellation (and then a credit from Air BNB to help me get a better property), I found a great little studio. Amazing mid-town location, right near a subway and eateries.
I can safely say MY experience with Air BNB has been positive. The young man's studio I stayed in was clean, warm and suited me perfectly. Communication was fabulous and he was so flexible with key pick up and drop off. I just loved the experience and will stay here again on future trips. I can safely say now that if people want to use Air BNB, I now get it. It certainly has opened my eyes to options.

My top criteria in NYC for an apartment are:
1) A lift- I do not wish to climb 5 flights of stairs to get to my digs
2) Wifi
3) Clean
4) Reviews, that are positive
5) Near a subway

 Click here for my referral link for Air BNB and get up to $33AUD off your first rental!
The apartment I stayed in was hosted by Ricky Perez and the link is here (create your account first and get a credit towards your booking).

NEW YORK: KATZ'S DELI - RESTAURANT REVIEW

It took me 6 trips to NYC to get here. Finally on my trip for the NYC Half Marathon, I made it. On what I now call my "snow seeing" day as it was snowing from 11 am..... continuously  I am not normally one to go to tourist style restaurants as the food and service is usually really bad. However, every now and again, my faith is restored. Katz's Deli was where this happened. I suppose that because it does seem to attract quite a few locals as well made it what it was. I walked in and was met by Eddie. He was happy to answer ALL my questions about how to order and how I wanted my pastrami sandwich. He was my first contact in this deli and was friendly and happy to answer my questions which he had probably been asked 100 times that day already. That is the sign of good service. Even when I sat in the table service area (after I had got my meal from the counter), the waiter was very friendly and just let me know that I needed to sit in the middle part instead. He was very diplomatic and made sure I didn't fell embarrassed I was sitting in the wrong area. How important is this? Often as a tourist when you do the "wrong" thing you are made to feel about an inch tall. Not here.
You get given a ticket at the door (say by Eddie) and they write what you order on it at each counter you visit, doing a running tally and then you pay at the end before you walk out the door. Quite a good system really. DON'T LOSE YOUR TICKET- it is a $50USD fine if you do. 
I made my way to the counter and ordered. The guy making my sandwich gave me some pastrami to try. He was also attentive with what I wanted on it, say mustard etc. I got some of the Russian dressing on the side, but I will be honest, I wasn't so much of a fan. The rye bread is to die for and I was to wash it all down with a cream soda. You can have your pastrami lean (with no fat) or "not so lean" (proper term escapes me), which means you get the fat with it.
The sandwich was great. Massive and really you can share it. The pastrami was fabulous. I didn't partake in the pickles as they are not my thing.
For the "When Harry Met Sally" fans, there is a photo of the cast on the wall and a dangling sign above the table where Meg Ryan gave her "performance".
Safe to say, it's the most expensive sandwich I have ever and probable will ever order and consume. My sandwich alone was $22.50, the soda $2.50. Total including tax, a little over $27USD. But, this is what the cost is. I would recommend a visit. And if you don't understand how it works, ask. They are really friendly people.
It's constantly packed but tables are always coming free.
The food is good, so despite the price, you aren't paying good money for bad food. 
I loved it here, would I go again, yes, but I would take someone with me to share a sandwich.

Katz's

The Pastrami Sandwich (Lean)

The Pastrami Sandwich (Lean)

Old style lit up boards with their fayre.

Where Harry met Sally

The cast of Harry Met Sally.

This place is always busy. It was a great place to people watch

 Right here was where Meg Ryan gave her performance

Outside, and it was snowing. 

LAS VEGAS: PLANET HOLLYWOOD- HOTEL REVIEW

I stayed here a while back but have had clients stay since and report back the same feedback as mine. This hotel is great. Such a great location with great facilities for shopping (Miracle Mile) and eating all around. We stayed in a Hollywood hip room twin beds (both Queen). Great decor, great beds. Good for youngies, friends, families (please note it can get a bit rawkus with the youngies at the pool). Anyone can stay here really, but the above is probably who it would appeal to. I found check in really easy. There are some deals which now include a coffee/bagel style breakfast as well which helps with costs. There are a number of different room types including strip, mountain and fountain views. There are also a number of different types of suites which I would love to stay and play in. Click here to see the room types offered. 
Always ask about resort tax to your agent as this is usually paid direct upon arrival to the hotel and at current rates is about $29USD per room per night and includes wifi internet and access to the fitness centre. 
I loved this hotel and I would stay here again.

When I was here last this hotel was part of the Harrahs Group all day buffet. 
Click here to read about that!