Minato Mirai 21, Yokohama, Japan

Minao Mirai dubbed as the “Harbour of the Future” is a large urban area in the central Yokohama. It is blessed with great location therefore a lot of attractions can be found here. Myriads of Yokohama’s tourist attraction, hotels, shopping, museum and theme park are well placed in this area. No wonder it is one of the most sought after district in Yokohama.

On our recent trip in Yokohama last February, my mom and my uncle booked our accommodation in two of the luxurious hotels situated in Minato Mirai 21. To ensure that we have the most comfortable and memorable stay in Yokohama and spoiled as we are we are lucky to experienced the luxurious feel of Pan Pacific and Intercontinetal Hotel.     

Pan Pacific Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu

We were initially booked at Pan Pacific Hotel. I’ve noticed that hotel lobby in Japan is simple and has a  minimalist design and not as grandiose as the hotels I’ve seen in Macau and in Manila. Well, this is just based on my own observation only J

and this is the lobby of Pan Pacific Hotel I am referring

and this is the room booked for us 

and the spectacular view of the Minato Mirai and Cosmo World from our room veranda

Pan Pacific is a one minute walk from Minato Mirai station and  connected to  a mall near the station. What I simply love about this hotel is the balcony overlooking the Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris Wheel. The Ferris Wheel illuminates at night and changes its colors and effects every 15 minutes.

Cosmo World

Cosmo World is an amusement theme park in the center of Minato Mirai. Unlike any other theme parks in Japan entrance to the Park is free of charge. You pay only per ride or the attraction of your choice. Distinct of this themepark is the Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris Wheel, the underwater Roller Coaster and other rides and gaming attractions for the whole family.

Intercontinental Yokohama Grand Hotel

The hotel has a unique blend of architecture with a unique boat-shaped like outside structure is also situated within the central district of Minato Mirai. 

our room here is a lot bigger as compared to Pan Pacific  

and here's Intercon's perspective view of Minato Mirai

Since we have overload tour schedule at Mt. Fuji, Yeti Resort and Tokyo Disneyland, we have only limited stay at both hotels and were not able explore some of the hotel's luxurious amenities and more so with the hotels nearby attractions such as the Landmark Tower, Red Brickwall, Nissin Museum etc. :( We hope on our next visit we will have a relax more itinerary and get a chance to explore the area.

Over-all we truly have the most pampered and comfortable stay at Minato Mirai 21. Our heartfelt thanks again to our generous sponsors. Domo Arigatou Gozaimasu   

Date of Visit: February 2013

   

The Venetian Resort Hotel: A Taste of Italy in Macau

The Venetian Hotel is a luxury and casino resort situated in Estrada de Baia de N. Senhora de Esperanca, s/n, Macau, China. It is a unique huge complex comprising of hotel, resort, casino, shopping retails, fine dining and food court. Thus, it is a fully integrated resort where you can do all your travel leisure plus you will be dazzled by different street performers and have a once in a lifetime gondola experience .

(From Thet's Camera)

Owned and managed by the Las Vegas Sands and patterned after its sister casino resort, The Venetian in Las Vegas, The Venetian Macau is considered to be one of the largest casino in the world and even largest single structure in Asia.  

Since my sister is working in a construction firm in Macau, I have the opportunity to see the hotel a couple of times during my visit. On my latest and previous visit in Hongkong on 2011, my friends and I decided to have a taste of luxurious stay in Venetian. With only an hour ferry ride from Hongkong, we decided to have a side trip at Macau and booked a Bella Suite with Twin Bed for a peso value of around Php9k+ since we are 4 pax we decided to split the cost into 4 and voila we have a Venetian taste of  Macau. It has a free shuttle bus from Macau and Taipa Ferry Terminal.

The room is huge with about 70 sqm. floor area. It has a  2 queen sized bed good enough for 4 persons.  

What’s even more special about the Bella Suite is that it has a cozy living room for you to lounge around :)

the bathroom is even spacious too

and here are some of the snapshots around the hotel :)

the exquisite Venetian's Ceiling Mural 

Hall Entrance leading to the Casino area 

The Gondola Ride 

      

The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel is truly once in a lifetime leisure experience. It has a rare combination of facilities and amenities for you to enjoy luxury at its best bringing the taste of Italy in Asia.

Date of Visit : November 2011

The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel

Estrada de Baia de N. Senhora de ESperanca, s/n,

Macau, China

Website: www.thevenetianmacao.com

Staycation: Sofitel Philippine Plaza

According to my friend “Wiki” , Staycation (Stay at Home + Vacation = Staycation)  is a period in which an individual or family stays home and participates in leisure activities within driving distance or taking a vacation to a location relatively close to home.

Sofitel Philippine Plaza has been a favorite staycation venue for my family whenever we have special occasions to celebrate. Reason for this is because the hotel in itself is only located in Roxas Boulevard, the resort style lagoon pools overlooking the Manila Bay sunset, plus the good breakfast selection at Spiral convinced us that Sofitel is truly an oasis resort within the bustling city of Manila.

                            

We booked a standard room good enough for a family of four 

aaww :) a welcome note from the management on my 2nd visit

Pool View from our room veranda.

My kids having fun at the pool 

There is even mini sandbox and kid's play area near the pool. A great opportunity to make friends too:)

Hammocks and loungers are spread within the garden overlooking the Manila Bay a great venue for some photo ops activities like these :)

    

And this is the magnificent Manila Bay sunset...Ang ganda di ba?

Our stay was during the month of February and there was a Pyromusical Competition held at Mall of Asia that time. Thus, at the pool area we were able to have a glimpse of the spectacular fireworks for free :)

  

The only cons with the fireworks competition that time....we were not able to go out of the hotel due to the congested traffic outside and instead obliged to have a room service for dinner :(

What I love even more with Sofitel is the Breakfast Buffet selection at Spiral. My Kids are still free of charge that time yipee so there's no add-on with the rate I booked for the Standard Room with free breakfast for two.

                 

J1 and J2 enjoying the donuts' section

                                 

and this is my buffet breakfast plate Spiral Edition :)

Over-all considering the ambiance and the kid-friendly activities, Sofitel is a good choice for a staycation for family with young kids.  A peso value of around Php6k++ (Please check the reservation for the updated rate) of an overnight stay with breakfast plus the amenities for your kids is already a good steal for a luxurious staycation at Sofitel Philippine Plaza. 

Sofitel Philippine Plaza

CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard,

Pasay City

Tel No: (+632) 551-5555

Fax No:(+632) 551-5610

Date of Visit: February 2011