MGM Grand Hotel and Casino on The Strip in Las Vegas

If you are planning a vacation to somewhere you have never been to, chances are if you are not joining a guided tour, you would have to check out for yourself hotels available there and for good measure read up on some reviews. Thanks to the Internet, all needed information is now just a mouse-click away.  

When it comes to selecting a holiday destination in the United States, Las Vegas still tops the list for the west coast though most guided tours would include Los Angeles in the itinerary and sometimes San Francisco.  If you are going it on your own, finding a hotel is certainly not a problem as there are lots available to meet any budget and preference.  You may agree that you would be spoilt for choice.  Needless to say, making a booking is easy and convenient online.

Planning that much-deserved trip to Las Vegas?  The MGM Grand in Las Vegas   is among the finest in all of Las Vegas.  The Internet says this hotel is the ultimate Las Vegas experience as it comes with upscale rooms and suites.

MGM Grand Hotel and Casino is located on The Strip and offers star-studded events at the Grand Garden Arena. You can also expect world-class dining and nightlife at a variety of restaurants and lounges and do remember to check out their new nightclub, Hakkasan.

If you need your daily swim, MGM Grand Hotel and Casino features a 7-acre pool complex with 5 pools, 3 whirlpools, and a lazy river. There are 26 spacious cabanas with personalized bottle and food service. The Grand Spa offers soothing and indulgent treatments including the Dream Ritual.

MGM Grand has recently redesigned their rooms which now feature warm color palettes, high-end furnishings, open floor plans, and modern amenities. Guestrooms and suites at this Las Vegas hotel include pay movies, minibars, and wireless and wired Internet access.

If you are driving, the hotel provides Free parking, Free self parking, Free valet parking, Parking garage.

You may want to note however, that the minimum check-in age is 21.

Gay Paree, here I come! I wish..

I stumbled on a site about luxury vacation rentals paris france and wished I was there in Paris away from this current choking smog and hazy environment.

I would see Gay Paree during the day and plonk onto the most comfortable bed at night after spending an exciting day painting Paris red and all sorts of other vibrant colours!  

I'm captivated by this set of lightings on the website.  They are pretty, don't you think? Oui?

Do you have somewhere you'd like to escape to too in this haze? Come share..

Enroute to Gold Coast Resort Morib in Banting

While on the way to the new resort, the Gold Coast Resort Morib in Banting last year, we passed by a number of townships. I was surprised at how the places have developed. I remember on my visit many years ago, there wasn't much going on. This trip however presented a different experience. There are a lot more buildings and much more traffic and bustle.

Even along the coast, there are lots of sea-facing bungalows not unlike those real estate ocean isle beach homes in the picture.

Another startling development is the prevalence of homestay places. You can see roadside direction boards pointing you to these homestay places. If you are looking for homestay in a kampong (village) environment in that area, you will be spoilt for choice.

Genting Resorts World hotel deal

Planning a holiday to Genting Highlands? Resort World has a great hotel deal for stay in July and August at RM48 per night.

My apologies, I should have highlighted this earlier when the ad first appeared. Nevertheless, there are still two more days to make the booking. Clicking on the image below will take you to the Genting Highlands website where you can make your booking or check out details about the hotel deal.

A Vacation home provides more flexibility

Nowadays, people plan better for holidays or at least they know exactly what they want with regard to going on a holiday.

We were talking about holidays at breakfast last week and the choice between free-and-easy option versus a guided tour. Most of us prefer to go on a guided tour, me included. The thinking is when we go on a holiday, it is supposed to be enjoyable and not having to run around (albeit on the Internet) searching for the best travel packages, itineraries, hotel and transportation reservations and the like.

Most of us at breakfast agreed that free-and-easy is preferred when there is a friend or friends in the holiday destination familiar with the place. On a free-and-easy vacation, vacation homes do work well as they are something like a home away from home. I came across some Vacation homes in Kissimmee, Florida, online recently and thought they would make great accommodations on a trip to Disneyland. Staying in a vacation home would allow for more flexibility in schedules and could significantly reduce the holiday expenditure.

What about you? Would you prefer to stay in a vacation home instead of a hotel room?

Orlando on Dwellable

Video - Arab flies into a rage over couple’s kiss at lodge

I guess this must be the most-searched video in Malaysia currently after news broke that an Arab guest in a backpackers lodge flew into a rage over couple’s kiss at lodge. It happened in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The guy didn't pay the bill according to comments on You Tube.

Part 3 - A Visit to Malacca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site - Mahkota Hotel Malacca

Montage of images from the previous two posts..

Continuing my recent visit to the historical city of Malacca from Part 1 (road trip and sights along the way) and Part 2 (entering Malacca city itself).

Checking in at the Frontdesk was a breeze and the queue was just for a mere ten minutes though the line was getting longer closer to the check-in time.

There is ample parking at the hotel though cars jamming up the hotel entrance during check-in time needs some addressing by the management. Guests are advised to park in the vicinity of where their room/apartment is located. Having checked in, we were issued keys to our apartments. We relocated our vehicles to the Orchid Wing where we would be staying.

Mahkota Hotel Malacca is a sprawling complex of rooms and apartments, beautiful landscaping, pools (including a spa pool), a karaoke lounge, dining outlets. I may be mistaken but all rooms seem to be facing the sea or rather the Straits of Malacca though I had hoped the body of water is nearer the hotel. Looking out to sea and seeing how miniscule the passing ships were made me regret not having a pair of binoculars with me. Made a mental note to pack that on my next outing.

Below is a combo image of the hotel complex. The lower portion is the hotel lobby. (Images borrowed from hotel website.)

After dropping off our bags at the apartments,

we realised it was already close to 4pm and we haven't had lunch.

Mahkota Hotel Malacca is located a short distance away two shopping complexes, one of them is Mahkota Parade, a shopping center with lots of shops and food outlets, so we headed to Mahkota Parade for lunch. After a satisfying lunch, we did some walkabout in the complex.

Christmas decor at the foyer of Mahkota Parade..

Christmas tree at the other shopping complex (whose name I did not note). Oops! (Never mind the bare-back lady, just focus on the Christmas tree.)

A tourist attraction closeby is the 110-meter Taming Sari Tower. From the viewing deck at 80 meters, the ride offers a spectacular and panoramic view of Malacca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The passenger capacity is 66 passengers and the ride is for 7 minutes with a ticket price of RM20 for adults and RM10 for children. There is a special discount for MyKad holders. Operation hours are 10am to 10pm daily. Taming Sari Tower or locally called Menara Taming Sari is located at Jalan Merdeka, Banda Hilir,75000 Melaka.

Close-up view of the viewing deck, image courtesy of Menara Taming Sari website..

While the nephew and his parents took a ride up the tower, mom and the rest of us stayed grounded and chilled out at A&W. An hour later saw us heading to Jonker Walk, the part of Malacca that is one of the main draws to this historical city.

I thought I could include Jonker Walk in this episode but looks like this post is already too long and best that we take a break here.

So, Jonker Walk up next..


If you had missed the two earlier episodes, you can read them here..
Part 1 - A visit to Malacca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Part 2 - A visit to Malacca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Westin Heavenly Bed

If you have stayed at The Westin anywhere in the world, you would have been one of more than 75 million Westin hotel and resort guests who have enjoyed the comfort and luxury of the Westin Heavenly Bed.

Among the many exclusive features of this signature "Heavenly bed" is their 300-thread-count 100% Egyptian cotton sheet. What's with the thread-count, you may ask. The higher the thread-count, the softer the fabric. Likewise, if you are using matouk bed linen, you would be thoroughly basking in luxurious softness because matouk fine linens are made of 600 thread-count Egyptian Cotton.

By the way, if you are looking for a hotel on your next trip to Kuala Lumpur, The Westin Kuala Lumpur could be it. The location is ideal for holiday-makers - smack right in the city where the action is. Shopping and entertainment is just steps away from the hotel's doorstep.

Best Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes from Delish

Malaysians, comprising of diverse ethnic groups, celebrate a variety of festivals and holidays, each culture having its own unique celebrations. Even Thanksgiving, which is celebrated primarily in the United States and Canada has also caught on here. My local friends celebrate the holiday each year. Thanksgiving in Canada is celebrated on the second Monday of October and on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States. This Thursday is Thanksgiving Day in the United States.

Over here in Kuala Lumpur, Thanksgiving dinners can also be enjoyed in most of the 5-star hotels. Of course, turkey will be on the menu with all the right dressings, deserts and such. What would Thanksgiving be without turkey, eh?

This being Thanksgiving week, chefs at home would be busy sourcing and shopping for ingredients to cook up a delicious turkey dinner. Thanksgiving isn't Thanksgiving without a turkey, after all it is the star or centerpiece of the meal.

If you would like to try something different this year, i.e., cook your turkey a different way from your usual, here are some Thanksgiving turkey recipes you can check out - deliciously seasoned, glazed, stuffed, or rubbed turkey recipes with homemade gravy. Recipes are compiled by Kara Rodemer on Delish.

All recipes can be found on the Delish website where there are also more turkey ideas and recipes, stuffing how-to's as well as answers to your questions on turkey. Let's have a sneak peek.

Butter-Basted Roast Turkey with Mushroom Gravy
The star of Thanksgiving will be this roast turkey, glazed with a buttery herb sauce and encircled by fresh herbs and fruits. Serve this with a lighter-than-expected Sourdough Mushroom Stuffing.

Apricot-Glazed Turkey with Fresh Herb Gravy
The gorgeous mahogany color of this roasted turkey comes from a glaze of lemon-infused apricot jam.

Citrus-Marinated Turkey
Jose Garces prepares this turkey in the same style as a traditional Yucatán dish called cochinita pibil, a slow-roasted pork marinated in citrus and annatto paste (made from achiote seeds, the condiment adds an orange hue to foods). Brining and marinating the bird make it especially succulent.

Herb-Roasted Turkey
Stuffed with onion, apple, lemon, orange, and fresh herbs, this turkey will fill the house with a tantalizing aroma. Make sure you show this beauty off at the table before you carve it. Garnish your serving platter with fresh herb sprigs and citrus wedges.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Reggae Mansion Kuala Lumpur - Rave Reviews - Updated Jan 2013

Source: The Star

This sky-blue 3-storey building on the junction of Jalan Tun Perak and Jalan Tun H.S Lee in Kuala Lumpur is the new kid of hostels in town.

Reggae Mansion is a hostel for international backpackers. Only difference is, it does not host Malaysians, Indians and Middle-Eastern nationals which is causing an uproar among local Malaysians. Please see update below.

The hostel is not accessible to wheelchair-bound people (hostel has no lift) and those aged above 60 (Reggae Mansion is a backpacker and party hostel). These conditions are stated on their website. Formerly, Malaysians, Indians and Middle-Eastern nationals were not allowed but the conditions have changed to the following:

The hostel chain which operates here (KL) and in Penang said it provides Western meals and drinks which are not suitable for Muslims, and thus the “ban” is out of respect for the religion.

Reggae Mansion is strategically located in the city. It is near Chinatown, the nearest LRT station (Masjid Jamek station) is a mere 5-minute walk away. McDonald's and Burger King restaurants are closeby. Their rooftop Skybar serves a wide range of *ALCOHOLIC drinks and the kitchen offers their famous WESTERN and ASIAN food menus *NON HALAL.

While locals are calling for a boycott of the hostel, overseas travellers who have stayed at the hostel gave rave reviews. One guest touted it as the “best hostel i have EVER stayed”; another “The best place to stay in KL”, yet another called it “A no-expense spared backpacker palace!” One other commented, I'll stay with them again and again. In all fairness, there are some minor concerns but the positives far outweigh the negatives. You can read the reviews on Tripadvisor. Rooms are clean and secure, privacy assured, more than adequate bathrooms, ample room space, good wifi, great rooftop bar with views of the Petronas Twin Towers and the KL Tower, cheap beer are some of the inputs.

However, all restrictions have been lifted as Reggae Mansion has reversed their policy on guests.

For rooms, you have a choice of either Private Rooms or Dormitory. Tripadvisor has these pictures..

The Restaurant

Reggae Mansion Kuala Lumpur is located at
49-59, Jalan Tun H.S. Lee, Kuala Lumpur 50000, Malaysia
T : +603 20726877; +603 20726878
F : +603 20726876
E-mail: contactus@reggaehostelsmalaysia.com

Location Map of Reggae Mansion Kuala Lumpur

View Larger Map

How to get to Reggae Mansion
Attractions near Reggae Mansion

Related article:
Reggae Mansion stands by ban..The Star
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Port Dickson can be a great holiday destination too

Many of us travel the world in search of new sights, new tastes, new holiday experiences forgetting that some of the best of these can be found in our very own land. Life is like that. The grass is always greener on the other side.

While on a trip to Port Dickson, my friends and I visited a number of hotels and resorts along that stretch along the beach. Most of these places are impressive with their own private beach; outstanding spa and pool facilities that are on par with some of KL's best, probably the world too, I suspect; chalets by the sea reminiscent of those you see on Bora Bora brochures; sunsets that promise a romantic evening ahead.

They even have rooms as refreshing as the one in the image below found at an Outer Banks rentals website. The room is a delightful, bright and airy ocean-front room.

Anwar Slams Sex Video - I'm not the man

Jan 9, 2012 Update: High Court verdict: Anwar not guilty

Latest update: 'Anwar Ibrahim' video clip

Sex video shocker is the frontpage story on The Star today. (Google ads on my site today would probably feature PSAs (Publc Service Ads) only. But what the ....!, we all want to know more about it, don't we?)

At time of writing, the Most Viewed list of articles in The Star today shows that 8 out of 10 listed are on the same subject matter.

The excitement is about the release of a video recording of a man resembling an opposition party leader having sex with a foreign fair-skinned prostitute, believed to be from East Asia. This revelation has shocked the nation in the latest scandal to rock the country.

The politician held a press conference. Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has vehemently denied that he is the man in the sex video, saying that this was a “scurrilous attack” on him.

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim: “It is an evil political conspiracy. It is an attack against my character and my family. This is something we have endured the last 13 years.”

“Every time we face elections – in 1999, 2008 and now, these allegations surface.”

Dr Wan Azizah: “If the (sodomy trial) says that Anwar is with a man, why is this video with a woman?” she asked.





This is The Carcosa Seri Negara, an old colonial mansion that has been converted to a posh hotel where Queen Elizabeth stayed during her visit. It plays hosts to other visiting dignitaries as well.

This is the venue chosen by a mysterious Malay man, who only wished to be known as “Datuk T”, who unveiled the video tape in high security and secrecy. Security was so tight that "Before the screening, the editors and senior journalists were told to surrender their wallets, mobile phones, cameras, notebooks and pens.

They were checked with hand-held metal scanners and also made to wear robes over their clothes before being allowed into the room.

The four men who were with “Datuk T” were apologetic and polite to the media during the security checks.

Two of them were wearing dark glasses ala US Secret Service agents."

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has denied claims that police were involved in the recording of the video. The 22-minute black-and-white video shows the man having sex in various positions and was recorded by hidden CCTV cameras in a hotel room in Kuala Lumpur on Feb 21.





If you are interested, the links are below..

Most Viewed at time of writing
* Sex video shocker
* Family of murdered contractor sees red
* Anwar: I’m not the man
* Sex video becomes talk of the town in a matter of hours
* PAS may review ties if video is authentic
* Cops not involved in sex video, says Najib
* High security and secrecy before screening
* Zaid: It is standard PKR reaction
* Video of man resembling politician shown to pressmen
* KL, Jakarta to sign maids MoU

Update:
Anwar lodges police report


Source: The Star

Postcards to get your message across

Ever thought of customizing your own greeting cards or turning your favorite photographs of places you have been into postcards for distribution to friends and relatives? I remember a colleague did just that some years back. She had a new addition to the family and decided to update her friends and long-distance relatives by sending them Christmas cards incorporating an image of the new family lineup. Cool, eh?

Businesses are making good use of postcards. Considering the volume involved, post card printing can prove to be cost-effective vis-a-vis other means of advertising or marketing. Hotels use postcards a lot to their advantage. Businesses announcing their opening or notifying of their change-of-address are also using postcards to get their message across. The options are endless.

Haunted Hotels

I just read "10 Most Haunted Hotels" on TripAdvisor and was thinking I too have a hotel ghost story to tell though it was my travel companion who came face-to-face with the ghost. She even had her pullover removed. Yikes!

Those who have had experienced paranormal episodes in hotel rooms would identify with the reviews and revelations on the TripAdvisor article. Some of the stories do really give one a serious chill that no heated blanket can help but then again a heated blanket would work wonderfully on a cold wintry night under normal circumstances.

Image source: TripAdvisor

RM1 ticket and RM1 room from AirAsia

Start planning your holiday for next year. If you're planning on travelling between Apr and Aug, you are in for a HUGE travel discount from AirAsia - both on airticket and hotel room!

A Vacation that includes Golf

Are you up for some vacation time and thinking about incorporating a few rounds of golf into your vacation?  If that were me, I'd know where to make that vacation come true.  This would be the site I'd go to for reservations:   http://www.myrtlebeachgolf.net. Yeah, spending my vacation at Myrtle Beach which includes golf.

I'm always for less hassle when making vacation plans and with a holiday at Myrtle Beach, you can also book Myrtle Beach golf packages when you make reservations for accommodation. There are many great golf courses at Myrtle Beach so including golf on vacation here will ensure a most enjoyable holiday experience. While you play golf, the family can enjoy other equally fun activities and attractions available.

A little about Myrtle Beach Golf Courses..
MyrtleBeachGolf.net has the most comprehensive guide to Myrtle Beach Golf Courses where you can browse over 80 of Myrtle Beach's top golf courses. Navigation on the site is easy. You can see a description on each golf course plus videos, course statistics and details. There is also information on restaurants, attractions, and everything you need to know for your perfect Myrtle Beach golf vacation.

Gay travel hotspots

Are you looking for gay hotspot holiday destinations for some vacation time? Here's a site you'd want to check out.

Gaytravelbuddy.com has information on the ins and outs of a number of cities in the United States, and the list is growing. You can get information on airports, taxi services, transportation, (even parking do's and don'ts), gay-friendly hotels, shopping, city's attractions, restaurants and coffee shops, friendly gay bars to hang out for drinks and lots more.

What you read here are real-life experiences so you can get invaluable tips and useful information to enhance your vacation experience.

Almost everyone who visits the US either visits the Las Vegas area on the west coast and New York City on the east. The information on Gaytravelbuddy.com will come in handy to help you make reservations at the right places to stay, eat, visit or basically hang out. Believe me, it pays to be well-informed and well-prepared to ensure a super, hassle-free well-deserved vacation.

Golf Holiday at Horizon at 77th, Myrtle Beach

A holiday at a beach in summer can be just the vacation you and your family would enjoy. If you are planning on staying at a beach resort and playing a few rounds of golf, Myrtle Beach would be just the perfect place for you.

Myrtle Beach is well-known for its great beach accommodations and one popular Myrtle Beach hotel is Horizon Myrtle Beach. The Horizon at 77th resort, one of Myrtle Beach best hotels, lies conveniently in the heart of Myrtle Beach, at a tranquil place where you can dash easily in your bare feet and bathing suit out the front door to the beach beyond, only a few feet away. This resort offers one of the best oceanfront rooms.

While you're out golfing in one of the 80 golf courses available, your family can enjoy theatre, a concert, take it easy down the lazy river in the waterpark, or simply go shopping. There's something interesting to keep everyone busy and enjoying the vacation.

Booking a golf package can easily be done online at http://www.horizonmyrtlebeach.com, plus if you register using your email address, you'll receive discount alerts and special promotions reserved for online users. Make your booking today. Make it a beach holiday this summer!

Make it a Golf Vacation with a difference - at Myrtle Beach

What is it about summer that perks up the spirits. It must be (among others) the sunshine, the flowers in the garden, the vacation time coming up not forgetting the round or two of golf for some of us!

Talk about golf, avid golfers would not pass up on that round of golf whenever they travel on business. Top class Myrtle Beach golf courses are among the best in the US and there are over 80 of them in Myrtle Beach

Making reservations is easy . It's just one phone-call away or you can book one of their Myrtle Beach golf packages online at http://www.myrtlebeachgolf.net. The best part is, they let you book your tee times and accommodations at the same time. One of their popular golf packages include a course that legendary players and course designers, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, play in. You'd be walking among the greats when you play there.

For those who don't play golf, there are lots of other attractions to keep you busy. You can visit the many museums available, have a thrilling time at the amusement parks, take in a show or two at the theatres or go shopping! Myrtle Beach has a lot to offer holidaymakers, young and the young at heart.

Timeshare Vacation Club

Are you a member of any timeshare vacation club? I've had a mixed bag of comments - positive comments from people who have joined and not-so-good points from people who are not for it.

A friend who has joined would have made back his investment many years ago. He's taken his family to London and Paris, Bali, and yearly trips to Langkawi. Joining this timeshare programme is good in a way that it makes you take a break to go on a vacation.

Initially, when this timeshare programme was first launched in Malaysia, I received a number of invites to attend some slide shows, after which a short holiday would be given out at the end of the session. Of course, the people there would try to sell you their club membership. I'm not much for this sort of programme so I didn't feel good about accepting their holiday offer knowing that I won't be signing up, so I left early.

Image source: WuTravel.com