There's More to Tagaytay City Than Taal Volcano and Picnic Grove

Summer vacations spent in a hotel in Tagaytay City will not be complete without a tour around the locale. Seasoned travelers will definitely agree that usual destinations include the world-famous Taal Volcano and the family-favorite Picnic Grove. Now, this hideaway holds more claim to its nickname as City of Character as it presents more amusing attractions that cater to discerning holidaymakers. Among these are:

Puzzle Mansion

Opened in 2013, this rest house-turned-art gallery shelters over a thousand jigsaw puzzles of various sizes and designs. It is owned by Gina Gil-Lacuna, the Guinness record holder for having the world's largest puzzle collection. Highlights of the gallery include 3D and 4D puzzles and reproductions of famous paintings by Da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Van Gogh. The museum charges a minimal entrance fee of PHP 100 for a guided tour.

Location: Zone 4 Cuadra St. Barangay Asisan | Contact Numbers: (02) 661-0019, 0905-225-0229

Sonya's Garden Panaderia

Have a taste of traditional Filipino pastries in this popular bakery. With a budget of PHP 80 to PHP 130, you can score 2 pieces of specialty bread. Panaderia's bestsellers include Cheese Hopia, Buddha d' Oro, Pinagong, Pan de Coco, and Pinwheel Cookies. There's also a restaurant in Sonya's that offers an all-you-can-eat buffet for only PHP 683/ person.

Location: Barangay Buck Estate, Alfonso | Contact Numbers: 0917-533-5140, 0917-532-9097, 0917-523-1080

Bag of Beans

This place is frequented by tourists who want a tall cup of frappe or macchiato. Bag of Beans' excellent scenery and rustic ambience make it the perfect venue to sip a steaming cup of kapeng barako, a strong coffee variety produced in the province of Batangas. You can go here in the morning for a filling breakfast or at any time of the day to try their bestsellers, which include English pies, cheesecakes, and pasta dishes.

Location: 115 Aguinaldo Highway, Mendez Crossing West | Contact Number: 0922-881-8265

Cafe Veranda

Cafe Veranda, the on-site restaurant of Taal Vista HotelTagaytay, serves an array of Continental and Filipino cuisine. Here, you'll savor scrumptious meals while enjoying the gentle afternoon breeze and panoramic view of the Taal Volcano. The cafe is open from 6 am to 10 pm.

Location: Kilometer 60 Aguinaldo Highway | Contact Numbers: (02) 917-8225, (46) 413-1000

Sky Ranch

Sky Ranch is a leisure park perfect for vacationing families and groups of friends. Its most iconic feature is the Sky Eye. Standing 63 meters tall, it is considered as the tallest Ferris wheel in the country, which has 32 air-conditioned gondolas. Take a ride for PHP 150 per person to behold a magnificent view of the Taal Volcano. Sky Ranch is open daily from 10 am to 10 pm on weekdays and from 8 am to 10 pm on weekends and holidays.

Location: Kilometer 60, Aguinaldo Highway (beside Taal Vista Hotel in Tagaytay) | Contact Number: (02) 857-0100

Ascot Boutique Hotel Johannesburg Website Now Allows Direct Reservations

Johannesburg, South Africa – Ascot Boutique Hotel makes it easier for travelers to secure accommodations via an online reservation system on its website. This direct-booking engine features an easy-to-use interface that lets them select dates, choose rooms, and settle payments without hassles.

Here are some of the benefits of booking online:

- The website and the booking engine are both mobile-adaptive. This allows guests to make arrangements using their laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
- It is equipped with a bookmarking option, currency converter, and print button for easier navigation and referencing.
- Exclusive promos can be obtained through the website.
- All transactions made using the reservation system are safeguarded by Trustwave and VeriSign, 2 of the most trusted information security providers on the Internet.

This newly installed feature eliminates the need for interested parties to pay extra for the travel agencies or waste time phoning customer service. All they have to do is visit http://www.ascothotel.co.za/ and follow a simple step-by-step procedure. Instant confirmation is also guaranteed for those who will book using this booking engine, which is powered by DirectWithHotels. Outstanding payments must be settled at this Johannesburg hotel.

Ascot Boutique Hotel presents a 4-star accommodation experience through meticulously designed guestrooms that spell leisure and style. The 15 Deluxe and Superior Suites offer peace in the middle of a highly urbanized metropolis. Each is furnished with elegant fixtures and modern amenities that include a flat-screen TV, climate controlled air-conditioning, marble-clad bathroom, and a tea station.

This boutique hotel in Johannesburg also offers a list of conveniences for both pleasure and business such as an award-winning spa, bistro, conference center, and Wi-Fi Internet access. Also available are services like personal concierge, room service, airport shuttle, gym, and underground parking.

The hotel is located in the Norwood District which is surrounded by various dining venues, establishments, golf clubs, and even a zoo. It is about 15 minutes from OR Tambo International Airport and close to a number of commercial hubs and the Jo'burg's Central Business District. Visitors can also organize trips to places like the Cradle of Humankind, Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens, Rhino and Lion Park, Rietvlei Nature Reserve, and Tswaing Crater via Ascot Boutique Hotel's tours assistance office.


Ascot Boutique Hotel
59 Grant Avenue, Norwood
Johannesburg, Gauteng
2192 South Africa

Phone Number: +27-11-4833371

Website: http://www.ascothotel.co.za

Evergreen Laurel Hotel Penang Now Offers Direct Bookings, Instant Confirmation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Penang, Malaysia – Securing rooms at the Evergreen Laurel Hotel Penang is now made easier than ever thanks to an online reservation system installed on its website. This direct-booking engine, which is powered by DirectWithHotels, also features an easy-to-use interface, and offers instant confirmation.

Through this new feature, travelers can make holiday arrangements without having to endure frequent phone calls or read long email threads when dealing with travel agencies. It is also mobile-adaptive, which means prospective visitors can reserve directly from their smart phones or laptops. This improved booking method is also equipped with a bookmarking option, currency converter, and print button for easier navigation and referencing.

To start making reservations, all they need to do is log on to the resort's website at http://www.evergreenlaurelhotelpenang.com/. They must next click on the “Check availability and prices” button to launch the direct-booking engine and start the reservation process. From there, they can now select travel dates, pick room types, and provide the necessary personal information and payment. All transactions made using the booking feature are monitored by Trustwave and Digicert, two of the most trusted Internet security systems today.

About the hotel

This 5-star hotel offers the perfect base for exploring the colonial architecture and cultural heritage of Penang. It is located on Gurney Drive, one of the most popular places in Penang. The hotel gives guests access to a number of lively restaurants that come to life at night. It is also close to George Town, a UNESCO Heritage Site that features old shophouses and impressive colonial architecture. Places such as Penang Hill, National Park, Wat Chaiyamangkalaran, Ford Cornwallis, Snake Temple of Azure Cloud, and Kek Lok Si Temple are also just a few minutes’ drive from the Penang accommodation.

After a long day outdoors, visitors can come home to 368 tastefully appointed, value-for-money accommodations that come with contemporary amenities, such as air-conditioning, LCD TV with satellite/ cable channels, mini-bar, and free Wi-Fi Internet. Aside from comforting in-room features, this hotel in Penang has a business center, grand ballroom, meeting rooms, swimming pool, spa, fitness center, and salon. For the guests’ dining pleasure, the Penang hotel's restaurants proudly serve delectable International and Chinese cuisines.

Evergreen Laurel Hotel Penang

53 Persiaran Gurney

George Town, Penang

Malaysia

Phone Number: 604-226 9988


About DirectWithHotels 
DirectWithHotels is in the business of making selling online simple and more profitable for hotels. Since 2005, we’ve helped over 1000 Hotel Partners (and counting) in 50 countries worldwide increase their direct bookings online. We attract visitors and drive traffic direct to their hotel websites with tactical online marketing, convert these visitors into bookers with a top-performing booking engine, and manage increasing reservations with an easy-to-use web interface. All this at a fixed, performance-based fee of just 10% for every direct booking.

Five Fascinating Historic Sights in Medan, Indonesia

From the streets and hotels in Medan, Indonesia to its fascinating landmarks and attractions, one will easily notice the diverse influences that contributed to the country's rich culture. Here are 5 historic sites that can give visitors a look back into Indonesia's colorful past.

1. Maimoon Palace

Built in the late 1800s, the royal Maimoon Palace showcases unique interior and exterior designs influenced by Malay, Islam, Indian, and European architectural styles. Most of the building materials have been imported from different countries as ordered by Sultan Makmun Al Rasyid. Palace visitors can view photos of the royal family, antique furniture and weapons, and the sultan’s throne carefully embellished with crystal lights.  

2. Great Mosque of Medan

Located across the Maimoon Palace is the Great Mosque of Medan or Masjid Raya Medan. Like the palace, it also shows architectural influences from the Middle East and Europe. Some of the imported building materials used inside the chambers are marble from Italy and stained glass from France. The octagon-shaped mosque has been divided into 4 main wings, each one designed with decorative flowers and plants. Visitors are strongly advised to observe the proper attire before entering the mosque.

3. Sri Mariamman Temple

Built in 1881, Sri Mariamman Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Medan. It has been the primary meeting point of worshipers during the Thaipusam and Deevapali festivals. These occasions celebrate the triumph of the gods and the people over evil and darkness. Located in Little India, the temple features a golden “gopuram”, an ornate tower that houses the inner sanctuary.

4. Tjong A Fie’s Mansion 

Tjong A Fie’s Mansion is the former residence of Tjong A Fie, a Chinese businessman who built a large plantation in Sumatra and employed more than 10,000 workers. Completed in the 1900, the mansion showcases a classic Chinese-European-Art Deco style. Visitors are allowed to take pictures of the beautiful ceiling decorations, carved ornaments, and columns influenced by Eastern and Western architectural styles. This century-old gem has a photo gallery exhibit, lobby lounge, and a museum cafe that serves special Peranakan dishes. Travelers staying at Hotel Aryaduta Medan can reach the mansion easily with a 5-minute cab ride.

5. Vihara Gunung Timur

The Vihara Gunung Timur is a Taoist temple with a view overlooking the Babura River. It has a spacious paved area with an impressively scaled incense burner in the middle. During the Imlek and Cap Go Meh festivals, hundreds of worshipers celebrate at the temple’s large main hall. As the oldest and largest Taoist temple in Medan, it has become one of the city's cultural icons.

These attractions are easily accessible to some hotels in Medan, Indonesia like the Hotel Aryaduta Medan, where a 24-hour concierge can provide tour assistance.

Have a Kid-Friendly Stay at Astoria Plaza Hotel in Ortigas, Pasig City

For family fun, the best hotel in Pasig to visit remains Astoria Plaza Hotel in OrtigasCenter. Whether there is a big holiday or just a plain weekend, parents take their children here to unwind and bond with each other. It proves to be an ideal place, where families can simply be together to spend quality time. Here are some reasons why:

Kids can stay for free in the hotel rooms. In Astoria Pasig, the hotel policy allows 2 children, aged 12 and under, to stay in the hotel room without any additional charge. This is important, particularly if you are planning to have everyone stay under one guestroom. As a reminder, before checking-in, make sure to speak with the kids and tell them that the same house rules apply to your stay here. Remind them to close the door, not to leave it unlocked, and never open it to strangers.

The accommodation is equipped with child-friendly amenities. When traveling as a family, it is wise to look at the list of amenities of the hotel. For instance, if you have a baby, it is smart to pick a room with a refrigerator to store milk, or if you have bigger kids, get one with a TV or DVD player to keep them amused and occupied indoors. Depending on how big the family is, you should also check out options for getting additional beds or connecting rooms for more convenience.

Make the favorite food of your children in-room. Plan your meals. What may be an acceptable room service or restaurant food for you may not be agreeable for the children. If you eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner out, you may risk blowing your vacation budget just like that. An easy solution is to book a room with cooking facilities. In Astoria Plaza, all rooms have a refrigerator and the suites have an electric stove, microwave oven, cookware, and dining and kitchen area. Take advantage of these features to please your little ones.

Swim in the kiddie pool for some good fun. Spend a nice morning or evening playing in the kiddie pool with your children. Maybe you can even teach them how to swim here. This is a nice touch added by the hotel. While it is easy to find accommodation with a swimming pool, one with a kiddie pool takes a bit of effort. But it is definitely one that your kids will appreciate.

These are only 4 of the many reasons why Astoria Plaza is the coolest place to bring your kids for a quick getaway. It has certainly put together a good list of amenities and facilities that meet the needs of families, so make this hotel in Pasig your top choice and have some good family fun.

Dohera Hotel in Cebu Presents Its New Online Booking Engine

Mandaue City, Cebu, Philippines – Business and leisure tourists can now experience the convenience of booking online as Dohera Hotel in Mandaue City, Cebu, Philippines presents a new reservation engine on its website. Powered by DirectWithHotels, this online system has a number of great features, listed below:

• Quick and Easy-to-Follow Procedure
  Forget the hassle of making hotel room reservations over long emails. The website of this hotel in Cebu provides instant access to booking information in just one click. Guests can go online at http://www.doherahotel.com and select the “Check availability and prices” button. A set of easy-to-follow steps will guide them through the rest of the procedure. Details about room amenities, booking policies, and other promotions are also provided.

• Instant Confirmation
  While booking through Dohera Hotel's website does not require a deposit or prepayment, reservations are still secured under the guest's name. Those who book online will receive an instant confirmation once the transaction is completed, and they will also receive a confirmation email. The full payment will be made at the hotel upon arrival.

• Reliable Security
  The booking engine of the website is protected by Trustwave and VeriSign, 2 of the most trusted information security providers on the Internet.

• Simple Modification/Cancellation
  There's no need to worry about sudden changes in the itinerary because guests who have made a reservation can quickly modify or cancel their bookings. However, they should take note of the modification and cancellation policies upon booking their Cebu accommodations for the duration of getting this service for free or with a minimum fee.

A top choice for corporate and leisure travelers heading to Cebu, Philippines, Dohera Hotel is a venue for doing business and relaxation at the same time. The hotel's boardroom, ballroom, and meeting rooms can accommodate banquets, meetings, and functions for up to 150 persons. After a day of work, guests can choose among 4 different room types, all equipped with comforting amenities that include individually controlled air-conditioning, LCD TV with cable channels, and Wi-Fi and LAN Internet access. They can also find pleasure and enjoyment at the hotel's facilities that include the TOQUE Restaurant, Elements Bar, swimming pool, and gym.

For more information about the accommodations at Dohera Hotel in Mandaue City, Cebu, Philippines, visit the hotel's website at http://www.doherahotel.com.

Dohera Hotel
A.C. Cortes Avenue, Mandaue City
Cebu, Philippines 6014

Phone Numbers: (032) 420-6176, (032) 520-9380 to 83

*****

About DirectWithHotels
DirectWithHotels is in the business of making selling online simple and more profitable for hotels. Since 2005, we’ve helped over 1000 Hotel Partners (and counting) in 50 countries worldwide increase their direct bookings online. We attract visitors and drive traffic direct to their hotel websites with tactical online marketing, convert these visitors into bookers with a top-performing booking engine, and manage increasing reservations with an easy-to-use web interface. All this at a fixed, performance-based fee of just 10% for every direct booking.