Sofitel Le Sphinx, Cairo, Egypt 

By Ysabs Villaflor

this guy greets you as you enter Sofitel Le Sphinx

LOCATION: right in the middle of down town Cairo.

the street leading to Le Sphinx

THE WELCOME MAT: spacious, dry but warm 

Welcome to the Le Sphinx

the facade of the Le Sphinx

the laidback lobby. no fuss, comfy and unpretentious

the sprawling gardens in the courtyard

FEEL: outside, it feels like a tropical resort with the wonderful indoor and outdoor pool, the two storey building, inside the rooms, it feels like the modern 5-star hotel you see in the cities.

our first family group photo during the trip

PERSONAL: i was with a tour group and we were all booked right next to each other.


THE ROOMS: clean and roomy. it also has little balconies and a connecting door right on the lawn of the hotel. the beds are so luxurious and sleep was always sweet.

ALL MINE :)

my own verandah leading to the outdoor gardens of Sofitel

THE BATHROOM: with heater and no bathtub. However, you would have to bring your own shampoo and toiletries since the hotel (and other hotels in middle east) offer the 3-in-1 kind shampoo/bathwash/conditioner. 


THE FOOD: they have an international buffet for breakfast which is standard in these hotels. they also serve some Egyptian dishes

our first Egyptian dinner

the breakfast nook 

Red Hibiscus Juice and Egyptian Yogurt for breakfast

THE SERVICE: the staff is friendly and courteous.


OTHER AMENITIES: indoor and outdoor pool, a roof deck bar, and an AMAZING view of the Pyramid of Giza at night.

the indoor  pool

the gym

the outdoor pool

a small fragrance oil shop in the lobby

December 28, 2010

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN A HONG KONG HALF-DAY TOUR?

By: Ysabel Villaflor

My first time in Hong Kong was in 1994 when I was 13. Just like any first time tourist, we did the HK Half Day tour. Many return trips and cash-burning after, I would like to think that I somehow had a little advantage of knowing a bit more of this little shopping haven. So when someone asked me what’s included in a Half Day City Tour of Hong Kong, and I couldn’t respond, I was stumped! I couldn’t remember! It was such a long time ago that I only have hazy, blurry pictures in my mind (blame it on age!). So, when I finally had an opportunity to do it all over again, I didn’t hesitate to go! It was time to refresh my memory:

1. Where can you find Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh and Chow Yun Fat all in one place? Answer: Avenue of the Stars. This long strip near the harbor has all the Hong Kong Superstars’ hand imprints on cement, a sculpture of Bruce Lee and a couple of Stand-In set pieces for the camera. The Asian version of the Star on the Hollywood Walk on Hollywood Boulevard. Say Cheeeeeese!!!!

2. Jewelry City – their promise is a lifetime guarantee at very reasonable prices. My opinion, you can skip this part but there’s no harm in just looking at how jewelry is made and then being ushered in a showroom of bling-blings! J watch out for major cash burning.

3. Stubbs Road Look Out – a scenic view of Downtown Hong Kong can be seen through this spot. A little off the city center and a little small for tourists. However, if you’re going to Ocean Park, might as well stop over here. Just don’t buy mineral water from there- it’s muy mahal!

4. Jumbo Kingdom Floating Restaurant - now this I remember from my first trip. It’s  floating, on the water. Don’t be fooled by people trying to offer to bring you to the restaurant through tug boats for a price. The restaurant has its own transfers for FREE.  Come back here at night and see the boat all lighted up!

5. Ocean Park Theme Park – before Mickey Mouse and his friends came over HK, the Happiest Place in Hong Kong was at Ocean Park. Site of the famous long cable car transfers and marine life diversity, Ocean Park sure can spark the imagination. This is the last stop of the tour. Fitting because people would want to stay here longer.

CANYON BOUTIQUE HOTEL, AMMAN, JORDAN
“My Favorite Hotel in my Holyland Trip”

Canyon Boutique Hotel
Adeeb Wahbeh Street | PO Box: 144590, Amman 11814, Jordan




By: Ysabs Villaflor

LOCATION: off the main road in downtown Amman, right in front of grocery store with 24-hour service.

FEEL: very modern, clean, small, luxurious boutique inn with only 5 stories. very intimate and very charming.

PERSONAL: I was with a group of tourists and it was the last hotel we stayed at from a number of hotels in the Holyland tour. I would like to say that this hotel left a very nice impression on me. It was such a nice surprise since most of the hotels we stayed at during the tour were mostly big hotels which have franchises in different countries.  This was such a welcome change.

THE ROOMS: are spacious, clean, and very new. they have modern facilities like flat screen television, nice lighting/ had a queen size bed all to myself and had an amazing time sleeping on the very comfortable bed.









THE BATHROOM: is spacious, without a tub. There is a heater, an intercom in the bathroom. The toiletries are always refreshed and the towels are always laundered.

my sick niece in her bed, requested for Adobo.

THE FOOD: is good! I tried the breakfast buffet which has a variety of continental and middle eastern fare. Compared to the other big hotel buffets I tried during the tour, the dishes are more adjusted to Western taste but still middle eastern. Dinner is fusion of international and middle eastern dishes. Both times, delicious. Dishes could also be requested. My niece who was sick, requested for a Filipino dish, which the chef was able to come up with- it was so good, my sis-in-law asked the Chef how it was made so she can duplicate it at home!  The Chef, gladly gave away his recipe.


THE SERVICE: the staff will make you feel right at home and always willing to help out in which ever way they can. Most of the managerial staff are big handsome men, in very snazzy suits, and always with a ready smile. Since it is a small boutique hotel, most of the staff are multi-taskers and may be assigned to do more than one thing. Our waiters are always willing to help us with our questions regarding anything.

breakfast buffet

OTHER AMENITIES: a computer at the lobby to catch up on emails, 5th floor roofdeck which has a restaurant and shisha bar- with an amazing view of th city. it is the perfect way to spend a lazy night chatting with friends and drinking coffee

MY RATING: 4 out of 5 STARS !

the view from the 5th floor of the Canyon

Midnight Snacks at the 5th floor of the hotel with friends I met on the tour

LOCATION: a few minutes away from the town proper. a ride can cost P9.50 per person on a tricycle or walking can be an option too.

FEEL: a homey, quiet, laid back resort. They have an assortment of bungalows in the traditional Philippine architecture and rooms to choose from.

THE ROOMS: clean and roomy. The extra mattress in the room was so comfortable that you wouldn't even think that you slept on the floor. But since it is a garden resort, you will have the occasional sounds at night - from crickets to large lizards. Note the murals all over the walls. Each cottage had its own theme.

THE BATHROOM: - unusually huge with heater.However, you would have to bring your own shampoo and toiletries since the only thing they offer is soap and toilet paper. The spacious bathroom is due to the plant life space in the bathroom which also serves as a drainage when water flows out the shower. Very clever and very practical.

THE COST: For a 4 day stay at this place, I was surprised at the amount I paid - unbelievably cheap - a cottage costs P1880 or around $40 for 4 persons. (Note: This was in 2009 so you have to check again)

THE FOOD: the best breakfast in Coron! They make their own Pancakes. And it's not the regular thick kind! It's thin - bordering on "crepe-like" BUT absolutely delicious! They make them fresh ala minute (to order). Pretty impressive.

DO TRY - Mango Pancakes, Apple Pancakes, Banana Pancakes. You can even request your own fruit pancake. Don't forget to try the pancakes with the local Palawan Honey -- it's so YUMMY!!!

THE SERVICE: the staff is mostly comprised of women. Unless you tell them through a sign at the door to clean your room or you tell them directly to clean your room, they won't. The staff is helpful when touring and can lend a hand while arranging transport to the airport.

OTHER AMENITIES: the children can have fun with the additional big swings and the kiddie

pool. There are also available toys like volleyball and soccer the kids could borrow and play in the large garden area.

the kids trying out their new playground

PERSONAL: Our group booked 4 cottages with airconditioning, each had it's own murals and themes. It kind of reminds you of children's playrooms which will make you feel comfortable and at home at once.

Note: This resort is for those who don't mind getting a bit adventurous and playful. :) It's on the unconventional side, but definitely homey and comfortable. I would go back here in no time.

Photo Credits: Juvie Villaflor, Koke Villaflor, Ysabs Villaflor

My rating: 3 STARS