Just when we thought we had climbed out of recession, markets sunk to new lows and rebounded just as fast, reminding us that the Year of the Tiger was forecast to be unpredictable and highly volatile. We should approach this turbulent year with caution, review our finances and spend only as much as we can easily afford. For those who prefer playing safe and economising to splashing out, this collection of inexpensive hotels might be the solution.
BANGALORE
Mercure Homestead Residences
A new hotel with contemporary design, this Mercure property is located in an upmarket residential area. It is within 5km of major corporate businesses and IT parks and close to the city centre. There are 126 spacious and well-equipped apartments, of which 103 are non-smoking. First class facilities on offer include Wi-Fi internet, a gym, pool and spa with treatment rooms.
Price: From US$130, taxes are not included
Contact: Block 3, 12 Main-Koramangala, 560034 Bangalore, India, tel 91 80 45121212, www.mercure.com
HONG KONG
Hotel Ibis
This modern 31-floor hotel has 275 compact rooms and suites with satellite TV, Wi-Fi internet access, coffee- and tea-making facilities and in-room safe; some rooms offer views of Victoria Harbour. Facilities are limited but the location in North Point, a rapidly developing commercial district on Hongkong Island, offers easy access to all parts of Hongkong.
PRICE: From US$50 with taxes and service charge not included.
Contact: 138 Java Road, North Point, Hongkong, tel 852 2204 6618, www.ibishotel.com
KUALA LUMPUR
Doubletree by Hilton
A new addition to Kuala Lumpur’s skyline, this hotel will be opening in July. A short walking distance from the Petronas Towers, it is situated in the heart of the city and is close to the city centre and shopping mecca of Bukit Bintang. It is easy to reach the hotel by both LRT train and taxi. The rooms are all equipped with broadband internet, LCD TV, ergonomic chairs and bathrooms are equipped with rain shower. An outdoor pool and whirlpool complements the gym. Several restaurants and a bar serve those reluctant to venture afar.
PRICE: MYR370 (US$122), tax and service charge not included
CONTACT: 182 Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 50400, tel 603 2164 8888, http://www.doubletree1.hilton.com
MANILA
Holiday Inn Galleria
Financial hubs, such as the Philippine Stock Exchange and Asian Development Bank (ADB), and shopping centres, including Robinson’s Galleria and St Francis Square are close to the hotel. A 15-minute drive from Makati, the hotel is only 15km from Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International airport. All 284 elegantly furnished rooms are equipped with king- or queen-size beds, coffee makers, cable TV and high-speed internet access. A business centre serves the needs of business travellers and there is a restaurant and a bar, a ballroom and function rooms. For relaxation, use the gym, the swimming pool or the spa.
PRICE: Rooms from US$142
CONTACT: 1 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City 1655, tel 63 2 6337111, www.holidayinn.com/hotels/us/en/mnlgl/hoteldetail
SEOUL
Best Western New Seoul Hotel
The main attraction of this business hotel is its location in the centre of Seoul, close to the City Hall and Seoul train station and within walking distance from major shopping centres. There are convenience stores, banking facilities and a post office nearby. The 145 guest rooms offer cable TV, desk, work area and broadband
for the busy business traveller, and for relaxation, there is a steam room and a sauna. Staff speak English. The F&B outlets include a lobby lounge, a Korean and an Italian restaurant, and a bar open until 2am.
PRICE: US$110
CONTACT: No 29-1, 1-GA, Tyaepyeong-No, Jung-Gu, Seoul, 100-101, Korea, tel 822 735 8800, http://book.bestwestern.com
SINGAPORE
Ibis Singapore on Bencoolen
The first international-grade economy hotel in Singapore, the Ibis boasts 538 modern rooms with high ceilings and large bay windows. The rooms offer Wi-Fi internet. The Ibis has a bar and a restaurant where you can create your meal with your own flavour combination. A 20-minute ride away from Changi Airport, the hotel is close to Singapore’s attractions such as Little India, Bugis Street and the Orchard Road shopping area.
PRICE: US$108
CONTACT: 70 Bencoolen Street, 189657 Singapore, tel 65 6593 2888, www.accorhotels.coM
SYDNEY
Four Points by Sheraton, Darling Harbour
Said to be Australia’s largest hotel, the Four Points by Sheraton, Darling Harbour, boasts 630 rooms, including 45 suites, some with terraces and a relaxing view of Darling Harbour. Business travellers will find the large desks, broadband internet, free newspaper (except on Sundays), cable TV, full-service business centre and express check-out very convenient. The hotel is located in Sydney’s central business district, just a short walk away from the major entertainment and shopping districts, including Pitt Street Mall, Queen Victoria Building and Chinatown.
PRICE: A$220 (US$202) including 10 percent tax
CONTACT: 161 Sussex Street, Sydney, New South Wales 2000 Australia, tel 612 9290 4000, www.starwoodhotels.com/fourpoints
TAIPEI
Four Points by Sheraton Chung Ho
The only international hotel in Taipei County, the hotel serves the newly developed eastern business district. Housing a whole range of prestigious corporate offices, it is an obvious choice for business travellers. The hotel provides Wi-Fi internet throughout the property and non-smoking floors. The complimentary health club pampers tired travellers with its gym, whirlpool, sauna, and a steam room. The restaurant serves Taiwanese and European menus.
PRICE: Starts from US$117, not including tax and service charge.
CONTACT: 631 Chung Cheng Road, Chung Ho City, Taipei, 235 Taiwan, tel 2222 9999, www.starwoodhotels.com/fourpoints/property/
TOKYO
Best Western Shinjuku Astina Hotel
Within a five-minute walk from the subway station, the hotel’s location provides good access to transportation in this sprawling city to all business and shopping districts in the centre of Tokyo. The Best Western Shinjuku Astina Hotel Tokyo is located across from Shinjuku city hall and has one restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Business travellers will appreciate the broadband internet service, desk and work area in the room and cable or satellite TV.
PRICE: US$165, including breakfast
CONTACT: 1-2-9 Kabukichou, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 160-0021, Japan, tel 83 320 0220 n
