Saturday, September 22, 2012

Phl and Indo hotel makes list of World’s Top 10 Over The Top Hotels


Here are the Top Ten OTT Hotels as listed by Agoda.com:

Daddy Long Legs 3*
Capetown, South Africa (Agoda link)

Situated on Long Street in the heart of town, this three-star property sports 13 unique rooms, each designed by a different local artist. Inhabiting a restored Victorian era building, this whimsical establishment includes a ‘Please Do Not Disturb’ room complete with karaoke set up and Astroturf carpeting, a monochromatic ‘Protea’ room, and the crimson hospital-themed ‘Emergency Room’, with flecked vinyl floor and x-ray lightbox. Rooms are free of TVs to encourage guests to feel inspired by their artistic surrounds, but there’s a TV in the communal bar and lounge—a good excuse for guests to mingle. The property’s big sister, the Grand Daddy, ups the ante with a rooftop ‘trailer park’ where rooms are redecorated vintage Airstream caravans.

Most OTT design: There’s a lot of OTT-ness here, but a white ceiling sculpture that juts down over the bed like falling crystal shards in the ‘Being Mak1′ room is a contender.

What guests are saying: “Hotel rooms are very quirky. Relax and have a burger – the RCaffe has really good food and coffees.” —Paul W., United Kingdom

HOMA Chateau Hotel 5*
Guilin, China (Agoda link)

The otherworldly terrain of Guilin has been immortalized in silk paintings and Chinese poetry time and again. Eccentric founder Rhy Chang Tsao sought to complement the area’s unique geology with a museum hotel, HOMA – the Hotel Of Modern Art. On the hotel’s lush grounds the ‘Art Park’ features abstract sculptures that cast angular silhouettes against Guilin’s jagged limestone formations; guests can explore these surrounds by bicycle or hone their own artistic talents in a pottery or Chinese calligraphy class. Rooms and suites are reposeful and sophisticated, filled with works by local artisans and bespoke furniture. All rooms feature ‘organic architecture’ with natural materials and tones throughout.

Most OTT design: HOMA’s main building—a concrete and glass pyramid-like structure with grass covered walls and triangular façade.

What guests are saying: “It’s a hotel like nothing you could see before – it’s a place full of art, peace and beauty. The service is great and the food excellent. It’s worth it to spend two hours to walk around the hotel yard and check all art sculptures.” —Alfonso B., Mexico

Hotel Silken Puerta America 5*
Madrid, Spain (Agoda link)

Art is central to this luxurious design property in the Charmatín area of Madrid. Each floor – there are 14 all up, 12 dedicated to guest rooms—was decorated by a different artist and is wildly distinct from the rest. Some of the most fantastical room designs include the fluid sci-fi décor of Zaha Hadid’s Space Club, the sleek utilitarian suites by Mark Newson and the angular glass installations created by Plasma Studio. The “attic” sky bar provides a sleek venue for evening cocktails (which continue to morning, in Madrid), and a heated indoor pool and fitness center offer panoramic views. It’s possible to stay at the Puerta America multiple times and have a unique hotel experience each time. Guests are welcome to check out all the floors of the hotel so they know which one to try next time.

Most OTT aspect: The general super futuristic style of the hotel, and the fact that each floor transports guests into a completely different environment.

What guests are saying: “The hotel gives a tour of every floor and room every day but you have to book it in advance. The coolest rooms was floor 12, the Presidential Suite! It was really modern and massive.” —Mimi H., United Kingdom

Modern Classic Hotel 5*
Shenzhen, China (Agoda link)

Mainstream Chinese décor can never be accused of subtlety. Lucky colors are red and gold, so it follows that most establishments take this color scheme to the extreme, which doesn’t always have aesthetically pleasing results. The Modern Classic Hotel manages to be OTT with appropriate aplomb; spaces are bombastic, ceilings soar, and practically all surfaces shine, but themed guest rooms remain tasteful, modern and comfortable. There are five different looks here, but the most fun is the Digital Technology style, with UV tube lighting and huge circular tub, closely followed by the plush Mystic Middle East suites. At four stars, the Hermés and Rancé products are an unexpected treat.

Most OTT aspect: The Middle Eastern rooms, which have a private Turkish bath-style area and the octopus-shaped “chandelier” in the lobby.

What guests are saying: “Overall fantastic hotel for the money. Big clean rooms with great modern decor. On-demand movies for free was an excellent benefit as well as the free WiFi. I will be staying there again very soon. Amazing shopping mall opposite also so location is perfect for most needs.” – Lee T., Hong Kong

Stevie 6 Hotel 3*
Bandung, Indonesia (Agoda link)

Few football players can say they have a hotel named after them, making Steven Gerrard as unique as this trendy boutique hotel in Bandung. Inspired by the Liverpool player, this 24-room property pays tribute with a ‘This Is Anfield’ room, with one wall depicting Anfield stadium and one covered with images of various Liverpool players in action. Each room here is unique, so there are plenty of other looks to choose from – Tropical, Bohemian, Modern – with suites and family rooms for travelers wanting extra space. West-facing rooms feature views of Kampung Gajah, while a rooftop bar offers Bandung city views and live music.

Most OTT aspect: The life-sized sheep sculptures in the lobby and in the zoo themed room.

What guests are saying: “It’s a clean and chic hotel with unique room decoration. If you get rooms at west side you’ll get nice view to Kampung Gajah and the small valley. The air is cool so you’ll seldom need air conditioner. You’d better reserve the room you want a couple weeks before you check in so you’ll get the room you want.” —Lolita S., Indonesia

Palais de Chine Hotel 5*
Taipei, Taiwan (Agoda link)

Completely disregarding the “less is more” adage, this Taipei boutique hotel spoils its guest with plush over-the-top décor and furnishings. The theme of western elegance harks back to a more decadent time, with a collection of art and antiques strewn through common areas, imported European furniture, and three Grand Halls inspired by the Opéra de Paris, complete with chandeliers and copper draped ceiling. Guest rooms are bare by comparison. Clean modern lines, neutral tones and timber balconies create fuss-free living spaces, with subtle references to Art Nouveau in cast-iron mirrors and imported French objets d’art.

Most OTT feature: The Edwardian-style butler uniforms of the staff and various antiquities: for instance, a floor-to-ceiling wall tapestry life-sized horse statue.

What guests are saying: “The outlook and architecture of the lobby, reception, corridors are simply unbelievable, gorgeous. Wonderful and comfy bed. Really glad we chose this hotel.” – Tran M, Singapore.

Hotel Particulier Montmartre 4*
Paris, France (Agoda link)

This exclusive five-suite property is secreted away in a leafy corner of Montmarte, converted from a private 19th century home. Set in gardens designed by renowned landscape architect Louis Benech and with interior decoration by Morgane Rousseau, every aspect of this luxury hotel was meticulously planned. Rousseau’s vision depicts an extravagant time in Parisian history, reflected in rich fabrics, opulent drapes and a collection of antique French artworks. A pétanque court, chess and backgammon boards, candelabra and classic toile prints perfect the turn-of-the century feel. Suites, by contrast, are contemporary in style with bespoke wallpaper and works by various local artists. Here, modern furnishings and fixtures juxtapose classic OTT materials such as mahogany, velvet, marble, Japanese silk and gold leaf.

Most OTT aspect: The full marble bathhouse in the “Vitrine” Suite and the microphone installed behind the wall of the “Trees With Ears” suite push the boundaries of extravagance.

Hotel Pelirocco 4*
Brighton, United Kingdom (Agoda link)

Hip hotels sometimes overdo minimalism to the point of sterility – not the Hotel Pelirocco. A kaleidoscopic mix of candy-colored rooms, guests can select from music motifs, quirky designs or the property’s flagship room, the Playroom – a cheeky bordello-styled room complete with round bed, ceiling mirror and dancer’s pole. With no claims of subtlety or elegance, all rooms are OTT with brightly-hued walls, kitsch décor and odd art installations, such as a knitted seagulls and Fatboy Slim mirrors. More than just a hotel, the Pelirocco hosts regular art exhibitions and live bands, and offers guests a glamour photo package with hair and make-up artist and professional photographer. They also have their own radio show.
Most OTT aspect: The fuchsia pink Hawaiian-style room, with mirrorballs and palm-tree wallpaper feature.

Angeles Beach Club Hotel 4*
Angeles City, Philippines (Agoda link)

This swish hotel in the Angeles entertainment district sports some serious OTT design throughout the entire property. Never shying away from a tufted velveteen sofa or oversized headboard and employing the liberal use of brass lamps and gold mirror frames, the two main design themes are Moulin Rouge Charm and New Millennium Experience. The styles aren’t dramatically divergent, though the latter features mood-lighting, 40″ LCD TVs, powerful sound systems and circular tub. A ‘party option’ Fiesta Suite features an illuminated bar and dancer’s pole, while the opulently decorated New Millennium Penthouse Suite features a circular bed, eight-seater skybar and five-person Jacuzzi with LCD monitor.

Most OTT aspect: The four-bedroom penthouse with terrace, two sky bars and 4 Jacuzzis.

What guests are saying: “The suite was amazing and everything about the hotel is just ‘wow’. The best thing I liked is their free shuttle service to anywhere in Angeles City, both pick up and drop off!”
—Nabeel H. Saudi Arabia

Conrad Rangali Island Resort 5*
Maldives (Agoda link)

The Maldives are an inherently OTT destination with all that perfect water and white sand. The Conrad capitalizes on the islands’ natural beauty with luxurious beach houses and overwater villas, plus a wide array of water-based activities. Overwater villas make the most of their location with infinity pools, whirlpool baths, wet bar, and portions of floor that are glass, providing a window to the water underneath. The beach villas are just as lavish, offering up to 300 square meters of space, with outdoor bathing pavilion, private garden with fountain, floor-to-ceiling windows and private pool, plus direct beach access.

Most OTT aspect: The undersea Ithaa restaurant, which was recently temporarily converted into a guest room to celebrate the property’s anniversary. The six-table restaurant is 16 feet below sea level and provides 180-degree views of sting rays and other tropical marine life.

What guests are saying: “The best vacation place we’ve ever been to! We stayed at the spa water villa and enjoyed every minute of our time. The sunset view at the sunset restaurant is breathtaking.”

-Agoda. com

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