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Showing posts sorted by date for query standard amenities include. Sort by relevance Show all posts

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Reid’s Heritage Homes just released new bungalows at Cobble Beach! -The New Home Buyers Network Blog

Read article : Reid’s Heritage Homes just released new bungalows at Cobble Beach! -The New Home Buyers Network Blog

Newinhomes.com just received news that Reid’s Heritage Homes has released a brand new collection of detached bungalows and townhome bungalows at The Residences of Cobble Beach near Owen Sound.

The new townhome bungalows and detached bungalows (some with lofts) at Cobble Beach range from 1,700 to 2,700 square feet. Whether you’re moving up to your dream home to start a family or downsizing with your eyes on retirement, there are many options for you in this new collection.

The Residences of Cobble Beach near Owen Sound by Reid's Heritage Homes

Depending on how you use the space, the new Cobble Beach plans range from one- to five-bedroom with 1.5 to three bathrooms. In order to get more bedrooms out of the intelligently designed floor plan, you can finish the basement or use the loft space as a bedroom. The optional finished basements have space for a bedroom, a recreation area, as well as a bathroom.

The homes boast a classic Nantucket style with vinyl shake and siding. The Nantucket look is defined by its New England and coastal roots. The design is inspired by natural beauty and is a combination of island comfort and the seafaring lifestyle.

The large windows and covered front porches offer panoramic views of Georgian Bay, and the double garages provide plenty of room for storage. The open concept plans are ideal for entertaining and ensure that your living space is fully inundated with natural light throughout the day.

A few impressive interior features and finishes in the new Cobble Beach models include 9’ main floor ceilings, granite countertops, large islands in the kitchen with extended breakfast bars, extra height cabinetry, and walk-in pantries (as per plan).

The Residences of Cobble Beach near Owen Sound by Reid's Heritage Homes

The master bedroom is more like a master retreat thanks to the amazing walk-in closet with double doors, the spa-inspired ensuite with double sinks and a freestanding soaker tub, and the detached models have glass shower enclosures with marble seats.

Depending on the model you purchase, there are many other standard features and finishes that you may have in your new Cobble Beach home, such as sloped, cathedral or two-storey ceilings, hardwood flooring, or a gas fireplace with a rustic mantel.

Another standard of Cobble Beach is that all the homes are ENERGY STAR qualified. Reid’s Heritage Homes is going above and beyond by building homes that operate up to 40% more energy efficient than homes built to the minimum standard that the Ontario Building Code requires.  

Your life in Cobble Beach

The Residences of Cobble Beach near Owen Sound by Reid's Heritage Homes

This 574-acre master-planned community stretches across a pristine landscape, nestled between the picturesque Georgian Bay and the world-class Cobble Beach Golf Links Club. At the heart of the community, there is a Nantucket clubhouse, which offers year-round hospitality and 5-star dining.

All homeowners in Cobble Beach also have access to the spa’s sauna, a whirlpool, tennis courts, a fully equipped fitness centre, and a plunge pool. In addition to having exclusive access to these community fixtures, Cobble Beach is surrounded by a wealth of amenities, such as miles of trails, shopping, restaurants, and cultural festivals. Plus, Owen Sound and Bruce Peninsula are within a close enough proximity to plan a day-trip on a whim, and Collingwood is only 30 minutes away!  

The Residences of Cobble Beach near Owen Sound by Reid's Heritage Homes

The new townhome bungalows and detached bungalows at The Residences of Cobble Beach by Reid’s Heritage Homes start from $449,900.

For more information, visit the sales centre at 221 McLeese Drive, Kemble, Thursday to Monday from 11 am to 5 pm. You can also call 1-705-888-5124 or go toReidsHeritageHomes.com for more information.

Sunday, March 11, 2018

11 Most Badass RVs You Can Buy Today

Read article : 11 Most Badass RVs You Can Buy Today

Driving cross-country in a multi-million dollar RV is an experience few Americans will ever get to enjoy. While many may fawn over massive machines like the unstoppable Zetros 6×6, few of us have the means to obtain a purpose-built doomsday machine. Sure, there’s the obvious financial obligation, as luxury RV setups can run north of $3 million, but concerns about parking, maintenance, winterizing, insurance, and who’s going to drive the damn thing are also factors to consider.

Riding atop a Ford F-750 chassis, the <a href=Earthroamer XV HD is about as ferocious as it gets outside of military spec | Earthroamer" />

Riding atop a Ford F-750 chassis, the Earthroamer XV HD is about as ferocious as it gets outside of military spec | Earthroamer

Fortunately, many of the world’s elite moneymakers have the means to hire a trained driver, and with some of these land yachts running well over 40 feet long, merging and parking can be a real pain for the untrained. But RV enthusiasts aren’t just into slate tile floors and crystal chandeliers, and hardcore 4×4 vehicles are still a hot commodity as they crush terrain by day and then raise their rooflines at night for spacious living.

Newmar's <a href=King Aire line takes a unique, but very ornate approach to RV-making, and the amount of time, money, and energy that goes into making one is insane | Newmar" width="757" height="482" />

Newmar’s King Aire line takes a unique, but very ornate approach to RV-making, and the amount of time, money, and energy that goes into making one is insane | Newmar

We recently took the time to peruse the web in search of some of the most over-the-top RV options money can buy, and came up with a surplus of unique options. There really is something out there for everyone, and if your pocketbook is up to the challenge, you can have an entire penthouse suite on wheels built to your personal taste.

1. IKON by Renegade

The IKON by Renegade is one purpose-built RV, with trailer towing being one of its strongest suits | Renegade

The IKON by Renegade is one purpose-built RV, with trailer towing being one of its strongest suits | Renegade

The IKON by Renegade takes semi-truck styling and combines it with luxury amenities and industry leading self-sufficiency. From handcrafted solid hardwood cabinetry and plush Villa Ultraleather furniture to quartz countertops and heated porcelain tile floors, the good life comes standard in this RV. Tech-wise, it also features things like Samsung 4K LED TVs, Bose Home Theater Sound, and a set of high-tech stainless steel appliances that deliver the goods when it’s time to eat.

It also features VegaTouch control systems, which have dual 10-inch touchscreen controllers with iPad, smartphone, and tablet compatibility. This means you can integrate interior lighting, systems monitoring, HVAC controls, window coverings, awning and slide-out controls, and a whole lot more into an all-in-one touchpad that doubles as a monitor for the perimeter observation camera system.

The Renegade IKON can be outfitted with all manner of amazing interior amenity | Renegade

The Renegade IKON can be outfitted with all manner of amazing interior amenity | Renegade

Buyers will love finding features like hand crafted hardwoods, and a Theater Mode that automatically lowers the shades, dims lights, and raises the 50-inch Samsung UHD 4K TV so it can automatically tie into the Bose home theater system. While a porcelain tile shower and adjustable LED vanity lighting systems are also nice, it’s the Renegade’s attention to towing capacities and ability to be lived out of for weeks on end thanks to its oversized water, septic, and fuel tanks that make it a preferred RV for motorsport enthusiasts.

2. Winnebago Brave

The <a href=Winnebago Brave takes vintage styling and applies modern technology and mechanics to form a restomod RV | Winnebago" width="757" height="424" />

The Winnebago Brave takes vintage styling and applies modern technology and mechanics to form a resto-mod RV | Winnebago

Back in the late 1960s and 1970s, there was no mistaking a Winnebago motorhome for another RV thanks to its bold “Flying W” badging, iconic “eyebrow” designs, clever interior, and boxy body lines. But over time the iconic styling of yesteryear began to morph into a mish-mash of ho-hum engineering and bland RV styling.

But now it’s time to fall in love with classic RV styling all over again, because Winnebago has followed in Dodge’s Challenger footsteps and has rolled out a resto-mod version of the machine that got America hooked on RV life in the first place.

Vintage interior within the Winnebago Brave looks straight out of the 1970s | Winnebago

Vintage interior within the Winnebago Brave looks straight out of the 1970s | Winnebago

The all-new Winnebago Brave takes vintage styling cues and blends them with modern practicality, efficiency, safety, and useful amenities in order to give the next generation of motorhome enthusiast an RV that is both retro and reliable. While you won’t be able to pick one up for the $4,000 price tag associated with the original, these classic and quirky motorhomes are priced to fit a more modest budget, and can be customized in a wide array of colors and interior design layouts.

3. Global X Vehicles Pangea “Perky Mog”

Global X Vehicles takessafety orange and gives it a new purpose on this <a href=Pangea roof lifter" width="757" height="504" />

Global X Vehicles takes safety orange and gives it a new purpose on this Pangea roof lifter | Global X Vehicles

Global Expedition Vehicles’ Pangea Lifting Roof version of the unstoppable Mercedes-Benz UniMog can be built on either a medium or heavy duty chassis, and can be tailored around various cab configurations. Referred to as the “Perky Mog,” this clever 4×4 RV has a unique lowered position that allows the windows to be covered with the hard side top section, while maintaining full walking height within. Once in the raised position, a huge loft area becomes exposed, which can be reconfigured to the buyer’s preferred sleeping layout, and can hold up to two queen size beds.

Inside the <a href=Pangea Lifting Roof monster are gorgeous living quarters that feature ornate wood floors, and a loft for sleeping | Global X Vehicles" width="757" height="504" />

Inside the Pangea Lifting Roof monster are gorgeous living quarters that feature ornate wood floors, and a loft for sleeping | Global X Vehicles

Since each vehicle is tailor-made to the buyer’s specifications, there is no cut-and-dry approach to purchasing one of these machines, so be prepared for a lengthy build list and turnaround time. A few of our favorite touches include the G-KAS mounting body isolating mount system, having cab-to-cabin access, exterior tool/utility boxes, how the seating area converts into an additional sleeping space, and how the stair treads are hinged and lift to reveal hidden storage. Add on a duo of high efficiency 200-watt PV solar panels, a 140 gallon fresh water tank, amazing off-road capabilities, and the ability to buy one in 16- to 18-foot lengths, and you’ve got one hell of a capable 4×4 RV on your hands.

4. Newmar King Aire

Engineered to embody “the pinnacle of luxury travel,” the Newmar King Aire takes style, comfort, and technology to a whole new level, with the 2017 model sporting a restyled exterior, and a Spartan K3 tag axle chassis that has been attached to a steel superstructure. Inside, contrast cross stitching highlights the dash, which features a wireless non-slip charging pad, full LCD driver display, and two 12.1-inch touchscreens for system controls and 360-degree outward visibility. Meanwhile, a one-off 11-speaker JBL cockpit audio system and exclusive fabrics from Ralph Lauren add additional flare to the front of the cabin.

Newmar's <a href=King Aire line takes a unique, but very ornate approach to RV-making, and the amount of time, money, and energy that goes into making one is insane | Newmar" width="757" height="482" />

Newmar’s King Aire line takes a unique, but very ornate approach to RV-making, and the amount of time, money, and energy that goes into making one is insane | Newmar

For tailgating purposes, two Girard Nova side awnings extend over a specially designed sidewall housing a 43-inch Sony 4K UHD TV and a Bluetooth-compatible Bose soundbar, which rests atop one of the tallest basements in the Class A segment. Buyers can choose Maple, Cherry, or Rift Oak hardwood cabinetry, while polished porcelain plank tile, heated and cooled Pompeii leather front seats, and a 49-inch Sony 4K UHD TV come standard, with a Blu-ray/DVD player and Bose CineMate home theater system. The King Aire’s master bath is available with an industry-leading 50-by-34-inch shower, complete with full tile and a Fresca panel with massage sprayers and a foot washer, and even comes finished with a Whirlpool stacked washer and dryer.

5. Earthroamer XV HD

Riding atop a Ford F-750 chassis, the <a href=Earthroamer XV HD is about as ferocious as it gets outside of military spec | Earthroamer" width="757" height="409" />

Riding atop a Ford F-750 chassis, the Earthroamer XV HD is about as ferocious as it gets outside of military spec | Earthroamer

EarthRoamer has just expanded its product line in order to offer the highly anticipated F-750-based XV-HD. Designed to accommodate up to eight people comfortably and sleep six, this off-road RV features enough ingenuity to make living off-grid for a few days a breeze, as the HD offers anyone looking for wilderness adventures both driving prowess and fantastic amenities.

Extra windows and a raised roof allows living quarters to feel anything but confined in Earthroamer's XV HD | Earthroamer

Extra windows and a raised roof allows living quarters to feel anything but confined in Earthroamer’s XV HD | Earthroamer

The XV-HD takes luxury off-grid ingenuity and infuses it with solar panels, a monolithic battery bank, 46-inch military tires, 200 gallons of fresh water, a compact washer/dryer, and a whole lot more. At just over 35-feet long this is no mini RV either, giving all the more reason for Earthroamer to utilize Ford’s 6.7-liter PowerStroke Diesel engine and all 725 pound-feet of torque.

6. Bespoke Coach Sprinter Van

A <a href=typical Bespoke Coach Sprinter is not overtly adorned with external upgrades, but leans more toward a VIP look | Bespoke Coach" width="757" height="466" />

A typical Bespoke Coach Sprinter is not overtly adorned with external upgrades, but leans more toward a VIP look | Bespoke Coach

This next road trip specialist is a bit of a hybrid, because while it isn’t a massive RV, it isn’t really a van either. Bespoke Coachworks has been customizing vehicles in Southern California since 1985, and over the past 30 years has created countless custom audio, video, interior, and exterior solutions for celebrities and the elite. So when the Sprinter van finally began getting imported and badged by Dodge and Freightliner back in 2007, requests for customized versions flooded their ears.

After decades of working with companies like Bentley, Rolls Royce, and Mercedes-Benz, the thought of pimping out vans seemed a bit strange, but after one luxury van conversion spawned the next, Bespoke Coachworks knew it was on to something. From opulent mobile offices, to family coaches with built-in beds and entertainment suites, this unique chassis offers an endless array of options for anyone wanting a small and swanky RV, all without the headaches associated with piloting a land barge.

The interior of one of Bespoke Coach's Sprinter vans may not be large, but it certainly is luxurious | Bespoke Coach

The interior of one of Bespoke Coach’s Sprinter vans may not be large, but it certainly is luxurious | Bespoke Coach

Bespoke Coach’s luxury mobile office incorporates the best technology, design, and materials into a first-class experience, tasking top engineers, designers, and fabricators to make coaches that are both user friendly and innovative. A few of our favorite options include the driver wall partition with motorized privacy window, custom upholstered walls and ceilings, the marine-grade circuit breaker panel, and those Maybach inspired captains chairs. There are also standard iPads, Samsung TV screens, power inverters, customizable lighting, Focal audio upgrades, and Dynamat sound deadening throughout, with a laundry list of unique upgrade options waiting on the wing for the right price.

7. Marathon Show Coach

Marathon Coach, Inc. is widely revered as the world’s largest luxury bus converter and dealer, and specializes in taking commercial buses supplied by Prevost and customizing them into the most opulent RVs imaginable. Built around a Prevost H3-45 chassis, these custom buses feature engineer-driven technologies and a unique “California design viewpoint” that leans toward shades of warm taupe and rich chocolate brown, with deep indigo blue accents inside and out.

Inside, buyers will find things like a marble, limestone, and travertine “basket weave” floor inlay that has been surrounded by Italian porcelain tile, as well as a custom fireplace enclosure designed for both ambiance and warmth. There are soft touches like velvet tufted sofas finished with chrome nail heads, and a stitched leather recliner at the large work desk for when duty calls on the open road.

The <a href=Marathon Show Coach is a swanky, multi-million dollar cruiser designed for the world's elite | Marathon Coach Inc." width="757" height="504" />

The Marathon Show Coach is a swanky, multi-million dollar cruiser designed for the world’s elite | Marathon Coach Inc.

In the back you will find features like an oversized glass and limestone mosaic shower with a telescopic, glass pocket door that goes opaque at the touch of a button, an integrated, 8-inch rain shower head, as well as a hand-held shower wand. There also are Hans Grohe faucets and fixtures, custom-made hammered stainless steel sinks, a walk-in closet, a TechLink electrical system, and Crestron controls.

8. Sportsmobile Classic 4×4

With the camper lowered and doors closed, this house on wheels turns into a 4x4 Ford battering ram | Sportsmobile

With the camper lowered and doors closed, this house on wheels turns into a 4×4 Ford battering ram | Sportsmobile

The Sportsmobile Classic is one of the most recent creations in a long line of heavy duty 4×4 “Adventure Vans” coming out of Sportsmobile. After a successful prototype testing phase, the Classic 4×4 can now be had in a Ford Cutaway body that molds it with a steel reinforced fiberglass shell and an integrated penthouse top that drops flush into the shell for streamlining purposes.

The Sportsmobile 4WD Vehicle is designed to appeal to the most discerning off-road enthusiast, and in order to do so only the best heavy-duty components are installed for a balance between maximum off-road performance and on-road comfort. Over five decades of experience in the designing and manufacturing of van campers has led to this point, and while these machines can only be had on 2008–2014 Ford E-350 models equipped with the 6.8-liter V10 and barn doors, sourcing a gently used donor shouldn’t be an issue.

Sportsmobile has long been synonymous with hardcore off-road vehicles that can be lived out of | Sportsmobile

Sportsmobile has long been synonymous with hardcore off-road vehicles that can be lived out of | Sportsmobile

Full production of the Classic started in late 2016, and the 4WD Conversion model includes a lot of hardcore 4×4 upgrades. A few key features include an Advance Adapter Atlas II All Gear Driven transfer case, a Dynatrac Pro-Roc 60 front axle, Dana 60 rear axle, Fox 2.0 Performance Series Shocks, a high knuckle front end for extra tie rod clearance, and an extra heavy duty steering arm.

We could go on about the military wrap springs that were specifically designed for this van, or how the front sway bar comes with a quick disconnect system and custom shocks, but it would take forever to go over this list of performance upgrades. Finished with a practical and rugged, adventure-ready interior, this RV is a pop-top for the most discerning 4×4 enthusiast.

9. ShowHauler Motorhomes

ShowHauler specializes in <a href=melding semi tractor trailer strength with high dollar RV resplendency | ShowHauler" width="757" height="568" />

ShowHauler specializes in melding semi tractor trailer strength with high dollar RV resplendency | ShowHauler

ShowHauler Motorhomes are heralded as “the safest motor coach on the road,” and their coach frames utilize a unique tubular steel structure consisting of super strong floors, sidewalls, and ceilings. The underbelly is completely undercoated, block foam is placed between steel side-wall supports prior to bonding aluminum exterior walls to the frame, no rivets are used, interior walls are reinforced to create a structural cage, and adhesive bonding is used to apply a bubble type insulation.

Being built on a standard truck chassis with a higher Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) than a typical motorhome allows for greater carrying capacities, so weight is never a concern and neither are highway crosswinds nor oncoming traffic. Internally, buyers get to choose the hardwood they want for cabinets and fabric patterns and colors, all window framing is finished with hand-formed hardwood, counter-tops are genuine Corian, and buyers can choose either polished ceramic tile floors or carpet.

A ShowHauler interior can be outfitted with anything the buyer desires, it just depends upon how deep your pocketbook goes | ShowHauler

A ShowHauler interior can be outfitted with anything the buyer desires, it just depends upon how deep your pocketbook goes | ShowHauler

We personally dig the cab pass-thru, having 7-feet of interior headroom, the cab-over bunk and vent, the 12 gallon gas/electric water heater, 30,000 BTU ducted gas furnace, and the ability to tow damn near anything. ShowHauler Motorhomes are part luxury living quarters, part big-rig, and all cross-country cruiser.

10. Mercedes-Benz Zetros 2733 A 6×6

Mercedes-Benz Zetros 2733 A 6x6 is one hell of an intimidating RV

Mercedes-Benz Zetros 2733 A 6×6 is one hell of an intimidating RV | Daimler

We eluded to it in our intro, and here it is up close. The all-wheel drive behemoth commonly referred to as the Mercedes-Benz Zetros 2733 A 6×6 is based off a semi with a cab-behind-engine layout, and offers sensational traction and versatility, plus customizable living arrangements.

This triple-axled truck typically weighs in between 25 and 27 tons, and while its powertrain and chassis configuration either come out of the Actros and Axor series of full-size work trucks, it also utilizes a unique Unimog/G-Class 6×6 approach. Powered by a 7.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine, this lumbering beast only puts down around 326 horsepower, but generates around 1,000 foot-pounds of torque in the 1,200–1,600 RPM range.

With room for ATV loading in the rear, this 27-ton monster is all you need to dominate the wild

With room for ATV loading in the rear, this 27-ton monster is all you need to dominate the wild | Daimler

Buyers can opt for either a hydraulically/pneumatic nine-speed manual transmission (eight forward gears plus crawler), which has a direct-ratio top gear, or they can get the six-speed Allison 3000 SP/PR automatic. The permanent all-wheel drive VG 1700 transfer case has an off-road ratio that is about 20% lower than its all-wheel drive cousins, so crawl control is a strong suit here. Towing capacity has also been increased by about 70% when compared to the on-road gears, and torque distribution between the front and rear axle(s) is 1:3.21 thanks to the splitter box, which becomes 1:1 if the differential lock is engaged.

All told, the Zetros has three mechanical differential locks, all of which can be easily selected via a rotary control that shows the logical sequence in which they need to be engaged. Drivers must start with the center-axle before engaging the rear, with the front remaining the final option, reserved for when terrain is at its most extreme.

11. Iveco Astra HD8 8×6 Expedition Truck

Expedition Trucks always has something insane on its for sale page, like this 8x6 behemoth for instance | <a href=Expedition Truck Brokers" width="757" height="505" />

Expedition Trucks always has something insane on its for sale page, like this 8×6 behemoth for instance | Expedition Truck Brokers

Our final contender today comes from Expedition Truck Brokers, a company that has specialized in connecting buyers and sellers of expedition trucks for over 20 years thanks to a crew that tackles every aspect of the purchasing and customization process. Everything from buying and building, to long distance overland travel and selling transactions get attended to by this highly trained team of 4×4 specialists, and getting things right requires “first hand experience with vehicle based travel in rough conditions through remote regions.”

Simply put, Expedition Truck Brokers sources hardcore off-road “wheel estate” for private individuals and professionals in order to provide the ideal vehicle for overland journeys, expedition support, promotional events, and film. While most people would never need something as insane as an 8×6 diesel behemoth, there is a very particular kind of clientele out there that has the bankroll and need for something like what you see here.

It may take 8 hours to parallel park, but this <a href=Iveco Astra HD8 8x6 also features 8 wheels and more torque than an ocean liner | Expedition Truck Brokers" width="757" height="504" />

It may take eight hours to parallel park, but this Iveco Astra HD8 8×6 also features eight wheels and more torque than an ocean liner | Expedition Truck Brokers

While plenty of other heavy-duty RV options are available on the Expedition Truck Brokers’ website, it’s this Iveco Astra HD8 that has our vote for most badass of the bunch. Professionally manufactured in Germany, this chassis has been widely revered internationally as a construction and mining industry staple, but never a weekend getaway machine … until now.

A few of our favorite highlights and features outside of the Astra’s massive cabin and practical living quarters are the highly autonomous multi-climate design that handles both tropical and frigid environments, and the 600 horsepower EURO-5 Cursor 13 diesel engine. There’s also that dedicated motorcycle platform, all those external storage units, and a slew of locking differentials designed to tackle any terrain.

(cheatsheet.com, https://goo.gl/I0gYaI)

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Wednesday, February 28, 2018

REVIEW: Accor Hotels in Hong Kong: Novotel Century and Novotel Hong Kong, Nathan Road Kowloon

Read article : REVIEW: Accor Hotels in Hong Kong: Novotel Century and Novotel Hong Kong, Nathan Road Kowloon

I’m packing my bags for Korea, Japan and Penang. The last 2 weeks of October promised to be stimulating, fun and busy.
From bulgolgi to sashimi to Penang char koay teow, I’m ready for the ride! 😀

I took out my stuffs from my luggage (yes I don’t unpack much, I have a travel set of everything, blame it on the frequent travels I do) last week since I’m packing for the cold, with Korea and Japan at 16-25 celcius. As I dug out Hong Kong instant noodles, HK dollars and maps memories came flooding back.
Oh, the craziness of the Hong Kong es-capers Scavenger Hunt by Accor Hotels! Fun, adrenaline packed and an experience like no other!

1 hong kong - escapershk - escapers scavenger hunt accor hotels 3

We were hosted in 2 Novotels in Hong Kong, 1st night at Novotel Hong Kong, Nathan Road Kowloon and the next night at the Novotel Century Hong Kong.
Oh the comfy beds. The clean and functional accommodation. Bliss!

<a href=Novotel Hong Kong Nathan Road Kowloon" width="640" height="480" />

Accor group of hotels in HK are the ibis and the Novotel, the former leans towards economy but never sacrificing comfort and the latter is contemporary and practical. One thing is for sure, locations of these hotels are faultless; situated right in the middle of a busy/popular part of Hong Kong or in the case of Novotel Citygate, merely 5 minutes from Hong Kong International Airport.

On my first day I only managed to check in NovotelHong Kong, Nathan Road Kowloon at 6pm after day 1 of the Hong Kong es-capers race. I have uploaded a video weeks back (here it is in case you would like a 3-D presentation of the room) and now let’s get into details of my one night stay.

[embedded content]

Novotel Hong Kong, Nathan Road Kowloon is a modern 4-star hotel centrally located in the heart of Kowloon’s famous shopping and commercial district.

In Hong Kong, it’s crucial to be near a MRT station, especially for those who are here to explore the rich cuisine and innumerable shopping districts. The Jordan station is 5 minutes away, and attractions such as the Temple Street Night Market, Ladies Market and Jade Market are all within walking distance.
Since I only had one night here (yea, pretty much a night stand LOL!), I’m able to tell you that the WIFI is strong, the bed is comfortable (in fact I was so tired I was dead as a fossil the moment I hit its sheets), a pillow menu is offered, the amenities and the bathroom were fine and the view was well, the city.

The fact that I only managed to check-in so late didn’t help for photography, but here’s the standard 24 sq metres room.

<a href=Novotel Hong Kong, Nathan Road Kowloon - Hotel Review-004" />

Space is narrow, as expected of Hong Kong. But thoughtful details like a full length mirrors, overbed table and ample powerpoints makes up for it. Yes, I need powerpoints. Hotels with 2 powerpoints per room and none near the bed gets negative points from me!

<a href=Novotel Hong Kong, Nathan Road Kowloon - Hotel Review-003" width="470" height="700" />

See my phone (red colour, on the floor) next to my bed? I would need another for the laptop. The overbed table is just marvelous. I don’t have to pile up a mountain of pillows over my legs as a shaky make shift table.

<a href=Novotel Hong Kong, Nathan Road Kowloon - Hotel Review-020" width="600" height="370" />

<a href=Novotel Hong Kong, Nathan Road Kowloon - Hotel Review-027" />

One powerpoint near the bed means I need a 3 way plug/adapter. Which was supplied as well, in this drawer right beside the Pringles (sorry late in the evening and I was really tired by the time I started taking photos of the room, didn’t think of including it in this picture!).
Now, how’s that for convenience? 🙂

<a href=Novotel Hong Kong, Nathan Road Kowloon - Hotel Review-007" />

Another powerpoint was conveniently located at the drinks making counter. I didn’t make any drinks, but used it instead for charging my battery pack.
As you know we were tweeting, Instagram-ing, FB-ing, taking pictures throughout the day during the race. An iPhone has only that much juice.

<a href=Novotel Hong Kong, Nathan Road Kowloon - Hotel Review-005" />

<a href=Novotel Hong Kong, Nathan Road Kowloon - Hotel Review-008" />

The mini bar, which no hotel guests in their right mind would ever touch unless of course, they aren’t the one paying for the items.

<a href=Novotel Hong Kong, Nathan Road Kowloon - Hotel Review-009" width="470" height="700" />

The work desk has more powerpoints. Thank god. These were for my camera and spare battery, which takes about 4 hours for a full charge so these were pretty much occupied for that sole purpose. So you get me when I said I need MANY powerpoints in my hotel rooms right?

<a href=Novotel Hong Kong, Nathan Road Kowloon - Hotel Review-033" width="499" height="700" />

Other than electricity (and O2), I breathe and live on internet connectivity. Thankfully WIFI wasn’t any issue here.
Here’s how the internet works:

<a href=Novotel Hong Kong, Nathan Road Kowloon - Hotel Review-030" />

Via the cable – provided as pictured below. Or via WIFI.

<a href=Novotel Hong Kong, Nathan Road Kowloon - Hotel Review-034" width="580" height="450" />

Under the desk I spied 2 waste baskets; one on either end of the desk. The green one is for recyclable materials/wastes and the brown one is for normal waste.
An environmentally friendly hotel? More brownie points from me! 🙂

<a href=Novotel Hong Kong, Nathan Road Kowloon - Hotel Review-036" width="470" height="700" />

<a href=Novotel Hong Kong, Nathan Road Kowloon - Hotel Review-037" width="470" height="700" />

Other standard amenities include the iron, safe, laundry bag, slippers and dress robe.

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The 2-seat sofa bed in the room can double up as a bed for a small child, which in this case was me. Anyhow I only had time to sit on it and pose for this picture.
Trust me, I barely warmed the seat.

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In case you haven’t noticed, each side of the bed came with an overhead reading light. Again a nice touch. If you’re traveling with someone and he/she decides to snooze earlier, he/she can turn off the light on his/her side.
I had the room to myself (even better!) so there wasn’t a problem. I stayed up late for updating my social platforms, work matters and some pictures transferring and back up (sigh, the life of a blogger) so the overbed table and the powerpoint at the bed side was god-sent.

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Fully automated controls makes life simpler. Everything at the touch of a button.

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I love pillow menus. Not many hotels offers this and if they do my choice would always be for the firm pillows. I have a perpetually nagging neckache.

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I requested for additional Pressure Relieving Pillow and it was delivered to my room promptly. And ah, now I know what are those orange pillows in the wardrobe earlier – they are medium soft feather pillows.

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Next, the washroom.

Small, clean, everything works as it should be and I have no complaints for a hotel of this standard. Again, environmentally friendly packaging plus quality bathroom amenities deserves brownie points.

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The amenities – soap, sanitary bag, nail file, cotton pads and cotton buds, gel scrub, body milk, shampoo and shower gel.

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You can drink straight from the tap.

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Hairdryer. A good powerful one too. I’m sure there are some of us who had stayed in hotels that provides hairdryers with as much energy as a battery operated fan, which then you’ll probably have better luck drying your mane next to the kitchen oven than via using that piece of useless equipment.

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Towels – hand towels, body towels, face towels. And a towel for the floor, which is to me is a very important detail.

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A separate shower stall for the shower with a choice of rain shower (top) or the usual showerhead from the wall. There’s heater of course.

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The welcome fruits, a bottle of wine and the chocolates was much appreciated. Thank you Novotel. Nothing like a personalized message to make you feel welcomed.

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That, and some freebies. I can’t complain.

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After a good night’s rest I woke up the next morning looking forward to breakfast. Hotel breakfasts are one of my favourites – the variety, the ability to eat as much or as little as you wish for hours (not that we have hours during this trip) and the opportunity to sample (hopefully) quality or uncommon food/drink.
The Square, the coffeehouse is located on the 1st floor and serves daily buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner, healthy options for kids, as well as an ala- carte menu with options of organic produce.

NOTE: You do not need to touch your keycard to any sensor at the lift to access your room floor.

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And consider it a good start to the day when you meet some ‘happy’ people.

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While the quality is there, there were nothing out of the ordinary here.

Novotel Hong Kong, Nathan Road Kowloon is a popular hotel with both leisure and business travelers. The morning buffet was bustling with kids to teens in K-Pop attire to businessmen in suits.

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Food was decent and well, there’s plenty of pork.

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Breakfast is priced at HKD140.80 (RM70) after taxes. Thank goodness it was complimentary.

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If you have access to the Premier Lounge, then you have another option for breakfast. Selection are understandably less, but it is also more private and less busy.

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Free internet access through 7 iMacs in lobby are available for guests. There is also a 24-hr gym and a play area for kids with Xbox games. Yes, for kids. Thought no one is going to drive away if you were to plant your butt here.

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Lobby.

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No hotel is complete without a bar yes?

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Whew. All that photos for one night stay.
I barely had time to see the pool or the gym (inBalance). I don’t even know where are the meeting/function rooms are. According to their site, there are massage services as well.

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Well, there’s always a next time. Our next night was at Novotel Century, Hong Kong. Click to read/view the pictures –> HERE.

Oh, say hi to the GM of Novotel Nathan Road, Mr Olivier Moies-Delval! 🙂

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Novotel Nathan Road Kowloon
No.348 Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China (Jordan)
Hotel Manager : Mr Olivier MOIES-DELVAL
GPS: N 22° 18′ 25.73” E 114° 10′ 18.13”

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I must thank the wonderful sponsors for this trip again – Cathay Pacific, Accor Hotels and Hong Kong Tourism Board for the experience and hospitality. :dd
Next, please read about the Novotel Century in Hong Kong.

**Photos + video taken with the Sony NEX 5T.