Where to Stay in Antwerp: The Best Hotels and Neighborhoods

Read article : Where to Stay in Antwerp: The Best Hotels and Neighborhoods

To help you out with the decision where to stay in Antwerp, we’ve put together a list of neigbourhoods and the best hotels in the city.

Antwerp is often left out when planning a trip to Belgium. Touristy cities like Brussels or Bruges easily obscure trendy towns of Antwerp or recently re-discovered Ghent.

However, from what we’ve experienced in Antwerp, it’s a vibrant, extraordinarily creative city full of history, so you’re doing yourself a favor by staying here longer, and exploring it for more than a day away from Brussels.

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Where to stay in Antwerp?

Where to stay in the Antwerp Historical Center

This is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Antwerp if your goal is to catch up with sightseeing. The old town is full of museums, lively squares, and a number of cafes, restaurants, and beautifully renovated bed & breakfasts in historical houses.

The area is very walkable, and you can easily access the riverbank. It’s also safe and quiet at night.

Our top pick > De Koning van Spanje

We stayed in this family-run boutique hotel for three nights, only a minute walk from the main square Grote Markt.

The luxurious interior with elegant decoration made us feel comfortable, as well as the immense space in the bedroom and bathroom. Hot tub, solid wooden writing table and sofa were also part of the room. Our room faced a small courtyard and a garden, so it was absolutely quiet during the whole day.

The breakfast is served in the dining room furnished with antique plates and furniture. If you’re looking for some insider tips on the city, ask the owners. They are extremely helpful, and knowledgeable, since Carl has worked at one of Antwerp’s museums. Check the latest price.

Luxury > Hotel ‘T Sandt
Spotless, spacious rooms with an incredibly homey touch. The suites and rooms are bright thanks to big windows. Excellent location near the Grote Markt, good breakfast included. Check the latest price.

Mid-range > Aplace Antwerp City Flats & Suites
Very tastefully decorated rooms and apartments in vintage style with modern elements. Apartments also feature a fully equipped kitchen. Pets allowed. Check the latest price.

Budget > Kathedraallogies Drie Koningen
Unusual and affordable bed & breakfast in the historical center of Antwerp. You can choose from rooms with shared or private bathrooms. The property is a renovated building from the 16th century. Check the latest price.

Things to do in Antwerp Historical Center

• Visit Museum Plantin-Moretus
• Get a pint at the Witzli-Poetzli while enjoying jazz music or check out the the quirky Elfde Gebod
• Hang around the Groenplaats or Grote Markt Square early in the morning
• Enter the Cathedral of Our Lady

Traveling to Belgium and Europe? Get inspired by more travel articles:

Where to stay in Het Zuid (the Southern District)

It’s trendy, modern, and very suitable for expats and young people fancying nightlife and art. The southern district aka Het Zuid is a renovated neighborhood with plenty of bars, local restaurants, galleries, and museums.

Het Zuid is well connected to the city center and train station by public transport. We stayed here for a few nights and loved it here for its laid back vibes and a running path along the river.

Our top pick > The Soul Antwerp

In case you prefer cooking your own food and are hoping for some privacy, The Soul would be the best place to stay in Het Zuid. Modern studio with vintage interior offers an equipped kitchenette with a dining corner and comfy sofa, (which we found great after walking the city all day).

The apartment is located right in the heart of the south district, surrounded by many cafes and restaurants. By the way, you can grab a coffee, breakfast or lunch at the atmospheric Soul Cafe. In case you decide to cook, there is a big grocery shop within 5 minutes walking.

Our studio was clean, with a separated bedroom, bright seating area with a dining table and kitchenware, and a private bathroom. The place is also run by welcoming and easygoing owners. Check the latest price.

Luxury > The Glorious Inn

In case you’re wishing for some extraordinary place to stay in Antwerp, check it out here. Thematically decorated rooms, classy furniture, and a very quiet location.

We stayed here only a night, but enjoyed the funky atmosphere of the room with a Sleeping Beauty theme. We won’t spoil the surprise, but the room was full of secret hints related to the fairy tale. You better come and check for yourself.

It featured a large and very comfy bed, a tea table with plenty of herbal choices. The highlight of the room was a bathroom with an enormous bathtub, candles, and high-quality toiletries.

Spoil yourself, and if you come during the week, make sure to have dinner in their restaurant downstairs. Check the latest price.

Mid-range > Maison Emile
Stylish, modern, and clean rooms with a rich healthy breakfast. It features double and single bedrooms. Check the latest price.

Budget > Le Sud
Very affordable and clean budget option with different types of rooms with shared or private bathrooms. Check the latest price.

Things to do in Het Zuid

Where to stay in the Jewish Quarter in Diamond District

The area near the Central Station is the oldest diamond center in Europe, and rumour has it they were playing around with diamonds long before the first traders in Hong Kong or New York.

Stay around on Friday or Saturday, and you’ll see the Jewish community walking to and from the synagogues here. Currently, more than 80% of the Jews in Antwerp are involved in the diamond trade.

There are more than 1500 companies involved in selling, cutting, and polishing diamonds in the city, and you can check out some of them on Pelkinstraat Street near the railway station, or in the boutique shops on the Appelmansstraat, Lange Herentalsestraat and Vestingstraat streets.

Always ask for the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) grading report when buying a gem. Read more about the history of Jews in Antwerp.

Our top pick > Hyllit Hotel

Located right in the center of the Diamond district, a couple of minutes walking from the Central Station. Luxurious 4-star hotel with an indoor pool, spacious rooms with writing desk. Suites available. Check the latest price.

Luxury > Park Inn by Radisson Antwerpen
Spacious and super clean rooms, some of them with a great view. The hotel features a gym, and you can use sauna and swimming pool at the Health Club that is 100 m away. Check the latest price.

Mid-range > Queen A Antwerp
Incredibly cosy rooms and common area, decorated with a great taste and sense for interior details. Very kind staff and excellent breakfast! Check the latest price.

Budget > Eden Hotel
Simply decorated in pastel colors, and for a very reasonable price considering the proximity to the main railway station. Free tea/coffee station available. Check the latest price.

Things to do in Diamond district

• Check the architecture of the railway station in case you haven’t arrived by train
• Go to the Stadtpark and have a picnic here. Great for kids, the park offers some playgrounds
• Book your ticket for a performance in the stunning Flemish Opera
• Have a peak in some of the diamond stores in the Diamond District

Where to stay in Sint Andries

Rough and poor area in the past that has become a shopping area with lots of cafes now. Popular for its vintage vibes, great proximity to the centre and best Antwerp attractions. Safe and lively Southern neighbourhood in Antwerp.

Our top pick > Holiday Home Zuiderzin

Wonderful holiday home for family or groups of friends. It features three double beds, a seating area, washing machine, and a small kitchen. It’s centrally located, with many cafes and restaurants around. Check the latest price.

Luxury > Maison Nationale City Flats & Suites
Ultra clean, beautiful, bright, and spacious rooms designed in black & white minimalistic style. Possibility to prepare your own food with the kitchenware. Check the latest price.

Mid-range > Kaai11 City Flats & Rooms
A luxurious option for a mid-range budget. Situated near the Schelde River, most of the rooms have awesome views. Modern & elegant interior. Some suites come with a fully equipped kitchen. Check the latest price.

Budget > Antwerp Cental Youth Hostel
Very cool place in a great location. Simple and clean with twin, quadruple, or dormitory rooms, all with private bathrooms. Buffet breakfast included. Check the latest price.

Things to do in Sint Andries

• Visit MoMu Fashion Museum
• Go for a graffiti hunt. Read this article to get inspired.
• Walk through the summer Markt van Morgen market & do some shopping here
• Visit St Andrew’s Catholic Church from the 16th century
• Spend a couple of hours at the incredible Plantin-Moretus Museum of printing
• Vintage lovers, head straight to the Kloosterstraat Street

Where to stay in Het Eilandje

Het Eilandje means “Little Island,” and currently the area is boasting with loads of cafes, and some of the most distinct museums in Antwerp: MAS, which is a highlight of the Het Eilandje, and Red Line Star – a museum dedicated to the emigration waves that brought millions of European overseas, and the iconic Port House of Zaha Hadid.

It’s a cool area to chill out, enjoy an afternoon coffee, and make your artistic soul happy.

Our top pick > B&B Yellow Submarine

Original modern room with minimalistic décor. Clean and spacious rooms feature a shower or a bath. Very good breakfast included. Check the latest price.

Luxury > B&B Suites@FEEK
This is something quite different. High ceilings, futuristic white design with a jacuzzi in the room. Great breakfast! Check the latest price.

Mid-range > Best Western Hotel Docklands
Modern rooms of a 3-star hotel, some of them with harbour views and a balcony. Very friendly staff. Some rates include delicious breakfast. Check the latest price.

Budget
The area doesn’t really offer budget options, but you can find a budget accommodation not far from Eilandje.

Condo Gardens Antwerp
Simple, clean studios with a kitchen, great location for a very reasonable price. Check the latest price.

Things to do in Eilandje

Where to stay in Borgerhout

The area doesn’t have the best reputation, but only because of its multicultural nature, as it’s a home to 90 different nationalities.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a bit of an “underground,” creative area with music festivals, quirky bars, and a Moroccan & Turkish minority, which means great food, head to the Borgerhout.

Our top pick > @Couche Couche

Very stylish and comfortable B&B. You can stay either in an apartment for 2-4 people with kitchenware, or in a double room. Located in a beautiful old mansion from 1907. Minimalistic design with soothing feeling.

Luxury
There aren’t any top luxury hotels in the area, although the B&B mentioned above can be considered a high-end choice of accommodation in Borgerhout.

Mid-range > B&B Antwerp
Large, impeccable rooms with lots of sunlight, very tastefully decorated. The quadruple room also features a seating area and facilities like a coffee machine, fridge, and microwave. Check the latest price.

Budget > Kif Kef City Apt.
Incredibly charming apartment with minimalistic design. Fully equipped kitchen, sun terrace and bike rentals (for an extra charge) available. Check the latest price.

Things to do in Borgerhout

• Spend an evening at one of the performances in De Roma, an amazing cinema from 1920’s.
• Go for a free yoga class in Krugerplein Square on Saturday (from 24th of June – 9th of September from 10 am to 11 pm)
• Check out the gigs at the TRIX Muziekcentrum

Where to stay in Deurne

Located in the east of Antwerp, famous mostly for its huge green area: the Rieverenhof Park. It’s the area of townhouses, and it’s not popular among tourists as it lacks Antwerp’s cultural vibes. However, it’s a good option if you feel like staying out of the city center.

There’s great cycling infrastructure. For the best Antwerp attractions you’ll need to take a tram or a bike to the city center. Or… go local and visit some of the Deurne’s cultural events.

Our top pick > Bed & Breakfast Exterlaer

Elegant & artsy rooms, some of them with a seating area. The place has a lovely garden, and delicious breakfast included. Very pleasant hosts. Check the latest price.

Mid-range > Luxury Suites Arendshof
Modern & simple design, located in a quiet area. The suites are in a two-floor house with a living room and a jacuzzi. Breakfast for an extra fee available. Check the latest price.

Things to do in Deurne

Where to stay in Zurenborg

Residential, trendy, silent and … the pricey area of Antwerp with convenient public transport. It’s popular for its art nouveau architecture. Over 170 houses in the neighborhood have the status of protected monuments, and most of them were built in 1900’s.

Zurenborg is a bit off the beaten path, as it lacks the typical tourist attractions, but is easily accessed by a short tram ride from the centre. Very worth a visit even if you don’t book a hotel here.

Apart from exploring the special architecture, you can stop by for a coffee, a lunch, or have a pint in one of plenty of Zurenborg’s cafes, restaurants, and bars.

Our top pick > Abondance Logies

Wonderfully minimalistic rooms with white & red décor. Super clean. Breakfast for an extra fee available, and you can prepare your meals also in the common kitchen. Close to the restaurants.

Luxury
There are no luxury options in the area.

Mid-range > Amaaj
Simple, neat rooms with private bathrooms and a bathtub. Great relaxing area. Check the latest price.

Budget > Alias Youth Hostel
A fantastic choice for budget travelers. Clean, simple, with dormitories or double bedrooms with shared or private bathrooms. Tram stops nearby. Check the latest price.

Things to do in Zurenborg

• Grab a leaflet in one of the tourist offices in Zurenborg or at the train station in Berchem neighbourhood and do a self-tour
• Walk along the streets Cogels-Osylei, Transvaalstraat, Waterloostraat to see some great architectural works
• Learn about brewing and go for a fantastic beer at the De Koninck Antwerp City Brewery in the nearby Berchem neighbourhood
• Make a trip to the southern neighbourhood and visit Middelheim Open Air Sculpture Museum

Hopefully this ultimate guide on where to stay in Antwerp helped you to decide which hotel to book, and what attractions you can see in each neighbourhood.

Have a blast in this incredibly vibrant city, and in case we missed any district you’d recommend staying in or cool things to do in Antwerp we haven’t included here, please, leave a comment below.

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Wash, don’t wipe, your butt.

Read article : Wash, don’t wipe, your butt.

By Sparklee A Hole.

If you can read this, you are a human, and you poop. A subject that may delight a few, and disgust many more. but opinions don’t count, because we all have to go and poop. It is what happens afterwards that is rarely discussed. People from different cultures have different ideas about what you should do next. An American or a Brit, who has only ever seen a toilet roll next to a toilet, may travel abroad and find one of the five following devices at his or her disposal.

• A porcelain bidet
• A bucket or barrel of water with a scooper
• A shower spray connected to the toilet tank water supply with a T-adaptor
• An electronic toilet seat that dispenses sprays or jets of warm water and may also air-dry the area
• A pipe that shoots water upwards.

There may be more systems than these five, but these are the common alternatives to simply using dry tissue paper to clean up.

Conversely, someone from the Arab world, or the Philippines, or parts of Asia, might visit The USA and be appalled to find out that Americans believe they can clean their anal area following defecation with nothing more than dry tissue paper. And they would be right, because it really does take more than tissue to be clean following the business.

Clearly, washing is more efficient than tissue-wiping when it comes to removing the after effects of going, especially if a lather from detergent is introduced, so what do these mysterious foreigners do in the bathroom?

The Bidet.

Often seen beside a toilet, the bidet has featured in travel jokes for decades. It is basically a little bathtub that one squats over to wash the area. These usually have hot and cold running water and can squirt, rinse and spray. Anyone who has used a bidet is probably emerging from the bathroom clean.

The electronic bidet toilet seat.

The Japanese have pioneered this field. To have one of these, your toilet needs to have electricity as well as water. These devices, controlled with the push of a button are designed to wash and then dry the area, without the user leaving the seat. Some are simple and some are full of hi-tech features.

The Tabo

Called the tabo in the Philippines but known by other names in South Asia, this system is basically a jug of water, filled in a bucket or barrel or from the tap. The user raises up slightly from the toilet seat and pours water towards the small of the back where the space between the butt cheeks is. The water naturally flows down and over the skin and washes the area.  In practice, although rarely talked about, the user usually puts soap on his or her fingers and washes the butt, just like everyone does in the shower and then rinses with the tabo. Of course this means touching the unclean substance in question (poo) but the hand is using soap and water so with practice it ends up clean when all is over. In the Philippines, bathrooms are wet, meaning there is usually a floor drain and a faucet on the wall, which is used to fill the vessel. The tabo is difficult for lifelong wipers to accept, but it does remove all traces of waste and associated bacteria, so should not be criticized. Anyone with a sink within arm’s reach of the toilet, and a plastic jug or jar, can try the tabo right now, with nothing to install. In rural areas, the tabo is also used for outdoor, full body bathing.

The bidet shower spray.

The Arabs call it a shattaf, (sounds like shit off, which is basically what it does), but this is nothing more than a handheld water shower that connects to the water inlet valve for the toilet via a T-connection. Room temperature water is sprayed on the anus after the business is done. As with the tabo, hand washing the area with soap is an unmentioned option. These sprays are often called diaper sprays or nappy sprayers, because they can also be used to wash off most of the baby poo from your baby’s diaper before tossing it in the bleach pail. The baby poo just goes right down the loo. The downside to using a handheld shower spray in a colder climate is, in winter, the tap water can be extremely cold. In some places these are called the muslim bidet and other names, because the muslim world is apparently quite particular about keeping clean down there. But if your bathroom is in Thailand or Saudi Arabia, to name a couple of places, you’ll probably have a sprayer adjacent to the toilet, and the water will not be a cold shock.

The sprayer pipe.

In Egypt you are likely to see a curved brass pipe at the back of the toilet bowl. This is water spraying at it’s most basic. Just turn on the tap and a jet of water shoots towards the butt for hands-free washing, or manually assisted soaping, as discussed under the tabo.

So here is the taboo subject of cleaning the ass being discussed in a magazine. Some will find the whole subject unthinkable and live their whole lives failing to properly remove poo and bacteria with their little pieces of tissue paper, and others will never use tissue paper instead of washing. While it may be obvious which idea is more effective,  preconceptions about what is civilized may keep most westerners in the dirt until they are buried in the dirt. But whatever you do following a poo, follow by washing your hands with soapy lather, and you’ll stay safe.

Sparklee A Hole is always ready for inspection and never has to hide his underwear deep in the laundry basket.

Editor’s note: We had almost 150 comments on this post, some quite well written and lengthy. But some comments contained less than tolerant cultural attacks etc., and so we made a decision to disable comments for this post and delete all that were here.

Smart Devices in the Washroom? It's Not as Crazy as You Think

Read article : Smart Devices in the Washroom? It's Not as Crazy as You Think

Advertisement

For centuries, the washroom has arguably been the most private room in the house. You could shut yourself away inside, lock the door, and escape from the trials and tribulations of everyday life.

Not anymore. Hundreds of companies are trying to join you in there, ready to log, record, and advise on every aspect of your bathroom routine.

Whether that’s for better or for worse is highly debatable. However, I’m not here to discuss the relevant merits of smart devices in the washroom — I just want to let you know about the best gadgets available right now.

Here’s what an average day could look like in a smart bathroom.

Morning

First, let’s take a look at a typical morning routine.

7:00 AM: Empty Your Bladder

Time to get real. The first thing we all do in the morning is head to the toilet. And at that ungodly hour, the last thing you want to be doing is dealing with cold surfaces, loo roll, and toilet seats.

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It’s easier to get a smart toilet and let technology do the hard work.

The Ove Smart Toilet offers all the bells and whistles you could ever want. It has a heated seat, a five-jet bidet, water temperature controls, an automatic flush, a self-cleaning feature, and an automatic seat. Models from other manufacturers might even offer foot warmers, overflow protection, nightlights, and Bluetooth speakers Best Bluetooth Speakers Under $25 and up to $300 in 2016 Best Bluetooth Speakers Under $25 and up to $300 in 2016You can't beat the convenience of going wire-free. Great audio quality may always need wired speakers, but for music on your phone Bluetooth speakers are a must-have accessory nowadays. Read More.

7:05 AM: Weigh Yourself

Once you’ve emptied yourself, it’s time to get on the scales. If you weigh yourself before you start eating and drinking, you’ll get the most accurate results.

However, if you’re striving for a 21st century bathroom, an old analog scale isn’t going to cut it. You need a high-tech body analyzer Use Automated Health Tracking to Lose Weight and Live a Healthier Life Use Automated Health Tracking to Lose Weight and Live a Healthier LifeHealth tracking is about taking care of your food, your workouts, your productivity, and your moods. Modern fitness trackers can now automate it all to help you lose weight and live a healthier life Read More.

Check out the Withings Smart Body Analyzer Wi-Fi Scales (UK). Obviously, these scales can tell you what you weigh, but they will also display your body fat measurements, body mass index (BMI), heart rate, and information on the air quality in the room.

Withings Ws-50 Smart Body Analyzer, White Withings Ws-50 Smart Body Analyzer, WhiteHeart rate measurement by stepping on the scale Buy Now At Amazon$119.00

7:15 AM: Shower

Opinion is split on whether a steamy bathroom is a good thing. On the one hand, it is great for your lungs and offers some welcome warmth on cold winter mornings. On the other, everything gets saturated (including electric plug sockets), and you then have to wipe down the mirror.

If you prefer a stream-free washroom environment, get a humidity sensor such as the Aeotec MultiSensor 6 (UK).

Rather than powering up the extractor fan every time you turn on the bathroom light, you can combine the two so it only runs whenever excess humidity is detected. This little sensor can save you power and cut back on unnecessary noise.

Aeotec Multisensor 6, Z-Wave Plus 6-in1 motion, temperature, humidity, light, UV, vibration sensor Aeotec Multisensor 6, Z-Wave Plus 6-in1 motion, temperature, humidity, light, UV, vibration sensor6-in-1 Z-Wave Plus MultiSensor: motion, humidity, temperature, light lux, UV, vibration sensor. Buy Now At Amazon$58.99

7:30 AM: Get Out of the Shower

Once you get out of the shower, you’ll need a towel. And, if you’ve installed a humidity sensor, it’d be preferable if the towel was already warm since there’s not going to be any hot steam in the room to keep you toasty.

Sounds like you might need a heated towel rail. However, if you want a smart heated towel rail, you need to connect it to a smart switch The Automated Outlet: What Can Smart Outlets Really Accomplish? The Automated Outlet: What Can Smart Outlets Really Accomplish?Here are seven creative and useful ways you can make smart outlets work for you. Read More. It will let you program your towel to get warm at the same time every morning.

Consider pairing the VonHaus Electric Towel Rail, which has an AC adapter, with a Belkin WeMo Smart Switch (UK).

WeMo Switch Smart Plug, Wi-Fi, Works with Amazon AlexaWeMo Switch Smart Plug, Wi-Fi, Works with Amazon AlexaWorks with Amazon Alexa for voice control (Alexa device sold separately) Buy Now At Amazon$42.00

8:00 AM: Get Ready

After breakfast, it’s back to the bathroom to prepare for the day. For most people, that means a lot of time spent looking into the mirror.

Smart mirrors are becoming increasingly popular. For example, in October 2016, Panasonic debuted its Smart Mirror at the Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies conference in Japan. It can do everything from offering make-up advice to recommending what outfit you should wear in light of the weather forecast 5 Apps That Make the Weather More Entertaining 5 Apps That Make the Weather More EntertainingWeather apps with jokes and GIFs; with pixels and profanity. Your morning will never be the same. Read More.

I covered smart mirrors in more detail when I described a smart home of the future 10 Future Technologies You'll See In Your Home in 3 Years 10 Future Technologies You'll See In Your Home in 3 YearsWhat technology do experts think you'll have in your house by the turn of the decade? I'm going to walk you through a typical day in the smart home of the future. Read More elsewhere on the site.

Another option is the Tech2O Cyber Mirror. It’s a mirror, TV, and web portal all rolled into one. It boasts a 32-inch screen, and it’s got an IP65 waterproof rating, meaning it’s safe for using in damp conditions.

Evening

After a long day at the office, a smart bathroom can offer you everything you need to unwind.

7:00 PM: Bath Time

If you thought running a bath was as simple as putting in the plug and turning on the tap, think again.

You can now get baths that offer “chromotherapy.” For those that don’t know, chromotherapy attempts to use colors to make your body healthier 4 Subreddits You Should Read For Tips To Stay Healthy and Fit 4 Subreddits You Should Read For Tips To Stay Healthy and FitI will tell you right now that I couldn't possible write an article about living a healthy life. I'm a self-confessed Taco Bell connoisseur. However, I can certainly tell you where you can find some other health tips.... Read More and more harmonious. Pegasus offers a bath with 11 different colors and five preset energizing programs. And if you’ve already got a Whirlpool bath, you can buy chromotherapy lights directly from the company’s online store.

If you’ve not got time for a bath, don’t worry. There are plenty of smart showers to choose from as well.

KOHLER K-9245-CP 2.5 GPM Moxie Showerhead and Wireless Speaker, Polished Chrome KOHLER K-9245-CP 2.5 GPM Moxie Showerhead and Wireless Speaker, Polished ChromeIncludes showerhead, wireless speaker and micro USB charging cable Showerarm and flange not included Buy Now At AmazonToo low to display

One example is the Moxie showerhead. It has Bluetooth speakers that can play music, podcasts, or the radio for up to seven hours continuously. You can also adjust the water flow from a bill-slashing 2.0 GPM to a full-force 2.5 GPM.

If you want to go more upmarket, check out the offerings from Moen. Its “U” product has a connected app that can program the shower to start at the same time each morning, adjust the temperature, and even set which nozzles are used.

10:00 PM: Freshen Up for Bed

As the evening wears on, you might want to freshen up your hands and face in a bid to relax yourself before bed. Your splash-and-dash wash will be much more enjoyable if you have a digital electronic faucet.

They are touchless (and thus reduce germs), they have digital flow controls (saving you water and money), and frequently come with digital temperature control settings and programmable flow configurations. The programmable flow is especially useful when you’re brushing your teeth. The water won’t cut off if you take your hands away from the infrared sensor.

Check out the offerings from Grohe if you want one in your washroom.

Would You Like a Smart Washroom?

In this article, I’ve shown you 11 devices and appliances that can turn your boring “dumb” bathroom into a washroom from the future.

But is a smart bathroom right for you? Would you enjoy having all this tech around you while you shower, or do you appreciate the bathroom’s value as one of the last bastions of tech-free living?

Whatever your opinion, I’d love to hear from you. You can leave all your thoughts and opinions in the comments section down below.

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HONG KONG: Mini Hotel Central, Mini Hotel Stanley : REVIEW

Read article : HONG KONG: Mini Hotel Central, Mini Hotel Stanley : REVIEW

Mini Hotel Central.

After a quick trip to Customs, we took a quick cab ride that took about 30 minutes down to the heart of Hong Kong in central where we ushered into the cozy expanse of the Mini Hotel Central.

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Located about five minutes uphill of Lan Kwai Fong the de facto nightlife district of Hong Kong, the Mini Hotel Central is also just five minutes away from the Central station on Hong Kong’s MRT and by extension, the rest of the city.

The cozy hotel is separated from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the district by a sturdy glass door and a helpful concierge who brought our luggage up and into the vast lobby.

Done by a noted designer, the chain of Mini Hotels all boast of a similar aesthetic in terms of their room and lobby décor.

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Upon walking in, you’re greeted by a vast lobby that’s both a meeting and waiting area. Uniquely different chairs sit clustered about the large hall to encourage conversation and for those seeking privacy.

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For those looking for conversation and a place to work, there’s a large wood hewn trestle table taking pride of place in the centre with long wooden benches that encourage casual conversation and cooperation.

Just behind it is a faux fireplace flanked by the essentials – a coffee machine and a vending machine.

The coffee machine itself took in capsules – we were issued four of them to keep us charged through our stay and extras cost HKD40 for a pack of four. Operating it was a cinch. You simply raise the level, popped a capsule in, put a cup below the receptacle and away you go.

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One thing to note is that most of the amenities aren’t usually provided with the room. You’ll have to nip by the vending machine downstairs for the aforementioned amenities that include coffee, mineral water and shampoo. There’s a dispenser for soap in the shower but that’s about it on that front.
The rest you’ll have to BYO or buy from the vending machine downstairs.

The vending machine was of interest and had a full array of hotel essentials ranging from shaving razors to bathroom shower gel, slippers as well as a variety of snacks for sale.

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In one corner of the lobby was a grand piano and while we weren’t able to play it, it was in working order and all it needed was someone suitably skilled enough to tickle the ivories.

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After a short wait, we were issued our keycards and ushered up into the double room. The area is a bit cozy but it’s ideal for a couple with a large double bed that has a little shelf all along it for smartphones and the like along with a mirror that takes up the entire expanse of the wall.

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BELOW: Note the mirrors, the powerpoints and the ledge where I was sitting on – that ledge served as a “table ” for us to charge 2 cameras, 2 powerbanks, 4 phones (each of us owns 2), a spare camera battery and 2 laptops. Do bring an EXTENSION cord if you are a social-savvy traveler like we are.

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But the view!
Ahh… you won’t believe that you are in CENTRAL, one of the busiest part of Hong Kong.
Our room window opens out to the pleasant view of Hong Kong’s urban sprawl with apartments and skyscrapers stretching to the sky all the way to the horizon yet the patches of green lungs in between.

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BELOW: When the sun sets…

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I’ll go into details of the Mini Hotel Central’s green surroundings, but let’s get back to the room shall we?

As I was saying, each room is equipped with two three pin power plugs for charging phones, laptops and other gear. If you’re coming from Malaysia, they’re using the same type of wall plug so there’s no need to bring an adaptor into Hong Kong.

A wall safe is directly beneath the bed on a slide-out tray and there’s a bit of space for luggage too though it won’t be able to take in larger sized suitcases. Apologies as I forgot a picture of this feature, but look underneath the bed, it’s there for sure.

As the room is rather cozy, the in-house TV is mounted on the wall so watching the telly will require you to get in bed. There’s no chairs or stools around the room (we sat on the bed with our laptops on well, our laps) as there’s a premium on space but you’ll be too busy shopping and exploring Hong Kong.

Right next to the bed is a small dressing table along with a hair dryer in a bag and a small kettle just beneath it. 2 power sockets are allocated here presumably for the hair dryer and for you to boil your water. Obviously you have to shave here too.
The dressing table also has an additional two power points, one of which would usually be used for the hair dryer while the other is for the discreetly located kettle that you can use to brew up some hot drinks or instant noodle cups which you can buy from the vending machine downstairs.

BELOW: Our room. Thankfully my 32″ luggage fit underneath the “table”.

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BELOW: Another configuration of the room. The use of mirrors cleverly added the illusion of space.

Step farther in through a glass door and you get a sitting toilet and a small sink with both hot and cold water on tap. The glass isn’t frosted so you’ll have to be somewhat friendly with whoever you’re staying with. There isn’t a mirror above the sink but all preening activities can be done in front of the mirror above the small dressing table.

Past a plastic shower curtain, you’re greeted by a soap dispenser as well as a standing shower. It’s highly functional and makes the most of the tight space available.

The beds themselves were firm and the linen and pillows clean, comfy and cushy. It’s the good stuff.

Once we were done setting down our luggage we explored the top floor of the hotel that was an open air gathering area done up with stone walkways, jaunty parasols, seating and a fantastic view of the city.

BELOW: The corridors of Mini Hotel Central.

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We were told that there’s great parties here on major holidays but we alas were not able to enjoy one but in the daytime it does offer solitude and a contemplative place to gather your thoughts.
The WIFI strength is fair here so it is possible to chill with a movie or plain surfing work.

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Rooms at the Mini Hotel Central run to HKD 500 – 700 a night and you can find out more at their website at www.minihotel.hk.
Combined with the strategic locale, the Mini Hotel Central is one sweet recommendation if you’re looking for a place that’s right in the middle of the action.

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Now, I’ll like to add about the pleasant surroundings of Mini Hotel Central if you are a morning person like I am.
Mini Hotel Central does not offer fitness facilities, but you start your morning with a stroll around the neighbourhood.
In the later part of this post, you will see me happily getting my workout done in the tranquil and natural Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens.

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It was wonderful to be able to walk and observe one of Hong Kong’s busiest district in the wee morning before the morning rush descended.
The streets are empty and the posh buildings and the shiny facade stood tall and proud.

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BELOW: Newspapers are still a big thing in Hong Kong. Every morning I see people giving out and selling them with many locals grabbing themselves a copy.

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BELOW: Within easy stroll from our hotel there are a lot of F & B options and with Lan Kwai Fong a stone’s throw away, a drinking hole is literally around the corner.
Besides Gordon Ramsey’s much lauded about food and Hard Rock Cafe’s famous live music, you can choose to be entertained by “naked bartenders that promises to flirt with you“.
Life is never boring at Central, Hong Kong.

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However, the street (Ice House Street) where Mini Hotel Central is a nice, quiet street away from the party scene so you are assured of a good night rest as well as well deserved serenity.
Buses and taxis plied the route in front regularly so there isn’t a need for worry of transportation either.
Mini Hotel Central is truly at an advantageous location!

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I promised to show you the Zoological and Botanical Gardens, incidentally an accidental find during my morning jog. I went uphill at the front of the hotel aiming for a challenging workout for my lower body.

What I discovered for my efforts was this picturesque and safe garden.
Admission is free to all parts of the Zoological and Botanical Gardens and there are gazebos, themed gardens, open areas for exercises and a good track for jogs/walks.
And yes, toilets too. Clean ones.

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All walks of people, young and old enjoyed their fitness and play session within this calm space.

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Needless to say, I love Mini Hotel Central.
The location, the close proximity to the gardens, the uphill roads, the Central MTR and all the delicious food (Lan Kwai Fong, Lan Fong Yuen, The Cupping Room, Yat Lok, Double D Burgers, Starbucks Duddell St) within 20 mins walking distance – this is where I would stay again if I need to be in Central when I’m in Hong Kong again. 

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Mini Hotel Causeway Bay.

We also had the opportunity to visit the underground lobby of the Mini Hotel located at Causeway Bay. After taking a short flight of stairs down, visitors can be greeted with an artfully designed lobby that is both spacious and artistic in nature.

BELOW: The entrance might be easy to miss. But once you are in Hong Kong for a few days, you learn to look out carefully at each door within a building.
Most entrances are not as obvious.

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A corner has an Andy Warhol-esque image of Mao Tse Tung taking pride of place on the wall along with racks of faux bamboo scrolls. Another part has rawhide chairs in pride of place along with sets of comfy couches all around.

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Just facing the lobby itself are a pair of Macs that guests can avail themselves to for free internet access.

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Like other Mini Hotels in the chain, sitting in pride of place highlighted by its very own spotlight was a capsule coffee machine and, interestingly enough, a giant glass bowl of chocolates that we liberally helped ourselves to.
Alas, we weren’t able to take a look at the rooms but they would be done up to the usual high standards of the chain we were told.

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Mini Hotel Stanley.

All the best writers in the world seek to perfect their craft in solitude. Hemingway did it. So did Woolf though you can do it in style and with less roughing it out with the creature comforts on hand at the Mini Hotel Stanley.

Even if you’re not a wordsmith, the rustic charm of the quieter part of Hong Kong – it’s almost an hour out from Central by bus – and the scenic views of the nearby beach make for a more languid relaxed experience.

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While it hasn’t quite finished construction, the second block of the hotel complex has been completed and ready to receive guests.
While embodying concepts similar to the other Mini Hotels throughout the chain such as the coffee machine, Apple Mac desktops and the tripartite arrangement of a wooden trestle table with accompanying benches, leather hewn chains and kitschy art, the Mini Hotel Stanley has a distinct beachside ambiance and charm with heavy transparent curtains swaying quietly in the wind separating the lobby from the outside world.

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Check-in was swift and while there’s no lift, getting up to our guest room on the second floor wasn’t much of a problem.

There’s about a dozen rooms per floor and each room has a rather unique configuration though they all have in common a rather cozy ambiance, a standing shower and toilet as well as full amenities including a kettle, a hair dryer, constant Wi-Fi on tap and, for Mini Hotel Stanley, a welcoming assortment of coffee and tea sachets as well as a pair of mineral water bottles to slake your thirst.

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There’s a charging port located just above the head of the bed and two more next to a compact little shelf. Some of the other guest rooms have a longer corridor separating the bathroom from the bed while others are literally a pace away.
Our room at was sized just right for a couple or one company averse adult and the clean white décor made the room look rather spacious despite its compact dimensions.

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There’s no room service yet though the nearby Wellcome supermarket five minutes walk away has everything you need ranging from frozen meat to instant noodle cups too. While the latter can be cooked in your room, the former can be cooked thanks to the inclusion of a microwave in the lobby.

The nearby area also hosts a school, which makes it somewhat busy during weekdays but the area is otherwise quiet throughout the day and at night. Perfect if you want a more relaxed holiday.

The bed itself was firm and the linen was washed and clean. Alas, the lack of seating space in the rooms means that if you deign to eat-in, you’ll have to be either very careful while sitting on your bedside or fairly creative.

Mini Hotel Stanley isn’t officially open as yet and we were the honoured media hosted here in early November for 3D2N.
I admit I was taken back at first by the room space but I fell in love with the tranquil surroundings and the beach after the first morning and promptly forgot all discomfort.

While it’s not the most convenient of the establishments in the Mini Hotel chain, it offers its own unique charms and, if you’re one to spend all day out shopping, it won’t make much of a difference staying at Mini Hotel Stanley.

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Now that we are done with the room and the hotel, I’ll like to bring to your attention the beautiful surrounding of Stanley.
Many may think that Stanley is a boring place, with nothing for recreation.

Depending on what you deem to be “recreation worthy“, for each of us partake in different pursuits, Stanley has a lot to offer the beach lovers, the weary traveler and the explorer seeking some tranquility yet not too remote removed from civilization.
Stanley boast of some nice cafes, one of which is the famous Stan Cafe which I unfortunately didn’t manage to locate. Read up on the raving reviews online and you will get the idea.

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Meanwhile Stanley Plaza and Stanley Waterfront offers delightful crisp sea breeze and pleasant sea view as you dine, shop or enjoy that mug of beer.
F & B establishments are aplenty from McD to Burger and Liberty and independent restaurants and pubs.

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And yes, they have a beautiful, 2 storey H & M here!

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I spent many mornings just running and people watching.
Locals and maids walk their dogs in the morning. Every morning without fail there are men and women who swam in the cold waters so it is perfectly safe to do so.
On certain mornings locals train for boat racing.

I sat and contemplate and just let me mind wonder, happy with the carefree environment of Stanley and the refreshing air.

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BELOW: Boat racing training.

BELOW: The locals here love their dogs.

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It was play time for me. Give me the beach and I’m happy!

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To find out more swing by www.minihotel.hk.

In a nutshell:
Mini Hotel: (1) Mini Central and (2) Causeway Bay and (3) Mini Studio.

Basic Info of Mini Hotel:
1. Mini Hotel Causeway Bay
8 Sun Wui Road, Causeway HK
(15 minutes walk from Causeway Bay Station)
The newly renovated Mini Causeway Bay is categorized into Solo, Classic Twins, Mini Double and Smart Queen, ranging from 80 to 120 square feet. Offering you a stylish and trendy lodging experience in the heart of Hong Kong!

2. Mini Hotel Central:
38 Ice House Street, Central
(15 minutes walk from Central Station)
Offering 196 stylish and comfy non-smoking rooms at an affordable rate right in the heart of Hong Kong, MINI Central is categorized into Solo, Mini. Smart and Smart Plus, ranging from 80 to 120 square feet.

Website: http://minihotel.hk/core/

* All rooms have the free handy phones
* Free local calls
* Free IDD cards to 6 countries including USA, UK, Taiwan etc
* Free online service

3. Mini Stanley
2 Tung Tau Wan Road
Stanley Hong Kong
(Officially welcoming guests only in early 2016 but currently offering monthly rental service from HK$8000+)

Website: http://minihotel.hk/core/st-rooms/

Price includes:
Daily House-keeping services
Satellite/cable color LCD TV
Free direct dial telephone tablets
Free Wifi access
Vending machines (at Mini Hotel Central only)