PLACES Empire Nimman Residence Hotel Chiang Mai Thailand Posted on February 3, 2024September 12, 2024 On our recent visit to Chiang Mai, Thailand, we found ourselves nestled in the vibrant Nimmanhaemin, or Nimman for short, area. Our chosen abode for an extended stay was the Empire Nimman Residence Hotel. While it may not boast the fanciest amenities, its strategic location and comfort make it an ideal homebase after a bustling day exploring Chiang Mai. Read more
PLACES A Day Trip to Chiang Dao: Unveiling the Secrets of a Sleepy Thai Town Posted on January 30, 2024November 10, 2024 But like her sister city of Pai, Chiang Dao invites travelers to immerse themselves in serene landscapes, cultural wonders, and a much-needed escape from the chaos of the bustling city life in Chiang Mai. Read more
PLACES MyBanLao Hotel: A Luxurious Oasis with a Rich History in Luang Prabang Posted on January 27, 2024July 4, 2024 As a seasoned traveler who has explored numerous destinations and experienced stays in 4 and 5-star accommodations, I can confidently say that MyBanLao is an absolute gem deserving of a 5-star rating. Read more
PLACES Taiwan’s Green World Songshan Hotel Review Posted on January 25, 2024July 4, 2024 We stayed at the Green World Songshan in Taiwan, a cozy chain hotel conveniently positioned just a few doors down from the Houshanpi MRT station. Located on the street brimming with local eateries, it offers a leisurely 15-minute walk to the lively Raohe Street Night Market and is a mere 3 km away from the iconic Taipei 101 skyscraper. Read more
PLACES The View Hotel in Chiang Dao: Peace and Serenity in the Mountains Posted on January 20, 2024July 4, 2024 Located at the foot of the mountains, just a few hours and 75 km north of Chiang Mai, the hidden city of Chiang Dao awaits exploration. Much like its sister town Pai, Chiang Dao beckons travelers to immerse themselves in serene landscapes and cultural wonders, providing a much-needed escape from the chaos of bustling city life in Chiang Mai. Read more
TRAVEL EXPERIENCES 30-Day Road Trip Across America in Marriott Hotels Posted on December 26, 2023July 4, 2024 Come along on our big trip across the U.S.! We’re hitting the road after living in South Korea for three years. For the next month, we’re crashing at Marriott Hotels everywhere. We’ll be checking out incredible landmarks, catching up with family, and finally settling down in the cornfields of Illinois. Please stick around for 30 days of stories from our journey, where Marriott is our home away from home at every pit stop. Read more
MILITARY RELATED Where to Stay During Your PCS to Rock Island Arsenal Posted on December 11, 2023October 31, 2024 While there are several hotels in the Quad Cities, especially if you are a Bonvoy Marriott member like us, we used our 14 days of permissive TDY to stay at three. As a result, we stayed at the Residence Inn Quad Cities in Moline, Illinois, and the Blackhawk and The Current, both Autograph hotels in Davenport, Iowa. Here are my reviews of all three hotels as a Gold Elite member with the Marriott franchise. However, you might be surprised by which hotel I recommend for relocating to Rock Island Arsenal. Furthermore, one of these hotels might work for you if you are preparing to move to Rock Island. Read more
PLACES A Historic Stay: Experiencing the Hotel Saint Louis Posted on December 2, 2023September 15, 2024 After nearly three years in South Korea, we’re back in the US! Our first stop was picking up our shipped car. We rented a car at O’Hare International Airport and embarked on the 4-hour drive to the distribution center and one of our favorite hotels– the Hotel Saint Louis in downtown St. Louis. As a boutique-style hotel in the Marriott Autograph Collection, it marries beauty and style with the perks Marriott Hotels are renowned for. For us, it’s the perfect blend of luxury, amenities, and convenience. We also love that it is located in a historic building built over a century ago, in 1893. Read more