Travel Log/Hotel review: Living in the 1500s via Fort Neemrana in Rajasthan, India

What was life like before air conditioning, the internet, and smart phone (seriously, I barely remember life before the internet  - ahh the dark ages!)

Overall Review
I embrace the trappings of modernity, but am also enamored of architecture and sites that recall the past.  It is pretty amazing and difficult to find sites like Neemrana Fort-palace in Rajasthan that was built in 1464.  My good friend got married there and it was a great chance to stay at the fort as well.  While you have to endure a 3+ hour drive from Delhi to the fort, you will see so many interesting things (the drive itself is an adventure and we got in an accident on the way back - keep your eyes closed).  We slowed down for camel traffic and saw the city melt away into the country side.  Have patience during your drive and don't be afraid of oncoming traffic (I would have a heart attack if I drove here!)

The fort itself has such beautiful character.  The outdoor areas had such vibrant color without being too bold.  Don't you love the turquoise chairs?  I also loved all the beautiful doorways - each one peeked into another corner of the fort.

Room
I loved attending a wedding at the fort and getting to stay here.  Keep in mind that the amenities aren't super modern so the shower may take a little longer to warm up and you'll have to remember to bring your large key around.  There is a wide variety of rooms too so I'd recommend a splurge if you want a bit more space.

Service
Service is great and there is always someone to help with a bag or offer a drink.  There is a lot of staff around, but their English isn't always great so keep that in mind.

Pricing
The pricing really ranges - right now the rooms range from 2500 to 22000 Rps (or about $50-$440).  If you're with a group, get a suite for a lot less!  Our room was on the lower-middle end of the range.

Facilities
Be careful and wear comfortable shoes around the complex because there are a lot of stairs everywhere as well as a steep walk up from the front gate.  Otherwise the restaurants were modern and the pool well maintained.

I hope you enjoyed my peek inside this fort palace!

{Hotel Review}: Siddharta Boutique Hotel, Siem Reap, Cambodia

I had an enjoyable stay at the Siddharta Hotel in Siem Reap and wanted to share a nice, reasonably priced hotel in Siem Reap, Cambodia (love Cambodia!)


Overall Review 
We were initially recommended the Siddharta Hotel's sister hotel, the Pavilion.  Since it wasn't available, we stayed here hoping for the best (we were a little hesitant but didn't know too many hotels in the area).  I rate it 4 stars out of 5 - the room was a decent size, the hotel was a cozy size, and the service was cordial.  I did go back and forth with the manager about the rate and the amenities included with the rate (I was told I was getting a special deal at 10% off, but this sale price was already listed on the website!)  But the hotel was very gracious and threw in a free massage for both of us as part of our stay.  Always ask about the best rate and what kinds of services can be included with your rate (don't be afraid to share if it is a special event as well!)

Room
We got the honeymoon suite at the hotel. The room wasn't huge, but well sized with a small couch/living area.  Fresh fruit and water was supplied daily.  The swan shaped towels were cute.

Service
We encountered courteous service from every staff member that we encountered.  They all spoke English (our Tuk Tuk driver less so, but he still understood us) and were friendly and warm.  



Pricing
The rate for the honeymoon suite for $90/night in August. This included a free Tuk-tuk driver for each day and breakfast daily (more on that below - yum!)  As I mentioned above, I also negotiated and got us free massages as well.  Who doesn't like a massage right?


Facilities
The property was a cozy size with most rooms overlooking the pool in the center.  The room and facilities were in good condition.  We didn't get to use the pool but it was neatly nestled between palm trees and guarded by stone lions.
We loved the restaurant because the breakfast had a great variety.  There was fresh fruit and a nice variety of bread and jams.  But we loved that they made to order eggs and fried rice or noodles.  It was a nice way to have a filling breakfast before trekking out to the temples.

{Hotel Review}: Sheraton Hacienda del Mar, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

I already gave you a peek of our hotel in my first post here.  I'm starting these hotel reviews in the hope that if you travel to these destinations, you can read through my personal experiences there and it can help you decide whether to stay (or not stay) there.

Overall Review 
I would recommend this hotel and stay here again.  I rate it 4 stars out of 5 - it could have been 5 stars if the room itself was a bit warmer (in terms of decor) and it didn't charge random fees.  I increasingly get annoyed at hotels that charge for internet access or have ridiculous fees like $15 to use the refrigerator (seriously). I was pleasantly surprised though because I didn't have high expectations for a hotel chain - but this hotel was cozy and felt local yet was also sleekly styled for an international crowd (see the infinity pool above).

Room

We got a garden room which had a view of the first fountain in my last post and a bit of the infinity pool and ocean as well.  The balcony and lounge chairs were a nice extension of the room.  The room itself was a good size.  The bathroom was also large and even had a peekaboo window into the rest of the room (so close that portion when you have guests!)

Service

We had helpful, attentive service from the front desk, concierge, cleaning, and pool staff.  Everyone we encountered was warm and happy to assist.  It was of course nice that the front desk and concierge spoke English.

Pricing
The rate for the garden room was about $159/night in late February ($50 more for oceanfront view and $600 more for a suite); it certainly looks like we went during low season because prices start at $235/night now.  We booked a hotel/flight package through Orbitz and got one night free!  This was definitely good value for money.

Facilities
The property was large yet intimate.  The collection of multiple low buildings makes it more cozy and accessible though slightly confusing at first.  The infinity pool was gorgeous and there were also smaller pools throughout the property.   The restaurants were overpriced as per most hotel restaurants but had good, fast service.  The food was good, but not awesome.  This hotel also has an all inclusive package including meals if you are interested.

Pineapple trees by the pool make me happy!

If you have any experience at this hotel or the best recommendation elsewhere in Cabo, share!