Reviews – Page 2 – Travels with Ali

Wine flies when you’re having fun at Brookside Winery, Bickley, WA 🍷

Living in Western Australia we are fortunate to have many wineries around us. Whether they are in the Perth Hills, Swan Valley or further down south towards Margaret River, we are surrounded. We don’t live too far from Perth Hills or Swan Valley and tend to visit for Sunday lunch or sometimes midweek. There are always a few new ones popping up and I like to visit places we haven’t been before, although that is getting harder. Also it’s a good excuse for hubby to take the car for a spin.

Not all the wineries have restaurants attached and some are just “cellar door” only. All are located in beautiful countryside with fantastic views.

A few weeks ago we tried Brookside in Bickley which is in the Perth Hills. The journey for us takes around 40 minutes and we try to get there for 1.30 pm to avoid the lunchtime rush. The restaurant itself is called The Vineyard Kitchen and it has a wonderful menu, featuring homegrown vegetables and fresh local produce.

Front of the restaurant
with tables outside and heaters

The winery is set in beautiful grounds and has its own fruit trees and vegetable garden. It’s a good place for a family lunch as there is plenty of space for a runaround after with the kids. There are also some lovely rustic spots for photos.

I’m definitely going to add this winery to my list of favourites. It was great to stretch our legs around the vineyards after our lunch and a few wines!

Thanks for reading and watch out for some more reviews of Western Australian Wineries.

🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷

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Vineyards and Valleys on a Sunday afternoon

by Alison November 15, 2018

A stay at The Ink Hotel, Melbourne

Another trip to Melbourne! This time I decided to try a hotel (The Ink Hotel) instead of an apartment and as usual was visiting Laurence and Maddy. My nephew Tom was over from the UK and came with me. The main reason I chose a hotel over an apartment was because the price was the same and also for the Air bnb apartments they wanted a hefty deposit up front, to be refunded a week after your departure. I liked the fact that there is a proper reception for any issues that may come up.

After picking up our luggage from the Virgin terminal, in my wisdom I thought we would take the Skybus into the City. The board saying “20 minutes into the City” seemed too good to be true. Well it was. Approximately 90 minutes later we arrived at The Ink.
Tip: Do not take Skybus on a late Friday afternoon over a long weekend!

First Impressions

The check in was quick and easy and the staff are friendly and helpful. The check in desk is located on the ground floor along with the bar/sitting/eating area. I loved all the artwork on the walls and looked forward to having a drink at the bar later. It had a great casual vibe.

The Ink is the building in the middle

Very bohemian!

“A drop of ink may make a million think”

As we had rooms on the 12th floor I thought we might get a bit of a view! Not much in my case and none at all for Tom. Still the room was very cosy and everything you wanted was there. We had “pocket rooms”, but there are other rooms that are bigger.

The Room

Huge comfy bed and pillows. Good lighting and USB ports either side of the bed. There was also a safe next to the bed. In the wardrobe there was an iron and ironing board and hair dryer. Dressing gowns for your comfort. A snug desk with lamp plus more USB ports with a fridge underneath.

Not completely without a view!

The Bathroom

Lovely toiletries placed right at your fingertips. The toilet is to the side of the shower.

The Ink is very conveniently located and close to the South Bank and Casino, both within walking distance.

We had breakfast here most mornings and although the menu is limited, the coffee is free and there will be something to suit everyone. Eggs how you like or a healthy bowl of muesli.

Lastly Tom and I enjoying our free welcome drink in the lounge

I would definitely recommend this hotel to anyone going to Melbourne for a few days. It’s a great “no hassle” hotel with the availability a full time reception and just a short walk to either the tram or bus stop.

What do you prefer an apartment or a hotel?

A review of Hyatt Centric, North Point, Hong Kong – formerly Hotel Vic

This is the second time we have stayed in this hotel but first time for a review by me! It was in December so there was a great Christmassy feel to the hotel.
Hyatt Centric is located in North Point on Hong Kong Island. North Point is becoming more popular as a place to stay. We like it here because it’s not as busy as Central or Kowloon. Everywhere is easily accessible from here, the MTR and a ferry terminal are within five minutes walking distance. There is also a tram line nearby.

The hotel is split into two towers, East and West. The west tower has the restaurants situated in it, the Cruise Bar on 23rd floor, The Farmhouse cafe on the 2nd floor and a coffee shop. In the east tower there are the rooftop infinity pool and fitness centre. There is an open air area on the 23rd floor for drinks and nibbles with fantastic views of the Hong Kong skyline. I would say this hotel is a good four star hotel, if you consider the Marriot, Grand Hyatt and The Icon are five stars.

The rooms are fairly spacious for Hong Kong hotels and all have floor to ceiling windows with views across the harbour.

The lobby is airy and spacious and checking in and out is a breeze with friendly and helpful staff.

The first three floors are taken up with shops. Designer shoes and jewellery and all the high end cosmetics.

There is a lovely waterfront promenade just outside the hotel where you can see the local people doing their exercises and tai chi.

North Point is the hub for many Chinese and Asian restaurants.

The views from the room across the harbour

The bathroom is on the small side but everything is well appointed and they have thought of everything! Even a great make-up mirror.

The amenities drawer

The lobby and surrounding areas of the hotel

The Farmhouse Cafe

We had a buffet breakfast here every day. There is a fantastic hot food section where eggs are cooked as you like. Also fresh fruit, cereals, all kinds of bread, cold meats and cheeses are served.

Magnificent Ginger Bread House in the Coffee shop

Up on the 23rd floor there is a roof top bar with open seating area, plus Cruise restaurant which has a diverse Asian menu. It’s a great place to start your evening, overlooking the harbour with a cocktail.

Some of the dishes on offer at Cruise Restaurant

Sweet and sour Pork
and
Snapper in Banana Leaves

The rooftop infinity pool

It’s always nice to stay in a hotel with a pool especially in the summer in Hong Kong. There aren’t that many hotels with decent outside pools, so this is a bonus! Well, unless you can afford the high end five star hotels of course.

We will definitely be using this hotel again during our travels to Hong Kong