Thistle

Special thanks to Thistle Port Dickson Resort for extending this hotel review invitation.

Thistle Port Dickson Resort is approximately 16 kilometers south of the town center. The property is surrounded by a sandy beach and 36 hectares of verdant tropical paradise.

Arriving guests are first welcomed by a huge porch that leads to the reception area. The open-air lobby takes advantage of cooling breeze that seems to blow perpetually.

The 5-star hotel has 251 guestrooms throughout its 6 floors. The rooms are divided into multiple categories to suit the needs of every guest. Sea-facing rooms, especially those at higher floors, afford idyllic views of the Malacca Strait.

This weekend, we are staying in the Deluxe Seafront Room. The size is just perfect for the two of us. Our room comes with modern amenities like television, Wi-Fi connection, minibar, electronic safe and more.

A daybed next to the window serves a vantage point of the resort grounds. Alternatively, the balcony allows us to enjoy the rejuvenating breeze from the sea.

Our ensuite bathroom is fitted with a bathtub, which is a rarity in hotels nowadays. In addition, toiletries like shampoo and toothpaste are provided.

Swimming in the resort's pool is a great way to cool down on a hot sunny day. Do you know that Thistle has the largest free form swimming pool in Port Dickson?

The swimming pool is divided into several sections with varying depths. For instance, the children section is quite shallow and has a water slide that is just right for kids.

Other water features around the swimming pool include a jacuzzi, an artificial waterfall and several water jets. There is even a Pool Bar where swimmers can quench their thirst without leaving the pool.

Thistle Port Dickson Resort is literally one step away from the beach. If you are interested in water sports, the resort offers banana boats for rent. In addition, Thistle will be introducing transparent kayaks and standup paddleboards in the near future.

As for dining, Fresh serves as the resort's all-day dining outlet. The halal-certified restaurant is led by F&B Manager Azlin and Chef Helmy. Their signature Minangkabau dishes have been endorsed by the Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan.

Besides traditional delicacies, Fresh's à la carte menu also covers classic favorites such as noodles, pizzas, pastas and burgers. Craving for food in the middle of the night? Many of these dishes are also offered in the 24-hour room service menu.

On Friday and Saturday evenings, the restaurant serves Cita Rasa Gerai Buffet Dinner. Diners can enjoy a wide variety of hawker fare while watching the lovely sunset.

Fresh is also where in-house guests have breakfast every morning. Worthy of particular mention is the Nasi Lemak counter. Delectable dishes like chicken rendang and beef rendang are prepared. If you love spicy food, make sure you try the signature Thistle sambal too!

Roti Canai is loved by Malaysians from all walks of life. The flatbread is typically eaten with chicken curry and dhall.

As for Noodle Soup, I find the fried wanton to be pretty addictive. The type of soup varies from day to day.

Sliced bread goes well with butter and jam. I prefer to have my bread toasted on both sides. Croissants and Danish pastries are available too.

Other sweet confections include bread & butter pudding, Malay kuih and sliced cakes.

The buffet spread also covers crowd favorites like Fried Noodles, Chicken Sausages, Hash Browns, Chicken Porridge and more.

Next to Fresh is an Italian-Mediterranean restaurant called Glass. The eatery provides indoor and alfresco dining options.

Meanwhile, Chinoise is the Chinese restaurant at the resort. Led by Chef Min at the helm, the eatery specializes in Sichuan and Cantonese cuisine. Chinoise does not serve pork.

Chinoise offers Dim Sum Semi-Buffet Lunch every Saturday and Sunday. Dim sum is served from steam-heated carts that are wheeled around the restaurant. So you can indulge in dim sum to your heart's content without having to leave your seat!

Steps is conveniently located at the hotel lobby. The café serves light snacks like cakes and sandwiches throughout the day. Sip a cup of joe while you enjoy elevated views of the resort grounds.

Interested in having barbecue with your family? The beachfront cabanas here are equipped with grills. Thistle offers several BBQ set meals for 3 to 10 persons. The sunset view here is mesmerizing indeed.

Speaking of tents, Thistle Port Dickson Resort has an enormous marquee tent on the green lawn. The marquee has a capacity of up to 300 people and is an ideal venue for large outdoor gatherings like garden weddings.

With a picturesque view of the sea framed by a heart-shaped arch, it is no wonder that the resort is a popular place for couples to exchange vows. For more details on wedding events, please check out Thistle's wedding brochures and wedding packages.

As for indoor venues, the resort offers 12 meeting rooms of various sizes. The largest of which is the pillarless Seri Menanti Ballroom, which can accommodate 200 round tables in a banquet setting. Thistle's banquet kitchen has halal certification.

The SWAT Camp is where participants can put their physical and mental endurance to the test. Interestingly, the resort has a certified HRD trainer on site who can facilitate all types of team-building events.

Get closer to mother nature by taking a casual stroll through the resort's Eco Park. Along the winding footpath are local plants of different shapes and sizes.

Challenge your buddies to a game of Snake & Ladders or Checkers. But these aren't your usual board games; the playing surface and game pieces are supersized!

At Thistle, there is certainly no shortage of recreation options for families with young children. For instance, the resort has a rabbit enclosure where kids can play with furry animals.

There is also a children's playground that is covered with non-slip mats. In case of inclement weather, the resort also provides indoor entertainment such as video games and movies.

Thistle Port Dickson Resort is within close proximity to many attractions around the area. For example, the historic Cape Rachado Lighthouse is just a 5-minute drive away from the resort.

Thanks to its family-friendly amenities and dining options, Thistle Port Dickson Resort is a popular choice of accommodation in this resort town. To enjoy the best room rates, guests are encouraged to make their booking through the resort's official website at www.thistle.com.my/portdickson.

Name: Thistle Port Dickson Resort
Address: KM16, Jalan Pantai, Teluk Kemang, 71050 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Contact: 06-648-2828
Business hours: 24 hours
Website: https://www.thistle.com.my/portdickson
Coordinates: 2.43062 N, 101.85908 E
Directions: Thistle is approximately 16 kilometers south of Port Dickson town center. Turn right as soon as you see the resort's signboard and follow the winding road to the hotel lobby. The resort provides complimentary parking for in-house guests and dine-in customers.

Hard Rock Hotel

Special thanks to Hard Rock Hotel for extending this hotel review invitation.

Hard Rock Hotel Penang is a popular resort along the idyllic Batu Ferringhi Beach. The rock n' roll-theme hotel greets arriving guests with an enormous guitar monument at the main entrance.

The 4-star resort has 250 guestrooms spread across 6 floors. In my opinion, the building looks like a guitar when viewed from above. Check out the aerial view and decide whether you agree!

Hard Rock Hotel offers 11 room categories to suit the needs of each guest. For instance, the Lagoon Deluxe gives direct access to the swimming pool from the balcony! Meanwhile, guests who need extra space may take advantage of the large patio afforded by the Seaview Deluxe Terrace.

We are staying at the Seaview Deluxe this weekend. The room is quite spacious for two people. Staying faithful to Hard Rock Hotel's rock n' roll theme, our room is decorated with imagery of various music artists. I love the iconic Hard Rock vibe presented by neon-like lighting!

The ensuite see-through bathroom is another feature unique to Hard Rock Hotel. The vanity mirrors can be slid across to serve as the screen. You may want to check out what's behind these mirrors!

The Seaview Deluxe commands a good view of the resort grounds. Numerous palm trees dot the poolside area, providing ample shade from the warm tropical sun.

Do you know that Hard Rock Hotel has the largest free-form swimming pool in Penang? A substantial section of the pool is bedded with fine sand. Now there is no need to go to the beach!

Quite recently, Hard Rock Hotel enhanced the swimming experience with underwater speakers. Believe it or not, you can now hear the beat while submerged!

As a children-friendly resort, Hard Rock Hotel has a non-slip splash pad equipped with water slides, sprinkler jets and tipping buckets. And fret not if you forgot to pack your swimwear; you can easily rent one at the towel counter.

Not feeling like getting wet? There are cozy sunloungers, daybeds and hammocks surrounding the swimming pool. The cooling marine breeze is most rejuvenating!

Facing the sea are several private cabanas that can be rented for RM60.00 daily. Guests can also request for body massages in the comfort of these cabanas.

Speaking of massages, the award-winning Rock Spa provides a range of spa treatments from body scrubs to pedicures. Customers can opt for treatment indoors or at an outdoor villa. Be sure to experience Rhythm & Motion, a one-of-a-kind immersive music spa!

Body Rock Gym is equipped with exercise equipment like treadmills, stationary bicycles and weight machines. The fitness center affords a nice view of the swimming pool.

Parents with young children can take advantage of Roxity Kids Club. The club has interactive activities throughout the day such as arts and craft, puzzles and cooking. Roxity Kids Club is meant for children between ages 4 and 12.

Meanwhile, TABU Teens Club keeps older children entertained with foosball, pool and video games. As for outdoor recreation, rent a bicycle and explore Batu Ferringhi at your own leisure!

In effort to inspire the next generation of musical talent, Hard Rock Hotel loans electric guitars for free under the Sound of Your Stay program. Just pick a Fender guitar at TABU Teens Club and start jamming in your own room! Headphones are provided, so don't worry about disturbing other guests.

Hard Rock Hotel Penang is home to more than 500 pieces of music memorabilia. These collectibles are proudly displayed at the lobby, corridors and restaurants. Rock n' roll buffs can request for a guided tour with the Rock Agents at TABU Teens Club. The tour starts at 11:00am on selected days and usually takes about an hour.

Hard Rock's memorabilia tradition started in Hard Rock Cafe London when Eric Clapton hung his guitar on the wall to lay claim on his favorite seat. At present, Hard Rock International is the world's largest private collector of rock n' roll memorabilia with over 80,000 pieces and still counting.

Starz Diner is Hard Rock Hotel's all-day dining outlet. The restaurant serves local and international fare that appeals to the whole family. Vegetarian and gluten-free dishes are available.

Starz Diner features two open kitchens where diners can watch the chefs in action. The extended dining section has a glass ceiling to take advantage of natural light during daytime.

Starz Diner is also where in-house guests have breakfast every morning. Breakfast is served from 6:30am to 11:00am daily. On weekends, it is advisable to arrive before 8:00am to avoid the crowd.

The breakfast menu primarily consists of à la minute dishes like pancakes, omelettes and noodles. Just place an order at the food counter and food will be sent to your table momentarily!

Local favorites include nasi lemak, fried rice, congee, dim sum and more. As for drinks, quench your thirst with coffee, tea and fruit juice. Starz Diner serves premium espresso from Chicco D'oro.

Every Saturday, Starz Diner also serves Saturday Night Live! from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. The all-you-can-eat menu features a variety of à la minute dishes especially seafood.

Lobby Lounge and Sand Bar are conveniently located at the lobby and poolside respectively. These outlets serve alcoholic beverages such as beers, wines, cocktails and liquors. Meanwhile, Pizzeria and The Shack Swim-Up Bar are temporarily closed.

Hard Rock Cafe is the resort's most iconic dining outlet. The restaurant features a statue of Michael Jackson at the entrance. Hard Rock Cafe is known for serving American comfort foods in humongous portions. In-house guests enjoy priority seating and 10% discount on the bill!

Hard Rock Cafe received an extensive facelift last year. The eatery now has a rustic ambience thanks to the use of wooden finish. Like the hotel, Hard Rock Cafe is decorated with priceless music memorabilia.

During your stay, visit any of the three Rock Shops to purchase limited-edition souvenirs, some of which are exclusively sold at Hard Rock Hotel Penang. Be sure to flash your keycard to get 10% discount on selected merchandise. Hard Rock collectibles have a large fan following, so you know you are in good company!

Although Hard Rock Hotel primarily attracts leisure travelers, the resort also has MICE facilities like conference halls and meeting rooms. The largest venue is the marquee-style Hall of Fame Ballroom, which can be partitioned into halves. As for business travelers who need printing services, there is a @Bizz business centre on Level 2.

While vacationing, in-house guests can keep abreast of the outside world through PressReader. PressReader has over 4,000 newspapers and magazines in electronic format. Simply connect your device to Hard Rock Hotel's Wi-Fi to access PressReader for free.

In addition, guests of Hard Rock Hotel Penang enjoy a long list of complimentary perks such as in-room blockbuster movies, Bose Bluetooth sound systems and high speed Internet access. Future holidaymakers can book through Hard Rock Hotel's official website to take advantage of the resort's Best Rate Guarantee!

Name: Hard Rock Hotel Penang
Address: Jalan Batu Ferringhi, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-881-1711
Business hours: 24 hours
Website: https://penang.hardrockhotels.net
Coordinates: 5.46776 N, 100.24164 E
Directions: From Tanjung Bungah, travel west towards Batu Ferringhi. Hard Rock Hotel is approximately 6 kilometers from Tanjung Bungah's floating mosque, located on the right of the road. There are parking spaces in front of the hotel.