TRAVEL : HOTEL MEMORIES (OVERSEA)

1 AUGUST 2001: HUILONG HOTEL, CHENGDE, CHINA

Often referred to as Huilong Dasha Hotel in Chengde, China. The hotel is a well-known landmark in Chengde due to its proximity to the city's main transport hub and its historical status as one of the earlier multi-functional high-rise hotels in the area. Situated at No. 1, Xinjuzhai North, Chezhan Road, in the Shuangqiao District, just a 5-10 minute walk from the Chengde Railway Station. 

I stayed at this hotel during the IEM staff trip to China in 2001. The hotel serves as a base for tourists visiting Chengde's UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as Chengde Mountain Resort, Putuozongsheng Temple, Puning Temple, etc. 

31 JULY 2001: BEIJING TAIWAN HOTEL, BEIJING (北京台湾饭店)

The hotel is famous for its distinctive twin Chinese pagoda towers on the roof. This "Sino-modern" style was very popular for prestigious buildings during the 1980s and 1990s. The hotel was located at Jinyu Hutong. 

We stayed at this hotel during the IEM Staff Trip to China in 2001. 

27 JULY 2001: BEIJING LANDMARK TOWER, BEIJING

Beijing Landmark Towers (北京亮马河大厦) is still a well-known fixture in the Chaoyang District today. Opening in 1990, the hotel was a popular choice for business travellers due to its proximity to the China International Exhibition Center and various embassies. 

We stayed at this hotel during the IEM staff visit in 2001. 

24.12.2003: XIN KAI FU HOTEL, SHANGHAI

Located at 888 Sichuan Bei Road, Shanghai, China, originally opened in 1996, it was a 27-storey building with 276 rooms. It was a prominent fixture in the Hongkou District, known for its proximity to the Bund and the shopping district of North Sichuan Road. 

We stayed at this hotel during the IEM staff visit in 2003 to Shanghai, Hangzhou and Suzhou. 

Latest information on the website: this hotel is no longer operating under the name in 2025. It is now known as Hitime International Tower. 

22.12.2003: JIAN FENG HOTEL, HANGZHOU, CHINA

Also known as Xin Yu Jian Feng Hotel, it is located at Qiutan North Road (Qiutan Bei Lu) in the District of Hangzhou. It is known locally as the Jianfeng Mansion. Located near the Qingchun Square and the IN Time Mall, it is a very busy commercial area today. 

We stayed at this hotel during the IEM staff visit to China in 2003.

22.12.2003: ZHEJIANG RAILWAY HOTEL, ZHEJIANG, CHINA

Zhejiang Railway Hotel (浙江铁道大厦) is an iconic landmark in Hangzhou, China, known for its unique "H-shaped" or "gate" architecture that straddles the entrance to the Hangzhou Railway Station. 

We did not stay at this hotel; we only had our dinner for that night at his hotel. 

2016: TAISHUN BUSINESS HOTEL, BEIJING

Taishun Business Hotel (also known as Taishun Shangwu Jiudian in Chinese, written as 泰顺商务酒店 on the building's facade). Located at Zhoujiazhuang, Chaoyang District, Beijing. China, near the East Fourth Ring Road. It was a popular choice for group tours because of its proximity to the Beijing Happy Valley theme park.

Based on recent information for 2025, the Taishun Business Hotel is no longer operating under that name. It is now operating as a Ji Hotel. 

12.11.2017: DAYS INN FRONTIER YANGSHUO HOTEL, GUILIN

Situated at Guanlian Road, strategically placed near the Li River and about a 15-20 minute walk from the famous West Street (Xi Jie). This hotel was a popular 4-star choice for international travellers, known for its blend of traditional Chinese architecture and modern Western amenities. 

I stayed at this hotel with my family during our vacation to China in 2017. 

13.11.2017: UNIVERSAL HOTEL, GUILIN, CHINA

Also known as the Universal International Hotel, a well-known 3- to 4-star hotel favoured by international tour groups because of its prime location in the heart of the city. 

Located at Jiefang East Road, right on the banks of the Li River, its surroundings would have offered some of the most iconic views of Guilin. 

NOVEMBER 2017: ROYAL TULIP LUXURY HOTEL, GUANGZHOU, CHINA

A 5-star luxury hotel located at the foot of Baiyun Mountain in Guangzhou, China. The hotel featured between 178 and 302 rooms, known for their modern design and signature-glass-enclosed bathrooms with rainfall showers. 

I and my family stayed at this hotel during our vacation to China in 2017. 

2000: PRINCE PALACE HOTEL, BANGKOK

Prince Palace Hotel, located on Damrongrak Road, is named after Field Marshal Putera Kromaluang Nakhon Chaisri Suradej, who is the son of King Rama V.

2006 - EMERALD HOTEL, BANGKOK

Emerald Hotel Bangkok is located at Ratchadaphisek Rd, Khwaeng Din Daeng, Din Daeng, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand. It is very close (about a 2-minute walk) to the Huai Khwang MRT (subway) station. It opened in 1992 as a 5-star hotel featuring multiple restaurants (Chinese, Japanese and international), an outdoor swimming pool, a full-service spa, a gym and various other facilities. 

TOWN IN TOWN HOTEL, PATTAYA

This relaxed, modern hotel is 2 km from Pattaya Beach and 7 km from the 20-storey Sanctuary of Truth. 

REGENCY HOTEL, HATYAI, THAILAND

During our visit to Hatyai and Songkhla in 2002, we stayed at The Regency Hotel, located at Prachathipat Road in Hatyai District, a strategic location near the night market and easy to find halal food nearby. This casual hotel is 6 km from the Hatyai Floating Market and 4 km from the Prince Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Natural History Museum. Haytai Station is a minute's walk away. 

AREEJ AL FALAH HOTEL, MEKKAH (2015)

During our Umrah 2015, I, with my wife, my sister and my niece, stayed at this hotel which was located at Ibrahim Al Khalil Street in the AshShubaikah / Al Misfalah district, approximately 500 metres from the Masjidilharam. 

LOULOAT MUBARAK 3 HOTEL, MADINAH (2015)

Our stay at Madinah, the Louloat Mubarak 3 Hotel, located in the Al Naqa district of Madinah, approximately 250 metres from the Masjid Nabawi, near gate 310, which provides direct access to the area of the Prophet's Grave. 

ABRAJ AL JANADRIYYAH, MEKKAH (HAJJ 2017)

Our hotel during Hajj 2017, Abraj Al Janadriyyah, is located about 700 metres from Masjidilharm in Mekkah, which is also the headquarters of the Tabung Haji in Mekkah. 

AL ANWAR MADINAH MOVENPICK HOTEL, MADINAH (HAJJ 2017)

Our hotel at Madinah during Hajj 2017, located just 50 metres from the Masjid Nabawi.

The Anwar al Madinah Movenpick Hotel is Madinah's largest hotel, a 5-star hotel that offers facilities for families, individual travellers and leisure groups. Being the nearest hotel to the Prophet's Mosque (Masjid Nabawi), it is also close to all attractions of Madinah. 

Staying in hotels abroad often creates unforgettable memories, each with its unique charm and experiences.

One of my fondest memories was at the Huilong Hotel in Chengde, China. The vibrant atmosphere and the hotel's historical significance made it a perfect base for exploring the nearby UNESCO World Heritage sites. I remember waking up to the sounds of bustling streets and enjoying a hearty breakfast before heading out to visit the stunning Chengde Mountain Resort.

In Beijing, the Taiwan Hotel stood out with its iconic twin pagoda towers. The blend of traditional architecture and modern amenities made our stay comfortable and enjoyable. I recall the excitement of exploring the city, visiting the Great Wall, and returning to the hotel to relax after a long day of sightseeing.

Another memorable experience was at the Days Inn Frontier Yangshuo Hotel in Guilin. The picturesque views of the Li River from our room were breathtaking. My family and I spent our days wandering through the vibrant streets, sampling local delicacies, and soaking in the natural beauty surrounding us.

Each hotel stay brought its own set of adventures, from the luxurious Royal Tulip Luxury Hotel in Guangzhou, where we indulged in exquisite dining, to the cosy Regency Hotel in Hatyai, where we enjoyed the local night market.

These experiences not only provided comfort but also enriched our travels, allowing us to immerse ourselves in different cultures and create lasting memories. Whether it was the friendly staff, the unique decor, or the breathtaking views, each hotel played a significant role in our journey abroad.

Staying in hotels in Mekkah and Madinah is often a deeply spiritual experience, filled with cherished memories that last a lifetime.

In Mekkah, the proximity to the Masjid al-Haram enhances the experience, allowing for easy access to prayers and rituals. One of my most memorable stays was at the Abraj Al Janadriyyah Hotel during Hajj 2017. The hotel’s location, just a short walk from the mosque, made it convenient to participate in the daily prayers and rituals. The atmosphere was electric, filled with pilgrims from around the world, all united in their faith. I remember the excitement of waking up early to join the throngs heading to the mosque, the air filled with anticipation and devotion.

The hotel itself offered comfort and a sense of community. Sharing meals with fellow pilgrims, exchanging stories, and forming bonds over our shared journey added to the experience. The breathtaking views of the Kaaba from the hotel room were a constant reminder of the significance of our pilgrimage.

In Madinah, the experience was equally enriching. Staying at the Al Anwar Madinah Movenpick Hotel during Hajj 2017 was a highlight. Its proximity to the Masjid Nabawi allowed for easy access to prayers and visits to the Prophet's Mosque. The serene environment of Madinah, with its beautiful gardens and peaceful ambiance, provided a perfect contrast to the bustling energy of Mekkah.

I fondly recall evenings spent strolling around the mosque, soaking in the tranquillity and beauty of the surroundings. The hotel’s hospitality made our stay comfortable, and the staff were always eager to assist, making us feel at home.

Both cities offered unique experiences that were not just about the physical stay but also about the spiritual journey. The hotels served as sanctuaries, providing rest and comfort after long days of worship and exploration. Each moment spent in these sacred cities, whether in prayer, reflection, or simply enjoying the company of fellow pilgrims, created lasting memories that I will cherish forever.

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

17 September 2026: 9:54 p.m.