Get ready for great August hotel bargains!

Yup, get ready for the great hotel bargains come August 2009!

It will be the Muslim fasting month again during month of August and hotel occupancy would be low during the period. Hotels are getting ready for promotions to offer to all discerning travelers inlcuding Muslims guests with great "buka puasa" (breaking of fast) and "Sahur" being thrown in as a package to encourage hotel stays.

Given August 2009 coincides with the Arab holiday season, we can expect hotel rooms would be in high demand.

Such promotions are only through direct reservations on official hotel website and the advantage is your reservations are guaranteed confirmed! That's the very reason going direct with hotels!

Watch for the early booking period announcements. For accommodations direct with hotels!

Felda Residence Kuala Terengganu

Felda Residence Hotel Kuala Terengganu, a 101 room opened its doors recently and was the focal point of political leaders during the recent Kuala Terengganu (KT) by-election. The hotel building itself, is majestically towering above the KT skyline and visible from most parts of the city which one would not miss. A quick glance of the building shows some resemblance of the famous Burj Al-Arab of Dubai. The view from this hotel is captivating where the Crystal Mosque, Islamic Civilisation Park, Pulau Duyung and Sungai Terengganu provides the backdrop.

A walk along the river banks leads you to the Chinatown and Pasar Kedai Payang (Central Market) on one end and riverside promenade on the other which fairly provides lots of activities to the visitor. The easy accessibility to other local attractions add value to hotel guests and central Kuala Terengganu (KT). Should you need a taxi, look for Pakcik Awang who without doubt an easy going and charming taxi driver in the city.

Jambatan Sultan Mahmud (as seen in the picture above) connects Pulau Duyung Besar where the view of the Crystal Mosque is most awesome.

When dusk falls, the town is very much quiet although efforts are being made by the State Government to "inject" more activities and events t liven up the city.

This hotel provides guests which clean and value for money services along with the friendly staff readily to assist you. WIFI which is the most sought after facility for majority travelers is available to top up the many other facilities.

The rooms amenities and furnishing provides an ambience for a good rest equipped with satellite TV, IDD phones, coffee/tea making facilities. Room types ranging from Deluxe, Premier Deluxe, Suite, Executive Suite and Premier Suite gives a variation in accommodation type for guest to choose from that suits their taste and budget.

Check out Felda Residence Kuala Terengganu and what better way to book hotel rooms directly with the online reservations facility.

Felda Residence Kuala Terengganu is part of the Plantation Resorts group of hotels/resorts with 5 other properties which provides great value for money accommodation.

A poster in the lobby of the hotel depicting the design concept of the hotel building.

Stairace leading to the coffee house/restaurant of the hotel from the lobby area which overlooking Sungai Terengganu and Pulau Duyung.

The hotel lobby.

The hotel reception.

Sungai Terengganu river view from the hotel lobby including all rooms facing the river.

Front view of the hotel.

The hotel as seen from Kampung Cina (Chinatown) located in the Kuala Terengganu city.

Entrance to the hotel.

The hotel as seen from Pasar Kedai Payang (Central Market).

Who Budgets? Traveler or Hotel?

Traveling at a budget?

Travelers often seek the best offer or saving they can secure to travel but this does not mean they could not afford to stay in a 5-star hotel. It simply means getting the best deal and use the savings for other travel expenditures like entertainment, shopping, travels and etc.

Accommodation providers underestimating this budget travelers could backfire as more travelers worldwide seek to travel within an allocated or specified limits. This is a growing trend globally where tourists stretch their spending to the maximum and yet able to enjoy their travels without breaking the bank account.

Most travelers of this category would seek for accommodation which is clean and located in convenient spots at various destinations. Traveling of such nature would require some detailed planning on accommodation, land arrangements and flights which are normally paid in advance. Exercising the use of credit card would be the last resort for travel expenditure above their budget.

More frequent then not, budget travelers would prefer to book accommodation well in advance in budget hotels that fits within their defined means which are mostly done through online reservations engines and portals. Though they have a wide choice of hotels to select from reservation portals, nothing beats reserving direct with the hotels and able to travel with a peace of mind. There is a high possibility that the chosen hotel was referred to by a friend or relative of the traveler which makes it more important for the budget hotel to provide the guest alasting impression.

Expectations of travelers of this category are straight forward but hotels are forced to keep abreast with the rates and packages offered by other hotel properties in and around their property location. Such travelers would not hesitate to cross over to another hotel should the service and accommodation facilities fall below their expectations.

Budget hotels are similarly pressured to deliver the best including what used to be guest facilities reserved for 4-5 star properties e.g. WIFI access, satellite TV in rooms, coffee and tea making and etc.

With the number of budget accommodation providers increasing steadily over the years, we ought to see a tougher competition for occupancy and capability of hotels to manage their operating costs and yet provide a service with a smile.

So, what is budget accommodation is all about? The answer would demand more for the hotel property to keep their operating costs low, with profits at an acceptable margin whilst keeping the guest happy for a return visit rather then the guests with a budget.