Number 1- Hotels with stringent COVID19 policies – The following bulleted points need not to be further explained.  We all obviously know why these are needed right now.  It has been a battle between people who adhere to these and those who are still against these.  Personally, I believe that all these should be observed right now, wherever you may be.

• Temperature check scanner machine
• Face masks
• Hand sanitizers
• Disinfecting
• Social Distancing
• COVID 19 posters

Number 2-Hotels with staff observing and implementing COVID19 policies – All excellent Covid 19 precautions are useless if staff in a hotel is not observing and implementing all these.  I always commend staff in a supermarket who would advise their patrons to observe social distancing and face masks while they are inside the shop.  I remember how I used to proactively remind all my students in the classroom before to always sanitize their hands often, and use their masks appropriately.  Reminding others about these is our own responsibility I guess.  So, well done to those who consistently remind others who may tend to forget. 

Number 3- Express Check-in and Check out– This is definitely one of the things that bothers me.  Our normal checking in and checking out processes normally takes at least 5 to 10 minutes.  Queuing is normally part of it, and a lot of chatting at the front desk before keys are given.  Consider this as one of the things you should check before you book your stay.

Pretty much these are the three main things I checked before booking at Baitong Hotel.  How did I do it?  Well, I started chatting with their representative for like two months before I confirmed my booking.  I was pretty straight forward about all my concerns, and I was happy that the staff was very accommodating and was empathetic enough to understand all my concerns.  She was also very honest in telling me about all restrictions and precautions they have.  Both parties definitely just want to make sure that this vacation I am planning for my kids during Covid19 will be a safe, happy, and healthy one.

I am very happy and satisfied with how Baitong Staff entertained my queries.

Not only that I talked to their staff before confirming my booking, I also searched Tripadvisor with all recent reviews about Baitong Hotel, and so far that has also helped me a lot in deciding to confirm my booking.  I know that each of us will have a different perception, or point of view about our stays in certain hotels, however; reading reviews from Tripadvisor will somehow give you an idea if a hotel is simply good or bad.  I mean, those travelers’ reviews have been so far reliable and have been significant to many, especially to us parents.

So there we go, I booked a Standard Room in Baitong Hotel for a weekend getaway with the kids.  I can consider staying in Baitong Hotel as the best vacation during Covid 19.  Now, I will tell you more about some non-covid excellent things that we experienced or saw in Baitong Hotel.

Things I found AWESOME in the room:

1.  Elegant and spacious room with comfortable beddings – We of course want a clean and comfortable bed.  You certainly will experience it from the Baitong Hotel.
2. Little writing area where you can easily focus about things you need to work on – I tried to brainstorm while I was there but I prefer to be in bed.
3. Comfortable slippers– Like seriously I should purchase those!  The moment I put those on, it’s like reminding you already to be in “holiday mode”.
4. UV light sanitizer box – I of course tried it and certainly this can give us all relief if we knew we have sanitized our phones, keys, or any tiny handy stuff we always carry.
5. Netflix connection– My kids are just having a great time after they swim.  Netflix and chill with mom.
6. Eco Toiletries– Baitong does try their best in saving our natural resources and our planet in general.  Their toiletries are eco-friendly.  The kids love how soft those toothbrushes are, and when I told them about it, they did both say “aha! Pretty cool thing.  They are aware of climate change”.  Do not worry, the talk did not last that long.
7. Small and neat balcony full of plants – A glass door leading to this balcony is perfect when I was feeling too cold in our room.  A breathe of fresh air and a nice afternoon coffee time out in the balcony was relaxing enough.

I was too busy enjoying everything that I failed to take photos of all those wonderful things I saw.  You can visit Baitong’s website to see clearer photos.  For the mean time, I took a video of their UV sanitizer.  Here’s a little video that summarizes our best vacation during Covid19.

https://journey4us.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/video-1625590001.mp4?_=1

Responding in AWE when we saw the outdoors:

1. Forest Pool – This definitely defines Baitong Hotel among all other hotels.  You got it right, this is certainly a “Forest in the City” hotel.  The intellect in coming up with a tiny yet beautiful haven is brilliant.  Nobody needs a big or wide pool.  We all need small, yet beautiful and peaceful.  The lush green scenery around you when you use this forest pool gives you a surreal experience of nature.  I can’t remember myself trying to look around for something to see.  The view straight from your vision is way enough to get you mesmerized and wonder how beautiful this place is.  We all love the Forest Pool!  Who doesn’t?
2. Deck Pool – This Deck Pool is found a floor higher than the forest pool.  This pool is perfect for an early morning swimming for laps activity.  It has a nice glass floor in the middle where my children got a little challenged at the beginning, and was comfortable for a little while.  This place is also perfect for a sunbath or tanning.
3. Lantern Rooftop Bar – This rooftop is an open space where you can have a lavish sunset view with your favorite drinks and snacks.  You will be passing by the iconic glass floor before reaching your tables and again, for the children, they got so ecstatic about it.  This rooftop bar can be used as a place for such events.  There was a birthday party on that night we were there, and pretty much you can dine here as well.  We didn’t stay long at the bar since ofcourse no alcohol for me, and the children were in a hurry to get back to an AC place.  However, if you are planning to hang out with friends or celebrate your events, this place is something you need to check.
4. Spa – Spa in Baitong Hotel is catered by Bodia Spa.  I experienced Bodia Spa before and no doubt, they do their massages in a very professional way.  You should check their services as they also provide beauty and health care services.  Maybe I should try next time.  No massages for me these days.
5. Gym– If you can’t go on with your day without visiting the gym, then Baitong Hotel is perfect for your needs.  The gym of course is clean and well maintained and has some equipment that can help you with your daily work out.  I am not very keen about this as I only work with dumbbells, treadmills, yoga mats, and jump ropes.  I believe the gym in Baitong can suffice your needs during your staycations or long term room rentals.
6. Confectionaries, Cakes, Breads, Desserts – First thing I saw upon entering the lift on our way to our room was the Maison Kayser Pastries.  The authentic artisanal French Bakery.  No question, everything from this Bakery is worth buying for.  As a coffee lover, coffee tastes better with anything from Maison KayserSee more about Maison Kayser here!
7. Kuang Seafood Restaurant – This is the place where breakfast is served from 6am until 10 am.  It is located on the 6th floor right next to the Lantern Rooftop Bar.  The space is definitely going to be filled if all guests meet at the same time for breakfast.  As a smart choice for a worrisome mom like me, we decided to have ours as early as 6:30 AM.  It turned out to be a perfect choice.  We enjoyed the forest pool by ourselves after we ate and the sound of a peaceful morning was just too relaxing and refreshing. Kuang Seafood Restaurant is also catering the room service and dining in.  We tried fried rice in pineapple, and some sweet and sour dishes before.  They tasted sumptuous!