Reviews

Having been working basically continuously for over 40 years in multiple industries all over the planet, from time to time, I come across products or services that I really like, and recently was asked to submit some Google reviews, which have been receiving fairly high hit rates.

That is all well and good, but it got me thinking that I may be able to help some of the service providers with products I like by writing a full, detailed review.

One thing to note before reading any of these reviews is that I do not have a filter between brain and mouth/keyboard, so I can be very blunt at times, and to be honest, I do not know how to sugarcoat anything. You have been warned.

And no, this has nothing to do with getting anything free, although that would be nice; as for the products and services reviewed here, I have paid the same as everyone else and have not been asked to review anything.

Hotels

Dorsett Hotel. read

For my 2026 Hong Kong trip, I contacted a few of my usual hotels, but no availability for my dates. Not a good sign, but after talking to a friend who suggested the Dorsett, which, after checking, was a little out of the way, looked a little dated, but was cheaper.

Jen Hotel George Town. read

It's been even longer since my last visit to George Town on Penang Island, so I had little idea where to stay. But thankfully, the same friend who put me onto the Shangri-La in KL put me on to the Jen, which, as it happens, is actually run by the Shangri-La.

Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur. read

It's been many decades since I last visited Kuala Lumpur, so the question was, where to stay? The Shangri-La, in a near-perfect location, was recommended by a work colleague who stayed there before, and knowing they had good taste, it was a no-brainer. The next question is, was he right?

Auberge Hotel Hong Kong. read

This is another new one for me, as normally I stay either with friends or in the Park Lane or Marco Polo hotels, but this time a friend suggested I try the Auberge, and given my history with it's location and the cost savings they offered when I asked them to quote directly, it was a no-brainer.

Carlton Hotel Singapore. read

Normally, I would stay at the Marina Mandarin, but during the planning phase of the trip, a friend suggested I give the Carlton a try, as it's going to save some money and, according to my friend, is just as good if not better than the Marina Mandarin, and after many visits I can agree on how good it is.

Services

Kieser Physio and Strength Training. read

People said it would never happen, that I would never join any gym, but they were all wrong, as after my back went out yet again, and on the recommendation of a work colleague, I joined a gym. Now, more than 2 years since starting, I am still working on my strength; the difference has been dramatic.