Grand Hotel Djibloho

Introduction: The Grand Hotel Djibloho is located in the heart of the Equatorial Forest. Surrounded by green hills and the winding Mbini River, the hotel sits at the heart of Djibloho, the future new administrative capital of Equatorial Guinea, and is only 20 km from the new airport in Mongomeyen.

Above information is how the hotel presents itself on their website.

Below is my experience based on a three-night stay at the property.

My arrival experience: Warm welcome from the General Manager, Vincenzo Presti before I was escorted to the room.
What I loved: The location and the world-class facilities.
What about the food: They have hired an Italian chef, and the food is acceptable for a remote place in Africa. However, the main issue is the lack of fresh produce. Canned mushrooms are better avoided than eaten. When the hotel gets more business, I am sure the food will improve as they can import more high-quality food.
What about the service: Much better than you would expect in Equatorial Guinea. It is not like staying in a hotel a leading hotel in London or New York, but the service is good, which mainly is possible because of experienced foreign staff in the key positions.
What about the rooms: Comfortable bed, rain shower, bathtub, working desk and flat screen Tv.
Number of rooms: 452.
Website: www.grandhoteldjibloho.com
Type of property: Right now a jungle hotel, but a city hotel when the new capital is build.
Location: Djibloho, Equatorial Guinea.
Facilities: Spa, gym indoor and outdoor swimming pool, and business/meeting facilities.
Complimentary internet: Yes, but a speed test showed the complimentary internet was 0.01 Mbps, which you can only use for things like What's App or a basic text-based e-mail. They charge for internet to watch videos or do calls.
Affiliations: None, but it would be a perfect fit for The Leading Hotels of the World.
My overall impression: Great+ experience.

Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul

Introduction: The spice-scented bazaars of Istanbul have enraptured you. For long moments, you have lost yourself in the intricate patterns gracing the soaring dome of Hagia Sophia. With the morning's memories glowing in your mind, you return to the embrace of Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul.

Above information is how the hotel presents itself on their website.


Below is my experience based on a one-night stay at the property.

My arrival experience: Fast check-in from the kind receptionist. They take security very seriously, and you must get through security control before entering the lobby.
What about the food: I had a very nice vegetarian pasta before leaving for the airport.
What about the service: Great service in all areas of the hotel. Professional service from the front desk.
What about the rooms: Comfortable bed, flatscreen Tv, separate sitting area, working desk, bathtub and separate rain shower. All in an impressive design. Kindly note the hotel is not smoke-free which is the only problem I have with this hotel.
Number of rooms: 186.
Website: www.shangri-la.com/istanbul
Type of property: City hotel.
Location: Istanbul, Turkey.
Facilities: Pool, gym, spa and business/meeting facilities.
Complimentary internet: Yes and fast.
My overall impression: Great experience.
Why: The hotel has a great location for exploring Istanbul. The service is great, the rooms are nice, and the facilities are 5-star worthy. One of the best Shangri-La city hotels I have stayed.