5 hip accommodations from around the region

Ah.. Wednesday’s for many, are synonymous with a mid-week sigh of relief.. you’ve made it past the Monday blues and dreaded Tuesdays.. and only 2 more days to the weekend.

That may be so, but Wednesdays these days, to us, have become synonymous with something completely different.

Travel bargains.

We are of course talking about… Visa Wednesdays.

And since Wednesdays are all about booking the accommodation of your dreams at affordable prices, here’s our list of top 5 Hip and Happening Accommodations from around the region, which we think are worthy of mention. From Malaysia, Singapore to Thailand, Taiwan and Hong Kong, these accommodations are perfect for urban, city-hopping travellers. 

As for the discounts part, travellers can snag some really good deals with Visa Wednesdays that launches today. That’s right folks.. the time is upon us once more, where Visa and Agoda.com are offering up to 12% off bookings made with Visa debit and credit cards every Wednesday, from 8 April to 10 June 2015. The best part is, these discounts go on top of the best available rates/ discounts you can find on their website. Check out the link for more details, terms and conditions.

Now, on to the hotels!

1. SWIIO, Taipei

SWIIO Hotel is a sought-after hotel in the Ximending area in Taipei, thanks to a reasonable price tag, good service and chic art décor. It is also a mere 5-minute walk from the Ximen Metro Station. We particularly love the shabby-chic furnishings and contemporary vibes. We hear this hotel is always in demand, so best plan ahead if you want to get a room here!

2. You Le Yuen, Penang

You Le Yuen is a heritage guesthouse located in the heart of Georgetown, Penang. Occupying a 2-storey colonial shop house, its Peranakan-themed interior and art décor is really something else. The owners had painstakingly restored the many pre-war relics that are on display throughout the property. There are only four rooms available, so planning and booking ahead is highly recommended.

If you’re planning on booking this hotel, or any hotel in Malaysia for that matter, it might be a good idea to book on 10 June with your Visa card. Malaysia takes the spotlight as Visa Wednesdays’ featured destination, which means an additional 12% off all Malaysia hotels. For those looking to book a KL hotel, we’ve been told that Swiss Garden Hotel will be offering a 40% discount in conjunction with Visa Wednesdays. You heard it here first!

3. Loy La Long, Bangkok

Loy La Long is an independent guesthouse located along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. It is also one of the most unique Bangkok hotels we have come across.

Founded in 2011 by two entrepreneurs, this guesthouse is beautiful and full of rustic charm, earning it a scene in a Thai blockbuster movie back in 2009. Perfect for those who want to avoid Bangkok’s hustle and bustle.

4. J Plus Hotel by YOO, Hong Kong

This is one of the most hip and fashionable hotels you can find in Hong Kong. The hotel’s design is edgy and contemporary, very modern-art and designer-esque. It is, after all, part of Yoo Hotels, a global design brand known for their style-centric properties. Located on Causeway Bay, the MRT station is a mere 4-minute walk away.

J Plus Hotel by YOO offers early booking discounts occasionally on Agoda.com, and if you’re planning on booking, Hong Kong takes the spotlight as Visa Wednesdays’ featured destination on 20 May. This means all hotels in Hong Kong will be on 12% off on that day, as long as you book with your Visa debit or credit card via Agoda. We’ve also been told that the Royal Plaza Hotel in Kowloon will be 35% off during that week for Visa Wednesdays.. the news keeps getting better.

5. Lloyd’s Inn, Singapore

Lloyds Inn is a modern, nature-centric bed-and-breakfast located in Singapore’s shopping district of Orchard. It is an example of well-executed minimalism, with lots of natural light complementing its peaceful shades of white and grey. We love how this hotel takes on an understated approach that almost makes you forget about Singapore’s limited real estate. Somerset MRT is only 0.4km away.