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6 marvelously rated accommodations in Melbourne, Australia, to book a stay in 2025

Planning a trip to Melbourne?

A marvelous trip starts with marvelous accommodations, and that’s why we’ve handpicked a list of awesomely rated places, your starting point for your Australia adventures.

Let’s dive right in! 🇦🇺

Melbourne Lifestyle Apartments

Agoda Rating: 9.5 (2.1K+ reviews)

First up, we have Melbourne Lifestyle Apartments, nestled along Yarra River, between neighborhoods like Chinatown and Queen Victoria Market (within 4 km).

Various apartments are available for booking, ranging from one-bedroom hideaways to spacious sub-penthouses.

Cap off each day with a dip in the indoor pool if you’d like.

Awarded as a top choice for Agoda travelers in 2024, this one sits right at the top of our list with a superb 9.5 rating.

Treasury on Collins

Agoda Rating: 9.4 (1.2K+ reviews)

Sitting squarely in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, Treasury on Collins is a 4-star option.

Rooms range from standard heritage queens/kings/suites and one-/two-bedroom apartments that are made for chilling.

It’s sited between Southern Cross and Flinders Street stations, which places tram lines and trains close by.

You can wander to the Block Arcade and the SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium on foot, since they are just 600 m away.

The StandardX, Melbourne

Agoda Rating: 9.4 (900+ reviews)

The StandardX, Melbourne’s 5-star hotel, opened in 2023, placing you directly on Rose Street and just 1 km from Melbourne Museum and under 3 km from Melbourne Zoo.

Accommodations range from doubles to standard kings and suites.

With wonderful hospitality and a prime central location, The StandardX has won itself 3rd place on our list.

Quest Collingwood

Agoda Rating: 9.3 (1.1K+ reviews)

Centrally located yet quietly tucked away, Quest Collingwood is a mere 800m from Collingwood station and a 20-minute stroll from Melbourne Museum.

This new 4-star haven (opened in 2023) puts you steps from the city’s attractions.

They have a range of studio and apartment accommodations to choose from, and we like how the hotel’s disability access options ensure every guest feels at home.

Lanson Place Parliament Gardens

Agoda Rating: 9.3 (700+ reviews)

Lanson Place Parliament Gardens is a brand-new accommodation that opened last year.

Right around the corner from Parliament House and Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, this hotel has an indoor swimming pool and a range of accommodations spanning standard twin/king rooms to roomy multi-bedroom apartments.

Families will be glad to know that there’s a kids-stay-free perk (up to 12 years old).

Rydges Melbourne

Agoda Rating: 9.2 (4.4K+ reviews)

Last but not least, we have this newly renovated Rydges Melbourne hotel (in 2023) hitting all the right notes with a curtain-opening location between Her Majesty’s and Princess Theaters.

It’s also a five-minute stroll from Parliament train station, making getting around easy peasy.

It offers a deluxe-to-suite room lineup and has a rooftop sundeck, where you can catch the Melbourne air and skyline.

5 well-rated accommodations in Chiang Rai, Thailand, to book a stay in 2025

There doesn’t seem to be any direct flights to Chiang Rai from Singapore, but we think it shouldn’t deter you from traveling to the city in northern Thailand if you need a change of scenery from the usual Thai spots you’ve been to countless times.

And to help you with your travel planning, we’ve sourced out a quick list of well-rated accommodations in Chiang Rai, Thailand, to book a stay in 2025.

Without further ado, here we go… 🇹🇭

Mora Boutique Hotel

Agoda Rating: 9.5 (2.2K+ reviews)

You’re never far from the action at Mora Boutique Hotel.

This boutique hotel puts you less than 20 minutes from the airport and a short stroll from Chiang Rai’s Night Bazaar and Walking Street.

We love the clean, minimalist aesthetics too.

Whether you opt for a double, deluxe, suite, or family-friendly room, you will be treated to Mora’s exceptional 9.5 rating, which speaks for itself.

This goes on top of our list! 💯

The Riverie by Katathani

Agoda Rating: 9.3 (5.2K+ reviews)

This 5-star paradise is less than 10 km from the airport, so you can swap jet exhaustion for a front-row seat to thrills, thanks to the hotel’s huge pool and on-site water park facilities.

Parents will be glad to know that the kids can expend their energy in the indoor kids’ club.

When it comes to accommodations, there are deluxe rooms and suites with various views.

The little ones up to 12 years old stay free when using existing bedding anyway.

Come for the waterslides, stay for the 5-star service.

Mercy Hostel

Agoda Rating: 9.3 (1.9K+ reviews)

Mercy Hostel is just steps from the city’s Clock Tower and Night Bazaar, an accommodation at a prime location.

Freshly updated digs? Check.

Private and dorm rooms to suit all travelers? Check.

Bunk-bedded family suites? Triple check.

And that coveted 9.3 review score?

It’s not just a number—it’s a promise that this hostel delivers and its guests are satisfied.

Even better, this place treats you to a pool, a rarity among hostels.

Riva Vista Riverfront Resort Chiangrai

Agoda Rating: 9.3 (1.7K+ reviews)

Trade the typical hotel chains for a riverside retreat at Riva Vista Riverfront Resort Chiangrai.

Newly opened in 2023, this 4-star resort faces the Kok River and is just 15 minutes from the airport and a short stroll from Rong Suea Ten Temple.

Plus, with rooms ranging from ones with direct pool access to connecting rooms and family suites, there’s an option for every travel crew.

Kids under 12 even stay free using existing bedding.

Kokotel Chiang Rai Airport Suites

Agoda Rating: 9.3 (1.2K+ reviews)

Just a 15-minute ride from Chiang Rai Airport, this accommodation opened its doors in 2024, offering a respite for every type of traveler.

Whether you’re visiting as a couple, family, or group, the flexible room options hit the mark with suites, family rooms, and multi-single-bed quarters.

Art aficionados will appreciate being 3km from Baan Dam Museum.

When it’s time to depart, there’s no need to wake at dawn—the airport’s mere minutes away.

5 superbly rated accommodations in Penang, Malaysia, to book a stay in 2025

Can’t fly too far for the next holiday?

What about a short trip to Penang, Malaysia, then?

Here’s a quick list of superbly rated accommodations in the Malaysian island for your consideration! 🇲🇾

88 Armenian

Agoda Rating: 9.5 (200+ reviews)

If you’re looking for a central hotel base to experience all the sights and street art George Town has to offer, 88 Armenian puts you right in the heart of the city, just a stroll from Khoo Kongsi temple and Penang’s famous street murals.

The 5-star hotel offers a range of deluxe/superior rooms and suites.

Kids under 4 stay free using existing bedding.

And just 35 minutes from the airport, this boutique accommodation sits right at the top of our list with an exceptional 9.5 rating.

Penang Marriott Hotel

Agoda Rating: 9.2 (600+ reviews)

About 40 minutes from the airport, this brand-new 5-star hotel beckons with luxurious accommodations.

From the moment you arrive, the Penang Marriott Hotel checks you into your well-appointed guest room or presidential suite, whichever you’ve booked online.

The little ones stay for free using existing bedding if they are up to 11 years old.

And retail therapy awaits you less than 10 minutes away at Gurney Plaza.

Opened in 2024, you can expect rather new amenities.

Bertam Resort & Water Park

Agoda Rating: 9.1 (9.5K+ reviews)

Brimming with family-friendly thrills, Bertam Resort & Water Park is your ticket to a short getaway from SG.

Perfectly situated around 50 minutes from the airport and far enough from the touristy city life, this 2023 newly built resort has a water park right on the premises.

Cast aside your stress as you splash, slide, and soak up the sun.

When it’s time to rest, retreat to deluxe rooms or suites—some even boast private pools.

Kids and teens up to 17 stay free using existing bedding, making this top choice a crowd-pleaser.

The Prestige Hotel Penang

Agoda Rating: 9.1 (6.9K+ reviews)

The Prestige Hotel Penang treats guests to indulgence, from its chic rooms—choose a deluxe haven or lofty suite—to the infinity pool that seems to spill into the vast Malaysian waters beyond.

And you’re just steps from Penang’s top draws, like the Pinang Peranakan Mansion and Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower.

No wonder Agoda travelers have awarded this hotel gem top honors in 2024.

Amari SPICE Penang

Agoda Rating: 9.1 (6.7K+ reviews)

In the heart of Penang’s CBD sits Amari SPICE Penang, a 5-star hotel that strikes a balance between business and leisure, with a location just 3.9 km from the airport and a quick 10-minute jaunt from major shopping at Queensbay Mall.

Leave Penang’s touristy sights to the crowds—Amari SPICE Penang offers a respite with rooms ranging from executive twins/deluxe to expansive one-bedroom suites.

We also like how the hotel’s gym has floor-to-ceiling windows framing outdoor views while you clock in those cardio and lifts.

50+ newly launched stuff in April 2025 from Daiso Korea to buy & bring back to Singapore

Time for another Daiso haul from Korea?

It’s a big “yes” from us!

Here are 50+ newly launched stuff in April 2025 from Daiso Korea that we think you should consider buying and bringing back to Singapore.

Happy shopping! 🛍️

#1a: Tulips (a handful) (2,000 KRW; approx. 1.82 SGD)

#1b: Tulip (one stem) (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.91 SGD)

#2a: Roses (a handful) (3,000 KRW; approx. 2.73 SGD)

#2b: Roses (three buds) (2,000 KRW; approx. 1.82 SGD)

#3a: Rose Wedding Bouquet (3,000 KRW; approx. 2.73 SGD)

#3b: Rose Ribbon Bouquet (2,000 KRW; approx. 1.82 SGD)

#4: King Choco Smore (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.91 SGD)

#5a: Cooling Code Derma Cooler (3,000 KRW; approx. 2.73 SGD)

#5b: Cooling Code Soothing Gel Cream (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.55 SGD)

#5c: Reju-Code Roller Ampoule (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.55 SGD)

#5d: Reju-Code Derma Roller (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.55 SGD)

#5e: Reju-Code Essence Toner (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.55 SGD)

#5f: Reju-Code Rich Cream (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.55 SGD)

#5g: Reju-Code Capsule Serum (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.55 SGD)

#6a: Dr. CPU+ Cream Modeling Pack (Assorted) (2,000 KRW; approx. 1.82 SGD)

#6b: Dr. CPU+ Booster Ampoule (Assorted) (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.55 SGD)

#7a: Dr. CPU+ Deep Clean Canola Cleansing Oil (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.55 SGD)

#7b: Dr. CPU+ Deep Clean Enzyme Powder Wash (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.55 SGD)

#8: Dr. CPU+ Steam Cream (Moisture / Ultra) (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.55 SGD)

#9a: Dermablock PDRN Oxygen Peel (3,000 KRW; approx. 2.73 SGD)

#9b: Dermablock PDRN Aqua Peel (3,000 KRW; approx. 2.73 SGD)

#10a: Dermablock PDRN Collagen Toner (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.55 SGD)

#10b: Dermablock PDRN Collagen Ampoule (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.55 SGD)

#10c: Dermablock PDRN Collagen Cream (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.55 SGD)

#11a: Women’s Basic Socks (1,500 KRW; approx. 1.36 SGD)

#11b: Knee Socks (2,000 KRW; approx. 1.82 SGD)

#11c: Fake Overshoes Socks (1,500 KRW; approx. 1.36 SGD)

#11d: Mesh Overshoes Socks (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.91 SGD)

#11e: Men’s Long Ankle Socks (1,500 KRW; approx. 1.36 SGD)

#12a: Ducky / Flower Party Candles (5 Pcs) (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.91 SGD)

#12b: Heart Party Candles (7 Pcs) (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.91 SGD)

#12c: Number Candles (2 Pcs) (500 KRW; approx. 0.45 SGD)

#13: Cake Deco Card (2 Sets) (500 KRW; approx. 0.45 SGD)

#14: Snoopy Transparent Pouch (Small: 1,000 KRW; approx. 0.91 SGD) (Medium: 2,000 KRW; approx. 1.82 SGD)

#15: Fringe Cut Hair Clip (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.91 SGD)

#16a: Daily T-Shirts (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.55 SGD)

#16b: Sweat Shorts (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.55 SGD)

#17a: Collar Short-Sleeve T-Shirts (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.55 SGD)

#17b: Nylon Shorts (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.55 SGD)

#18a: Checkered PJs (Top: 5,000 KRW; approx. 4.55 SGD) (Bottom: 3,000 KRW; approx. 2.73 SGD)

#18b: Checkered Short-Sleeve Dress (PJ) (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.55 SGD)

#19: Short-Sleeve Dress (PJ) (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.55 SGD)

#20: Patterned PJs (Top: 5,000 KRW; approx. 4.55 SGD) (Bottom: 3,000 KRW; approx. 2.73 SGD)

#21: Women’s Trunks (3,000 KRW; approx. 2.73 SGD)

#22: Askin Camisole (3,000 KRW; approx. 2.73 SGD)

#23: Aksin Inner Short-Sleeve T-Shirt (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.55 SGD)

#24: Askin Drawers (3,000 KRW; approx. 2.73 SGD)

#25a: Cropped Padded Camisole (3,000 KRW; approx. 2.73 SGD)

#25b: Mesh Seamless Panties (2,000 KRW; approx. 1.82 SGD)

#25c: Askin Inner Shorts (3,000 KRW; approx. 2.73 SGD)

#26a: Sports Mesh Sleeveless Top (3,000 KRW; approx. 2.73 SGD)

#26b: “Line Point” Shorts (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.55 SGD)

#27: Inner Mesh Shorts (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.55 SGD)

#28: Long-Lasting 2-in-1 Clear & Tinting Eyelash Serum (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.55 SGD)

#29a: Long-Lasting Styling Hair Fixer (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.55 SGD)

#29b: Long-Lasting 2-in-1 Hair Fixing-Cara (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.55 SGD)

#29c: Long-Lasting Hair Stick Wax (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.55 SGD)

#29d: Long-Lasting No Wash Hair Essence Balm (3,000 KRW; approx. 2.73 SGD)

All image credits to Daiso Korea.

Price conversion from KRW to SGD is accurate at the time of writing.

40+ new Korean convenience store foodstuffs in April 2025 to buy & try from emart24 because Singapore don’t have

If the word “emart24” rings a bell, you’re probably right because you’ve probably seen the Korean supermarket named “emart” around South Korea.

“emart24” is their convenience store version, just so you know.

And if you’ve enjoyed the GS25 version we wrote about it earlier—50+ new Korean convenience store foodstuffs in April 2025 to buy & try from GS25 because Singapore don’t have—you will love this post too.

Here’s the list of newly launched items this month to buy and try if you’re in 🇰🇷!

#1: Chef M’s Milk Cream / Strawberry Cream Sweet Potato Mousse (2,700 KRW; approx. 2.47 SGD)

#2: Maeil’s Milk Cream Banana Cookie-Syu / Choco Cookie-Syu (2,900 KRW; approx. 2.65 SGD)

#3: Injeolmi-Flavored Shaved Ice Drink (1,500 KRW; approx. 1.37 SGD)

#4: Fire Volcano Carbonara Fried Instant Noodles (1,800 KRW; approx. 1.65 SGD)

#5: ‘Maeb-Taeng’ Kimchi Bibimmyeon Packet (1,400 KRW; approx. 1.28 SGD)

#6: Corn Cream Soup Crispy Rolls (1,800 KRW; approx. 1.65 SGD)

#7: Frenchpie (Plum) (4,200 KRW; approx. 3.84 SGD)

#8a: Bourbon Matcha Cookies 113 g (8,000 KRW; approx. 7.31 SGD)

#8b: Bourbon Langue-de-chat Blanchul Matcha Biscuits (8,000 KRW; approx. 7.31 SGD)

#9a: Kiri Lemon Cream Cheese Cake (4,800 KRW; approx. 4.39 SGD)

#9b: ‘Ddeok’ Cake (2,500 KRW; approx. 2.29 SGD)

#10: Deluxe Burger (Beef Patty) (3,800 KRW; approx. 3.47 SGD)

#11: Egg Chilli Hotdog (3,600 KRW; approx. 3.29 SGD)

#12: Full Moon Matcha Choco Cake (1,800 KRW; approx. 1.65 SGD)

#13: Rainbow Cone (Yogurt + Popping Candy) (2,500 KRW; approx. 2.29 SGD)

#14: Maeil’s Melon / Strawberry ‘Turtle’ Bread (3,300 KRW; approx. 3.02 SGD)

#15: ‘Yogurt is Greek’ Pastries (7,000 KRW; approx. 6.40 SGD)

#16a: ‘Haek’ Sour Jelly (Calamansi & Lemon) (1,500 KRW; approx. 1.37 SGD)

#16b: ‘Haek’ Sour Chew (Calamansi & Lemon) (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.91 SGD)

#17a: Super Supreme Cheese Burrito 120 g (3,500 KRW; approx. 3.20 SGD)

#17b: Bulgogi Cheese Burrito 115 g (3,500 KRW; approx. 3.20 SGD)

#18: Rich Milk Bread (2,100 KRW; approx. 1.92 SGD)

#19: Luncheon Meat Mayo + Spicy Buldak Sauce Triangle Kimbap (1,300 KRW; approx. 1.19 SGD)

#20: Thick Katsu Sandwich (3,900 KRW; approx. 3.57 SGD)

#21: Poka Chip Triple Pepper (1,700 KRW; approx. 1.55 SGD)

#22: Ricotta Cranberry Sandwich (3,600 KRW; approx. 3.29 SGD)

#23: Creamble (Crème Brûlée) (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.57 SGD)

#24: Lucky Chocolate Ball Mochi (Matcha) (1,500 KRW; approx. 1.37 SGD)

#25: Strawberry & Yogurt Jam Filling Sour Jelly (1,500 KRW; approx. 1.37 SGD)

#26: Doritos Flamin’ Hot Sour Chilli Lime Flavor Nachos (1,700 KRW; approx. 1.55 SGD)

#27a: Trolli Blue Octopus Jelly (2,500 KRW; approx. 2.29 SGD)

#27b: Squeezes (Mush Mix Sour Jelly) (Bubblegum & Strawberry Flavor) (2,500 KRW; approx. 2.29 SGD)

#28a: Sweet & Sour Chicken Burger (4,500 KRW; approx. 4.11 SGD)

#28b: Chinese-Style Stir-Fried Pork Kimbap (3,800 KRW; approx. 3.47 SGD)

#28c: XO Crab Meat Fried Rice Kimbap (2,000 KRW; approx. 1.83 SGD)

#28d: Sweet & Sour Chicken & Dumplings (7,900 KRW; approx. 7.22 SGD)

#29a: Truffle & Mushroom Burger (4,900 KRW; approx. 4.48 SGD)

#29b: Sweet Pumpkin Cream Gnocchi (5,900 KRW; approx. 5.39 SGD)

#30: Stir-Fried Pork & Tonkatsu Mealbox (5,600 KRW; approx. 5.12 SGD)

#31: Luncheon Meat Tuna Kimbap (3,500 KRW; approx. 3.20 SGD)

#32: Samlip x KBO Collaboration Custard Cream Bread (2,500 KRW; approx. 2.29 SGD)

#33: Chicken Teriyaki Big Bread (1,900 KRW; approx. 1.74 SGD)

#34: Thai Crab Curry, Buldak Stir-Fried Noodles (Big Cup) (2,200 KRW; approx. 2.01 SGD)

#35: Melon-Flavored Corn Snack (1,700 KRW; approx. 1.55 SGD)

#36a: Strawberry Banana Twist Smoothie Ice Cream Pouch (3,300 KRW; approx. 3.02 SGD)

#36b: Tangerine Pineapple Twist Smoothie Ice Cream Pouch (3,300 KRW; approx. 3.02 SGD)

All image credits to emart24.

Price conversion from KRW to SGD is accurate at the time of writing.

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