Janine Y. -- Oyster Reporter
Born and raised in the Philippines, Janine moved to New York in 2006 to attend grad school. Prior to moving halfway around the world, she worked as a travel writer in Asia, where she wrote for numerous magazines and even published a travel guide to her home island of Cebu. In May 2008, she completed an MFA in Creative Writing, with a focus in nonfiction. An avid diver, she has swum with whale sharks and giant sea turtles, and as a general rule, she loves all ridiculous creatures -- especially dachshunds.
- Hotels Reviewed: 53
- Destination Expert for: New York, Las Vegas
- Hometown: Cebu, Philippines
- Places Lived: Manila, Philippines; New York
- Education: B.A. in communication, Ateneo de Manila University; M.F.A. in creative writing, the New School
- Prior Experience: ForbesTraveler.com, FamilyTravelForum.com, Tara! Cebu travel guide, What's On & Expat, What's On: The Philippine Guide. Contributed to: Mabuhay, Pilmap Travel & Leisure, the Philippine Star, SEAir In Flight.
- My Favorite Hotel: Hotel Roger Williams, New York. This stylish hotel has everything you'd want out of a boutique hotel in New York: quirky, modern room design, exceptionally doting service and inexpensive, delicious food. It's located in quiet (boring) Murray Hill, but has easy access to all the tourist hotspots.
My Favorite Hotels
1
Hotel Roger Williams
- Pearls: Rating: 3.5 Pearls
- Location: Gramercy and Murray Hill, Manhattan
- Price: $190/night
A quiet boutique on Madison Avenue in the less touristy area of Murray Hill, Roger Williams has a cool lounge, an affordable restaurant, and a modern gym. Rooms are small, but most guests adore the service. All around, it's a fine choice for the price.
2
Hilton Garden Inn Times Square
- Pearls: Rating: 3.0 Pearls
- Location: Times Square, Manhattan
- Price: $180/night
Renovated in 2008, this 369-room Hilton comes with some snazzy features, especially for the price: top-notch gym; free printing from the business center; free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel; and large rooms with superb beds. It's a great value, and it's just outside the heart of Times Square.
