Marvin Lee Dot Net

This first type of advertisements I put up on this blog when it was setup more than a year ago was Google Adsense.

I had an account from Google Adsense years ago and it was setup for Check payment.

It was only until recently when my Adsense earnings nearing the payout threshold that I did a check on the payment method and switched it to Western Union.

Notice the Payment Details – Payment Type is Check – Standard Delivery.

Change it to Western Union Quick Cash.

There are several reasons why you should use Western Union Quick Cash, and most importantly is the time reduced for getting the money especially for publishers not residing in the US.

Google Adsense states that where the month of accumulated earnings reached USD 100, then the payout will be sent out before the end of the following month.

My little bonus was available in December 2009 and thus should be sent out before the end of January 2010.

Finally when I checked, it was ready for collection from any Western Union branch.

For list of Western Union locations in your country, click here.

There was a USD 1.32 charges, but if I’m not mistaken, that is much less as compared to the clearing fees for the Check payment option.

This is a sweet little bonus for me, considering Marvin Lee dot Net is not a make-money-online blog. I’m pretty sure probloggers are earning much more and this is nothing to them.

And some bloggers have even received their Western Union payment since 2007.
http://www.liewcf.com/archives/2007/11/adsense-payment-via-western-union-received/
http://www.tenthofmarch.com/2007/11/13/first-time-withdraw-adsense-earnings-through-western-union/

Are you getting your small or big bonus from Adsense? What are the better options to get bonuses?

Good To Know, Google, Money Matters, blogging Check, Google Adsense, make money online, Western Union

Some of my friends remembered my Photobook experience and when they saw the actual album, most of them were quite impressed.
Unfortunately when they realized it’s really good, the promotion period ran out.

So when I was sent a promotional flyer about another 40% discount, I’m sure those who had asked me before could benefit from this.

But now I’m not too sure if the discounts come every alternate month or it’s really random.

No matter what, if you’re truly interested and with photos readily available for prints, why not try out the designer software first and then decide if you would like to have a physically printed edition?

Use code MAR40 when print and do read the details for the Terms and Conditions of this promotion.

Good To Know, Internet Marketing, Malaysia, Photography Photobook, Photobook Malaysia

During my trip to Thailand, I had the chance to visit Phuket and Bangkok.
By chance, I made the reservation to stay in Ibis Hotel. I had never tried Ibis Hotel before and it was a coincidence too that I selected the same brand of hotel for both places.

The rate was affordable, probably because I booked and paid online, via Agoda.

Ibis Patong, Phuket

Ibis Patong is only 5 minutes walk to the Patong beach!

It is a 3 star hotel, and the room is quite small, but Ibis Patong hotel made a very good first impression to me.

At least for the same size, it looked and felt more comfortable than the First World Hotel, if you happened to visit Genting Highlands before.

Two complimentary glass-bottled drinking water are provided for every single day of your stay.

Space is limited, but somehow I did not feel any discomfort but in fact amazed by its design to optimize the usage of space.

The bathroom is also small but all basic necessities are available.

The small shower area, shaped triangular or trapezium or whatever….

This room in Ibis Patong had a view of the swimming pool.

Lobby entrance.

Their staff are friendly and room is clean with very new air conditioners (probably as the hotel is new).

For a room of less than USD 60, this is really a steal, at least for me, especially where things are slightly more expensive in Phuket.

There’s a spacious lobby, a bar and a nice restaurant for breakfast too.
If you booked for tour, they tour company will normally come to pick you up from your hotel or leave a message to the receptionist to remind you of your pickup time.

Ibis Nana, Bangkok

Ibis Nana in Bangkok is only a 10 minutes walk to Nana BTS station.

I like Ibis Hotel’s way of strategically locating their hotel within walking distance to places like beaches and skytrain.

Although the outlook of this hotel is slightly different with Ibis Patong in Phuket, but the rooms design and everything are the same!

It looks like Ibis take importance of their brand and standards for their hotels.

In the room there are also fact sheets and message to be environmental friendly, such as if you like to have your towels to be changed, leave them on the floor. (Those still hanging will not be changed).

You might want to read this green press kit if you’re interested to know more about Ibis Hotel’s commitment to the environment.

Even their buffet breakfast are the same! Ok, maybe just 90 percent similar.
By the way, Ibis Nana’s television has 81 channels, all unique!

Ibis Hotel has 800 hotels in 40 countries around the world, and are generally close to city centres, airports or rail stations, offering budget rates.

It seems to me that they are growing rapidly in Asia Pacific too, currently with hotels at

• Australia
• China
• India
• Indonesia
• Hong Kong
• New Zealand
• South Korea
• Thailand
• Singapore

I know that the first thing I’ll do the very next time when searching for hotels will be the rate and location of Ibis Hotel.

The rate provided by Agoda was very competitive, maybe due to the lower commission that they charge the hotels.

Even a check with Air Asia’s site couldn’t match the price offered by Agoda, although this may change in the future.

Have you been to any of the Ibis Hotel around the globe? Or what is your preferred choice of hotel during your travel?

Good To Know, Review, Travel Agoda, Air Asia, Bangkok, Ibis Hotel, Ibis Nana, Ibis Patong, Nana BTS, Patong beach, Phuket, Shukhumvit