Take a break at The Grand Dame and true heart of the Philippines since 1912!
Over the past few years, staycations have been a more popular choice to unwind and treat oneself. Breaking the usual routine and deliberately going into a state of rest is great for one’s health and well-being. If you’re one of the many people that’s been looking for a staycation destination within Metro Manila, why not go for the timeless Manila Hotel?
My partner and I were feeling close to burnout recently, so we opted to do just that. Manila Hotel, which has been around since 1912, was our first choice! We really wanted a place where we could relax, have fun, eat great food, and make the most of an overnight pause. Booking was easy enough especially because we used the Agoda route; that app has come in rather handy for us a number of times. When it came to timing, we made sure to pick a weekday.
READ: The Ultimate Staycation Must-Have List
Classic Comfort
From the moment we stepped into Manila Hotel, we felt relaxed already. Even if the lobby had high foot traffic for a weekday because there was a convention of some sort, there was still a rather chill vibe. Checking in was a breeze thanks to their efficient staff, who were courteous and kind.
Best of all, we ended up catching the lobby pianist! The room was filled with pleasant air and melodies that definitely added to the overall ambiance.
The Room
Our room was a Tower Deluxe Double, which was incredibly spacious and offered a view. Everything screamed quiet luxury, especially the soft king bed and all its pillows. I found particular amusement in the TV because, while it was huge, it was also housed in an ornate wooden cabinet. There were carvings of the Manila Hotel logo and a reminder of how it’s a historical landmark built in 1912. The bathroom had a tub, which was a good surprise!
The king bed and television in the author’s Tower Deluxe Double | Photo by LKN
The Pool
What better way to de-stress than slipping into a swimming pool for a refreshing dip? The Manila Hotel pool goes up to 8 feet deep with a clear delineation. There’s also a separate part of the pool for kids. My favorite part wasn’t just the depth and how refreshing it was to float and swim; it’s Manila Hotel’s in-pool bar. You read that right: their swimming pool has a bar in it!
Views of the pool | Photos by the author & LKN
Cafe Ilang-Ilang
It was originally tough to get out of bed in the morning because of how cozy it was. The notion of breakfast at Cafe Ilang-Ilang definitely helped! Manila Hotel is known for this iconic restaurant. We were very excited to take on the longstanding restaurant’s incredible breakfast buffet. From the unlimited brewed coffee to all the delicious stations with various offerings, it was practically a feast!
Relaxing ambiance, cozy and tasteful rooms, amazing pool with an incredible bar, and Cafe Ilang-Ilang. All told, going on a getaway to Manila Hotel is definitely an ideal staycation!
For more information, visit their official website at www.manila-hotel.com.ph or call +(632)8527001!
Banner Image Paulo Correa
