Staycation at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria

Staycation at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria

Monday, July 25

Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria is a 263-room hotel located in the heart of Ortigas Business District in Pasig. I've been to this hotel countless times attending private functions and events but it was only my first time to stay at Crowne Plaza last July 22.

I have already stayed for 8 days in one of the hotels of Intercontinental Hotels Group before but totally forgot about my IHG Rewards Club. I suggest that you take advantage of club membership offered by hotels. These are usually free and you'll definitely love the perks and benefits of being a member. To know more about IHG Rewards Club, visit http://www.ihg.com/rewardsclub/us/en/home

I had the 40 sqm King Bed Deluxe Non Smoking Room located on the 17th floor. I always prefer rooms on the higher floor to save myself from the noise of the busy street and to enjoy a beautiful city view during the night. 

The room is equipped with a 42-inch Devant LED TV and a very spacious working table with a desk lamp. The ergonomic chair is a bit uncomfortable but not an issue because I came here to relax and not to do anything work related.

This corner is very conducive for reading a good book. Made me wish I had stayed longer. 

The mini bar isn't well stocked but it's okay. Crowne Plaza Manila is connected to Robinson's Galleria Mall. There's a big supermarket at the basement level and there are numerous restaurants for your dining pleasure. What I love about the mini bar is the availability of the coffee maker.

The bathroom has a separate bathtub and shower. Basic toiletries are provided. I like the smell of their shampoo. There's a bidet which is a thumbs up for me. The hot and cold water is easy to control. The magnifying mirror is located a bit too high though.

I always want a bathtub because I love soaking in a warm bubble bath. It would be nice if there's a pipe-in music available.

I found this thoughtful detail at the bedside table to ensure a good night sleep for hotel guests. The therapeutic scent of Elemis Quiet Mind Room Mist gave me the most restful sleep. 

Buffet breakfast for two was included in my room package. Breakfast is served from 6am to 10am at the Seven Corners Restaurant located on the 3rd floor. I went down around 8am and it was great the dining area was not crowded.

I love that they provide this egg preference paper on the table. All you have to do is fill this up and bring to the Egg Station and wait for your order to be delivered. I'm  an omelette eater while hubby prefers 2 pieces Sunny Side Up egg.

I wasn't able to personally thank her for the perfect omelette. I hope my empty plate has sent the message across.

I ate my omelette with a generous serving of Nasi Goreng, Longganisa, Corned Beef and Salted Egg with Tomato. I'm not a coffee drinker. I had a glass of fresh orange juice. I can't find a banana for dessert so I instead nibbled on some walnuts and figs dipped in Nutella. How I wish I'm a breakfast eater! There's just so much to try on the buffet. And by the way, I had two glasses of the chilled Chocolate Milk drink.

Hotel guests have free access to the swimming pool located on the 5th floor. The kiddie pool at the far end is heated. There is also a fitness gym if you don't want to miss working out.

I enjoyed my overnight staycation at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria. I was delighted when the front desk officer remembered me upon checking out. She remembered my room number. It was kinda embarrassing that I forgot her name. I usually remember and take note of the names of the hotel staff. I guess I got a bit used to checking in and out via mobile app in another hotel. Made me realized that it is still nice to interact personally with hotel staff.

I would really love to bring the entire family here for a staycation on my birthday but upon inquiry, they don't have a two or three bedroom suite. 

Are you into staycation too? Consider staying at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria.

Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila

Ortigas Ave Cor Asian Development Bank Ave, 

Quezon City, , 1100 Philippines 

Hotel Front Desk: 63-2-6337222

Fax: 63-2-6382927

www.ihg.com

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored accommodation. I paid for the hotel stay.

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Hotel Review: Red Planet Amorsolo

Hotel Review: Red Planet Amorsolo

Friday, May 13

Last May 7, I booked an overnight stay at Red Planet Amorsolo in Makati, Philippines and I'd share with you a review about my stay.

I had to attend an early dinner at Wildflour Cafe in Legaspi Village and watch the Klassikal Music Foundation Concert at the RCBC Plaza last May 7. It was the last day of the campaign period for the Presidential election in the Philippines and I was anticipating traffic. I decided to book a room in Makati.

Red Planet Amorsolo is located in Urban Avenue, Makati City. I like the location because the Urban Street is not a busy street but it is only a five minute walk to Sen Gil Puyat Avenue (Buendia Avenue) and a ten minute walk to Ayala Avenue. There is a 711 convenience store and Crave Burger Restaurant at the ground floor of the building.

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I arrived an hour early of the standard check-in time. If you are arriving with a vehicle, the basement parking is FREE of charge. The room is already available and the check in took only 10 minutes. Very efficient. 

Tip #1: Make sure you bring the credit card you use on your online booking and have a valid ID ready.

The room is small but doesn't feel cramped. The cleanliness is immediately noticeable. No moldy smell. The floor is not carpeted and I love the wood-like finish. The room temperature is not freezing. There is a split-type air conditioner and a ceiling fan. 

The side table is really nice. Something I would love to have at home. There's a safety deposit box. No telephone but the wifi connection is very strong.

There are no cabinets but a bar at the corner and some hangers are provided. If you are staying for a few days, your room might get cluttered. 

A foldable table at the side can be used for your gadgets or if you plan to have a light snack. There is no coffee / tea making facility in the room and no mini bar. You can buy coffee, juice, water and some pastries at the lobby at a reasonable price. 

Tip #2: There is a 711 convenience store at the ground floor where you can buy your food. Crave Burger is also located at the hotel's building. 

The bathroom is very clean. There's a bidet. Yey! No toothbrush and glass for brushing.  The liquid soap is in a dispenser. Same with the 3-in-1 shampoo, conditioner and shower gel. 

The 3-in-1 smells good but I prefer using a bar soap unless I have a puff for the shower gel to work some lather.

Tip #3: Bring a dental kit and your own toiletries. Keep your 711 Gulp cup if you need one for brushing your teeth.

You need to pay an additional PhP250 per person if you want breakfast. Food voucher can be redeemed at Crave Burger from 7am to 10am. The breakfast menu choices are tapa, tocino, sausage and bacon served with plain (not garlic huhu! sad!) rice, egg and a cup of coffee.

Need to check your email or browse the internet? There are four units for iMac you can use for free. 

You need your room keycard to access your floor and power up the room. 

Tip #4: Request for 2 access cards if you have a companion.

Overall, me and hubby had a wonderful stay at Red Planet Amorsolo. The room rates are very affordable but did not fall short of the quality of service from the staff. Although the hotel and room amenities are very basic, we had a comfortable overnight stay. I will definitely consider staying here again.

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Ortigas Staycation At The Linden Suites

Ortigas Staycation At The Linden Suites

Monday, September 7

I have always loved spending overnight in a hotel with my husband whenever we get the chance to squeeze into his schedule. Staycation is becoming popular these days because it's less expensive compared to travelling out of town or abroad. Last August 14, we checked in at The Linden Suites just because..

I booked the room online at http://lindensuites.com/ and when I arrived at the frontdesk, it only took me ten minutes to have everything ready. I commend the very efficient staff. I had to wait for hubby though because we didn't know that the car park entrance is at the back along Amethyst Street. 

We stayed in a one-bedroom suite. The suite is around 63-80 square meters. Upon entering the suite, I immediately noticed the fresh, clean smell. I love that there is a privacy wall separating the entrance door and the living area. 

The Suite

Living Area

Kitchen and Dining

Bedroom

Bathroom

The bathroom is nothing fancy. There's no dental kit but you can request if you need one. There's a bathtub but I wasn't able to use it. I like the smell of the soft bathrobe and towels.

The Pool

The Indoor Pool

The main reason why I chose the Linden Suite is the indoor swimming pool. I saw the picture posted at The Linden Suite's Facebook Page and I fell in love with it.  I was so glad my expectation was met. 

The Jacuzzi

I would have enjoyed dipping a little longer at the heated jacuzzi but the temperature was too hot for me. 

The pool is open from 6am to 10pm. There are just not enough lounge chairs available. 

The Gym

Also located on the 9th floor is the fitness gym and open daily from 6am to 10pm. You wouldn't miss a workout even when you're on a staycation.

We spent an hour at the gym the next morning.  You need not bring a towel and water. There's a water dispenser at the gym and they will provide you with a towel.

I managed a quick mirror shot before doing my floor exercise routine :) 

Overall, we had a wonderful stay at The Linden Suites. We weren't able to try the food at the restaurant though. There was a funny incident a few minutes after we arrived. The door of the master bedroom got locked. I don't remember locking it. We had to call help and they had to find the key to open the door. They were quick to respond and I greatly appreciate that. 

I have booked a three bedroom suite for my birthday (and my sister's). They have a birthday promo of 75% off  on published rate. I am looking forward to spending quality time with my family at The Linden Suite. 

The Linden Suites

37 San Miguel Avenue,
Ortigas Center, Pasig City
(632) 638 7878

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