Manila Relaxation

I love to travel and explore new places.  I enjoy it a lot.  But I also like to relax and do not much of anything worth writing about.  Yes, I have been known to cram a lot into a trip when I set my mind to it (like my Croatia/Bosnia & Herzegovina/Montenegro chaser to my week in Rome a year ago).  But the diversity of experiences is what draws me to travel and that does not just mean different geographies and cultures – that also means pace.  While I am not much of a beach bum (a couple of hours and I am itching to do SOMETHING), I appreciate what people find in just laying about and letting the world go on.

In my short visit to Manila I was intending to see all I could about the city in 3 days.  However, there was something liberating in knowing that I could not experience all that the city is in three days so that gave me the opportunity to take the pressure off myself to do all I could (and especially after day one when I realized this is a place I would want to come back to).  But what really sealed the deal was my hotel.  It says something when a hotel makes you want to stay in and, I imagine, many hotels aim for that.  The Marriott Manila had that effect on me.  Amazingly, I was not jet lagged and needing to rest.  (Jet lag actually did not affect me with sleepiness or confused time zones, something confusing in and of itself.)  I. Just. Wanted. To. Be. There.

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They love chocolate carvings/sculptures at the hotel – here one of the current President

The spaces

The room was spacious and comfortable (without being a suite).  All the offerings/amenities of the room worked without a hitch (yes, EVEN the wi-fi).  There was actually great lighting in the room (read #4 in my top 5 hotel pet peeves).  The shower/tub combination was quite unique as was the division between it and the main room – clever.

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Look at the white half-wall in the background…

Manila, Philippines, Marriott, room, hotel, lodging, luxury, interior design, photo, Olympus, travel, innovation, comfort

… and all of a sudden it opens up to “connect” the room to the shower!

The Executive Lounge, unlike most U.S. Marriotts, was huge.  At non-peak times, it is easy to find a spot and feel like you are on your own, which is nice if you have work to do.

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The lounge

The lounge faces the golf course which gives it a great view…

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View of the city from the lounge (unfortunately, on a rainy day)

The lobby is a series of spaces designed to flow well and pull you in.  The main seating area seamlessly integrates into the bar.  You just want to hang there.  And do people watching…

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Lobby space

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Lobby space

… or have a drink.

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The bar area faces the edge of the golf course. I like the light fixtures

Finally, facing the golf course, there are nice outdoor areas for those times when you get cold indoors (the A/C really is PUMPING!) or want to jump in the pool.

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Outdoor seating area right by the bar

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Though a rainy day, a nice pool area

The food

On my first full night in Manila, after having done a walking city tour in the rain, I decided to eat in at the hotel.  Since I had a slight sore throat, I asked for some chicken noodle soup.  Boy, was that a chicken noodle soup!  It was beautifully served and was delicious: with noodles, greens, diced up chicken, and carrots.  I don’t think I have used the phrase “beautifully served” before but the solid ingredients were nicely set up in the main oblong bowl with the broth actually brought in a separate teapot-like container.  I especially appreciated it because I wanted to shower before eating and the way they served it allowed me to not have to eat it as soon as it was brought to my room.

The next day, I had the choice of taking breakfast in the Executive Lounge, a hangout spot for a regular like me (the one in Santiago’s Marriott, I called my living room when I stayed there most of 2010!), or go to the Marriott Café.  I opted for the latter to see what food they would offer in the buffet.  It did not disappoint as it clearly had many local specialties some of which I tried and some that I did not want at breakfast (e.g., anchovies).

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Kakiage (like tempura, in the back) and chicken tonkatsu (on the front) – delicious

Manila, Marriott, Philippines, delicious, food, cuisine, Canon EOS Rebel, photo, travel

On the fishier side of breakfast…

Manila, Marriott, Philippines, delicious, food, cuisine, Canon EOS Rebel, photo, travel

Some good-looking sushi

Location

The Marriott Manila sits very close to the Manila airport in an area called Resorts World.  I am not 100% clear on the plans for the area but there are other hotels, shopping center, etc. and a lot of development going on in the area; it looks like a small town is actually sprouting.  While one half of the hotel looks over the domestic part of the airport, the other half overlooks a very nice and lush golf course with the Manila skyline in the distance.  I am not sure how it is during regular weekday hours but my ride to the business center of Makati was pretty easy and fast on mid-day Saturday.

I have to admit that before I came, I assumed that given its location (near the airport and not far from the Makati business district), the Marriott would mainly appeal to business travelers.  Once I stepped in it, I saw how off my assumption was.  Lots of leisure travelers AND many locals coming for events at the hotel.

Service – leaving the best for last (but proverbial “not least”!)

I mentioned earlier my slight sore throat.  I stopped at the front desk and asked when I came in from sightseeing to find out where I could get some lozenges or something to alleviate my discomfort.  The informed me that connected to the hotel, right after the entrance to the mall was a medical clinic.  I thought to myself how convenient that was.  Not only convenient but freeWith a doctorOn a Saturday evening.  Yes, indeed.  Imagine that ANYWHERE in the U.S.!  They really are prepared to take care of guests!  The doctor just recommended something to gargle which the hotel concierge went to get for me.  It really says something about a hotel when they can handle not only the “normal” stay but when something like this arises.

Which leads me to my top takeaway from this stay… The amazing staff at the hotel.  They are well prepared to make you comfortable and assist you.  They smile and it actually feels genuine.  No wonder I just wanted to stay in, right?!

I have stayed at many Marriotts in my work life and logged many “career stay nights”.  As I have mentioned elsewhere, one of the things Marriotts do best is give the business traveler a consistent experience so that you feel you are somewhere familiar.  But the Manila Marriott simply blew me away.  Few hotels have made me feel so welcome, comfortable, and cared for.  You can bet that if – no, when – I return to Manila, I will be making a stop here!

Thanks to the Manila Marriott for hosting part of my stay.  Opinions are my own as always.

Comments

  1. Nice place, hope you got a day to take advantage of the pool. I think I’d pass on the breakfast anchovies too! Food looks great though.
    Karl recently posted..Long Island Sound Sunset – Pic of the WeekMy Profile

  2. Very cool! I know that the breakfasts in the East are spectacular. When I was in Macau i loved the congee and pan-friend noodles at breakfast.
    Charu recently posted..At the Pierre Hotel, a Harvest Beer-inspired Cocktail MenuMy Profile

  3. I guess I don’t stay in too many nice hotels, I’m not used to someone smiling let along *meaning* it! Also, this place sounds way nice than my apartment. Can I live there?
    Heather recently posted..Every Fish CountsMy Profile

  4. I’ll be in Manila in less than two weeks. I’m actually not going to be spending any real time in the city, instead hopping on planes bound for other islands. Perhaps I should have read this first. I am probably missing out.
    Leah recently posted..My Top Three Airplane AggravationsMy Profile

    • Knowing where you will be going, I think you are good, Leah!! Have a GREAT time in your trip! Boracay is on my list of must-sees – let me know how it is!

  5. Manila sound like a great city to relax in. It’s funny when you think you are relaxing, but you are really working. Good thing you love what you do.

  6. This looks superb Raul, I’ll remember this if I’m ever in ever in the neighbourhood!
    Fiona recently posted..How to Travel Like an A-Lister in Dublin AirportMy Profile

  7. Best Marriott in terms of service that I’ve been to! And the proximity to the airport is a definite plus,

  8. I wanted to say…your piece expressed my exact sentiments about the Marriott Manila. I also have stayed in many Marriotts around the world, but mostly in the US, and nothing compares to the service in Manila. I have family in Manila and they live in the suburb of Quezon City. We have made it a tradition to stay at the Marriott a day or two everytime I visit. It makes our trips to other islands manageable and also makes it easier for us to meet friends as it is next to Resorts World and other restaurants. It is our home away from our home in Manila!

  9. love the lighting in this hotel!! i have a thing for great lights.
    lola recently posted..Hotel Le Germain, #Montreal – by @JETSETextra @TheWrldWanderer & @loladimarcoMy Profile

  10. I love the fact that although the place is luxurious, they have not forgotten the art of a good chicken noodle soup. I want to go just to experience that.
    Traveling Ted recently posted..Running, walking, and peeing the Chicago MarathonMy Profile

  11. Looks like a place Mrs. O would approve. The medical assistance was so sweet.
    @mrsoaroundworld recently posted..My hOtel: The Kensington Hotel, London @hotelkensington @doylecollectionMy Profile

  12. Beautiful hotel! That pool is so nice, even in the rain! And, that chocolate sculpture! Seriously!? So cool!
    Erin at The World Wanderer recently posted..Hotel Le Germain, #Montreal – by @JETSETextra @TheWrldWanderer & @loladimarcoMy Profile

  13. Lovely city views, even with the rain! And hotel WiFi that actually works?! Golden.
    Pola (@jettingaround) recently posted..Photo(s) of the Week: Calle la Ronda in QuitoMy Profile

  14. ahh yes, as the lazy travelers, we are well acquainted with the urge to whole up in a nice hotel every once in awhile. this looks like a good one!
    the lazy travelers recently posted..foodie break: felice 83My Profile

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