hotels in metro manila Archives - Sherlyn Mae Hernandez

Where to Have Staycation in Pasig City: Privato Ortigas

ALSO READ: PASIG CITY MUSEUM: A MUST-VISIT IN METRO MANILA

In my opinion, it is not always a must to leave Metro Manila to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. There are a lot of good places where you can find serenity, and hotels within Metro Manila are one of them. I have stayed in several hotels in Manila for both work and personal reasons and I am lucky enough to have the chance to stay at Privato Ortigas in Pasig City to experience how unique it is as compared to other hotels.

Checking-In

The check-in process is a breeze if you have a confirmed online reservation. You will be just asked for an ID and a Php1000 incidental fee which is refundable upon check-out. You will be politely greeted by the front desk officers and they will properly handle your check-in process.

The Room

I stayed in a One Bedroom King Suite Bed With Kitchen which is a really spacious and beautiful room.

The living room has a very cozy sofa set and is equipped with a TV. The L-shaped sofa of Privato Ortigas is one of the things I liked about he whole room. I was able to relax and watch some news while just lying in the cozy sofa set. Looking outside the window with the view of Ortigas Central Business District is just awesome. 🙂 The lighting of the room was not too light and not too dark which will enable you to relax.

The dining area and kitchen has a complete set of equipment which you can use to prepare your meals. There are also complimentary water bottles, coffee and tea. If you are saving money, you can bring in something to cook and use the kitchen. I tried their instant coffee and it tasted really great.

The bedroom is super spacious and the bed is so cozy. It was too huge for a solo traveler like me haha. The lighting is also perfect. The room has its own airconditioner so you need not to worry about the temperature in this area. There is also a cabinet for your clothes and a vault for your valuables since Privato really cares about the safety of its guests’ valuables.

The bathroom is spacious. It has two access doors (one from the kitchen and one from the bedroom). It has a rainfall-like shower (which is my favorite, by the way) hence I still was able to enjoy even during shower. It has two sinks and it has a complete set of toiletries, from shampoo to soap to vanity kit to comb. Hence, you need not to worry about not bringing your entire set of toiletries at home or buy them outside.

The Verona Roof Deck Bar

This is the part which I love the most at Privato Ortigas. It has a sweeping view of Pasig City and the beautiful skyline of Bonifacio Global City. The other thing I love about this roof deck bar is that the drinks are relatively not expensive. I love how relaxing it is to just sit and look at the BGC skyline while taking a sip of my watermelon fruit shake. It is also a good place to meet and mingle with other people, especially for solo guests like me. I highly commend the staff on-duty during my stay because they are really kind and accommodating.

The Café

The café is located at the lobby and is open from 11AM-7PM. They serve yummy coffee and desserts.

The Spa

Massage service is available at the hotel. You also have an option to have the massage done in your room. You just have to call the front desk for reservation of slots. The last call for reservations is at 11PM.

Privato Ortigas was kind and accommodating enough to entertain my request to have my massage done at 1AM. Luckily there are still massage therapists on-duty. I highly recommend not missing getting a massage during your stay at Privato Ortigas because it really is a good and relaxing experience. The massage therapists are really nice and they will make sure you will enjoy the experience.

Other Amenities

Gym

For a fitness enthusiast like me, this is something you should not miss if you happen to stay at Privato Ortigas. They have a lot of equipment from treadmill to dumbbells. Their equipment are quite new and really exciting to use.

Swimming Pool

This is also one of the best things about Privato Ortigas. The swimming pool is relatively small but is a kid-friendly pool which is perfect for guests with children. It’s a covered pool which also gives you a view of the Pasig City skyline.

The Verdict

The monochromatic theme of the hotel is something that adds beauty to it. The front desk staff were really nice and accommodating of your needs. The room is very spacious enough to give you proper relaxation. I highly recommend not missing the Verona Rook Deck Bar and have some drinks there. Privato Ortigas provides you all the amenities that you might need to have a perfect stay. Lastly, please do consider getting a massage because it’s the best, I promise. Thumbs up!

Travel Guides About Manila and Mandaluyong City

Privato Ortigas

706 Shaw Boulevard, Ortigas, Pasig City, Philippines
Email Address: reservations.ortigas@privatohotels.com
Website: https://www.privatohotels.com/

CLICK HERE FOR MORE ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS IN ORTIGAS, PHILIPPINES

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ALSO READ: TOP 10 PLACES TO STAY IN LUZON, PHILIPPINES

Where To Eat and Stay in Makati City: City Garden Grand Hotel (Review)

Good food, perfect me time, nice ambiance, and complete and cool amenities.

This is how I can describe my experience at City Garden Grand Hotel in a nutshell. Situated at the heart of Poblacion, Makati City, I can guarantee that it can give you the best staycation experience here in Metro Manila. It is close to malls such as the A.Venue Mall, drugstores, and convenience stores. Its 32-floor building is full of awesome stuff that can make the guest have a satisfying stay.

City Garden Grand Hotel: The Check-in Process

If you have a prior reservation, then the check-in process will be a breeze. I arrived at late afternoon just right before the sunset and I was happily accommodated by the reception staff. I was asked by my identification card and I was provided the card key to my room. There is an option not to give a security deposit, in which case you have to pay in cash if you will avail some food at the restaurant or a massage.

City Garden Grand Hotel: My Room

Upon entering the room and dropping off my bag, I hurriedly went to the window to see the view outside. Since it is time for the sun to set, I saw a beautiful skyline of Makati city by the window. I bet it looks good at night.

The room has two beds, a vanity/study desk, a cabinet, and a bathroom. I love how good-smelling the room is, how every furniture is arranged properly, and how the lighting of the room is just right for relaxation.

The bathroom has a tub and a complete set of toiletries. I love the quality of the toiletries, especially the shampoo which smelled to good on my hair.

In the cabinet, there is a flat iron for your clothes and a vault to place your valuables.

What surprised me with this room is when I opened one of the drawers of the study table, I actually found some basic office supplies! There are scissors, glue, scotch tape, and paper clips. And since I am doing some work in my room that night, I found them very useful.

City Garden Grand Hotel Amenities

Swimming Pool

At the 32nd Floor of the hotel is the swimming pool and jacuzzi where you can enjoy the stunning view of Makati City while swimming and relaxing. Towels are provided by the staff and there are lifeguards watching out for the swimming guests. I love how relaxing the feeling is while you are in your swimsuit in the water while watching the sun set behind the buildings in Makati.

Gym

There is also a gym at the hotel and is free for unlimited use by the guests. You just have to tap your key card to the door of the gym. The gym has a good set of equipment and is very spacious.

City Garden Grand Hotel: Dinner at Firefly Roofdeck

Located at the 32nd floor of the hotel, this restaurant has a great view of Makati City skyline. They have a live band performing to entertain the guests and they sang really nice songs. You can also watch some sports by the bar.

Upon entering Firefly Roofdeck, I was happily assisted by the Manager on-duty and let me choose my table. He even offered me the option to sit upstairs but I prefer the one downstairs since it is close to the buffet. He even gave me a mini-tour of the buffet. Upon seeing the lechon, the creamy pesto pasta, and the breads and blueberry cheesecake, that’s when I decided to avail the buffet instead of ala carte meals. I heard their best option there is the seafood paella.

There is a vast set of buffet food which is primarily composed of Spanish and Filipino food. There are pastas, rice, meat, different types of cheese, salad, and some dessert. The ala carte menu also offers a huge selection of food ranging from pica-pica to rice meals. They also have alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. For the ala carte menu, I tried Nachos Ala Queen and the Irish Coffee and they tasted really good!

The Firefly Roofdeck is a large area which can accommodate more than 50 people but I really admire how the staff were able to manage giving a fast and quality service to the needs of all the guests. They were courteous, professional and attentive enough in responding to the guests.

City Garden Grand Hotel Breakfast at Spice Cafe

I am a lover of breakfast buffets and I have to say that this is one of the best breakfast buffets that I have tried so far here in Metro Manila. I came down to Spice Cafe at 6AM sharp since I have to check-out early and I was surprised that the buffet was all set, in fact I spent the first hour being the only person in the area.

The staff were very courteous and will happily greet you upon entering the place. They will ask if you want some coffee, tea, or hot chocolate and it will be served to your table. The breakfast buffet has a vast selection of food and they all look yummy but you can’t just try them all because they are just too many.

Bacon is something I am always looking forward to in every breakfast buffet, and Spice Cafe did not fail me because they serve the crispiest bacon ever. I partnered it with some pancake and blueberry spread. Yum! I was also able to try their pizza, salad, and bread.

The Verdict

City Garden Grand Hotel is a place for a perfect staycation experience in Metro Manila. the hospitality of the staff and the complete set of amenities is what makes it stand out among other hotels in the city. It is perfect for all kinds of travelers — whether you are a solo traveler, a couple traveler, or a traveler with a family. Every penny is worth spending in this place. Highly recommended!

City Garden Grand Hotel Contact Information

8008 Makati Avenue corner Kalayaan Avenue, Makati City
https://www.citygardengrandhotel.com/
https://www.facebook.com/CityGardenGrandHotel/
https://www.instagram.com/citygardengrand/

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Where to Have a Staycation in Manila: Privato Quezon City

(Privato Quezon City was formerly known as Meranti Hotel Quezon City.)

‘Me time’ has always been in my vocabulary. I am always looking for some peace and quiet places in Metro Manila if I cannot afford to travel home in Batangas. Since I have been regularly jogging in Scout Area in Quezon City, I was able to pass by several hotels and restaurants. And that is when I saw some hotels in Quezon City and Privato Quezon City or Meranti Hotel Quezon City caught my attention.

Located at the quiet neighborhood of Scout Castor Street, Quezon City, I think Privato Quezon City can give me the peacefulness I need. The view of the lobby from the outside is so inviting. Plus, it is close to establishments such as nice restaurants and convenience stores.

The Check-In Process

The check-in process was a breeze and the staff were really courteous and attentive. I did not have a prior reservation but I did not experience any hassle during the check-in process. Also, thank God they have available rooms that night. You will be served a welcome drink while waiting for your check-in to be processed.

Upon entering the room, I took photos of every corner. The walls are not white, surprise! But the lights give enough illumination to the room.

Privato Quezon City Room — HAHA excuse me while I take a mirror selfie :))

Another thing I loved about the room are the toiletries and the things written in it! It’s not as ordinary as reflecting the hotel logo with labels such as ‘shampoo’, ‘body wash’, and ‘soap’. For me this is so Instagram-worthy. But more than that, the toiletries are of high quality, especially the lotion.

Privato Quezon City Toiletries — The cute and uniquely-labeled toiletries!

I simply love the ambiance of the room. I can’t wait to pull off the sheets in my bed! Yay!

The Breakfast

I am a huge fan of hotel buffet breakfast because I am a huge eater like that (haha!), and I was really happy about the breakfast at Privato QC, number one, because, they have yummy and well-cooked crispy bacons!

They also serve other typical breakfast food such as fried rice, eggs, cereals, fresh fruits, and a variety of drinks. The breakfast area is located just beside the lobby.

Other Amenities

I have been hearing about beautiful the swimming pool is at Privato Quezon City, however I did not get the chance to visit or use it. I checked for photos in the internet and yes, the swimming pool is really beautiful! I definitely have to go back to Privato Quezon City for the swimming pool.

Privato Hotel Quezon City: One of the most minimalist hotels in Quezon City

I only had an overnight stay at Privato QC and I would definitely want to come back. Privato QC is one of the hotels in Quezon City I can recommend for a perfect staycation place for family, for couples, or even for just you. The room, the food, the staff, the swimming pool – they are all great. You can book a hotel room for as low as Php3500. Privato Hotel Quezon City, hence, is more than just a staycation place. It will also give you proper relaxation, a happy tummy, and an overall nice experience.

Privato Quezon City (formerly Meranti Hotel Quezon City) Contact Information

Privato Hotel Quezon City
82 Scout Castor Street, Quezon City

CLICK HERE TO CHECK AVAILABILITY AND RATES AT MERANTI HOTEL (PRIVATO) QUEZON CITY

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