My hands were fidgeting as we were stuck in the flooded street of Pansol, Laguna on a cloudy Saturday afternoon. Heavy traffic. I was worried that I might miss the graduation ceremony of my cousin in Los Baños and at the same time not make it to Resorts World early on that evening. As soon as we arrived at the program venue, I, being the family’s last and only choice of photographer, hurriedly took a couple of portraits and group shots then scuttled away even before the graduation march started. I was rushing for Marriott Hotel Manila.
Surprisingly it took me only one hour to commute from Laguna to Newport City, thanks to our clutter-free skyway. Upon entry at Marriott Manila, I was already mesmerized by the grandeur of the best hotel in the metro. Here’s why.
The front desk at Marriott Hotel Manila
Futuristic Front Desk and Lobby Lounge
My friends had already checked in a few hours earlier than me; I was the last person to arrive at Marriott. I went through the hotel’s security procedure, swung my bag onto my back, and strode towards its futuristic lobby. Having smelled the expensive scent that was lingering in the air, I knew the hotel was first class.
I headed to the concierge for check-in. Just behind me was the trendy lobby lounge where guests find instant comfort. I was immediately assisted by the receptionist on duty. She input my name into the system and I was handed my elevator access card and room pass. The whole check-in process was a breeze.
Lobby lounge of Marriott Manila
The trendy bar at the lobby lounge
What’s in the bedroom?
Being last to arrive meant the sheets were already crumpled and personal belongings were all over the place. Having said that, I didn’t have a decent photo of our bedroom for I didn’t want to malign the five star-ness of Marriott. Haha!
But seriously, we had a spacious room, an expansive bathroom, and an amazing view of the Makati and Taguig skylines. We also had fast Wi-Fi connection and access to cable TV. More importantly, what sets Marriott apart from the rest of the pack is that it gives its guest flight advisory for those who have flights to catch. Just simply look at the message that would flash on your TV screen!
Airline advisory as it appears on our TV screen
Makati skyline as seen from our room
Dining at Marriott Cafe
Buffet at Marriott Cafe literally translates to feast. Fiesta. I was able to try both its dinner and breakfast buffet, and I should say that the dining experience was truly overwhelming.
The dinner buffet offered a wide selection of fresh seafood and meat, a lavish array of international dishes, and an overflow of favorite dessert treats. The breakfast buffet offered the same degree of choices but a slightly different touch to suit the morning mood.
Seafood feast in our buffet dinner at Marriott Cafe
This is what our table looked like during the breakfast buffet
Jacuzzi and Locker Room
We were granted access to the jacuzzi and shower areas even after we checked out of our hotel room. Male and female have separate rooms–but with the same features–just to give guests a sense of privacy and security. A hotel staff helped us with handling our stuff.
Our bags and personal items were put in the locker while we enjoy these amenities located at the second floor of the hotel near the spa area. This huge room was equipped with a variety of toiletries as well as a clean set of beach towels and flip flops. There’s also a black door that leads to the outdoor swimming pool which could be shared by both sexes.
Jacuzzi at the second floor
Array of lockers adjacent to the jacuzzi and shower area
Lovely Swimming Pool
My friends and I love to take a swim. Each time we stay at a hotel we make sure to spend an hour or two at its swimming pool, making silly underwater videos and a lot of catching up on many random things. As expected, we found our happy place at Marriott Hotel.
The pool was fringed with palm trees and cushioned loungers. On the other side of it was a bar with cocktail drinks and other form of refreshments. It’s an outdoor pool exposed to all kinds of weather: in our case, it was drizzling, so we absolutely had fun skinny-dipping under the July sky.
The classy swimming pool of Marriot Hotel Manila
Dipping in the pool with traveler friends
First class experience at the Executive Lounge
Our Marriott Hotel staycation ended on a high note: we spent the rest of the afternoon at the Executive Lounge. Normally, it is patronized by Elite members, but even non-nembers can have access to it through room upgrade or add-on (PHP3,000/pax or PHP4,000/2 pax, variable amount). Breakfast access for PHP1,000, cocktails for PHP1,500, and an all-day acess for PHP750.
At the Executive Lounge you can stay while you wait for your flight, watch a football match, read the daily newspaper, or even simply lazy around. Here you get your private space at an optimum quality.
Executive lounge
Drinks, anyone?
More about Marriott Hotel
Marriott Manila is just a stone’s throw away from Newport Mall. We watched a musical play at Newport Performing Arts Theater and getting there was efficient. Entertainment and nightlife were within our reach. The property is also just across NAIA Terminal 3, so guests can easily get there at their most convenient time.
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