Category Archives: been there

distinctly richmonde

Posted by rob on

in san miguel avenue, richmonde hotel is another choice of good hotels around ortigas center.  i checked-in at this hotel as a walk-in guest, at first i thought there will be no available room for me but good thing there was.  richmonde is a few steps to reach the edsa plaza, the shangri-la plaza mall and sm megamall.

With The Richmonde Hotel’s extraordinary way of pampering, you’ll hardly feel away from home. With every stay at the Richmonde, experience a distinctly indulgent and comforting atmosphere where your every need is personally met. With our efficient and friendly concierge, professional housekeeping services and other special courtesies, we make you feel the extra attention that touches you from the start to the end of the day… the Richmonde way.

i got one of their superior rooms which has the basic amenities one needs for a night’s stay. 

a breakfast buffet is inclusive as well as free access to their health club.  wi-fi is available upon request with a separate charge (unfortunately, there are few hotels in manila which offers free wi-fi.).

now this was my desperate attempt to take a picture from the hotel window!  can you see the curtains? lol!

the malayan plaza

Posted by rob on

aside from oakwood premier, there is another serviced residence building along adb avenue in ortigas which is more budget-friendlier compared to other hotels in the area.

the malayan plaza hotel has it all. it starts with the perfect location in the middle of the ortigas central business district, the country’s fastest growing business and financial hub. guests of the malayan plaza can truly appreciate our homey and spacious fully serviced apartments offering easy access to the philippines’ newest shopping, dining and entertainment centers.

i reserved a room through their website and like oakwood premier, malayan plaza is a few steps away from the podium mall and sm megamall.

the room i stayed in was at the 8th floor, a studio superior room is about 40 square meters.  there is a balcony in the room but as you notice the view was the firewall of the next building (lol!).  well, it really did not bother me though most of the hotels i have stayed in has a scenic view.  broadband internet access is available but with an extra charge.

like most condotels, the kitchen has all the basic necessities you expect it to have.  my over-all experience at malayan plaza was quite satisfactory but i think they just have to add more choices on their buffet breakfast.  the malayan plaza is also the lowest priced condotel you will find in ortigas.

escape to thunderbird

Posted by rob on

when i am back home, there are just moments that i just suddenly decide to leave the house and go somewhere without telling anyone.  i then decided to visit a place which is only about a 30 minute ride from our house in binangonan, rizal which is thunderbird resorts.

Perched in a highland valley along the Sierra Madre range, Thunderbird Resorts – Rizal is more than the usual quiet mountain sanctuary. It’s a luxury getaway that provides a spectacular setting for you to relax, rejuvenate, and rediscover yourself.

this resort has been featured by some local bloggers including my friend, chyng.  i did called their reception and checked if there were rooms available and there were vacancies.  a special rate was offered by the receptionist as i checked-in wherein an overnight accommodation included an a’ la carte breakfast, a complimentary 15 minute massage, P300 worth of fiesta match play in their casino and free wi-fi.  just take note that they will require you a refundable P3000 damage fee which can also be used for any charges you acquire during your stay in the resort.

they also have an infinity pool and an outdoor jacuzzi.  i took a dip in this pool at night-time and enjoyed a scenic view of the manila skyline.

there is a pool bar beside the infinity pool where i sang my heart out (i did, haha!) with their free use of videoke.

the room i stayed in was cozy and spacious but i think they have to ‘upgrade’ their television set.  after staying at oakwood premier, i will never forget a suite with three lcd televisions!

a distinct asian fusion cuisine is served at koi, one of the resort’s restaurants.  i had vegetarian penne and pizza (i had to remove the pepperoni, and did i just said asian cuisine? lol!) for lunch, fudge chocolate cake for dessert, tofu with mix veggies for dinner and daing na bangus and sunny side-up eggs for breakfast.

it was surely an indulging escape to stay even just overnight at thunderbird, my parents did not even know i was there until i told them the next day when i went back home – good thing they don’t use facebook, haha!