Tag Archives: balikbayan accommodation

millenia suites

Posted by rob on

i have wanted to try the affordable hotels within the area of ortigas which is near the malls and heard about goldland millenia suites. i was confused at first of their location and when i read that it was just near a university, i have recalled its location and i knew it was just a walking distance from sm megamall.  

Goldland Millenia Suites is a first class hotel residences managed by Crown Regency Hotels and Resorts. Located in the heart of Ortigas Center in Pasig City, this 36-storey mixed-use complex offers accommodation for business or leisure travelers in search of privacy, comfort, convenience and eminent level of personalized service. Select from 178 spacious deluxe and suites rooms – the perfect retreat after a day of work or leisure from shopping and sightseeing in the city.

i have reserved a room through their website and when i arrived at the hotel, everything seemed to be ready when i checked in.

the room i got was at the 18th floor but my keycard wasn’t working, i had to go down again to the ground floor to get it changed.

when i saw the inside of the room, it was actually spacious and it really did not gave me that hotel feel but rather it was like staying in a condominium unit. the bedside table was actually missing its drawer but i really did not mind.

kitchen facilities where one can actually cook if they wish to.

the toilet is quite small with a shower stall but complete toiletries were available.

view from the room.

i had a simple breakfast at cafe millenia with a few choices from their small buffet though the staff was cheerful and attentive. i can’t say that my stay at millenia suites was that first-class, it was actually just an average one.

touched by midas

Posted by rob on

there was this tempting offer from deal dozen months ago for a one night stay on an executive room at midas hotel, a boutique-style hotel located at roxas boulevard in pasay city. it was a very good deal to pass so i purchased one, considering that i have read some good sponsored reviews about it and it was a good chance for me to experience staying at this new hotel.

i found out from my father that this hotel was hyatt regency before. he knows this area of roxas boulevard by heart for he used to own a jeepney during the early 80’s on this route. i told him that it is now known as “midas hotel” after it had undergone renovation.

i invited my blogger-friend, chyng to share with me this one-night stay at midas. as we entered the hotel i noticed instantly that the lobby is ultra-chic and modern. i read from an article that the plush furnitures are from well-known italian designers.

a very conspicuous part of the lobby is the floor to ceiling shelves with different-sized “hermes-ique” orange boxes.

a fiber optic chandelier also adorns the ceiling of the lobby. it’s a first for me to see one.

we were given a room at the 9th floor beside the executive lounge.

i like the simple geometric design of the hallway from the elevators.

the room was okay with a masculine feel on it. the sheets were not tucked in as perfect as it should be then chyng noticed a few hair strands on the bed, there were dusty areas that needs more vaccuuming – not really a thing to make a big fuss considering they are still on their soft opening status but still, it has to be improved if they want guests to have that good first impression and to look forward on their next stay.

early morning we had the complimentary buffet breakfast that came with the offer.

i had my morning dose of black coffee, a great way to start the day.

the food choices was fine with me specially they have smoked salmon which gave a smile on my face ( i don’t usually see that on a breakfast buffet spread).

chyng harassing my breakfast like a paparazzi, hehe. visit her blog for more about midas hotel – feel the touch of midas.

there is one thing that i appreciated most at midas hotel which is the utmost service of the hotel staff. they actually gave me an hour extension that i requested when i was about to check-out, i received a number of greetings in the lobby, elevator or in the hallway from the staff during our stay and the guys in the main door entrance were helpful assisting me to get a cab and carry my luggage. i hope they maintain it the same as that to all guests.

ooh you’re a holiday

Posted by rob on

holiday inn hotel beside robinsons galleria in ortigas center pasig city used to be known as the manila galleria suites.  i had a chance to stay here years ago and was expecting it to have changed (i.e., the interiors) for it now carried the name of “holiday inn”. 

as i least expected it, there were only a few renovations that was done in the hotel.  the classic contemporary wooden design of the room, the furnishings and the marbled bathroom were almost the same as i remember.

the king-size bed is comfortable with a choice of soft and firm pillows.  the room is spacious and though it looks outdated, it has been maintained well.

marbled-tiled bathroom with bathtub. 

bathroom amenities such as a bath robe and hairdryer are available.

a work space is provided in the room. high-speed internet access is available for additional charges, most hotels in manila does this for they know it is a necessity for business travellers, even an ordinary guest to have a net connection inside the room. at holiday inn, i think P600.00 is a rip-off to charge guests specially for an average balikbayan like me who checks in and pays from my own pocket. i wouldn’t pay for that amount and would rather use my mobile phone for internet if that is the case. some hotels do have wireless connections as complimentary, but not this one.

the view from my room (using pin-hole setting in my olympus pen camera).

the hotel restaurant, “fab” serves buffet breakfast. the staff are very attentive and there was a good set of choices for breakfast.

i had two cups of their freshly brewed coffee which was absolutely good!

i had some vegetable omelette, cheesy ensaymada, cinammon rolls and taho.

for my second plate i had daing na bangus, tocinong manok, pancit canton, sinangag and . . tuyo! i also had some lugaw with tokwa.

the hotel also has a bar where one can unwind and enjoy ones favorite drink. if you need a hotel room close to malls and ortigas center and not really specific in your budget, this hotel is worth a try.