the last time i was on days off i made a room reservation at dusit thani manila, a five-star hotel located in the heart of makati central business district. it used to be named as hotel nikko manila before it was acquired by dusit thani, a bangkok-based hotel and resort company. i invited my blogger-friend, chyng to join me on this indulgent stay.

i did my room reservation directly on their website where they offer their best rate. as much as possible, i always reserve directly on the hotel website to avoid hidden charges that i have met on certain online hotel reservation services.

though we had to wait for a few minutes to have our room available, we stayed on the hotel lounge near the bar and had our complimentary welcome drinks served.

near the entrance to the elevators was a woman playing a traditional thai stringed musical instrument called as the khim, where it produces a soothing and dramatic sound while being played. i have seen one before when i visited bangkok last year during an open-air cruise dining at loy nava, along chao phraya river.

we then proceeded to our room at the 10th floor.

the room is spacious with russet colored wooden furnitures.

a comfortable king-sized bed awaits a restful sleep. a sofa, separate work desk and lcd flat screen television (also in the living room) are available.

there is a bar counter with fully stocked mini bar and in-room coffee and tea making facility (watch out for the P500.00 half litre evian bottled mineral water!).

here’s the immaculately clean, brightly lighted toilet and bath. there is also a small washroom near the living room.

luxurious french toiletries from l’occitane en provence.

chyng and i had dinner at basix, an all-day dining restaurant at dusit that serves asian and international cuisine. i actually have two 50% off vouchers that i purchased from cashcash pinoy that was all worth it. it wasn’t my first time to buy a discounted deal from them. i never had any problem using it, i was only required an id, a signature and off we go to the dining area.

it was my first time to dine at basix. i chose roasted chicken, aglio olio pasta and some grilled shrimps and crab in butter that i shared with chyng.

though there were many dessert choices like a variety of cakes and crepes, i resorted on having some native rice cakes and halo-halo that i miss most when i’m at work in the middle east.

the room rate includes a strong and good internet wireless connection.

divinely dusit.. using gifts of heaven to create heaven on earth.

spa service is available at devarna spa, at the second floor of the hotel.

we returned the next morning to basix restaurant for the buffet breakfast included in the grand room package.

black coffee to start up the day.

the DFiT fitness centre which is on the same floor as devarna spa provides guests a complete array of fitness equipment and facilities.

the outdoor swimming pool.

overall, dusit thani is a taste of thai hospitality at its best. more of dusit from chyng’s blog post, staycation at dusit thani manila.