Tag Archives: hotels in manila

orion hotel

Posted by rob on

need a decent place to stay in manila?

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Located on the 3rd level of the Prime Block Building, Orion Hotel in Manila provides guests with unrivaled access to a world of shopping. In the past, a journey to Tutuban would take hours of negotiating traffic-filled streets or a long, stressful commute. Now, as guests of Orion Hotel in Manila, one just needs to step out the door of their hotel to grab the best deals in the city.

Yet it doesn’t end at simply having a convenient location. With a range of amenities, services, and facilities on offer, guests staying at Orion Hotel in Manila are assured that they can go on shopping trips without a hitch.

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though i did not stay in this hotel to hunt down bargains in divisoria, what i needed was a place for five days in manila.  they offered an affordable rate and have read good reviews about them back at trip advisor so i decided it might be worth it.

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it is not a big hotel and they have only a number of rooms.

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their location is at the third floor of a mall but they do have their own separate elevator.

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the room was fine and has the basic necessities that i need.

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a deluxe room has a comfortable queen-sized bed.

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local calls (landline) are free.

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an in room safe and a personal refrigerator.

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the emergency evacuation plan.

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the toilet and bath of the room i got was designed for pwd’s that is why there are railings. it was a spacious toilet so a wheelchair can fit inside.

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bath amenities (soap, shampoo, and toothcare kit).

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breakfast set is included.

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the staff, specially the receptionists are friendly and helpful (they assisted me with the internet connection in my phone and laptop, printed documents and called taxi transport for me).  the hotel has two security guards which gives the impression of safety. it is a clean, basic and an affordable hotel to stay in the vicinity of manila.

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.

a night in a historic hotel

Posted by rob on

one of my 10 things i have not done before that i posted at the start of the year was to spend a night in a historic hotel.  well the oldest hotel that i know of in manila is obviously manila hotel and to take it simply, if it is old its historic, hehe.

established in 1912, manila hotel has survived even the bombing of manila during world war II.  the japanese troops took over and maybe even ate buffet dinners at café ilang-ilang .. lol! 

when i was about to check-in at the hotel, i told the front desk reception that i had the reservation done online but did not received confirmation.  they checked their records and voilà!  my name was not listed and not confirmed!  i thought i won’t be able to check-in and that will be a full embarassment on my part for i have invited a friend for dinner.  good thing they offered to take my card and charged me on the same amount as their internet rate. 

i chose a deluxe room and was assigned at the seventh floor, facing intramuros.  the room has its classic flair of furnitures and a modern marble-tiled bathroom with a water-proof lcd tv.  broadband internet and a fruit basket were complimentary – including nine pillows that almost took the space half of the bed! 😀

buffet meals are served at café ilang-ilang where i invited my blogger friend chyng for dinner.  it’s my advance birthday treat for her for she’s like a little sister to me and is the first person whom i’ve known who has the same birth date as mine.

i’m not really into food blogging but chyng’s post on café ilang-ilang will surely be a feast in your eyes.  read chyng’s blog entry, café ilang-ilang at the manila hotel.