Marco Polo Hotel Ortigas Manila - Staycation

ABBEY: Marco Polo Ortigas is a 3-year old hotel and we checked in for our Hearts’ Day celebration. 

The staff warmly welcomed us. Our room is at 41st floor with king-sized bed and a bathtub. Yey, they have Nespresso for coffee. And we also got 3 ponkans/oranges for Chinese New Year. 

The room was clean, the sheets are soft as well as the pillows. We had a relaxing stay at their hotel.

Marco Polo Hotel

Ortigas Manila

WILL: I am not surprised that Marco Polo Hotel in Ortigas received the Forbes 2017 and 2018 5-Star Award. Below are the reasons why:

1. Their staffs warmly and carefully attended to our needs. Like what? bottle of water, extra capsule for the Nespresso and tea, and additional tub salt.

2. Pool is tempered, it will be okay even if you swim after your dinner. 

3. Hotel service is right on time and on the right place when they fetched us after our Aiza and The CompanyY's concert. 

4. Their hotel rooms are dirt-free! The bed and pillows' softness fit my preference.

5. Bathtub and shower are spotless. I am not sure how the housekeepers do it? Amazing! 

6. Their public bathroom at pool area! OMG! It is like you are at an expensive salon. 

7. Their gym is awesome. No foul smell at all. 

8. There is Jollibee beside the hotel and it is 24hours open! Yahooo!!!

Rooms for improvement? Nah! Please be advised that you check the rates and fees on some travel booking sites. In our case, it is cheaper to have booking directly with them. We got the room for Php6,380.40 (without breakfast) per room and the hotel service from Greenhills back to Marco Polo is Php690.00/one way.

Totally and highly recommended for business and staycation needs!

***

Marco Polo Ortigas Manila

(W)www.marcopolohotels.com

(A)1600 Meralco Ave, San Antonio, Pasig, 1600 Metro Manila, Philippines

(T)+63 2 720 7777

(E)resv.mnl@marcopolohotels.com

The Heritage Hotel Manila Philippines

ABBEY: We checked in at The Heritage Hotel for the last night of our vacation. While checking in, the dragon dance started to celebrate Chine New Year. We got twin beds with toilet and bathtub. The sheets are clean. 

We went down and checked their pool in the late afternoon. Then on the next day we had a breakfast buffet. They offered eggs (omelette, sunny side up, and hard-boiled), breads, ham, sausage, nasi lemak (this is a suprise), juices, coffee, and tea. Nothing much special about the stay but we got a good sleep.

Now for the areas of improvement:

1. Check-in takes too much time. I think we waited for almost 45 minutes to an hour before we can go to our rooms.

2. Taking photos or video on the buffet is not allowed. Come on.. it is 2018. This is the first hotel who told me that I can’t take pictures except if we’re on the table.

3. Buffet items were gone and guests waited or asked for it to be refilled. If the manager is keeping attention on it then this wouldn’t happen.

4. Room furnishings are old. And the door knobs were malfunctioning. We have to input our room keys twice or thrice and have the knobs parallel to the floor before we can open the door.

5. I don’t know if the newspaper were given at random but all the three rooms we booked didn’t get one. Yes, I can call but if this is standard service then no call is needed.

I know this is a lot but I also know that Heritage Hotel has the capacity to improve and have more happy clients to stay at their hotel.

The Heritage Hotel Manila Philippines
Shower Pack

The Heritage Hotel Manila Philippines
Superior Room with Twin Bed

The Heritage Hotel Manila Philippines
Outdoor Pool

WILL: Our in-laws decided to beat the long journey from Meycauayan, Bulacan to NAIA by checking in to one of the nearest hotel in airport, The Heritage  Hotel. 

I am not quite familiar when they told me of the hotel name but when I checked the website it is updated and quite alluring to checked-in.

We weren’t immediately accommodated at the concierge due to lion dance! Well, its Chinese New Year! Who doesn't want to get some luck? 

When I saw our room, I remembered that The Heritage Hotel is quite old now. The sheets are not that comfortable, their bathroom has drawers and one of the cabinet door is dilapidated. The carpet is worn out. This is not what I expect in a hotel under the umbrella of Millennium Hotels and Resort. A 4-star hotel? I do not even dare to take shower inside their tub. 

We paid Php4,067 for Superior Room, buffet breakfast included. Be careful, for asking bottle of water, free water has a limit. Argghhh!

***

The Heritage Hotel Manila Philippines

(W)https://www.millenniumhotels.com/en/manila/the-heritage-hotel-manila/

(A) Roxas Boulevard corner EDSA Philippines 1300

(T)+63 2 854 8888

(E) hotelguest.hhm@millenniumhotels.com

San Rafael River Adventure - Experience Nature, Romance, & Serenity

ABBEY: San Rafael River Adventure is the place where we held our family reunion. It is an hour and a half away from Meycauayan. We stayed in their Glass Villa for three days and two nights. The villa is spacious: has two bathrooms, one master’s bedroom, one common room, two bunk beds and a private jacuzzi. 

You can bring your own food, buy them and cook or you can order from the resort’s menu. You can also try their water activities like jetskiing, speedboat, paddle board, kayak, and slides. Glamping is also offered. The place is very relaxing. There’s even no wifi :)

We want to commend Cedric for all the help he gave and meeting all our needs during our stay.

San Rafael River Adventure: Experience Nature, Romance, & Serenity

WILL: We seek and we found San Rafael River Adventure! Yeeeyyy! We do not need to battle the traffic of South just to have a relaxing place to stay for two days! 

So what's with San Rafael River Adventure that we immediately booked it? Well, it is their Glass Villa. It can accommodate 12 pax and it is just perfect to lodge our dad, three families and us.. couple. They have 2 rooms (queen size bed), 2 double-deck and a loft (single bed). 2 bathrooms, a long dining table and our own jacuzzi. The rate of Php24,000 per night includes set breakfast meal and the use of kayaks, floating slides and of course free fresh fruits just right off the tree (ask for permission before picking, ok?). 

Kids enjoyed the coldness of jacuzzi and pool, Papa RS love the kayak and they also tried boating. Abbey and RJ laughed their way to the inflatable slides. Me?, I enjoyed the serenity of the nature around me. The birds chirping, the cool breeze and the beautiful sunrise. The calm water of San Rafael River is so relaxing to stare. There's not much mosquitoes so do not be afraid. 

This place is pretty awesome and on our 2Nights-3Days stay we went for two photoshoots. 

Thanks San Rafael River Adventure for welcoming us and specially to Cedric who is always there in assisting and cooking for us. 

We highly recommend this place for relaxation, you do not need to go far on South or North, just in Bulacan you can find the relaxation you need the most.

***

 San Rafael River Adventure

(W) http://sanrafaelriveradventure.com

(A) Barangay Talacsan, San Rafael, Bulacan, Philippines

(T) +63 995 974 6224 (Globe) / +63 02 513 1569

(E) reservation@sanrafaelriveradventure.com

Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort

ABBEY: Spending quality time with family is a reward for every OFW. But being with them in an out-of-town trip with food and travel is more than a reward. Planning and booking at Villa Escudero got everyone excited and finally the day came. 

We left Manila by almost 7AM and got there by 10. We were welcomed warmly by their staff as well as their welcome drinks. And we were led to the cashier for the tickets. But before going in, we ate our breakfast. Everybody preferred to hop to the cart pulled by a carabao rather than motorised vehicle. I think the carabao got a hard time pulling the 20 of us. A folk singer rendered us native songs along our way to the Waterfalls restaurant. The kids went first to the pool and enjoyed the waters and each adult went for their own selfie time. 

Lunch time is at Waterfalls restaurant. Eat to your stomach's content while the stream of water touch your feet. I think I ate more than 15 lumpiang toge and pork adobo but with less rice. That's how you do buffet. Siesta became alive while the performers (staffs of the resort is part of this too) showcased cultural dances to the tunes played by the string band aside from drinking freshly brewed coffee. After the presentation, the audience had the chance to take snaps with them. 

We stroll along the resort riding a long golf cart; the resort has a church, halls for weddings and meetings, and cabins for guests who will stay overnight. 

We visited their museum which exhibits church relics, coins and notes from different countries, clothes used by former Philippine presidents, and war articles like guns and uniforms. 

It was a fun-filled day and ended up on a sip of hot bulalo of Leslie's in Tagaytay. Hoping there would be more like this.

WILL: This is supposedly a celebration of my mother's bday. In the very last minute, mother backed-out the idea. Well, we still pursue to visit the famous Villa Escudero. 

We traveled without traffic for almost 4 hours. Whew! I enjoyed the ride because of the non-stop conversation with my siblings. And you will not dare to sleep because Ate Sol relentlessly taking shots of the person who's snatching some slumber. Haha!

We were greeted by genuine smiles of the people at the concierge. We informed them that we have a reservation and we settled the fees. They accept cash and major credit cards. We ate some breakfast at the before we went inside. 

Carabao!!! We got into the cart and carabao pulled us to our destination. When the children saw the pool, instantly they took off their shirts and changed to their swimming outfits. Within a second their already in the pool enjoying the cold waters in it. 

Rafting is free and I love to do it again. Yes! This is my second time in the place. Abbey was partnered by my Kuya Ric and I was with Papa RS. Luckily Papa knew how to operate the raft. We sailed with a great speed. Blissfully enjoyed the experience. 

After our tiring-but-enjoyeable rafting, we went to the manmade waterfalls for our buffet lunch. It made my tummy almost burst. Haha! What ate mangoes, vegetables and lumpia. I made three trips for that. Drool!!! We spend 2 hours of non-stop-chewing. Haha. 

We went back to the pool and my siblings lie down on the beach seats for siestas. 3pm the performance starts. We watched while sipping a hot coffee. After the show we decided to go roam around the villa. You can hail the whole vehicle and they will tour you to the whole land owned by the resort. 

Our last stop was the museum. No cameras were allowed. Strictly for your eyes only. What's inside? Catholic images and a lot of paraphernalia. I hope they preserve and showcase it in a more organised way.  

We walked through the gate and saw our photos. My siblings happily bought it as their souvenirs.  

The long journey of 6 hours back and forth is worthwhile. Time spent with your loved ones is never been a wasted time.

Golden Phoenix Hotel in Boracay (Station 3)

ABBEY: This is the second hotel we stayed in during our Boracay trip. Since it is at station 3, we sprinted to Station 1 to meet our contact for parawsailing and stand-up paddling. We were greeted by tables of food coming back from our water adventures. It is a buffet dinner. I took a lot of pork and chicken barbecue and made it a feast. I also have siopao and some fruits. There's not much guest during that time.

We went for a foot massage after dinner at their in-house Hotel Dream Spa. For less than 1000php, you can have an hour of relaxing and ache-removing massage. The massage is awesome and I had a good night sleep. My feet got very tired after all the activities but it was gone the next day. 

The next morning the rain poured but we were not dampened by it as the "unlimited" breakfast is waiting for us. Omelletes, sunny side up, dumplings, watermelon, and fried rice were available. Good thing we stayed for a while as they brought out lechon later; crispy lechon skin. Wow.

Wifi is chargeable per day. But during our stay it is free.

Few items though for them to improve. As I'm working on bank, I know how critical information security is. When we are doing our booking at the hotel, the staff is asking us to give the credit card number. Yes, this is ok as most hotel is asking for this. But they are also asking us to give a scanned copy of a valid ID copy and back of the card which the CVV is located. For what? Once the CVV is given, security is lost. Maybe it is part of the hotel's protocol, but once that info is out anybody can use the card. This is the only hotel who asked us for that.

Next is, Wilma is having a habit to put her feet up on the chair while sitting. I don't know the reason why, but she was told to put it down and we obliged. Maybe she has very short shorts. Thank you for the concern.But the next morning while eating, I saw one guest who did just what Wilma had done and wearing "short" short also but she was not reprimanded. That same staff is there eating as well. I waited for the staff's action, but resulted to none. Is there any different policy between a foreign tourist than a local one? If there is none, then better to check your staff's behaviour.

WILL: Because I want to experience the both world that is why we stayed at MNL Hostel at Bulabog Beach and I looked for a beachfront hotel at the stretch of white beach. 

Then I stumbled upon at the Golden Phoenix Hotel. They are having a free dinner buffet promotion and that enticed me to book on their hotel. 

What I like about this hotel? First, is their feather-soft pillow, no unnecessary smell and so white and clean. Second, their breakfast. Dimsum is overflowing. I think I have up to 10 servings of it, and 5 of those are spareribs. Third, their Dream Spa is open til midnight. For 60minutes, I slept there while Abbey and I are on a session of foot reflex. 

What are the cons? The pool seems full of sands so we do not dare to hop in to the pool. No white light inside the room, not totally lit. When we are having a dinner, a very loud speaker is in front of the hotel, it is irritating. No bidet?! And the last..I have this attitude that I always put my feet up on the seat. It is either on indian seat or fetal position.While we are waiting for our keys to check-in, one of the staff approached me and requested to put my feet down. I obliged without a word. But when Abbey saw a foreigner while eating breakfast and her feet are on the seat and nobody approached her, my husband is like a volcano ready to erupt. Haha! I told him that I am okay to stop his anger. 

Sometimes hotel is good but because of the attitude and management of the people working in there make the business flap down.

Cheap Dinner Buffet at La Carmela de Boracay

ABBEY: After a 3-hour trip from Manila to Boracay and walk along the beach, we ended our first day with a buffet dinner at La Carmela. It is a 12-15-minute walk from D Mall. After paying PHP700 for two, we were led to the table where sumptuous food is waiting for us. I got some onion rings for appetizer. Then I took a plateful of beef mushroom sauce and chicken cacclatori; had some fruits and greens also.

We got a table on the beach and enjoyed our dinner with a view of the sunset. I think I made 3 trips to the buffet. 

The night ended with a fire dance. Make sure to empty your plate else you'll be paying double. This is their initiative for their anti-food wastage drive.

WILL: On our first night at Boracay, we would love to have a buffet in preparation of tomorrow's activities. Haha! As I have read too many blogs, Buffet at La Carmela is worth the price of Php350.00

Not so many choices but having a sky's-the-limit mini crabs and shrimps sufficed the amount we paid.

Having a dinner by the beach is romantic but it is more sweeter if you are eating while marvelling the magnificent bursts of colours of the sunset.  Around 7pm, the fire dancers arrived and we watched their performances. After that we ate again and that time I go for the Mongolian bbq. Excellent!

A cheap alternative eatery for a hungry tummy.

Nami Resort's Spa and Massage Services - Best Spa in Boracay

ABBEY: Nami Spa is at the West part of Boracay, yes at Station 1. Beforehand we already knew that they are offering massage services. So we rode a tricycle and went there. The reception is at the top of the hill. You need to ride their elevator which is the kind of lift used when a building is being built. But you can't contest the interior; it was good. 

A couple spa costs Php1980 and yes they accept major credit cards. We were guided to a room where we can see the beautiful view of sunset and sea, plus the full moon during that time. 

I forgot what happened after I jumped onto the bed as directly went to slumber land. At the end of massage session, they applied peppermint ointment which made our bodies more warm and menthol-cool effect as we inhale. It was relaxing. They also gave us a cup of delicious ginger tea. 

I really wanted to sleep right there but we need to go back to our hotel.

WILL: The range of massages at the beach is Php300 and up. But if you want some privacy and some quite moment while lingering the kneading session you need to pay more.  Massage is so popular in Boracay that almost every corner has an establishment that offers it. It ranges from Php1500 and up to staggering amount of Php7000+. Expensive it is. But of course, we will definitely look for a cheaper alternative. So we headed to Nami Resort.  Nami is located at Diniwind Beach which is 5 minute walk from station 1, but we chose to hail a tricycle for our convenience.  We were shocked to see the magnificent view in front of us. Nami Resort is located on a hill. From the beach, you need to take their stairs, press on a buzzer and a unique elevator will come down to fetch you uphill.  After our mini sessions with Mother Nature, the masseurs came to us and informed that we are about to start. Then they lead us in a couple's room that overlooked the beach. Awesome!  Enough with the view. The massage? Well, I heard Abbey snoring. That sentence maybe enough? Ha! Ok! My masseur concentrated on my neck and shoulder. Oh gosh! She knew where my pain and anxiety is coming from. After the massage a peppermint was applied to my back and chest. It gave me a sense of relief.  After our 1-hour session they served hot ginger tea. Soooooothing!!  I hope this blog will help tourists in Boracay where they need to run when they need a massage with an excellent service, view and romantic aura.

MNL Beach Hostel Boracay

ABBEY: We stayed at MNL Hostel on our first 2 nights in Boracay. It is near Bulabog beach and a 15-minute walk from D Mall. We got their suite. As it is a backpacker hostel, our room is the best in building. It has its own toilet and bath, a queen sized bed, and it is on the top most storey. Yes the rate is cheap, but the experience is awesome. 

The wet clothes should be outside your room, toiletries are not included on your payment, no phone to call the front desk, no wifi on your room except for common places. But the staff will guide you and advise you for your itineraries. They will always be available and smile as they greet you. 

Activities like beer pong, billiards and movie night under stars are there. Bike rentals and tour packages are also offered. Fellow backpackers will meet and communicate with you during make-your-own-breakfast buffets. It will make you a free-spirited and a laid back individual.

WILL: We want a cheap accommodation that the quality of service was not compromised. Like other hostel that we booked, MNL Boracay didn't fail us. 

For only Php1,300/night for its air-conditioned deck suite. It includes a queen size bed, towels, flat screen led tv with cable channels, and a breakfast. It offers free wifi at the common areas, billiard and roof deck watching area. 

What I love the most at this hostel? The friendly staffs that will greet your mornings and the ambiance of having a laid-back and happy life. We enjoyed the white beach for just few steps away and the serene grounds of Bulabog beach too. 

Till next time MNL Boracay. Thanks for providing an affordable room for frugal but chic travelers like us.  

SILEO Balamban in Cebu City

ABBEY: Honestly, I forgot the name of the place where this beautiful house is located. But I do know that it is an hour travel from Cebu city proper and you will go up, yes up not north as it is on top of a hill. 

It's a 3-storey house; guest rooms with toilet and bath at level one. Next storey is dining, kitchen and living room. And on the top is a library and the master's bedroom. Since it is on a hill, the second floor acts as the main one. 

A veranda will give you a good view of adjacent hills. In early mornings, fog engulfs this space. There is a nearby restaurant which offers not only food but have "anger and fear management" activities. You can throw a plate on the wall if you're angry or conquer your fear by riding the zipline. The place is very good for relaxing and vacation.

WILL: Hey Cebuanos are you envious of people in Luzon because they have Baguio City? Look no further. You also have Balamban that Manila boys and girls are eyeing for their next vacation trip.

When we get there at Cebu, John’s mom is our host, Mommy Coy. She lent us car and their rest house up above Mount Manunggal for a night. We went there late that we never got a chance to have a glimpse of the whole area. When we arrived at their home, we were shocked to see the food waiting for us. It’s a feast!

The famous lechon Cebu was there, wine, rice and a lot more that our tummies cannot afford to take more. After our dinner we stayed outside for some wine. We talked, laughed and reminisced. It is November and the weather is so freezing cold. The breeze is cold as Baguio City but fresher.

After finishing our drinks we went to our rooms and awed with joy. Shocks! In my head, I am thinking is this a hotel or  just a house? We are so lucky to experienced this stay here! I told to myself by tomorrow I will ask Mommy Coy how much she invested in this magnificent home.

Sun rose and we were all up. Showered and went to Adventure Cafe. After our zip line escapade we went back to the Sileo and saw Mommy Coy. The ever warm and all-smile Mommy Coy. We talked about the house and more plans for the home. We told her that the rest house is awesome and why not help the others to experience also the wonderful time we had while staying in her home. Abbey and I confess that we want also a home that exactly like that. A peaceful home surrounded by green scenery.

Now readers, we are so excited to announce that this resthouse is open for public. Bed and Breakfast Style. We personally recommend for you to stay and know for yourself the amazing and serene time we had in this place.

For more information, please visit SILEO facebook page.

Icon Hotel North Edsa Manila

ABBEY: Since we visit Philippine as fast as the blink of an eye, we need to maximize our time there. So it means we're either in our friends' house, cafe, or restaurant. Going back home is not an option for us due to security reasons. We always plan to crash at a hotel to spend the night. And then we came to know of Icon Hotel North (near North EDSA MRT). 

In their name itself, the hotel is all about worldwide icons like Steve Jobs, Cleopatra and Marilyn Monroe. They named each room with an icon and treated their guests as star. As promotion, a 12-hour stay costs approximately 1300 pesos. This includes buffet breakfast for two, wifi, and a premium room. They accept cash and credit cards for payments. 

WILL:  After working for almost 5 years in Singapore we don’t have a home that we can call our own. When we go back to Philippines, we always stayed at our parents’ home. And every time we’ll hang out late, we always decide to go in a hotel to check-in rather than bothering our parents. We are so lucky to go to Icon Hotel in EDSA. Thank you Denise for the recommendation. Why we are lucky? We got a decent room in a very affordable price.

The lobby is wonderful. The room is neat. The sheets were clean. Oh they have quilt, awesome! We only paid Php1,299.00 for 12hour stay with breakfast buffet. Although they offer only 5 main courses it is still better than nothing. This is a family hotel, a budget hotel that you can spend time with your whole family. You can totally relax as you cannot hear the honking of buses and revving of the vehicles. They also housed a pool and a mini theatre at the lobby. Almost perfect until I got to touch their faucet. Please scrub it before the bacteria will build up on that small portion of your room.

Concierge is always smiling and ready to accommodate all your needs. Salute to this brand new hotel. Already recommended to my family and friends. Please do check them out.

Victoria Court Caloocan

ABBEY: This motorists' hotel always show different type of rooms whenever I pass by EDSA going to school. Any room theme that you can think of I think they have it; XMen, 50 shades of Grey, Asgard and many more. We checked in and we're escorted by the full force of my in-laws after a full day of relaxation and family bonding time. It is as if we're newly weds and they are pushing us to consummate our love :)) 

For less than 2000 pesos we got a deluxe bedroom including breakfast. The washroom has nice design of floor tiles though the room appeared smaller by its shade. Cable TV is very poor. It's as if you're watching from an antenna. Well how can argue with it when I only paid less :)


Upon checking out, we were asked if we want a cab, but we told the receptionist no need for that. Most Pinoys doesn't want being seen coming out from that place. (if you know what I mean) We wanted to know how it feels being stared at by people knowing that you just go out of a motel; we're married and we needed a place to stay and relax :)

WILL : Since this is just located outside of our place, I am fully aware of this it. Abbey and I planned to check-in in a hotel around Manila but time was so constricted that even an hour is so precious.

So we decided to go for Victoria Court in Balintawak, my siblings drove us through to the motel. Abbey deserved a goodnight slumber, a fully airconditioned and all-silent room. He and Ate Gail attending Mama Sweet, and he is obviously lack of sleep for the past week.

The room is very spacious, the sheets were all white and I felt that is really clean. The bathroom seems so sanitized and they have an unlimited shower gel/shampoo. Do not have a comfy blanket so we phoned the reception and asked for another sheet.

We have a relaxed sleep, no buzzing of people voice or honking vehicles. Refreshed it is!

We paid around Php1900.00 for 12 hours with breakfast, oh they will give you a free drinks once you ansewred their survey.