Old Meets Young: Manila Hotel for R's 9th Birthday

On R's 9th birthday, we visited one of Manila's iconic places - Manila Hotel. We chose Manila Hotel for our staycation because it was just walking distance to the US Embassy and we feel it's the hotel where R and S can relate the most. We thought it would be like hitting two birds with one stone. Since R and S would be going for their visa interview early the next day, it's more convenient to just stay nearby.  And we know that the experience we'll gain from staying in this hotel would make R's birthday more memorable.

Top reasons why we love Manila Hotel:

1. Historical and cultural value

It's so nice to be in a place where world and local icons have stayed. It's like having something in common with General Douglas McArthur, Ernest Hemmingway, John F. Kennedy, The Beatles and Michael Jackson.  We inquired at the front desk if we can tour the room of General Douglas McArthur so the kids can experience how its like to be in a room where the General have stayed. The lady who toured us was very nice.  She even asked us to pose for photos around the room.

We also arranged for a visit to their mini library so we can see the mementos of their legendary visitors.  The hotel staff were very accommodating and were also very patient. They allowed us to look around and take photos. It was like an impromptu field trip.

  
2. The Room

Our room was facing the bay.  The sunset was a bonus. Everything was provided for. From welcome fruits to towels to stationery.  The bed was huge enough for the four of us.  The TV was huge. And it has cable which my kids really liked. The restroom is stocked with good toiletry brands. It also has a bath tub with a TV.  My kids were soaking up while watching a favorite cartoon. That's the coolest.

3.  The Pool

My kids love the water and having a pool to spend the rest of the day in was truly a come on.  And since it wasn't high season, we had, at some point, had the pool to ourselves. It wasn't really big but it was clean. Plus points for having a portion allotted for kids and the side for adults isn't too deep.

4. The Breakfast Buffet

When I saw the food that were laid our for breakfast, I froze.  It was that moment when it dawned on me that I wanted to try everything yet I knew I wouldn't be able to. I think it was the buffet curse.  You have all the food you like but you can't eat them all.  But nevertheless, it was such an experience.  We ate to our hearts' delight and stomachs' contentment. 

 

 

5. Walking distance to Rizal Park
We haven't really walked around Rizal Park at night time.  It was our first time and we enjoyed it.  Manila by night is also something nice.

Superwomom's Notes:

1. It was our first staycation and it was worth.  We inquired at their front desk but realized that it was cheaper to book through Booking.com.  So even if wer'e already at the hotel's lobby, we still booked through Booking.com.  We got it at around P2000 less because we booked online.

2. Address: Bonifacio Drive, One Rizal Park, Manila 0913, Metro Manila, Philippines

3. Contact numbers: +63 2 527 0011

4. Website: www.manila-hotel.com.ph/

P.S. To you R, it's amazing how you've grown. Wow! Nine years was so fast.  Probably because I had so much fun being your mom.  I'm truly blessed to have you for my eldest daughter.  I pray that you'll find good friends, so you'll be in a good path and enjoy life with good people. May you find the drive to pursue the things that makes you happy, it's the key in living a grateful life.  Mahal na mahal anak.