Celebrating Raj's 11th Birthday at Makati Diamond Residences

To celebrate my son's 11th birthday, we booked a Two Bedroom Suite at the Makati Diamond Residences.  

We love that the Makati Diamond Residences is located just across the Greenbelt Malls, which was one of my celebrant's requirement for his to follow birthday gift hunting and shopping.  

The hotels luxurious lobby and top-of-the-line amenities and health and wellness facilities not to mention it's very amiable staff was very impressive.

We arrived two hours earlier than check-in time and was swiftly ushered to the hotel's Club Lounge.  We were offered drinks and snacks, while waiting for our room to be ready.

No wonder, the room took a while to finish - 

My son's birthday surprise :P

The room was nicely decorated ~

 Our accommodation is a two bedroom suite, linked by a seating area. 

One of the two (2) bathrooms (no need to rush while doing your thing)

My comfortable staycation bed ~ 

NOTES:

Guests staying at one bedroom suites or higher has Club Lounge access (open from 6am to 10pm)  Amenities and services include:

• Complimentary food and beverage privilege (breakfast from 6am-10am; evening cocktails from 5pm-7pm; refreshments, including beer, coffee/tea, chilled juices and soda from 6am-10pm)
• Complimentary Wi-Fi and Local calls
• Welcome drinks and snacks
• Access to the business center and health club amenities, including indoor lap pool and fitness center and TRX sudio
• Shoe shine service
• Use of meeting room for two (2) hours, including use of tablets and laptop inside the Club Lounge
• Private cinema access (for those staying in a two bedroom suite and loft units)

Guest have multiple dining options using the Dining Card, which allows guest dining choices outside the hotel.  Check this link for additional information ~ Makati Diamond Residences Dining Card

FINAL VERDICT

• My family enjoyed our stay at the Makati Residences. We had a comfortable and relaxing, worry free staycation.
• Location is A+ (30m to Greenbelt, 500m to Landmark and Glorietta area).
• Very good and amiable staff made our stay extra memorable.
• Unfortunately we were not able to explore the business center and health club amenities as we only stayed overnight and there was also so much to do outside the hotel.  

For booking and inquiries, please visit Makati Diamond Residences webpage ~ Makati Diamond Residences

Makati Diamond Residences 

118 Legazpi Street, Legazpi Village Makati 

Philippines

Trucklines: +632 3170099 or +632 8789699

www.makatdiamond.com 

 

Microtel South Forbes (near Nuvali): Hotel Review

My sister planned a weekend get-away for both our families and our parents. It has been a while since we visited Enchanted Kingdom and thought it would be nice to rekindle lost memories together.  The last time we were there was about 11 years ago.  We were there with our brother, who now lives abroad; and my sister still single.   It was indeed a long time ago, but I can still remember the fun time aboard  Space Shuttle; And my My mom's first and last ride time ride Anchor's Away  (she almost disowned us, after that hellish ride).

We arrived at EK at 11am, and was overwhelmed with the volume of guests.   Too much for catching up with lost memories :P

We only got to ride the Bump Car (twice) and the paid 7D Theater.  The 7D was cool and my boys liked featured attraction on "Zombies".  We had lunch at the Amazon Grill (which was a bad choice, since we smelled like grilled chicken after, strolled a bit, again paid extra to play the Carnival games, bought souvenir shirts and jackets, before finally surrendering to the long lines and the full packed park.   Did we get our money's worth?  Nah!  It was way too crowded. We should have chosen a weekday to visit! 
We left the park at 3pm and headed to our humble accommodation for the night ~  MICROTEL South Forbes (near Nuvali).

Microtel South Forbes is about 25 kilometers away from Enchanted Kingdom. And took us 45 minutes to get there.

I love Microtel Rooms, they have spacious rooms and offer basic convenience to travelers at an affordable price.  

My sister handled the room booking and charged me P2600 for the room inclusive of breakfast.

Now about Microtel  South Forbes ~  check in was fast and easy. Having paid just a fraction, of a hotel cost, we already expected less than a 4-5 star hotel accommodation.

We got three deluxe rooms at ground floor.  All the rooms are spic and span.  We requested two queen beds for us.  The beds were comfortable and fits our family of 2 adults and 2 kids snuggly.

My boy testing his side of the bed :P

However, toiletries was lacking. And there are no slippers or bath robe to speak off. 

They do have a safety deposit box for your valuables and hair dryer.

There is also no in room refrigerator, instead the hotel services a mini-pantry with hot water, with coffee and tea, a vendo machine (also located at the ground floor).  They also have ice available at the 2nd floor. 

There is also no pool, which was a downer.  The kids would have loved that.  

Although very near Nuvali, where the action is, it is still about 10-15 minute drive (with traffic).  It would be an inconvenient commute if you are travelling by public transport.

Breakfast was served buffet style at the Umenoya.  Choices was limited, but surprisingly delicious.  We had our fill before our final check-out.    

Overall, we had a fine stay at the Microtel South Forbes.  It is a good halfway house, if you are heading to Tagaytay, which is just an hour away from the hotel.  

Microtel by Wyndham South Forbes
(near Nuvali Sta. Rosa) is located at
South Boulevard, South Forbes Golf City, Brgy. Inchican, Silang, Cavite

      (I got the following photos from the Microtel website).

For reservations and inquiries, you may contact them through the following:
Phone Number:+63(49) 543-4888
Fax Number: +63(49) 543-4800
Email: southforbes@microtel.ph   

Manila Sales Office
Phone Numbers: +63(2) 899-7171 | +63(917) 888-1800
Fax Number: +63(2) 870 0319
Email: sales@microtel.ph, reservations@microtel.ph

Holiday Inn Makati: Our Favorite Makati Hotel

For my birthday, my family treated me to a staycation at the Holiday Inn in Makati.

 

My boys figured, mama could go birthday shopping, while they stay and relax (and yes, maybe play their video games) at the hotel.

 

Mama shops while the boys play (in mama's terms: no whining kiddos)...

 

It was such perfect timing too, as Glorietta Malls was running a weekend sale.

  

My loot! Yahoo!

 

 

Holiday Inn in Makati is the newest of the Holiday Inn hotels in the country.  The hotel just opened in 2013.

 

True to the Holiday Inn branding, Holiday Inn Makati distinguished itself as a family hotel ~ with it's children friendly activities and promotions.  Their "Kids Stay and Eat Programme" is a real come on.

 

 

We stayed in a twin  deluxe room, which was stylish and spacious at 32sqm.  It comes equipped with all the basic conveniences.

 

Comfortable beds...  

 

 

A 32inches cable tv (which kept my boys occupied the entire time, while mama went out to do her birthday thingy)...

 

 

 

A loaded mini bar ~ (my boy had his eyes on this Holiday Inn promotional teddy bear).

 

 A safety deposit box to keep your valuables safe, when you go out.

 

 

An iron and board, robes and sleepers...   

 

 

Separate shower and toilet (with bidet, yehey)...

 

 

Toiletries were also of good quality.

 

We paid extra for our breakfast though, since we got a room-only package.

 

We had  breakfast at "Flavors" their in-house restaurant.  Breakfast was good, but with find their spread quite limited.

 

 

Dessert on the other hand was great.

 

 

VERDICT

1. Holiday Inn Makati is a great choice if you are up for some shopping.  The hotel's direct access to the Glorietta Mall was so convenient. 
2. Being located the Makati Central Business District (MCBD), it is also a smart choice for business travelers.  
3. Customer Service is unquestionable. An A+ from the doorman, receptionist, room attendants, concierge and staff at Flavors.  

 

MamaSpeaks and the kiddos will be back! 

 

Holiday Inn Makati is located at

Glorietta 1 - Palm Drive, Ayala Center

Makati City

 

For inquiries visit their website: www.holidayinn.com 

or call 909-0889.

The Linden Suites ~ Christmas Holiday Season Promo

Are you looking for a quick holiday staycation ~ where you can truly relax?   Then check out The Linden Suites.

 

 

With the many hotels in the metro, The Linden Suites stands out as being one that offers business or leisure travelers world class accommodations and notable service.

 

The elegance and functionality of one of the top hotels in Pasig City is known for having spacious guestrooms.

They have 12 types of suites:

Deluxe Room

One Bedroom Suites

Two Bedroom Suites

Three Bedroom Suites and

Penthouse Suites

 

They have recreation areas, dining and health facilities for a well rounded and relaxing stay.

• The hotel offers buffet breakfast; all day dining and room service, function spaces that can accommodate small and medium size groups (available for business meetings and social events).
• They have recently refurbished their suites, complete with kitchen facilities, posh lobby, indoor heated swimming pool and more.
• Their in house dine establishment, Mesclun Restaurant And Café offers world-class international cuisine. Ideal for business breakfasts, lunch meetings, work dinners and family gatherings.
• Guests can unwind at The Linden Suites Health Club which has a fully equipped gym, temperature-controlled indoor pool, jacuzzi hot tub, and a sauna and spa massage.

The Linden Suites location is perfect for families wanting to have fun and enjoy. It is located right in the heart of  Ortigas, near major shopping malls and other leisure establishments.

This holiday season The Linden Suites is offering you the Suite-est Holiday with these special rates.

 

 

 

For more information on The Linden Suites, you may visit their website and facebook page:

 

Website: http://lindensuites.com/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/LindenSuites/

Trip Advisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Hotel_Review-g298453-d1199124-Reviews-The_Linden_Suites-Pasig_Metro_Manila_Luzon.html

 

 

The Linden Suites
37 San Miguel Avenue, Ortigas Center,
Pasig City 1600, Metro Manila, Philippines

Tel: (63 2) 638 7878
Fax: (63 2) 638 7877 | (63 2) 631 6547

Sales@Lindensuites.Com
Reservations@Lindensuites.Com
 

Thunderbird Resorts and Casino ~ Binangonan Rizal

Thunderbird Resorts and Casino is a mountain resort destination situated on the mountain ridges of Binangonan in Rizal.  It boasts splendor view of Laguna de Bay and the Manila Skyline.

Although Thunderbird resort is just a few minutes drive (about 15-20 minutes to be exact) from where I live, I have never set foot inside any of its rooms.

I have only seen the hotel from the outside, as a passing local tourist, while admiring the resort's neatly manicured landscape and relaxing pool area.

I find the price a bit too steep and so had to delay our Thunder Bird staycation waiting for a special occasion or at least a very good deal.

  

Great Deal

I was excited to see that Thunder Bird was at a September Travel Expo event I visited.  They offer Deluxe Rooms at a slashed rate of P4,000, available on a weekend. It was a real steal considering rack rates costs P7,000.

Celebration

I was excited since my dad is turning 72 in a months time and figured Thunder Bird with his "apos" will be a perfect place to celebrate his special day.  He hates long travels and Thunderbird was just a short distance.

Bad Timing ~ Typhoon Lando just landed!

Unfortunately we came is such a bad timing, Typhoon Lando just entered PAR.  I was sad since, the kids where excited to go swimming (my niece even bought new bathing suit to show off).  

We saw a couple of guests pool dipping despite the bad weather, but I don't think it would be safe for kids ~ so swimming was a pass!

The Good Side

Check in was smooth and fast.  I must give credit to Ms. Floraine Blanco - Front Office OIC for handling our reservations.  I told her we have senior citizens with us, and  she has arranged a room at the ground floor, without me asking.  I guess she assumed my folks would have a hard time climbing stairs so she placed us at the ground level.  That was real thoughtful of her. 

 

We got 3 Deluxe Bedrooms: one for my parents, my sisters family and ours. All three rooms were facing the resort's infinity pool. I was almost certain the view would be perfect if not for Lando (tough luck)!.

The rooms were huge, perfect for restless children running and monkeying around.

The bath room was equally grand, floors and wash basin tops marbled ~ very elegant!

 

 

 

The resort was still beautiful though it was already starting to rain, haizz... I can just imagine how lovely it would be like if we had a finer weather. 

Thunderbird Resorts is a wonderful place to unwind and relax. Would happily come back on another special occasion ~ and hopefully on a sunny fairer weather. 

Thunderbird Resorts and Casino is located at Eastridge Avenue in Binangonan Rizal.

E: rizalreservations@thunderbird-asia.com

T: (+63 2) 651 6888

F: (+63 2) 651 3893

M: (+63 917) 625 7868

For inquiries check out Thunderbirds website: www.thunderbird-asia.com

Crowne Plaza Manila Hotel Staycation

 

What to do on a long holiday-weekend?

 

Yup, you got that one right: A family staycation at one of Ortigas premier hotels~

Crowne Plaza Hotel

 

We booked ourselves a corner Deluxe Room.

 

The room is spacious (about 50sqm.), enough for my boys to run and play around. 

You don't get this much space abroad. 

 

The room has a floor to ceiling window that overlooks the hotel pool (which it shares with Holiday Inn hotel next door). 

 

 

 

My son, found his spot.  He claimed this comfortable side chair with foot stool for watching TV.

 

There is a 42inches LED TV hooked to good selection of local and international channels (obviously ours was tuned to the Nick and Disney channel the entire time).

 

  

 

Complimentary coffee and tea

 

 

Huge bathroom, with a separate shower and bath tub.

 
 
 

 

Yes, there is bidet

 

 

 

 

 Basic toiletries...

 

 Bath robe and a safety box, completes the room.

 

 

 

VERDICT

• Location is A+. We love that it has a direct access to Robinson's Galleria mall.   
• Service is great as expected of an IHG hotel. Staff are amiable and efficient.
• Our room is spic-and-span. However, age is catching up and would soon require renovation and probably some upgrade,  I remember the last time we've stayed at his hotel and it was immaculately clean, smells new too.
• Buffet breakfast is good with a wide selection of food, but fails in comparison to our previous visit. 
• Overall it is a nice family hotel.  We would love to come stay again, just by its location alone.

 

For reservations and inquiries, please visit their website:

CROWNE PLAZA