Birthday Staycation at Puerto del Sol Bolinao Pangasinan

We have always wanted to go to Bolinao, but the 5 hours drive from Manila and often unpredictable weather have been huge deterrents preventing us from visiting sooner ~

We were glad that we finally had an opportunity to finally visit Bolinao and experience first hand Puerto del Sol ~ for my youngest birthday weekend.

We left Manila at 5:30am and arrived in Bolinao at 1pm.

The road to Bolinao is a combination of both paved and rough road. The travel left us both hungry and tired. I checked the trusted TripAdvisor for recommended places to eat and became excited when I saw a signage directing to Sungayan Restaurant.

Sungayan is one of the best recommended places to eat in Bolinao.

(Will write about our Sungayan experience in a separate review), so yes, we stopped by to  re-charge  before our final stop ~ Puerto del Sol.

Finally arrived ~ Welcome to Puerto del Sol!

The staff were nice and accommodating.  Check-in was fast and efficient too.  The receptionist carefully explained our package inclusions, before ushering us to our accommodation for the weekend ~ the Mansion Villa.

Our birthday boy.

Waiting for our room...

The Mansion Villa is a short walk from the resort's entrance lobby and located right in front of the resort's swimming pool. 

I was completely taken with the resort's well kept garden...  

All that green is truly relaxing!

We were billed in a Mansion Villa (see picture below).  

Our room is about 29-30sqm in size with a private patio and seating area. The room is quite small and basic. 

The TV channel selections were limited (with some of the channels were not children friendly) and wifi really bad (there are limited areas in the resort that will give you reasonable wifi signal.  

The bathroom (the toiletries were mediocre).  It was good that the linens and towels were soft, nicely laundered. 

But these hang ups were no biggie, since we were there for the beach and the pool (with the beautifully trimmed garden, a plus)!

Comfortable bed.

Pikachu getting cozy!  

Sad that there is no real coffee maker/kettle inside  the room.  We were just given a thermos of hot water (note: you can request for additional hot water anytime).  There is also a mini-bar though, items inside were quite pricey (a bottle of beer at P100+).

Our private patio... 

If you are not in the mood to go swimming,  the resort has a gaming area that checked-in guests can use for free. They have pool, air hockey, ping-pong and darts.

Just a few meters walk from the Mansion Villa ~ Beach Bound!

The water does not go higher than your knees though  ~ not very good for swimming, but perfect for beach walks!

And since, this birthday boy has been begging to go swimming since the time we left Manila about 8 hours ago, we just had to go NOW!

Obviously enjoying his swim..

Our room package included buffet dinner and breakfast.

Food is served  at Café Del Sol and

La Playa, Al Fresco restaurant by the beach.

Food were good, but with limited selection.  I think the resort can better.

VERDICT:

The beach and pool are enough reasons to visit Puerto Del Sol.  

We enjoyed our stay. 

The kids had fun and the parents got to relax.

For questions and inquiries, please check Puerto Del Sol website:  www.puertodelsol.com.ph

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