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

 

 

 

Luxurious Family Staycation at Marco Polo Ortigas

I have always admired the Marco Polo Hotel brand. It is a known fact, that the Marco Polo has made a name synonymous to warm hospitality, comfort and luxury.

A staycation at its newly opened Ortigas hotel, was just simply waiting for the perfect occasion. And since we didn't want to go far this Holy Week, after last year's tiring Pangasinan trip, we thought a hotel break was in order. 

We booked Marco Polo's Easter Wonder Family Room Package, which included: breakfast for four (two adults and two kids), free access to the Piccolo Kids Play area, wi-fi access and tickets to the Easter Funtasy Egg Hunt. 

Our holiday started the moment we entered the hotel. The hotel lobby was grand and modish! Staff were genuinely courteous and hospitable.

The counter was a block buster, for a Black Saturday check-in.

Although check-in took a while (which was expected since many decided to stay in the Metro given the bad weather which was typhoon Chedeng), the stable and strong wifi internet connection, kept my boys busy; and the spacious hotel lobby with plenty of comfortable seating, served as my kiddos play ground while waiting for our room.

At check-in, we were elated to learn that we have been upgraded to a Premier Room (yehey! clap-clap).  Check out these room pictures.  

We fell in love with the rooms, right after we opened the door.

Our room is neat as pin.  The room is spacious, for the kids to run about (oh and they were running a whole lot of our time there).  Decoration is tasteful and very elegant.  While, amenities more than satisfactory.

Comfortable King sized bed

With separate seating area and welcome fruits.

Nespresso coffee machine and tea making facilities.

In room safe.

And one of the biggest bathroom we have been to.  You can fit a dozen people in there!

Separate toilets and shower area.

 

Luxurious marble bath tub, plush robes. Towels were new, fluffy and soft.

Classy triple bathroom mirror, with dual sink :P

  

Toiletries were only of very good quality.

The boys just had to check out the pool before leaving.  I love indoor pool (specially heated pools). This one is no exception.

One need not travel far to relax and have fun. For a quick weekend get-away with your love ones, MamaSpeaks recommends  Marco Polo staycation. Truly a relaxing experience. 

For booking and inquiries:

Website: Marco Polo Ortigas

Tel. (+632) 720 7777

Email: manila@marcopolohotels.com

Address: Meralco Avenue and Sapphire Street

Ortigas Center, Pasig City