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.

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

 

 

 

Midas Hotel and Casino Review ~ A Posh Boutique Hotel

I snatched a Midas Hotel deal via a group buying website, which I thought was perfect for my husband's birthday staycation.

 

The package we got is for an executive room, inclusive of buffet breakfast for two (2), access to the executive lounge, high-speed internet access, use of fitness center, and free transport to the SM Mall of Asia (although we did not use the free transport, since we used our own car).

 

Location was perfect as we have plans of going to DreamPlay at the City of Dreams, located just a few minutes away the hotel.

 

 

 

 The Midas Hotel lobby is posh and modern.

The executive rooms are clean, but basic.

The pictures presented in the web are way-way better.

 

 

We opted for two (2) single beds, which were quite comfortable.  The linens and pillows smell fresh and new.

 

 

 

(The beds are a bit small, but the plush daybed made up for the lack of bed space. My youngest laid claim to this one!)

 

The room is equipped with flat TV, with plenty of channel options to keep everyone entertained.

 

 The bathroom though small is spic-and-span.

 

 

We had a clogged sink early in the day, right after  check-in, but maintenance was fast in fixing it.

 

The bath tub and shower in one.

 

 

 

 

Open bar with coffee and tea making facilities.

 

  

 

 

Bathrobes were provided.

Robes and towels smells fresh and new, as well.

 

I was surprised to see a complete ironing set nicely tucked inside one of the closets ~  very nice. This would come in handy especially for business travelers.

 

The safe works and is easy to use.   

Executive rooms come with Bulgari bath toiletries, impressive.

Complete toiletries set for two.

 

 

 

Guests billeted at the Executive Floors enjoy exclusive access to the Sunset Lounge for complimentary spread of gourmet snacks and hors d’oeuvres, and choice drinks from 4 pm to 8 pm. We were, however, unable to try this one since I don't want to leave the kids alone in the room.

 

 

VERDICT

• Staff are well-mannered and welcoming.  I felt so at home, with staff greeting us nicely, opening doors, carrying our bags ~ admirable customer service.
• There is no indoor parking, but they do offer valet parking for free to hotel guests, very convenient.
• Wi-Fi is complimentary ~ fast and reliable. My boys went gaga downloading games.
• There is no swimming pool, but my youngest made do swimming in the bathtub.   
• Buffet spread is plenty, but just so-so.  The pastries, however, were exquisite.  Since our package is just for two (2), we paid extra for the kids at P400+ each.

 

 

 

We were so into the pastries, we forgot to bother taking photos of the buffet spread...my bad!

 

 

 

I call this place ~ Pastries Haven!

 

Overall we had a satisfactory stay.  It is a decent hotel for business travelers, but not so much for families.  Although it is just a short distance the SM MOA, StarCity and DreamPlay, traversing to and from the areas of interests may pose a bit of inconvenience.

 

 

 

Location and contact number:

Midas Hotel and Casino

2702 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City 1300, Philippines.
Contact Number: +63 902 0100