During our trips, we seldom splurge on accommodation. A comfortable bed, a clean toilet and bath with hot water will be enough. Why? We will be outside most of the time to enjoy everything that we can wherever we are. We only need a place to sleep, to bathe and to…you know.
Last weekend, September 10~12, was a 3-day respite from work and school for most. But not for me, I have a work schedule on that Saturday. So instead of going on a road trip, Jonjie and I, once again have the same idea…why not a staycation in Manila.
We checked some luxury but affordable hotels and we chose Belmont Hotel Manila for two things. First,because of its rooftop swimming pool for our daughter Daniz. Second, it is within the vicinity of the famous Resorts World Manila. The discounted price is within our set limit. We booked it and we are good to go.
We left Pampanga around 10am because we plan to have our lunch in the famous Japanese Kerenderia in Tondo, Manila, featured in Rated K and in Lifestyle Channel. But when we arrived at a little past 12noon, the place is not yet open.
We decided to have our lunch in MOA, by the bay. Looking around, Jonjie spotted Chef Jayps Anglo’s photo, one of the judges of Master Chef Pinoy Edition, in a restaurant called Sarsa. We had a satisfying lunch (I will make a separate post on this).
Then off we go to Resorts World, along the way thinking that in just a few minutes we will be resting in our room.
The Lobby
If you are looking for grandeur, it is not. Instead, a soothing and calming hues of greens and yellows welcome guests in the hotel lobby. I love the chandelier of yellow and green glass lilies. Another feature that left a lasting impression is the glowing koi on the wall in the elevator area.
Our Room
The room assigned to us is located at the ninth floor…a Deluxe Twin Beds…as we requested. I was a bit disappointed, at first. At 23 square meters with two beds, the room look small. But what it lack for space, it makes up for in premium furniture and fixtures. Soft clean linens and towels.I love the feel of the soft pillows.
We really enjoyed the good strong flow of water from the shower and I like the hotel’s signature toiletries. Our only concern is that the one side of the bathroom, the shower area, is made of glass and the rest of the room can be seen.
The room features an open closet with bathrobes and slippers and in-room personal safe. Opposite the closet is a full-length mirror and a luggage rack. An executive desk with a comfy chair is placed near the window. When the curtains are opened, the view of terracotta roofs and high-rise buildings is clearly visible from the floor to ceiling window.
The Swimming Pool
It is located at the roof top. This pool is one of the reason why we decided to chose Belmont. Daniz really love water and in most of our trips, this is the highlight of her experience.
The Three of Us
Enjoying our togetherness in our very cozy room…just lazing around, doing nothing and making the most of our limited time here. And look, we’re in primary colors…not intentional.
Café Belmont
Buffet Breakfast for two is included in our overnight accommodation. For Daniz, we paid fifty percent. We are not expecting much and Jonjie and I were surprised of the available choices awaiting us. There are stations:
- Breads and Beverages Station – flavored water, juices and different types of delicious breads with jams and butter
- Salad Station
- Cereal Station
- Dessert Station – fresh fruits, cakes, pastries and pinoy kakanin
- Main Course Station – rice, pancit guisado, minced veggies with pesto sauce, fish fillet, bacon, tocino, sausage, different types of fried dried fish, soup
- Egg Station – omelet with several choices of filling, scrambled, sunny-side up…just tell your preference and it will be cooked for you
Upon entering, a big Central Luzon sign can be seen. According to one of Cafe Belmont personnel, the offering for the month are famous foods from Central Luzon. And the food theme changes each month.
Goodbye Belmont!
Then it is time to go back to the reality of life…
We had a wonderful and relaxing staycation…a new experience…a quiet and calm adventure.
We had a wonderful and relaxing staycation…a new experience…a quiet and calm adventure.
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Footnotes:
- BELMONT Hotel Manila is located in the famous Resorts World Manila. Below are some facts taken from http://www.rwmanila.com/
- Resorts World Manila (RWM) is the first and largest integrated resort in the Philippines. It is a one-stop, non-stop entertainment and leisure destination that features gaming thrills, world-class entertainment, unique events, and exciting lifestyle options.
- Conveniently located across from Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, RWM is the modern gateway to world-class Philippine hospitality.
- It is currently home to four lodging brands--the luxury all-suite MAXIMS Hotel, five-star MARRIOTT Hotel Manila, REMINGTON Hotel and BELMONT Hotel Manila.
- Also located within the complex is the three-story convention center housing the country’s largest hotel ballroom, the Marriott Grand Ballroom.
- Two more hotels, SHERATON Hotel Manila and HILTON Manila Hotel, are currently under construction.
- RWM is also home to the NEWPORT Mall which features international luxury brands, state-of-the-art movie theaters at Newport Cinemas, an award-winning, and the ultra-modern Newport Performing Arts Theater (NPAT). NEWPORT Mall offers a variety of dining choices with almost 50 restaurant outlets offering a diverse selection of local and world cuisine, prepared by top Filipino and foreign chefs and paired with a wide selection of the finest wines and popular liquors.
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