Jz and I decided to take advantage of my perks to avail of the weekend treats in Mandarin Hotel Makati. We originally planned to just book a De Luxe Room at 4500 php (taxes included) per night and breakfast for two included. But, the rooms are all booked on the dates we planned to have our stay. We decided to just upgrade the supposed reservation to a Business Room at 5000 php (taxes included). Business Room weekend treats include the same package as the De Luxe, only with complimentary local calls and wifi access The prices are applicable to those who have loyalty or company discounts. The regular price is not that bad though.It just 5500 php for both Deluxe and Business Rooms. The Superior Rooms are also available at 4500 php per night.Other more luxurious rooms are available at 6,000 php to 15,000 php per night.
At first, I was a bit of critical in noticing the parking. I just felt that it is odd for a hotel to have limited parking slots which are all located in an open area (comparing ti to most five start hotels). I also noticed that the hotel staff in the entrance are not that proactive in assisting guests who are about to enter the hotel. But, when we were able to reach the front desk staff, I forgave the not-so satisfying thing I noticed. The reception personnel was pleasant and courteous. She anticipated the questions I might throw and made sure all the information I need (wellness facilities, time of buffet, and other establishments in the hotel and its respective floors). The hotel's policy of not requiring a deposit which is usually double the total amount of the whole stay is very practical,. If the guest will pay in advance, they will not require the deposit as long as the payment will be done in cash. The guests have the option to either just pull out the mini bar or reinstate it by informing the hotel staff and just pay in cash real time.
There is nothing special with the size and fixtures in the room. I was impressed with the laundry and iron storage though. The bathroom has enough space and a complete set of toiletries are prepared for guests.
When we tried for the wi-fi access, we were glad that the connection is fast. We tested it on the macbook, iPad, and iPod and even ran an online speed test to prove that the wifi access is not for show (which happens in other hotels).
What I enjoyed in our stay is the 24 hour schedule of the gym. I never thought that working out late at night would give me that adrenaline rush I need to boost my energy and make my weekend worthy. It also helped me to effortlessly snooze past midnight. Guests will just have to bring the key card for security access especially past 10 pm when no attendants are on schedule. The steam bath room is also available until 10pm.
Every time guests would have their workout, the attendant will immediately hand free bottles of water, serving of fruits, and towel to make it a holistic wellness activity.In addition, the machines and facilities are up to date and user-friendly. These things made me forget that the it has been two hours of working out.
Another favorite is the brekky part. The Paseo Uno buffet breakfast offers vairety of American, Mediterranean, Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, and Continental food. The food servers are friendly and very attentive. The bread pudding can give my Heat fave a feat. I also loved the hot choco we requested twice which made me think that it was made with a bit of tablea and mixed with an imported drink to give that deliciously sophisticated drink. My other faves are the Mediterranean salad and pita bread with dips made of humus, feta cheese, and eggplant dressing.
Urban Thoughts:
- Guests who brought their cars has the better option to avail of the valet service if there is a need to drive somewhere else in between the stay. There might be some instances that parking will be full upon return. Not sure if we just experienced this because it rained and it is the Christmas rush - parties happening in the hotel, families and friends checking in for the weekend.
- It is better to take the non-smoking room since for the smoking floors,we were told the smoking scent of the previous user may still be sniffed by the next guest :P In our case though, our rooms were clean and free of that cigar smell.
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