Daily Tribune: Family Staycation at the Heart of Manila

Written by: Gabrielle Borromeo

Photos by: Gabrielle Borromeo

Published in the Daily Tribune (Life Style section) on Monday, 11 August 2014.

Waterfront Manila Pavilion Hotel, a four-star hotel situated in the bustling district of Ermita, is a place to remember for our family who spent two whole days together for some rest and recreation.

To be enclosed with family for two whole days is quite a feat and the number-one consideration would be how to spend time with them and get some alone time, too, especially if one were to share a suite with everyone.

The minimally decorated, modern-themed suite was cozy yet spacious with a living area, a dinette and a bedroom with a bath that had a TV all of its own. We were watching three different shows in our own nooks — together and not so together at all times. For more alone time, some of us wandered around the hotel.

Inside Waterfront Manila Pavilion are entertainment hubs to cure the curiosity of the guests. There is an Ambassador Lounge with complimentary food and beverages, Windows and Mac workstations and docks for iPhones and iPads. 

The lounge is the ultimate hang-out place for those who just want to sit back and relax. There is also a swimming pool at the Poolside Terrace, located at the fifth level for those who prefer to swim their time away. This  outdoor swimming pool area serves light snacks and drinks. The Poolside Terrace is open daily from 7 a.m.. to 8 p.m.

The hotel also has sports facilities like the gym located at the sixth level, open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. for those who want to work out.For gamers, Casino Filipino is conveniently found in the hotel.For relaxation and massage facilities, the Embassy Spa is situated at the sixth floor.For those who prefer to know the city or head out, Waterfront Manila Pavilion is a stone’s throw away from Manila destinations like Rizal Park and Intramuros, which are famous Philippine tourist sites. The Malate entertainment district, on the other hand, can be reached within 10 minutes by Philippine jeepneys or a cab. Those into shopping can find Robinsons Place Manila closest by. For business-related travelers, Pasay and Makati City aren’t too far away.

After a day spent bonding together and exploring the hotel, we retired to the suite and at night the room was like a theatre, the window being the portal to the outside world bright with the tasteful lamps lit up, the street glowing with car lights that danced from time to time and the stars sparkling like diamonds. During the day, the room was illuminated by sunlight that shone from the fluffy skies of Manila.

The buffet at Seasons Café showcases interactive dining stations that serve complimentary breakfast for two for every night spent at the hotel. The buffet spread differs from day to day, with certain specialties offered to make a difference in every dining experience. Their desserts are extensive, featuring local and international selections. Seasons Café is open from 6 a.m. to 12 midnight.

Aside from Seasons, the hotel is famed for its rotisserie, the classic venue for prime rib and Caesar’s salad in the city of Manila; Peony Garden, which offers Malaysian/Cantonese cuisine; Boulvar Sports and Music Bar, where sports shows are broadcast or live bands perform over food and drinks; and the Patisserie, a French style pastry shop boasting of fine baked goods, premium coffee and continental breakfast choices.

For those who want to stay in for breakfast, lunch or dinner, guests can order their food via room service. The room service operates 24 hours for the convenience of the guests. All major credit cards are accepted in the hotel restaurants and reservations are made for the convenience of the guests.

Waterfront Manila Pavilion Hotel is located at United Nations Avenue corner Maria Y. Orosa Street, Ermita, Manila, Philippines. It is right beside Manila Doctors Hospital and in front of it is the Phil Am Life center. For more information, call +63 2 526 1212 or e-mail addy49017.