Escaped to Puerto Princesa ~ One Manalo Place

For my baby brother's Philippine visit after 10 years living abroad, I have planned a Puerto Princesa getaway for our family of  eleven (2 seniors, 6 adults, a teenager and 2 kids).

Up in our accommodation checklist:

• Good security
• Location must be within the city 
• It has to have pool
• Must have hotel amenities with personalized service (we initially wanted a big hotel, but soon decided a more private set-up that feels like home)

Our checklist led us to One Manalo Place, a modern and elegantly designed hotel with a resort vibe.  It is just 2 minutes away from the airport and very accessible to restaurants and shopping areas.

Amenities includes an outdoor swimming pool and fitness center (which was a plus from our checklist).

 My son had the pool all to himself :P 

We got 4 bedrooms all situated at the ground floor surrounding the pool area.  Each room has private bathroom , flat screen cable TV, air-condition and hot and cold shower.

WiFi connection is free, but was bit spotty in some areas of the hotel.

Dining options includes Aplaya Seafood Restaurant. We were only able to try this one for breakfast. 

My baby brother (left) with my hubby (right), gamely posing before saying our final goodbye (for now) to Puerto Princesa, Palawan. 

VERDICT:

• Airport pick-up and drop off was included in our package - very convenient.
• Check-in was fast.  Though check-in time was at 12nn, we were allowed to check-in early (9am) in 2 of the 4 rooms we booked. 
• Ms. Jean was very helpful in accommodating all our special requests.
• One Manalo checked all our accommodation's checklist requirements, with a plus fitness center.  The Fitness Center is fully equipped with modern fitness equipment.
• Buffet breakfast came free with our package. Spread was limited but good.
• Staff were friendly and cordial. They know when to give you quiet private time.
• Rooms are clean.  Housekeeping even cleaned it again and made up the beds and provided additional toiletries, clean towels and linen on our second day. However, I liked our 1st day towel better. The 2nd day towels were old and needing replacement.


One Manalo delivered!  We totally enjoyed our stay and will not hesitate booking it again when in Puerto Princesa.


One Manalo Place
Brgy. BancaoBancao, Manalo St., Puerto Princesa City
Email: reservations@onemanaloplace.com
Landline (+63) 48 4341280; (+63) 917 512 5111




Check also our chill time at the Mayad Café:
Mayad Cafe ~ Palawan's Goodness in a Cup       

Summit Hotel Magnolia ~ Hotel Review

 

Why travel far (with traffic and all) if you can have the bonding you want near the Metro?

 

Check out our most recent staycation hotel find in Quezon City ~ Summit Hotel Magnolia.

 

This hotel is perfect for shop-a-holic mommas as it has direct access to Robinson's Magnolia mall. So cool!

The hotel lobby is small with very few sitting, but quite chic with bits and pieces of modern elements.

 

My son while waiting for our room.

 

A room at the Summit Hotel is really affordable. A Super Twin room cost a little over P2500 plus VAT.  We got ours at a much lower price in a travel expo.

 

All rooms come with:
· 42-inch, flat-screen TV with HDMI, USB ports and Premium Cable Channels
· Executive Work Desk
· Individually Controlled Air Conditioning Unit
· High-quality Bed Linens and Duvet Covers
· Ultra-soft, non-allergenic Pillows
· Coffee/Tea Making Facility
· Mini-bar Chiller
· Private Bathroom with Hot and Cold Storm Shower
· Hairdryer
· Vanity Mirror
· In-room safe
· RFID Proximity Card and Lock System

 

 

Our room is smaller than we have expected, but given the price we paid for, we are not really complaining.

 

 

The beds were soft and comfortable, however, I think they are a bit small to fit my family of 4 comfortably (sleeping arrangement for 4 person needs a bit of imagination). 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Our package came with set breakfast for 2 in café located right next to the hotel ~ Club House

 

 

VERDICT:

• Location is right next to Robinsons Magnolia ~ perfect for those who wants to do some major shopping. 
• Rates are really affordable.
• Summit Hotel is a no-frills hotel, but offers all of the basic amenities to make your stay comfortable. They have wifi but comes with additional charges.  Though you can get free wifi at the mall next door. 
• Breakfast is free for 2 pax, but additional meals cost a fortune.  We paid about P500 for a simple breakfast meal for my son.  Food was nothing spectacular.
• Service is very good. Check in was fast and efficient. The staff at the reception and the bell door man are friendly and accommodating.
• We were a bit sad since there is no pool.  A pool would have been great, especially during summer.
 
For inquiries on Summit Hotel Magnolia (SHM), please visit Summit Hotel's webpage at Summit Hotels Philippines.
 
Doña Hemady Street corner Aurora Boulevard, New Manila, Quezon City, 1111 Metro Manila
 

Looking for cool activities to do near Summit Hotel Magnolia? Check our visit to the Art In Island Museum.

Art In Island ~ World Class 3D Art Museum

Take a Peak ~ Altro Mondo Arte

 

Located at the 4th floor of Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences in Altro Mondro Arte.

 

Altro Mondo Arte at the Picasso is a small art gallery show casing work art of young and upcoming artists.  

 

 

Exhibits are changed every 2-3 months.

 

During the time of our visit they were running an exhibit titled "Album" showcasing the works of young art geniuses  Isko Andrade, Marko Bello, Jerome Choco, Micko Macariola and Bryan Teves.

 

In "Album" the artists gave viewers a glimpsed to their sub-conscious as they re-constructed pieces from classic photos from personal albums.

 

 

 

 

 

My youngest showing some art appreciation!

 

 

 

Altro Mondo · Arte Contemporanea 

Locations:

 

4th floor of Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences.

 

Main gallery is located at the
   3rd Level, Greenbelt 5,
Ayala Center, Makati City.
 

For inquiries, please visit their website

www.altromondo.ph 

 

 

Check out also our stay at Picasso Boutique Hotel here: Sylish Abode in the Heart of Makati

Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences ~ Stylish Abode in the Heart of Makati

I was on a hunt for an affordable place to stay in Makati on a Christmas time weekend that is walking distance to Ayala Triangle, as we planned to view Ayala's Festival of Lights Show. 

I found the perfect place in a group buying site ~ Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences for a little over P4000 inclusive of breakfast.

Theming drew inspiration from Pablo Picasso.  The rooms are named after places in Pablo Picasso's life.  Paintings and art adorns the hotel lobby and rooms ~ you would begin to wonder whether you are in a hotel or just stepped into an art gallery.

We booked a Malaga Studio Room. 

Our room theming is inspired by an abstract deep yellow painting.   

  

L-R/T-B: (1) There is a balcony that opens to the road down below; (2) The inspiration painting for our room; (3) A full study area with free wifi; (4) Decent sized and really comfortable beds

L-R (1) Complimentary coffee and tea; (2) a good selection of cable channels; (3) Safety deposit box.  

Clean and spacious rain shower bathroom.

My son loved that the place is located just a minute away from the Salcedo Park.  

(Note: The park turns into a fair/market Saturdays from 7am to 2pm.  We have been to the Salcedo Market and there are real wonderful finds for foodies)   

VERDICT:

• Picasso is a chic accommodation in the heart of Makati.  The place is perfect for business travelers who need to be at the Makati Central Business District in a jiffy. 
• The place is impeccably clean and stylishly designed.
• Location is about 15-20 minutes walk to the closest shopping center. But has numerous dining places close by. 
• Service is excellent.  Check-in and check-out fast and efficient.
• Breakfast at Pablo's came free with our accommodation.   Breakfast is filling and comes with refillable coffee and open bread, salad bar.  But with limited options and a bit expensive if not included in your room package
• Unfortunately there is no pool. But it does have a spa, a gym and an art gallery. Picasso has a small art gallery ~ Altro Mondo Arte Contemporanea, which was a refreshing stop for me and the boys. 

Thumbs Up for Picasso Boutique Residence!

For inquiries and booking, you may visit

Picasso Boutique Residences website:

www.picassomakati.com

Location: 

119 L.P. Leviste St.

Salcedo Village, Makati City

Philippines 1227

T: +63 2 828.4774

F: +63 2 828.9141

E: reservations@picassomakati.com

  

Are you artsy and want to learn more about the life and art works of Pablo Picasso?

 Follow this link and read about his bio and view over 800 of his works here:  www.artsy.net/artist/pablo-picasso 

Check also our festival of lights experience here:  Ayala Festival of Lights

To view paintings from the Art Gallery, please follow this link: Altro Mondo Arte