Located a stones’ throw away from the busy Timog and Tomas Morato area is the unobtrusive Cocoon Boutique Hotel (CBH). Owners Atty. Boy and Gigi Vinzon had a unique vision of making the establishment an eco-friendly temporary abode for its guests. Over the years, it has garnered quite a few distinctions. Most recently, it ranked 10th among the Top 25 hotels in the Philippines and 6th in providing excellent service by Trip Advisors Travellers Choice Awards 2019.
Cozy and Welcoming
Upon entering the modest lobby, my daughter and I were warmly greeted by the staff. Checking in was a breeze and lasted less than 10 minutes. The very well informed concierge staff member Carlo brought us to our 2-bedroom suite. “The hotel uses reclaimed wood from old homes in its floors, built-in desks and wall décor. To save on energy, we use LED lights and have big windows that allow natural light in. The AC units are all inverter types. The bathroom amenities are 100% organic. Toiletries use stone paper packaging with soy ink printing.”
It was our first time to stay in a green hotel and I knew it was going to be a great experience! After our belongings were delivered to the room, daughter R and I sank into our queen size bed. Wow! The bed for me is THE most important piece of furniture in any hotel or resort. CBH uses anti-microbial, anti-dust mite superior mattresses and compliments it with 100% Egyptian cotton linen and goose down duvets. We clocked in an hour of quality naptime.
Around 4:30 in the afternoon, we headed to the pool area overlooking the city. The pool is not big but can accommodate maybe a group of eight at a time. There’s a bar and al fresco dining. What caught my attention is the edible organic garden that surrounds the place. It’s very well tended and quickly inspired my daughter to have one in our home.
I rate the massage service 10 over 10 and recommend it to every guest. The heated beds elevate the experience to another level.
Green Earthlings
Earth Hour is an annual worldwide campaign that brings the climate change issue to the attention of people by asking everyone to turn off non-essential electric lights from 8:30 to 9:30 pm, and happens on the last Saturday of March. Our stay in the hotel is precisely to take part in this observance and also to hear various speakers talk about what we Filipinos can do to help the environment. Simple things like avoiding the use of plastic, bringing our own utensils and water jug, and walking/biking/taking the elevator can make a big difference.
Later that night, my husband (who arrived later) and I had a massage at the hotel spa. I will rate the service 10 over 10 and recommend it to every guest. The heated beds elevate the experience to another level. I rarely fall asleep during massage sessions but with the expert kneading of my attendant coupled with the warm mattress, I was off to dreamland in no time.
What I like best about CBH aside from its green advocacy is that it is truly value for money. The hotel offers weekly deals and it’s worth your time to visit their social platforms on Instagram and Facebook to get the latest promotions. On certain days, some rooms go for less than P5,000 – what a steal! Even the three in-house dining options (Abuela’s, Samgyupsalamat Korean BBQ and Stockwell Café have reasonably priced menu selections.) So if you’re looking for affordable luxury, good service, and green accommodations, make Cocoon your next weekend destination!
Cocoon Boutique Hotel is located at #61 Scout Tobias corner Scout Rallos Street, Brgy Laging Handa QC. with tel no. (632) 9212706
With a pocketful of glitter,
