Not the oval office or the Beast’s forbidden chambers from the recent Disney movie hit, this piece refers to the newly opened and well appointed wing of Marriott Hotel Manila. Conveniently located in front of NAIA Terminal 3, the grand structure unveils two contemporary culinary destinations (Gourmet Express which caters pizza and chicken delivery within the hotel plus the entire Resorts World Complex and Man Ho, a 140 seater Chinese restaurant with industry veteran Chef Law Wing Wui at its helm), a state-of-the-art executive lounge, a rooftop infinity pool and 228 new guestroom configurations that bring Marriott Hotel’s total room count to 570.
Warm Welcome
My family of four arrived at the hotel’s premises at 11:30 am, took the lift to the second floor, made ourselves comfortable at the executive lounge and within five minutes of giving my credit card info, we were checked-in. Express indeed! After the kids had their fill of fruits and pastries (they had seconds of the almond butter cookie) from the snack buffet, we made our way to our room. The premier room (or standard) is two times bigger at 55 sqm than any we’ve been to in the metro. The sight of two double beds, a sofa, a round work table and a spacious bath brought big smiles to my kids. “We like,” they said in unison as they found their comfortable spots. Then the doorbell rang and a girl brought in a tray full of treats, three flavors of milk with a hand written message and pink stuffed bunny to boot! It was going to be a lovely weekend I could tell.
Enjoy a luxurious getaway at the heart of the city.
Family Feast
Then we headed downstairs to the main building to have lunch. Awarded best restaurant for two years running by Philippine Tatler Magazine, Marriott Café is a culinary coup. It boasts of healthy greens at the salad table, fresh seafood offerings, on-the-spot cooking, Japanese sushi and tempura bar (my favorite!), Chinese food and more. Guests will also satisfy their sweet cravings at the dessert section. From local favorites like halo-halo, sapin-sapin and maja blanca to French mango crepes and pastries to Italian gelato ice cream, the Café has it all.
To our delight, there was a cross-over option that particular Saturday to Cru Steakhouse. The carnivore counter lay out included beef ribs, lamb, beef brisket, turkey, baby back ribs and steamship beef. We treated ourselves to generous portions of hand cut, well-seasoned, and perfectly grilled tenderloin and rib eye cuts smothered in mushroom sauce. Soft, succulent and flavorful, the steaks were well worth the calories.
Relax and Unwind
In the course of our stay, we were able to watch a movie at the nearby Newport Mall at Resorts World, have a couple’s massage at the Quan Spa before sleeping and enjoy a fun morning swim with the kids at the lap pool by The Deck the following day. Our breakfast back at the Executive Lounge was most enjoyable, too. The Franke coffee machine allowed guests to make both hot and cold caffeine drinks in different flavors. Ristretto, espresso, chococcino or iced latte, just press the button and voilà, your beverage is served. People can also choose to dine in tables, lounge in clustered sofas while watching tv or sit by the windows overlooking the Villamor golfcourse.
As we were about to finish our meal, the kids asked when our next stay will be. They apparently enjoyed our urban getaway, even more so than we adults did. “Don’t worry. We’ll be back here sooner than you think,” I said and meant every word of it.
Marriott Hotel Manila is located at 2 Resorts Drive, Pasay City. For inquiries and reservations call 988 9999 or visit www.manilamarriott.com .
