My Weekend in Photos: Seoul, South Korea

Hotel Review: Okura Manila

I first came across the Okura hotel franchise during one of my visits to Taiwan some few years ago. It may be its contemporary architecture, its prime location, or the elegant lobby that enticed me each time our bus passes thru The Okura Prestige Taipei, so I made a vow to myself that I will book a room in one of its hotels in any of my upcoming trips. Then Covid happened.

Fast forward to 2022, the much-awaited opening of Hotel Okura Manila in Newport City further widened the roster of 5-star accommodations in the NAIA Terminal 3 vicinity alongside Hilton, Sheraton, and Marriott hotels. It took 2 years for us to finally book a staycation at Okura Manila but I must say that it was well worth the wait. Konnichiwa!

Hotel Okura Manila offers only 4 room categories such as deluxe, hinoki-yu, premier corner, and grandest one - the palace suite. I was looking forward to booking a hinoki-yu room which features a hinoki wooden bathtub but it was already sold out on our dates so we settled for a deluxe room instead. Pardon the word "settled" because the deluxe room that we were given was not even close to the premier rooms in other 5-star hotels I've been in the city- it was gorgeous!

I've always wanted to have a swiveling TV and I was happy that I was able to experience one in our deluxe room in Okura. It was so convenient to just adjust it whether you're relaxing in the bed or munching snacks in the living area. Oh, the little luxuries in life!

 Room amenities in detail: 

• Luxurious king or twin-size beds
• Nespresso machine and Dilmah teas
• Japanese yukata robes
• Bedside electronic panel
• In-room safe
• Separate bathtub and shower
• Complimentary welcome amenity
  
• Japanese style bidet toilet
•  Free wifi
  

 

Breakfast is also offered in style at Yawaragi Restaurant which opens from 0630H to 1030H daily. Selection was well-thought-of with staples like a salad bar, cold cuts and cheese, breads, congee, sausage and bacon, waffle and pancakes, an omelette station, and Filipino favorites like tapa and tocino. Of course, they have to make it extra special with the addition of a sukiyaki bar and salmon and mahi-mahi dishes on the buffet spread.

 

  

Pros: Best breakfast buffet in Manila, elegant and luxurious room, professional and friendly service, great hotel amenities, free parking, and convenient location.

Cons: None - this is highly recommended!

~o~o~o~

Hotel Okura Manila

2 Portwood Street, Newport World Resorts

Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Tel.: (632) 5318-2888

Website: www.hotelokuramanila.com

My Weekend in Photos: Fukuoka, Japan

 

Hotel Review: Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu PH

Maayong Buntag!

We had an early flight down to the Queen City of the South so it was a relief that Shangri-La Mactan had our room available when we arrived at the resort around 9AM. First impression? Warm, efficient, and genuine. I instantly knew right there and then that it was going to be an awesome long weekend and after our 4-day stay, I was proven right!

The resort was impressive boasting a 350-meter private white sand beach, swimming pools, an eco trail, a 6-hole golf park, an indoor playground and adventure zone, and several dining spots scattered within the vicinity catering to any cuisine you may fancy.

Our 34sqm ocean wing premier room in blended traditional and contemporary theme was equally impressive with its private balcony overlooking the gardens, the pool and the ocean. Room amenities include a king-sized bed with 220-threadcount linens and a pillow menu, waffle robes, beach slippers, a cable TV, coffee and tea making facilities, a bath tub, and Shangri-La toiletries.

The view I wish I had the luxury of walking up to on a daily basis.

A weekly activity sheet was provided in the room which was helpful in planning your day especially with an active toddler who wants to do everything all at the same time! My daughter had a blast in the guitar painting activity in between climbing and sliding at the Adventure Zone.

 

During her naps were our perfect time to dine in peace so room service was the most convenient way to go and I was surprised that the menu was not exuberantly overpriced as we were expecting. Case in point, this Classic Burger with Fries at Php780 was tasty, juicy, and huge and can easily feed 2 hungry and exhausted parents of an endlessly energetic child.

Guests staying at the Ocean Wing have the option to take their buffet breakfast at either Tides (main dining restaurant) or Acqua (poolside restaurant at Ocean Wing). We dined at Tides the first morning we were there and it was full and chaotic so we opted to dine at Acqua the next time and for the duration of our stay. It offered limited breakfast menu but we didn't have to wait for a table nor we were in a hurry to get food since the staff were quick to refill the buffet.

Pros: Amazing beachfront view, world-class service, well-appointed and maintained rooms and facilities, delicious and wide variety of food options, loads of activities for kids, and overall good vibes of the resort staff from the guards, housekeeping, concierge, and restaurant servers.

Cons: Nothing as we had an amazing stay at Shangri-La Mactan and we can't wait to go back!

~o~o~o~

Shangri-La Mactan

Garden Level, Shangri-La Mactan

Punta Engano Road, Cebu City, Philippines

Tel.: (6332) 231-0888

Website: www.shangri-la.com/cebu/mactanresort