Hotel Review: Crimson Hotel, Filinvest City

One of the three Crimson Hotels in the country, Crimson Filinvest City has been our home for a weekend thanks to the hotel's discounted rates and some points that were about to expire. CS and I fell in love with Crimson Cebu so we reasoned that if given a chance, we will grab the opportunity to check out their other two properties as well. Located just beside the Filinvest Mall, the hotel is ideal not only for business travelers but also for savvy staycationers who feel the need for a change in scenery without having to drive too far. Among the hotels I've visited in the Alabang area, Crimson Filinvest is probably the best there is, location- and amenity-wise.

The stylish and chic lobby is located on the 8th floor of the hotel. I came too early for check in and unfortunately, the room was still occupied. The staff offered that I can sign all the forms and finish the entire process so I can just get the key card from her once the room becomes available.

Also located on the 8th floor is The Deck Bar, an open-air dining and cocktail bar, and the adult and kids' pools exclusive for use of the hotel guests only. The photo from the website is quite misleading though, the pool was not as big as depicted here.

We went back to the reception area by noon time and got the key cards. The elevator going to the rooms is different from the elevator going to the parking or ground floor, a security measure I liked about Crimson apart from the rigorous security protocol before you can enter the hotel. The hotel is 4 years old but there's no sign of mold or any mildew smell coming off the carpeted hallway.

We booked the cheapest room in Crimson, a 28-square meter deluxe room located on the 18th floor of the hotel. It may be the smallest room but never once did we felt cramped nor uncomfortable with our tastefully-designed bedroom. The earth-toned colors provided a timeless look and a dramatic feel that made our stay even more relaxing. 

All deluxe rooms can accommodate a maximum of 2 adults and 2 kids, 11 years and below. The bed layout can either be a king or 2 double beds subject to availability so if you have a preference, I suggest including it in your request upon booking. Other in-room services and amenities include a 40-inch LED television with cable channels and DVD player, tea and coffee maker, refrigerator, wireless internet access, iron and ironing board and an in-room safe for your valuables.

The moment my back reached the bed, I knew it was going to be an amazing weekend. The bed was divine and soft it felt like I was laying in a pool of cotton and the pillows, so fluffy and smells so good! It was pure bliss I never wanted to get up even to get the remote control.

From the hotel facilities to our lovely room and the courteous staff, I only have high praises for Alabang's no. 1 hotel, Crimson Filinvest. We've now been to 2 out of 3 Crimson hotels in the Philippines and I can't wait to check out the one in Boracay that is set to open in December this year. With our world famous Filipino hospitality combined with the Crimson touch, I wouldn't be surprised if this chain will decide to add another hotel in its roster of properties in the future.

~o~o~o~

Crimson Hotel Filinvest City

Entrata Urban Complex, Filinvest City
Alabang, Muntinlupa, Metro Manila, Philippines

Tel.: (632) 863-2222

Website: www.crimsonhotel.com/manila

Crimson Resort Cebu: Eat. Swim. Sleep. Repeat.

With its secluded location, dining out became an unpopular option for both CS and myself. Even with Crimson's free shuttle, we chose not to leave the comforts of the resort and just try as much food as we can from Crimson's four restaurants and bars. Our first meal at the resort was the afternoon snacks on day one while we wait for our room. The view from our table somehow made up for the slow service at Azure Beach Club. Menu varies depending on the time of the day.

On the table

Complementary chips and nuts were placed on our table while we scan the menu. Coming from JPark Resort, it was a comfort seeing totally different sets of dishes that we can choose from.

Club "A" - Php450.00

CS ordered Club "A", which is Azure's clubhouse sandwich. It comes with sesame marinated chicken, bacon, lettuce and tomato, cheddar, egg and ripe mango in whole wheat bread. Each order is also accompanied with green salad and raspberry vinaigrette and homemade chips on the side

Tuna and Unagi Cheese Pizza - Php550.00

Still craving for more Japanese goodness, I opted to have Tuna and Unagi Pizza. The thought of having tuna sashimi and unagi with wasabi cheese on a pizza is enticing enough to order the whole thing even if we just had lunch two hours prior. It was unique and delicious but could do better if more unagi was added and not just a few pieces here and there.

Dinner that night was also at Azure Beach Club. Fresh seafood will greet you as you enter the restaurant, now this is the reason why I gain so much when on vacation!

Grilled Sugpo

As fresh as it can get! You can choose how you want your seafood to be cooked but I just like mine grilled with a pinch of salt and pepper. I would love to order more but it was pricey at Php1,200 for only 6 pieces. CS had braised lamb shank which was big enough for sharing. The lamb was tender and savory, perfect with the fragrant basmati rice it was nested on.

Braised Lamb Shank - Php880.00

Breakfast the next day was at Saffron Cafe, an all-day dining restaurant that caters international cuisine. The warm smiles by the staff and the smell of freshly-cooked waffles welcomed us as we made our way to our table. Apart from pancakes and waffles, there also an egg station, pastries, rice porridge, cereals, noodle station, cheese and cold cuts, hot meals, pasta and fresh fruits.

Breakfast selection was decent and the staff were quick to replenish each dish so even if the restaurant is full, waiting is just minimal. Staying in Crimson Resort and Spa is probably the best decision we made in this trip -- the impeccable quality of food and the commendable staff (except for that afternoon snack at Azure) easily made this one helluva summer getaway.

~o~o~o~

Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan

Seascapes Resort Town, Soong
Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Philippines

Tel.: (6332) 401-9999

Website: www.crimsonhotel.com/mactan

Splendid Stay at Crimson Resort and Spa Cebu

A few weeks prior to our flight, CS let me decide if I wanted to extend our stay in JPark Island Resort and Waterpark or transfer to another resort or hotel during our short trip to Cebu. I've always been fascinated by the photos from friends who have stayed in Crimson that's why I chose the latter and eventually booked a room at one of Mactan's premier resort.

Photo grabbed from Crimson's website

CS and I made sure that we arrive in Crimson just in time for check-in at 2PM so we don't have to wait much longer. Unfortunately, the room was still unavailable by the time we got in so after signing the forms, we headed to Azure Beach Club for some snacks with a few stops here and there to capture Crimson's elegant property. The lobby actually reminded me of Balesin with enough seats for everyone and tastefully decorated Filipino-themed rooms (see here for comparison).

Apart from being a beachfront property, Crimson Resort and Spa takes pride in its 3-tiered infinity pool with depths of 2-feet, 3-feet and 4-feet to give everyone, from kids to adults, a wonderful time to bask under the sun. The different shades of blue that extends to the ocean is a beautiful sight that welcomes guests and guarantees an enjoyable and fabulous stay in Crimson.

The resort offers complimentary use of Crimzone, a giant playhouse with plenty of toys that will surely give your kids a blast! There are also scheduled activities that kids can participate to such as story reading, educational games and challenges, and arts and crafts among many others.

Cebu has many great resorts but I think that we made the right choice of booking Crimson Resort for this trip. Just look at our amazing view from our table at Azure Beach Club! After placing our orders, we asked the staff to look after our table so we can go and check it out. A closer look at the chairs and my hunch was right, the outdoor furniture were indeed Dedon collections.

As I was on the verge of finishing my snacks, a staff approached us to inform CS and I that our room is now ready and the bags were already brought in by the resort staff. From Azure, we were led to our deluxe garden room, located just a mere 2-minute walk from the beach. The 44-sqm room is as beautiful in person as it is in photos! Everything from the king-size bed, the 40" LED television, elegant furniture and the spacious bathroom with a sunken tub that overlooks to a private pocket garden was just perfect and definitely exceeded our expectations.

As Crimson's private beach is open until 5PM only (for security reasons), CS and I hurriedly changed into our swimwear and headed to the waters. The time that we had left was spent snorkeling at the resort's protected marine life with so many colorful fishes even at shore. Other water activities such as parasailing, speedboat tours, jet ski and banana boat ride are also available for a fee.

The resort's location is a little isolated and quite far from the main road but they offer daily complimentary shuttle service to SM and Ayala Mall Cebu on schedule. As we were only staying in Crimson for 2 days, we agreed not to leave and just enjoy our vacation in this stunning resort. Filipinos are known all over the world for being hospitable but from what I've observed in my years of traveling, there are certain places in the country where discrimination is quite prevalent. What I love about Crimson Resort Cebu is that even if majority of guests are foreigners, I never felt that the staff's treatment has changed regardless of who they are serving or talking to. The same excellent and friendly service all the time everywhere we go. Everything else is just a bonus!

The quest for the best resort for me has ended as I have found my home in the Queen City of the South. Kudos to the wonderful team of Crimson Resort Cebu and I hope to be back again soon!

~o~o~o~

Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan

Seascapes Resort Town, Soong
Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Philippines

Tel.: (6332) 401-9999

Website: www.crimsonhotel.com/mactan