Executive Hotel Lounge Review: Sofitel Manila

How would like to enjoy your afternoon tea or a glass of wine with the iconic Manila Bay sunset as your view? Sounds like a dream, right? Well, look no further as Sofitel's Club Millesime lets you savor that and more when you book a room in one of their well-appointed luxury club rooms or suites. To read more on our Sofitel Luxury Club room experience, please click here.

Ambiance and Amenities.

I've been to Club Millesime several times and the excitement never gets old everytime I hear the ding sound in the elevator signaling that we've arrived in the club floor. As soon as we step inside the lounge, a staff immediately attends to each guest regardless if you're a regular or a first timer as the treatment is one and the same - warm, courteous, professional, and accommodating.

Variety and Abundance of Snack Choices.

What I love about Club Millesime is the assortment of your non-regular food items that we usually see in club lounges in Manila during evening cocktails. While most hotels tend to offer the basics, Club Millesime takes it a notch higher by offering a wide array of Western appetizers, a selection of cheese and cold cuts, at least 4 hot dishes, and jaw-dropping dessert spread.

 

Unlimited alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages.

Free-flowing cocktails, wine, champagne, fruit juices, and soda await guests during evening cocktails. Kids are strictly prohibited at the lounge at this time, as most Manila hotels impose nowadays. Coffee and tea, on the other hand, are available anytime of the day.

Operating Hours.

• Afternoon tea - 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
• Evening cocktails - 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
• Breakfast - 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM
  

Full Breakfast Buffet.

An interactive buffet breakfast with 21 ateliers? There's no better way to start your morning but to dine in the most extensive offering any hotel in Manila can offer - welcome to Sofitel's Spiral Buffet! Go wild and enjoy food hopping from one cuisine to another to savor its HUGE selection because I guarantee that whatever morning cravings you might have, you can definitely find it in Spiral along with ten other breakfast staples you will surely love.

But if you like your privacy and some quiet, you are always welcome to enjoy your breakfast at Club Millesime with fewer but well-thought of options, of course.

Dining in Spiral is an incredible experience in itself so if you haven't tried it at least once in your life, you're definitely missing out on the best buffet in the whole country!

Other Perks & Services Offered. 

Overall Service.

It would be a shame to expect less than perfection from one the country's premier five-star hotels who have hosted several dignitaries and VIPs in the past. Except from the slow service we've encountered during cocktail hour, Sofitel Philippine Plaza's service embodies what true Filipino hospitality is all about from the moment we hear the parking attendant say, "Magandang hapon po!"

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Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila
CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd.
Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Tel.: (632) 573-5555

My Weekend in Photos: Myeongdong Street Food

Bali Hits & Misses: Bukit Sari

Verdict: Worth the visit if you have time to spare.

I love tea, green tea to be specific. But when in Bali, one should not miss trying out the famous kopi luwak - the most expensive coffee in the world made from civet cat poop! Yes, you read that right friends, this type of coffee are beans partially digested and then pooped out by civet cats to which a cup can sell at Php300 in the Philippines or for as much as $80 in the United States.

After a brief walking tour of how luwak coffee is made, customers are served with a tasting tray of hot drinks filled with variety of flavored coffee, tea, and chocolate for free. Our top two favorites were mangosteen and lemon grass tea which were all available for sale at their souvenir shop. Should you wish to try the coveted luwak coffee, a cup at Bukit Sari will set you back about IDR50,000 (Php185.00) - definitely cheapest than anywhere in the world!

It doesn't taste nor smell like cat poop that's for sure but since I rarely drink coffee, its hard to give a detailed review aside from its smooth and just slightly bitter taste. To be honest, I wanted to give it a try out of mere curiosity of how the most expensive coffee tastes like.

I know some people shun from drinking kopi luwak due to reports of animal cruelty (caged animals) but our guide explained that their civet cats are wild and can roam freely in the lush forest below, which was a relief to hear. Besides, a lot of jobs are generated with Bali's booming tourism industry and we're glad to help one way or another.

Sunday Treats No. 63

Mushroom and Beef Porridge - KRW8,000 (Php370.00)

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Migabon Restaurant
56 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel.: (822) 752-0330

Bali Hits & Misses: Warung Padi

Verdict: Worth the hype as this place is a definite HIT!

A restaurant that specializes in all things salmon? Count me in!

We arrived at the hotel too early for check-in so CS and I decided to look for a nice restaurant nearby. Armed with great reviews from Tripadvisor, we made our way to Warung Padi - a simple and charming place in the quiet side of Seminyak known for its delicious and cheap salmon dishes.

There's no air-conditioning so it can get pretty hot especially at noon time.

What we ordered

Salmon Soup - IDR25K

If you're looking for tasty, affordable, and healthy meals in Bali, look no further and head out to Warung Padi to try their authentic offerings with only the freshest ingredients available. Service may be slow at times but what better way to try the truest Balinese cuisine than by eating alongside locals and paying only IDR95K (around Php350.00) for a complete meal for 2!

Salmon Goreng - IDR45K

Fresh Watermelon Juice - IDR25K

Tip: Fresh salmon is delivered everyday and at limited quantities so come early (around 11AM is the best time to visit per our experience) to enjoy their delicious and cheap food. 

Highly recommended if you're traveling to Bali anytime soon!

~o~o~o~

Warung Padi
Jalan Teuku Umar Barat
Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta Utara
Kota Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
Tel.: (62813) 5315-0644