Recently, I was invited for a media experience to celebrate first anniversary of Novotel Manila Araneta Center, and I was surprised it had been a year already. I wasn’t able to help but feel a little nostalgic, reminiscing the days when it just opened with only some of their facilities opened and some of their rooms still being finished. With it being my favorite hotel in that side of the metro, I had stayed and gone there several times over the past year, and I had seen it evolve—for the better, of course.
I checked in at the hotel at around 1:00 PM, and as per usual, the hotel’s warm staff welcomed me into the hotel and sorted my reservation out. If there’s something that has been a constant with this hotel, it’s the fantastic service—like I said in my first review, it certainly feels like everyone’s excited about the place.
Anyway, I got into my room, and of course, it was still the same room that I’ve loved—nice color scheme, comfortable bed, great air-conditioning, a powerful shower, and an awesome view of the city. Minutes later, I was sent some welcome amenities and my kit containing hotel goodies I could take home.
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I took a few hours to rest and catch up with work, then late into the afternoon, I joined the tour that checked out the recent developments in the hotel.
During my staycation last summer, the Kids’ Club wasn’t opened yet, so I was eager to check it out for the first time. As it turned out, it was just opened last month (October 2016).
I thought it was the best Kids’ Club at a Novotel I had ever been to, and much of it had to do with its huge ball pit and its gaming area geared with the latest consoles.
Later, we headed to another part of the hotel that I was seeing for the first time—In Balance Spa. It felt and looked more modern than oriental, which I liked, to be honest. The next morning, I was able to indulge in a Signature Massage, and it was divine! The therapist was clearly adept in her craft.
Afterwards, I was given a look of one of the hotel’s suites. Somewhat distinct in terms of look and feel from the other rooms, it was really spacious. I surely would want to stay there and luxuriate on the couch.
The night ended with an intimate dinner at the Pool Bar. As I had not attended any banquets at the hotel yet, I was eager to try out that night’s catering, and I wasn’t disappointed. The menu was spectacular, and all of us at the table lauded the chefs for such a job well done.
That night’s highlights for me were the local scallop salad with prosciutto chips, basil pearls, and mixed baby greens; the mushroom gnocchi on walnut pesto and porcini-truffle soil, and the oven-roasted sea bass with squid ink risotto, asparagus tips, and sweet peas foam.
After the great meal, I had a sweet slumber—thanks to the Live N Dream Bed, one of my favorite aspects of staying at a Novotel.
I checked out the next day, convinced that one of my favorite hotels, Novotel Manila Araneta Center, is even better after one year.
NOVOTEL MANILA ARANETA CENTER
General Aguinaldo Ave, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines
Telephone: +63 2 990 7888
Email: H7090@accor.com
Website: www.novotel.com/gb/hotel-7090-novotel-manila-araneta-center
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