Earlier this month, I was so blessed to have been invited to attend the Blogapalooza Event in Manila. A few select bloggers from all over the Philippines was housed at Blogapalooza Event in Manila. A few select bloggers from all over the Philippines was housed at Novotel Manila Araneta Center for two nights. The experience was really amazing.
Though I am no stranger in Manila, it was my first time staying at Novotel Manila Araneta Center and the third time at the actual vicinity. I think I was in elementary when I first visited and the second one was in high school. Novotel Manila Araneta Center was not yet constructed at the time.
Location
The location of Novotel Manila Araneta Center is at General Aguinaldo Avenue, Araneta Center, Quezon City, Philippines. Yes, if you are familiar with the place, the building is just beside Smart Araneta Coliseum or better known as The Big Dome and formerly called Araneta Coliseum (1960–2011).
Smart Araneta Coliseum can be seen at the left side of the picture. Taken outside Novotel.
The location proves to be strategic. You can go anywhere in Metro Manila from there. The train stations from the two major train systems, MRT-3 and LRT-2. are just a walking distance away from the hotel.
Checking In
As we arrived in the hotel, the car we rented out was doubled check by security personnel and their guard dogs. I felt very secured that they are doing routine checks before allowing any vehicle inside the hotel’s premises.
When we were about to enter the hotel, there was security personnel again to check our hand carry bags, a scanning machine for our big luggage, and a hotel staff with a bellman’s cart ready to assist us.
After passing this security routine, we went inside the hotel and was welcomed by a wide and clean lobby. The interior design was modern and the whole surrounding uses warm tone colors.
Since I was with my assigned roommates when we arrived, we directly went to the check-in counter. We signed in with our information individually and was given two keycards each.
One of my roommates, Jam Jacosalem of Iligan Bloggers (www.traveljams.com), filling up the form.
After checking in, we went directly to our rooms and just called the front desk to have our luggage be sent to our room. We were so excited that we left it with the concierge and just went up.
Room
My roommates and I were so fascinated with our room. Just like the hotel lobby, the room’s interiors are of modern design and utilizes warm tone colors.
We were welcomed by a personalized note with fruits was placed at the desk near the window.
The room originally has two double beds, but since there are three of us, another bed was set up near the window. The extra bed wasn’t just like any of the “extra bed” I have experienced in the past. The extra bed was actually a bed and mind you, it was so comfortable still. I would know because I was the one who used it during the two-night stay.
The bathroom really made me gasp in amazement. Instead of a wall to separate the sleeping area and the bathroom, a clear glass wall was used. Of course, we didn’t take a shower in full view of our roommates but we closed it using the blinds. But if you go there with your partner, I am sure you can be playful in so many ways.
The room has all the things that a traveler might need, from the basic toiletries, toothbrushes, bedroom slippers, bathrobes, hairdryer, and beverages that you can consume for free like coffee and tea. There are other beverages you can take out of the mini refrigerator, but of course, you have to pay for it when you checkout.
View from the Window
I always take into account the view from the window. Here’s ours…
Food
Our stay came with a complimentary breakfast. So for two days, we were able to experience a delectable journey. They have a lot of good choices to offer and all that I tasted during my stay are all delicious.
If you want a Filipino breakfast heavy on rice or just coffee and bread, they have it there. They have several international breakfast offerings depending on what you want. If you don’t like coffee, they have tea, fresh milk, and freshly pressed organic juices. Breakfast starts at 6AM and ends at 10AM. They also cater to guests who aren’t staying at the hotel. The breakfast buffet is at P888++ per pax.
Sigrid Lo of Negros Bloggers (www.sigridsays.com) and Jam Jacosalem of Iligan Bloggers (www.traveljams.com).
Amenities
The hotel has all the basic amenities to offer. Being located in the heart of one of the busiest commercial area in Metro Manila, having seven meeting rooms of different capacities and one pillarless grand ballroom that can accommodate 1400 plus guests comes to no surprise. After a busy day, you can indulge yourself by hitting the gym or relaxing at the spa. If you prefer swimming, you can use their pool until eight in the evening.
Swimming Pool. The photo was taken at night.
Lounge Bar. Just opposite the swimming pool.
They have restaurants, cafes, and a lounge bar. Just a few steps up the swimming pool is their garden area wherein you can have an outdoor event just like Blogapalooza. The area is quite spacious because, during the Blogapalooza Event, a big tent was set up to accommodate bloggers who wanted to listen from talks being held every hour.
Internet Connection
You can connect to their fast WiFi anywhere. Yes, literally anywhere the hotel even inside the bathroom! They also have an area for you to connect online using Apple Desktop Computers found in the lobby.
Staff
So far, all the staff I encountered were all friendly and polite. All my inquiries and requests were processed and granted.
Price
Novotel Manila Araneta Center is part of the Accor Hotels chain. If you are a member, you’ll enjoy the perks that come with it including discounts. The hotel has 401 rooms and suites that start around P4,250++ for an overnight stay. Depending on the season, prices may vary.
Novotel at night. Taken from the garden area.
Contact Details
Novotel Manila Araneta Center
General Aguinaldo Avenue, Araneta Center
Quezon City, Philippines
Tel. No. (02) 990 7888
Website: http://bit.ly/Novotel-Manila-Araneta-Center
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/NovotelManilaAranetaCenter/
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