STAYCATION REVIEW: A Quiet City Escape in Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria
- Amanda Virrey
- 11 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Staying in hotels in Metro Manila has been a hit or miss for me; it’s not much of the concept of staying in a full-serviced hotel that allures me, but it’s more about sustaining the tranquility, modern comfort and genuine hospitality that I have gotten used to in my own home.
In my past city staycations, I have found myself being distinctly bothered by the noise radiating from the hotel’s surroundings. It had felt like a task to feel the lush comfort of our room until the sensation of sleep overpowered the noise that was nagging through our glass windows. So I thought, unless it’s for the purpose of staying in close proximity to a particular venue for an important visit, then I would rather stay at home.
But when I checked in at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, my previous impression of a city hotel was erased. From the moment I heard the hotel’s front desk agent personally welcoming me with my room key card and a dark chocolate bar, I knew that I was in for an upgraded hotel experience.
The hallway that led to our one bedroom suite on the 14th floor was enough to fuel my delight. Tasteful abstract paintings added vibrance to the modern minimalist backdrop on the walls, whilst giving me a feeling of being delivered into a vortex that promised us a splendid hotel experience.
Indeed, the second we opened the door, we found ourselves awestruck by the luxurious space. Walking barefoot on the plush carpet as we explored our grandiose suite felt like being cuddled, pampered and nurtured.
More so when we walked into the big marbled bathroom by the entrance. It had a long counter sink and a vast mirror with dainty toiletries on the side, a glass shower cubicle with a rainshower head, and an elevated bathtub that beckoned for a relaxing warm bath.
While the size of the bathroom was akin to a standard bedroom, the rest of our suite room was five times bigger. The bathroom had two doors, one led to the living room, and the other one led to the Master bedroom.
The living room, to put it plainly, is my idyllic space to crash if I were still in my early 20s. It had a chic and cozy sofa set, which the length of the big sofa can accommodate medium size people and a massive LCD screen highlighting the wall.
On one corner, is a quaint pantry, a mini refrigerator and a writing desk with a lamp, that is perfect for journaling or working on a laptop, whilst having a periphery to the big window that showcases the city skyline.
And if you think that’s enough, once you open the sliding door next to the pantry, you would not want to leave the room throughout your stay.
Encompassing almost half the size of the living room is the Master bedroom, set with a king bed in the center of the room. Laying on the uber snug mattress whilst getting an unhindered city view through the tall windows on our left side, and a massive LCD screen in front enticed us to get cozied up in the bed for the rest of our stay and simply reach for the phone on our side table for room service, in case we got hungry.
There is also a cozy lounge chair by the soundproof window, a large wardrobe cabinet with a safety deposit box, blow-dryer and an ironing set, and access to the grand bathroom,
Thus, with such space, comfort, convenience and tranquility, there was remotely no significant reason for us to remove ourselves from that luxurious state; not, unless for the purpose of maximizing the hotel’s other facilities, such as the swimming pool, pet playground, spa and the 24-hour gym, by Anytime Fitness on the 5th floor; or dine in the restaurants, like Xin Tian Di for Cantonese cuisine, and Seven Corners Restaurant for lunch and dinner buffets; or explore the adjacent mall, Robinson’s Galleria Mall; or watch a live band over cocktails or wine at the Gallery Bar, which is found at the art gallery hallway connecting Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria and Holiday Inn and Suites Manila Galleria, both by IHG Hotels & Resorts.
Following a deep slumberous evening in our quiet luxury room was the sumptuous breakfast buffet that awaited us at Seven Corners Restaurant. But first, I needed to jumpstart my body in the gym so I could truly enjoy and assimilate the galore of food that’s available in the breakfast buffet.
After an hour’s workout at Anytime Fitness, my companion and I headed down to Seven Corners and indulged in their freshly prepared international buffet.
Assorted fresh-baked breads with various condiments were daintily presented near the entrance of Seven Corners, as were the succession of counters, each designated for a particular food type; one was for cereals, muesli, whole grains, yogurt, milk, kefir and fresh local fruits; next was for Asian dishes like sushi, ramen, curries, noodles, stir dried vegetables, naan breads and more; next was for Filipino and Western dishes with plenty of meaty viands; on the opposite side was the eggs and cheese station; and a small kiosk, doling out traditional Filipino rice pastries, like bibingka, puto bumbong, palitaw and hot cacao.
Given the array of my personal breakfast favorites, it was certainly worth taking the time to savor the flavors of every bite and return to the buffet for second servings, whilst enjoying the relaxing ambience and the warm reception of the staff in the restaurant, amid the refreshing view of the city skyline from our table.
In the end, our staycation at Crown Plaza Manila Galleria has set the standard for what an ideal city hotel was for us. I am now assured there is a hotel in the heart of the city that can provide me with the tranquility, comfort and genuine hospitality that I need and that is worth paying for.
ADB Avenue, corner Meralco Avenue
Ortigas, Pasig
Metro Manila
Philiipines
