If you’re looking to take a break from the intense preparations brought about by the holiday season, leave the work to the experts and book a stay in one of these local hotels within Metro Manila that offer great packages and discounts. Enjoy the perks while they last!
1. For those looking for great travel deals
Lodging is one of the first things you think about when you plan for your trips, so why not alleviate the hassle by enjoying a relaxing stay at one of the country’s premiere hotels and get to stay in a partner hotel abroad for free?
When you book at the Holiday Inn & Suites Makati during weekends this season (Friday, Saturday, or Sunday), you get a complimentary stay at either Holiday Inn Bangkok Sukhumvit 22 or Holiday Inn Express Singapore Katong. Sulit, right?
FN Tip #1: Many of the staff at The Holiday Inn & Suites Makati come from the now defunct Intercontinental Manila, and the good news is that they brought the famous Crepe Samurai recipe with them! Head on to Flavors Restaurant in case you miss this nostalgic dessert.
FN Tip #2: Gingerbread houses have been a tradition at this hotel, so if you’re looking for pasalubong, pass by their pop-up kiosk at the ground floor. These too-pretty-to-eat sweets can last up to a whole year unrefrigerated, so you don’t need to worry about finishing them in one go!
For bookings, visit www.holidayinn.com/makati. This promo is in partnership with Make It Happen, Make It Makati and MasterCard.
2. For those who need pampering
Who doesn’t want a holiday staycation that’s inclusive of a relaxing spa treatment? Head on to Fairmont Makati and get 50 percent off bed-and-breakfast weekend rates. This includes complimentary breakfast for two and a one-plus-one lunch promo at Spectrum, as well as 50 percent off spa treatments at the Willow Stream Spa.
FN Tip: Have a nightcap at the Fairmont Lounge and chill with a glass of mulled wine while enjoying a platter of hams and cheeses. The live music also adds to the coziness, so much so that you’ll feel you can settle down for the night in your seat!
For bookings, visit http://www.fairmont.com/makati/. This promo is in partnership with Make It Happen, Make It Makati and MasterCard.
3. For those planning that BFF get-together
Kick back and spend time with your friends at Marco Polo Ortigas, where you can pitch in and book a Superior Room from December 19 to 30, 2016 and from January 1 to 15, 2017 starting at P6,000. This comes with a 20 percent discount on the lunch buffet on December 24 and 31, and the dinner buffet on December 25. Participating in this promo also makes you eligible for one raffle stub for the The Grand Venetian Dream Holiday Raffle Draw, where you can get the chance to win airfare tickets for two via Turkish airlines to Italy with room accommodations in Lugarno Collection – Hotels, Retreats, Villas in Florence and in San Clemente Palace Kempinski in Venice.
FN Tip: Enjoy the buffet at Marco Polo’s Cucina and meet Chef de Cuisine Giuseppe Rivoli. Chef Rivoli enjoys speaking with his guests, and always asks about ideas that he can add to his ever-growing menu. For this holiday season, enjoy his signature dishes such as Pollpettone alla Sicilliana, Slow-cooked baby Short Ribs in Balsamic Sauce with Roasted Bell Potato and Bell Pepper, and Caciucco with Prawns, Mussel, Clams, and partnered with Garlic Crostini.
For bookings, call (632) 720-7777 or book online via www.marcopolohotels.com.
4. For those excited about family-bonding time
Treat the entire family to a Christmas at the Shangri-La at The Fort. With rates starting at P9,100 a night, you get a family buffet breakfast (for two adults and two children who are 11 years old or younger) at High Street Café, free use of Kerry Sports Manila’s gym, and shopping privileges and discounts in selected hotel boutiques.
FN Tip: The Spa at Kerry Sports Manila offers special holiday treatments until December 30, which includes cinnamon and oatmeal scrubs, skin brightening facials, deep muscle massages, and many more.
For more information, visit www.shangri-la.com/manila/shangrilaatthefort.
5. For those who want to couple time
If you still haven’t planned your special holiday hideaway with your man, then Raffles Makati is the venue you didn’t know you were looking for. This season, they’re offering 30 percent off best available rates on weekends, and this package includes a buffet breakfast at Spectrum for two, plus classic afternoon tea and evening cocktails at Writers Bar, also for two. If you wish for a room upgrade, you’re also automatically included in the hotel’s priority list.
FN Tip: Visit Long Bar and ask for Senior Bartender Paul Perez. Aside from being a great conversationalist, you can also ask him anything about liquor, and he can give you interesting tidbits on all the bottles that the bar has. Don’t forget to order a glass of Sipsmith Gin and Tonic! Sure, it’s a bit pricey, but it’s seriously delicious and hey, it’s the holidays anyway!
For bookings, visit http://www.raffles.com/makati/. This promo is in partnership with Make It Happen, Make It Makati and MasterCard.
