This Hotel Provides Five-Star Treatment at a Reasonable Price
It will feel like a homecoming for balikbayans as well!
There’s nothing quite like Christmas in the Philippines, and it’s no wonder then why a lot of balikbayans choose this time of the year to come home and be with their family. If you have an OFW husband, wife, or relative coming home for the holidays, one of the best presents you can give them is the gift of a staycation. Staying in a hotel during this season might sound excessive, but since they’ll only be staying in the country for a limited number of weeks (maybe even days), an overnight (or two) where they can escape from work, unwind, be pampered, and spend some alone time with their family can really be precious.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly spot, consider Marco Polo Ortigas Manila. Don’t be intimidated by its five-star status — their rates are family-friendly, but they won’t scrimp on the luxury treatment.
Planning to book a staycation at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila? Here’s what you can expect:
1. Feel free to bring the babies! They get special treatment in the hotel.
Their Superior rooms can comfortably fit a family of four — choose whether you’d like to share a King Bed or have separate twin beds. PHOTO BY courtesy of Marco Polo
Don’t worry if you have a baby in tow — all you need is to ask and your baby will get a complimentary crib. They can throw in a baby tub, too, which you can prop on the marble tub (there’s one in each hotel room!) so it’s easier to bathe your little one.
Bath time becomes easy (and fun!) with a complimentary baby tub. PHOTO BY courtesy of Marco Polo
2. The hotel has a heated indoor pool, which you can enjoy even during cold nights.
The pool is deep enough for adults, but not too deep, so the kids will still be able to swim around comfortably. PHOTO BY courtesy of Marco Polo
When you’re cooped up inside a hotel room, it can be tempting just to stay there forever. But with the kids around, they’ll soon be begging to splash around the pool.
Marco Polo’s indoor pool is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. There’s also a lifeguard on duty, which is a definite plus and can put the family’s mind at ease.
When you’re tired of the pool, there’s a relaxing hot tub where you and hubby can soothe tired muscles. The locker rooms even have a sauna — sneak out for a bit and destress!
3. Snap a photo beside their Christmas tree.
This makes a great backdrop for your holiday portrait! PHOTO BY Kitty Elicay
For the holidays, Marco Polo has chosen a whimsical Winterland theme, inspired by the characters in Alice in Wonderland. Find Instagram-worthy spots all over the hotel, starting with the Christmas tree at the 24th-floor lobby. Feel like the Queen (or King) of Hearts when you sit on the plush “throne.”
Guess what this is made of? PHOTO BY Kitty Elicay
At the ground floor, look for the tea party chocolate display at Cafe Pronto. It looks so real, not to mention yummy, that you have to stop yourself from reaching out a hand to touch it!
4. Indulge in a Chinese Noche Buena at Lung Hin.
Have a sumptuous Noche Buena without lifting a finger (except to eat)! PHOTO BY courtesy of Marco Polo
The best part of a staycation is you don’t have to plan meals for the whole family. If you’re willing to pay a little extra, the hotel will do all the hard work for you! It’s definitely a nice reward especially for our kababayans toiling in another country.
The hotel has two restaurants (Cucina and Lung Hin) plus a cafe (Cafe Pronto), but for that luxurious feel, check out Lung Hin, which serves authentic Chinese cuisine and fresh seafood. Tip: Prepare your stomachs — almost all of the dishes they serve are a delight!
If you want a stress-free Noche Buena, they offer various set menus for Christmas and New Year’s Eve, including Crispy Roasted Suckling Pig, Pan-Fried Australia Wagyu Beef with Black Pepper, and Roasted Peking Duck.
5. Or treat the whole family to a feast at Cucina.
Make this the star of your Noche Buena spread. PHOTO BY courtesy of Marco Polo
Filipinos love buffets and Marco Polo is preparing something extra special for Christmas Eve. For dinner, you can have Roast Angus Beef Rib Eye, Caramelized Ham, and Crispy Duck Breast on Mango Basil Sauce. Once the clock strikes midnight, enjoy Filipino staples like Pancit Palabok and Cebuano Pork Humba.
Holiday rates are Php3,800 and Php1,800 nett for Christmas Eve dinner and Noche Buena, respectively.
6. Soak it all in.
What makes a 'sulit' staycation? It's when you reconnect, bond, and have fun together as a family. PHOTO BY courtesy of Marco Polo
During a staycation, you’d think that you have to try all the facilities and avail of the perks so you get your money’s worth. But in all honesty, staying in the room doing nothing, sleeping the stress away, or just cuddling with your kids while watching TV can give you ultimate satisfaction. For your two-day escape, take time to focus on the family and make the most of your short bonding experience. Have fun, relax, and recharge. You deserve it.
Take advantage of Marco Polo’s Home for the Holidays promo. From December 14, 2018 to January 13, 2019, avail of an overnight stay in a Superior Room starting at Php5,500 nett for a minimum stay period of three consecutive nights. Inclusive of buffet breakfast at Cucina for two adults and two kids (ages six and below). For reservations, email [email protected] or call (02) 720-7777.
This article was edited on December 7, 2018 at 2:36 p.m. to update hotel rates.
This story originally appeared on Smartparenting.com.ph.
* Minor edits have been made by the Realliving.com.ph editors.
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