We decided to spend a city staycation for my birthday weekend. F1 Hotel Manila has been my first and last option because of two main reasons. First, I want an easy access to almost everything (malls, coffee shops, restos, parks, etc.) and second, they got three pools which my little girl will truly enjoy. We didn't get a chance to go to the beach this summer but I don't want to end the season without dipping in the water.
I booked directly through F1 Hotel Manila's official website. They allowed early check-in starting 12noon instead of the usual 2PM. Check-in was a breeze and the reception staff handed me two key cards plus the wifi password. You need to use the key cards to access the floors except for the reception lobby and pool area. Note that they will also require you a Php3,000 deposit during check-in which will also be refundable upon check-out. If you notice, the hotel lobby has a minimalist design and it definitely looked pretty neat to me. On that day, we saw two beautiful brides with their own photographers.
How I wish to own this kind of rattan chair at home. My Mama loves it! I was kinda worried though if it can support my weight? LOL
I booked the City Suite as it has two double beds available - they were big enough for a group of four. I had to push the other bed to the right as my daughter rotates 360 degrees when she sleeps! Although I wished for softer beds, we weren't left off from a good night rest.
There's also an office corner with a LAN cable. I'm thankful that I didn't need to work that weekend. This is my daughter's favorite spot as she "works" with her pencil and paper. She keeps checking the phone as if there's someone on the other line. LOL
There's a mini-sofa which I believe can be converted to a bed, coffee and tea set and some wine glasses. I'm not sure if the small fridge needs a little "upgrade" and maybe place some food and drinks for sale? The dresser was spacious and thank goodness there were enough hangers! The digital safe was a good help when we needed to leave some gadgets and jewelries to go swimming. We also had two LCD TV's. I just noticed that our room has poor sound-proofing - I can hear people talking outside so I wonder if they heard my daughter screaming for milk during bedtime.
The toilet and bathroom was pretty plain and simple. I can guarantee that it was spic and span during our visit. There's a bidet and raindrop shower so that's two checks from me. I just wished they automatically provided 3 sets of toothbrushes and towels/bath robes as I paid for an extra adult.
Our first activity was to try the lap pool. Thankfully it wasn't crowded on a Saturday afternoon. For dinner, we decided to go to High Street instead of doing it in the hotel. Aside from numerous options of restaurants and cafes, my daughter had a good time running here and there with some new found friends at the playground. It's nice there especially when fountains and lights are on at night. We had authentic Filipino cuisine for dinner in Kabisera ng Dencio's and our tummies were really stuffed with grilled seafood.
The following morning, we started our day with a buffet breakfast at F Cafe located at the 3rd floor. This is the same floor where you can access all the three pools and the Canary Lounge for some food and drinks. The breakfast food selection was just about right. I don't think anyone can carry an overloaded meal during breakfast.
We were obviously trying to perk ourselves on this pic. Food was okay but the bacon saved it all plus I had runny omelet, just the way I like it! Mama loved the bread section, daughter almost finished her cup-full of arroz caldo while hubby had two servings of Beef tapa. I move really slow in the morning and as much as I'd like to be seated longer and have more waffles, my daughter was too giddy to go swimming.
I'm not sure what it's called but I named it "swirly chairs". Haha! People just started coming in around 8am so we had ample time for some photo op.
The Canary Lounge. You might notice a lot of expats here during late afternoon because F1 Hotel Manila has residential units I think from 21st floor up.
Nice place to hang-out with friends as you wait for a spectacular view of the sunset.
Here's the kiddie pool - no matter how small it is, the kids truly loved it!
Our staycation indeed defined the what we call "huling hirit sa tag-init". Our whole itinerary was achieved and my family had a good time with this quick escape. The hotel staff were kind and accommodating. During our check-out though, there was a slight incoordination at the reception area. The staff forgot to refund my deposit and just issued our gate-pass. Of course I had to remind him but he seemed unrelaxed on what to do next. Nevertheless, our overnight stay went well and hassle-free!
Would I recommend this to you? Yes, definitely! This is one of the most convenient and reasonably priced place to stay situated at the heart of a business district and proves to be a family-friendly hotel.
F1 Hotel Manila
32nd St Bonifacio Global City Taguig
Official Website: www.f1hotelmanila.com
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/f1hotelmanila
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