If you’re looking for a great place to stay in Ortigas Center, allow me to recommend Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria!
True to its promise, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria offers one of the best and most comfortable stays in the metro. Though tagged as a business hotel because of its location among office buildings, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria is also great for staycations with family, friends, and, of course, your special someone. It towers along Ortigas Avenue and right next to Robinsons Galleria.
As a travel blogger who’s stayed in countless hotels before, I initially thought that Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria will be just like the other high-end hotels in Metro Manila where you’ll have huge beds, gorgeous furnishings, a classy ambience, etc. It’s not that they’re bad but since I’ll be reviewing the place, I might as well expect something out of the ordinary, right? But Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria didn’t disappoint, as their very own Club Lounge and more left me quite impressed.
An elegant welcome
When my colleague and I arrived, we were welcomed by the courteous staff at the hotel lobby that boasts an eye-catching crystal chandelier, a grandiose hallway, and gorgeous floor tiles. Paintings hang on the rich, white walls while the hotel’s soft music adds to the whole glamorous vibe. Crown Plaza Manila Galleria was certainly off to a good start.
After the quick check-in, the staff informed us that our accommodation, a Club Deluxe Room, is located at the 18th floor, and one of the room’s inclusive features is access to the Club Lounge at the 19th floor. My colleague and I were all giddy as we made our way to the elevator.
The not so ordinary room
When we got inside the room, we were pleasantly surprised with how spacious it was. It has two queen-sized beds, a 42-inch LED TV, and a bathroom with shower and bathtub. I don’t know about you, but a bathroom with a tub where I can have a relaxing, warm bath always wins me over.
Even after a warm bath, you can expect the 41 square meter-room to keep you relaxed: it is painted with neutral tones, while the windows open up to an amazing view of Ortigas Center’s magnificent skyline.
Here’s a rundown of the amenities of the Crown Plaza Manila Galleria’s Club Deluxe Room:
- Access to Club Lounge with complimentary breakfast and cocktails with complimentary WiFi
- 42-inch LED Cable Television
- Safety Deposit Box
- Complimentary access to outdoor pool and Gold’s Gym Express
- Complimentary access to sauna
- Iron and ironing board
- Complete bathroom amenities with bath tub and phone extension
The Club Lounge
My colleague and I were already perfectly content while lying on our soft beds when we decided to check out the Club Lounge. When we got there, we were ushered like certified VIPs. The Club Lounge looked like a combination of a fine dining restaurant and a modern library: the cozy lounge areas were complete with workstations and buffet tables.
When we sat down, we were offered some refreshments and a list of the services and amenities that we can avail of:
- Complimentary food and beverage services good for two adults
- Buffet Breakfast – 6:30H – 10:30H daily
- Afternoon Tea – 1500H – 1700H daily
- Evening Cocktail – 1730H -2000H daily
- All Day Refreshment
- Complimentary in-room internet access
- Free Local Calls
- Free Daily Newspaper
- Free use of the Board Room/Meeting Room (Up to 2 hours per stay)
- Free Pressing of one Suit or Dress
- Complimentary 15 Minute Back Massage or Foot Reflex
- A dedicated room attendant to address your needs
My favorite about the Club Lounge will have to be the exclusivity: Imagine chilling in your favorite coffee shop with just a few guests around and an attendant ready to assist you anytime. With only the hotel’s soft music in the background, you can plop into a sofa chair and read a book or work on your laptop with the lounge’s WiFi. Refreshments are complimentary and they entertain special requests, too.
Dinner at Seven Corners
After a quick tour around the Club Lounge and some parts of the hotel, we went back to our room and prepared for a buffet dinner at Seven Corners.
Located at the 3rd floor of Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, Seven Corners Buffet Restaurant incorporates a themed kitchen concept featuring Indian, Western, Japanese, Asian and Italian cuisines.
The buffet has several cooking stations where you’ll have delectable food choices. I will just the photos speak for themselves:
Lunch at Xin Tian Di
Before heading home the next day, we had a sumptuous lunch at Xin Tian Di Chineses Restaurant. Located at the 4th floor of the hotel, Xin Tian Di offers an authentic Chinese dining experience: from the concept to their house specialties like roast pecking duck to their Dim Sum Bar.
When we sat down for lunch, Xin Tian Di reminded me of the Chinese restaurants my family and I would visit when I was young: filled with round tables and with Chinese music playing in the background.
We started our sumptuous meal with some steamed shrimp dumpling with crab roe siomai, steamed shrimp dumpling hakao, and Special Fried Asia spring roll. Their hakao and siomai are simply superb; each piece is packed with shrimp and crab filling and not like the cheap ones that are all just flour wrapper. But my favorite will have to be the Special Fried Asia spring roll. More than its real mouthful name, its crunchy outer layer is complimented well by the combination of lime juice, sugar, and hoisin sauce. Definitely a must try!
After the appetizers, we had the following for main course:
- Pecking Duck (2 ways)
- Steamed Seafood Dumpling Soup
- Sauteed Beef Steak Filler with Mango
- Braised Black Mushroom and Sea Cucumber with Oyster Sauce
- Hot Prawn Salad in Basket
Also, if you are a dimsum lover like me, try their “Unlimited Dimsum” which is served from Monday to Sunday, from 11AM to 2:30PM!
With our bellies full, my colleague and I decided to head home while nodding in agreement that Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria exceeded our expectations. It has everything you can expect from a high-end hotel, but with unique offerings and impressive service, this posh establishment is certainly something else.
Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria
Address: 1100 Ortigas Ave, Ortigas Center, Quezon City, 1100 Metro Manila
Website: https://www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/quezon-city/mnlcp/hoteldetail
Online Booking: TravelBook.ph
