It's been awhile since we've shared our staycation reviews, and I'm telling you we have LOTS to share from our trips and staycations all over the Metro and outside the country.
{You may also read my staycation at Dusit Thani Manila hotel}
It was one gloomy holiday of January, a not-so-good day as it seems there's a storm coming that day. I decided to book a hotel to spent my regular staycation holiday at City Garden Grand Hotel, a modernly, stylish place located at the heart of Makati City. It was then a long weekend con-holiday here in Manila (from January 15 to 19, 2015) to celebrate the Papal Visit here in the Philippines.
Located along Makati Avenue and the corner of Kalayaan Avenue, it was actually my second stay (the first was last year, some time of October 2014), and I find it enjoyable and relaxing.
My first staycation here last for 4D3N on a cool breeze of October, I was just blessed to afford this kind of 'simple pleasure'. Although my first experience wasn't perfect (it was a 'disaster' I coined then), and I'm glad that the hotel management has sorted things out my concerns, and did their very best to make-up up my remaining stay. Back then, I thought I wouldn't be coming back to this hotel, but I guess I was wrong. As I came back on the lovely gloomy days of January (3 months after) and spent my long weekend with them.
{You may also check my staycation trip at Thunderbird Beach Resort Poro Point}
All my staycations are not purely spent on relaxation and pampering (well, sometimes it is). It is the best time for me to enjoy everything that I love doing - thinking freely and update this blog, take some interesting photographs and do editing for the next feature post, and also being ME - I mean I could whatever I want to do, and combine two worlds that I have. (Anyway, the other world is kinda complicated, ^_ ^ )
City Garden Grand Hotel just opened last July 2014. and surprisingly it becomes a HIT to MOST TRAVELERS. I've been observing its trend via Expedia and day by day almost fully booked! I'm so lucky that they always have an available suites for me.
I always booked the Superior King suite and as you can see it's FULLY BOOKED! This room cost less than Php4,900.00 (I remember it's Php4,200.00 per night).
If you'll happen to pass along Makati Avenue, you'll notice that there is two (2) City Garden Hotel. I stayed at the new hotel City Garden GRAND Hotel, the one near Century City Mall, and NOT the old hotel City Garden Hotel.
Its lobby is well-maintained and very tidy. I enjoyed sitting in their comfortable sofa, reading the morning paper, while sipping my brewed coffee. It was very cozy and it feels like I'm home, surrounded by courteous and kind hotel staff ready to serve you and make your stay memorable. From a misfortune experience 3-months ago from the time of my first visit, to a relaxing and enjoyable second time, everything seems to be fine and I kinda like it.
City Garden Grand Hotel has 311 fully air-conditioned rooms, conference rooms, a huge dining area, well-equipped gym, spa, and rooftop deck, bar, and a pool overlooking some parts of the city.
But it's not perfect. Their pool deck is not that appealing in the meantime, as you could see there is ongoing construction (probably a new residential condominium). So expect some curious audiences watching you enjoying your dip (well I got used to it).
What about their rooms? Is my room looks nice and comfortable too? Well-maintained and well-light? See your selves!
It was SO COMFORTABLE! It was soo good enough, that I always have a very nice sleep. Sheets are changed regularly, including towels and toiletries. They always make sure that my room is always in place, have enough complimentary bottled water, a phone next to my bed, WIFI is also good, plus they have a hair-dryer (yeah it's a must to my list). This is my Superior Room during my January staycation.
And this is my Superior Room during my first stay last October 2014. Looks the same right? Both these rooms are situated on the 20th Floor.
One of my favorite parts is to spend my me-time soaking myself in this bathtub with my favorite bubble bath and aromas, with complete toiletries and enough towels. Isn't it a glorious experience?
Look at their gym, complete with this good equipment ready to pump your ass, release your energy, and sweat a lot to be more fit and healthy. I bet this area will be a fitness junkie's favorite place.
They have this spacious banquet/dining room for their guest, overlooking some parts of the city. They serve decently good food - not fancy but it was good enough. It includes free breakfast for 2, and you also have an option to omit this.
I ate my breakfast here and have my lunch or dinner outside. Not because I don't like their food (because I never tried having lunch and dinner here). It's because I like to try other things, anyway its a vacation and my opportunity to visit other places, other than the place where I sleep.
Let's see what other travelers comment about City Garden Grand Hotel. I grabbed these short reviews via Tripadvisor.
I agree about the staff's situation - they are eager to be with you around, ready to serve you (like your personal butler!). Plus they are kinda cute :)
Wow! This reviewer seems shared his sweet-and-not-so-sweet experience (laugh) but I do agree with him location-wise. The hotel is located near the business district, and also near for red-light entertainment district. This place is kinda more appealing for single travelers (especially the men travelers), but kinda has a distance for nice restaurants. You'll need to grab a cab going to Greenbelt wherein you will have choices of restaurants and decent bars. Or if you want to explore the place, you can just walk from the hotel (it will only take less than 30 minutes).
Definitely value for money - and I love it too!
I couldn't wait to spend my next long weekend and hopefully, they have an available suite for me.
My Ratings are:
Location: 3/5
Cleanliness: 5/5
Sleep Quality: 5/5
Room: 5/5
Service: 5/5
Value: 5/5
*******
DISCLAIMER: This is NOT A SPONSORED POST. We (I mean, me and this blog forurbanwomen.com) enjoy traveling and staying in nice (and some luxury hotels) for some relaxation and me-time. We are sharing our experiences here to help our readers to pick their hotels, and be your urban guide traveling to different cities. If some of hotels and resorts are interested to collaborate with us, just contact me at blair.villanueva@gmail.com
xoxo, Blair
Hi, does the room include a free buffet breakfast or just a normal breakfast?
ReplyDeletethe room charge includes free breakfast buffet
DeleteI'm in love with that bed!
ReplyDeleteMe too! Their sheets are so lovely :) This isn't a luxury hotel but they are making me feel living in luxury :)
DeleteI love staycation. They are the best where you can temporarily run away from home and be pampered some place else.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Whenever I felt so bored at home and I need inspirations - I usually booked a stay at some hotels and just relax, to regain my writing zest.
DeleteThat bed would be so hard to leave! The hotel looks beautiful.
ReplyDeleteYeah it is, I could just stay here and watch the movie hahaha.
DeleteGorgeous rooom. I love the look of th egym and pool. Great amenities
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more, and their staffs are so nice :)
DeleteOoo I'm impressed. Everything about this hotel looks amazing. That food looks delicious.
ReplyDeleteThank dear! Yeah though these foods are just simple, I enjoyed it a lot.
DeleteI agree by looking at your photos. The facilities and hospitality of the staff is the main deciding factor whether it is worth the say or not.
ReplyDeleteThank you Liza,
DeleteThey make every clients feel at-home and well taken cared of, one of the reason why I love staying here :)
looks like nice play to stay. This hotel I no stay before.
ReplyDeleteHello Sherry,
DeleteWhen you visit Manila, add this hotel to your options :)
I wish to go for a staycation in KL soon.
ReplyDeleteHello Sunshine!
DeleteYeah you must dear. You deserve every minute of pampering :) Priorities!
The hotel room looks quite decent and it's pretty huge. What I love the most is the gym. Good hotels must have a well-equipped gym!
ReplyDeleteYeah they have an impressive gym, so bad I'm not a gym buff :)
DeleteLooks like you enjoyed your stay completely. I like hotels with a personal touch and I need great cleanliness! They seem to have big rooms, plus point! :)
ReplyDeleteHello Helene,
DeleteYes I like their rooms because each rooms have bathtubs! and their beds are very good too!
Wow, the room looks amazing and the view is lovely. I might be planning my next vacation thanks to you.
ReplyDeleteHello Esther,
DeleteThat's great! Yeah the nice is also nice, but I don't like the part where the swimming pool is located because of the construction on the next building.
I've never really done a staycation before, but I imagine I would enjoy it! Any pampering time is always a win in my book! ;)
ReplyDeleteHello Divya,
DeleteOhh you must have your pampering session! You deserve it dear :)
This place looks fabulous! I'm sure that you had a fabulous time!
ReplyDeleteBeth || www.TheStyleBouquet.com
Hello Beth,
DeleteYes I am now am thinking of booking a stay again at City Garden Grand Hotel.
This looks like a lovely hotel! The room was beautiful, and that bathroom even looked amazing!
ReplyDeleteI agree Jessi,
DeleteAs long as there is a nice bathroom with bathtub, am a happy girl :)
OOoh the hotel look lovely and I love the decor. Very nice. xx
ReplyDeleteThank Anna! I love staying here and if only I could here longer then I will :)
DeleteThis is a gorgeous hotel. It reminds me of one I stayed I while in Seoul. Love the bikini top.
ReplyDeleteThank you Saidah!
DeleteSummer is almost here so many staycation and bikini pictures soon!
Enjoyed reading this post and seeing your lovely photos. Looks like a great place to stay! You're making me want to trav3el indeed.
ReplyDeleteHi, ohh you deserve to travel again. Go for it!
DeleteImpressed with the luxurious room. The price seems like a steal as well.
ReplyDeleteIts so affordable! And am so happy I got it :)
DeleteThat bed is huge! it looks divine! Great review, looks like a really nice play to stay!
ReplyDeleteHello Donna,
DeleteThank you for reading my hotel review, and yes its a Queen size bed. It is huge for me - but this bed is quite smaller if I'm with my boyfriend - he is huge so this is just enough for him alone, LOL
I love a good staycation at a beautiful hotel. A little room service can definitely turn a gloomy weekend into a great one.
ReplyDeleteHello!
DeleteThis time I didn't order for room service because there are many awesome restaurants nearby and I could save a lot than ordering room service.
Sounds like you had fun. The hotel seems great
ReplyDeleteHello Nisha,
DeleteYes it is and I can't wait to spend my staycation here soon! Thank you for visiting my blog and for liking me review :)
Looks like you had a great time relaxing! I would love to visit sometime soon.
ReplyDeleteHello Kathryn,
DeleteThanks for visiting! Keep on exploring my blog :D
Looks like a nice place to stay in. I am happy you got it for a cheaper price!
ReplyDeleteYes, I diligently search Expedia deals were I got many hotel discounts :D
Delete
ReplyDeleteAhhhh the hotel looks so pretty! I would definitely stay there and that food looks so freaking good!!
Thanks Nicole! You might consider staying here when you visit Manila :D
DeleteWow such an extensive review of your experience! Seems like a good place to stay! Thanks for this post!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome Milton, and thank you for reading my review! I will post many hotel review soon. Some are from the last year's staycation that I haven't posted yet, but still way useful info.
DeleteWOW! That's such a beautiful place to stay! I especially loved that bathroom!
ReplyDeleteI agree Ellie!
DeleteIts a little space I truly appreciate from this hotel. And I could spend hours just soaking in the bath and listening to music, and drinking champagne :)
Woww such a wonderful place it is. I can see you had an amazing time
ReplyDeleteYes I am and am happy to share my lovely experience. Hope you could stay in the hotel when you visit Manila. They are so kind with their clients.
DeleteWow, that hotel looks amazing!! I've never considered a staycation at a hotel, but I may need to after this!
ReplyDeleteHello Emily,
DeleteSince there is no beach resort in the heart of Manila, I opt for a hotel staycation, as long as they have a swimming pool and a bathtub :)
The hotel looks beautiful! What exactly is a Staycation?
ReplyDeleteHello dear,
DeleteStaycation is a term we use for a stay + vacation. Frequently used for a short-term vacation mostly done in a hotels.
That's so cool that you take the time to have a little vacation for yourself in your own city! I'm all for taking myself out and doing things just for me, but I never even thought about doing that before!
ReplyDeleteHello Caitlyn,
DeleteStaying at home during weekend is also cool. But sometimes I got so boring at home and I felt so lazy. So it is nice to have at least an overnight stay in a different place just to regain my energy.
Wow!!! This hotel looks amazing! I can see why you would spend a weekend there.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kristin :) Keep on exploring my blog :)
DeleteA very nice hotel with great facilities. Glad you enjoyed.
ReplyDeleteThank you Linda :) Hope you could visit Manila soon!
DeleteSeems a beautiful and confortable hotel!
ReplyDeleteYou sure enjoyed your we!
Thank you Chiara, yup I did enjoyed it :) I can't wait to spend another vacation!
DeleteThis place looks amazing. The room looks really comfortable. I also would love that breakfast, it looks yummy.
ReplyDeleteHahaha yeah and the sheets are soo nice and always freshly changed. I like their house keeping :)
DeleteShame that it was not completely perfect but it is close enough. The decor is fancy, the staff are nice and it is spacious , what is not to love?
ReplyDeleteI know right :)
DeleteWell hopefully when I visit the hotel soon, the construction from the next building are finished. I don't like having uninvited audiences, LOL
Girl i wanna be you when i grow up lol . I always love your travel stories and this is so fabulous!!! Thanks for sharing again
ReplyDeleteHahaha you're welcome Kay! Well you have amazing travel too. Would you like to switch places?
DeleteHotel stay is always nice, your room look so relaxing :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Ivy! Yeah and I also can't get enough of their bathtub :)
DeleteLooks like a really nice place to stay! I am loving that bed, looks so comfortable I would not want to leave.
ReplyDeleteYes that's what I felt each time I stayed there.. I could stay all day laying in bed! But I have to take advantage of the city, so nope I have to move.
DeleteThe hotel seems nice to stay at. Will mark down when we visit Manila in future
ReplyDeleteThanks Wai Yee, yeah you'll gonna love it here too!
DeleteThis looks like a great staycation. Loving the bed!
ReplyDeleteI know right. NO one will HATE this bed.. so heavenly :)
DeleteMust be a enjoyable stay. You seem enjoy it. Only the pool view is emmmm.... But overall can see the hotel maintain it facilities and service well.
ReplyDeleteLOL same reaction when I saw the pool! It's kind of disappointing on that part, but everything else are so good.
DeleteI love it when hotels have a fully equiped gym!
ReplyDeleteHello Dear,
DeleteThat's why this place is also a favorite of most gym buff travelers :)
Staycations are my favorite! You get to relax in such a lovely room and you don't have to go out and get dressed or do anything during the whole weekend. Looks like you picked a great place!
ReplyDeleteStaycation is one of a little me-time I always do and I love it. Yeah in this way, you can relax and don't think of anything.
DeleteWow! I love the room, it looks so spacious and the bed is perfect for staycations. It's definitely a great place to stay in for the weekend.
ReplyDeleteHello Carol,
DeleteYes and a good place to regain those energy from the busy and tiring week. Ahh I want to stay here again!
Having some alone time with ourself can help us unwind for a moment and rejuvenate for a while. I miss that thing.
ReplyDeleteHello Sarah,
DeleteYou must do it babe! You deserve every pampering moment.
LOVE THE PICTURES! Looks like you had the time of your life. The hotels looks amazing.
ReplyDeleteThank you Mabella! Keep on visiting my blog :D
DeleteLooks like you enjoyed your staycation! The hotel is lovely!
ReplyDeleteThank you Cameron, and yes I love it. Am actually booking for a room for this weekend :)
DeleteYou are the Queen of Travel. How about finding your dear sweet blogging friend Valerie a hotel gig in her home state of Oklahoma in the U.S.A. I need a staycation. Pleaseeeeeeeee
ReplyDeleteHello Valerie!
DeleteWould you like to switch places? How can we do that?!
Awww i love staycations and this hotel looks amazing! That view is perfection!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lynnette! Keep on exploring my blog.
DeleteThat place looks amazing and comfortable! I will need to see if I have somewhere like this near me.
ReplyDeleteThat's great Michelle, you deserve pampering coz you work so hard everyday :D
DeleteAfter reading your post, making me miss staycation!! I need a short getaway from my life for now T_T
ReplyDeleteHello Sharon,
DeleteThank you for visiting my blog, and you deserve every inch of pampering! Book your hotel now!
looks like an amazing hotel. You seemed to have a luxurious and beautiful experience there. nice photos.
ReplyDeletewww.learn2livefully.com
Thank you Nisha! Actually this staycation is just a humble one. I have the most luxurious stay that I haven't shared yet :)
DeleteI like the Tripadvisor's reviews screenshots you put into the post. Lovely idea to give some extra info to the readers. Anyway, the hotel seems to be a great place for weekend getaway.
ReplyDeleteThank you Milijiana! Many hotels and staycation review will be up soon :)
DeleteLooks like a chic hotel in the middle of the city. The city view and open terrace pool are just perfect!
ReplyDeleteThanks dear. But not too perfect especially the pool area. You will get lots of instant fans! Hahaha
DeleteI think the location would matter to me. But other facilities do win over this disadvantages. Food spread too looks yumm.
ReplyDeleteLOL I know what you mean. However I learned that being situated to red-light-district adds it appeal and making your stay more interesting.
DeleteSuch a luxurious accommodation! Props to you for pampering yourself with a staycation. The rooftop pool looks to die for!
ReplyDeleteHello Shane and thank you for visiting :)
DeleteQuite luxurious but not too much. I would like to spend another staycation at Raffles or Fairmont Hotel.
I love staycations! It can be so relaxing. And it seems like this is a great place to stay even with construction. Glad your room was so comfortable.
ReplyDeleteyeah, oohhh I love my bed then, I could spend my whole day being lazy.
DeleteSeems so comfortable and nice. It is good to get pampered in hotels like this....gets you so relaxed. :)
ReplyDeleteOhhh I want to spend another staycation this weekend! Thank you for visiting Ami!
DeleteYou just reminded me how relaxing a staycation can be..its been a while since I had one of these...just a lovely lazy weekend doing absolutely nothing, without the internet!
ReplyDeleteYeah, though there is no internet... my phone is keep on feeding tons of photos for future posts!
DeleteI haven't really had a vacation with a lavish stay and i am craving it. This gave me some major vacation goals and I am going to pamper myself pretty well.
ReplyDeleteYou've been working so hard Laveena. You deserve a break and a me-time :)
Delete