I’ve been to many hotels in the city, and I can say that staying for a weekend at Orchid Garden Suites in Manila is one of my memorable stay.
Last October 2017 during my blog coverage at the recent Manila FAME, I stayed at this humble place for 3D2N. It was my first time at this place, not a typical grand hotel with high ceilings, and grand chandeliers and posh butlers around, however it gives me that kind of unique appeal.
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First, it was October but the hotel has welcomed me with these beautifully adorned Christmas decors!
I was amazed truly, and Christmas gives me delights, anyway.
The Lobby
When I reached their lobby, I instantly sensed that there is something exceptional about this hotel. I was thinking maybe this place is a former old mansion converted into a hotel. If you are very observant, you would noticed that those windows, and pillars would tell many stories of the past.
Without wasting my time, I’ve visited their website and learned that this place is indeed a former mansion house of the former Philippine Supreme Court Justice Antonio Villa-real built in 1935, and was commissioned to one of the Philippine’s National Artist of Architecture, Pablo Antonio.
During those days, this mansion was home for many dignitaries and known personalities. And in 1995, the family decided to convert it into a hotel, now known as Orchid Garden Suites. In 2006, this hotel was nominated for the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Preservation.
After reading its background story, I felt that distinct happiness that I’ve got an opportunity to spend my weekend at Orchid Garden Suites.
Each corners have those beautiful paintings which are made during it era. This photo is taken in their main elevator which is also adorned with Christmas décor. Ooh I could feel the holiday season so early then!
As I reached my floor (am on 8th floor!) I admire how shiny and tidy the floor and the wooden walls are! While walking its hallway, I felt like travel back in those golden era, and starting to enjoy the old luxurious life.
The Room
For unknown reason, I was assigned to stay at their humble Family Room (see the cost per night at above photo, via Expedia). Maybe there is no available rooms, so they gave me the family room.
Yeah, I enjoyed the whole room by myself with these three beds! LOL
Though the room lacks the amenities of the modern luxury hotels, I like the simplicity it provided. My room have this sofa, which I think could be another space for one guest!
Aside of these three comfortable beds, it has a functional air conditioner, a cable TV, a huge cabinet for my own usage, and a telephone.
My room also have this complimentary coffee, tea, and bottled waters, plus a free use water heater. My cabinet is spacious enough and had this safety deposit box for my valuable belongings. Also had this mini fridge for my food.
Here’s my humble bathroom! I’ve got the basic needs like these toiletries, fresh white towels, extra tissue roll, and a hot-and-cold shower. But my heart slightly sunk when I learned there is no bathtub (sigh, you know how much I love bathtubs!).
Well, it’s okay to have no bathtub! My heart was lifted again when I saw this hair dryer.
Yey for this! Because you can never caught me walking outside with wet hair.
Yey for this! Because you can never caught me walking outside with wet hair.
Yup I guess I became comfortable with my room!
The Swimming Pool
If you feeling like want to have a dip, they have a swimming pool located at the ground floor of the hotel, next to the lobby. I haven’t got the chance to indulge in this pool, due to my hectic schedule.
The Lobby Bar
At the hotel lobby, you will see this adjacent lobby bar. They serve your favorite coffee and I guess some few drinks and wine, and also sandwiches and pancakes.
They only have few tables so you don’t have to worry about overcrowding. They also provide free wifi access, and you can enjoy your coffee here while working, and no one will bother you.
Café Alicia
Located on the right outside the hotel lobby, passing thru the patio is the Café Alicia where I spent my hearty breakfast during my stay. If I felt amazed with the hotel per se, the Café Alicia is another story.
Also in a vintage theme, Café Alicia is another unique place that you should visit when you have free time. Just like the hotel, Café Alicia was adorned with Christmas décor in October and adds appeal to this cozy place.
I love how they layout the place just like a vintage home in its prime era. The white-and-blue theme is admirable. Café Alicia serves breakfast, lunch and dinner so you can visit the place when you are nearby.
And foods?! Ahhh I have no protest. I enjoyed my hearty breakfasts and dining experience.
I also noticed how charming their dining table, as they decorated it with old newspaper clippings of every iconic happenings many years back. It is very interesting to read those clippings while waiting for your ordered food. Also, you will noticed these black-and-white photos of every wives of the early Philippine Presidents. Very charming!
This café is not only make me enjoy their food, but also the history that they patiently plastered in the whole place!
And if you want to enjoy fresh air, you may opt to dine al fresco. Good for enjoying your coffee and reading your favorite book!
Look how quaint this patio/parking space! I like it and you can truly feel and smell that fresh air these plants brings in.
By the way, before I leave that night to attend the Gala of Weaves, I never missed that opportunity to take some souvenir photos wearing my dress.
Hahaha I felt like am truly travelling back in time!
I also like the olive-and-white color themed of this hotel. Although some of their furniture (like that sofa in the lobby) needs to upgrade, however those wooden furniture gives a distinctive appeal and can stayed as is.
I also like the olive-and-white color themed of this hotel. Although some of their furniture (like that sofa in the lobby) needs to upgrade, however those wooden furniture gives a distinctive appeal and can stayed as is.
Verdict:
Overall, my weekend at Orchid Garden Suites brought another exceptional experience to my entire staycation life. I like how attentive their staffs are, the foods, everything is worthy!
For this staycation, I would live it a 4-star experience!
If you want to experience traveling back in time, you may opt to check and stay at Orchid Garden Suites, and discover its story by yourself.
Orchid Garden Suites Manila
620 Pablo Ocampo Sr. Street, Malate, Manila, 1004 Metro Manila
Disclaimer: This is #NotSponsored post
xoxo, Blair
Oh how I love that dress on you.And I certainly wouldn't complain if I was given the family room either lol. I'm glad that you enjoyed the cafe food.
ReplyDeleteHahaha thank you Ana. Yeah I enjoyed lots of beds! And the foods in the café are so nice.
Deleteso beautiful and feel like a princess if stay at this hotel. Seeing the situation from the pictures has made me so excited to stay here. Will be stay here one fine day if i go vacation there.
ReplyDeleteThank you Bonda! Yeah you will enjoy here and don't forget to experience dining at their café.
DeleteThe decoration so modern and classy ! Facilities looks complete too easy for guests.i love your geometric dress.beautiful
ReplyDeleteThank you dear!
DeleteI've never been to Manila for a long time to go there for a good look at this beautiful and luxurious stay at ok prices will not be able to sit there anymore.
ReplyDeleteHahaha you should try it next time when you are in town.
DeleteThis place is pretty. Simple and nice. and they have a swimming pool! :) Good chose
ReplyDeleteThanks Alexander! I got lucky :D
DeleteEnjoy reading your staycation experience at Orchid Garden Suites. Very nice hotel and i wish to go there some day.
ReplyDeleteIt was a good experience, and I can't forget that humble breakfast at their café.
DeleteWow.. The mansion is so beautiful. I never saw the shinning floor like this before in every hotel ive been to. The room was so spacious for a family and im sure the guest will have a stunning experience here.
ReplyDeleteYeah it was spacious enough. Its a humble room and I like it.
Deletewah..that place so nice..looks eksklusif..more nature..looks very calm..oh my your dress looks gorgeous..hehe
ReplyDeleteI love the driveway with many trees!
DeleteThis place look so cozy! Will stay here if I visit to Manila.
ReplyDeleteYou will enjoy it here Shini!
DeletePersonally, what makes me excited whenever I get the chance to have a staycation is not just the comfort that it brings, but also the swimming pool and the food. This is actually so perfect for me, I will definitely try to stay here If I get to travel to Manila soon. The room looks really spacious, organized and clean. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting as well :D
DeleteA very beautiful hotel, even though yes, it does not look that large or spacious. You in that arty dress fitted in just nicely. HAHA
ReplyDeleteThank you Emily!
DeleteHi.
ReplyDeleteI am glad to read post about REVIEW: ORCHID GARDEN SUITES MANILA.
Good job Its good to share with others. I like your post. Keep up the good.
Thank Adam!
DeleteI do really love your dress. You look gorgeous on it. and that suites looks perfect place for having a relaxing time. The room is so comfortable and warm.
ReplyDeleteThank you Shub! My dress is uber festive!
DeleteThat's a lovely choice for an accommodation. The little touches make it so welcoming, like the couch in that niche by the elevator. Your dress is fabulous!
ReplyDeleteThank you Punita! This hotel is very welcoming :)
DeleteI think I could live here too, or at least stay as long as possible. It's so fun finding a place like this for a little getaway and make you feel like a queen.
ReplyDeleteYou should try someday Rosemary! Visit Manila :D
DeleteYour staycations are the kind of stuff which poke at the envy corner in most people's brains. Orchid garden suites do look cozy and ensconced in a bubble of greenery.
ReplyDeleteHahaha thanks Denny :D You should try this place as well.
DeleteLooks like a good option for those looking for large suite-style rooms and elegant decor for an affordable price. Some of the furnishings in the room look a little basic but mostly, the place looks quite grand!
ReplyDeleteI agree. This place is no luxury but quite humble enough.
DeleteThe pool and outside patio are darling. Amazing that was a former estate residence. It looks like you had a nice staycation.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I just regret that I haven't tried their pool! I forgot my swimwear!
DeleteThis space looks exceptionally quaint and enjoyable. The perfect place to relax and enjoy time away from home. The family room concept seems quite cool- especially for those with children who can sleep in their own beds but need to be close. Thank you for the review!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I guess the beds can be requested to be side-by-side.
DeleteI would've never guessed this is the former mansion of former SC Justice Villareal. Now I am curious, makes me want to stay there. lol. That hotel is simple yet classy. And you look beautiful in that gown btw.
ReplyDeleteMy stay was became more meaningful when I realized this is a restored old mansion. It is rare that we experience living in old mansions.
DeleteI'm soooo jealous...lol I absolutely love the pics you posted too, not to mention the one where you were sitting in that lovely dress. I wanna stay here now!! haha Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience here.
ReplyDeleteI felt sooo festive with this dress!
DeleteI have never been to the Philippines but this hotel looks absolutely amazing. I would want to stay there forever. I love the room with loads of beds in it for a family.
ReplyDeleteOh you must visit the Philippines, pretty sure you will enjoy here.
DeleteLooks like a nice place. I've been wanting to travel to the Philippines. I'll have to show this to my wife.
ReplyDeleteYou and your family will enjoy the Philippines!
DeleteIt looks very comfortable and stylish. I would like to stay there. It will be in my mind. Thanks for your article.
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting! Truly appreciate it :D
DeleteAbsolutely beautiful location! Your photos are fabulous too!
ReplyDeleteThank you NOvel!
DeleteWow, this is so fancy! The pictures you used made this post fantastic. You look stunning in the dress you wore to the gala of weaves xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful hotel! I would definitely bring my family to stay there.
ReplyDeleteYeah, this is perfect for family - look at my space! And its more affordable as well.
DeleteThe Orchid Garden looks very cozy and well located. Great to hear it provides a 4-star experience, even if it lacks some of the luxury features. It's always fun to stay someplace with a lot of history behind it.
ReplyDeleteI agree. And I like the story and history behind of this hotel. It makes my stay more precious.
DeleteI wish I was hella rich so that I can afford living there forever.
ReplyDeleteHahaha well, you should find other old mansion, adopt it and turn into your own hotel. It will be cool!
DeleteNice hotel place and hotel! I love your dress! Keep smiling ��
ReplyDeleteOh thank you dear!
DeleteLooks like you had an amazing staycation! I have to keep the Orchid Garden Suites in mind if I'm ever traveling through that area. Sorry that you didn't get a chance to relax by the pool, but it looks like you got a little downtime in your room. Also - your dress is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteIts okay! There will be another time for the pool.
DeleteThank you for reading my blog :D
Such a lovely place to stay! It's so funny that you got yourself 3 beds. The lobby bar looks really cozy. Also, I would like to have a meal at Café Alicia. The food looks yummy and the decoration is lovely.
ReplyDeleteYeah it was a surprise, coz they aid there is no available single beds. But I enjoyed my stay :)
DeleteI wonder who the interior designer is? The decor is absolutely amazing! This is a great choice of stay.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I like it as well.
DeleteFirst of all, i am LOVING that dress. Second, i can't stop marveling at the hallway. So beautiful, elegant and shinny. Looks like you had a lot of fun over there though!.
ReplyDeleteThank you dear, yeah I had a great stay good food, and awesome services.
DeleteOrchid Garden suites looks perfect place to stay in Manila. I loved the simple and classy interiors of this palatial villa/mansion.
ReplyDeleteThank you Yukti!
DeleteThis is such a beautiful hotel! I would love tooi visit someday!
ReplyDeleteYou will surely enjoy it here :D
Deletewhat a quaint and lovely place!
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting Poorna :D
DeleteLove this, this has inspired me to go on a staycation now. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome Cadina! Always enjoy your vacation.
DeleteThis hotel looks absolutely amazing! I loove your colorful dress!
ReplyDeleteThank you Safi! Too festive :D
DeleteThis one must be high on heritage if it was nominated for UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Preservation. I found it very classy in appeal. Looks extremely neat and organized. The cafe looks cheerful than the rest of the hotel. I loved your dress. Thank you for suggesting this option for Manila.
ReplyDeleteThank you, and hope you could visit Manila one day and stay at this humble hotel.
DeleteWhat a grand old lady the hotel was. Such a nice experience staying in a hotel with history, I always love doing this. Having a swimming pool is a bonus after the heat of Manila.
ReplyDeleteOld but still a good place to stay in Manila
DeleteWow, the interior design of this place looks absolutely fabulous! I sure wouldn't mind spending a few days in here. No wonder it was nominated for UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Preservation! Thank you for another great suggestion :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for appreciating, Daniel :D
DeleteSeems like such a perfect place to stay during a trip to Manila. My mom is actually from Manila so I do hope to go there and visit one day!
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome! Hope your Mother is enjoying Manila.
DeleteOh wow, your dress is so stunning! I haven't heard of Orchid Suites, but it's now on the radar. Cafe Alicia looks like a good choice for breakfast too.
ReplyDeleteI agree, very homey and I like the whole environment.
DeleteI laughed when I saw how big your room was for just you! At least you felt like a queen during your stay. I love all the modern details that the Orchid Garden Suites has. I think it looks very upscale and a great relaxing retreat for travelers.
ReplyDeleteHahaha I know right?! 3 beds!
DeleteWhat a stunning place to stay! I am planning to go to the Philippines this spring and this post was just right for me. What a lovely breakfast, and what lovely interior design. I would most likely consider staying here, and I am saving your post for future references. I will definitely let you know if I ended up booking a room here =)
ReplyDeleteThanks Ann! This is a perfect location for you especially if you are first time in Manila. This is walking distance to the Manila Bay area and few minutes away to other touristic destination here in the city.
DeleteFormer mansion house of the chief justice of Manila, wow! When I look at the bedroom and the lobby bar, it does look like it could be someone's home - warm and cosy, rather than a hotel. Love the interiors of Cafe Alicia! Orchid Garden Suites look like a pretty cool place to stay in Manila, thanks for the recommendation.
ReplyDeleteI agree, this hotel have its own genuine charm. Especially dining at Café Alicia!
DeleteThis seems like a comfortable and luxurious hotel. Loving the simple decor in the room and the methodical way it is arranged. And to add the heritage bit to it - well, there is no reason why one must not stay here.
ReplyDeleteI agree, the heritage makes a lot of difference.
DeleteNeed more info about the dress!!! Where did you get it?!!!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I found this fabric during one of my weekend visit in fabric stores, I find it so unique and outlandish. And thought of making a dress! It looks fun and perfect for the occasion :D
DeleteI hand-sew them coz I don't have a sewing machine yet.