It was Saturday, post-Valentine’s Day when my mon amour surprises me with a staycation at this luxurious hotel in Bonifacio Global City, The Grand Hyatt Manila. It was one of his occasional surprises he does whenever he pleases, and it was just in time that I needed a full weekend of relaxation. We are not in a habit of celebrating Valentine’s Day during the 14th as we believe that each time we are together, it is always Valentine’s Day.
I may say he is lucky to have me, a very understanding and patient partner, and would never say no to this kind of simple surprise. Luckily, I always have my weekend travel bag ready, whenever I feel like having a spontaneous getaway. That makes me save time on packing!
I’ve been thinking of staying at the Grand HyattManila ever since its opening last year. I’ve stayed in one of its sister hotels in Singapore called Grand Hyatt along Scotts Road and my experience was pretty amazing, and I grew this similar expectation for this local Grand Hyatt.
On the uptown area of Bonifacio Global City along 36th Street and 8th Avenue, this luxury hotel stands out at night as one of the prime landmarks in the area. It glares beautifully at night, which makes you wonder what’s going on inside this hotel.
The hotel is also adjacent to its luxurious residence, The Grand Hyatt Residence which is still not yet open however you can already see the potential of it a few years from now.
After my sumptuous lunch, I booked my GRABCar to bring me to Grand Hyatt Manila. I arrived at around 2:15pm and headed to the reception area. I noticed that the male hotel staffs (the valet) are not attentive to their posts as I walk out from my car (unlike some other hotels I’ve been to where they never miss opening my door for me). Maybe because I wasn’t wearing a posh dress and headed out just wearing a plain t-shirt, pants, and sneakers – my usual “not screaming money look”.
At this point, the valet staff knows how to blatantly show profiling their clients.
The check-in process when well, being greeted by the lady reception staff and asked for my credit card for my deposit (that is Php5,000 per night in case I break something, duh).
The spacious lobby looks grand and you couldn’t help noticing the floral centerpiece they installed for their guest's admiration. They are adored by these species of brightly colored orchids, and on both sides are semi-gloss stairs going up to the next floor of presumably the lounge area for your coffee and tea. Under the stairs, you’ll notice this small fountain that makes the whole ground so relaxing. Nothing makes me feel calm that watching and listening to the water flowing.
It was always lovely enjoying this beautiful cityscape in the morning especially at night, a little luxury that I enjoyed during that weekend that I stayed on the 55th floor. I couldn’t help staying outside and admire its beauty while sipping my favorite wine (pardon me but, the wine wasn’t provided by the hotel, not like in Makati Shangri-la where it comes with their welcome treats!) which I bought from the nearest Rustan’s store inside the Uptown Mall, a walking distance from the hotel.
The Grand Room
Out of 461 rooms of this property, I stayed at the Grand Room located on the 53rd floor. This 45sqm posh room is smaller than the Continental Club (it has 51sqm) at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, comes with a King-sized bed and fluffy pillows and duvet, a good bouncy bed (I bet mon amour would love it as well), and a spacious bathroom with a private bath and impressive vanity area.
Though the whole floor wasn’t fully carpeted, the area with carpets is seemed semi-permanently installed on the floor. It was a nice room but could be nicer if they make more effort.
I like that they have this Cleopatra-inspired sofa next to the full-sized mirror which makes this room looks bigger.
The room comes with a flat-screen television with decent cable channels, a small bar cabinet, and this wooden dining table cum working table. This table is very minimalist and the location looks odd. Why put the table next to the television? I believe it should be away from the table especially if this table serves as a working desk. It just feels odd, and not welcome in my opinion.
I also received an apology note from the Director of Rooms, telling me (Dear Guest..?) that the pool can’t be used for the day due to a special Valentine’s event for the 14th of February…
But I arrived on the 16th of February. That means this room wasn’t occupied or had never been checked prior to my visit. The letter is odd as well… not personalized, too cold.
The Wardrobe
It was impressive with enough space for my belongings. There’s an iron set, flashlight for an emergency. An umbrella just in case it rains outside, a safety deposit box (which I rarely use, unless I am with my mon amour who diligently uses it), I got a complimentary shoe-shine service and laundry (which I never use), plus good bedroom slippers.
The Bathroom
I can’t deny my love affair with a deep-soaking bath coz I treat it as my peaceful and relaxing place, which goes second place to my bed. The whole spacious bathroom is nice with clean towels and bathrobes, complete toiletries, hairdryer, and bath toiletries from June Jacobs spa collection same as what Grand Hyatt in Scotts Roads have. One this that they missed is bath salt or bath bombs for this deep-soaking bath to complete the whole room. I decided to grab that Johnson&Johnson milk and oats milk bath from Rustan’s in order for me to enjoy my weekend of relaxation with a warm bubble bath.
The comfort room is separated in the bathroom that is located on the right side of the room before you enter the bathroom. Though it occupies a small space, it comes with complete toiletries and this huge size vanity mirror.
The mini-bar
It was lovely that they manage to add a mini-bar inside the grand room with a few complimentary such as this bag of banana chips, bottled water, a few coffee and teas, and coffee capsules. The rest is ready for consumption but with a fee, which I never touch due to its absurd prices (unlike in Hotel Jen where all the contents of your fridge including the drinks are all complimentary!)
There are no cutlery and plates, and if you need them you can loan from their bar – just dial “0”
Free Breakfast Buffet
My room non-smoking room comes with a free sumptuous breakfast buffet at The Grand Kitchen. This open-style kitchen headed by Chef Mark Hagan is something you must experience especially if you are a queen of your own kitchen – a good place to dine and learned from the pro. Although I’m a diva that isn’t good in the kitchen, I admire how they manage this whole kitchen floor at ease like they are dancing in a fire while I enjoy each unique food aroma.
I will share my separate food review about The Grand Kitchen!
The Lounge
Going using the glass stairs and you will reach this posh lounge just next to The Grand Kitchen. It is a nice place to enjoy your coffee or meet your business associates while you are staying at the hotel. Though the hotel also has separate meeting rooms, you can enjoy your casual business meetings here without paying extra.
It’s fully carpeted with comfortable seats, no wonder is suddenly you’ll fall asleep while reading your newspaper.
Enjoy your afternoon tea at the Florentine
Located at the ground floor is where you can find The Florentine – a place you can enjoy your come of special brewed coffee and tea while relaxing in the afternoon. It was love month, so no wonder they have these cutesy chocolates that cost Php1,958 for a box of 25-chocolates, and some souvenir delights you can buy before you head home.
And when you bring your own tumbler, you can get a 5% discount on all hot and cold beverages!
The Pool Area
It was nice that they have an outdoor pool area with a decent number of lounges however, I am not impressed with their pool. Though I don’t expect it as a huge pool, I don’t like the fact that the water is so shallow, and there is no separate pool for the kids versus adults. The separation is important because not everyone likes to share the pool with the kids (that includes me) and just wants to peacefully enjoy the water, the sun, and its amazing air breeze. The pool in Makati Shangri-la is much better having numbers of depth, and a separate pool for kids.
Next to the pool area is a barbeque/bar area where you can host parties. Walk a few steps forward and you will reach their outdoor function area with an open green garden perfect for hosting bigger private parties.
What a gorgeous day! I’m so glad I brought my tripod so I could have this photo without bothering others.
Other amenities
Aside from what I mentioned and experienced above, The Grand Hyatt Manila also has a 24-hour fitness center, meeting rooms, a spa (which also sells luxury spa products and skincare), a bar, restaurants, and a valet park.
Watch my YouTube video below:
Verdict:
It was lovely that I finally experience the Grand Hyatt Manila hospitality. It was a nice experience however, I couldn’t say I am impressed. There are many things that need improvements especially in pleasing their guests making them feel more welcome. My experience is quite cold, less humane interaction and staffs tend to avoid their guests (or I should say they prefer profiling first and chose to whom to give their services). If you are thinking of bringing your furry babies then better not because this is not a pet-friendly hotel.
They need to be more welcoming, and not act like a robot.
Ratings: 3.5-stars
Room Type: Grand Room, king-sized bed, non-smoking
Costs: Php13,046.08 including taxes
Credit Card: accepts JCB, Visa, and MasterCard
Disclaimer: This is #NotSponsored post
xoxo, Blair
What an incredibly sweet and romantic gesture. I love it! And that room. Wow! The view from the window is amazing. And that bathtub is gorgeous! I also adore that photo of you with the flowers in the lobby. You look lovely! Glad you had a wonderful time ♡
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed my whole stay, and I wish it will be more amazing if my beau if with me. The place is luxurious, yes but still I am into how the people in this place communicate with their guests.
DeleteIn that aspect, they need further trainings.
Love the decor of this hotel. I also love that it's perfect for business travelers and families. My kids would love the pool and the food for sure!
ReplyDeleteYes definitely! Even their foods are impressive.
DeleteWow, truly a luxurious hotel. Shots are amazing and you look lovely! 😊
ReplyDeleteThe Grand Hyatt in Manila is gorgeous. I would feel so pampered if I got to stay in a place so glamorous.
ReplyDeleteThat tub is very nice. But they should never forget to add free bath bombs next time.
DeletePhilippines is in my travel bucket for next year.And this hotel after reading & seeing through would be where I will park myself.
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome! They also have known bars on top floor.
DeleteI loved your review! The Grand Hyatt is such a classy, elegant hotel. The decor is amazing!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your review of the hotel. It looks lovely in photos though. Sad to learn about things that did not meet your expectations.
ReplyDeleteIt was lovely, but yeah not all luxury-looking hotel gives a luxury services as well. I rarely find hotel that equates luxury price to their services. But this is still recommended hotel, with lots of rooms for improvement.
DeleteWow those beds look super comfy!!
ReplyDeleteYes, feels like in the clouds :D
DeleteThis looks like a great hotel to stay in. If we're ever in the area, we will definitely stay there.
ReplyDeletePlease consider this hotel, also nice to stay with your kids, definitely they will enjoy the pool since it isn't that deep.
DeleteIt sounds like an awesome mini vacation. I'm not sure why they put that table next to the TV either though... Maybe just a catch-all for items or place to sit when the TV is off.
ReplyDeletehahaha I think so. But I do find it weird.
DeleteYou always have such wonderful and in-depth reviews! I love it! While this hotel looks absolutely fabulous - it can really be a put-off when the staff isn't very welcoming. I hate when that happens. But otherwise it sounds like it was a fabulous stay! That bathtub looks heavenly!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Lindsey :D
DeleteI can't deny how I like their tub, its very nice and I have a wonderful relationship with it, BUT they MUST NOT forget to put some bubble soap next time!
this looks so amazing and wonderful - I don't know that I would ever want to leave!
ReplyDeletehahhaa I would understand!
DeleteI prefer Hyatt and Marriott ways. Hyatt is always great.
ReplyDeleteYeah, some of the Grand Hyatt like in SG is good. I think this depends on the people per se.
DeleteLooks so luxurious, its been a while since we've last visited Manila and I didn't even know this opened last year but hopefully we can stay in this hotel next year when we fly there
ReplyDeleteOhh you should check this hotel and stay for a week. you will love it!
DeleteVery beautiful hotel. Glad you got to take some time to get away.
ReplyDeleteYes I did and I want to do it again :D
DeleteThis hotel looks amazing, it's simple nothing too extravagant, but it has that luxury feel to it :D
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. Thanks for visiting Matija :D
DeleteNot sponsored? What a great gesture. It is beautiful and I love the spacious, modern feel to it all.
ReplyDeleteHello Eliz,
DeleteYes, and majority of my travels and staycations are not sponsored and I am happy to share my review. This way, I can share my honest unfiltered opinions and reviews, as a paying guest and consumer.
Many bloggers have no guts to separate their true opinion and prefer to tone it down just because a hotel sponsored their stay. My way works very well, and I share the pros and cons of each places and experiences, without taking sides.
That looks like an awesome hotel to stay in! I've never been to Manila before.
ReplyDeleteIt's time to visit Manila very soon!
DeleteSuch a relaxing place to stay, I would be hanging out by the pool :)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely!
DeleteLearnt a lot from this staycation sharing, thanks for this post sharing here. wishing I can enjoy a lovely stay too cheers,siennylovesdrawing
ReplyDeleteOh you deserve some staycation!
Deletethat is one beautiful hotel you've stayed at! i have yet to visit anywhere in the phillipines although it's a place i really want to check out!
ReplyDeleteBring your family when you visit the Philippines, and you do island hopping :D
DeleteThose flowers in the lobby look so pretty
ReplyDeleteYes! I thought they are artificial, but they are not!
DeleteThanks for the sharing the information with us.
ReplyDeleteFeels good to know about grand hyatt
Thank you for visiting SK!
DeleteI have always wanted to stay at Grand Hyatt but never had a chance to. Thanks for the tour. :)
ReplyDeleteYou should do it!
DeleteI always enjoy staying at the hyatt for travels!
ReplyDeleteI have stayed to two Hyatt, and I want to try the rests!
DeleteOh yeah now that's what I'm talking about! Looks like an AMAZING experience... pictures tell a thousand words!
ReplyDeleteHahaha thank you Samurai!
DeleteWhat a luxurious stay and perfect for a mini Valentine's getaway! I'm a sucker for beautiful cityscape views too - not to mention a glass of wine to go with it - so you have me sold. And ughh that bathtub! Such bathroom goals!!!
ReplyDeleteYes! I was thinking of having a massage then but spending a warm bubble bath in it made me feel so good and removed my tiredness.
DeleteI love Grand Hyatt properties and this Grand Hyatt in Manila too look great for staying. Flowers in the lobby and those crystals dangling on the roof of this hotel are looking splendid.
ReplyDeleteI like that they have spacious lobby and smells really nice as well.
DeleteWhat a nice place for a romantic staycation! That bathroom is to die for, perfect for bubble baths. I need to take advantage of a luxurious hotel in my own city!
ReplyDeleteOhh you shouldn't miss it! Maybe there is an amazing hotel just around the corner :D
DeleteWhat an interesting place to have a staycation! It's too bad that the hotel staff was not as friendly as they could've been. The room looks beautiful, however, and so do the views! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this new hotel in your home city :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting Kevin! Yeah they need to train their people well.
DeleteI love the exterior side appearance. The interior is also good. You look beautiful ,clearly shows that you enjoyed over there :)
ReplyDeleteThank you dear!
DeleteI used to work for a Global Financial Firm and our analysts visited Manila often, the service where they stayed was always top notch, I am very saddened to hear that your service at Grand Hyatt seemed so sterile and cold.
ReplyDeleteTracy @ Ascending Butterfly
Well not all luxury services gives excellent services. Unfortunately Grand Hyatt Manila needs to retrain their people. Yes not all Grand Hyatt gives the same services.
DeleteBeautiful! Looks like a lot of fun
ReplyDeleteWow what a luxurious hotel.Glad that you enjoyed despite some circumstances.
ReplyDeleteI have to because I paid for my stay :D
DeleteThis hotel looks fantastic! We love all your photos.
ReplyDeletethank you dearest!
DeleteIt’s so beautiful and spacious I love the decor too! Very pretty :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Porsha!
DeleteOh Wow! This place is so amazing. I would love spend quality time here with my partner. Thanks for the detailed review
ReplyDeleteI stayed at the Grand Hyatt in Berlin and I absolutely loved it. It was such a wonderful experience. It was very comfy and we really enjoyed ourselves. This hotel looks very similar except it didn’t have that amazing outdoor pool!
ReplyDeleteI guess each Grand Hyatt are not all the same :D But at least I love their bath!
DeleteThat bed is calling my name! It looks like it's the most comfortable bed ever. I know where I'll be staying at in Manilla next time for sure!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ronnie, this bed looks like sleeping in clouds.
DeleteThe hotel looks luxurious and comfortable I love their room style. Awesome photos.
ReplyDeleteThank you Maysz!
DeleteIt really does look amazing out there. i would love it I am sure. I love how spacious the room looks and it is quite a great view.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting David!
DeleteI am loving the ambiance and it looks so luxurious. Good place for staycation indeed
ReplyDeleteTruly and it is nice to stay in a luxurious place from time to time.
DeleteWow! I love the elegant shape of the sofa in your room, and the pool area looks so inviting. I'd love to stay here.
ReplyDeleteyeah this sofa is very relaxing and inviting.
DeleteI would love to visit the Grand Hyatt in Manila. It looks so luxe! KeshiaRichmond
ReplyDeleteYou'll love the experience here!
DeleteAs a property, this one does appear to be up to the expected standards of Hyatt as a hotel chain. However, like you, I also judge a hotel more from the service aspect through the interaction and courtesy of the staff. What's the point of a beautiful hotel if the staff in that location are not well trained to serve and look after all their guests? That is disappointing and I truly understand why your verdict was the way it is. Hopefully staff there might improve over time.
ReplyDeleteThe way they treat their guests is more important to me that how great they built their walls. Luxury is more than just expensive carpets and beautiful view. It is about a genuine experience and we can't achieve that if the people manning the business isn't giving us reason to experience it.
DeleteWhat a beautiful hotel. That bathroom looks so luxurious!
ReplyDeleteI agree, I felt so relaxed in this tub.
DeleteNice review. The hotel looks amazing and fabulous. But sad that you have some little issue on their service.
ReplyDeleteI think they need more improvements on how they deliver a genuine guests experience.
DeleteYour review is very in-depth and informative. The hotel is lovely and I hope they take your suggestions for improving. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI definitely want to go to the Philippines one day, beautiful hotel
ReplyDeletewow, manila is beautiful and i hope that i get to visit one day soon! the hotel you stayed at looks delightful!
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting!
DeleteSplendid review of a grand hotel! This is very in-depth and the photos truly captivating!
ReplyDeleteThank you Debra :D
DeleteThe Grand Hyatt in Manila looks totally posh. I liked the idea of using Cleopatra-inspired sofa because it really creates more space. I loved the pictures of the room and also the high tea at Florentine looked awesome.
ReplyDeleteYeah, it makes me miss this place. Maybe I should pay them another staycation.
Deletehope to have a chance na maka stay din here.. thnks for sharing
ReplyDeleteOh you will enjoy it! I haven't visited again after this 1st visit but we'll see when I get back from Australia.
Delete