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Review Then & Now: Staycation at Shangri-La The Fort Manila

Staycation at Shangri-La The Fort Manila
Does anyone miss staycation?

Before the pandemic, we’ve been freely enjoying our usual lifestyle and travel here and there, and one of the most important in our itineraries is the hotel that will be our temporary residence during our vacation.

I remember those days when whimsically book an overnight stay without any special reason apart from just wanting to be away from our main residence, just to relax and regain our strength, and away from the need of vacuuming your own carpet floor.

As part of reminiscing those old days, I would like to share with you my personal staycation experience at the posh Shangri-La The Fort Manila back in October 2018. 

Although I’ve stayed them once overnight, I’ve but been visiting Shangri-La The Fort Manila for many occasions (since they opened its door back in 2016) thanks for generous invitations from many brands and PR agencies, including press media, bloggers, and influencers (you name it). And during some afternoon tea and coffee with the girls from work.

Staycation at Shangri-La The Fort Manila

It was just less than 3-minutes from my work building, and during my stressful days at work, I sometimes spend my break hours just roaming inside the hotel common areas, window shopping at many posh shops on the ground floor, or sometimes just sitting in a vacant lounge, to access their impressive WIFI services just for a few minutes.

Some might find it pathetic, however, I find an amazing Zen and good motivation after I spend my extra hours in this hotel. Each luxury hotels have its signature scent and aroma, and Shangri-La The Fort Manila (similar to Makati Shangri-La) is one of the places with an impressive aroma, very invigorating, I should say.





The Lobby

Staycation at Shangri-La The Fort Manila

First impressions last, and that’s why the look of every hotel lobby is very important. Guests can suddenly change their mind about canceling their accommodation due to their bad experience in the reception area or had an amazing, good vibe and the guest decided to upgrade their rooms to suites. 
The Shangri-La The Fort has a spacious lobby with high ceilings. And most of the guests couldn’t help to notice the grand crystal drops of the chandelier, and each time I stare at it, the chandelier reminds me of how amazing life is, and there will be more gorgeous things to happen.

The floors and their gorgeous carpet are giving me a good reminder of what should I get for my dream house!





Conference and Meeting Rooms

Staycation at Shangri-La The Fort Manila
Most of the time, I visited this hotel for business meetings and conferences. They have at least three huge conference halls that could accommodate more than 60-people, roughly a minimum of Php850 per person/half-day event. All floors are well-carpeted which I always wonder who their carpet supplier is. They have a small reception area as well on this floor and have many comfortable lounges where you can relax. 

Staycation at Shangri-La The Fort Manila
Aside from its spacious area, and several lounge seats, you will notice some impressive choices of artwork prints and some original works. 

Staycation at Shangri-La The Fort Manila
This painting is one of the original creations of Anton Mallari, titled ‘Fount’ in oil and acrylic on canvas, circa 2015. This was on display at the conference hall lobby inside Shangri-La The Fort Manila. 

Staycation at Shangri-La The Fort Manila
Even this common lady’s powder room is too posh! I love how clean and tidy it is. 

Staycation at Shangri-La The Fort Manila
Not many luxury hotels have this generous walled mirror. After all, women like to see themselves in the mirror and take that gorgeous mirror selfie.





Bedroom - Deluxe Room

Staycation at Shangri-La The Fort Manila
After an amazing dinner at the nearby restaurant, spending the alone quiet time is the best idea. I admit that this room captured my heart. The impressive layout and furnishings, fully carpeted floors, with sound-proof and cushioned walls, and a personal sofa so you can enjoy the gorgeous nighttime view of the city, including a personal working desk equipped with impressive WIFI access, telephone, directories, and the hotel’s stationeries. 

Staycation at Shangri-La The Fort Manila
This amazing king-size bed using 1000-count sheets will definitely give you an amazing dream. 

Staycation at Shangri-La The Fort Manila





The Bathroom

The bathroom is always an important part of every experience. This room has an impressive bathroom with huge mirrors, a bathtub, several towels with the hotel’s embossed logo, bathrobes, toiletries, and a standard hairdryer

Staycation at Shangri-La The Fort Manila

Staycation at Shangri-La The Fort Manila

Staycation at Shangri-La The Fort Manila

The shower works like therapy, and it feels so good on my back, even relaxing on the bathtub (although my bathtub at home is much bigger than theirs). Note that their toilet seat is modern but has nothing to compare with the electronic toilet seats of Okada Manila.

Staycation at Shangri-La The Fort Manila

Staycation at Shangri-La The Fort Manila
They are always thoughtful in making sure that toiletries are all boxed up. Keeps it clean and tidy.

Staycation at Shangri-La The Fort Manila
I honestly prefer the lemongrass and verbena scent for bath products than jasmine for L’Occitane.





Other room features

Staycation at Shangri-La The Fort Manila

This working desk is something you need especially when you need to work while spending your quarantine days at this hotel. 

Staycation at Shangri-La The Fort Manila

Staycation at Shangri-La The Fort Manila

Staycation at Shangri-La The Fort Manila

The room is also equipped with a flat-screen television with satellite/cable channels, clothes rack, huge closet, and ironing tools if you needed. 

In-room safe box and laptop safe box are included, and this room has a smoke detector and is fully air-conditioned. A mini-fridge is available with stocks of drinks, beers, and sodas, including an electric pot for your coffee and tea. 

We were also greeted with welcome treats such as locally made candies, chocolates, and fruits!





Dining at Shangri-La The Fort Manila


Staycation at Shangri-La The Fort Manila

During our stay, I haven’t got a chance to experience the breakfast included coz I’m very late for work, yet I heard it was pretty amazing. Probably, I should stay with them once again.

However, I did experience their food catering services on several occasions during many press conferences, and business meetings, and I can say that they did pretty well. 

Staycation at Shangri-La The Fort Manila

Staycation at Shangri-La The Fort Manila

During these events, foods and drinks are always overflowing and making sure that their guests are happy. I also recommend The Shangri-la The Fort catering services to my work colleagues in Deloitte.
Shangri-La The Fort Manila also offers catering services and is delivered to your workplace or home, or any place of your convenience.


RESTAURANTS
If you are staying at Shangri-La The Fort, you can also visit the restaurants available in their building. You can find oriental restaurants such as Wang’s Kitchen (IG: @wangskitchenbgc), Canton Road, seafood restaurant Ministry of Crab (IG: @ministryofcrab), Samba at Home, burger restaurant Raging Bull Burgers (IG: @ragingbullburgers). You can also visit Bake House Manila (IG - @bakehousemnl) for a wide selection of pastries and baked products. 

Staycation at Shangri-La The Fort Manila
Next to the hotel is the newest mall in BGC with a great view on the 3rd Level. That’s the Shangri-La The Fort hotel in the background overlooking the Kerry Sports gym.





Staycation at Shangri-La The Fort during COVID 2021


Staycation at Shangri-La The Fort Manila

As of June 2021, staycations are now back in the Metro and Shangri-La The Fort is one of the in-demand destinations. 

If you want to spend your weekend here for staycations and work, here are the things you need to know.

        * Staycations are allowed for NCR, Laguna, Cavite, Rizal, and Bulacan residents only.

        * Guests must also present a government-issued ID with an address in the places mentioned above.

        * Only guests between the ages of 18 to 65 years old are allowed, although those outside the age bracket are now allowed to dine in at the hotel’s restaurants.

        * Physical distancing must be observed at all times, and the use of face shields and masks are required to enter dining establishments.

        * Pregnant guests and those with co-morbidities are not allowed to check-in.

        * Guests should present a negative Rapid Antigen Test result taken within 24 hours before checking in or an RT-PCR test was taken within 72 hours before checking in.

        * The hotel has an on-site Rapid Antigen Test facility open daily from 8AM to 4PM. The test is available at P1,800 net per person with prior reservations required.

Staycation at Shangri-La The Fort Manila

Facilities available:

Restaurants:
Bake House — Open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; indoor and outdoor seating with limited seating capacity (no reservations, first come, first served.)

Raging Bull Burgers — Open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. with outdoor seating for two persons only (no reservations, first come, first served.)

Samba — Open Monday to Friday for breakfast at 7 to 10 a.m., and lunch to dinner at 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Weekend hours are from 7 to 10:30 a.m., and 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Raging Bull Chophouse and Bar — closed Monday and Tuesday, open Wednesday to Sunday from 5 to 10 p.m.




The hotel highly encourages making prior reservations at Samba and Raging Bull Chophouse and Bar for both lunch and dinner as there are limited seats available due to the capacity allowed by the local government.

The pool, which is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., is open only for guests who are checked in. Prior reservation is required since the hotel only allows a certain number of people in the pool and guests may only stay at the pool area for one hour.

Room Rates: Deluxe Room — P6,950++ (P8,510.28 net); Deluxe High Street View — P7,450++ (P9,122.53 net); Executive Suite — P11,950++ (P14,632.78 net); Premier Suite – P14,950++ (P18,306.28 net). Room rates are inclusive of set breakfast set for two persons.


Aside from staycation packages, Shangri-La The Fort also offers WFH (work-from-hotel) packages with their function and meeting rooms and co-working hubs. 


Staycation at Shangri-La The Fort Manila

Verdict:

Overall, my experiences staying with Shangri-La The Fort are memorable ones. Although in the past they had issues with the community, they made their efforts to make things right, and I’m okay with that. When I come back to the Philippines hopefully next year, I would like to stay with them once again and experience the rest of their facilities and enjoy the glory days. 


Ratings: 4.5 Stars


Editor’s Note: This is Not Sponsored post. 







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54 comments :

  1. I had amazing experience last June even during a pandemic, the protocols are easy to follow and well relayed to you. They also cater to your needs and are very very veeeeeeeeeeeeery welcoming. It was my first time to do a solo staycation and indeed a perfect choice for me to do it with Shangri-La Fort! will be booking again for sure

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    Replies
    1. That is what I miss back in the Philippines. Hotels are always give amazing hospitality, comparing here in Australia.

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  2. Wow...where did you find this place, Blair? It's perfect! I love everything I saw in your room! Thanks for sharing about it!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Edgar! It was my delayed review back when I'm still in the Philippines. This hotel is just a few minutes from my work building, and it feels good just passing-by here.

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  3. What a fancy hotel. It looks like a wonderful place to stay! Sounds like you had a great trip and it is nice to find accommodations that are so comfortable.

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    Replies
    1. Yeah it was a good stay even just overnight. Hope we all go back to normal so we can all enjoy our travel life again!

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  4. Oh gosh, bathroom with a bath tub is 5 stars for me! Indeed it is so nice to reminisce the staycations! I wish I could do that next time here. :)

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  5. The place looks fancy and expensive but I would love to try

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  6. I love your photos here! The place looks really nice and love the food too

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    Replies
    1. I wish I didn't miss the breakfast, however, I might visit them next time.

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  7. I love their facilities. I do reviews like this on my blog too. Thanks for writing such honest reviews

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  8. The amenities of Shangri-La BGC look so modern as compared to other Shang properties in Metro Manila. Anyway, I've only been here twice for a rapid antigen test. Other than that, I haven't even seen the lobby yet.

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    Replies
    1. I've always loved the food in Shangri-La. They're always of excellent quality, wow. That's why I always looked forward to an event when it's held in a Shangri-La hotel.

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    2. Although currently, Makati Shangri-La is closed I like to commend them for an utmost hospitality and services. The foods are divine, and I was a regular tambay there whenever I'm in Makati.
      The Shangri-La The Fort is a different level, and still a good place. Sayang, next time I'll have a sit-down dine-in experience naman.

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  9. What a beautiful place!! This is a wonderful treat for self during Covid.

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  10. I love Shangri-La! They always have great facilities and always clean.

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  11. How i would love to have a staycation there with a partner. Parang ang romantic kasi huhuhu

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    Replies
    1. Yes it is. Their bed and sheets are so comfortable.

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  12. OMG, yes! I miss staycations!!! Our kids love hotel rooms, haha! We haven't tried Shangri la, but the one that stuck the most was Sofitel because they really went out of their way to send a little chocolate gift to our birthday celebrator that time. Ugh, I hate COVID 19!!!

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    Replies
    1. Staycations back then are so easy unlike nowadays. That's what I miss as well in the Philippines.

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  13. I love Shang The Fort! One of the best hotels in the metro! :) Great that you have hotel posts again!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Emman! I got heaps of pending hotel reviews, and thanks for reminding me!

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  14. i havent tried shang the fort. pero buti open sila for staycation! andito ka?! hehe!! ilan lang yata ang hotels na open for staycation dito eh. some were really intended for quarantine.

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    Replies
    1. This was in 2018! But staycation review is still nice :)

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  15. I must always agree the Shang is a goos choice, at the Fort at that. But, I want things spent with my kids so... This reminds me of our cancelled tours and vacays, I'm sad for my kids. :(

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  16. Staycation in a classy hotel during CoVid-19? Why not! The place looks good and the food should also be good right?

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  17. What an amazing looking hotel. So fancy and elegant.

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  18. Id absolutely love to go stay somewhere like this at the moment! Looks so chilled out and posh. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes it is, and it is nice to experience fine things in life occasionally.

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  19. This hotel is not the first time I hear about it and every time I am fascinated, is it time for me to go too?

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    Replies
    1. When the pandemic is over, you can visit and enjoy :)

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  20. That's such a stunning hotel. You must have had the most amazing time there.

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    Replies
    1. I wish we stayed longer. Hopefully next time we will!

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  21. THe lobby is amazing! This does look like a great place for a staycation. I also appreciate the laptop safe! If I am ever in the area -- after the pandemic -- I might have to check it out!

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  22. I appreciate your review of the location, it might be helpful in case I will pass in the near areas (as soon as the pandemic ends). - Paolo

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    Replies
    1. I am wishing they will offer good discounted rooms when the pandemic is over!

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  23. This hotel looks like an absolutely luxurious experience. I would love to spend a few nights here. I just know it was amazing.

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  24. This looks amazing hotel. I agree, before covid hit, life was amazing and enjoyed it.

    Fransic - https://www.querianson.com

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  25. I haven't been to the Philippines yet. But it's high on my list and once I go I'll make sure to spend at least one night at the Fort Manila Hotel.

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  26. What a gorgeous place to stay, I would love to have a staycation here. Everything is so big and grand!

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  27. This hotel looks gorgeous and luxurious. La Fort Manila has a future guest right here whenever we start to travel again.

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  28. That's an amazing hotel and I am always looking for some escape.

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