Celebrating Father's Day at The Bellevue Manila
Just this past weekend, my mom and I celebrated Father's Day at The Bellevue Manila.
Yes, you read that right. It was just me and my mom. You see, ever since my father passed away 6 years ago, my mom became both a mother and a father to me, so it's only right to celebrate her on this day as well, right? :)
Front Desk at the Tower Wing
Contemporary Oriental-designed sitting area at the reception
We arrived a bit past the check-in time.
As expected, there were a number of families checking in, too, but with 4 Front Desk Associates on duty, everyone was attended to within a reasonable waiting time.
After filling out the form, I was handed the keycard, WiFi password, and 2 welcome drink vouchers.
I was giddy we got assigned a Tower Deluxe room at the newly-opened Tower Wing. :)
I was giddy we got assigned a Tower Deluxe room at the newly-opened Tower Wing. :)
Another sitting area at the Tower Wing lobby
This grand stairway leads to Phoenix Court - The Bellevue's fine dining Chinese restaurant, and their newest outlet, Hatsune - obviously serving Japanese cuisine.
Even the elevators look dramatic, no?
Guests need to use their designated keycard to use the elevator. Believe me, I tried pressing our floor number, and the system said something to the effect of 'restricted access'.
We were given a corner room, and although the view was only that of the Main Wing and Laguna de Bay, I'd like to think it was more spacious than the other rooms.
We were given a corner room, and although the view was only that of the Main Wing and Laguna de Bay, I'd like to think it was more spacious than the other rooms.
Our Tower Deluxe room decked in neutral tones with punches of ochre was very homey.
This bed and the marshmallow-like pillows! Ahh where do I start?
As soon as we got in, my mom settled in right away. We were supposed to go to the Poolside for our welcome drink, but ended up lounging on this bed! It was already 5:30 pm when we decided to leave the room. I also planned on waking up early the next day to have a dip in the pool (it was raining that afternoon anyway), but it was damn hard getting up. Bed - 1, alarm clock - 0.
This diffuser has such an earthy aroma. Cedarwood perhaps?
On one corner of the room facing Laguna de Bay is the working desk. I immediately noticed the diffuser with earthy essential oil, which is something I don't often see in hotels. Thanks to this, our room smelled so good!
We also had a welcome fruit platter. Yay!
Moving on to the room amenities. Of course there's the usual iron and ironing board, electronic safe, bathrobes, slippers, and hairdryer.
The coffee and tea-making facility, and mini bar are neatly tucked in the small cabinet.
Now, onto our favorite part of the room - the bathroom!
All rooms in the Tower Wing has a bathtub and separate shower with rainshower head. They also have the same set of Kudos Spa toiletries as the ones provided in The Bellevue Resort Bohol.
I always make it a point to have a warm bubble bath whenever there's a bathtub. It's such a simple way to pamper oneself. :)
What's even more interesting is that my mom usually just takes 5-10 minutes when taking a bath, but wow, she spent 30 minutes in the shower that day, and when I woke up the next day...guess what? She was in the shower again! LOL
I must admit, the corporate buildings in the vicinity were a bit of an eyesore. Some people might be wondering why build a 5-star hotel in an IT park? Thing is, The Bellevue Manila was built more than a decade ago way before the BPO boom. It is one of the pioneers in the hospitality industry in the south. And while the term 'pioneer' may be associated with being old, that is definitely not the case with The Bellevue. They just keep on improving the property.
Tower Wing's pool was empty that night because it was drizzling.
This elegant hall connects the Tower Wing with the Main Wing.
***
Another thing I always look forward to during staycations is the buffet breakfast.
Buffet breakfast is served at Cafe d' Asie located at the second floor of the Main Wing.
We arrived at 8:00 am, and the place was packed! We had to wait for a table, but at least they had an orderly queue, and we got a table in less than 10 minutes.
I'd say Cafe d' Asie's breakfast buffet has just the right amount of variety.
Aside from the usual Filipino breakfast favorites, they have a muesli/yogurt station, fresh salads, and fresh fruits for the health-conscious; cold cuts; cereals; breads and jams; carving station; egg station; dimsum; a modest Japanese station; soup and congee; fresh fruit juices; and my favorite: the pastries section!
I was also pleasantly surprised to see other dishes that aren't usually served in breakfast buffets like Pork Picadillo, Chicken Fingers, Fish in Creamy Dill Sauce, Bulgogi and Aloo Gobi (curried cauliflower and potato).
My plates from L-R: garlic fried rice, Fish in Creamy Dill Sauce, herbed potatoes; beef tapa, siomai, omelet, chicken fingers; Danish pastries, Vanilla Bread Pudding, and mini pancake topped with buttered cream and raspberry compote.
Needless to say, I was so full that morning. In fact, I had my next meal at 4:30 pm!
Aside from our very comfortable and well-appointed room, the good food, and classy facilities, it's also worth nothing that everyone was very courteous and helpful. From the maintenance, security officers, front desk staff to the senior officers - they would greet each and every guest they see, and assist them in any way they can. We truly felt welcome and at home at The Bellevue.
Thank you for having us! My mom and I had a wonderful staycation.
K
The Bellevue Manila
North Bridgeway, Filinvest City
Alabang, Muntinlupa City 1781
Tel: +63 771 8181
Email: tbmnl@thebellevue.com
Facebook: The Bellevue Manila
Website: www.thebellevue.com
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