Hotel, Motel, Holiday Inn
A common topic of discussion when I'm contacted by someone inquiring about an upcoming move to Manila is that of housing. What area should they live? Is it safe? House or condo? My answer is always to encourage them to do a stint in temporary housing before they decide on an area. Temporary housing is a great way to ease into life and make the appropriate decision for your needs. Makati has the highest number of expatriates, so in the name of research, our family enjoyed a staycation at Holiday Inn & Suites Makati last month. :)
Holiday Inn & Suites Makati is located in the bustling center of the metro and has tons of expats. The hotel specializes in long term stays and, catch this, is the most affordable for families with children because of their Kids Stay and Eat Free program! I had friends return to Manila for a 6 week summer break and chose Makati Holiday Inn because of the location, size of the suite and overall family-friendly cost.
In the name of research I will share some of the perks of a staycation at Holiday Inn & Suites Makati.
The Welcome Committee|
What feels better than being at home? Not much! And with a welcome committee like the one below, it is pretty much an open armed hug from Holiday Inn. We feasted, but most important, we felt welcome. Moving to a new home has many mixed emotions, feeling welcome is the best one to combat nerves.
A chocolate sculpture devoured by Oz!
Something for the kids
Game face on!
Roof Top Pool|
I know Manila gets a bad rap for being quite the dense urban jungle but look at this photo- we’ve got green! We may not have that province status but we’ve got some. You can see this pretty view from the rooftop pool. If you need to get some energy out while staying in temporary housing, head on up!
There is a designated pool for the wee ones
Room Service|
I can't believe I waited this long to tap into this parent hack slash ultimate luxury. When frazzled and overwhelmed, pick up that phone and call that survival line. Holiday Inn has a very diverse menu offering global cuisine and is quick to serve. If you want to really push yourself into the 'no turning back zone' have the roller bed propped up in your living room and eat while the tv is on. I have no shame in my hotel game!
The Indian food was legit delicious
'Chicken In Adobo' as my kids lovingly call it
Food Food Food|
The food at Holiday Inn & Suites Makati is a plenty! Buffet, fine dining, bar, pool lounge, room service - they have it all! A global menu that offers the yummiest pita and hummus to the good ol' classic chocolate sprinkled donut. But it doesn't stop there, they have taho! Waffles! Salad bar! Dried fish! And this month of May the Sunday brunch is featuring my favorite Marikina restaurant, Rustic Mornings!
MANILA'S BEST KEPT SECRET:
Most original unadulterated donut award goes to Makati Holiday Inn
You definitely don't want to miss the Sunday brunch with Rustic Mornings! Please find details here.
A Walk To The Museum|
Museums are a great way to see a city and become acquainted with the local culture. I snuck away and enjoyed a morning to myself at Ayala Museum walking slowly, reading every sign and taking as long as I wanted at each exhibit. It was a perfect way to hit the reset button and rejuvenate this mom for the rest of the day.
The diorama exhibit will ALWAYS be my favorite
Hey girl, where did you get that marketing bag? I never met a basket I didn't like.
You must not miss or skip over the Chinese ceramics exhibit! It is my favorite to date.
A Short Jaunt To Kidzania|
Kidzania is all the rage in Asia these days and Manila leveled up by welcoming the interactive kids space in 2015. Located in BGC, Kidzania is a short jaunt from Holiday Inn & Suites Makati. Holiday Inn is smart and offers transportation to BGC free of charge with a daily and hourly schedule.
Kids rule at Kidzania!
Working hard for their money
Oz gives his experience a big thumbs up!
Daily schedule between Holiday Inn & Suites Makati and BGC
That's A Wrap|
Well folks, there's my research! As you can see Holiday Inn & Suites Makati location is a perfect starting place, the price is right and they are super accommodating for families. So if you find yourself in need of temporary housing, or a little 'staycation research', you know who to call.
