In the mountain city of Baguio, we had a good time with horseback riding at Wright Park, swan boat ride at Burnham Park and halo-halo with a view near the popular lions head. We enjoyed the breathtaking view at Mirador Hill and Mines View Park, the historical tour at The Mansion, shopping at strawberry farm in La Trinidad and had a "snowy" Alpine Christmas at Baguio Country Club.
Down in the metro, we visited relatives in Cavite for a mini reunion, wandered and dined at IKEA, felt closer to Italy at Venice Grand Canal Mall at McKinley Hill, discovered urban fun at BGC, dived into the Tsinoy culture and gastronomy in Binondo.
But among the most memorable that marked our trip was our stay at Belmont Hotel Manila.
Arriving at Belmont Hotel Manila, one can’t help but notice the minimalist yet elegant lobby highlighted by its hand-blown glass lighting fixtures.
Next to the front desk was a theme-changing souvenir shop SINING that features Filipino craftsmanship in all its products.
Distracting me one again was delicious desserts display tempting guests with cakes, breads and pastries including the Megaworld Hotel groups signature ensaymada.
So before I get distracted again, I lined up for our room check in, filled out the need info in the guest information sheet and handed the keycards to our room.
OUR TRANQUIL SPACE
We were billeted in a family accommodation but instead of a large room, it was actually two moderate rooms with an adjoining door.
It worked very well for us for it had the feel of a family room (we can freely go in and put in the two rooms) yet with a privacy and amenities of two rooms - no need for a queue at the toilet and bath.
One had a queen size bed while the other had two standard beds.
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| A photo op with Bailey Bear and his friend |
I love how comfy the pillows were aside from being more than enough. The sheets gave us warmth at the same time a nice feel to give us all a very cozy sleep.
Belmont Hotel Manila (and Bailey Bear too) gave us the warmest welcome and let us feel very much at home when we settled in our rooms.
Gazing outside our window, the view was inviting - Newport World Resorts and in the distance the Makati and BGC skylines.
Our rooms have flat screen TV, High-speed wireless internet access, working desk with telephone, a mini fridge, complimentary water, coffee and tea set, a safety deposit box and a lounge chair.
The toilet and bath is a modest area with all the amenities you need. It has hot and cold shower, toiletries, disposable slip ons, bathrobes and many more.
Of course, it is always a novelty to see a glass wall between the shower and bedroom (with privacy cover of course).
Sustainability is the key (pun intended as our keycard is made of wood) as the usual individual packs of soap and bottles of shampoo and conditioner are replaced with refillable big bottles to lessen its environmental impact. So goes with the wrappers of some of its amenities - paper instead of plastic.
CAFE BELMONT
Back in 2019, I remember having lunch at Cafe Belmont during one of my Manila trips. It was that big tray of crabs that had me at first glance and it never faded in my memory.
Now, five years, it’s the breakfast buffet that would tickle my gastronomic fantasies.
Read more about
Belmont Hotel Manila’s Breakfast Buffet
It was a full house one morning that we were accommodated inside the PDR (Private Dining Room) inside Cafe Belmont.
Its interior feature high ceilings and glass walls that allow for natural daylight and can accommodate a maximum of 30 persons.
Cafe Belmont serves buffet breakfast daily from 6AM to 10AM and carte dining from 1130AM to 10PM
On Fridays and Saturdays, it hosts monthly themed dinner buffets from 630PM to 930PM.
We were lucky during our stay that we were able to catch up with the last day of its annual Oktoberfest Dinner Buffet.
The mention of Oktoberfest brings the images of different types sausages, cured meats and lots of beer reflecting the celebration centered in Munich, Germany.
While it’s too late then to book a flight to Europe even though the airport is just a few steps away, Cafe Belmont brought the gastronomic delights of this German festivity right at their doorstep.
And it was as indulgent as it sounds.
This is just a teaser and will be blogging soon to relive the taste memories of the Oktoberfest Buffet on FLAVOURS OF ILOILO
Cafe Belmont also offers food delivery services around Metro Manila and nearby areas with “B on the Go”.
Experience the Sampaguita Signature Brand of Service at Belmont Hotel Manila, celebrating local cuisine with a unique Sampaguita-infused menu at Café Belmont.
ROOFTOP 11
A perfect exercise after being stuffed with delicious breakfast was to roam around the hotel.
As alway, the pool is among the first amenities guests would check out. Located at Rooftop 11, it was easily accessible from our rooms on the 10th.
Open from 8AM to 8PM daily, you can take a refreshing dip or just lounge to get the tan.
The main pool is around 4 feet with a kiddie pool on the side.
There are cabanas and lounge chairs, amenities nook and shower/changing rooms.
At night from around 6PM onwards, it becomes livelier as it becomes a “grill and chill” spot with live acoustic music on Fridays and DJ by the Pool on Saturdays. But chow and drinks are served all throughout the day
But what makes this pool stand out, is you can literally do some plane-spotting) even while you take a dip, as it has a great view of NAIA - with all the planes taking off and landing almost every minute.
B-FIT GYM
Down at the second level, you’ll find a fully-equipped fitness space where almost forms of exercises can be performed.
Trainers are available to assist you with guided exercises and find what you need to get into moving for the day.
The gym is also equipped with shower rooms, a steam room, sauna and lockers and is open from 7AM to 10PM daily
B-CALM SPA
Also on the second level is B Calm Spa where you can recover from the day's hustle and bustle through a relaxing massage delivered by trained therapists.
Choose from Swedish, Thai, Hot Stone, Combination or Foot Massages and experience it in the comforts of your guestroom or at the spa room.
Advance reservation is highly advised.
THE FORUM
The Forum is on a dedicated hotel floor that allows the utmost privacy and exclusivity.
It can be divided into three separate function rooms, each with its own entrance, to accommodate meetings up to 60 persons.
CONVENIENCES at Belmont
Being part of a premier Megaworld township - Newport City, Belmont Hotel Manila offers conveniences and connectivity to its guests.
Foremost is its proximity to NAIA terminal 3, which our flight back home is scheduled.
It is very accessible through Runway Manila, which is at the back of the hotel - literally a few steps away.
Runway Manila is clean, safe and air conditioned pedestrian walkway takes you from Newport City to NAIA T3 in less than 5 minutes. It is FREE for anyone to use.
It has security checks when you get in then a very spacious elevator that takes you from the ground floor straight up to 5th floor where you actually cross above the dizzying traffic
Around Belmont Hotel Manila are more restaurant, fast-food stops, cafes and convenience stores to supplement your stay.
A few minutes walk further up brings you to
Newport World Resorts - the country’s first integrated resort with a casino, a shopping mall, cinemas, restaurants and clubs, among others. It is also home to the Newport Performing Arts Theatre.
The casino of the integrated resort has gambling areas occupying three floors in its main casino, featuring table games, slot machines and electronic table games.
The Newport Mall, one of the most elegant malls in the metro, is popular with its high ceiling atrium encompassing 4 levels of luxury boutiques, popular cafes and movie theater.
THANK YOU, BELMONT 💙
It was during the onslaught of typhoon Kristine when we checked in Belmont Hotel Manila. But I know we would be very safe and surely feel at home.
And we really did. Our 3-day and 2-night stay gave us lots of family bonding time celebrating my parents 50th anniversary.
We had three superb dining experiences (still thinking about that baked fish during the Oktoberfest Dinner buffet), two nights of contented sleep, and one memorable stay serving as among the highlights of mu parents golden anniversary.
Madamo gid nga salamat,
Belmont Hotel Manila 💙
