Only a few prestigious properties in the world get the nod from the Forbes Travel Guide, and here's one of them...
Marco Polo Ortigas Manila recently earned the much-coveted distinction as one of the world's finest Five Star properties for 2017 from the Forbes Travel Guide, the global authority on prestigious travel since 1958. And that's no small feat considering the competitive worldwide landscape. But for one weekend, I get to experience a memorable staycation with a five-star touch...at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila.
For Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's General Manager, Mr. Frank Reichenbach, it's a result of hard work and a steadfast commitment to exceptional service that exceeds expectations. In addition to the recognition by Forbes Travel Guide, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila has also received the Certificate of Excellence and Travellers' Choice from TripAdvisor. But for Mr. Frank Reichenbach, it's not yet time to celebrate, it's time to work even harder. "Exceptional service is what we've always been commended for, and this definitely gives us great inspiration to continue what we do but still look for ways to innovate," explained Mr. Reichenbach. It's a reflection of Marco Polo's distinct DNA and brand character, constantly raising the bar to better serve the modern traveler.
It was my first time to experience a weekend staycation at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, and the Five Star rating by Forbes Travel Guide was definitely something to look forward to during the duration of my stay. It also made me fondly recall my visit to Marco Polo Davao some four ago during the annual Kadayawan Festival (see my post on my other food blog here at Four Amazing Days at Marco Polo Davao and the Kadayawan Festival on my posts, Side Views: Faces of the Kadayawan and Side Views: Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan, Davao's Annual Kadayawan Harvest Festival, and another post here on my travel blog at Davao's Annual Kadayawan Festival Up Close) and I just knew this weekend would be equally special. After a quick check in at the reception, my staycation formally began, kicking off a continuous chain of memorable experiences linked together by the Marco Polo brand of hospitality that earned them the Five Star rating from the Forbes Travel Guide...
That weekend, my home away from home was Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's elegant Premier Room, a luxurious and spacious suite with all the modern and essential amenities you need, thoughtfully laid out on a lavish 60 square meter layout. An impressive king bed with plush, soft and smooth linens, a separate work area, in-room coffee and tea-making facilities, fast Wi-Fi access and connectivity, a large marble tub and bath with double sinks, in-room safe, LCD TV with cable channels, and a mini-bar, everything you need for that perfect staycation is within your arm's reach.
A bowl of fresh fruits always add that special welcoming touch, and after you settle in, a quick snooze on the king bed becomes a tempting option. But there's a full day ahead lined up with tasty adventures (for more on my five star weekend staycation and culinary experiences, see my post on my other food blog at Exceptional Service That Exceeds Expectations: A Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Staycation at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila).
Arpeggio, Volluto Decaffeinato, or the Fortissio Lunggo? Your call, and it's easy with the in-room Nespresso coffee machine for a freshly brewed cup of premium coffee in just one click.
But it's the personal connections that make your staycation at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila memorable, from the moment you enter and check in at the front desk...
...to the time when you are guided to your Premier Room...
...to that first sip of soothing afternoon tea...
And with round-the-clock security 24/7, there's just nothing quite like peace of mind when your away from home. In fact, this is home. At least for the weekend...
While at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, why not enjoy a few laps at the indoor pool...
...or indulge in a relaxing massage at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's Flow Spa? And it's all just an elevator ride away, you don't even have to leave the property at all.
My scheduled itinerary for the day included Afternoon Tea at the Connect Lounge (for more on Afternoon Tea at the Connect Lounge, see my post on my other food blog at Afternoon Tea High Up at the Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's Connect Lounge), located at the 24th Floor of Marco Polo Ortigas Manila. With its panoramic floor to ceiling glass windows letting in natural light, guests can also enjoy the dramatic views of the cityscape.
Diners can indulge in traditional English Scones paired with Clotted Cream and Strawberry Jam, Spinach Quiche, savory open-faced sandwiches, and decadent desserts, all served in the traditional three-tiered stand. For the savory sandwiches, diners can customize their selection by selecting from a variety of freshly-baked flavored baguettes in Corn, Tomato, Parsley, Squid Ink and Traditional Baguettes, cured meat toppings and seafood. For me, just leave it to the chef to prepare her recommendations. For my savory open-faced sandwiches, the chef prepared a sumptuous selection with Turkey Ham, Smoked Salmon, Ham Lyoner and Smoked Ham with gourmet cheese and garden-fresh greens and vegetables.
And from the first sip down to the last, the service at Connect Lounge was just impeccable.
Later that afternoon, head up to the 45th floor and catch the sunset with glass of crisp and refreshing Chardonnay, charcuterie and cheese. It's Aperitivo at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's Vu's Sky Bar and Lounge...
Inspired by the traditional Italian ritual of pre-dinner cocktails, Aperitivo at Vu's Sky Bar and Lounge offers free-flowing wine, charcuterie, cold cuts, salads, premium cheese and more. And there's just no better way to enjoy the sunset. The extensive selection can be a light meal in itself with a well-curated selection of Spanish, Mediterranean and Filipino dishes on deck.
As the afternoon sun slowly fades in the distant horizon...
...go for a second and third round of wine and celebrate the end of another day (for more on Aperitivo at Vu's Sky Bar and Lounge, see my post on my other food blog at Before Sunset: Aperitivo at Vu's Sky Bar and Lounge).
Later that evening, it was time to savor authentic Cantonese flavors at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's award-winning Lung Hin...
Selected as one of the best new restaurants in 2017 by Philippine Tatler, Lung Hin offers traditional Chinese cuisine with a modern and contemporary spin, from delicate and tasty dimsum served fresh from the steamers...
...all the way to savory mains (for more on the award-winning cuisine of Lung Hin, see my earlier post on my other food blog, Meet Chef Ken of Marco Polo's Award-Winning Lung Hin...). Not to be missed is Lung Hin's Three-Flavored Prawns with plump and succulent prawns draped in Sakura Sauce, Salted Egg, and Blueberry. Each flavor is distinct from the other, complementing the fresh briny notes of the prawns. And that's what makes Lung Hin special with its new and refreshingly innovative dishes. And that's why Lung Hin was selected as one of the most outstanding restaurants outside of China at the 16th China Hotel Industry Golden Horse Gala last year.
A satisfying dinner always guarantees a good night's sleep. As dawn breaks, you start the day fresh and well-rested, and hungry. It's time for breakfast at The Continental Club. Only the hotel's selected guests can dine at the exclusive Continental Club, offering both intimacy and privacy as well as personalized service. Located high up on the 44th Floor, The Continental Club boasts of a wide selection of traditional breakfast staples that can be enjoyed in exclusive privacy without the usual weekend crowds. I remember my first time at Marco Polo Davao's Continental Club relishing the same feeling of privacy and exclusivity while enjoying a hearty breakfast (for more on that memorable Davao experience at the Continental Club, see my post on my other food blog from four years back at Sunrise at The Continental Club Lounge).
And the service was excellent, with the knowledgeable staff handling each request with ease. The Continental Club levels up the standard of service, and when you're way up at the 44th Floor, it just feels so right.
A freshly brewed cup of coffee gets you in the day's groove in no time...
...followed by a classic Three-Egg Omelet with everything on it served with a freshly-baked roll and croissants...
...followed by an indulgent plate of Crepes with Nutella topped with Apple Compote. And it just can't get better than that. That's The Continental Club for you...at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila.
And when the staff at The Continental Club knows your name, you just know this is the right place for breakfast.
But there's always time for one last tasty bite, at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's Cafe Pronto, a casual cafe offering savory sandwiches, fresh salads, tempting cakes, over-sized cookies, and freshly-baked artisan bread paired with an extensive selection of premium coffee and fine teas.
Ideal for light and quick lunches, the Cafe Pronto Set is a satisfying meal in itself, like the Hot Ham Combo served with Cobb Salad and Soup of the Day.
Diners can also opt for the light and healthy Smoked Salmon with Cream Cheese served with Coleslaw and Chips.
Cap your light meal with the decadent Silk Road Iced Coffee served with a warm cookie to complete your dining experience at Cafe Pronto. And each flavorful encounter at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila was served with that warm and courteous service it's known for that earned them the acclaimed Five Star rating from the Forbes Travel Guide.
Exceptional service that exceeds expectations. It's definitely a Five Star experience...at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila.
Marco Polo Ortigas Manila is located at Meralco Avenue and Sapphire Street, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Metro Manila or call (+632) 720-7777 for reservations and inquiries.
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