Family bonding time need not be as super expensive or exhausting as an out of town trip or excursion to the beach. There are plenty of staycation options in the city that promise, and deliver, the much-needed break and time out with loved ones.
Here are some interesting metro destinations that will keep mom and dad happy, as well as all the kids.
Hotel H20: Under the Sea
“Under the sea! Under the sea! Darling it’s better, down where it’s wetter! Take it from me!” As the song from the “Little Mermaid” goes on loop in your head, you can’t help but become more excited to spend a night under the sea –literally.
Jutting out of the Manila Bay coastline, Hotel H2O offers an amazing view of the water. But better than the view outside are the walls of your aquatic-themed suite, which showcase underwater life swimming around in their aquarium. See little tropical fish or neon-colored jellyfish dance across your bedroom walls.
If you can tear the mesmerized kids (and adults, too) away from gazing at Nemo and his friends, this chic hotel also offers other fun amenities for the family. The adults can enjoy a relaxing spa treatment at the Zenyu Eco Spa, while the little ones can go straight to Manila Ocean Park, which shares the same lobby as the hotel.
At Ocean Park, you can enjoy the following attractions: the Oceanarium, penguin encounters, sea lion show, all star bird show, exhibit of the creepy crawlies (reptiles), sharks and sting ray encounters, and much, much more.
OVERNIGHT RATE: Starting at P4,700 (through Booking.com)
**Entrance fees to Manila Ocean Park not included
For more information, visit Hotel H20 and Manila Ocean Park
NEXT PAGE Urban escape in Ortigas
Crowne Plaza Galleria: Your Cocoon in the City
You can mix business and pleasure at this renowned business hotel, which sits adjacent to Robinsons Galleria. despite being smack dab in the middle of the busy Ortigas district, you’re assured that at Crowne Plaza you will have your little cocoon of quiet and relaxation. So feel free to lock yourself up in the cozy hotel and be pampered by its 5-star service.
But what we love most about this hotel is that fact that it sits right beside Robinsons Galleria, which is a convenient mall and fun hub for children. Inside, one will find the recently opened Kidzoona, the ultimate indoor fantasy park where kids can spend hours playing at the different imaginative stations, ball pit and giant slides, arcade and zorb playground.
OVERNIGHT RATE: Starting at P4,650 (through Booking.com)
For more information, visit Crowne Plaza and Kidzoona
NEXT PAGE The presidential treatment in Makati
City Garden Grand Hotel: Life's grand
Down the road from its sister property that is City Garden Hotel in Makati, is the City Garden Grand Hotel. Let it be distinguished by the word Grand, as it is the more luxurious version of the two.
Apart from its 4-star amenities, the hotel holds the distinction of having its own pool inside its Presidential Suite. Well, not really a full-sized swimming pool, but rather a heated Jacuzzi equipped with a functioning jet system. As it is only two feet deep, the Jacuzzi is good for kids to splash or dip in, or some soaking time for adults. As the “pool” is inside the presidential suite, you and your family can enjoy the water for as long as you want, all day, all night, without leaving the room.
With the presidential suite located on the hotel’s 30th floor, and wide glass windows by the pool, the view at all hours can be quite awesome.
For room rates, please call the City Grand Hotel.
NEXT PAGE An ace when it comes to staycations
Ace Hotel & Suites: Some Water Therapy
Nestled in Pasig, right in the middle of the thriving food community in Kapitolyo, is Ace Hotel & Suites. But more than its superb suites and service, everyone goes to this hotel for the unique hydrotherapy spa treatments at the ground floor, at Ace Water Spa.
In olden times, people were drawn to a water spa originally for its healing properties, helping soothe aching muscles and improving one's overall health. This medicinal bathing concept was the basis for Ace Water Spa. While the adults will surely be delighted, we promise that the kids will have fun, too!
Kids can splash about at the Kids Pool, where they can play hide and seek in the Mushroom Falls and get doused by a big water gun. Or they can “walk on water” on the Floor Fountain. Or simply float around the entire length of the swimming pool on the Lazy River ride. Great water fun for the entire family.
OVERNIGHT RATE: Starting at P6,864 (inclusive of breakfast for 2, two tickets Ace Water Spa and 20% off on services at Regent Spa)
For more information, visit Ace Hotel & Suites and Ace Water Spa.
NEXT PAGE A cozy nook in Alabang
Azumi Boutique Hotel: A Cozy Nook
One of the attractions of this boutique hotel in Alabang is its cozy ambience, it being small enough for guests and staff to be more acquainted with each other, while private enough to be allowed space to do whatever you wish.
“My child has autism, and he gets frazzled easily when there are too many things going around. That’s why we like Azumi. It’s small and cozy. Less people, more privacy, but you still enjoy the same modern perks of newer hotels,” shares Denise.
You can roam the hotel at leisure, skimming through books, photos, and travel memorabilia at the lobby. Then dine at the iconic Romulo Café. Or pop into the Nail Spa for some much-needed mother-daughter bonding.To fully appreciate the view of this city in South, head on up to the roof deck and take dip in the infinity pool.
OVERNIGHT RATE: Starting at P2,666 (through Booking.com)
For more information, visit Azumi Boutique Hotel.
NEXT PAGE A dream come true in Paranaque
City of Dreams: Dreams do come true
The City of Dreams in Paranaque promises to make family bonding dreams come true, for every member of the family. There’s something for everyone, from shopping to entertainment, world-class restaurants, clubbing and even exciting gaming for the adults. But children are not to be left out from all these choices. They have their own world called DreamPlay.
Situated within the hotel complex, DreamPlay is an interactive entertainment concept that allows you to play, create, and learn with your favorite DreamWorks animation characters. See your favorite Kung Fu Panda, Shrek, and penguins of Madagascar, and enjoy the other fun attractions such as the wall climbing deck. Kids younger than 12 years old will enjoy this the most.
For rates and information, visit City of Dreams.
READ: 6 pet-friendly places in the metro
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