Marco Polo Manila treated me and my family to a lovely staycation two weekends ago as a post-Mother’s Day treat. It was our first time at Marco Polo Ortigas and the short ride from our home got the kids excited–imagine doing a staycation a few minutes away from home!
Last February 22, Forbes Travel Guide–a prestigious award giving body that recognises the most luxurious hotels, restaurants, and spas worldwide–awarded Marco Polo Ortigas Manila the coveted Five-Star rating–the mark of ‘outstanding iconic properties with virtually flawless service and amazing facilities. Wow! First time ever in six decades did Manila made it to the list and it was Marco Polo Ortigas Manila who made it happen. Galing!
So Instagram-worthy this bar that sits across the hotel’s front desk. They currently have an ongoing promo until the end of May–Royal Afternoon Tea for two for only Php 788 from 2pm to 6pm. Get a selection of sweet and savoury treats, with a free flow of coffee and tea, and a Frozen Granny Smith lollipop, served as amuse bouche. Moms get a special gift too!
One thing I noticed when we checked-in is the efficient service of the staff. There was a line but was managed shortly after I queued. In five minutes, most of the guests checking in (including us) were led to the elevator and showed to our respective rooms.
We got two adjacent rooms: one with a king bed and the other with two twin beds. The room is spacious and has a desk, a lounge areas where you can just chill or eat. So spacious that my lil’ Ms. JG cartwheeled her way to their room! Hahaha!
Each room has a complimentary Nespresso too. YES!
Taken by our Instagram daughter 🙂
Our room’s bathroom has a his and hers sink, a bathtub, a separate shower and toilet.
No staycation is complete for my kids without a bathtub.
The view from our room–facing Metrowalk & the other side of Ortigas.
Here’s our kids’ room.
‘Look there’s oranges mom!’ Our funny lil’ guy shouted as soon as we entered their room.
My lil’ lady all smiles. Thank you Tita Shel of The Little Bugger for this lovely dress! 🙂
Meanwhile, this lil’ guy making pa-cute! Hahaha.
All set to chill, eat, sleep and repeat!
After we settled in our rooms, we checked out what Marco Polo has to offer. On weekends, Marco Polo converts one of their function rooms into Piccolo Kids Club. The playroom is open from 9 AM to 9 PM.
The room has a few toys and has a projector that plays a kid-approved movie. It’s such a good idea to have a play area. While you get a massage or go to the gym, you can let your kids hang out here!
They also offer snacks for kids–orange juice and chocolate cake which were enjoyed by these two!
Our staycation mandatory activity is always pool time! Such a relief that Marco Polo has an indoor pool. Even though it was gloomy and rainy that weekend, we still enjoyed a quick swim.
My water babies gave Marco Polo Ortigas Manila’s pool two-thumbs up. 
We ended our Saturday having dinner at Lung Hin, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila’s restaurant that offers Cantonese cuisine.
Lung Hin has received the prestigious Golden Horse Awards of China Hotel for serving impeccable Cantonese dishes. Recently, Chef Lai Cheuk Kou, also known as Chef Terry visited Manila and has parted his Chinese culinary technique with Lung Hin. There were so many interesting dishes on the menu and to be honest, we had a hard time ordering–I want it all really, hahaha–but we decided to try a few that we think our kids will like as well.
Dried Scallop Fried Rice in Egg Whites, Php 688
Pecking Duck with Osmanthus Flower Jelly on Potato Chip
Steamed Stuffed Vegetarian Treasure in Inari bag, Php 480
Pan-Fried Crispy Egg Noodle with Prawn Ball and Minced Pork, Php 860
Stir Fried Crystal Prawns, Php 1,680
We had Jasmine Tea to help us digest what we had for dinner. It was good and I particularly loved the pecking duck!
Since we don’t have a yaya with us, we booked our massage in our room instead. While our kids turned in early–they were so tired of all the activities they did that day. If you follow me on Instagram you’ve probably seen the story I posted of lil’ Mr. JG falling asleep during dinner–we enjoyed our signature spa treatment by Flow Spa. It was one of the best massages I’ve had in my life. So much so that I fell asleep during the treatment. It was relaxing and energising at the same time (is this even possible?! haha)–like every part of my body was thoroughly relieved from aches yet after the massage I felt energized. We slept like a baby and woke up later than usual.
Usually I would wake up at 6 in the morning and workout before I help myself with numerous trips at the breakfast buffet. But since we woke up late (hello 9 am!) we headed to breakfast first at Cucina.
Couldn’t pass on the Healthy Station! Helped myself with a serving of sugar-free banana bread, muesli, fresh fruits and yogurt!
The cereal station was a hit amongst kids and kids at heart.
I’m such a bread monster but because I am intolerant to wheat and managing my dairy intake, I just took a photo and smelled the freshly baked chocolate croissant and ensaymada. Hahahuhu.
Salted egg best paired with rice and bacon! YUM.
More bread this time with cheese & cold cuts!
My weakness!
And yes, there’s a taho station– so cute the mini container! Though I am intolerant to soy, taho is one dish I cannot resists. 
My breakfast & staycation buddies enjoying downtime as we get through brunch.
I notice there are areas at Marco Polo Ortigas that have this bald eagle stuffed toy. I later found out that Marco Polo Hotels in the Philippines–Manila, Cebu, & Davao–was able to raise Php 1 million last year for the organisation of Adopt a #PhilEagle campaign. In partnership with Philippine Eagle Foundation, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila’s Wings of Hope bring a smile to less fortunate kids at the same time saving the Philippines Eagle.
With Php 600, help the Philippine Eagle Foundation and delight an indigent child in Pasig with a stuffed eagle toy to cuddle. Guests who opt to participate in this initiative can buy the toy at the Front Desk, located on the 24th Floor, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, and they will be given a card where guests can write a personal letter for the kids and afterwards, they can put in on the Wings of Hope tree. All the donated stuffed toys will be given to the chosen charity after the run of the campaign.
Requested for late check out so I was able to have my gym time. YAY! Love the gym of Marco Polo Manila. It has a nice view too!
Enjoyed my workout at Marco Polo Ortigas’ gym. Love how clean it is and it has most of the machines I usually use.
When I came back to the room to prepare for checkout a surprise was waiting for me. #thisiswhyIworkout heehee.
Thank you so much Marco Polo Ortigas Manila Post Mother’s Day cake & lollies!
My kids also got a treat from Marco Polo–a cutie stuffed toy that also serves as pillow.
As I said on my Instagram post, our Marco Polo Ortigas Manila stay is one of the most relaxing staycations we’ve ever had. We didn’t leave the hotel & hibernated in our rooms during our stay. Thank you so much Judith for arranging everything, we truly appreciate and we truly enjoyed #MarcoPoloOrtigas. #MPMjourneys
Book a stay at Marco Polo through www.marcopolohotels.com
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