I'm a PR practitioner and a mother of two kids. Traveling is my passion (http://gold1109.multiply.co...
I'm a PR practitioner and a mother of two kids. Traveling is my passion (http://gold1109.multiply.com) and so is reading. I also enjoy writing about anything under the sun. Just drop me a line anytime XD. Ciao!
Member since:09.09.2009
Reviews:5
Every year during summer vacation, my family makes it a point to stay in one of the hotels in Makati City for a short weekend break. Thus, we have checked-in at practically all the nice hotels in the area since 2001. I must say that Renaissance Hotel, which is now being run by Marriott, has become a favorite especially of the kids. In fact, we have checked in there three times already since the children simply love the place.
Renaissance is considered as a five-star hotel in Manila although based on what I saw online, it is only given a four-star rating. Well, admittedly, it is not of the Shangri-la or Peninsula caliber but it is has warmth. The hotel lobby is nice and big enough but not the kind that would make one gape. The staff is accommodating and courteous. Restaurants in the hotel underwent renovation about a year ago. M2M now offers daily buffets
although it has yet to be the 'in" place for the discriminating Makati crowd. Bocarinos, which offers steak and continental cuisine, is a perfect area for business meetings with its masculine ambiance although it is quite expensive. The food is tasty though. Jasmine, a Chinese restaurant, followed the footsteps of its predecessor, the Emperor Court, which was hailed as one of the finest hotel-based Chinese restaurants in Metro Manila. Cinnabar is a favorite among my friends coz it's hip and trendy. As for the rooms, they are spacious enough for a family of four. We requested for an extra bed yet it didn't make the room look cramped. There's an electronic safe, a mini bar, and coffee/tea making facility. It also has robes and essential toiletries. The swimming pool at the third floor is beautiful although it can get a bit cold especially at night. There's also an outdoor poolside bar and grill but we have not tried it yet.
Moreover, if there is one thing that the hotel can definitely boast of, it is the location, hands down. The hotel is located right in front of the plush Greenbelt mall (actually it is comprised of five malls joined together) which houses all kinds of retail shops, bars and restaurants, and entertainment facilities such as movie houses, videoke bars, and gaming arcades. Therefore, it is very easy for a guest to go shopping, eat, and be entertained without the hassle of traveling. Near Greenbelt are a couple of other malls – Glorietta, Landmark and SM which also offer a lot of choices to the customers. For a glimpse of Filipino culture and history, Ayala Museum is within walking distance. Taxis abound so it is very easy to hail one but stay clear of the rush hours between 12 nn – 2 pm and 5pm – 7 pm. Morning is okay since most of the people are on their way to Makati. Have I mentioned that Makati is the financial and business hub of Metro Manila that is why it is always very busy?
If one gets tired of Makati, there is Fort Bonifacio, a huge expanse of prime property which boasts of high class eateries and shops. For the bargain-hunter, just across is Market!Market!, another shopping area which mostly caters to the B and C markets.
Since the hotel is within the Central Business District, it is quite near the important places in Manila. The airport is only about 30 minutes away so is Rizal Park (the biggest park in the Philippines), Manila Oceanarium, the historical ruins of the walled city of Intramuros, Coconut Palace which showcases the versatility of the coconut, the grand Manila Cathedral, Fort Santiago where national hero Jose Rizal was imprisoned before his execution, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines where one can catch a play or a musical performance . For the more adventurous, there is Chinatown in Binondo which like its counterparts in other countries, is always bustling with activities.
Renaissance Hotel is also a favorite place for conferences, seminars and business meetings. I’ve been there for numerous occasions and I have no complaint whatsoever with the way they handle our events requirements.
We never had a single problem while staying or conducting business at Renaissance Hotel so I highly recommend this to anyone interested in visiting Manila either for business or pleasure (or both). As for us, we will definitely stay there again in the future.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
I have already edited the entry. I hope you can check if the information I added are helpful enough. Thanks :)
anonymili 10.09.2009 15:31
It would be nice to know if the rooms are spacious or cramped, if the beds are comfortable, if the hotel generally is clean or not, that sort of thing rather than what's available outside of the hotel :)
24kgold 10.09.2009 10:22
Thanks for the comment. I'll do some edits later to incorporate your observation.
helpful by (80%):
somewhat helpful by (20%):
