Oriental Bliss

Mandarin Plaza Hotel

In the heart of the city center, a budget escape that offers great service, clean rooms, an awesome pool and a spa package that will not hurt your wallets. 

                           

This is an oriental bliss that is a gem hidden in plain site. Near the Ayala Center Mall, it boast of luxurious rooms that you can create a haven for a quick retreat from the busy hustle and bustle of work.

- Standard Room -

This hotel just opened recently so everything about it is pristine, clean and modern. It is a perfect getaway for your loved ones or just for yourself if you need a moment to do a stay-cation. For those needing a soothing pamper but don't want to hurt the bank, this hotel offers massage and spa packages suited for you. 

                                                

It also offers a pool that allows you to relax in the heat of the summer sun while enjoying life and relieving you of all the anxieties and worries of tomorrow. 

- Pool Area -

The package that you would also get comes with a breakfast buffet that is somewhat ordinary compared to the rest of the hotel I have been with. But if ever you do get the chance to try their bread pudding, I suggest you put it on your plate. I must say that was the highlight of the entire breakfast menu so don't miss it. 

- Breakfast Buffet -

Everyone deserves a break once in a while from the rigid routine and pressures of our work life. To achieve balance and to let go of a the stress and have a moment of serenity that will not hurt your hard earned cash is what this place offers. I must say, sometimes we work too hard to save for our dreams yet we forget to find peace in the present. The future will always be there, but to have a pause and create a reset button will not hurt you. A small price to pay for the sanity of your peaceful heart. 

An Escape Within the City

In the everyday stresses of life, may it be from the stress of work or from the stress of daily living, an escape to a deserted island where we see dolphins and whale sharks would be the cup of tea for others. Yet we have to admit that due to planning these escapes, even a one day vacation is a stress in itself. I know, I have been there and I even avoid going out of the city or planning in groups since it provides a level of anxiety to which I am running from. 

But that is not something to be ashamed of, sometimes we need a break from all the plans and have a quick non stress get away. Hence, the one secret to the success of a stress free one day vacation.... Finding good deals on hotels within the city. I always recommend booking your deals through booking.com. A quick click and a confirmation email, and viola! Your vacation at the tip of your hands. 

During this long weekend, I managed to book my one day vacation at Parklane International Hotel. At first, it's kind of intimidating stepping into the lobby with only your back pack and seeing all these corporate people with their huge luggage and corporate attires vs my oh so little backpack and slippers. But the staff were so accommodating that they even let me do an early check in since I arrived there at 12 noon. 

It was such a relaxing time to sleep in a comfortable bed and have just a moment to break free from the routine. Sometimes, though we might not say it, it's hard to live a life boxed in a routine. Everyone deserves a time to be spontaneous.

to not think, to not plan, to just be free..

This hotel offers spa activities to relax and rejuvenate which has a price range of P800-P1600 depending on what services you would like to have. 

They also have a pool and a gym to help one release our own happy hormones. Their gym and pool closes 'til 10 pm so it's up to you if you would have your work out during the day or the night

And if you're a fan of breakfast buffets like I am, they do have for me the best Filipino Cuisine buffets that has Filipino comfort food stamp all over it.

So... 

If you are feeling spontaneous and need a little break

A quick get away within the city walls 

should you dare not forsake.