We challenged three of the best hotels in Manila to come up with full family programming in their top-end luxury suites. Here is what our stays were like in the sweetest rooms of Shangri-La The Fort, Raffles Makati and Hotel Okura Manila. Hint: all the tubs were different, super cool and a great place to splash out.
OUT OF THE MOUTH OF BABES! What could be more honest than two children reviewing hotels? For this edition of T+L Kids, Seb and Max review some of the most luxurious penthouse suites in the heart of Metro Manila. In this expansive metropolis, there are myriad choices of accommodations. And although it wasn’t easy, we narrowed them down to three: Shangri-la The Fort, Raffles Makati and Hotel Okura.
We made our selection based on a number of criteria. For this assignment, size mattered. The rooms within the suites had to be ample and large, because isn’t space the ultimate luxury? When travelling with children, it’s almost a necessity. Second, we also considered design and tried to find a variety of décor and ambience, allowing the unique features of each property to shine.
Next was food. Children are the pickiest eaters and are most honest when it comes to their dining preferences. Caveat: the boys were not allowed to order off a kids menu and had to try new dishes in a variety of service formats – in-room dining in pajamas, fancy club lounge breakfast, chic Sunday brunch, tableside teppanyaki… you name it.
Last but not least, creativity. We challenged each hotel to find interesting activities and ultra-special treatment for their littlest VIPs. Since these were all staycations, we quite literally checked-in and did not leave each place for 24 full hours. From pool afternoons and luggage-cart rides to art tours and sushi rolling, Seb and Max had a blast!
T+L Kids – The Suite Life: Manila Edition
Shangri-La The Fort, Manila
With more than 230 square meters, the Manila Suite on the top floor has ample space for two energetic boys to stretch their legs. It has a large living room, office area, coffee nook, a cozy bedroom with a giant king bed and gorgeous marble bathroom. The highlight was the separate formal dining area and full kitchen with direct secret-door access to the Horizon Club lounge allowing for two sneaky mischief-makers to steal a few cookies on the sly.
Although Shangri-La The Fort has a playground and the amazing multi-level space, Adventure Zone, the boys opted to explore the huge pool complex and enjoyed fresh fruit shakes under the sun. Mark, our butler, was on call the entire time and was ultra-patient and fun with all the zany requests including every pillow off the pillow menu and ordering from three different restaurants for in-room dining. Service was top-notch, ultra-family friendly, and very personalized, making everyone feel super special.
www.shangri-la.com/en/manila/shangrilaatthefort; Manila Suite from PHP 90,000++
BOOK YOUR STAY AT SHANGRI-LA THE FORT, MANILA VIA BOOKING.COM
BOOK YOUR STAY AT SHANGRI-LA THE FORT, MANILA VIA AGODA.COM
Raffles Makati
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Suite Living Area. Image courtesy of Raffles Makati
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Suite Bathroom. Image courtesy of Raffles Makati
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Raffles Makati Lobby. Image courtesy of Raffles Makati
The chic and classic interiors of the Raffles one-bedroom Legacy suite immediately appealed to the boys. The 120-square-meter room had lovely high ceilings and lighter color palette that felt peaceful and airy. They were welcomed with huge custom cakes with a dinosaur theme for Max and Minecraft theme for Seb. Obviously, those were immediate hits.
The art-filled, more formal and sophisticated ambience was appreciated and the boys enjoyed being fancy while having high tea and a decadent Sunday brunch. Food was a highlight in the Raffles, particularly their yummy comfort classics by the pool. Their beautiful luxe bathroom was the perfect setting for an OTT bubble bath expertly prepared by the butler. T+L Kids tip: chocolate cake bubble bath service is a hit.
www.raffles.com/makati; Legacy Suite from PHP 40,000++
BOOK YOUR STAY AT RAFFLES MAKATI BOOKING.COM
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Hotel Okura Manila
Although it was technically a staycation, our visit to Hotel Okura felt like a proper mini holiday. Upon entering the lobby, one is transported into a gilded and glitzy Japanese oasis. Impressive are the golden trees of their lobby and the glass Japanese pavilion that houses the front desk. Their Executive Palace Suite is more than 100 square meters with a separate living and dining area and is decorated in a contemporary chic zen style with lots of beautiful stone, wood and leather. The highlight is a traditional Hinoki tub made of cypress by artisans from Nagano. Mini bathrobes and mini hotel slippers were a nice bonus in the room.
The boys loved the private sushi-making class with executive Japanese chef Fujino. He patiently helped them roll their maki at the counter of fine-dining restaurant Yamazato. The kaiseki teppanyaki dinner was also a highlight.
www.hotelokuramanila.com; Executive Palace Suite from PHP 60,000++
BOOK YOUR STAY AT HOTEL OKURA MANILA VIA BOOKING.COM
BOOK YOUR STAY AT HOTEL OKURA MANILA VIA AGODA.COM
Watch the Suite Life With Seb + Max here.
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