Of all the things I learned when staying at a hotel, it’s to always wake up early for the breakfast buffet. Not only will you be able to get a good seat, but you’ll get first dibs on their freshest and hot-off-the-plate food. Breakfast time starts at around 6:00 AM and usually ends by 11:00 AM.
I arrived just in time. There were no lines and the food was being prepared. I chose my table next to the buffet line, ordered my freshly brewed coffee and it was time to check out what was being offered.
At first glance, it was hard not to be impressed by their selection of fresh breads and spreads and with a conveyor oven nearby, you’ll be sure that you’ll have warm and toasty bread to go along with your butter and jam. If I may make a recommendation: the pistolet bread with butter and orange marmalade is heavenly.
Of course, the made to order omelette. With a selection of smoked ham, onions, garlic, a generous amount of cheese. Hold the bell peppers please!
Pancakes, chicken longganisa, a selection of sausages, tofu and Molo soup were just the starters for this breakfast.
In true Filipino fashion, breakfast will not be complete with rice. You can either choose garlic rice or regular rice and since I was almost quite full, I had just enough rice for a piece of pork adobo and creamy chopsuey. After having my pork adobo, I came to a realization that it was a mistake not choosing it sooner since it was one of the best-tasting melt-in-your-mouth pork adobo I had in a long time.
I just have to confess: during my 3 day stay at The Linden Suites, I did nothing but sleep, watch bad TV series, soak in the bathtub and go to the in-house restaurant Mesclun to eat and have my breakfast.
So for my last breakfast, I had nothing but bacon and more bacon. Sweet, non-oily and crispy bacon. It was bacon done right. Aside from the sweet magical gift of the gods called bacon, I had copious amounts of hash browns, steamed fish and chicken sausages. It was fun watching the staff fill up the bacon station as other guests had the same idea as mine.
What about the service? Impeccable. From the friendly staff of the concierge, of Mesclun, I was a bit touched when the service staff left a note explaining why my room was not kempt. Well, I accidentally left the “Do not disturb” light on even when I was out of the room. I am happy to know that they truly respect your privacy here.
One thing I really wanted to try was their room service. I never had room service before and it was an opportune chance to do so. It was easy-peasy since a menu of their in-house restaurant was readily available and our food came hot (or cold) in about 15 to 20 minutes.
At this point in time, I was so full due to the non-stop pigging out that I decided to order something light. Andre’s Poke (PHP465) is a dish of wonderful tuna ceviche, soy sesame dressing, sriracha mayonnaise with crostinis.
Beer Battered Fish and Chips (PHP 430.00). Fluffy fish, beer battered chilli fingers and steak fries with a side of malt vinegar and yogurt dressing. Probably one of the best French fries I have ever had.
There is always room for dessert and what I’ve learned during my stay at The Linden Suites is that you don’t say no to dessert! The Crepe Milfuelle maybe an October only special dish, but I honestly think that it has a room on the permanent menu! Around 17 layers of crepes, cream and mangoes topped with caramelized sugar for the last dish I had before packing up, making sure I left with a positive and delicious lasting impression of my short and relaxing stay.
During my checkout, it was hard not to notice the Tripadvisor certificate of excellent plaque and it looked like it garnered positive reviews from the numerous guests this hotel has hosted during the past 15 years which reflected my impression. I did wish I could stay for just a day more, but the realities and responsibilities of life took over once again. I had a fantastic 3-day stay even if most of the time was spent just chillin’ in my room. For even just a few days, I was taken away to my own secluded place to refresh and unwind and maybe in the future or a scheduled long weekend, I might be visiting again.
