On Thursday, I attended Novotel Manila Araneta Center’s first year anniversary celebration. They graciously hosted us for a night and gave us a tour of the hotel including the new and improved amenities since it opened a year ago.
We capped off the night with a four-course gourmet dinner held at the Gourmet Bar located on the sixth floor of the hotel. The venue is right beside the pool area, which was perfect because it had an open area that gave a nice view of the city. Moreover, it was a nice place to enjoy a few cocktails with the chilly breeze blowing.
Novotel Manila has been open for a year. Yet, it is the only hotel of high caliber located in Araneta Center.
It is located right beside the Smart Araneta Coliseum, making it a short distance walk from malls, supermarkets, and transportation hubs. Unexpectedly, it was a quiet side of Cubao and you can just walk around if you feel like taking a stroll.
A Look Around and Inside the Room
Although the reception was busy when I arrived, check-in was pretty smooth. As part of the welcome pack, I was given a keycard and a printed sheet of Wi-Fi code I can use around the hotel. I was staying at one of the top floors, 18th to be exact. Novotel Manila Araneta Center has 25 floors overall although technically it’s 23 floors since it has no 4th and 13th floors. The Presidential Suite occupied on the 25th floor.
As I walked around the hotel and went up to my room, I was amazed with the view. The floor to ceiling windows gave a spectacular view of this side of Metro Manila. It gave me a different feeling of the Cubao that I know. I was expecting it to look crowded but it was refreshing to see the city from above. The bustling community is a work-in-progress. Although it means that Araneta Center has many rooms for improvements, it also marks development, which for me is good.
It was difficult to get out of the room because it was super comfortable but I had to join the hotel tour. But before that, let me give you a glimpse of the room I stayed in.
My room has a city view as you can on the window. Since the room was located near the top of the hotel, I was able to enjoy the fabulous city view and not be disturbed by city noise.
The bathroom has a “glass” wall, which is perfect for couples who want to staycation, if you know what mean. 🙂 It has roll-up/down curtain that is operated via controller on the wall, in case you need a little privacy.
Storage has been considered very well in this room. The space to keep your stuff is ample with several large cabinets inside the room. Also, there is a space where you can stow your luggage, which makes it easier to unpack.
The room actually accommodates two people, which made apparent by the number of toiletries and towels in the bathroom. Also, I am a big fan of waterfalls shower because it gives a more relaxing bath, and this room has that.
As for the concern whether the bed is comfortable, I’d YMMV. We have different preferences but for me, it was super comfortable and I had a great sleep.
Exploring the Hotel’s Facilities
If you plan on having a staycation and no plans of going out of the hotel, there are lots of options for relaxing or having fun without leaving the premises.
If you want to sweat it out, Novotel Manila has an indoor gym. If you’re easily bored with the treadmill, the elliptical, or the free weights, they have this innovative machine you can work out on. I heard you can do 1,800 exercise with this machine alone. Also, they are proud to say that they are just the second hotel in the country to have this kind of exercise equipment. First to have it is Sofitel Manila.
If you don’t want to stay indoors, you can chill out on the hotel’s pool. Beside the pool is a bar and lounge in case you get hungry.
You can also stay here to have a few drinks or if you want to take a break on swimming to catch up on a few work emails.
Or you can do that at the Premier Lounge.
However, to get access here, you need to be checked in on one of beautiful suites of the hotel. You can also choose to have breakfast here.
If you want just a little downtime, there is a reading room inside the hotel. On one side of this room is a gaming console, in case you want to battle it out virtually.
For the kids and the kids at heart, Novotel Manila has a Kids Club.
When we toured the hotel and checked the Kids Club, the superstar for most is the ball pit area. Who would not want to dive in here, right?
Location! Location! Location!
Novotel Manila is in Cubao, right in the heart of the business and leisure district of Araneta Center. It is right beside the Smart Araneta Coliseum and Gateway Mall. Almost everything you need can be found in this community like shopping malls, sports center, and other leisure places.
Also, transportation going to and from the hotel is relatively easy. It is a few minutes walk away from MRT and LRT. Cabs are also aplenty in this area.
A high caliber hotel in this area or even in Quezon City in general is rare.
However, Novotel Manila takes this as an advantage to give people on this side of the city an amazing option for staycation, relaxation, and more. Also, I feel it pays to be first and this hotel can truly capitalize on that specially with all the ongoing development in this area.
Although rare, it is welcome change. With it’s fully equipped rooms and complete amenities, travelers can stay longer but for me who lives a short drive away, I find it a perfect base for a night or two of staycation without traveling very far.
***For inquiries about what else is in store for Novotel Manila Araneta Center’s 1st anniversary, please call (02) 990 7888 or email H7090@accor.com. More information about the hotel, its facilities and services are available via www.novotel.com or www.accorhotels.com.
*Full disclosure: The stay is complimentary as guests of Novotel Manila Araneta Center. In order to give you accurate input for your future travel plans, which is very important to us as always, we made sure the content on this review shows our personal experience and honest opinions.
