Cool nights in hot Makati
Play
If you're spending time in Manila, you'll want to stay at the smooth Shangri-La
Makati is the centre of Manila’s bustling financial district and my hotel, the Makati Shangri-la, is right at its heart. A chain with very high standards, the layout, design and even the ambience of each hotel vary little between cities and I’m surprised to find the lobby area in Makati is almost identical to its Bangkok cousin.
In Makati at the end of an eight-day press junket covering Manila, Bohol and Palawan, we’re lucky to stay here for a couple reasons. First, the hotel is a good base for combing for nightlife in the district including the hip Republix Bar at Resorts World Manila. Second it’s close to shopping malls, Hard Rock Café multiple restaurants, pharmacies and convenience stores
My deluxe room on the higher floors is spacious and comfortable. At top hotels, you expect the complimentary tray of fresh fruit. Here, there’s an welcome extra: a complimentary Chinese teakettle tucked into a woven basket. The first thing I do is pour myself a tiny cup of oolong and enjoy the view outside.
Then I connect my iPhone to the iPod hub and played some music that wafts from the loud speakers. I like my Christopher Cross songs loud so I walk out the room and shut the door. Listening carefully to gauge if the music might disturb my neighbours, I’m pleased found the noise doesn’t spill over.
My room is ergonomically designed and the layout creates a post-modern feel. The bathroom, which is clad in cream-coloured marble, is airy and well lit. The living space has modern furnishings, some attractive art and pleasant lighting.
It’s good to find the room offers complimentary Wi-Fi and broadband Internet access, IDD telephone and voice mail and a full-size executive writing desk with data and computer ports. Overall, the room is very laptop and iPhone-friendly if all you need is to surf the Net and play music.
Given such alluring features, you want to spend as much time inside.
As I’m staying on the executive floor, I have a choice of eating breakfast either downstairs and at the Horizon Club, just one floor up on the 24th floor. I head up and relax in the private lounge over a leisurely breakfast before heading out for some shopping.
We’re joined later by the hotel’s assistant communication manager Michayla Angela V Siquijor for Sunday brunch at the Circles Event Café. This is food heaven for Sunday brunch lovers. I enjoy seafood with champagne here along with the various Indian specialities. I wish I could have eaten more, but time was running tight and we had a flight to catch.
At a glance
High point: Located in the heart of Manila’s financial district, the Makati Shangri-La is close to shopping malls, restaurants and cafes and key attractions. These places are within walking distance, and that minimises headaches from traffic congestion.
Low point: As it’s probably the most popular hotel in the area, the main lobby area is packed with people either attending functions or checking in. Tranquillity is possible though sometimes a little challenging.
Call it: (632) 813 8888,
Browse it: www.shangri-la.com
