The Manila Bay sunset, coupled with a view of the Ferris wheel from the suite, makes for a breathtaking sight.
Picture this: a landscape view of the Manila sunset; a big, white Ferris wheel with all its lights on; the street below filled with neon lights and lively people.
Sounds like the setting of a romantic film? At Conrad Manila, you become the star of your own love story. Cue the song “Linger” by The Cranberries.
The newly opened hotel is celebrating its first love month in style. Conrad Manila gave a preview of its Valentine’s Day package, and it was an absolute joy to experience.
We checked in at its Bay View Suite, which commands an impressive view of Manila Bay. A quarter of the glass window in the living room is dominated by Mall of Asia’s (MOA) huge Ferris wheel, called the MOA Eye.
The world-famous Manila Bay sunset, coupled with a view of the Ferris wheel from the suite, makes for a breathtaking sight.
The suite consists of three areas: the bedroom; living room facing the bay; and a spacious bathroom. The living room and bedroom each has its own flat-screen TV.
The bedroom leads to the suite’s luxurious washroom. The shower and toilet is separated by glass stalls. The bathtub is a standard in all Conrad suites.
Five-course dinner
Conrad Manila’s Valentine package gives lovebirds access to the hotel’s executive lounge, with a five-course dinner for two at Brasserie on 3, and breakfast at the same restaurant. A box of pralines and a bottle of Möet Chandon Rosé is included in the package.
The Inspired Getaway package costs P36,000. But the sights alone in the Bay View Suite is worth the expense.
For those who can afford to splurge more can avail of the hotel’s Suite Escape tour. For a cool P200,000 you and a loved one can enjoy a one-hour helicopter tour around Manila, an overnight stay at Conrad Manila’s Terrace Suite, and an eight-course candlelit dinner served on the suite’s balcony. Limousine transfers, champagne, pralines, and the works are included in the package.
China Blue by Jerome Leung
When visiting Conrad Manila, don’t miss out on having a meal at China Blue by Jerome Leung. The restaurant, on the third floor of the hotel, features Asian cuisine.
Try the house specialty, Truffle Mushroom Buns— whimsically shaped like button-cap mushrooms. The truffle flavor is perfectly mixed with the salty-savory taste of the bun.
Particularly scrumptious is the Pan Dried Scallop in Crab Roe Sauce dish. The creamy, buttery taste of the shrimp mousse and crab roe sauce was as delightful as it was indulgent.
Last but certainly not the least was the excellent Black Gold Egg Custard Buns. The dish is an absolute must-try. The chocolatey flavor and thick, chewy texture of the buns is a great match to the sweet, creamy goodness of the egg custard within. No wonder, the dessert was a hit at the recent Inquirer Lifestyle Best Desserts 3 book launch at SM Aura.
Conrad Manila is not just for lovebirds, but for staycationers, as well. The hotel has affordable options for vacationers who want more bang for their buck.
It is a strategic jump-off point to start a tour around Rizal Park, the National Museum, Intramuros and Chinatown. One can also spend the day on the national past-time of Filipinos—malling. The massive Mall of Asia is a stone’s throw away from Conrad Manila. But away from the madding crowd is S Maison, a mall within Conrad Manila’s first two floors.
Offers last until Feb. 15. —CONTRIBUTED
Conrad Manila is at Seaside Boulevard corner Coral Way, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City
Visit www.conradmanila.com. Call 8339999.