Why You Should Book A Family Staycation at Novotel Manila Araneta Center

If you browse my blog, you'll find that I have quite a number of hotel stays in the past!  Due to my extremely busy schedule, instead of traveling outside the Metro for a local trip, I'd rather book a weekend staycation at hotels because I find it the easiest way to relax without the hassle of long drive.  

Families with active kids, I'm sure you understand why I dislike the long drive!  *winks*

After Kyle's 2nd quarter examination week, it was perfect timing for my family to be invited by Novotel Manila Araneta Center to spend a weekend there!  

My husband used to live at the area and told me loads of stories on how busy the area gets!  From Araneta Center BusPort to Gateway Mall, SM Mall, Ali Mall, Farmers' Plaza to Araneta Coliseum.  No wonder this area is nicknamed the "City of the Stars".  As much as Makati and BGC is the "it" place for hotel staycations, I find myself loving the vibe Novotel Manila Araneta Center offers and let me share to you the reasons why!

BEDROOM
There are a total of 401 rooms divided into 5 categories - Superior Room, Deluxe Room and Executive Room, Executive Suite, Presidential Suite with 1 Premier Lounge (which is the highlight of this Staycation as well!  Will talk about it soon!)

We were booked at the Executive Room and upon entering, we were greeted with such warm welcome!  

Personal note from the hotel staff.  Thank you!

Zen Rooms Service Review + 20% off CODE

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I've seen fellow bloggers/vloggers post about Zen Rooms so many times I got intrigued and downloaded the app myself and the rest was history.

A bit of a history about our "need for weekend Staycation".  It started whenever my brother visits the country and would request for a Hotel Stay just to have us all in one area and just bond and chat the night away.  After years of successful bonding, I have been craving for these types of simple bonding even with my own family!

I remembered booking a hotel stay as a surprise gift for Mr. AMW.  It was one of those gift that says: "I love you and I want to spend more time with you making more memories!"

And why did I booked another staycation this time?

Well, it is nearing my birthday and I wanted to pause, relax and just enjoy spending quality time with my husband and son before my life goes whirlwind again!  And guess what?  It was a huge success and I am typing this post with a smile!

ZEN Rooms offers travelers quality and affordable room stays in Southeast Asia's top destinations. We are budget travelers’ favorite hotel chain operating more than 5,000 rooms across 35 cities in 7 countries. We guarantee all the key essentials (Fast free wi-fi, Cool AC, Hot shower, 24/7 Customer Service, Spotless bed) and more starting from only USD10!

I've decided to book BGC for this particular weekend because it is usually traffic in the area.  As much as I would love to take my family there, travel-time will always be an issue and we always find ourselves rushing to go home before my son gets sleepy!

So a staycation at the area is perfect for us to just chill and try out different restaurants within the location that I wanted my family to try!

So I picked Icon Plaza BGC located at 5th Avenue Corner 25th. 

Family Staycation at: Tagaytay Wingate Manor

2 weekends ago, without plans, we've decided to have a short staycation in Tagaytay.  It was Holy Week so I wasn't expecting to be able to book an overnight stay there.  Thankfully, I have a friend who recommended me Tagaytay Wingate Manor so we've decided to give this place a try!  Thanks Travis and Dee for helping me book!  It was last minute but everything goes smoothly.

Located right at the heart of Tagaytay were you can do activities, dine in restaurants and a whole lot more, I like how it is tucked inside a road where there are more trees and fresh air.  Tagaytay Wingate Manor is a two-storey property with a total of 24 rooms.  Because it was peak season, the place was packed but thankfully, I don't feel like the place was crowded.

We originally wanted the Premier room but since it was full, we went for Standard Queen Room and went for extra bed because we want our hardworking #yayatab to be on vacation with us too!

Somerset Millennium Makati

What is my idea of a "rewind" and "reset" from all my busy schedule?

Spending time with the family for sure!  No, it's not completely "relaxing" per se but I like spending time with them with a "staycation" or just be anywhere as long as it is with them.

As I worry about me and my son's "separation" before my Bangkok trip, it was a perfect timing to spend that weekend (before I leave the country) with him, letting him explore new places, new environment.  Just because, I want him to know there are so much more in this world!

Again, it wasn't as completely relaxing (as moms can relate) BUT, Somerset Millennium Makati was able to reset all the tired buttons --- will let you know how they were able to manage it.

Let me start by talking about the property first.  Located at the heart of Legaspi Village in Makati City, it is walking distance to Legaspi Park, Restaurants, Greenbelt Mall and you can even join Legaspi Sunday Market (which I always wanted to visit but my house is quite far!)

I will be very direct with the requirements of the room.  I used to be "Okay" with any rooms, but since turning into a mom with an active toddler who has a lot of preference, I am very particular with the "cut" of the rooms.  I prefer bigger space, lots of sunlight and of course, a bed big enough for a kid who prefers to lie down horizontally.  Most importantly, it must have "homey" feel so my son won't go screaming his head out shouting: "Let's Go Home!" if the place looks too "stiff".

Ang daming requirements no?  I KNOW....but thankfully, Somerset Millennium Makati passed our standards and actually gave us so much more!

The room we stayed in is a One-Bedroom Premier.  The room has undergone renovation giving the room a more contemporary-feel.  I love the extra jazz of modern furniture.

Somerset Alabang Staycation Review

I have a thing for "staycations", I don't have the luxury of time to go out-of-country or even out-of-town, so my most relaxing state would probably me and my family staying in a hotel or serviced residences.

So it was a HUGE blessing when I was invited for a Staycation at Ascott's First Property in the South - Somerset Alabang Manila.  It was perfect timing because it was the ONLY weekend this October that's free!

That's me being excited to stay at Somerset Alabang and to be IN THE SOUTH for the weekend!  I've heard so many raves from friends who live within the area on how "family-oriented", "laidback" south is.  So it was a big pleasure for me and my family to experience that!  

Somerset Alabang Manila is a 150-unit development that offers prime apartment choices --- Studios, One-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.  Upon entering the lobby, you see a gorgeous "Dragon" artwork done using abaca.

Weekend Staycation at: Ascott Makati

The last time we stayed at Ascott Makati was for my mom and dad's surprise Golden Wedding Anniversary Party.

In just a year's time, there are so many changes in this property and I'm glad to be invited to check out their new facilities and offers.

I was invited with fellow Bloggers and Media Friends over the weekend with our respective families!  Thank you so much Ascott Makati and Fuentes Manila for the warm welcome.

We all met at the new Executive Lounge located at the 6th Floor of Ascott Makati for check-in and welcome snacks and drinks.  I had the chance to catch up with old friends and meet new ones.

The Executive Lounge is open for guests who are checked in at the suites of the hotel.