MANILA, Philippines - Surprisingly, Pinoys have been increasingly fond of staycations. What used to be just an option during Lent when Filipinos would rather stay in a nice hotel than go abroad, is now a year-round activity.
It comes at a time when people want to avoid the horrible traffic at the airport and the hassles of flight delays.
For City Garden Grand general manager Lawrence Pena, the lure of staycations lie on the superb service and amenities that a hotel/resort can offer.
At City Garden Grand, Pena said their staycation package is a most sought-after service, primarily because of the amenities, which are tops value for money.
“It’s a complete relaxing experience that will not blow their budget. They see our package as ‘value for money’ because we already have a spa service on top of the other amenities, whereas if they go to a separate spa, they might pay more,” Pena said.
“We want to tell people that they don’t have to spend so much if they want to avail of 5-star features. Here at City Garden Grand, we offer 5-star facilities at fraction of costs,” he enthused.
Located at the heart of Makati, City Garden Grand boasts of elegantly appointed, spacious rooms that use Filipino materials.
Pena said City Garden Grand caters to families, OFWs, balikbayans and business travelers.
“City Garden Grand is positioned to serve both busy travelers and whole families, OFWs and locals, they’re our niche market. City Garden Grand that have the same amenities as the internationally-branded hotels,” he said.
Meanwhile, for business travelers, City Garden Grand has a whole floor (9th floor) built for the business center alone. If their clients opt to stay in their rooms, again each room was designed to cater to the needs of the businessmen – there are phones, a long table, necessary cables to connect and charge all the businessmen’s gadgets.
“The business center on the 9th floor can hold a power meeting or a small meeting group for 25 people and conferences can be made in the same floor. Soon this conference room will be equipped with teleconference/telepresence facilities.
“The Sundeck is located at the 33rd floor, it’s an open space which can be used exclusively or privately to anyone who wants to have exclusive dinner for two or floating meeting or a marriage proposal venue,” Pena said.
The view deck, on the other hand, is located at the 32nd floor and offers a panoramic and breath-taking view of Makati.
“On the south west side, you will see the glorious Manila Bay and its famous sun set. Staying on the view deck is very relaxing, so while you soak in the sights, you feel the gentle Amihan soft winds kiss your face,” he said.