Marriott makes it to Manila

MANILA, Philippines - The opening of Marriott Hotel Manila brings an entirely new vibe to the cityscape. Found at the Newport City right across the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, Marriott Manila is already making its presence felt with its unique design and impeccable service.

Truth is, there is something different as soon as one sets foot in the lobby. The front desk is almost hidden from view. Marriott’s general manager Richard Saul explains that they want to make the lobby a place for rest and recreation, and not for the usual panic-and-frantic pace.

“The idea really is for guests to not attend to the front desk. Because they have traveled far and wide, we want them to sit down, relax, and have refreshments. It is better than guests just standing there. In short, we will have happy people before they even get to their rooms,” Saul says.

The lobby itself presents a zoning arrangement that defies convention. Saul says, “The way we arranged zones in our lobby will give a lot of convenience for our guests. There is an individual zone for an individual who just wants to kick back, read a book, enjoy a cake and beverage.”

The interactive social zone has television sets on both ends, allowing guests to the option to be both social and business-like at the same time. There are high tables and communal tables for groups that may want to enjoy snacks and canapés.

“It is really unique for a lobby bar because we intentionally want people to go down from their rooms and have a drink. The atmosphere is not stiff and presents a living-room feel,” Saul says.

The hotel has 342 deluxe rooms and suites, complete with luxurious bedding, in-room safe, mini-bar, high-speed Internet, 40-inch full high definition LCDs with IPTV, and many others.

While the rooms are ideal for comfort, it is practically impossible not to be drawn by the Marriott’s restaurants, each of which offers something distinct and different for the guests.

The Marriott Café presents itself as a new version of a buffet restaurant. Realizing that chafing dishes is already behind the times, the hotel figured that live cooking stations work best.

“You start with the dishes from the Western world and end up in China,” Saul laughs. “As you can see, even the pieces of furniture, at the onset, do not seem to match. But look a little closer and you will notice how a different piece complements the other.”

“Something not yet seen in Manila is the way our restaurant outlets flow into one another. Usually when you are in a hotel, you walk into the door of a restaurant. Here, outlets seamlessly integrate into the other,” he adds.

The bar called Velocity, he shares, is an updated and upgraded version of the sports bar. The pieces of furniture are distinctive. Live entertainment is likewise on offer, as well as the central bar. Guests who want to watch sports have a corner all to themselves, with a gigantic TV screen showing the current hottest sporting event. It also serves as a meeting bar, with private zones providing ample open space for moving around.

Saul reveals that Marriott Manila will soon be known for its Cru Steakhouse. He proudly says that Cru will be the standard of steakhouses in the country, “the best there is.”

“At Cru, you will see how your steak is prepared. The outlet is all about red wine and meat. Cry’s butcher shop lets you choose from its display of aging meat. The butcher will cut the meat on the spot and cook it with a flame leaping high above the grill. Everything will be correct, from the cut of meat to the types of utensils and plates we use,” says Saul.

It is this exceptional eye for detail that Saul is very particular and excited about. Having seen the hotel come alive from its beginnings as blank palettes and PowerPoint presentations, Saul is looking forward to the arrival of guests.

“Just seeing the hotel become a reality right before your very eyes is pretty exciting,” he tells us while pointing out that the hotel’s other facilities are just as noteworthy.

Marriott Manila will soon open its Quan Spa as well as its ballroom and fitness center. Saul promises, “Here at the hotel, there will be a lot of things to enjoy.”

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Marriott Manila is located at Newport Boulevard, Newport City Complex, Pasay City. For more information, call 988-9999.