Friday night chill-out at microtel mall of Asia

MANILA, Philippines -  The Mall of Asia complex in Pasay City has, in the past five years, gone all out to entertain thousands of visitors who flock there every month. The place has everything — a ferris wheel, bumper cars, a zipline, seafood restaurants, regular restaurants, an arena, convention center, church, a pirate ship and, of course, the shopping mall. What’s inside the mall? A museum, staging area, one of the biggest movie screens on the planet, and every type of food and shopping establishment you can think of. Giving visitors, both foreign and local, access to this wondrous retail paradise is Microtel by Wyndham Mall of Asia.

Located right beside the Mall of Asia, this is the flagship hotel of the Microtel Philippines brand. Its no-frills approach reveals that it also provides some of the best accommodations in the industry. Every guest can expect a relaxing night’s sleep with Microtel’s famous chiropractor-approved beds, enjoyed in various room types that can satisfy solo travelers or families. It is clean, bright, the epitome of the so-called “limited-service hotel” segment and stands tall among any other structure in the Mall of Asia complex. Simply put, this Microtel is unlike any that you have experienced in the country.

And when you go up to its roof deck, you will be treated to one of the best unrestricted views in the area — from the famous Manila Bay sunset to the weekly fireworks display at the mall. Taking advantage of this rooftop space, Microtel has launched a weekly promotional event for its guests. “We wanted to maximize the exposure of our roof deck,” says Dean Cid, general manager. “So we launched our ‘Chill-Out Friday.’”

Every Friday, hotel guests and walk-ins can go up to the roof deck and enjoy Happy Hour with a buy-one, take-one promo on standard drinks and house wine from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 to 11 p.m. For P550 per person from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., an eat-all-you-can buffet is offered with pasta dishes, grilled items and the most popular, a carving station serving US Roast Beef. A lounge singer provides entertainment for everybody during the night.

Cid says even people who are not staying at the hotel can drop by and have a relaxing night to start their weekend. “We would like those who are working within the complex — there are a lot of corporate accounts here — to unwind and start their weekend here.” Those who opt out of the buffet may also avail themselves of just the Happy Hour promo plus any dish at their individual prices.

More dining options can be found at Microtel’s very own Millie’s Restaurant. Located at the lobby area, Millie’s is named after the mother of Jose Mari del Rosario, president and CEO of Microtel Inns & Suites (Pilipinas) Inc. A Filipino with style and sophistication, Millie went all over the world and knew that the experience of travel was highlighted not only by the comfort of accommodations but also the delight of food and drinks. As a woman of the world, she relished new experiences and challenges. While many would have shied away from living in interesting times, Millie relished this as an opportunity to savor whatever life has to offer.

While the restaurant presents a very eclectic menu, guests may also notice a clear slant toward Italian dishes. Executive Chef Gino Santayana agrees, confirming that they do specialize mostly on pastas. “I think we specialize more on Italian cuisine,” he continues. “So if you taste our pasta dishes it’s really the authentic way of cooking and serving the dishes. We use all-imported ingredients, we make our own pasta and we cook it as ordered, which is really important for it to achieve its great taste.”

Millie’s food is served in large portions and fairly priced. Best-sellers include the Marinara, Chicken Parmigiana, Baby-Back Ribs and the Osso Buco (beef shank cooked in tomato sauce and served with aglio olio pasta). The steaks are very good and are a must-try. Santayana says, “We use local Wagyu beef from Bukidnon farms. It’s really tender.” The restaurant also has a good wine selection specifically chosen to partner with the food. Don’t forget to ask for and try out its Beer Below Zero.

Cid is more than happy at what Microtel has been able to accomplish within just three years of being in the area. “Mall of Asia is a destination for Filipinos and foreign travelers,” he says. The hotel gets bookings from all kinds of markets, from people who attend seminars and conferences at the nearby convention center, to concertgoers at the arena. Many foreign tourists also use Microtel as a stop before going to other destinations in the country or as a last-minute stay for shopping before going back to their home countries. The close proximity of the international and domestic airports plus easily accessible transport options has been nothing but convenient for Microtel.

Microtel Mall of Asia continues to surprise and delight all kinds of visitors. With its roof deck ready to take in visitors every Friday, starting the weekend right has never been better.

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Microtel Mall of Asia is located at Coral Way Avenue corner Seaside Boulevard, SM Mall of Asia complex, Pasay City. For more information, call (02) 659-4233 to 39, (02) 659-4243 to 45, (02) 659-4961 to 63 or (0917) 590-5914. Visit its website at http://www.microtelbywyndham-manila.com. Like it on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MicrotelPhilippines or follow it on Twitter @MicrotelPH or download the Microtel Philippines app on your iPhone and iPad for bookings and reservations.