Shangri-La at the Fort - Manila, Philippines
For our second blog in our hotel series, we pop to the Philippines. I actually flew straight to Manila from Singapore, so for me, it made sense to write this blog next. This was my first time in the Philippines and to be honest, I wasn't sure what to expect. I had been told of it's beauty, but also of it's poverty. So I was a little nervous about this leg of the journey. After what felt like a lifetime trying to get out of the queue of traffic from the airport, we were on our way.
As you approach the Shangri-La at the Fort, you could be mistaken for thinking you had fallen asleep and woke up in America. Wide streets, America restaurants, super car dealerships. Not what I had been expecting at all, but then I didn't know what to expect.
As you turn off from the main street and enter the complex, security at the Shangri-La is high. Security style metal detectors were an odd way to enter a hotel (well, for me at least). However, once you moved through this odd entrance, you are welcomed by the most beautiful check in area. A huge open space with magnificent chandeliers and marble as far as the eye can see. Each room you transition into seems to have yet another beautiful chandelier.
From here, I headed to my room. Another beautiful big space, with a huge window and more importantly, a huge bed. The room had everything you would expect, a separate seating area, desk and large bathroom. It sounds like the weirdest thing, but one of the 'freebies' in the bathroom was a hair-tie and I was so pleased to see such a useful addition! It's the small things that keep me happy, clearly!
The first evening I was rather exhausted and decided to pop to the hotels burger bar, Raging Bull Burgers. Accessible from the street only, the burger bar was just what I needed. Filling, tasty food and only a short walk from my room. The burgers were delicious and extremely well priced, a definite must if you are a hungry and tired traveller.
After this I headed back to my room to run and a bath and get an early night. But I fancied a little glass of wine to wash down my burger. So I thought I'd give room service a quick call and I am so glad I did. The gentleman that answered was so polite and did a fantastic job at up-selling. I ended up having a large glass of wine AND a caramel cheesecake!
The hotel also has a 'rooftop' pool with a bar area and hot tub. And I say rooftop loosely as it technically is on the roof to a building, just not on the highest rooftop of the hotel. The bar located at the pool also does the most delicious cocktails.
The hotel also has a wide range of facilities including a gym, an adventure zone for kids, a spa and a number of shops and restaurants. You could go there and not leave the complex if you wanted.
For me, though, the only down side was I didn't like where breakfast was held. The food and service were second to none, but the space was almost too big and I felt really stressed when I ate there. I know that is a very personal thing but for me, I found breakfast wasn't enjoyable because of the design. I think room service for me next time.
If you are looking to go to Manila and have a hotel stay based holiday, then the Shangri-La at the Fort is perfect for you. It feels extremely safe if you have small children and there are local shops and restaurants within a 5 minute radius for when you want to get out and about but don't want to wonder too far from the hotel.
As you approach the Shangri-La at the Fort, you could be mistaken for thinking you had fallen asleep and woke up in America. Wide streets, America restaurants, super car dealerships. Not what I had been expecting at all, but then I didn't know what to expect.
As you turn off from the main street and enter the complex, security at the Shangri-La is high. Security style metal detectors were an odd way to enter a hotel (well, for me at least). However, once you moved through this odd entrance, you are welcomed by the most beautiful check in area. A huge open space with magnificent chandeliers and marble as far as the eye can see. Each room you transition into seems to have yet another beautiful chandelier.
From here, I headed to my room. Another beautiful big space, with a huge window and more importantly, a huge bed. The room had everything you would expect, a separate seating area, desk and large bathroom. It sounds like the weirdest thing, but one of the 'freebies' in the bathroom was a hair-tie and I was so pleased to see such a useful addition! It's the small things that keep me happy, clearly!
The first evening I was rather exhausted and decided to pop to the hotels burger bar, Raging Bull Burgers. Accessible from the street only, the burger bar was just what I needed. Filling, tasty food and only a short walk from my room. The burgers were delicious and extremely well priced, a definite must if you are a hungry and tired traveller.
After this I headed back to my room to run and a bath and get an early night. But I fancied a little glass of wine to wash down my burger. So I thought I'd give room service a quick call and I am so glad I did. The gentleman that answered was so polite and did a fantastic job at up-selling. I ended up having a large glass of wine AND a caramel cheesecake!
The hotel also has a 'rooftop' pool with a bar area and hot tub. And I say rooftop loosely as it technically is on the roof to a building, just not on the highest rooftop of the hotel. The bar located at the pool also does the most delicious cocktails.
The hotel also has a wide range of facilities including a gym, an adventure zone for kids, a spa and a number of shops and restaurants. You could go there and not leave the complex if you wanted.
For me, though, the only down side was I didn't like where breakfast was held. The food and service were second to none, but the space was almost too big and I felt really stressed when I ate there. I know that is a very personal thing but for me, I found breakfast wasn't enjoyable because of the design. I think room service for me next time.
If you are looking to go to Manila and have a hotel stay based holiday, then the Shangri-La at the Fort is perfect for you. It feels extremely safe if you have small children and there are local shops and restaurants within a 5 minute radius for when you want to get out and about but don't want to wonder too far from the hotel.
(All pictures taken & owned by SistersDineOut unless otherwise stated)
