Arriving in Manila from Davao, I was greeted with a light rainshower at the airport. Cold and wet, I looked forward to getting to my hotel, Hyatt City of Dreams Manila, to dry off.
Words: Danny Lau
Like the sun, the golden brilliance of City of Dreams Manila grew larger and more vibrant as my taxi drew nearer. I made a mental note to see it during the day, which I assumed would be more magnificent with the sun’s ray reflecting on the golden panels.
The City of Dreams Manila is an entertainment complex and integrated resort that houses two nightclubs, the family-friendly entertainment centre Dreamworks Dreamplay, not to mention a slew of world class shopping and dining options. Hyatt has 365 rooms in two towers that are linked to the entertainment complex.
As I was booked into the Club King room, I was brought up to the 7th floor to be checked-in. I was asked to sit while the staff checked me in, but being my nosy self, I decided to explore the Club Lounge instead. Noticing my presence, an attendant came over and offered me a drink, and before long we were chit-chatting about my day and I forgot about my dampened spirits with warm green tea in hand as I recollected my adventures in Davao.
The Club Lounge has a minimalist approach, with leather chairs and tables and a kitchenette where your breakfast of choice is served freshly made. Being a Club room guest, I had access to the amenities and privileges of the Club Lounge, including opting to have my breakfast there instead of at The Cafe, as well as all-day free flowing coffee, tea and non-alcoholic beverages. The Club Lounge is replenished with dry snacks at all times, and pre-dinner drinks and hors d’oeuvres in the evening.
The view is no doubt the best part of my room, and as I entered, the massive Fortune Egg, a golden dome-like structure would be there to greet me, thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows offering an uninterrupted view. The room exuded class with the rich earthy tones of mustard, paprika and chocolate. This contemporary design scheme was further complemented by the marble-lined bathroom, which also included a standalone tub and walk-in shower.
I was addressed by name and every time I walked past the Club Lounge, the staff would greet me with a warm smile and the appropriate welcome of the day. And they even remembered my choice of tea from the day before. As the saying goes, it’s the little things that matter, which made the Hyatt experience that more personalized and memorable for me.
While I enjoyed the attention and the service at the Club Lounge, I still wanted to experience The Café, which is billed as an interactive show-kitchen restaurant. Basically, guests can expect to see and of course savour culinary delights prepared by experienced chefs. These hot dishes are cooked a la minute to ensure freshness and optimum flavour. There are a total of six counters – Italian, Grill and Griddle, Asian, Deli, Comfort Food and Favourites, and Pastry.
I try not to eat late at night (especially after dinner) but somehow I found my way to The Café in the dead of night to visit each station and try everything. The Café will always have a special place in my heart as this was my first time to try halo-halo, the Filipino counterpart of Malaysia’s shaved ice dessert ABC. With my tummy full, I returned to my room, got into bed, and stared out into the distance as the blinking lights of the glistening egg lulled me to sleep like dazzling stars shining in the sky.
If live music, clubbing and dining are not enough, SM Mall of Asia, one of the largest malls in the Philippines, is only a shuttle bus away from City of Dreams for your shopping needs.
I arrived at the doorsteps of Hyatt, cold and in need of a hot shower, but the warm hospitality of the staff certainly lifted my spirits and this natural high never rescinded throughout my stay.
HYATT CITY OF DREAMS MANILA
Address: Asean Avenue corner Roxas Boulevard Entertainment City, Parañaque, Manila 1701 Philippines.
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