March is going to be filled with momentous occasions and off days, from graduation celebrations to Lenten season vacations. While others would prefer to take a break from the crazy of the metro, we have spotted prime locations for partying and unwinding without going through the trouble of going too far from home. If you have yet to book your staycation or family get-together, check out the dates below and maybe you can snag some deals from the metro’s hottest hotels.
Heads up, graduates!
You can always say your congratulations with a little more flair. If you’re planning a family luncheon or a night out with friends that’s a little more lavish than usual—hey, it’s not everyday a graduation comes around—take note of Diamond Hotel’s special treat for graduates. If you dine with a graduate in a group of five at Diamond Hotel’s Corniche restaurant, you can avail of their special lunch and dinner rates: P1,480 nett each for lunch and P1,880 nett for dinner. That’s hours of stuffing yourself with fresh seafood, piping hot soups and viands, delicate meats and steaks, decadent desserts, and more! (Read: we are fans of the dessert selection at Corniche (which includes international and local flavors) and the abundant Japanese). There is no room for diet at Corniche, trust us. To end the feast on a high note, Diamond Hotel is also throwing in a complimentary round of drinks at the Sky Lounge so the party continues from dusk ’til (almost) dawn.
If you’re more of a Japanese cuisine person, discounts are also abound at Yurakuen, considered one of Manila’s prime Japanese restaurants. A group of five dining with a graduate can take advantage of the special All-You-Can-Eat Yakiniku at Php 1,880 nett per person, also complete with drinks at the Sky Lounge.
But if you’re partying harder with a bigger group, you can get even bigger discounts. Come in a group of eight, with one graduate of course, and pay only P19,500 nett for an All-You-Can-Eat celebration at either Corniche or Yurakuen. This includes a complimentary gift certificate for an overnight stay in a Deluxe Room with buffet breakfast for two persons, to boot.
This deal from Diamond Hotel is for graduates of all levels and is valid from March 14 to April 15, 2016. Bring along a proof of graduation upon check-in and you’re all set. Visit Diamond Hotel Philippines’ website or contact the hotel at tel. no. (632) 528-3000 loc. 8414 for reservations or more information.
Easter eggs
If you’re looking for an Easter treat for your family, we found two hotels holding exciting activities to wrap-up the Lenten season.
If you’re near Bonifacio Global City, F1 Hotel Manila is having an Easter Candyland, perfect for kids of all ages. Glitter Tattoo, Donut Decorating, Egg Painting, Loot Bags, Balloon Twisting, Games, Complimentary Treats, and a traditional Easter Egg Hunt are just some of the activities that you and your kids can look forward to. Ticket price for the event is at P968 nett and comes with a brunch buffet. Take note: adults accompanying their kids will have to pay for a ticket while kids aged two years and below are free of charge.
You can also spend the night before or after the event at a very good price since F1 Hotel is throwing in a special Easter room package. For as low as P5,400 nett, your family can stay overnight in a City Suite, which comes with a delightful buffet breakfast for two at F All Day Dining Restaurant and a 30 percent discount on Easter Candyland event tickets.
The Easter room package could be booked from March 1 to 27, 2016. Check out F1 Hotel Manila’s website or call tel no. (632) 928-8888 for information and reservations.
Those, however, who prefer to laze around the north area of the metropolis, there’s this newly opened hotel along Scout Rallos in Quezon City that’s definitely worth checking out. Second to the B Hotel franchise in Alabang, B Hotel Quezon City is as convenient and as contemporary as you can get. And if you’re looking to get pampered this coming Holy Week, the hotel is offering a special Holy Week room package. This includes a two-night accommodation complete with breakfast buffet for two, WiFi access, use of the gym and pool (albeit a bit conservative in size, the pool is a delight for kids and perfect for laps for adults), and a complimentary ticket to the Easter Kiddie Party happening on the 27th of March.
The B Hotel Barnyard: Easter Kiddie Party will be an afternoon full of games, activities, and goodies. Those who wish to buy the tickets to the Easter party separately can do so for P888 nett per adult or child. Tickets for children under the age of two will be waived but adults accompanying the kids will have to purchase a ticket as well. Anyhow, this comes with a snacks buffet, loot bags, and souvenir photos at the photo booth, plus a chance to win an overnight stay at B Hotel QC and B Hotel Alabang.
Tickets to the Easter party are available for purchase until the morning of Easter Sunday while the Holy Week room package is valid from March 18 to 31, 2016. Visit the B Hotel Quezon City website or call tel. no. (632) 990-5000 for bookings or inquiries.
Getting hitched
If your hubby has finally popped the question, then you might already be going around looking at wedding receptions. If you have guests coming from the north and the south, you might want to consider getting a venue that’s dab smack in the middle for everyone’s convenience. If that’s the case, then Marco Polo Ortigas Manila could be an attractive choice.
Marco Polo’s Felicity wedding package is as hands-on as you can get if you’re looking for a hotel that’s going to stick around from pre-wedding preparations up to the after-wedding gifts. This package includes: an exclusive Bachelor’s or Bachelorette’s Night party package at Vu’s Sky Bar and Lounge; a fully dressed venue complete with car transport (an option of Mini Cooper Countryman or a Trans Abi vehicle), lights and sounds featuring a String Trio, floral arrangement tailored to your liking, a three-layer wedding cake, and a Moët & Chandon toast; and a complimentary two-night accommodation in a Superior Suite with breakfast for two at Cucina, a signature treatment for two at Flow Spa, and 20 percent discount on all restaurants inside the hotel during your stay.
The hotel’s 714-sqm grand ballroom can easily accommodate up to 300 persons for a banquet setup and up to 500 for a cocktail reception so you can hold your wedding as grand as you want without feeling cramped. And if you’re worried about getting a decent Chinese lauriat for your wedding luncheon, trust Marco Polo’s Lung Hin restaurant to bring out wonder after wonder of authentic Chinese cuisine.
This package is available at Marco Polo all year round. Check out Marco Polo Ortigas Manila from their website or contact tel. no. (632) 720 7777 for inquiries and bookings.
Celebrations abound
If you’re looking for bigger celebrations or grander parties, why not celebrate now if you can pay later? Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria’s Celebrate Now, Pay Later is an exclusive offer for BDO cardholders who can book any social event and pay in installment at absolutely zero interest. You can opt for 3, 6, 9, or 12 months of installment if you book now until December 31, 2016, for events until March 31, 2017. This is a pretty great deal if you’re looking at an upcoming birthday party, anniversary, or wedding. There is no catch, no fishy deals. Just zero percent interest.
Interested parties may contact Crowne Plaza’s Meetings Manager at tel. no. 633-7222 or visit the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria website.
