By Jennifer Cabanting
As a birthday gift, my sister gave me a gift certificate for an overnight stay for two in a Continental Superior Room with breakfast at Marco Polo Ortigas. From the moment I made the booking until check-out, everything was seamless and efficient — the kind of experience that already makes you feel pampered even before stepping into the hotel.
Before our stay, the hotel sent a detailed confirmation email outlining where to check in, the amenities we could enjoy, and a rundown of the restaurants, cafés, and bars. I loved this thoughtful touch — it gave me a clear picture of what to look forward to and helped us plan our short escape better.
The security check at the entrance was thorough yet friendly. We were warmly greeted by the staff, who guided us to the elevator leading to the check-in floor. The check-in process itself was quick and smooth, and before long, we were on our way to a well-deserved weekend of rest.
The floor lobby smelled fresh, and our room was everything you’d expect from Marco Polo — cozy, elegant, and quietly luxurious. The space was well designed, making the most of every corner. The bathroom sparkled with its bathtub, plush towels, and complete set of amenities.
On one side was ample closet space and a small pantry with a mini fridge and a welcome treat of cookies and bottled water. There was also an iron and ironing board, plus umbrellas that turned out to be handy since it rained during our stay. The bed was soft yet firm — just right for a restful sleep. The room also had a work desk, a TV with hotel information and services, and a safety deposit box for valuables.
I thoroughly enjoyed the heated indoor pool, which offered a stunning view of the Ortigas skyline. The pool area itself was elegant, and the staff were courteous and attentive. Towels were readily available, and the spacious changing area included lockers. The jacuzzi beside the pool quickly became a personal favorite. Complimentary mineral water and lemon-infused juice were a refreshing touch.
The fitness center, open 24 hours, had a good range of equipment for guests who like to stay active. The Flow Spa, with its calming decor and relaxing scent, was another inviting option for unwinding.
There are two lounges at Marco Polo. One is on the 22nd floor, a lively space near the dining area that’s perfect for casual meetings with great views of Ortigas. But the Continental Lounge on the 43rd floor was simply heavenly — with a cozy mini library featuring books on history, business, arts, and science, and even a small conference room that guests can reserve. The lounge was luxurious, quiet, and offered a panoramic view of the city’s skyline.
The dining area downstairs is tastefully designed, with a miniature Silk Road exhibit near the entrance — a lovely nod to Marco Polo’s journeys. Breakfast was a real highlight. The hot chocolate I ordered was delicious, and the spread was generous: eggs cooked your way, freshly baked breads, noodles, arroz caldo, champorado, fruits, and cakes. We enjoyed it so much that we lingered for hours.
A small but practical bonus: there’s a 7-Eleven on the ground floor across the entrance, where we managed to buy a replacement charger after ours stopped working — a lifesaver!
Throughout our stay, every staff member we met was kind, cheerful, and genuinely helpful. They anticipated our needs and made sure everything was taken care of.
Marco Polo Ortigas truly lives up to its five-star reputation. It’s one of those places where great service, comfort, and attention to detail come together to create a memorable stay.