By Victoria “NIKE” De Dios
Seize the day and trust as little as possible in tomorrow has been the mantra of many people now after being holed up for a couple of years inside the 4 corners of their house during the pandemic.
Now in the post-pandemic, many realize the importance of living life to the fullest by taking a break, bonding with family or loved ones, and doing business with pleasure. This is what was neglected before, and mindful of the need to take a breather, Robinsons Hotels and Resorts offers an array of staycation experiences right in the heart of the bustling Ortigas Business District.
So, whether the staycation or “workaction”, the range of hospitality options are readily available. And the location is at par with Ayala Center in Makati City and the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.
Located at the crossroads of Pasig, Mandaluyong, and Quezon City, the Ortigas CBD remains an attractive location for local and international hotel developers thus ensuring its growth as a cosmopolitan hub for residents and transients alike.
The resurgence of domestic tourism also adds to the popularity of in-city travel this year–according to the Department of Tourism, especially since in 2022, the Philippine Statistics Authority recorded 102 million domestic trips, which contributed P1.5 trillion ($27.04 billion) to domestic tourism expenditure. Barun Jolly, recently appointed senior vice president and business unit general manager of Robinsons Hotel and Resorts (RHR), looks forward to the positive outlook on local travel, especially with the top staycation trends travelers can expect in 2024.
“As the preferred brand for business and leisure travelers, Robinsons Hotels and Resorts’ diverse hotels have inspired some of the best staycation trends in Metro Manila,” Jolly says.
Trend #1: Go on a Well-cation Getaway
Sleep well, eat well, move well, feel well, work well, play well–get to do all these and more at The Westin Manila, RHR’s oasis of calm and wellness in busy Ortigas.
As a hotel focused on helping guests find a balance between vibrant urban life and restful respite, The Westin Manila has an unwavering commitment to sustainability, guest well-being, and connection to nature, through locally sourced teas to plush bamboo-fiber duvets.
For a great night’s rest, The Westin Manila’s guest rooms feature the signature Westin Heavenly® Bed. Many guests and travelers from all over the world have attested to the comfort and support of this iconic bed, comparing it to “sleeping on a cloud.”
To complement the sleep experience, the hotel provides Lavender Balm as a bedside amenity. Infused with calming essential oils of lavender and chamomile, guests can apply it on their temple or wrist to help them unwind naturally.
Moreover, a busy day in Ortigas can best be ended at the Heavenly Spa by WestinTM. Here, guests can indulge in wellness treatments, such as individual and couple massages, facials, and body scrubs, all designed to refresh the mind and body.
Trend # 2: ‘Paws’ for a Break with Your Fur-baby
For those taking a well-deserved staycation with their fur babies in tow, The Westin Manila offers pet-friendly amenities and gourmet pet treats at the weekend A La Bark menu, which is available on weekends from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Lobby Lounge’s outdoor veranda. Your canine companion can look forward to a spread of sushi, salmon, banana cupcakes, popsicles, and even a Woof-a-ccino.
Toy breeds can enjoy their staycation with their humans, celebrate milestone events with family and friends, and indulge in a good night’s sleep, too, on their very own Westin Heavenly® Dog Bed.
Trend #3: Indulge in a Culinary Staycation Spree
A longtime fixture in the Ortigas skyline, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria has also become a well-loved destination for foodies, as it continues to elevate the dining scene in the business district. Indulge at the buffet in Seven Corners, where there are a variety of global flavors, from luscious prime rib to rich Singaporean laksa, and a station that pulls out all the stops in its toppings. The variety and quality of its fare make Seven Corners a versatile place for all kinds of gatherings, from laid-back brunches to business dinners.
Xin Tian Di is another culinary gem travelers can visit for its exquisite Chinese cuisine. With classics like Oven-Roasted Peking Duck served two ways and a sumptuous selection of dim sum, Xin Tian Di is a delight for even the most discerning palates.
Just a few steps from Crowne Plaza is a gastronomic destination where one can indulge in more dining pleasures: Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas’ premier shopping mall.
Trend #4: Unwind after the Grind
Sometimes, mixing business with leisure is unavoidable during a trip–which makes the Holiday Inn Manila the best hotel for “bleisure” travelers.
Like the Crowne Plaza, its twin, Holiday Inn Manila, is strategically connected to Robinsons Galleria. In addition to its 285 rooms and 1,677 parking spaces (combined with Crowne Plaza), the hotel offers a range of event venues, meeting rooms, and lounges—all conveniently situated on the same floor. This cements its place as the district’s gold standard in the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry.
With BPO firms, multinational corporations, and international organizations in close proximity, Holiday Inn Manila twin towers are the ideal hubs for various summits and conferences. What truly keeps guests coming back, however, is their commitment to delivering personal service–the kind of service that makes for a memorable trip.
Trend #5: Rediscover Metro Manila–for less
Awaiting budget-conscious travelers seeking comfort and quality in Ortigas is Go Hotels, a destination that is making waves with its youthful and refreshing approach to value-essential hospitality. Elevating the standards for affordable accommodations, this trendy hotel brand goes above and beyond to ensure that every guest’s experience is nothing short of excellent.
Their unique and innovative signature offer of Go 24/7 empowers travelers to choose their check-in time anytime within the day and check out 24 hours later. Plus, its Go 365 offering allows guests to score a 10% discount off the Best Available Rate for stays booked 15 to 365 days in advance.
And for those who are always on their mobile, the option to Go (Buy) Online enables you to book and buy vouchers via FB messenger and Viber chat.
These three Go products make up the “Let’s Go, Go, Go” campaign of Robinsons Hotels and Resorts that recently won the coveted Most Outstanding Marketing Campaign of the Year during the 9th Virtus awards of the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA).
Your Ortigas staycation begins now
With these key staycation trends in mind, travelers can now start planning their city escape in the vibrant enclave that is Ortigas. With its plethora of top-notch destinations, one will find that it’s more than just a concrete jungle; it’s a thriving hub that offers unmatched options whether you are there for work or leisure, for simplicity or luxury.
And at the heart of it all, Robinsons Hotels and Resorts are ready to give travelers their much-deserved home away from home–top-tier accommodations that have solidified its reputation as a market leader in the country’s hospitality sector and earned the recent accolade of Best Operational Hospitality Portfolio award by PropertyGuru.
“Whether visiting this thriving district for work or leisure, Ortigas has a treasure trove of experiences. Robinsons Hotels and Resorts holds the four keys to your next adventure, ensuring that every aspect of your journey is marked by excellence and comfort,” Jolly says.
Give the gift of a great staycation with the RHR Gift Card, the official Gift Card of Robinsons Hotels and Resorts. The first-of-its-kind consumable gift card for rooms, food and beverage, and other hotel services can be used across the Robinsons Hotels network. Use it to get access to 25 properties in 19 key areas nationwide.
To learn more about RHR, visit their website, Facebook and Instagram.