HOTEL REVIEW: Sofitel Manila

As a member of Accor I am able to get good rates once in a while and that once in a while happened indeed. I have been living in Philippines for many years already and I have eaten at Sofitel many times but I really have not stayed there overnight so might as well give it a try. Sofitel has been one of the iconic hotels in Metro Manila. It has been there for quite sometime. I believe it started as Philippine Plaza then was changed into Westin Philippine Plaza and now it is Sofitel Philippine Plaza. Everytime a US President comes to Philippines, he would stay here because of the location. It’s not really on a main street but it is just beside the Manila Bay.

The exterior of Sofitel Manila

Such elegant lobby. It really feels luxurious. 

The lobby is very Filipino. Heavy on the wood and there are ladies welcoming you in a Filipiniana outfit. I don’t know if it is being done everyday or is it just because of the ASEAN Event that was ongoing at that time. Nevertheless, it was a very nice welcome. Checking-in was quick and there were many explanations made like free transport going to popular malls and some discount vouchers. Perks of being Accor? While I was being checked-in I was given a welcome drink of a fruity tasting citrus drink. It was refreshing. Once everthing was done, I went to my room.

Relaxing lobby bar where you can order meals and some good desserts.


Entry to the famous Spiral Buffet

Top view of Spirals Entrace. I just love how spacious this hotel is.


It was really a busy day that day so it took a while for the elevator to come. There were two sides of the view. One was facing the pool and Manila bay and the other one was city view. I was given the city view. Upon entering the room I noticed the smell and it smelled good. I think that’s their trademark smell. Room is spacious and had a Kind Sized bed which was really comfortable. It has a balcony where you can go out and enjoy the view. The room together with the bathroom was well maintained. The minibar was well stocked and the bathroom amenities were of high class. It was Lanvin. Again, these are rooms where you just want to stay and never leave. My room had a sitting area and also has a desk where you can do some work.


The entrance to my room. More wood!

I got the room with a King Sized Bed and it’s really comfortable. The room has an Asian inspired design.


More of the room. It is well maintained and it really feels luxurious.


Well equipped mini bar and different kinds of candy.

Bathroom sink overlooking the bed. You can watch TV while brushing your teeth.


I love rainfall showers. It’s very relaxing. I also love how big and think their towels are. You can really tell a good hotel by the towel they use.

High-end bathroom amenities by Lanvin. It’s the first time I expreienced seeing Lanvin being used as hotel amenity.

I got the city view and this is the view from my room. Not bad really but I would still prefer the Manila Bay view.

I have a partial view of Manila Bay. Next time I’ll get the Manila Bay view.
                
Activities and Dining is taken by Sofitel seriously. First it boasts of the the Spiral Cafe which is the premier buffet in the Philippines. I believe it goes to more than 3,000 pesos per person lunch or dinner. Sometimes you’ll get promos depending on the card you use. Plus you get perks as well if you become an Accor Plus member. For activities, they have this resort setting pool which is very populer as well. It can be seen in magazines and Sofitel uses it as its advertising. Sofitel really wants to make you stay within the compound. For the adults only, Sofitel has a Casino but i think they only have slot machines. There’s a Spa and Salon as well. You won’t get bored really. But if you’re not a foodie or an activity type person then youcan just lounge in the room and relax.

This is the tropical style pool of Sofitel. Just by staying here you would feel that you are not in the city.

More of the pool. It’s a big pool which goes around. Best to handout here during the sunset where you can see the sun setting at Manila Bay.

Overall, my short stay was worth it. It was really nice to experience Sofitel Luxury. The professionalism shown by the staff and the feel of elegance once you enter the hotel is really something you would like to experience everyday. No wonder it’s being chosen by world leaders and dignitaries when visiting the Philippines.


Comments