From its trademark Heavenly beds to sumptuous culinary offerings in its signature restaurants and bars, Westin Manila proves that it has not just returned to Philippine shores — it’s made a comeback!
BY JOSE PAOLO S. DELA CRUZ
Now nestled in the heart of the Ortigas Center in Mandaluyong City, the 32-story Westin Manila promises to make hotel stays in the metro even more exciting with the Westin’s holistic approach to well-being. A joint venture between Westin Hotels & Resorts — part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands — and Robinsons Land Corp., the new hotel is set to deliver industry-leading wellness experiences designed to empower guests to be the best version of themselves.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the opening of The Westin Manila, marking the brand’s re-entry in the Philippines, as well as another milestone in its expansion in Asia-Pacific,” said Jennifer Connell, global brand leader of Westin Hotels & Resorts and VP of distinctive premium brands for Marriott International. “With its signature programming, the new hotel will bring to life the Westin brand promise that delivers complete wellness experiences for travelers and locals alike.”
More than a good night’s sleep
Like many other hotels of its caliber, the well-appointed Westin Manila promises to deliver unparalleled stays. To make good on such a promise, the new hotel armed itself with a plethora of signature offerings that guests would definitely enjoy.
For this writer, the entire experience begins (and ends at night) with Westin’s trademark Heavenly beds, which are present in all 303 rooms, including 57 suites. Clean, plush, neatly tucked and bedecked with pillows of varying firmness, the beds live up to their name.
But as many discerning leisure travelers would know, it could take a village to have a good night’s sleep. And so, Westin Manila builds its own little village of luxury in each of its rooms, which are furnished with Nespresso coffee machines, Bluetooth speakers, complimentary Wi-Fi and 55-inch flat Samsung TVs. Guests staying in the Westin Club rooms and suites, which feature separate living rooms, also enjoy access to the exclusive Club Lounge which serves afternoon tea, hors d’oeuvres and evening cocktails.
The spacious toilet and bath, what with its marble floors and counters, and well-lit interiors, are also a welcome addition to any stay. On top of that, you get to bathe in either a rain shower or soak in the spacious tub, depending on your mood. The fresh towels and the signature bath robe also elevate the experience some more, reminding you once again that while you may not be home, you’re definitely staying somewhere special.
Healthy and delicious
The Westin Manila also offers an attractive array of dining options across its four F&B outlets. All-day-dining restaurant Seasonal Tastes features a live interactive kitchen and serves international dishes as well as local comfort food. The fresh seafood and salad stations, available for dinner, are definitely a must to visit.
For young guests, a Westin Eat Well Menu for Kids features delicious and nutritious light meals. The Lobby Lounge, on the other hand, offers al fresco terrace dining with live music, and serves the Crafted at Westin beverage menu featuring artisanal cocktails. At the Pool Bar, guests can enjoy the tropical sunshine with a handcrafted cocktail and Tapas Bar & Restaurant, a rooftop dining venue set to open in July 2023, features panoramic views of Metro Manila as well as a fantastic jamón station stocked with finest meats and authentic Spanish cuisine. The Westin Eat Well Menu is offered at the Seasonal Tastes and the Lobby Lounge, while the Westin Eat Well Menu for Kids is offered at the Seasonal Tastes and for In-Room Dining.
Knowing full well that balance is key to any extraordinary experience, Westin Manila enables guests to elevate their fitness routines at the 24/7 WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio with its complete range of modern cardio and resistance equipment, as well as TRX stability equipment, followed by a swim in the hotel’s 25-meter outdoor pool.
As part of Westin’s Move Well pillar, the RunWESTIN program offers curated run route maps with a choice of three or five-mile runs. The WestinWORKOUT Gear Lending program allows guests to borrow the latest high-tech recovery and total body strength training equipment to optimize their fitness. Heavenly Spa by WESTIN opens in June 2023, and will offer wellness treatments such as rejuvenating body scrubs, couples’ massages, in-suite massages, and spa manicures and pedicures.
A total of 1,063 sq. mts. of meeting and function spaces is available for casual and formal events, including the sophisticated Sonata Ballroom, which features seven-meter high ceilings and a built-in LED wall. The ballroom hosts up to 330 guests, and can be used for business or social events as well as glamorous weddings. The Westin Weddings program offers personalized arrangements and services to assist guests in planning their once-in-a-lifetime occasion. Additional meeting rooms for smaller events and meetings are also equipped with the latest audio-visual technology.
“Located in the vibrant heart of Metro Manila, guests will have all they need for a productive and relaxing stay in the city,” said Alexander Dietzsch, general manager, The Westin Manila. “We look forward to welcoming guests to a new world of personalized wellness with our signature Westin guest experiences.”
