Come to think of it, I came to enjoy so many places and hype it here in my blog but Manila which is the capital of my country where I make my full time job never yet landed in the blog. I have been traveling outside and around the Philippines and having a chance to do it, I absently forgot to see what's on my backyard considering that Cavite (where I live) is just a minutes away from it. Though I enjoy more of the country side view, it doesn't make me feel less guilty for not doing enough exploration of the City. With this blog, I hope to make up for it. I found a pretty place to stay which will be a good excuse to explore more of the City.
Rizal Park Hotel
"Rizal Park Hotel is the former Manila Army and Navy Club which has been in the vicinity of Manila as early as 1911. This was exclusively used as a rest and recreation area for US military personnel and civilians and Filipinos and had been the witness of many events during those era. The decaying structures that formerly a grand place had been took over by City of Manila at 1980's and declared as National Historic Landmark on 1991 but afterwards declared as condemned by the City Engineers Office due to the damages that the building experienced after many years of neglect. It was during 2014 with the joint partnership of City Government and Oceanville Hotel and Spa Corporation that the structure was started to be restored. During those restoration, they made sure that the original architectural design and lay-out was maintained. Deteriorated features was repaired instead of replacing it to retain its original state. It was year 2017 when this historic place was officially returned and opened for public as Rizal Park Hotel. Though the building was modernized to conform with the public use today, the original character was properly preserved." - Rizal Park Hotel History
Location
The hotel is located in the heart of the City of Manila at South Road Drive, T.M Kalaw Ext., Ermita, Manila, Philippines. It is just across the Rizal Park (Luneta Park) and close to US Embassy and Quirino Grandstand along Roxas Boulevard (Northbound).
F a c a d e
The Hotel's facade is in color cream with white linings and red awnings on each window. The modern and classic combined into one. They have a big concreted path and drive way at the front. Before you can enter the hotel, all your stuff needs to go to the x-ray machine located just beside the main door of the hotel.
Camouflaging with the facade.
L o b b y
Once you enter the hotel, you will be welcomed by a high ceiling lobby and a pretty black and white flooring which was the most distinct feature of the place. The colors of walls were white and cream. Tables and chairs were scattered around with the same motif of the floor. Everything was elegantly placed with plants as accessories and as a contrast to the white and black.
This red carpeted stairs was also one of the distinct feature of the hotel. Though it will take a while if you're gonna use it to go up on the next floor. Better use the elevator instead. :)
They made sure the place were well lighted by putting wall lamps and chandeliers. Well surely, who will complain?
C a f e R i z a l
Just beside the lobby was the hotel's restaurant. Our accommodation includes a buffet breakfast so we got a chance to try and experience dining in. They have a wide variety of choices. The restaurant has enough space that can prevent you from bumping guests and diners.
Entrance to Cafe Rizal.
T h e C o u r t y a r d
The Courtyard can also be a dining place. It was located in an open area of the hotel just steps from the lobby. It has a nice ambiance with sets of tables and chairs and red big umbrella with plants of green around that made it more nice in the eyes.
S k y b a r
Got a chance to dine in the skybar. It was located on the uppermost area of the hotel. We went late night for a snack and drinks and forgot to take a photos of the bar. It has comfy couches around and a nice sets of tables and chairs. It was a good experience to sit there with the sky in our roof and a view of Manila at night. And since the hotel was already beside the bay area, it was windy and a little cold. :)
R o o m
I booked for Deluxe King Room. It was good for 2 person. Quite small in size but it was comfortable and really pretty. The bed was in queen size, with a flat screen TV, a small table and chair, and a clean and nice bathroom. But the best thing was the chandelier, the wallpaper and the design of the floor tiles. I am always prefer a big space rooms since I want to move freely around but though this room was not that big, I am impressed!
All rooms were located on the second floor.
Room hallway.
2 n d F l o o r
If the ground floor was pretty nice, the upstairs location was also stunning. Therefore I enjoyed dressing up and took fine numbers of photos. :)
I guess I took quite many photos that the hotel staff got alarmed and asked me if it was a professional photo shoot which I answered that it was not and just for personal use. Because well, they charge a fee for using the hotel as a photo shoot location. Nothing is free anymore. :)
Rizal Park Hotel was one of the prettiest hotels I got a chance to stay with. In the era of Instagram, this place was definitely pass the standard. And knowing the history behind this hotel, it was quite a privilege to be able to stay here and see all the details in person. I was really delighted to get this experience.
We also looked around Manila and visited some of its historic sites. The main reason why we ended up staying here. Can't wait to blog it soon and show you how rich this Capital when it comes to history and culture. Too many that we don't get to see it in just a day.
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