Do not be fooled by which category
Microtel Inn and Suites fell into; it’s ‘no-frills’
concept isn’t a giveaway for you to expect less coziness—when in fact, theirs
is a hospitality brand that is blazing the trail in providing affordable yet
comfortable accommodation in the country. As evidenced by their numerous
branches dotting strategic locations all over the country--Microtel maintains
that consistent quality that has guests opting for more return visits and new
travelers such as myself, discovering and experiencing their signature friendliness with gusto for the first time.
Cocooning at Microtel on a Weekend of re-discovering Quezon City
Last April I got invited
along with a few other travel writers for a tour of adjacent attractions
located in Quezon City. Our little ‘urban
adventure’ took us to places I previously take for granted such as the tree-covered Quezon Memorial Circle, who we all seem to brush aside as this
chameleon of wide expanse of spot serving as mere backdrop to the busy traffic. Channeling out all the blaring horns and dreary cars and walking
inside under the canopy of old trees and into the spacious land inside Quezon
Circle, I instantly marveled at the park atmosphere—where one can breathe fresh
air for a change.
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| The #MetroManila skyline as seen from the rooftop pool of #MicrotelUPtechnohub |
We spent considerate time
inside the QCX or the Quezon City Experience, an
interactive social museum that displays fascinating facts about and the storied history of the
city. A few strides away, situates the Quezon
Heritage House – a reconstructed and re-imagined house of former President
Manuel L. Quezon and his wife Aurora Quezon. We capped the afternoon off with a
fun bike with members of the UP Bike
Share inside the campus of UP
Diliman.
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| The Japan surplus (around 2.2k pesos each) bikes belonging to the #BikeShare, a non-profit student initiative promoting the use of bicycles as a form of transportation. Right now, they are offering these bikes for free of use among students of UP. (After they register and attend road safety lessons) "When you're riding a bike you see the city differently" |
Tired but satisfied from an
activity-packed afternoon had me developing a newfound appreciation of the gems
that can easily be found tucked within each nook and cranny of this bustling
city. As if on cue, rest and relaxation awaited us at Microtel UP Technohub.
Microtel
UP Technohub
Located on a quiet partition
of property edged by towering trees and a javelin throw distance away from a
technology and BPO center, Microtel UP Technohub provides a strategic location
for guests traveling within Quezon City and the rest of Metro Manila. Situated
nearby are a cluster of Government offices, restaurants, churches, parks and
not to mention the University of the Philippines. Designed with a boutique
hotel kind of look but not overdoing on aesthetics, both the interior and
exterior of Microtel UP Technohub appears light and easy on the eyes as it
injects that modern and homey vibe that blends well with its surroundings.
Soft beds and pillows battle it out with the laid back, finely furnished, classy interiors, for starring roles among its 120 rooms designed specifically to deliver comfort
and easiness. The fatigued I felt from the whole afternoon of our urban
adventure was quickly sorted out by a short nap on our sufficiently spacious room.
During nighttime—a meander at the center garden provided me with an additional
charm of the place. Casual conversation over a sumptuous dinner followed at their
in-house Millie’s Restaurant, where Chef Gino Santayana and F&B Consultant Enzo Ciliani introduced us to some of Millie's signature dishes
such as; Penne Putanesca, Prawns Catalan,
Ribeye Fiorentina with Sauteed
Mushrooms and Fries and a sinful
serving of Tiramisu desert. Over satisfying bites I bonded more with the other participants.
Not content with the myriad
of table topics – we huddled beside the rooftop swimming pool for a night of
cocktails, with more insightful discussions while we stare in-between at the
glistening lights of the Quezon City skyline. As I returned to my room just before midnight, an 8-hour sound sleep to dreamland awaits me.
Other features of the hotel include;
Function and PWD-friendly rooms with braille room markings for the blind, free
and fast Wi-Fi, a 24-hour security and CCTV cameras and an exclusive guest
access system that guarantees no outsiders can even step into the hallway of
each floors.
Address:
UP-Ayala Land Technohub, Commonwealth Avenue,
Diliman,
Quezon City, Philippines
Rates:
Starts at 3,200+ PHP per night
Website:
Microtel UP Technohub
Microtel Acropolis
The next day we transferred to
another Microtel property located along E. Rodriguez Jr. avenue near Eastwood
City in Libis. Exhibiting the similar characteristics of my first Microtel in
Technohub, this ‘Green-certified’
property of Microtel in Acropolis also dishes that bright and cheery visuals
that quickly lightens up your mood upon stepping inside. Coupled with the
clockwork professionalism of the staff, they instantly make guests feel right at
home. Sometimes you wonder about the ‘no-frills’ concept of Microtel when
everything seems to be well thought out. With almost similar rooms, function
rooms and ideas and minus the rooftop pool--the Acropolis property alters from
the TechnoHub property by having a different all-day restaurant; the Silvertie café and Bistro, which is managed
by Enderun Colleges.
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| Photo: Microtel Acropolis website |
Similar to all of Microtel’s
13 locations (and counting) all over the country, the Acropolis property stands
in the midst of a lively part with this one-of Quezon City's Eastwood City. Malls, cinemas,
bars and even the famed Mystery Manila are all just a few hops away, making it
a perfect place to set home base on your leisure or business trips within Metro
Manila.
Address:
E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave., Brgy. Bagumbayan, Quezon City
Rates:
starts at 3,300+ PHP per night
Website:
Microtel Acropolis
