Novotel Manila Araneta Center: First-class luxury hotel in Cubao [review]

The whole family had been anticipating The Jets in Manila as early as October. And it was a good thing that we were able to book two consecutive nights at the Novotel. We were in bliss after getting a booking confirmation from Agoda. I’ve read raves reviews and the whole family is excited to experience luxury firsthand.

This premium property had just been inaugurated on October 12, 2015 with a total of 401 rooms and suites. As such we were privileged to be Novotel’s early guests. Apart from the hotel’s close proximity to the Kia Theater, where the concert is slated, Novotel boasts of world-class amenities and accommodations.

We were looking for quality accommodation for our family, and Novotel did not disappoint. Novotel is luxury in first class!

We were greeted by staff as we entered the hotel by 3PM. The courteous frontdesk staff immediately assisted us. She asked for identification worked on our room reservation.

My daughter and I settled on the seats at the reception area and tikered with their interactive “play desk”. She loved playing the Angry Birds and Tic-Tac-Toe to pass the time. In a few minutes after, they called us to settle deposit required. We signed in the form and then were handed our room cards and a WIFI password for the the complimentary internet access. A room boy offered to assist us with our bags and then we’re on our way to room 907.

From the moment we walked in, we realized that we were in for a special treat. The hotel room door opens to an aisle. The panel door on the right side contains the closets with the safety box, hotel-issued bathrobes, fluffly slippers and two extra pillows. The left door panel opens to the well-designed comfort room. It is made up of glass panels which makes it well-illuminated. It makes the room a little bit more cozy and creates an intimate atmosphere. A clear glass panel separates the opulent bathroom and the bedroom beyond. For privacy, a switch activates a white canvas to drop down and hide the bathroom interior from outside view.

Adjacent to the bathroom is the bedroom. Almost all luxury hotels offer superb services and amenities. Now apart from the helpful employees, the most important element for me in the room is bed. I’m willing to pay more for a good night’s sleep. The two queen-size beds inside our Novotel room were exactly what I had in mind. It feels more like home. I could sleep between its silky, smooth fluffy sheets and stay in there all day. My daughter had to pry me out of the bed on the first day of our two-night stay! The hotel bed was sublime!

Across the bed was a work desk fully equipped with a Media connectivity panel. My daughter switched the 42-inch flat TV on after seeing it and quickly settled in one of the huge beds. The mini bar and the coffeemaker is located alongside the closet, adjacent to the flat TV wall.

Our room gives a superb view of the metropolis, perfect to capture the starlit sky. It is stunningly situated overlooking the outdoor pool on the 6th floor. We settled on the sofa and we waited to see the fireworks display capping the Araneta Christmas tree lighting on our first night. It was a wonderful sight to behold from room 907.

We left the room at 8PM just in time for The Jets concert acroos Kia Theater. It was past 11PM when we got back. The hotel beds guaranteed a heavenly slumber after a tiring, long day.

The following morning we went down for breakfast by 7AM. The food selection at the Food Exchange Lounge was great! Kids 12 years old and below eat for free.

I went in for the noodle soup station to have my customized soup cooked as my husband settled for the fares at the hot kitchen section. He got beef tapa and adobo. My daughter and I settled for German franks and bacon.

They had a long selection for breads, pastries, cereals, nuts and dried fruits at the far end of the Food Exchange. They also had an assortment of sliced fruits and freshly-blended juices. The salad station offers a variety of choices ranging from greens, fruits and gourmet.

After having our fill, we decided to explore the 6th Floor. There are two pools at the 6th Floor. The Pool Bar and Lounge forms part of Novotel’s 2500-sqm outdoor event garden, which is still in the making. My daughter couldn’t resist the tempting pools and so she dipped in.

They also have a fitness gym on the same floor. We were told that the location is still temporary as major gym developments are still on the way.

We had a grand time at Novotel. Visit www.novotel.com or accorhotels for more information on your next blissful hotel experience like ours.

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