When I first heard about Novotel Manila Araneta Center opening, I was honestly baffled, asking myself why not Makati, Ortigas, or Bonifacio Global City. But seeing how Araneta Center is continously being rejuvenated, everything made sense. The hotel, the biggest and the newest in Quezon City, is one of the harbingers of change for the lifestyle destination. Read more…
LOCATION
Novotel Manila Araneta Center towers in the heart of Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City. The area is a renowned lifestyle destination for its array of malls, department stores, and supermarkets, as well as the recently-reopened Kia Theatre. It is next door to the iconic Araneta Coliseum, making it an ideal hotel to spend the night in for both performers and concergoers.
Araneta Center is a transportation hub; thus, the hotel is easily accessible. Two metro lines converge nearby, and there are buses, taxis, and Uber cars that ply the area nonstop.
STYLE/CHARACTER
I’m no stranger to Novotel, as I’ve stayed in other ones prior. Under the well-regarded AccorHotels portfolio along with Sofitel, it’s a midscale, usually four-star brand aimed towards international leisure and business travelers alike, with its hotels’ key attribute being “located in the heart of major international cities, business districts, and tourist destinations.”
Opened only in November 2015, Novotel Manila Araneta Center already features the brand’s new logo and identity that seem to be targeting a younger clientele. These are reflected on the hotel entirely, as it showcases a fresh, contemporary design, driven by sleek lines and bright colors. In addition, the lobby features cutting-edge touch panel information displays and an iMac corner.
ROOMS
The rooms follow the template designed by Atome Associés for Novotel hotels globally, with its key attributes being space, transparency, and light. A combination of earth tones, wooden panels, and bright colors were used to make the atmosphere feel both modern and relaxing.
The hotel already uses the cozy Live N Dream by Novotel beds, which features a flex-slatted bed base that matches and absorbs movement, a memory foam mattress with pocket springs that adapts to the shape of the back, a warm but light duvet, Smart Pillows that can be folded when sitting up or unfolded when lying down, and lastly, rectangular pillows for neck support.
The rooms likewise feature an array of conveniences, including an LED TV, an electronic safety box, a minibar with tea and coffee making facilities, plenty universal power outlets, and a working desk with multimedia connectivity. The spotless bathroom, meanwhile, is fitted with a rain power shower and completely stocked with towels and eco-friendly amenities.
FACILITIES
When we stayed there, we were a week short from the opening of In Balance by Novotel, the chain’s signature fitness center and spa. However, the beautifully-landscaped swimming pool, with its pool bar, is already open.
With a number of meeting rooms and a beautiful pillar-less ballroom, the hotel has been hosting corporate events already, and it can handle weddings as well.
FOOD AND DRINK
During our stay, we had our three squares at Food Exchange Manila, so we were able to fully explore its cuisine. Their main restaurant, with its live stations and several sections, prepares an international buffet spread daily that specializes in Filipino, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, and Western cuisines, and every Sunday, the restaurant does brunch with a kid’s activity section.
Their cold cuts and cheeses section is surprisingly better than most hotel buffets, and there is never a shortage of seafood, especially of lobsters and prawns. Hotel buffets are a big thing in Manila, so Food Exchange Manila is obviously doing its best to contend with the best. It’s doing well so far, in terms of variety and quality of food, as well as value-for-money.
SERVICE
Service couldn’t be any more delightful. All their staff, from the front desk to housekeeping, are all smiling and helpful, and we honestly felt their excitement to welcome their guests.
VALUE FOR MONEY
Novotel Manila Araneta Center is clearly among the most expensive options in the area and in Quezon City, yet it’s still cheaper when compared against other hotels of the same class in Metro Manila. Besides, with it being a new property and with the standards that come with an international name-brand hotel, its rates are actually good value.
NOVOTEL MANILA ARANETA CENTER
General Aguinaldo Ave, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines
Telephone: +63 2 990 7888
Email: H7090@accor.com
Website: www.novotel.com/gb/hotel-7090-novotel-manila-araneta-center
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