No Spam, No Virus, No Kiddin'!: August 2011

Roomorama - Feel at Home

Everybody is fond of staying in hotels, but admit it - what you get is a small space packed with incomplete household needs. And do I need to mention this room comes with a steep price?

That's why for a week or month-long getaway with your family, it's better to stay in a rental apartment. Aside from it's cheaper, you might be able to cook in the kitchen, wash your clothes with the washing machine and dryer, or press your clothes. Just like home away from home.

spacious apartments for as cheap as $50 per night!

Roomorama is a one-stop shop for short-term rentals. It is an online marketplace to connect and transact with hosts and guests - conveniently and securely. With 451 destinations around the world, surely there'll be a "home" waiting for you wherever you are.

Why use Roomorama?
1. Easily manage inquiries and reservations. 2. Fill your vacancies by finding guests for your availabilities.
3. Streamlined communication tools. 4. Safe and easy payments management.

All the talkings are not enough unless I try Roomorama's services.
I browsed Roomorama's website and it returned a list of available properties for my preferred dates. All the details of the room, from the price to its amenities are all there. My first choice would be an apartment in Serendra or McKinley. It'll be great because my office building is just around the vicinity. But since I chose to stay on a weekend (means no reason to go at Global City) I settled with my next choice - Lancaster serviced-apartments in Mandaluyong.

Thru Roomorama, I received my payment code which I handed over to the receptionists of Lancaster. They confirmed the code and another staff immediately assisted me to my room. Hassle free.

Let me share Lancaster's Executive Room where I stayed.

1-BR suite at Lancaster

dining table and kitchen

spacious and homey sofa set

queen size bed for me

clean and maintained bathroom

toiletries

..while waiting for the pizza delivery guy
thanks c3 for the visit!

As a bonus, the jacuzzi and pool in the roof deck are free to use for stay-in guests. Perfect, I heard Lancaster is not strict for party.. Also, buffet breakfast for 2 pax comes free!

jacuzzi and pool in the roof deck

Canon 60D / 18-200mm F3.5-5.6 IS / Nissin Speedlite Di622
(ang bigat! sumakit ang braso ko!)

Im sure you can tell that I enjoyed my stay here! =)

So the next time you want to be away from home, but still feel the comfort of being at home - check out the properties at Roomorama.

https://roomorama.com

♥ This is a sponsored post.

7 Corners Buffet at Crowne Plaza Galleria

Since Rob has been treating me everytime he goes home here in Pinas, it's now my turn to finally give back the favor. It's the first time I'll be treating him for a hotel buffet dinner.

Target: 7 Corners at Crowne Plaza
Vouchers from the Groupons Sites: None
Note: I didn't go for the regular price. The dinner rate P1,786 per person is very steep. I found a way to score some vouchers. Thanks to sulit.com.ph, I got a 50% off deal. =)

Crowne Plaza's facade may look old but the interior/ceilings are classy and elegant. Im surprised. I used to have this impression that the hotel rooms would just be average, but now Im looking forward to staying here for a night (ahem Rob) ^_^

Seven Corners features international buffet selections from several live stations.

Rob and I were surprised to see the restaurant with very few people. Lucky us, that means no queues and more attentions from the staff. As always, I requested for a table with a good lightning on top. Good lightning + good framing = great photos. (naks, parang expert lang)

Food Shots | Seven Corners edition

the famous Rib Eye Steak

Lamb Chops and Fish

Pasta station

Noodles and Dimsum

Indian Crab dish

hello Taj Mahal!

Tempura

Salmon, Lobster, Crab, and Salads

Sushi varieties

Cheese selection

Pizza station

Okay, eating time! Where else to go first but to the Rib-Eye steak and Lamb Chops station. I've read a lot of raves for these items that's why Im looking forward to try their version.

well done Rib Eye steak and Lamb Chops
very tender indeed. one of the finest. but not the best. my favorite is still Spiral's version

my favorite seafood pasta in Pesto sauce
freshly cooked with generous ingredients
for the record, my favorite pesto remains to be CWC's laing pesto

Rob's Puttanesca
tomato sauce washes away the pesto oil taste

Pizza
best looking and best tasting pizza among the hotel buffets I tried

Miso soup
this should be the 1st meal I took, but for me this always comes best with Tempura

Tempura and Sushi plate
better than Dusit Thani's!

Garlic and Buttered Crabs, Lobsters, and Prawns
freshly cooked seafood! those lobsters are my favorite dish that night

Salmon
the only raw fish that I can eat

True to their promise, Crowne Plaza’s Seven Corners Buffet strictly complied with the International Group of Hotel’s world-class standards of quality food and superb taste.

Now it's time for dessert. Like the rib-eye steak, 7 Corners' ice cream teppanyaki has lots of positive feedbacks.

Chocolate fondue with goodies

Cakes and Pastries

Tiramisu

Ice Cream station

Walnut Brownies, Cheesecake, and Rocky Road teppanyaki
pastries are good enough, but not outstanding.
ice cream - I think it's more of a sorbet. Cafe Ilang-Ilang's sorbet is better.

choco mallows

Strawberry and Mango

healthy dessert

I was so full, and satisfied at the same time. I think Seven Corners Buffet deserve more attention too. The buffet spread was wide and the food was served with quality. Plus points for the ambiance and the super attentive staff. Looking forward to see more discounted vouchers in the groupons craze!

calming and soothing endings

Seven Corners
Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila, Ortigas, Pasig City
reservation number: 633-7222

* all food shots taken with Olympus E-P1

One Sweet Stay at Discovery Suites

After the suitest Oakwood Joy-Nostalg experience, here comes another suite stay. Thanks to Rob and Deal Grocer for this 50% off discount voucher. This one-bedroom suite in Discovery Suites Ortigas only costs P3,950- inclusive of breakfast for 2. Very good promo indeed, specially if you're an OFW or an expat who wishes to stay in Manila comfortably and reasonably. Discovery Suites is a good option.

I know it's not very practical to spend a night in a hotel, but come on, I haven't really traveled since that traumatic Bali incident 2 months ago. It's been a while since I last had a getaway. Daming excuses! Haha But in reality, it just all boils down the fact that I love to sleep in a luxurious bed once in a while. So thanks Rob for this treat, again!

Discovery Suites lobby

Check-in time was 3:00pm but luckily for us, our room was ready at 2:00. The staff were all nice. They were very accommodating. We didn't encounter any hassle as we used the voucher.

the alley that leads to our room

The 1-BR suite assigned to us was on the 20th floor. And it's quite nice to see a space to breathe in the center of the rooms.

the space between the rooms

photo me session can't wait!

1st time ever to wear pink nail polish ^_^

I've read a couple of mixed feedbacks regarding Discovery Suites that's why I never set any expectations. This hotel may not be brand new but I can say that the suite was well maintained and clean.

1-BR suite on the 20th floor

preview of the bedroom and living room

preview of the bathroom

This 1-BR suite has almost all the appliances and furniture the guests might need. I think this is perfect for long term stays.

may not be high end, but all the things you need (to throw a party) are here!

or things you need to host a small get together

Living area has a cozy feel. Full sized windows freshened the ambiance. It's (like) home!

living area

standard hotel slippers shot

As for the room, it was spacious. Full sized windows made the room brighter. The bed was one of the most remarkable. The pillow and comforter were probably made to create a perfect sleep. And indeed, I had. It's more than some cheap holidays costa teguise.

one of the most remarkable beds = simply perfect sleep

thanks Rob, ang dami!
yes, cuervo for mang Narcing

Aside from the bedroom, the bathroom is always the highlight of a hotel stay. This suite's version is simple but slightly classy.

spacious bathroom

bath tub and shower area

and of course, complete with toiletries

The super sound sleep in that bed was very unforgettable, but this door lock is running second. See why..

how can i forget this hilarious door lock.. ^_^

Rob and I checked out the indoor pool area. Uncrowded. No one was there. And no more swimsuit shot for me. Di na keri, di na ko slim! ^_^

indoor pool

jacuzzi

The 50% off voucher we availed also includes 2 breakfast buffet @Restaurant 5. This deal is really great, I told yah!

breakfast @Restaurant 5

buffet spread

elegant setup

Can't post all the photos here, but these are some of them.

cereal, yogurt, and four seasons juice

french toast, hash brown, bacon strips, and watermelon juice
super yummy plate!

can't get enough of these hash browns and bacon strips!

..now that's the way to start the day

Overall, Discovery Suites may not be as excellent as Oakwood, but the hotel is clean, maintained, and spacious. Not to mention the very accommodating staff. Imagine for P3,950 - you can get a sound sleep in a 1BR suite and a hearty breakfast buffet. This deal is quite a steal!

Discovery Suites
25 ADB Avenue Ortigas Center, Ortigas-Pasig, Manila, Philippines
www.discoverysuites.com/

I'd also like to mention Remay for the short visit. Thanks for bringing Rero along!