During a mileage run to the Philippines, I was able to check out the Hyatt City of Dreams in Manila. This hotel uniquely combines luxury and value, especially when staying on World of Hyatt points.
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Location
The hotel is located close to the airport (about a 15-minute drive in good traffic, $6USD with tip), the Manila City of Dreams complex is not technically in Manila, it’s just south of the city and west of the airport. It’s near to the Mall of Asia and is part of the Manila Bay complex which includes the Nobu Hotel Manila. It’s important to note that this is not the same property as the Hyatt Regency Manila City.
Passive visitors like myself wouldn’t make the distinction… until you get into a cab and face the tremendous traffic. If you’re visiting for work, make sure to note the neighborhood you intend to spend most of your time to avoid lengthy commutes.
Phone: +63 2 691 1234
Address: Belle Ave, Parañaque, 1701 Metro Manila, Philippines
The hotel offers free airport shuttle service. It’s rare to find an off-airport property that has a free shuttle bus in a city as large as Manila.
Property
Several buildings comprise the City of Dreams complex, the Hyatt is at one end with private residences at the other. The building hosts a medium-size casino spanning two floors, a handful of restaurants, shops, pool, spa, and fitness center. I have a separate post with highlights from the City of Dreams, so for this post, I will focus on the hotel itself.
As a Globalist, I enjoyed free wi fi and great signal strength throughout the property.
Suite
At the front desk I was upgraded to a suite with early check-in and check-out as late as 4 pm. My suite (7701) wasn’t a traditional closed-door suite but had all of the space and plenty of separation from the bathroom. It was a corner room with glass on two sides, shaded in the bathroom.
Bathroom
Leading to the bathroom is a dresser, closet with safe, and a walk-in closet three meters deep.
The bathroom was as large as some hotel rooms I have had. A makeup desk with high visibility lights and marble floors greet you as you walk into the bathroom. At the glass wall is a very large soaking tub, next to which was a huge shower (with rain showerhead and sprayer.)
The toilet was not closed door, but was very private, unfortunately without a bidet seat attachment (they do offer a “bum gun.”) A double vanity and large mirrors run the length of the bathroom opposite the shower and tub.
Bedroom
A small chaise lounge and lamp occupy an alcove at the far left corner of the room. The flat screen TV and cabinet are opposite of the bed with coffee machine, mini-fridge (with two slots for your own water bottles – the rest are triggered.) Traditional suite enthusiasts might rebuff the claim of “suite” given that the separation of space is limited, all of the living, working and sleeping is done in one room. However, closing the sliding pocket door between the hallway and bathroom did help the room to feel enclosed and separate. It also made the room nearly completely quiet so far removed from the hallway.
The desk is large with plenty of outlets and space for two laptops and then some. I was able to get work done while on property which is a challenge in other rooms and suites.
Lounge
The seventh floor holds the club just off the elevator. The lounge is, if anything, over-staffed. There were so many that I am not sure I saw the same person twice but this is all a good thing. A custom order window will make omelets, dumplings, and noodle soup for breakfast. At dinner, other hot items are put out with different dishes daily. A prepared mango was brought to the table by the staff without request, I obliged – when in Manila.
In addition to the hot items in the morning, there were also tables of fruit, pastries, fruit juice, custom coffee, and other local items. In the evening, cocktails are offered for two hours from 6-8 pm with hot hors d’eourves, cakes, and savory items.
For frequent visitors to Asia, the lounge was on par with other exceptional experiences. For many Americans who struggle to find the same level of value and service in American business Hyatt properties, your wildest dreams will come true. It was everything a hotel lounge breakfast could be and more.
Breakfast in The Café
In the lobby, the Café offers buffet-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a big way. For lunch, brunch, and dinner, seafood is the star of the show as does a price increase up to about $50 USD.
There was something for everyone with Japanese, Indian, Chinese, Filipino, Western, Charcuterie, Salad, juice bar, and breakfast dessert otherwise known as pancakes, waffles, and French toast.
Service at breakfast was also excellent. In particular, my server Auggie, was so attentive that he replaced my espresso before I had a chance to try it because it had been sitting about 10 minutes and he wanted me to have a fresh cup. He also brought me fresh pineapple because it was just cut. This is one of the reasons why I stay with Hyatt through thick and thin, their level of service surpasses other chains especially when factoring in the affordability of this particular property. Can Marriott or IHG enthusiasts get the same value at the second to cheapest redemption level?
Value
This hotel is a great value, especially on points. This property, despite its high level of finish and amenities, is just a Category 2, or 8,000 points/night. The cash rate was higher for me at $150-200/nt, my points seemed like the best way to go, now that award bookings also count towards status. As a Globalist, I received a corner suite upgrade, an excellent lounge experience, and late checkout privileges at their insistence. I would certainly return to this property.
Have you stayed at the Hyatt City of Dreams Manila? How was your experience? What’s your go-to property in Manila?
Loved it. I was overnighting and just visiting friends in metro Manila. Had time to pop into the casino and won about 20 USD playing slots. That was the highlight of my overnight stay.
Nice review. Property is so much better than the old casino property in that seedy part of town.
I agree, this is a great review and makes me wish I had Hyatt Globalist status. Glad you enjoyed your stay, Kyle.
Have things changed at this hotel? I used to stay here quite a bit as a Hyatt Diamond before, and although I received lounge access and buffet breakfast, I was told Suite upgrade was not possible as this is one of the properties on suite exclusion list.
Excellent property at 8000 points per night, and very well run property. I highly recommend it.
I believe that change happened with the new Globalist upgrade benefits.