There are staycations where one does nothing but relax and there are staycations there one relaxes and does everything. That is what happened during my stay at the iconic Dusit Thani Manila. Located along EDSA, one cannot miss the familiar silhouette of the Dusit Thani Manila which has been there for a good number of decades.
While one would expect the typical “older hotel” feel, I was certainly impressed by the vibrant and fresh look of the lobby of the hotel thanks to a massive renovation effort. Upon entering the lobby, I was immediately transported to vibrant Bangkok with its tuktuks, and its lavish Thai details. The welcome was even warmer, of course, with Filipino smiles marked with world-renowned Dusit hospitality.
Rooms like no other
While many hotels would go for a more subdued “international” look, all 500 rooms of the Dusit Thani Manila are a fusion of modern Filipino and Thai design. From the comfortable appointments to the fantastic artwork that adorn each room and suite, every detail speaks volumes and makes for an unforgettable stay.
I, particularly, loved the bed which was soft but with just the right amount of support. I am sure the massive lotus art headboard will make it to everyone’s room selfie or “just woke up like this” Instagram thread.
Shopper’s paradise
While most staycations call for nothing but chilling by the pool or just vegging out in the hotel room, the Dusit Thani Manila offers a lot more beyond that.
Located right in the heart of Ayala Center in Makati, the hotel is a shopper’s dream as the Glorietta, Greenbelt and SM Makati malls are just a short walk away. Even with it rained during my stay, It never stopped me from going out to shop. There are also many restaurants nearby which are sure to catch the fancy of foodies.
Food paradise
Talking about food however, one is hard pressed to leave the Dusit Thani Manila for good food. Why you might ask? Well, Dusit Manila has three food outlets that are sure to satisfy every gastronomic need.
Like stepping into a local farmer’s market, The Pantryis the hotel’s beautifully designed International buffet. Much like the design, the restaurant Using only organic and locally sourced fair trade produce and ingredients to create masterful tastes and textures from Indian, Italian, Filipino and Pan-Asian cuisines. A multisensory dining experience, every corner of The Pantry has a dish that is sure to tickle your fancy. I found the restaurant’s
show lechon pit especially exciting, showing-off beauty of lechon cookery.
For those who love Japanese cuisine, there is UMU. From its award-wining Japanese interiors to the live cooking stations, a meal at UMU is a delight to the senses. It is hard to imagine that the quiet koi pond and Japanese garden of UMU sits in the middle of vibrant Makati.
Personally however, a stay at the Dusit Thani Manila is not complete without dining at its signature Thai restaurant, Benjarong. With cuisine and a place that’s truly Thai at heart mixed with the geniality and gracious hospitality, the revamped version of Benjarong is the newest, most exciting authentic Thai dining hotspot to rediscover in Manila.
Featuring a harmonized fusion of traditional flavors enhanced by modern cooking techniques, each dish is a venture into the realm of appetizing, delicately balanced flavors that characterize the authentic Thai cuisine.
Benjarong also has a beautifully-designed bar which serves standard as well as signature cocktails. I would recommend going there to avail its drink-all-you-can cocktail happy hour which is sure to be a hit among the younger set.
A memorable stay
Although my weekend stay was not purely for leisure since I had to do some work on the side, my stay at the Dusit Thani Manila was truly a memorable one thanks to Dusit’s legendary Thai-brand of hospitality.
With the opening soon of Dusit’s properties in Davao, namely the Dusit Thani Residences, the dusitD2 Hotel and the Dusit Thani Resort at Lubi Plantation, I am truly excited to experience Dusit all over again.
For exclusive room and dining deals at the Dusit Thani Manila, check out https://www.dusit.com/
