On the last leg of our Manila trip, we decided to book a hotel with a higher ranking – or more stars – than the budget accommodations we previously stayed in. Through Trip.com, we came across the Savoy Hotel Manila. It sounded alien to me when Andreas asked me about it, I said I am not familiar with the hotel and it might be a new one in the Pasay City-airport area. The photos posted on the app looked attractive and the cost was way below our budget so I gave him the okay signal and he booked for two (separate) nights – one on the eve of our (un)planned trip to Tagaytay and another on the eve of Andreas’ trip back to Jakarta.
“Welcome to your space!” was the greeting from the hotel frontline staff, a different tagline from the usual “Welcome! Enjoy your stay!” in most hotels I have checked in. Later on, I realized that Savoy Hotel was conceptualized with business and leisure travelers in mind, millennials specifically, who are complementing work with relaxation on their trips. The hotel was designed with spacious co-working spaces and comfortable rooms with amenities for the guests to enjoy.
Savoy Hotel Manila was only three-plus weeks old when we checked in and we were delighted by their hospitality and satisfied with their facilities that we decided to book another night – that meant we stayed three nights in a row!
Here are the seven reasons why the Savoy Hotel Manila made it in our top and favorites lists:
Location
Savoy Hotel Manila is located in Newport City in Pasay just across the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3. There are shuttle services between all the terminals of NAIA and the hotel, as well as shuttle buses within the Newport complex. Shopping (Newport Mall), entertainment (Resorts World Manila), and dining are just a few blocks away from Savoy.
Facilities and Amenities
On Day 1, we hied off to the gym, swimming pool, and spa for some relaxation. The fitness center was adequately equipped, the staff was very accommodating and helpful, and bottles of water were made available for us. Although the pool wasn’t deep and wide enough for ‘serious’ laps, it was a good dip for us. It is complemented by a poolside bar in a semi-open space setting. The pool area is also a good venue for cocktails and small parties. The changing room, showers, the steam room, and sauna were clean and decent, and the lockers were secured well. However, the sauna needed some adjustment because it didn’t get hot enough.
Savoy also has lounge cum co-working spaces which I liked because it was a good place to do some reading while sipping tea. There are a café and a bar in the hotel lobby and function rooms for meetings and events.
Breakfast at Savoy Café
Mornings in Savoy are best commenced in Savoy Café that offers a wide array of breakfast choices. Filipino arroz caldo, champorado with danggit topings, and tocino were on board, as well as grilled meat, hams, bacon, salad, cereals and oatmeal, fresh and dried fruits, nuts, sausages, bread and cheese, and cakes and pastries for desserts. I gave the brewed coffee a thumb up but you can skip the hot chocolate (it was milk with chocolate, not chocolate with milk). Happy tummy!
The Pillows
They are so fluffy I could sink into them. It was like being hugged by Baymax. They were like marshmallows. They are the softest and fluffiest hotel pillows I ever had. The pillows came with the equally fluffy and warm comforters. The bed was just right, so comfortable. I had three nights of good sleep and three mornings of struggling to get out of bed. (The sofa was a nice place to nap too.)
The People
They weren’t only friendly and accommodating but the staff virtually extended every superpowers they have to ensure that our stay and our space were comfortable and homey. They accommodated our requests and made sure we were satisfied. They helped us iron out our bookings with Trip.com until everything was smooth. They were even concerned with our safety and security. Learning that we would be taking Grab on our way to meet friends and to dine in another location, they took the driver’s name and car’s plate number, and asked about our trip when we came back.
Witty Labels
What caught much of our attention were the labels on the drinking bottles, eating utensils, sugar, and coffee, among others. They were so unique and humorous at some point. That was so witty.
Bottled water
I raise my bottle of water to Savoy Hotel Manila (cheers!) for providing drinking water in glass bottles instead of the usual plastic containers. That’s a commendable effort to the reduction of plastics use.
Great Choice
Overall, based on our (my brothers Owen, Andreas, and I) experience and hotel stay, and on the considerations on choosing a hotel, we recommend Savoy Hotel Manila for your stay when you are in Manila or when you want a place that is closer to the airport or for your staycation. It is tops in value, comfort, location, accessibility, and security.
Welcome to your space!
Notes:
- Savoy Hotel Manila is located along Andrews Ave., Newport City, Pasay City, Metro Manila, the Philippines. Web: www.savoyhotelmanila.com.ph IG: @savoyhotelmanila
- There is a walkway from NAIA T3 leading to Newport City and Savoy Hotel. If walking is your thing and for some calorie-burning activity, walk to and from the airport.
- We prefer the rooms facing the NAIA T3 on the higher floors. It has a good view of the sunset and away from the flyover view on the lower floors. Some room’s bathroom do not have a bidet, so if it is one of your concerns inform the front desk upon check-in.
- Behind Savoy Hotel Manila is the Villamor community. A block from the hotel are carinderias or turo-turo (canteens) where you can have cheap home-cooked Filipino meals. If you have sensitive tummies, caution should be exercised.
- A few meters behind the barangay hall is a talipapa (traditional market) where you could find street food and traditional snacks like turon (lumpia/spring roll-style banana frittter with jackfruit), banana cue (caramelized banana on sticks), and maruya (banana pancake).
- If you want a massage head to Nuat Thai, a short walk from the hotel, towards Newport Mall.
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