A Valentines Getaway

Valentine’s is fast approaching and BDW and I have not made any plans at all how to celebrate that day. I guess having our wedding anniversary and Valentines too close to one another has made planning something special a bit of a challenge. Last year was a no brainer, I just had DW then and so we just stayed at home.  But now, that DW’s older, I was thinking that maybe we could plan something special. We had dinner at Mamou (again!) to celebrate our anniversary so maybe we could do something else for this day of the hearts.

The last time that we made an effort for Valentines had us front and center at a concert during the UP Fair. It was probably one of our best dates too and we still talk about it every now and then. Honestly, I’m kinda OK with this idea even now.  It would be cool to make it an annual tradition especially if DW becomes old enough, I imagine us three in the sunken garden, taking in the sounds, sights and smells of UP 🙂

But of course, BDW and I would both like to have a typical romantic getaway too but maybe just here in the city. I’m not sure if we can afford to leave DW for about a day or two. We haven’t gone on a trip without DW yet and I’m pretty sure BDW and I would both be basket cases if we do decide to go on a long trip 😛 Anyway, I’ve been thinking of places to book for an overnight stay and here are my choices.

1) Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences

It’s in Makati, we don’t have to travel far to check in and we could just drive a few minutes from the office and we’d be there. If we check in on a Friday, we can also go to the Saturday markets in Legazpi and Salcedo (as suggested by Carlos Celdran). I’ve never been to both and this would the perfect time to visit. Also,they’ve just opened so you can book a room now for as low as Php5,000 nett.

The Malaga Studio

2) The Peninsula

Tried and tested.We stayed here a day after our wedding in 2008 and when my brother got married last year (we stayed in different hotels after we got married because our balikbayan relatives took over our house! haha, love it!) The hotel is beautiful and the food is wonderful. It’s in Makati as well and it’s walking distance to the Ayala Malls. The last time we stayed there a superior room cost Php11,000 though. Ouch.

Pen’s superior room

3) Sofitel

I would definitely stay here for the buffet. Spiral is one if not the best buffets in Manila right now. Although a Makati hotel is a plus, Sofitel being far away from the CBD is a welcome pro too. The hotel is also isolated so BDW and I could pretend that we’re realllly on vacation. It really helps that the hotel  is beside the Manila bay too. The hotel offers a lot of promos and packages. A quick query online of their available rates for their superior room showed that we need to shell out at least Php11,000 for an overnight stay. Ahuhuhu.

Definitely a room with a view

3) Crowne Plaza
We love Crowne Plaza. We had our wedding reception at their Ballroom and have enjoyed their buffets at Seven Corners. The hotel is also at Ortigas which is halfway between Makati and QC, where we live. Another plus? Their advance purchase rates for a king bed club deluxe room start at Php5,915!

A typical guest room at Crowne

4) Hotel Celeste

I only came to know about this  hotel when Mimi+Karl covered a really lovely and intimate wedding at this hotel. The interiors were plush and the rooms are just beautiful. It’s not our taste though but the rooms do lend themselves to romance. Their site shows that a Single Deluxe Room starts at Php9,808.

Decadent!

5) Edsa-Shangri La

As with Crowne, this hotel is in Ortigas and rates start at Php7,650 per night for a room with a king sized bed. I’ve never tried this hotel too for myself but relatives who’ve stayed there seemed to like it. Maybe it’s time for us to try it as well huh?

A room at Shang

Now, I need your help! If you were to choose, where would you go? Would you even consider a hotel in the first place? I just wish something comes true with this list though haha 😀 OR we could always just go to UP 🙂 I’d love to hear your ideas 😀

Before I forget, advanced happy hearts day lovely mommies and daddies!

Cheers,

*pic of the 4 piece luggage set is the Britto Collection by Heys USA