Hilton Manila: A safe haven for staycations

When there was an early-morning earthquake last Saturday, July 24, Hilton Manila GM Simon McGrath made sure all his guests were safe.

We had a Zoom meet-up later that same day, and McGrath said, “I also checked on the hotel that everything was fine. I had to make sure all guests felt safe.”

It is that kind of service and concern that Hilton Manila — through GM McGrath and all its team members — have for their guests, who have been coming back to spend weekends at the hotel since lockdown restrictions were eased. 

“To help us deliver an even cleaner and worry-free stay, Hilton created the Hilton CleanStay program,” added McGrath. “It is a rigorous cleaning standard that provides guests with complete peace of mind during their visit.”

On top of this, Hilton Manila observes stringent health and safety protocols in line with local government standards and guidelines. Social distancing is strictly enforced, and a new dining setup has been provided at their outlets Kusina, Hua Yuan and Madison with the use of QR codes, digital menus and contactless payment systems.

The recently reopened Kusina Sea Kitchens offers one of the more extensive buffet selections in the area, highlighted by the Seafood Dampa Paluto, Japanese station, dim sum and dessert spreads, including the new favorite: the Filipino Candy Cabinet/ Corner, “which is perfect for the kids and kids at heart,” McGrath says. 

They also opened Hua Yuan recently, from Wednesdays to Sundays, for those who have been waiting to enjoy their Shanghainese favorites once again.

With more guests coming to the hotel for weekend stays, Hilton Manila recently launched “StayCay Your Way 2.0,” a well-curated, worry-free family staycation experience.

“Our team has carefully curated a meaningful experience, supported by our Hilton CleanStay initiative, for guests who are looking to escape the worries of city living, especially during these times,” the GM said. “We aim to provide guests with value for money at every turn, from staycations with the family through our StayCay Your Way 2.0, to the more high-end or premium dining experience enjoyed underneath the stars through our Vubble offerings.”  

McGrath believes that, more than just staying for a bed and breakfast, the guests at Hilton Manila should have memorable moments that inspire them to connect with their loved ones, be it filling, gastronomic experiences at Kusina’s Dampa Paluto station or just hanging out at the Vega Poolside. 

StayCay Your Way 2.0 offers guests a Deluxe Package that includes an overnight stay in an Executive room with a pool view, welcome cocktails and mocktails, buffet dinner and breakfast at Kusina Sea Kitchens, and a dim sum lunch at the award-winning Hua Yuan Chinoise Brasserie. As an added treat, families get to bring home special Signature hotel pajama sets. The price for the Deluxe Package starts at P20,000. 

For families looking for a more interactive stay, the Premium Package offers the same highlights as the Deluxe Package but with a room upgrade to a One Bedroom Suite, three-hour use of the poolside cabanas with snacks and refreshments, Polaroid camera rental, in-room drinks served via their innovative “Cocktails-on-Wheels” service, and a fun pizza-making class with the hotel’s chefs. The Premium Package price starts at P30,000.

“As the only 100-percent-staycation hotel in the Resorts World Complex, we are committed to the health and well-being of both our team members and guests,” said McGrath. “Majority of our Team Members have been vaccinated through the kind assistance of our LGUs.”

The stay is made more memorable as the Reservations team makes it a point to collect all needed information to help provide a more bespoke experience. “From PJ sizes to any food allergens, we want our guests to experience a worry-free stay from check-in to check-out. StayCay Your Way 2.0 is a well-curated family experience ideal for mom, dad and the kids. We provide them with either a ‘culinary adventure,’ where they may experience all of our restaurant offerings during their stay, or the more premium package. They also get to wear and bring home Hilton Manila’s sustainable pajamas.” 

The pizza-making activity is for the whole family, so mom and dad can also join in the fun. One of the chefs will also be supervising the family to ensure that they can enjoy their pizzas hot and fresh from the oven.

The gym is also open 24/7 should Mom and Dad want to burn a few calories or get a run in on the treadmills.

It cannot be emphasized enough how the Hilton Manila adheres to rigorous health, hygiene and sanitation practices, in line with local government guidelines and Hilton’s own CleanStay initiative.

The Hilton Manila also has the Department of Tourism “Safety Seal,” which means the DOT recognizes it as the only 100 percent Staycation Hotel within Resorts World Manila.

“Regarding the recovery of the hospitality industry, we feel that guests are all looking forward to the day that we can all travel again freely,” McGrath said. “We’re looking forward to welcoming our guests in a safe manner so we can deliver worry-free experiences that will help them reconnect with their loved ones.”

For information, call 7239-7788 or 0917-826-6442, or message Hilton Manila on Facebook page.

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