By Tet Andolong
NAMED after the famed explorer, Marco Polo Ortigas, which is located in the heart of Manila, is now a popular landmark transformation to the Ortigas skyline. The five-star hotel became a leading hub for the international tourist market.
Marco Polo has capitalized on the area that is set near the iconic Meralco Theater, San Miguel Building and SM Megamall, to name a few, by showcasing the renowned brand of Asian hospitality with a blend of Western comfort.
Known as the first sky hotel in the Philippines, Marco Polo has 316 and well-designed rooms and suites that have enormous space. The hotel is a product of refined design and a well-planned development with a team of internationally notable designers, including architectural design concept by MOHRI, Architect & Associates Inc. of Tokyo, Japan, and interior design concept by GLYPH Design Studio based in Canada.
The hotel has 45 floors, with dedicated floor areas exclusively for business and recreational use. The floors are accessed via high-speed elevators, including the first sky lobby in the country, which is situated at the 24th level, offering unprecedented views of the cityscape. Marco Polo also offers two Continental Club floors that accommodate superlative privileges and benefits for exclusive guests who desire a higher level of luxury, which is enhanced by its impressive new Continental Club lounge. The Continental Club, which is on the 44th floor, transforms into a stylish venue for business and leisure travelers. Continental Club floor guests can indulge in the exclusive services from complimentary daily breakfast, afternoon tea to cocktails.
Inside your room, opulence is all in the details, as expressed through the tasteful selection of art pieces. Marco Polo used fine furniture and interiors that are interpreted in a timeless design concept to create a serene and intimate atmosphere. The room is lavished with pleasure and enjoyment—from hypoallergenic mattress to posh amenities; 42’ LED TV; high-speed Internet access for multiple devices, a Nespresso machine, hairdryer; iron and ironing board. Marco Polo is business-friendly for the most seasoned of travelers, including facilities and services such as audio-visual equipment, business center, computer rental and high-speed Internet access in all public areas, including function rooms.
Marco Polo is a great venue for any conference, events and special occasions. Their grand ballroom features all the design elements that can accommodate up to 600 guests. In addition, the eight function rooms can accommodate 250 guests. Moreover, one can experience the innovative design of the Connect Lounge, a gallery with an integrated business center that offers its guests a very cozy work space with a social vibe.
For a respite from the frenetic pace of life, Marco Polo offers a wide range of treatments and massage services perfect for unwinding and relaxation. The hotel is a wellness haven, as the entire 22nd floor of the hotel tower is dedicated to their guests featuring a state-of-the-art fitness center, spa and an indoor infinity pool aptly named as Flow. Complimentary high-speed Wi-fi Internet service is available in the entire hotel to provide savvy business and leisure travelers a seamless connectivity for work or play.
The hotel’s cuisine has four varieties of tasty and appetizing treats as well as drinks to suit every palate. Café Pronto captures casual chic in its form and function. It is a beacon for coffee lovers where designer blends and aromatic coffees complement an array of savories, sandwiches, chocolates and a host of freshly baked confections. Specialty teas share the limelight at Café Pronto, where dining in or ordering to go will be a daily pleasure.
Cucina is the fashionable all-day dining restaurant on the 24th floor, which features live station kitchens showcasing specialties from the world’s culinary capitals. Experience bespoke buffets and an original á la carte menu in a stylish setting where attention to detail is supreme.
Lung Hin, the contemporary Chinese restaurant, serves traditional and authentic Cantonese food and fresh seafood from the expert hands of its Hong Kong chefs. The sleek interiors and expansive layout blends in perfect symmetry with exclusive private rooms that is ideal for a range of intimate affairs.
Vu’s, the first-of-its-kind sky bar and lounge on the 45th floor of the hotel tower is poised to be a signature Ortigas attraction. Indulge in signature cocktails, wines, spirits and champagnes with Mediterranean tapas amid an awe-inspiring vista of the Marikina Valley, the Mountain Range of Antipolo and the Laguna Lake along the east and the vibrant Ortigas skyline with the world-renowned Manila sunset as a backdrop at the west side. The al-fresco advantage is also celebrated with high end sounds and a Shisha lounge. Discover the spectacular as soon as you go sky high at Vu’s, where dining al fresco or indoors will be an event in itself.
An exclusive 15-percent discount on all Flow Spa treatments and massages is also available for travelers who wish to destress. The Continental Club room average rate is at P8,000++ per night. Log on to www.marcopolohotels.com for more information.