Novotel Manila Araneta Center

Read about our group’s experience after a two-night stay at Novotel Manila Araneta Center.

Blogapalooza 2016

The Blogapalooza 2016 event has just concluded and I am giving a shout out to Novotel Manila Araneta Center for our amazing stay. Blogapalooza is the biggest business to blogger event in the Philippines. Negrense Bloggers traveled to Manila and for the two nights that we spent there, we all had fun because of the event but at the end of the day, the most important thing for me is comfort and safety. I had good night’s rest there while looking forward to their sumptuous breakfast buffet that awaited me in the morning.

Location

Novotel Manila Araneta Center is located at General Aguinaldo Avenue, Araneta Center, Quezon City, Philippines, the Araneta Center being a bustling 35-hectare commercial property with retail, entertainment, residential, hospitality, and office developments. It is one of the oldest commercial centers in Metro Manila, having been in business for over 50 years and is home to the Araneta Coliseum–the venue for many local and international events.

The Araneta Center straddles the crossroads of two major roadways, EDSA and Aurora Boulevard–giving its visitors an unparalleled access to the North-South and East-West corridors of Metro Manila. Commuters also have a strategic link between two major train systems, the MRT-3 and LRT-2. You can take both lines to go to the Novotel Manila Araneta Center, alighting at the Araneta Center-Cubao Station.

In our case, we took the Grab Car from the NAIA 3 where we landed and went straight to the hotel. As it was a Friday and a peak time (around lunctime), we paid arond P650 for the Grab Car. Thankfully, there were six of us who shared the fare.

Lobby/Common Area

When we reached Novotel, we were greeted by a very tall building surrounded by plants. I would especially take notice of plants because I like green areas, hence my campaign for more plants in Bacolod (Read more: Bacolod Needs More Plants and Trees).

Then we were met by Rex, the hotel’s resident canine, who checked us if we were “clean”. The check in process was easy. Since our roommates and I arrived at the same time, we just presented our IDs and were issued two key cards each and then we were on our way. The bell hop helped us with our luggage going up.

The lobby is spacious and very clean, with many different kinds of chairs as well as a touch screen desk console for games to keep the kids and young at heart entertained while waiting. And of course, their lobby is also a very nice place for OOTD photo shoots because of the nice lighting, arrangements, and of course, the attractive chairs.

Room and Toiletries

We were billeted in a triple occupancy room. My roommates were Ruby Caberte of CDO Bloggers (pinaymommyonline.com) and Jam Jacosalem of Iligan Bloggers (traveljams.com). On the desk, we were left with fruits and a personal note.

The room had two double beds and another double additional bed. It has a sofa, a desk, a wide bathroom, closet, and bar. They provided for three slippers and three robes, as well as a three of each of the toiletries and bottled water because they were already informed beforehand that three people will be staying there.

I especially loved how hot their hot shower can get. There was no bath tub though, but that was fine with us. They provided us with good quality bath elements whose company practices fair trade. Very nice touch. The bathroom though has glass on one side so you have the option of having a live show while taking a bath. But for those who would opt for a more private bath time, you can can just easily bring down the motorized blinds.

The room is pretty wide and if there are only the two of you, there will be ample space to go around and look out the wall to ceiling window.

Amenities

At Novotel Manila Araneta Center, they go with the slogan “Meet with Success at Novotel”. Judging our Blogapalooza event last November 5, 2016, we did have a successful event. Thanks to the hotel’s support and assistance. They really do go out of the way to make requests possible (as much as they can).

Novotel amenities:

• Grand ballroom (pillarless) that can accommodate up to 1400 guests
• Seven meeting rooms of different sizes
• Restaurants and Cafes
• Spa
• Gym
• Kids Center called the Kids’ Club
• Swimming pool and Lounge Bar
• Garden area for outdoor events
• Accessibility for people with reduced mobility
• Parking space

Staff

The staff at Novotel Manila Araneta Centerare very charming and helpful. And if I may say, they are pretty good looking, from the counter staff to the housekeeping, to the restaurant crew, and room service personnel. Everyone I’ve met is also very personable, I guess because I am also very nice to them and I had no chance to test them. So good job Novotel! I am impressed. 🙂 We were even provided with straw strings upon our check out because we needed them to pack our boxes.

Price

Novotel Manila Araneta Center has 401 stylish rooms and suites that start from P4,250++ for an overnight stay, depending on the season. Since Novotel is part of the Accor Hotels chain, they have perks for members, too.

Wifi

We had fast Wifi access everywhere around Novotel and even about 20 meters away from the hotel. It only slowed down on Sunday morning when so many people were live streaming the fight of Manny Pacquiao. haha

Food

They have an in-house restaurant and cafe/bar but we never really got to try them during our stay. However, we thoroughly enjoyed their breakfast buffet. Aside from the abundance of choices, their cooking is really good, not just fillers to make the buffet look grand. This is one of the best hotel breakfast buffets I have ever tried. The menu is well thought out and the choices are extensive. For non-hotel guests, the buffet breakfast is P888++ per pax.

Related hotel stories:

• Marco Polo Plaza Cebu
• Richmonde Hotel Iloilo
• Saltimboca Tourist Inn
• Go Hotels PH Bacolod
• Nature’s Village Resort Talisay
• Cebu City Marriott Hotel

Contact Details

Novotel Araneta Center

General Aguinaldo Avenue, Araneta Center
Quezon City, Philippines * Tel. No. (63) (2) 990 7888
Website: http://bit.ly/NovotelManila-AranetaCenter

Novotel Manila Araneta Center is under the chain of Accor Hotels. Find them on the map. Book your stay at Novotel here.