Checking in at Hotel Benilde!
If you're itching for a break like Tim and I were a few weeks ago, we suggest checking out Hotel Benilde. It's a great option if you're looking for a getaway within the city. I mean rather than spending hours in the car or stuck in traffic, book a room here instead and enjoy its sleek, state-of-the-art features and facilities including high-speed Wi-Fi Internet access, a plunge pool, gym, a 24-hour business center, and more. Aside from that, Hotel Benilde Maison De La Salle is located in Malate, one of Manila's bustling and historic districts, which makes it the perfect starting point for exploring key destinations like Malate Church, the Manila Baywalk, and the National Museums.
We checked into our Superior Twin Room which has two single beds and access to all of the amenities and services offered by Hotel Benilde.
If you're from La Salle, you'll probably notice that the room is adorned with the La Sallian chevron, which gives it a classier look. I honestly don't know anything about its history since I didn't study in La Salle. But I have to admit, when I was in high school, it was actually my dream to take up Computer Science there. I passed the entrance exam and almost enrolled, but in the end, I decided to go to Ateneo. Don't get me wrong, I don't regret studying in ADMU, but I can't imagine how different life would be like if I went to Taft.
Anyhoo, going back to the room...
I absolutely loved staying at Hotel Benilde. One of the best features, in my opinion, is the day bed which is placed right by the window. I immediately claimed it as my space and even told Tim that I wouldn't mind sleeping there that evening. Super comfy spot for reading and writing or just watching tv! ;)
Great lighting, too. Heh. :P
Another thing I loved about the room is how fancy its electronic system is. Instead of providing regular door hangers that say "Do Not Disturb" or "Make Up Room," you can simply tap a button to let them know whether you want privacy or have your room cleaned.
I also made good use of the desk since I had to squeeze in some work during our stay. Thankfully, complimentary coffee and tea bags as well as bottled water are available in case you feel like making your own drinks or simply too lazy to head out and buy some.
It's also worth mentioning that everything was clean and spotless, including the bathroom. Hotel Benilde also provides basic toiletries so you don't have to bring full-sized ones on your visit.
We also took a peek at the gym since it was located on our floor.
Then the pool, which is on the hotel's rooftop (it comes with a great view of the city too!)
Since we arrived late in the afternoon, it was soon time for dinner. We headed downstairs to Cafe Romancon which serves international a la carte dishes as well as buffet breakfasts and promotional lunch buffets for both in-house and walk-in guests.
It made for a pretty great date night since only a few tables were occupied so we really enjoyed the almost-private setup, the conversations, and of course, the food! We were actually the last ones out of the restaurant and the only reason we left was because Cafe Romancon was already closing for the evening. Haha!
Appetizer: Three Musketeers (P250)
crispy fried cheddar cheese rolled in pastry with Mary Rose dressing
Tim's Soup: Carabaccia (P130)
Tuscan onion simmered in beef stock, topped with cheese croutons
Bett's Soup: Cream of Mushroom (P150)
assorted forest mushrooms in vegetable broth with herbed croutons
If you're from La Salle, you'll probably notice that the room is adorned with the La Sallian chevron, which gives it a classier look. I honestly don't know anything about its history since I didn't study in La Salle. But I have to admit, when I was in high school, it was actually my dream to take up Computer Science there. I passed the entrance exam and almost enrolled, but in the end, I decided to go to Ateneo. Don't get me wrong, I don't regret studying in ADMU, but I can't imagine how different life would be like if I went to Taft.
Anyhoo, going back to the room...
I absolutely loved staying at Hotel Benilde. One of the best features, in my opinion, is the day bed which is placed right by the window. I immediately claimed it as my space and even told Tim that I wouldn't mind sleeping there that evening. Super comfy spot for reading and writing or just watching tv! ;)
Great lighting, too. Heh. :P
Another thing I loved about the room is how fancy its electronic system is. Instead of providing regular door hangers that say "Do Not Disturb" or "Make Up Room," you can simply tap a button to let them know whether you want privacy or have your room cleaned.
I also made good use of the desk since I had to squeeze in some work during our stay. Thankfully, complimentary coffee and tea bags as well as bottled water are available in case you feel like making your own drinks or simply too lazy to head out and buy some.
It's also worth mentioning that everything was clean and spotless, including the bathroom. Hotel Benilde also provides basic toiletries so you don't have to bring full-sized ones on your visit.
We also took a peek at the gym since it was located on our floor.
Then the pool, which is on the hotel's rooftop (it comes with a great view of the city too!)
Since we arrived late in the afternoon, it was soon time for dinner. We headed downstairs to Cafe Romancon which serves international a la carte dishes as well as buffet breakfasts and promotional lunch buffets for both in-house and walk-in guests.
It made for a pretty great date night since only a few tables were occupied so we really enjoyed the almost-private setup, the conversations, and of course, the food! We were actually the last ones out of the restaurant and the only reason we left was because Cafe Romancon was already closing for the evening. Haha!
crispy fried cheddar cheese rolled in pastry with Mary Rose dressing
Tim's Soup: Carabaccia (P130)
Tuscan onion simmered in beef stock, topped with cheese croutons
Bett's Soup: Cream of Mushroom (P150)
assorted forest mushrooms in vegetable broth with herbed croutons
Tim's Entree: Weiner Schnitzel (P330)
deep fried crumbled pork served with onion gravy, fresh garden vegetables, and French fries
seared beef tenderloin with rosemary pan jus, served with seasonal vegetables and country style fried potato wedges
Dessert: Baked Cookie (P120)
freshly baked full-sized chocolate chip cookie served with milk and chocolate sauce
Since Tim isn't a huge fan of sweets, I decided to bring this up to our room to have as a midnight snack instead. Photos below for size reference. Not bad for Php 120, right? Thank you, Cafe Romancon! :)
Cafe Romancon was also where we had breakfast the following day. To tell you the truth, there weren't a lot of options, but I was really happy with the congee - so much so that I had three bowls of it. Solb! :D
Hope to stay with you again in the near future, Hotel Benilde!
'Til next time! :)
Hotel Benilde is located at Arellano corner Estrada Streets
Malate, Manila (close to LRT Vito Cruz Station and Taft Avenue). For reservations or inquiries, email hotel@benilde.edu.ph or call (+632) 230-5230.
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