Where to start in Manila (Dusit Hotel Nikko)

Member Name: dragonone

Product:	Dusit Hotel Nikko
Date:	12/03/02 (312 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great Location, Great Staff/service, Comfortable

Disadvantages: Some of the extra services are pricey

Although I have been to the Philippines, it is the first time I have stayed here and it was for only one night. My wife has stayed here before when her flight to the UK was cancelled and the airline put her up here for free. We elected to stay here on our first night in the Philippines because of the location; we know the area very well, and the cost. The Travel agent we used – Philippine Island Connections, had offered us the hotel as part of our flight plans.

So where is it?

The Dusit Makati, also known as the Dusit Hotel Nikko, is an award winning hotel owned by the Thailand based Dusit hotels and resorts chain. Situated on the edge of the main business district and occupying the block boarder by EDSA / Pasay Road and South Drive. These are three very busy main roads, particularly EDSA which is notorious for the heavy traffic. Do not worry, the Dusit is a well-constructed building and you cannot hear the traffic. With 542 guest rooms, 5 restaurants (Bavarian, Japanese, Italian, Royal Thai Cuisine, The Café) & Lobby lounge, fitness centre and business centre the Dusit is well placed for the seasoned business or holiday traveller

There are several hotels of similar standard close to the Dusit – The Intercontinental, Shangri-la and Peninsular are the better alternatives. Close by is the Glorietta Centre with it’s shopping, entertainment and restaurants.

When coming from the airport, you will be able to pick up a taxi from the airport exit, be warned that only one firm has the concession to run the taxi service from the airport, as such they can charge what they want, 600Php plus are not uncommon. Fortunately I had my wife with me, a Filipina, haggled and got the price down to about 350Php, this is still a lot more than it should be.

The Arrival

It was a long journey through the Christmas traffic; it took us an hour and a quarter to get to the hotel. By the time we arrived I had two very irritab
le girls on my hands and all we wanted to do was get into the room and have a shower and a lay down. Fortunately the Dusit is used to having guests arriving in this condition.

The polite and friendly bellboy, who greeted us at the entrance, took charge of our luggage as we made our way through the large and airy foyer to the reception. The Receptionist was equally welcoming and efficient. Our details were on file; we filled in the check-in form, swiped the credit card and were on our way to the room within 10 minutes of arrival at the entrance. We were offered the choice of Smoking or non, twin or large double bed, we elected the large double.

The Room

The bellboy took us up to the room and showed us around, turning on the lights, TV etc, a $10 US tip saw him on his way.

The room was reasonably spacious, about 5 by 15 Metres with an ensuite bath room occupying two meter squared section by the door. The wardrobe was on the opposite side of the room from the bathroom with the door and small entrance hallway between. The rest of the room was pleasantly decorated with a large double bed, super king-size, two bedside tables and lamps, two-seater sofa, single armchair and a coffee table. A writing desk come dressing table with tea & coffee making facilities sat next to the sideboard holding the well stocked mini bar. A TV with 20 cable channels, pay2view movies and Internet access was perched on top. The bathroom was finished in blue/grey marble with a large bathtub and shower, toilet, and a deep basin set in a large work surface with a mirror covering the wall above the basin/worktop. The usual collection of ‘complimentary’ items: Toothpaste, soap, shampoo, shower gel, razor & shaving gel, vanity kit, lady’s sanitry bags, mineral water, glasses and hairdryer. I do have to report that the towel rail was not heated!

Services
There is a full range of services at this hotel, unfortunately I can not comment a
ll of them as we only stayed a short time: Shop Arcade, Laundry and dry cleaning service, Tour and ticketing office, Valet parking, Chemist (Drugstore), In-room massage, swimming pool, sauna, Medical clinic and Hair and Beauty Salon
Airport Transfer Service, very reliable if pricey – see above
Baby Sitter, if we had stayed longer this would have been well used.
Transportation desk, fast service for Taxis and Car hire – however it is pricey.

The five restaurant offer a good range of international cuisine:-

- Banjarong, Royal Thai Cuisine
- Benkay, Authentic Japanese Restaurant
- Café, Asian and International Cuisine, 24 hours open, also provides room service and an excellent breakfast..
- Ciao Bar Ristorante, Italian Restaurant and Bar
- Deli Shop, Pastries, Breads and Delicatessen
- Lobby Lounge, High tea, light snacks and cocktails
- Paulaner Brauhaus , German micro-brewery and restaurant.

Conclusion

We enjoyed our stay in this hotel, the level of service and comfort here was just the thing to help us recover from our long journey. The staff were wonderful, very polite, welcoming and efficient. We look forward to staying here again, should the opportunity present its self.

Contact Details: TEL 00-63-2-867-3333, FAX: 63-2-867-3888, Web: www.dusit.com

Costs

I based my holiday on an exchange rate of 70Php to the Pound (GBP), I was getting between 71 and 72 Php to1GBP from money changers, however when I used my credit card exchange rate was better, 73.5 to 74.1 Php to 1GBP

The room rates start at 100USD per room per night for deluxe room up to 190USD for a suite, we stayed in an Executive Club room normally priced at 135USD, as we booked the hotel room at the same time as our air tickets, our travel agent (Philippine Island Connections) offered us a discounted price of £35 (49USD) per person per night, our infant daughter went free. If you are book
ing independently try using www.asiatravel.com as they offer discounts up to 70%

Room Service Pricing
Burger with fries & Coleslaw: 290Php
Sweet &s our pork with Rice: 275Php
Chicken/pork Adobo with Rice: 340Php
Steak, potatoes + veg: 580Php
Full Breakfast: 250Php
(US, Continental or Philippine)

Other Services:
5 Min Phone call to UK: 500Php
Mini Bar: Coke: 150Php
Beer: 150 to 240Php
Spirit miniture: 270 to 400Php
Small Mineral water: 150Php
Friut Juice 150Php
Snacks 90Php

Summary: