Showing posts with label hotel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hotel. Show all posts

Saturday, September 10, 2011

MAXIMS TOWER - Hotel at Resorts World Manila

Maxims Tower Hotel in Manila

Maxims Tower hotel in Manila is an all suite luxury hotel that opened in late 2010 in the Newport City development next to Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines. Maxims Manila is integrated into the Resorts World Manila (RWManila) complex which has a popular casino and shopping arcades and is connected to the Manila Marriott Hotel.  (Update: The Remington Hotel has also opened next door.)  RWManila is a joint venture between Alliance Global a listed conglomerate associated with Andrew Tan probably known more for Megaworld and Genting Hong Kong (formerly Star Cruises).  RWManila was conceived as an integrated entertainment resort similar to Resorts World Genting in Malaysia and Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore.


Boutiques at Maxims Tower ground floor
The Marriott hotel is connected to Maxims

Maxims Tower Hotel Rates

A Maxims Suite has a listed rack rate of $300 per night not including 12% VAT and 10% service charge but a discount of up to 40% might be availed of for elite Resorts World members, a designation determined by previous play at Resorts World casinos.  A discounted listing for as low as $170 has also been observed on a hotel travel site.  A tax exemption is granted to foreign guests upon presentation of a foreign passport on check in.  It might be worthwhile to call and check the rate at the neighboring Marriott for a comparison to make sure one is getting a reasonable rate.  If money is not a consideration, one also has a choice of DeLuxe, Corner, Executive, Signature, Ambassador, and Presidential suites or Royal Villa. Complimentary Wi-Fi, breakfast, and parking are included for all rooms.

Restaurants and Food Outlets

Common area
Impressions
Passion Restaurant
  • Cafe Maxims
  • Ginzadon
  • Impressions
  • Passion

Casino area
  • Bar 360
  • Mercado
  • Noodle Works
  • Pizzasta (2nd floor in area called Prosperity Court)
  • Maxims Dining (2nd floor)
  • Wok N' Steam (2nd floor in area called Prosperity Court) 

Cameras are not allowed in the casino area.  More restaurants can be found in the integrated Newport Mall, Marriott hotel, and other nearby Newport City buildings.

Contact Information

Telephone: (+632) 908-8888 or (+632) 908-8000 loc. 8220
Website: http://www.rwmanila.com/hotels-at-resorts-world-manila/maxims-tower
Email: maximshotel@rwmanila.com


Notes

Is Maxims Tower one of the best hotels in Manila? The Department of Tourism hasn't given it yet an official hotel rating, but the facilities for the most part raise it to the level of a top class hotel.  On the other hand one gets the impression the Maxims hotel plays a largely complementary or secondary role in the Resorts World complex which mainly revolves around its casino. Indeed the Maxims Tower does not have much of a hotel lobby or reception area to speak of.  Rather the foyer doubles as an entrance for the mall.  A small desk on the side, manned by a kind but also very busy individual who is constantly on the phone, serves as reception (Update: replaced recently by a larger more formal and better staffed reception desk).  For a self-proclaimed six-star luxury hotel this is likely to make for a disappointing first impression.  Early hotel reviews also seem to indicate the staff aren't as polished as they could be.  Still the slightly larger rooms, new facilities, and touted butler service might go some way to make up for it.

Casino at Maxims Tower Resorts World Manila

The casino is reputed to be the largest casino in the country and hosts a leg of the Asian Poker Tour.  It's a lively venue with a live band or show of some sort usually performing at Bar 360 in the middle of the casino area with gaming tables to one end, slot machines on the other, and restaurants tucked away on one side.  People are encouraged to become members.  Upon membership they are given membership cards which allow them to earn points by gambling at the casino, the points can then be redeemed for rewards and discounts.  With such perks RWManila has become a popular gaming destination but it is likely to face stiff competition in the future when a planned casino development hub along Roxas Boulevard is completed. 



Related

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

The Makati Shangri-La Manila Hotel


The Shangri-La Makati is a popular 5-star hotel, part of the Shangri-La group of hotels, in Metro Manila, Philippines.  Despite its official name, it is located not in the City of Manila proper, but rather in the metropolis' central business district, Makati.  The hotel lies within Ayala Center, a major commercial complex, next to malls, shopping arcades, and the country's financial center.

Food and Dining

  • Circles Event CafĂ©
  • Inagiku
  • Lobby Lounge
  • Pool Bar
  • Sage
  • Sage Tapas Bar
  • Shang Palace
  • Sinfully Circles

Contact Information


Address: Ayala Avenue corner Makati Avenue Makati City 1200 Philippines
Telephone: (63 2) 813 8888
Fax: (63 2) 813 5499
Website: http://www.shangri-la.com/en/manila/makatishangrila




Notes

Generally considered one of the top hotels in Metro Manila.  Good restaurants and an ambiance blending classic elegance with modernity and a hint of the Orient has made it a popular meeting place and venue for special occasions.  Although highly regarded its popularity does make me wonder if perhaps the hotel has become slightly overrated.  It's pricier than other excellent hotels in the area and the larger number of people it attracts places greater burdens on its ability to maintain excellent service; but it's widely recognized and its location puts it in the middle of the city's action.  Good hotel for people who like to be at the center of it all but maybe not optimal for someone looking to be somewhat farther removed from the hustle and bustle.

Hotel room rates may vary.  For a superior room, one is looking at prices in the range of 8,500 pesos to 12,000 pesos or more (~$200–$300)  not including extra fees which may or may not include a buffet breakfast at Circles depending on the type of client.

A Club Gourmet membership gives discounts and may be beneficial for frequent visitors to the hotel and its restaurants and facilities.

The Shangri-La hotel in Makati should not be confused with its sister hotel the Edsa Shangri-La Manila located in Ortigas Center in Mandaluyong or the unaffiliated Shangri-La Restaurant on West Avenue in Quezon City.

Nearby Hotels

Other hotels located nearby are The Peninsula Manila, The New World Hotel, The Fairmont Makati, The InterContinental Manila, The Dusit Thani Manila, The Mandarin Oriental, The Ascott Manila, and Holiday Inn Makati among others.


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