Frederick C.
Yelp
Jaw Dropping, Beyond Expectations
Review of Nobu Hotel Manila
November 7, 2018, we arrived at Nobu Hotel. We picked this particular destination because we live in Las Vegas and we were lucky enough to check in at Nobu Hotel inside Ceasar's Palace. We figured, heck let's give it a try. We were in for a surprise! Not only that the hotel was very beautiful but the service was unmatched by its American counterpart. Valet service was efficient, and the bellman was already there picking up our luggage. Check in was a breeze, but since we arrived 9am, the room wasn't ready. After touring the property, by 11am, the room became available, and I was notified via email.
Front desk was very professional. Every detail was explained and we were escorted to our room by a well dressed lady. Bell service showed up on our doorstep within minutes and even modified the AC temp to our preference.
We then hit the pool. Pool staff was all over us, without being intrusive. Our bottled water was constantly replaced, and our fruit kebobs were ensured to stay frozen (the moment they melted, they replaced it, the moment we ate them, they replaced it). You will be dazzled by the beauty of city of dreams while in the pool, most especially at night. The staff quickly learned to address us by our last names. It's always Mr./Mrs. C., anywhere we went. Or sir/ma'm every time we communicated our wishes.
When we had our room cleaned, everything was reset to high standards. My swim shorts were folded, and hung to dry. My wife's cosmetics were rearranged. Our fruit platter was replaced. All toiletries were replaced as if a new guest was arriving. We were so impressed, my wife ordered me to hunt the housekeeper down. Luckily he was just doing the room next door. I asked him if he did our room. I almost laughed because the guy probably thought I was going to yell at him, like he did something wrong. He brightened up because I gave him a handsome tip. (I never had to do that before).
Shuttle service to Mall of Asia was complimentary, quick and stress-free. They have a comfy waiting area for passengers to sit.
Anyone staying here should hit the gym and spa. Anyone staying should book a massage. We were treated to a 1.5 hour blissful treatment, called Unity. Me and the wife were sat down, with snacks, quick orientation by the masseuse and choice of massage oils before the treatment began. We were ushered to our ultra-lux treatment room where we had our own shower room, toiletries set-up, foot spa chairs, massage tables and bathrobes. Wife even used the disposable underwear supplied to avoid oils getting on her Victoria's Secret. Meditation music was already on. The masseuses only whispered, making it a point to just check on their pressure levels, and never chatted unnecessarily. My wife tells me I was snoring a few times during the session. It was 11pm, and I was just knocked out. As if the pampering never ends, we were treated with teas right outside the treatment room. We were ushered back to our room and within two minutes, our post-massage dinner (included in the package) was brought in. We were treated to a light chicken bao-bun with papaya salad. Tea and juices were served, and a light cheesecake to end the night. We finished, and with one call, the staff whisked away our room service table without incident. We were just dazed and enchanted that we do not even remember how we landed on our beds.
Twice, we were able to eat breakfast at the tower adjacent to ours. For non-locals, try the taho! (ask the staff on how to eat it). For locals, try taho! We were so elated that this childhood treat is part of their spread. Again, the attention to detail was stellar. The moment we stood up for seconds, staff quickly replaced our silver ware, and even refolded our napkins. You come back to your table and it will be entirely brand new again. You have an omelette station and a pancake station. Try the french toast, and you will be treated with some cream filling that is surprisingly good!
Newspapers were everywhere and staff will greet you by addressing you as Mr./Mrs.
I was young when I left for the US, and its quite amusing to think that I only saw my parents being treated that way when I was growing up. Now, it's my turn! I am now the dude having breakfast next to executives, in the heart of Manila, being addressed as Mr. C., reading the morning paper, having coffee, eating french toast, in one of the country's top-notch hotels called Nobu, City of Dreams!
Thank you Nobu. We will see you next year!
