A brand unmistakeable in the world of luxury, everyone was thrilled when Nobu opened another franchise in Manila- the first in Asia- in May 2015, attended by members of society’s top tier as well the people behind the brand such as Chef Nobu, Robert De Niro, and Hollywood producer, Meir Teper.
Almost a year and a half after the opulent opening, it’s not that too late to have the chance to spend even for one night in one of Manila’s luxury hotels. Nobu Hotel was the official residence of the media for the Vivo V5 Grand Launch held last November 23.
Nobu is one of the three hotels of City of Dreams, an integrated resort of Entertainment City in Paranaque. City of Dreams is hard to miss with its gold hue and the distinct Fortune Egg.
Lobby and Reception
Location wise, Nobu Hotel and its sister hotels within City of Dreams are good options for those who don’t want to go far from the airport ( read: traffic!). The facade is not too gaudy or too decorative but security measures at the entrance reveals that Nobu means business and pleasure.
True to the Japanese theme, the whole hotel carries the color scheme Japanese like – neutral colours blending from dark to light. I need to get adjusted to the dark browns all over the property as I have grown some liking to citrusy but not bright colours in hotels. Right at the entrance of Nobu is the casino.
Polished Elegant Rooms
Not just spacious or complete with amenities, you will appreciate how rooms are personalised, giving guests a feel of owning the room during their stay at Nobu Hotel Manila. Sheets and linens are comforting, firm bed with plenty of seating spaces. Ergonomic workstations with electrical sockets all over the room for guests who might be bringing a gazillion gadgets.
Rooms are splashed with touches of Japanese art and style from the brush stroke painting at the wall above the bed’s headboard to the geta-shaped ( traditional Japanese slipper) in-room slipper. Very Japanese but not trying too hard.
While some rooms have garden views, I have the Manila skyline far away.
Personalized greetings on screen will greet the guests. TV includes paid movies but I was contented with cable shows. The phones are programmed to guest’s name. Nobu’s mini bar includes bottles of wine and sake.
I love the work station with their purple pen and notepad with its dainty holder that I was tempted to take it home. I tried contacting guest services via phone and it took only one ring and they answered with ” Good morning Ms. Caulin how may I help you?“. Hmm, impressive.
Now let’s go to the bathroom. It would be nice to have a tub in my room to enjoy ofuro but I’m cool with what I had. The corners of the shower glass – spots that most housekeeping often miss – were squeaky clean.
The sink is too big that you can wash some laundry here or if you are traveling with a baby is perfect! Sakura are printed on the designs of their toiletries and other fixtures.
My only concern about Nobu Manila Hotel’s room? I hope they can have a socket close to the mirror. It took me twice the time to dry my hair with the power socket located at the far end of the wall. Challenging if you are giving your own hair a blow out.
Nobu Restaurant
There is a reason why Nobu is such an acclaimed name in the culinary world. Food satisfying not just to one’s palate but to your whole senses. It is not just eating but dining experience.
Breakfast was impeccable in terms of flavour, variation, and service.
Another factor is the interior of the restaurant.
Breakfast is served at Nobu and it is just one of the dining options at City of Dreams. For affordable dining, go to Red Ginger.
As a luxury hotel, Nobu Manila has a long list of facilities and services. To get the complete list, I recommend visiting their site.
Beyond Nobu Hotel Manila
Going out of the posh walls of the hotel, the garden is a wonderful place to kill time. Some do this while waiting for check in or in our case, while waiting for our shuttle schedule to the airport.
It is heaven for fashion bloggers and influencers. Families will love the open space for kids to roam and explore.
Speaking of kids, City of Dreams is home to Manila’s top family attraction – Dreamplay! I can’t wait to bring my kids here.
If you don’t have plans to enjoy the casino, City of Dreams has a lot of options when it comes to shopping and dining, or malling.
With a casino and dark color scheme, I asked myself if this is a kid-friendly hotel. I think, yes. I can bring my kids here and I think they will love it. The space, Dreamplay, the pool and awesome breakfast – what more can we ask for, right? Plus, I’ve seen few guests with little children.
For Nobu Hotel Manila contact information or Nobu Hotel Manila rates, visit their site.