Hotel Benilde Maison De La Salle: Convenient Four Star Hotel Stay (Manila)

De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde Manila is one of the top institutions in the country for its The School of Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management.  What many do not know however, is that it also has its own four-star hotel:  Hotel Benilde Maison De La Salle.

Hotel Benilde Maison De La Salle is located in Arellano Avenue, Corner Estrada St, Malate, Manila, Metro Manila.

The hotel is strategically located that it is only a few minutes away from:

• Malate - tourist center of Manila
• Makati - Philippine's central business district
• Airport - NAIA terminal 1, 2 and 3
• Convention Centers: World Trade Center, PICC, SMX 
• Malls: Harisson Plaza, Mall of Asia, Robinsons Place Manila, SMManila, Greenbelt, Glorietta, Century Mall, SM Jazz Mall and A Venue Mall

Although it is a big building with many floors, the hotel area only occupies the 1st, 11th, 12th and roof deck.  The rest is dedicated for labs.

All rooms are equipped with an advance proximity card door lock system, electronic doorbell, DO not disturb (DND) and make-up room indicator.   For added security, the proximity card is also required for elevator use.

Deluxe Queen

As you can see the room is very nice.  The queen size bed comes with a soft duvet bed linen, two super soft pillows and two extra pillows.  There is an extra loft which is even softer than the bed.  The carpeted floors are clean.  There are multiple lamps with appropriate switches.  There is even a minimal night light which I really appreciate.

There's a work desk with lamp, telephone, tea and coffee with electric kettle.  For laptop use and gadget charging, their electric socket is compatible for 110v and 220v so no need for adapters.

I find the TV as an important aspect of a hotel stay.  I like turning it on just for a more comfortable vibe especially when I'm alone so it doesn't feel too quiet.   The 40-inch LED TV gives a superb viewing experience.

There's a fridge, more than adequate drawers, a huge closet with an electronic safe and iron with ironing board and hangers.

The bathroom is also spacious.  I found the sliding door with mirror to be innovative and functional.

The towel rack has a complete set of hand, face and body towels for two.

There is also a complete set of toiletries.

Roof Deck

One of the best hotel facility you can avail is the swimming pool at the roof deck.  It has a scenic view of the sun set and Makati City.

Also located at the roof deck is Vatel Restaurant - a French restaurant run by students.  This is required by Institut Vatel since it has a tie up with De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management.

Complimentary Breakfast

At Cafe Romancon located at the ground floor of Hotel Benilde Maison De La Salle is where you can claim your welcome drinks and the sumptuous complimentary breakfast buffet.  It also provides a free daily news paper so I did my morning routine of reading the newspaper after breakfast.

Although choices are limited, they are filling and satisfying.  There's the usual Filipino breakfast fare like hotdog, other items including a soup dish, fresh fruits, pastries and cheese.

Cereal lovers especially kids will be delighted with their cereal selection.

Sneak Peak of Other Rooms

Presidential Suite

I was also able to check out the other rooms available.  Out of the hotel's 49 rooms, there is only one Presidential Suite.

Aside from the spacious bed room and walk-in closet with dresser, it has a huge bath tub.

One Bedroom Suite

The special feature of this room is the glass-walled bathroom.  Don't worry, there are blinds if you prefer privacy.

Superior Twin

Apart from the Presidential Suite and Dormitory area, the room sizes are standardized at 30 sqm.  Only the beds varied.

PWD Standards Compliant

There are also two rooms allocated for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

Dorm Room

One thing I found unique is the dormitory.  For as low as 1,500, dorm guests can enjoy in this bed with work space and also avail of the complimentary breakfast.  This is the female dormitory.  I found the male dormitory to be a bit spacious.  To avail, it requires a minimum of 8.

For this 64 sqm. room specially made for groups there's a twin toilet and shower area.

Hotel Benilde Maison De La Salle
Hotel Address	Arellano Avenue, Corner Estrada St, Malate, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
Contact	(632) 230-5230	Reservation Required	Yes
Payment Options	Cash	Public Transport	Jeep, Taxi
Room Types	Room Amenities		Published Price
Superior Twin	• Complimentary Buffet Breakfast • Complimentary Mini Bar • Complimentary Welcome Drinks • Complimentary In-room tea & coffee facilities • Complimentary Daily Local newspaper • Free Hotel-wide WIFI access (200mbps) • Free local calls • Complimentary use of Gym and Swimming Pool • 40" LED Smart Cable TV • In-room safety deposit box • Hair Dryer • Electronic Bell, DND and make-up room buttons • Duvet bed linen • Built-in bedside reading lights • Waffle design bathrobe and slippers •  Advance proximity card door lock system		3,500 php
Deluxe Queen	• Complimentary Buffet Breakfast • Complimentary Mini Bar • Complimentary Welcome Drinks • Complimentary In-room tea & coffee facilities • Complimentary Daily Local newspaper • Free Hotel-wide WIFI access (200mbps) • Free local calls • Complimentary use of Gym and Swimming Pool • 40" LED Smart Cable TV • In-room safety deposit box • Hair Dryer • Electronic Bell, DND and make-up room buttons • Duvet bed linen • Built-in bedside reading lights • Waffle design bathrobe and slippers • Advance proximity card door lock system		3,500 php
Deluxe King	• Complimentary Buffet Breakfast • Complimentary Mini Bar • Complimentary Welcome Drinks • Complimentary In-room tea & coffee facilities • Complimentary Daily Local newspaper • Free Hotel-wide WIFI access (200mbps) • Free local calls • Complimentary use of Gym and Swimming Pool • 40" LED Smart Cable TV • In-room safety deposit box • Hair Dryer • Electronic Bell, DND and make-up room buttons • Duvet bed linen • Built-in bedside reading lights • Waffle design bathrobe and slippers • Advance proximity card door lock system		2,100 php
Dormitory	•  Complimentary Buffet Breakfast •  Free Hotel-wide WIFI access (200mbps) •  Complimentary use of Gym and Swimming Pool •  Electronic Bell, DND and make-up room buttons •  Built-in bedside reading lights •  Advance proximity card door lock system		1,800 php per bed (minimum of 8)
One Bedroom Suite	• Complimentary Buffet Breakfast • Complimentary Mini Bar • Complimentary Welcome Drinks • Complimentary In-room tea & coffee facilities • Complimentary Daily Local newspaper • Free Hotel-wide WIFI access (200mbps) • Free local calls • Complimentary use of Gym and Swimming Pool • 40" LED Smart Cable TV • In-room safety deposit box • Hair Dryer • Electronic Bell, DND and make-up room buttons • Duvet bed linen • Built-in bedside reading lights • Waffle design bathrobe and slippers • Advance proximity card door lock system		6,000 php
Presidential Suite	•  Complimentary Buffet Breakfast • Complimentary Mini Bar • Complimentary Welcome Drinks • Complimentary In-room tea & coffee facilities • Complimentary Daily Local newspaper • Free Hotel-wide WIFI access (200mbps) • Free local calls • Complimentary use of Gym and Swimming Pool • 40" LED Smart Cable TV • In-room safety deposit box • Hair Dryer • Electronic Bell, DND and make-up room buttons • Duvet bed linen • Built-in bedside reading lights • Waffle design bathrobe and slippers • Advance proximity card door lock system		12,000 php
General Amenities	•Gym •Pool	Parking	Yes
Travel Tripsters Hotel Review Rating		Hotel Benilde Maison De La Salle Map
Location	★★★
Room Comfort	★★★★
Cleanliness	★★★★
Service	★★★★
Price	★★★★

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Cintai Corito's Garden: 12 Things to Make Your Visit Wholesome

I used to go to a place just for the sake of having gone there but now I prefer to have a checklist to make every experience wholesome.  Before our family day trip to Cintai Corito's Garden, I have to admit... I also tried to check the place out.

Yet, there wasn't much details when I searched for it.

We were all amazed at how majestic this Balinese-inspired place is.

Good thing they have a map and signs so you can easily find your way around the place.

12 Things to Make Your Visit Wholesome
Allow me to suggest 12 things to make your visit wholesome that I discovered during our day trip.

1. Follow the Trails

Although there's a map, it's also quite interesting to just take a stroll by following the trails...

it takes your mind of troublesome things as you slow down and relax and allow yourself to be enchanted by the surroundings.  This is a great option when you've got a lot of time.  Then when you are tired and have yet to figure the route out, you can check the map as your last resort.

2. Hear the Origin Story

One of the best part of our experience is encountering one of their staffs who volunteered to take us to see one of their two pavilions.

One our way there, he told us about the meaning of "Cintai" and the touching story behind Cintai Corito.  Although he told us that it can also be found in the website, hearing it from someone with a personal knowledge made it more sensational and memorable.

3. Take Shots As If You're in Bali

The rates at Cintai Corito is justified because of its Balinese attractions.

Not only are there a lot of them and in huge scale, there are also well-made in terms of colors and textures.

Bring a camera because you can take as much snapshots as you want.

4. Calm Yourself with the Water Features

There's just something soothing and calming with water features.

Don't you agree that the sight and sound of flowing water is therapeutic?

If you do, Cintai has a lot of these to appreciate.

This is my favorite scenery.

5. See the Animals

There are both caged and free roaming animals at Cintai Corito.

The animals are scattered all over the area.

It's actually a good idea so you get to be in tuned with nature in terms of animals, greens and water wherever you are.

`The free roaming animals are safe to approach and feed.

According to the staff, this is one of their last ponies that survived.  It's both a good and saddening story.

6. Sit and Chat

The most understated amenities is the bench.

A great vacation isn't as fulfilling when you don't take time to just sit, relax and chat with whoever you are with.

7. Swim

There are four swimming pools to choose from.  This one is the most photogenic.  But, I'd suggest the bigger one near the changing and shower room for swimming.

8. Play Mini Golf

I'm not a golfer or a mini golfer but if you are into this, they have it! =)

9. Eat

After the a long walk under the scorching heat of our equatorial sun, I bet you'd be hungry.

Well, fret not because there's a buffet served at Abadi Restaurant on weekends for only 550 php.  The dishes from salad to soup is really good!

They also serve afternoon snacks.

10. Pamper

If you want to upgrade your stay, you can opt to have a full body massage for 1,000 php per hour.

11. Rent a Stay

Although we found it economical to avail of the day tour, you can also rent one of their four villa for an overnight stay.  Since it is located near Taal Lake, Marian Orchard and Bee Farms while offering a one of a kind ambience, it is a great accommodation option.

12. Watch a Movie
Cintai Corito also has a TV Room where you can watch or sing.  Its a perk for those who avail their accomodation.

So hope you have a wholesome experience at Cintai Corito just like we did!

Cinta Corito's Garden
Hotel Address	Sitio Pandayan, Malabanan Balete, Batangas, Philippines
Contact	(63917) 833-1508 Website	Reservation Required	Yes
Payment Options	Cash	Public Transport	None
Room Types	Room Amenities		Price
Terrace Villa	• Good For 2 Persons • 1 Queen-size bed • 60 sqm.  • 1 terrace • Hot/cold water / bathtub / shower • Personal Bar Refrigerator • Air-conditioned • Welcome drinks • Use of Facilities • Complimentary Breakfast • Use of TV Room		5,999 php net
Terrace Villa	• Good For 4 Persons • 1 Queen-size bed • 60 sqm.  • 1 terrace • Hot/cold water / bathtub / shower • Personal Bar Refrigerator • Air-conditioned • Welcome drinks • Use of Facilities • Complimentary Breakfast • Use of TV Room		11,500 php net
Garden Villa	• Good For 6 Persons • 3 Queen-size bed • 75 sqm.  • 1 terrace • Couch with table • Hot/cold water / bathtub / shower • Personal Bar Refrigerator • Air-conditioned • Welcome drinks • Use of Facilities • Complimentary Breakfast • Use of TV Room		16,500 php net
Executive Villa	• Good For 6-8 Persons • 3 Queen-size bed • 90 sqm.  • 1 terrace • 1 jacuzzi • 1 pocket garden • Long table with benches • Hot/cold water / bathtub / shower • Personal Bar Refrigerator • Air-conditioned • Welcome drinks • Use of Facilities • Complimentary Breakfast • Use of TV Room		27,500 php net
General Amenities	•Pool	Parking	Yes
Travel Tripsters Hotel Review Rating		Cinta Corito's Garden Map
Location	★★★
Room Comfort	★★★★
Cleanliness	★★★★
Service	★★★★
Price	★★★

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