Grand Hyatt Manila

My international flight the next morning departed at 7:00am. I was currently 1+ hours away from the airport and decided to get a hotel closer to the airport rather than attempt to get a Grab at 3:00am in the morning. Let alone it being a morning in Manila. Generally, I stay at another named brand hotel near Terminal 3, but today I decided to try something different. The Grand Hyatt was calling my name. Besides, I needed to work this night and would not get much sleep.

I have been to the Philippines numerous times but never spent time in Makati, the location of the Grand Hyatt. It is more of an upper scale area from the rest of Metro Manila. I wanted to explore yet did not have much time.

I arrived by Grab to a busy front door. I was escorted around a maze of people and roped off areas. The doorman with my bag, showing me the way. We bypassed the common door to a side door and to a back room where there was an Xray machine. (If you do not know, just about every hotel in Asia has tight security, Xray, pat downs, etc. It’s annoying and at the same time makes you feel a false sense of security.)

Once my bag was “cleared” I was escorted to the makeshift front desk which was located far from the normal front desk. Cords running across the floor along with caution signs and card caddies also made for an unusual entrance. A makeshift podium was set up with a computer.

Upon checking in, I was notified that tonight was the Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Standing in the front of the Grand Entry was an enormous white flocked tree with the largest balls I have ever seen hanging from a tree. Youth and children were practicing for the active ceremony which would begin in about an hour and a half.

Upon obtaining my room key, I proceeded to my room on the 36th floor. upon entering the elevator, I was followed by a group of businessmen, who was being escorted by security. I didn’t put two and two together until the following day while I was on my flight out. They were part of the Japanese Government Delegation that was meeting with President Marcos.

Opening the door brought me into what I expected staying at the Grand Hyatt. A beautiful Marble and Wood focused room with an amazing view (during the 2 hours light was still up).

How would I do any work with such a luxurious room. I would be occupying this room for less than 12 hours, but it was worth it. And the view was beautiful.

One aspect I love about the Grand Hyatt is you never see the floor staff, such as the room attendants and such. I have stayed at Grand Hyatt’s before, and it seems like they stalk you and wait for you to leave and immediately clean your room while you’re gone. Someone is on the lookout for when you are on your way back so they cannot leave a trace they were there. But maybe that’s just my imagination.

For such a short stay the Grand Hyatt does not disappoint. I sat looking out the window for the two hours of sunshine and then left to go get something to eat.

Although the hotel offers 8 different restaurant options between the:

Florentine – quick coffee like cafe,

Pool House – restaurant by the pool.

No. 8 China House – Chinese specialties.

The Lounge – a Luxury setting to conduct business or socialize.

The Cellar – Bar and cocktails.

The Grand Kitchen – All day international dining.

The Peak – Restaurant, speakeasy, bar and music lounge.

Le Petit Chef at the Peak – An immersive culinary dining and theater.

I chose to walk to outside and experience something different. My walk brought me to Wildflour Restaurant. Inside the choices were abundant. I hesitated, the anxiety got the best of me, and I quickly ordered two items that grabbed my attention. Unfortunately, I forgot to take photos of what I bought. But let’s just say, it was amazing. I recommend Wildflour Restaurant. You can order in or take away.

Grand Hyatt – Overall experience is exactly as expected. I am looking forward to going back.

Wildflour – Worth the walk and hope to be back.