We normally don’t go out of town during the Holy Week/Easter break. It is because I dread the diaspora of people in airports, bus terminals and highways. The strategy is to stay in a part of Manila that we have yet to discover…this is after all a big city! And so, this is how we found ourselves in Privato Hotel Mandaluyong during the last holiday.
The hotel rate was quite reasonable for only P1,800 net per night on Deal Grocer. For this, we got their Deluxe Double room which was reasonably spacious at 28 sq.m. and had two queen-sized beds.
Checking in was a pain though. We arrived at past 2 pm but the room wasn’t ready until 3:30 pm.Which was bad enough since I wasn’t feeling well that day and wanted the comfort of a BED! I learned later that late check in was a common problem encountered in hotels throughout the city because of the influx of people just wanting a staycation.
Loved this part of the room which had a nice location for the mirror and hair dryer. Everything was present: safe, coffee/tea-making facility, mini ref, LED TV, closet, luggage rack, even a Bible.
The disappointing part was the rust in the bidet and misaligned toilet bowl cover which was strange considering this was a new hotel. The flushing mechanism in the CR was a workout too, I thought I was doing strength training in the gym, LOL. Anyway, if Housekeeping has to check it,it’s in Room 804.
A high point of Privato was the swimming pool on the penthouse level which was shallow enough for my 5-year old to play in….
In the same floor was the Verona Roof Deck Bar where guests can savor conversations in comfy lounge chairs. This bar had an enviable view of Makati & Fort Bonifacio Global City at night, with all their buildings and glittering city lights.
Breakfast was at the Piazza Privato on the 6th floor which looked very sleek and modern. We didn’t get to try their breakfast buffet though, at P350 to P300 per person. We chose to eat instead at Sentro 1771 Capitol Commons.
Speaking of Capitol Commons, Privato has the advantage of being just walking distance from the metro’s newest dining and shopping destination. It was my first time to set foot inside Estancia Mall and did some shopping at Debenhams –
My daughter also spent time at the open grounds although she complained of the heat ….
In a nutshell, I think Privato’s biggest asset is its location. It was just a tricycle ride away from Kapitolyo’s much-touted restaurants. Big shopping malls like Shang-ri La Plaza, Megamall, Robinsons Galleria and Podium are also just a hop away. It would have been better if the hotel also provided a shuttle service to these areas.
Our completely fitted out, spacious room for P1,800 was also a steal. Even in other booking sites, Privato’s rates remain reasonable (and I hope it stays that way!)
I just found it strange that the reception only give guests one copy of the electronic key card. This same card is used for powering up the room and also gaining access to the elevator. On a few occasions when I went out of the room to run errands, it was so uncomfortable for me to look for hotel staff to swipe their key card so the elevator can take me up our floor.
Overall, we had a very satisfactory stay and wouldn’t hesitate to be in this part of town again.
Privato Hotel
706 Shaw Blvd. Pasig City
Tel. No. (+632) 717 5888
email: reservations@privatohotel.com
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