It was quite understandable then, when one of the Century Park Hotel’s staff called my office and inquired whether I was available to enjoy "a pleasant stay at the hotel’s Executive Suites."
So off I went to the Century, which to me is still the undisputed hotel in the Metro bay area. As always, Steve Naguiat, the hotel’s PR manager, saw to my immediate convenience. He ushered me to the Member’s Lounge, where the warm staff welcomed me, and appraised me on the exceptional features of the Executive Suites, such as the in-house butler, ready to serve me 24 hours a day, a fully-equipped business center for domestic and international services, plus extraordinary attention that the Century’s staff accords you. I was given the security card entry pass, and shown my room. It is very tasteful, replete with every comfort and convenience I find in plush hotels abroad.
The rooms are equipped with coffee and tea making gizmos, businessman’s desk, bedside control panel, refrigerator, multi-channel capacity hi-fi color TV with 76 cable channels, mini-bar, telephone with bathroom extension, radio and programmed music, tub/shower/bath combination, individually controlled air conditioning, all very impeccable appointments, indeed.
After a fitful sleep, breakfast arrived on the dot. As my early repast was being wheeled by a young staffer, I couldn’t help but marvel at what I saw. Of course the breakfast set was yummy.
This is, after all, The Century. The dishes are as diverse as they are simply spectacular.
There is the 24-hour buffet at the Cafe at the Park, where Continental, Asian as well as exotic choices are available to delight your taste buds. The dessert table is filled with virtually every delectable pastry and cake you can imagine. Dining here is an absolute experience.
For those who really want to indulge a craving for sweets, there’s the Deli Snack, a delicatessen and pastry shop with the most sinful indulgences. Have a hankering for Japanese cuisine with Unkai, the Century’s renowned restaurant and one of the best in the city. The food here is fresh as it is carefully chosen, the preparation and presentation, simply exquisite.
I remember the times I keep returning to the Century Seafood Restaurant, to enjoy sea harvests and delectable dimsums like I’ve never tasted before. I make a mental note to tour all of the CPH’s heavenly dining places during this stay.
After setting on the Cafe, and enjoying the exquisite cuisines of the world, I head for a quick change and take to the pool where like every gentleman I indulge in the scenery. As usual, fresh juices at the Palm Grove help me wind down, before taking a decadently delicious nap on the breezy poolside.
Refreshed, I joined some friends for cocktails at the Atrium Lounge in the early evening, and enjoy the Symphony Orchestra. The ensemble is terrific, rendering string classics to lift you up.
For many of my friends, there’s the Cellar Pub and Deli with private KTV rooms to belt out those tunes. Later, I decide to take up an invitation from another group at the Top of the Century, and enjoy scintillating lounge acts and swing through the night.
In retrospect, the Century Park Hotel remains distinct in that it merges comforts with a secure feeling that your needs are taken care of by its personable and oft familiar staff. There is the impeccable service, exquisite food, and the luxurious setting. It’s like coming home, and being pampered to no end.