At the risk of revealing one’s age, let it be said that the Century Park Hotel was an imposing figure in the late 70s. Sundays meant going to nearby Harrison Plaza for a good spot of shopping and to Century Park for a good meal. And indeed it was a hub for Sunday families where fathers would bump into business associates during lunch.
It was a different kind of high when the car would turn to the elevated hotel driveway. Anybody who went through that knows that something special was going to happen at the Century Park. It could be a wonderful meal with family and friends (but it was almost always with the former), a revel-worthy dip in the pool or a night of great live music.
Since its establishment in 1976, the Century Park has become more than a landmark and a bastion of feel-good memories. It remains a presence in the hotel scene, and in the lifestyle of city dwellers. Now, 32 years on, the hotel continues to reassert itself as a place where Filipino hospitality meets world-class standards.
“The reason why the Century Park has stayed this long is its consistent delivery of services,” says Century Park general manager Philippe Bartholomi. “We have never rested on our laurels. That is why our brand of service has remained in good favor among our guests.”
It has come a long way when it was built in time for the arrival of delegates attending the International Monetary Fund-World Bank Conference at the then newly built Philippine International Convention Center. All 500 guest rooms and suites boasted of the most advanced features and amenities.
The 19-story Century Tower welcomed the world’s most seasoned travelers, confidently opening its doors to reveal a haven of pure delight. The Park Tower, on the other hand, accommodated Manila’s temporary residents in its four-story structure.
A little further up to the 18th floor, one finds the Executive Level where the frequent, sophisticated business traveler is pampered to the hilt. Looking at the list makes us want to be an actual world-wise business traveler: all-day coffee, tea, day and night cocktails, a selection of newspapers, business facilities, exclusive butler service, and valet.
Of course, it cannot all be serious for the hard-working traveler. There has to be time for leisure. Those rounds of golf, sets of tennis, and other recreational activities will be handled by the front office.
How could we forget those seemingly endless nights when we would attend one debut after another at the Century? Every venue here has witnessed one too many special occasions (or even conferences) that one would care to recall: the Grand Ballroom, the Century Ballroom, the Park Ballroom, and the Mayon Room. The Grand Ballroom can fit up to 800 guests. Good thing that the hotel has kept up with the times by securing high-tech audio-video equipment for every type of function.
The Café at the Park remains a perennial favorite, with its fabulous mix of Western and Asian cuisine. Just roaming around its buffet spread may make one catch his breath, but chances are, it is because of the impressive selection of dishes.
“You might recall that the Century Park kick-started the buffet craze in the metro,” Bartholomi says. “We were the talk of the town because of our live food stations and open kitchens.”
Speaking of selection, guests can also choose from among the Century Park’s restaurants. Japanese food is served at the Century Tsukiji while Cantonese dishes are offered at the Century Seafood.
Long-time guests and visitors of the hotel can still relive those warm memories of yore when they sat at the Atrium Lounge to listen to live brands.
Indeed, we had single uncles and aunts bringing their dates to the Atrium Lounge back then. It was apparent that the hotel was the venue for these rather intimate encounters. Sometimes they would be found at Harry’s Bar or the Top of the Century. And oh, for the record, my relatives ended up marrying those dates of theirs.
These outlets still feature nightly performances from talented musicians and vocalists. If the idea now is to do the singing yourselves, the hotel’s Cellar Bar has karaoke lounges that will help achieve this, well, deed. Snacking is the order of the day at the Palm Groove and the Deli Snack.
Further affirming its claim as a favorite and favored destination, the Century Park also has wellness and health facilities. It now has the newly renovated temperature-controlled swimming pools and a complete fitness center that has provisions for sauna, massage, and aromatherapy sessions.
“Naturally, we could not have gone this far were it not for our people, who definitely make guests experience the unique Filipino hospitality,” the general manager says. “Our staff, all 450 of them, completes the Century Park experience.”
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The Century Park Hotel is located at Pablo Ocampo st., Malate, Manila. For more information, call 528-8888, e-mail at information@centurypark.com.ph or log on to www.century-park.com.