Jewel by the Bay
MANILA, Philippines - Since it opened its doors to a welcoming public, the Diamond Hotel has become a landmark in the Manila Bay area. Its imposing white 27-story structure, blindingly radiant in the daylight, is an impressive sight along Roxas Boulevard. But wait until you experience what’s inside — that’s where a treasure trove of delights unfolds.
Over a decade of service has brought to Diamond Hotel a wealth of experience and expertise. However, as what its general manager Vanessa Ledesma Suatengco tells us, they are taking Diamond Hotel’s polish to the next level of brilliance.
“That is what we are doing now, bringing the hotel to the next level and letting everyone know that we are here and up to the task,” Suatengco declares. “We are proudly a Filipino-owned hotel and are competitive on all facets.”
Those already familiar with the Diamond Hotel’s offerings know that the establishment is a reliable leisure and business partner. Fact is, its location is already a coveted spot — it faces the world-famous golden sunset of Manila Bay. It is also planted in the middle of happening places such as shops and malls, cultural and historical centers, convention and exhibit halls and, transportation hubs as well as the financial district and the jump-off points to even more exciting destinations around the country.
The Diamond Hotel’s 500 luxurious rooms are a treat. Forty-six are suites. Each one offers more than just a comfortable place to stay in. It is a home away from home, everything from the well-pressed sheets to the secure VingCard lock system, assuring guests of utmost comfort.
“We take pride in our freebies that we offer our stay-in guests,” Suatengco says. “We are the only hotel that has a free mini-bar. And yes, we replenish them every day. We also have free Wi-Fi and free local calls. All these all-inclusive conveniences are part of the Diamond Hotel experience.”
No experience is complete without visiting the hotel’s restaurants. For an international menu, there is the Palm Court Café. Japanese dining is at the Yurakuen while the Euro-continental fine dining happens at Restaurant Le Bellevue. For guests looking for a laid-back time over coffee and pastries, there is the Kohikan.
Nightly entertainment unfolds at the Sky Lounge Music Bar located at the 27th floor. Everything from bands to comedy acts is at the Sky Lounge. It even offers Latin nights wherein guests can indulge in their favorite dances.
Seasoned business travelers are also aware of the popularity of the Diamond Hotel’s exclusive Diamond Club at the 25th and 26th floors. There are 31 rooms and suites at the Club, which commands a majestic view of the cityscape and the Bay. Business people are pampered with complimentary breakfast, shoeshine services, and 24-hour coffee and tea services, among others.
The Diamond Hotel is practically a one-stop shop for business, as evidenced by its advanced selection of services built for this purpose. There are nine function rooms for meetings and social gatherings. A boardroom, two conference rooms, and four meeting rooms provide ideal venues for companies.
Event organizers must take note of the hotel’s Galaxias, the 27th-floor ballroom, and the Diamond Ballroom, which can be divided into three spacious halls.
Its business center is likewise fully furnished with the latest equipment: facsimile machines, photocopiers, word processors, computers, printers, mobile phones, and DVD players. It even offers translation and interpretation services and express courier service.
Pleasure is not far behind either. In-house guests can enjoy a few laps or so at the hotel’s photogenic pool or a dip in the outdoor Jacuzzi, or a few hits at the tennis court. Health buffs can trust the Diamond Spa with its state-of-the-art exercise machines, sauna, Jacuzzi, and massage room.
Fact is, the hotel is taking big strides in offering newer, more thrilling twists to the usual.
“We want to break out from the traditional stuff and instead pursue more innovative and contemporary products and services. People want fresh ideas and even fresher twists to the ordinary,” Suatengco, the hotel’s first female general manager, says.
“Our recent Easter celebration was anything but ordinary. Instead of the standard egg hunts, we had live musical performances, costume contests, magic shows, origami making, and glitter tattoos. That event was the perfect start of an even more creative year for us,” she says.
For summer, treats include water activities, beverage mixers, foot reflexology and massages, and the hotel’s cool super-sized ice cream.
“Just as our services are personalized, so are our packages. So if you are planning an event or a milestone, you can approach us and we will help you customize an affair around your budget. It is a personal touch that we know our clients will appreciate,” she concludes.
With good value on offer, it is just as good an idea to discover the gem that is the Diamond Hotel.
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The Diamond Hotel is located along Roxas Boulevard corner Dr. J. Quintos St., Manila. For more information, log on to www.diamondhotel.com, call (632) 528-3000 or e-mail at bizcenter@diamondhotel.com.
