Century

MANILA, Philippines - Change is almost always a good thing. With Century Park Hotel, change isn’t just good, it ushers in a brand new beginning for the five-star establishment that has become a well-known fixture of the Roxas Boulevard scene.

In this case, change comes in the form of some pretty extensive room renovations. Rest assured, though, that Century Park retains its charm and understated elegance throughout. It has taken 33 years to get this far, but in that time, service has remained impeccable and the warm hospitality distinctly Filipino.

Another good change is Philippe Bartholomi, Century Park’s new general manager. But saying “new” is relative. Philippe has already been at the hotel for well over a year now and is successfully overseeing a complete renovation of nearly 482 rooms. Previous guests will be pleasantly surprised at the changes they will see, which are more than just a cosmetic facelift.

“Century Park really needed this renovation for a very long time,” Philippe says. “The first phase of our renovation started way back in the last week of July and the first four floors will be delivered to us in the first week of November.” Meaning, in about a week or two after you read this, around 120 newly renovated deluxe rooms will be available. This will be followed by the renovation of another 300 superior rooms.

Philippe reiterates that the changes are far from just changing a coat of paint. As far as the deluxe rooms are concerned, they have completely stripped the rooms of their previous elements and added some new ones. “It is really a deep renovation, not just a refurbishment,” he continues. “We stripped the room of absolutely everything and knocked down the walls of the old bathroom so we can extend them. You name it, everything is new.”

Reflecting a modern Asian style, the new deluxe rooms are inspired by Asian wood paneling and woven mat techniques. Walls and ceilings are painted sheer white contrasting with the rich wood grain. Laminates for all the furniture, cabinets and flat-screen LCD TVs have a black wall accent. Other amenities include Wi-Fi Internet and an iPod dock with alarm in all corner suite rooms.

Even walking into the rooms has become a whole new experience in itself. The 80-percent wool and 20-percent nylon mix of the carpeting is approved by the British Wool Licensees, a guarantee of high quality and authenticity. Extending the comfort to the beds, one will find duvet covers and linens with a 300-thread count accompanied by soft feather pillows which ensure a truly relaxing night.

Another notable transformation takes place in the deluxe rooms’ bathroom. The newly extended space now has four distinct and separate elements: a bathtub, shower with enclosure, toilet with enclosure, and a separate sink. An LCD monitor and speakers bring the entertainment even while you freshen up. These “lifestyle” bathrooms will surely give old returning guests a very positive surprise.

With all of these new changes, everything else you need to know about Century Park Hotel is decidedly old news to many. It has one of the best locations in the Manila Bay area, centrally located and not that far from the domestic and international airports. There are numerous shopping options, namely the famous Mall of Asia and the much nearer Robinsons Place Manila. Aside from these high-end shopping centers there is the Bohemian side of the city — art galleries, bars, and hole-in-the-wall establishments that are unique to the Malate area. Of course, there’s the old walled city of Intramuros and all the history it brings. At the end of the day, literally, a walk along Roxas Boulevard brings with it the famously beautiful Manila sunset.

Philippe, who started as a chef by trade before moving on to management, would say that as much as how exciting things are outside of the hotel, the inside is just as amazing. A bevy of dining establishments offers guests a satisfying list of food choices. Starting with the Atrium Lounge, people can sit back and relax in the wide open space while having a cup of tea or even a full meal. The Café in the Park offers a wide selection of breakfast and buffet meals. The Palm Grove near the pool area offers up some delightful snacks, and the Top of the Century is a perfect dining setting.

To celebrate its 33rd year, Century Park offers discounts of up to 33 percent on certain buffet meals. There’s also an ongoing promotion at the Century Tsukuji Japanese restaurant dubbed “Make Your Own Bento Box.” As the name implies, for P500+ you can make your own bento box by choosing one food item from each category — appetizer, grilled dishes, fried dishes and rice dishes — four items total. Then sit back as the chef does the rest. Every bento box comes with miso soup and the dessert of the day. This promo is available for lunch and dinner and runs up to December.

Lastly, another ongoing promo running up to Dec. 31 lets guests have a chance to win a Business Class roundtrip plane ticket to Hong Kong. For every one-time, dine-in transaction of P3,300 in any of the hotel-managed food and beverage establishments, guests get one raffle ticket. The draw will be held on Jan. 4, 2010.

Philippe says, “Christmas is around the corner already and Century Park is known during Christmas for all our products from the Delicatessen.” At this time, a lot of people come to buy all the various breads, cakes, cold cuts and sausages. All of the deli products are done in-house, by the way. There are a very nice butcher section and Century Park’s own bakery and pastry area with top-of-the-line equipment. It even has an exclusive room where Belgian chocolates and pralines are made. Not surprisingly at the coffee shop, the hotel is proud to serve some traditional Filipino Christmas fare — bibingka and puto bumbong.

As a host to many a Christmas party, Century Park provides the perfect venue for corporate celebrations. This year, it provides some much needed help to many in the corporate world. “We are offering Christmas packages which are lighter on the pocket,” Philippe enthuses. “We are also more flexible when it comes to our Christmas packages knowing some companies are having some difficulties.”

Ask about their various function rooms such as the Kachina, Kanlaon, Badjao, Corregidor and Grand Ballroom, which can accommodate any number of people from the smallest gatherings to big company parties.

With all these changes, it is far too easy to overlook what remains the same. And what hasn’t changed is what keeps Century Park the great hotel that it is. Philippe says, “This hotel has always been known for its very warm and friendly Filipino hospitality.” That is something that will most likely never change.

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Century Park Hotel is located at 599 P. Ocampo st., Malate, Manila. For more information on ongoing promos and other hotel concerns, e-mail at information@centurypark.com.ph or call its trunkline at (632) 528-8888 or Room Reservations at (632) 528-5814 to 16, fax at (632) 525-3209 or (632) 528-1811 to 12, or log on to www.centurypark.com.