The Philippine Star

Grand Hyatt Manila continues to light up BGC skyline

WELCOMES BACK LEISURE GUESTS

- By MICHAELA TANGAN

Filipinos are known for being one of the most hospitable and generous hosts in the world — if not the most. The warm culture is complement­ed by vibrant year-round festivals, natural hidden gems, and historic sites. Be it business or leisure, the country has what it takes to stand out. Foreign and local tourists alike would backpack and unveil the beauty that the Philippine­s has in store. Many would also come to Metro Manila, the country’s very heart, to discover brilliant talents and experience the adrenaline only it could offer.

So, it comes as no surprise if the country is hailed as one of the top tourist destinatio­ns around the globe. According to the Department of Tourism (DOT), the country registered an all-time high of 8.2 million foreign visitors in 2019, one million higher compared to the previous year.

Just when hopes are high, COVID- 19 delivered an unpreceden­ted blow. For months, tourism was forced to be at a standstill, especially in the hotel industry, as DOT reports a 73-percent drop in foreign visitor arrivals.

However, Filipinos aren’t only known for being hospitable and generous — above all, we are resilient.

LIGHTING UP BGC’S SKYLINE ONCE MORE To safely revive and reopen the industry and bring back jobs, DOT has allowed “staycation­s” in areas under General Community Quarantine (GCQ).

Grand Hyatt’s five-star hotel — prominentl­y standing at the financial, commercial, and entertainm­ent district of Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig — is one of the few hotels granted with the Certificat­es of Authority to Operate for Staycation­s (CAOS) in the Metro. This means that the hotel “has fulfilled all requiremen­ts for operation for staycation purposes” and has stringentl­y placed protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of its guests.

With the CAOS, leisure guests may unwind in ancillary facilities such as gyms, swimming pools, restaurant­s and other food and beverage outlets, except for bars, which remain prohibited in GCQ areas.

Those who have been working hard from home for quite some time now deserve a break, change of scenery, and five-star luxury service. This is where Grand Hyatt Manila comes in.

While many things have changed, some remain the same. After undergoing health and safety checks, one will still be greeted with sophistica­ted interiors, drawn from art, theatre, fashion, and timeless architectu­re and design elements inspired by the Philippine­s’ local culture. Although protected by masks, face shields and barriers, every hotel staff gives full-attention and extends boundless and warm Filipino hospitalit­y to visitors — only now, from a safe distance.

SAFETY MEETS ELEVATED GRAND EXPERIENCE

The room, meticulous­ly decorated in earth tones, brings a feeling of retreat to momentaril­y take away life’s worries during your stay. On to the bathroom, more tranquilit­y and winding down awaits with its richly veined gray-white marble finish, a spacious glass-enclosed shower stall, and a deep soaking tub.

Perhaps, one can also be delighted by what’s beyond the room’s window drapes — a breathtaki­ng and unobstruct­ed panoramic view of the metro, encompassi­ng the Makati skyline all the way to Manila Bay.

For all this, the hotel offers its guests an irresistib­le staycation package, starting at

P12,000 net for a Grand King Room. The package includes Abbott rapid antigen tests for two, breakfast for two adults and two kids below 12 years old, breakfast for two adults and two kids below 12 years old, welcome refreshmen­ts at The Lounge, flexible check-in and check-out, 20-percent discount on dine-in restaurant­s, and 50 percent off on laundry service. Guests may enjoy a 24-hour stay (subject to availabili­ty). Should guests wish to have additional antigen tests done, the rate is P2,000 per person and the tests will be done on-site, prior to check-in. Another package option, one without the antigen test, at P9,888 net for a Grand King Room, with the other inclusions stated above. Guests may book these packages from Oct. 15 to Dec. 15, 2020.

For a delectable gastronomi­c journey not too far from home, Grand Hyatt now offers culinary treats from two of its food and beverage outlets at The Grand Kitchen. From the kitchen to the dining area, the multi- cuisine all- day- dining restaurant guarantees that health and safety protocols are observed as they serve freshly-prepared, mouthwater­ing dishes.

Meanwhile, The Cellar’s delectable paella is also available to satisfy the cravings of patrons who have been cooped up in quarantine. The Lounge, enveloped with sophistica­tion, has the best seats in the house for light snacks and afternoon tea. It includes a premium graband-go shop, Florentine, which offers an indulgent selection of cakes, pastries, and specialty coffee for 24 hours.

For those who missed the food during the Chinese Mid-autumn celebratio­ns, No. 8 China House is known for its authentic Chinese dining experience. Their selections

Although protected by masks, face shields and barriers, every hotel staff gives full-attention and extends boundless and warm Filipino hospitalit­y to visitors — only now, from a safe distance.

include Peking Duck, Chinese BBQ, Homemade Dim Sum, and Cantonese seafood, all prepared in live cooking stations.

The Peak’s restaurant and grill, resting on the 60th to the 62nd floor, gives guests the much-needed moment to relish the great outdoors without actually going out, thanks to its al fresco dining options. Dining here is, indeed, a delight to the senses, as its exceptiona­l menu satisfies the palate while sophistica­ted interiors and sweeping views of the metropolis delight the eyes.

Grand Hyatt Manila’s 24-hour Fitness Center, fully-fitted with strengthen­ing equipment, has also opened for its active and athletic guests.

On the sixth floor, the resort- like outdoor space invites guests to lie back, relax and unwind amid the turquoise swimming pools and lush landscape of greenery.

Rising next to the iconic hotel is Grand Hyatt Manila Residences South Tower, one of the most sought-after luxury real estate properties in BGC. Grand Hyatt Manila Residences is the first and only branded Residences in Southeast Asia with the Grand Hyatt distinctio­n. Similar to Grand Hyatt Manila, the Residences lets you experience true luxury with its impressive features, array of amenities and impeccable service — a gold standard in premium living. These developmen­ts are part of Federal Land’s master-planned community, Grand Central Park in Bonifacio Global City.

For more updates on Grand Hyatt Manila, follow@ grand hyatt manila ph on Instagram or visit www.facebook.com/ Grand Hyatt Manila Ph. For booking sand inquiries, you may call (+632) 8838-1234 or email manila.grand@hyatt.com.

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 ??  ?? Federal Land Inc. chairman Alfred Ty, Bonifacio Landmark Realty and Developmen­t Corp. president Hans Hauri, and Grand Hyatt Manila GM Gottfried Bogensperg­er welcome Sec. Puyat as she inspects the hotel’s reopening for staycation, the first of 10 hotels to acquire the CAOS.
Federal Land Inc. chairman Alfred Ty, Bonifacio Landmark Realty and Developmen­t Corp. president Hans Hauri, and Grand Hyatt Manila GM Gottfried Bogensperg­er welcome Sec. Puyat as she inspects the hotel’s reopening for staycation, the first of 10 hotels to acquire the CAOS.
 ??  ?? The Garden Pavillion, a resort-like event space.
The Garden Pavillion, a resort-like event space.
 ?? PHOTO BY EDD GUMBAN ?? DOT Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat tries contactles­s contact tracing and health and safety declaratio­n form during her inspection last Oct. 14.
PHOTO BY EDD GUMBAN DOT Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat tries contactles­s contact tracing and health and safety declaratio­n form during her inspection last Oct. 14.
 ??  ?? The Peak offers sweeping views of the metropolis.
The Peak offers sweeping views of the metropolis.
 ??  ?? Grand Hyatt Manila staff frequently sanitizes high-touch areas in the hotel.
Grand Hyatt Manila staff frequently sanitizes high-touch areas in the hotel.
 ??  ?? Floor markers are placed at the reception area to ensure that safety protocols such as physical distancing are observed.
Floor markers are placed at the reception area to ensure that safety protocols such as physical distancing are observed.

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