MISS LITRATISTA: September 2013

All I Want for Christmas

{Wanderlust Wednesdays} Truly an Oasis in the City: The Oasis Paco Park Hotel in Manila

I always cringe at the idea of going to Manila every single time that my company would sent me for an official travel. Not that I'm complaining about the given opportunity, but with all the traffic, pollution and the hassle of finding a decent and clean place to stay, I can truly say that there's no place like home.

So when I was requested to attend another convention last week, I browsed the internet and looked for accommodations which would pass my standards. I'm not that hard to please when it comes to rooms; the very least is that they had to be clean, decent, secure and give value for your money, most especially when you are in the heart of Manila. Then I discovered THE OASIS PACO PARK HOTEL and after a few exchange of messages, I was booked for a 3D/2N stay in Manila's original boutique hotel.

Formerly known as The Park Hotel for 20 years, THE OASIS PACO PARK HOTEL prides itself as being Manila's first boutique hotel. It was in early 2011 that this hotel was refurbished and upgraded its entire amenities to accommodate the changing needs of its clientele and to further enhance its reputation. It was again reintroduced to the general public in mid-2012, labeled as THE OASIS PACO PARK HOTEL and managed by Aura Hotels and Resorts, the same company managing The District in Boracay and Buri Resort and Spa in Puerto Galera.

The most distinct landmark in Manila situated near the hotel is the Paco Park. Even though I have been in and out of Manila for a number of times already, I am not quite familiar with the location of the hotel. However, finding the hotel seemed like a breeze because Ms. Ivy Ocampo, the Sales Account Executive, sent me a vicinity map together with the confirmation letter of my booking. And there it was, beside the walls of a famous park is the hotel's main entrance.

Today, the hotel has 45 guest rooms with en suite bathrooms and each room is designed to provide a relaxing ambiance with maximum comfort. According to its website, every room has been individually decorated to give its occupants a unique character and personal ambiance.

Like any other hotels, the standard check-in time is at 2:00 pm and the check-out time is at 12:00 noon. I was initially booked for a Superior room but was later on upgraded to a Deluxe Room upon my early arrival at no additional cost. I was treated to a delicious breakfast of Oasis Own Tocino at My Kitchen while waiting for my room to be set up. I was also offered a welcome drink, either a glass of juice, a bottle of local beer or a cocktail mix, depending on my choice. I was thinking of getting the cocktail mix, but I totally forgot about it when nighttime came.

When I arrived at the room assigned to me, I was totally in awe. Aside from the fact that it was already an upgrade, the 45-square meter Deluxe room was very welcoming and spacious - with one double and a single bed - for a solo occupant. Indeed, it has this modern contemporary style accentuated with paintings and wooden pieces of furniture that emit a really personal vibe.