Bonjour! Mabuhay! That is how the courteous and hospitable staff members of Hotel Sofitel Philippine Plaza greets everyone from the entrance door, to the elevator up to the room hallways. A hotel in Manila (technically, located in Pasay City at the CCP Complex), the property will give you some feel and taste of French service with infusion of course of local (Philippine culture). Most establishments inside even are named with a touch of French (i.e.the dining outlet Le Bar). We had a quick stay at this hotel for a couple of days, checking out just earlier today.
flowers display at main lobby
My mom, Roshie and I, together with Ethan, booked for a Superior Room, 2 Single Beds and this is what we got. A 42sqm of space overlooking the city and Manila bay, spacious enough for all of us. You can see the beds here were combined (side-by-side) and we actually thought we had King Bed in the room at first. I seldom stay in an Accor Hotels on my travels so this is definitely a Welcome. There's another property Imperial Palace Suites in Quezon City but not as luxurious as this Sofitel. This property however is a bit old (built in 1976) and has been passed over different managements and most recently by Starwood Hotels (formerly as a Westin Philippine Plaza Hotel).
Each room has a balcony and ours is facing Manila bay and SM Mall of Asia complex. It is a great sight to see during evenings.
I felt however that the room we stayed has been aging and would need more touch of refurbishment to cope up with standards, but then again it may just be me. To reach our room however is a bit of walk from the elevator but I should say it's well worth it.
This is the view from our balcony in the morning. It has been gloomy these past two days but nevertheless it's still worth seeing. I realized that our room is facing Manila Film Center too.
For one time, we had a try on their buffet lunch at Le Bar. It was full due to an event this week so we were literally seated at the bar.
Ethan, enjoying his food
Yes, it is not as good as Spiral restaurant, which is currently being renovated after the devastating event that put it under water. But the buffet selections can rival that while it's still unavailable. Seafood items like crabs, French cuisine, western and American food, Chinese and Asian selections and of course, ample desert items are sure to delight diners.
my initial plate
Buffet costs between PHP1800-1900 net of taxes and service charge for that lunch. It is okay I should say, but not as extravagant like the usual buffet selection in Makati Shangri-La's Circles or EDSA Shangri-La Hotel's Heat.
The pool area of the hotel looks very resort-like and inviting. Too bad we didn't have swimming gear so we didn't had a chance to take a dip. The play ground however and area leading to the seaside are all closed due to renovation so we haven't had a chance to get to those places.
Question for sure if is it worth it? Probably, probably not. If you're looking for a quick getaway but in the metro, then I would say this is it as it is located in a bit remote area inside CCP Complex (a bit far from things just by walking) but everything is still accessible or just minutes away by car. It's also pricey being a luxury hotel (well the room is sponsored by my mom) but still, if I would spend that much, probably I would just get out of town. The hotel may cater though foreigners or transit passengers as it is very near and accessible from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL).
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