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Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Presidential Suite include. Sort by date Show all posts

Friday, March 24, 2017

World's 15 most expensive hotel suites

Read article : World's 15 most expensive hotel suites

Money's worth nothing, until you spend it.

That's the philosophy behind all extravagant luxury goods, and nothing says "senseless overspending" like blowing thousands on a place to sleep, shower and store your clothes while you go about your day.

For anyone with a few hundred thousand to squander, this is a to-do list. For the rest of us, it's a can't-do, won't-do, don't-even-want-to-do list.

15. Peninsula Suite, The Peninsula, Hong Kong

US$10,000 per night

A stay at Hong Kong's grande dame begins at the airport, where you're picked up by a chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce, part of The Pen's signature fleet.

Or, if you're feeling really flash (and flush), you can arrive by helicopter -- the hotel has two rooftop helipads for their super-rich guests.

At more than 371 square meters, The Peninsula suite, on the 26th floor, provides the most stunning vistas over Victoria Harbour, along with a 24-hour butler and chauffeur service, mini-gym and fully equipped kitchen.

14. The Sultan's Suite, Çirağan Palace Kempinski, Istanbul

US$15,332 per night

Originally built of wood in the 16th century, and eventually the residence of the last Ottoman Sultans, this palace was rebuilt in marble for Sultan Abdülaziz in 1857.

Now a lavish five-star hotel with a guest list that includes Prince Charles, Liz Hurley, Uma Thurman and Giorgio Armani, it has all the trimmings: a gorgeous pool, boat and helicopter service and an amazing breakfast buffet.

The Sultan's Suite overlooking the Bosphorus comes with private butler service, opulent chandeliers, period furniture and fine art. What more could the average oligarch need?

13. Ritz-Carlton Suite, Ritz-Carlton, Moscow

US$18,000 per night

The floor-to-ceiling windows in the Ritz-Carlton Suite frame an unparalleled view of the Kremlin, Red Square, St. Basil's Cathedral and Christ the Savior Cathedral.

With classic Russian Imperial furnishings, the 232-square-meter suite comes with a spacious living room, dining area, library, office, grand piano and heated flooring, perfect for bone-chilling Moscow winters.

12. Royal Suite, Burj Al Arab, Dubai

US$18,716 per night

There are luxury hotels, and then there's the Burj Al Arab. Since its 1999 opening, the iconic, sail-shaped Dubai resort has been a benchmark of no-holds-barred extravagance that others have tried and failed to emulate.

All of the suites -- the word "room" does not exist here -- are arranged over two floors and have whirlpool baths, living and dining areas and dedicated butlers.

11. Royal Suite, Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris

US$24,550 per night

There are a pair of Royal Suites at Hotel George V. Both have private terraces overlooking the historic art deco fountain of the Three Graces.

Stuffed with magnificent French antiques, these vast suites are adorned with 18th- and 19th-century fine art. Crystal chandeliers glitter and huge vases of pale pink roses perfume the air.

The master bedrooms have spacious marble bathrooms with steam rooms, sauna and a walk-in dressing rooms.

10. Royal Towers Bridge Suite, Atlantis, Bahamas

US$25,000 per night

This 10-room suite with gold sofas, cushions, gilt mirrors and chandeliers is enough to make minimalists break out in hives. This is shameless glamour.

The grand foyer dazzles the eye with an elaborate floor made of four kinds of marble. The 15-meter-long living room holds a baby grand piano. The vast entertainment center comes with a full-service bar.

Throw in the eye-popping balcony views, and a butler, and this is no ordinary pad.

9. Ritz-Carlton Suite, Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo

US$25,050 per night

At 120 square meters, the Carlton Suite has many of the usual big suite highlights -- Frette linen sheets, an oversized marble bathroom, huge beds, flat-screen TVs and individual rain shower booths.

The clincher is the fact that it tops the tallest skyscrapers in Tokyo and has proposal-worthy views over the Imperial Palace, Roppongi Hills and Mount Fuji.

8. Villa La Cupola Suite, Westin Excelsior, Rome

US$30,000 per night

For the ultimate in La Dolce Vita, check into the stunning Villa La Cupola suite in Rome's Westin Excelsior.

One of the largest in Europe, the suite is inspired by ancient Rome, with extensive use of marble, stained glass and frescoes. There's a gorgeous wraparound terrace where you can soak up the sun, a private spa with sauna, whirlpool and steam bath, as well as private cinema.

7. Presidential Suite, Hotel Cala di Volpe, Sardinia, Italy

US$32,736 per night

Perfect for sun-kissed networking, the Presidential Suite overlooks the sparkling brine of the Costa Smeralda. Billed as one of the most gorgeous suites in the world, this three-bedroom luxury pad stands above the rambling towers and pantile roofs of the luxury Porto Cervo resort.

An understated blend of Mediterranean style and sensational bay views, the suite also has its own pool on the private roof terrace, along with a wine cellar and outdoor gym.

6. The Royal Villa, Grand Resort Lagonissi, Athens

US$34,356 per night

With a butler, private chef and pianist at your beck and call, there's little need to lift a finger -- except to sip martinis -- when you stay at this three-bedroomed villa.

When you're feeling more active you can also take advantage of an indoor pool, outdoor heated pool and gym, as well as a steam bath and massage room.

There's also a nearby private marina and beach.

5. Hugh Hefner Sky Villa Palms Resort, Las Vegas

US$35,487 per night

The Hugh Hefner Sky Villa, high in the Palms' Fantasy Tower, is fitted out with everything Playboy: racy artwork selected by Hef himself, a huge, rotating circular bed and an indoor pool, branded with the Bunny logo, leading to a hair- -- and libido- -- raising cantilevered spa bath high above the Strip.

This 836-square-meter, two-bedroom pad also includes an orgy-sized bathtub, bar and poker table and an indoor waterfall.

The eye-watering price doesn't include breakfast -- or Bunnies.

4. Penthouse Suite, Hotel Martinez, Cannes, France

US$37,500 per night

On the Croisette, Hotel Martinez has a Michelin-starred restaurant, piano bar and huge private beach.

Decked out in art deco style, you'll have a sitting room, dining room, two bedrooms, two bathrooms with hammam, shower, spa bath, dressing room and sauna at your disposal, as well as a huge terrace overlooking the Bay of Cannes.

3. Ty Warner Penthouse Suite, Four Seasons Hotel, New York

US$41,836 per night

This 400-square-meter penthouse tops the entire top floor of this magnificent hotel, offering a 360-degree view of the Manhattan skyline.

The nine-room suite is the brainchild of designer Peter Marino, architect IM Pei and the hotel's owner Ty Warner (the billionaire creator of the Beanie Babies).

It sports fabrics woven with platinum and gold, an indoor-outdoor Zen garden, a stupendous chandelier, the services of a personal butler, personal trainer/therapist and private chauffeur.

2. The Presidential Suite, The Raj Palace Hotel, Jaipur, India

US$45,000 per night

This positively palatial suite was a former Maharaja's residence. At nearly 1,500 square meters, the suite is one of the biggest in Asia, and comprises a four-floor apartment lavishly decorated in gold leaf, stucco, ivory and mirror work.

With a private roof terrace and swimming pool offering panoramic views of the pink city of Jaipur, and its own private museum, there seems little reason to leave.

1. Royal Penthouse Suite, Hotel President Wilson, Geneva

US$65,000 per night

For the security-conscious, or the merely paranoid, there's nowhere better to stay than the Royal Penthouse Suite at the Hotel President Wilson Hotel, which has panoramic views of Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc.

With bulletproof doors and windows, it's the perfect safehouse for visiting heads of state, or privacy-conscious celebs.

Taking up the entire top floor of the hotel, the suite has its own private elevator to whisk guests to an apartment with 12 rooms, which hold a Steinway grand piano, billiard room, library and private fitness center.

Thursday, December 28, 2017

Miami's Top Hotel Penthouse Suites

Read article : Miami's Top Hotel Penthouse Suites

When a standard room simply won’t do, it’s a good thing that Miami’s already luxurious hotels can accommodate with over the top digs—and price tags to match. Here’s a peek inside Miami’s most sought after suites with room to spare, floor-to-ceiling windows, private rooftop pools, marble bathrooms, and panoramic views stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the downtown skyline. This is our ranking of the most outrageous penthouses in Miami.

1. The Setai 

The Setai (pictured at top) is perhaps the most expensive hotel in South Beach—period. And the penthouse gives you 10,000 square-feet of zen-luxe accommodations, including a 3,000 square foot ocean front terrace—all for a mere $32,000 a night. The views from the 40th floor are best enjoyed from the private terrace’s infinity pool and Jacuzzi. The four-bedroom, four-bath suite also includes a Steinway piano, a full-service kitchen and amenities like butler service upon request, Frette linens, a rainfall shower, and a Bose surround-sound system. 2001 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-520-6000; thesetaihotel.com.

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2. Faena

Checking into the Faena Suite is like setting foot on a Baz Luhrmann movie set. The filmmaker and his wife, set and costume designer Catharine Martin, collaborated with Alan Faeana on the creative direction of the hotel. The suite is awash in lush red velvet, lavish animal prints and turquoise and gold accents. Connecting to a premiere oceanfront suite, it can be arranged into an extravagant four-bedroom suite at 3,549-square-feet. Drink in panoramic views of the Atlantic from multiple bathrooms or retreat in one of the five oversized bathrooms with a soaking tub. From $20,000 per night. 3201 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-534-8800; faena.com. 

 

3. The Miami Beach EDITION 

A two-story bungalow at The Miami Beach EDITION is like a little slice of heaven. With blonde oak and walnut wood paneling and plush, white sofas piled high with pillows, the aesthetic is all understated elegance. Outfitted with a separate bedroom, dining room and living room, the bathroom is a spa-like treat with a personal sauna. Top floor bungalows are equipped with private rooftop soaking tub and all enjoy panoramic views of the sea with oversized balconies. 2901 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 786-257-4500; editionhotels.com/miami-beach.  

 

4. Mandarin Oriental Miami

Famous for being a Forbes Travel Guide Triple Five Star Hotel in Miami, the Mandarin Oriental, Miami features two presidential suite options that channel this tranquil-luxe experience. The Oriental Suite on the 20th floor is the largest room in the hotel at 2,365 square-feet. With floor-to-ceiling windows, an oversized master bathroom, and a working fireplace, it’s a cozy retreat with a wraparound balcony and sweeping views of the city and Biscayne Bay. There’s also a fully equipped kitchen, a dining room that entertains eight, and a piano “christened” by Luciano Pavarotti. For the true spa seeker, reserve the Mandarin Suite on the 19th floor and enjoy a personal therapist on call 24 hours a day for in-room services in your designated relaxation room. The 2,000 square-foot room also boasts an infinity-edge soaking tub and a two-person, glass-enclosed steam shower. A night in either room will run you $9,500. 500 Brickell Key Dr., Miami; 305-913-8288. mandarinoriental.com/miami.

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5. The Confidante Miami Beach

The 14th floor penthouse at The Confidante Miami Beach boasts a wraparound private terrace with both ocean and city views. The 980-square-foot pied a terrehas a master king bedroom with separate living and dining room and can be expanded to include an additional 367-square-foot deluxe king room with balcony. The luxurious bathroom includes a rainfall shower and whirlpool tub. All of this in Confidante’s signature playful palette of bright colors and patterns with a touch of vintage glamour. Nightly rates start at $1,500. 4041 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 786-605-4041; theconfidante.unbound.hyatt.com

6. W South Beach

The W South Beach has a collection of VIP suites, but none is so glamorous as the E-WOW Penthouse. The 2,600 square-foot suite has three bedrooms, all outfitted with king-sized beds and four balconies with unrivaled views of the Atlantic Ocean. The modern-luxe furnishings are complimented with fresh orchids, a Nespresso machine, and a plush robe and slippers. Add to this a rooftop deck with private plunge pool and a grill, and you’ve found your home away from home. E-WOW comes with all the perks of a true VIP, including personalized concierge service, guaranteed entry into W’s nightclub Wall, and a farewell gift on the night of your departure. The E-WOW Penthouse is $4,000 a night. 2201 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-938-3000; wsouthbeach.com.

 

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7. JW Marriott Marquis Miami

Situated 41 skyscraping stories above downtown Miami with sweeping views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami River, the JW Marriott Marquis’ Presidential Suite with floor-to-ceiling soundproof windows seems to float above it all. At 2,479 square-feet, the suite includes two bedrooms with Brazilian cherry wood floors, two and a half baths with Italian marble, a living room, dining room, office, and private treadmill room. This modern luxury in the clouds can be yours for $4,000 a night. 255 Biscayne Blvd. Way, Miami; 305-421-8600; marriott.com.

8. SLS South Beach

You can party like a rock star—or just sleep like one—at the SLS South Beach inside one of Lenny Kravitz’s Kravitz Design Inc. penthouses. Choose from the Villa overlooking the action at Hyde Beach or the Tower on the top floor of the historic tower originally designed by architect L. Murray Dixon in 1939. Each high design penthouse is about 1,500 square-feet with a spacious ocean view balcony. The Tower features a grand living room, dining room, bar, and master suite with sumptuous interiors, like black and white marble, glass mosaic tile, textured leather, and screen-printed wallpaper in pewter and gold. The Villa has a contemporary feel with Cyprus wood paneled walls and stone floors, and a master bath with white Thassos marble walls and glass mosaic floors. If “you’re gonna go [this] way,” pricing starts at $2,500 per night. 1701 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-674-1701; slshotels.com/southbea ch.

 

9. InterContinental Miami

Originally named for President Ronald Reagan and Princess Caroline of Monaco, the InterContinental Miami’s pair of penthouse suites have been given an upgrade thanks to a 30 million dollar hotel renovation and the eye of tennis superstar Venus Williams and her V Starr design firm. Now named the Royal Palm and the Metropolis, each 3,300 square-foot suite offers a master bedroom, living room, dining room, multi-media room, office, and kitchen with gorgeous views of Miami and Biscayne Bay. A favorite hotel of competitors and attendees of the annual Sony Open Tennis tournament, Williams’ aesthetic is the perfect compliment to this classic downtown destination. Both penthouses start at $3,000 per night. 100 Chopin Plaza, Miami; 305-577-1000; icmiamihotel.com.

 

10. 1 Hotel South Beach

At 3,600 square-feet, boasting two king master bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a living room, pool table alcove, media room and a balcony with sweeping ocean views and a daybed for lounging, 1 Hotel’s Presidential suite is a luxurious retreat. With furniture made of rough hewn white oak and natural fibers, wood-grained tile floors and nature-inspired pendant lamps, 1’s penthouse reflects the aesthetic of “bringing the outside in” at this eco-driven luxury hotel. Bathrooms feature walk-in showers and free-standing Boffi tubs. A throne-worthy rattan swing adds a touch of whimsy to the blissful space. Rates available upon request. 2341 Collins Ave., South Beach; 305-604-1000; 1hotels.com/south-beach.

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11. Delano

Delano is considered the original South Beach “scene” hotel. Designed by Philippe Starck to resemble a glamorous stumble down the rabbit hole in Alice in Wonderland, it has an equally stylish penthouse. At 1,660 square-feet, it features a master bedroom, dining room, sitting area, and wet bar. Picture dazzling all-white rooms with Starck-designed custom furniture and the signature bowl of green apples amidst billowing floor-to-ceiling white curtains. The bathrooms feature oversized Italian marble soaking tubs, and there’s also a spacious private balcony for discreet sunbathing and incredible views of the aquamarine sea. Rates are available upon request. 1685 Collins Ave.; Miami Beach; 305-672-2000; morganshotelgroup.com/delano.

Shayne Benowitz is Miami.com’s Travel Editor. Sign up for her monthly newsletter at ShayneBenowitz.com.

Friday, April 21, 2017

New York Hotels | Conrad New York

Read article : New York Hotels | Conrad New York

Conrad Suite

Truly impressive in proportion, the 1,500 square-foot Presidential Suite occupies the top floor of the hotel and offers sweeping views of lower Manhattan. The sophisticated décor consists of light wood, contemporary artwork and frosted glass sliding panels allowing for personalization of the suite. A fully independent wet bar, dining area, living room with sleeper sofa, work station and private bedroom with king-sized bed give this abode the lavish appeal of a grand New York apartment. Luxury amenities in the Presidential Suite include two flat-screen TVs, mini bar, one-touch integrated automation for control of the suite?s environment, and a five-fixture bathroom with double vanity, rainfall shower and full oval corner bathtub. Guests can enjoy easy access to their own virtual concierge by way of Conrad Concierge, providing the ability to make dining reservations, order room service, request additional suite amenities and more via television, laptop, Smartphone or in-suite iPad.

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Sunday, September 17, 2017

9 Most Romantic B&B’s in Georgia for a Much-Needed Getaway

Read article : 9 Most Romantic B&B’s in Georgia for a Much-Needed Getaway

If you’re looking for more than just a place to sleep when you travel, consider staying at more B&Bs. There are lots of charming B&Bs in Georgia that offer personalized service, Southern hospitality, and a local perspective. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just looking to get away for a weekend with someone you love, here are the most romantic B&Bs to stay at in Georgia.

The Twelve Oaks Bed & Breakfast

Twelve Oaks Bed and Breakfast, Covington (Prices & Photos)

The movie, Gone with the Wind, inspired this lovely Antebellum home that was built in 1836. You can stop by for a tour of the home, or better yet, book an overnight reservation in the mansion. It has been featured in many publications and books and was renovated in 2012 with modern conveniences. Now you can expect to find luxurious spa tubs, remote control fireplaces, Wi-Fi, and even rib cage showers in the grand suites. In the morning, you’ll enjoy a locally sourced Southern breakfast, and there’s also a Southern Sippin’ and Nibblin’ Hour in the evenings. Covington, Georgia has been called the “Hollywood of the South” because so many movies and TV shows have been filmed here.

Catherine Ward House Inn

Catherine Ward House Inn, Savannah (Prices & Photos)

This is an 1880s home that truly embodies Southern charm in Savannah’s Victorian District. You’ll find intricately designed styles of architecture both inside and out, with nine guest rooms to stay in. Each room has its own personality, and the B&B is just a short walk away from Savannah’s iconic Forsyth Park. It’s easy to walk to all the local restaurants and shops from here too. The home has been recently renovated with luxurious bathroom features, and breakfast is served daily from 8:30am to 9:30am. High-speed Wi-Fi is offered for guests at no charge, and free street parking is available on the B&B’s quiet residential street.

Chanticleer Inn Bed and Breakfast

Chanticleer Inn Bed and Breakfast, Lookout Mountain (Prices & Photos)

Another wonderfully romantic B&B in Georgia is the Chanticleer Inn Bed and Breakfast. It is about 10 minutes from downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee and an ideal home base to visit local attractions, like Rock City, Ruby Falls, and the Incline Railway. You can also get outside and active while staying here, thanks to the hiking and biking trails nearby. The Inn is set atop Lookout Mountain and offers lovely views of the Chattanooga Valley down below. Included amenities include a full homemade breakfast, evening cookies and desert, an in-ground pool, and bocce ball court. The guest rooms have private baths, and some have individual outdoor patios too. Romantic packages offered include champagne, truffles, seasonal flowers, chocolate-covered strawberries, and spa services.

Lucille’s Mountain Top Inn and Spa

Lucille’s Mountain Top Inn and Spa, Sautee Nacoochee (Prices & Photos)

Located in Sautee Nacoochee, this is a luxury B&B with a day spa that’s located high on top of a mountain. The Spa at Lucille’s offers day spa services and is adjoined to the B&B inn. Typical gourmet breakfast offerings include creme brûlée French toast with minted strawberries, asparagus and goat cheese quiche, and Applewood smoked bacon. There are lots of wineries nearby to explore, as well as adventure activities like hot air balloon rides, zip lining, horseback riding, and waterfall hikes. Make sure to time to the top of the Crow’s Nest before sunset for awesome views of the Sautee Valley and mountains. Romantic add-ons include champagne, a dozen roses, and a bottle of wine waiting for you upon check-in.

Beachview Bed & Breakfast

Beachview Bed and Breakfast, Tybee Island (Prices & Photos)

Tybee Island is a fun place to visit with your sweetheart, especially if you stay at the Beachview Bed & Breakfast. There are eight guest rooms here that each have their own distinctive décor. The Presidential Suite and the Love Shack are favorites among couples. This is also a dog-friendly establishment, so feel free to bring your pup along! You’ll enjoy farm-to-table cuisine for breakfast and dessert before bedtime. Since this is a commercial B&B, you can even buy a glass or bottle of beer or wine to take back to your room.

Long Mountain Lodge Bed & Breakfast

Long Mountain Lodge Bed and Breakfast Inn, Dahlonega (Prices & Photos)

Dahlonega is another ideal getaway destination for lovers because of all the wineries and outdoor adventure opportunities here. The Long Mountain Lodge is both upscale and rustic, located near the Chattahoochee National Forest and close to the Appalachian Trail. Most of the B&B rooms have a wood-burning fireplace, private entrances, and jetted tubs. B&B guests will also enjoy delicious full, three-course breakfasts, which are served in the main lodge. Some of the favorite dishes here include blueberry pancakes, egg puffs, sausage, and home-fried potatoes.

Spencer House Inn

Spencer House Inn Bed and Breakfast, St. Mary’s (Prices & Photos)

Head to the historic district of St. Mary’s, Georgia for a quaint place to stay near Cumberland Island National Seashore. The history of the Spencer House Inn B&B dates back to 1872 and provides a coastal retreat that’s brimming with romance. There are 14 guest rooms here, some with clawfoot soaking tubs and others with traditional showers and tubs. A full breakfast is served each morning, and guests enjoy peace iced tea and treats in the afternoons. For a touch of romance, you can arrange for breakfast in bed, wine or champagne in the room, or a seasonal flower arrangement.

Stonehurst Place Bed & Breakfast

While many of these B&Bs are in remote and rural parts of Georgia, Stonehurst is a great city B&B right here in the heart of Atlanta.  This is a 19th-century Midtown mansion that values both modern amenities and historical preservation. There are elegant six rooms and suites here, as well as landscaped gardens a front parlor with a grand parlor, and a relaxing porch. It’s easy to check out the city’s top attractions, like Piedmont Park and the Fox Theatre, when you stay at Stonehurst.

1842 Inn

1842 Inn Bed and Breakfast, Macon (Prices & Photos)

One of the most romantic spots to stay in Macon is the 1842 Inn Bed and Breakfast, which was built in 1842 by John Gresham. With a significant display of Greek revival architecture, this inn has 19 guest rooms, as well as hospitality parlors and a courtyard. Breakfast is served each morning, and complimentary hors d’ oeuvres and beverages are served at daily evening hospitality hours. Order a mint julep at the cash bar and relax in one of the four public parlors after a day of sightseeing around Macon.

Friday, April 14, 2017

See you in our City of Dreams | Food and Leisure, Lifestyle Features, The Philippine Star

Read article : See you in our City of Dreams | Food and Leisure, Lifestyle Features, The Philippine Star

The City of Dreams complex, which includes the Nobu Hotel, Crown Towers and Hyatt City of Dreams Manila, is set to expand Manila’s entertainment dreamscape with a grand opening on Feb. 2.

DiCaprio.

De Niro.

Scorsese.

They all want in.

What do they want “in” on?

Lifestyle Feature ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch:

MANILA, Philippines - City of Dreams, the mega-complex of hotels, casinos and restaurants set to light up yet another area of Manila Bay with its official launch on Feb. 2.

The big question: Will Nobu owner Robert De Niro, Oscar-winning director Martin Scorsese and heartthrob actor Leonardo DiCaprio actually be coming to Manila for that launch?

Charisse Chuidian, City of Dreams VP for Public Relations, tells us about a just-released local TV ad featuring the three Hollywood players capering about in a casino, with the tagline: “They all want in.” And a series of billboards outside the complex seems to hint as much. But, close to opening day, Chuidian and other City of Dreams bigwigs are keeping mum. What with Pope Francis visiting Manila this week, and final touches being completed at the 6.2-hectare City of Dreams (COD), this is probably not the time to go celebrity crazy.

Still, getting a glimpse of the three hotels making up City of Dreams — Hyatt, Nobu Hotel and Crown Towers — is enough of a glittering experience, even without the Hollywood glitz. Over a very fine lunch at Cantonese restaurant Crystal Dragon, Chuidian says that with 940 rooms available, a two-level casino open, and a bevy of excellent new restaurants (Nobu among them), City of Dreams looks to expand Manila’s entertainment dreamscape quite a bit more.

In a complex developed by Australian billionaire James Packer and Lawrence Ho (son of Macau gaming magnate Stanley Ho) through Melco Crown Enterprises, the P37-billion City of Dreams is yet another jewel in the burgeoning Entertainment City lining Manila Bay. But, while the flavor of City of Dreams is international, the staff uniforms are perhaps the most visible reflection of Filipino creativity: exquisitely designed by Rajo Laurel, Dennis Lustico and Vania Romoff. 

They got gaming

The integrated casino resort — located auspiciously close to the “Fortune Egg,” the City of Dreams’ dome-shaped architectural landmark — is a gamer’s paradise, with 380 gaming tables, 1,700 slot machines and 1,700 electronic table games for both VIP high rollers and mass-market players alike.

If gaming’s not your thing, entertainment options include Dreamplay, Dreamworks Studio’s first interactive play space complete with movie mascots (you can leave kids there, if you sign a waiver; for adults, the rate is cheaper); Pangaea and Chaos, two trendy nightclubs run by the Michael Alt Marina Bay Sands group; a shopping arcade featuring luxury brands like Roberto Cavalli, Rolex and Cesare Paciotti; and eateries like the signature Red Ginger, a pan-Southeast Asian haven of comfort food offering delicious takes on beef rendangand nasi goreng, Erwin’s Gastrobar, O Kitchen, Ruby Jack’s Steakhouse & Bar, Apu Filipino Cuisine, and a Godiva Chocolate Café.

Hyatt City of dreams: all-day dining and aqua suites

Among City of Dreams’ three hotels, the Hyatt is the most affordable, with come-ons like a 24-hour buffet and Aqua Suite with shower area large enough to fit a family of four.

“You can hold meetings in there,” says Jose Badelles, Hyatt COD’s marketing communications manager, and though he’s joking, it’s actually true.

If you don’t require a room-sized shower, you can choose between a Twin or 36-sq.m. King room, which will serve as a very comfortable base from which you can access food outlets like The Café, a midnight buffet (all you can eat for P1,088) with five stations offering fresh seafood, fried and grilled items that are fired up only upon ordering.

“We have an a-la-minute concept, so you won’t see huge mounds of food but it’s all cooked fresh,” says Stijn Van Leeuwen, The Café’s food and beverage manager. “Customers can specify the doneness of their steak, for example, so there’s a very good interaction between the chefs and our customers.”

The Hyatt’s facilities include a Franck Provost salon, fitness center and outdoor pool, to which guests aren’t limited. Meaning, Hyatt guests can swim in the Nobu Hotel pool, and vice versa — a nice perk on top of everything else.

Game of crowns

Kevin Sim, chief operating officer of City of Dreams, welcomes us into the Crown Tower lobby, and we’re already seeing double. That’s because they’ve hired nine sets of twins to serve as lobby girls. “We’re different,” Sim explains, as the two ladies wearing pillbox hats gamely pose for pictures.

Double the casino space, too, as Crown offers two floors of betting options, including gaming tables, slot machines, electronic games and VIP rooms.

Crown Towers offers a unique experience for high rollers as well: the luxury of parking your helicopter at the Tower One helipad, literally checking in at the eighth floor and having a personal butler escort you directly to the casino tables. Talk about an inside straight!

Then there is that eye-popping “six-star hotel” claim. Whether such a category actually exists or not — most international hotel accrediting agencies claim it does not, though the term has been bandied around by plenty of casino complexes — the Crown Tower certainly fulfills every requirement of a topnotch five-star hotel.

The personal butlering service at Crown Towers is another thing that sets it apart. According to general manager Brett Hickey, the 80 rooms, suites and villas in Tower One are for Signature Club members only — you must be invited to stay there.

But what perks: all Tower Suites guests are assigned one of 48 personal butlers who will attend to their every need — whether it’s personal shopping, laundry requests, transportation, or getting room service from Nobu or any of the other restaurants in City of Dreams. Hickey describes a request last New Year’s Eve: a guest wanted to watch the fireworks display from the helipad level of Tower One. Not only was the wish granted, but with a bucket of chilled Champagne and canapés on standby. The butler service is as personal as you want it — and the same butler will be assigned to you, 24/7, for the duration of your stay.

Each of the rooms, suites and seven lavish villas of Tower Suites offer high-speed Internet access, JBL docking stations, flat-screen smart TVs and a gallery of luxury bathroom amenities. (Those staying in villas can choose from amenity brands such as Hermes, Acqua di Parma, L’Occitane, Salvatore Ferragamo, Chopard and Bulgari.)

With two towers and 254 rooms, the Crown has exclusive facilities as well, such as a private swimming pool (Crown guests may explore all the City of Dreams pools, but the Crown pool is restricted only to guests and members. Want to double your relaxation? Crown guests can enjoy the freeform pool with a welcome kit of Evian spritzer, smoothie and complimentary use of Christian Dior sunglasses.)

Such luxury does not come cheaply, as a three-bedroom Premier Suite at Crown Towers can run from P60,000 a night to P340,000 for the bi-level, 548-sq.m. Presidential Suite.

For your culinary needs, the Crown caters to rarefied tastes: The Tasting Room is a French haute cuisine resto where Basque chef William Mahi offers special six-course degustation and wine-pairing menus (including popular favorites like the 52-degree egg with truffle, 36-hour marinated salmon and aged Wagyu beef); across the way you will find Crystal Dragon, where Malaysian chef Bong Choi offers a heavenly dim sum trio (Four Seasons, minced duck with black pepper and minced pork spinach dumplings), stir-fried prawns with butter and crispy egg floss, and oven-baked marinated codfish with five spices.

If it’s understated, trendy & chic, it must be Nobu

One of the City of Dreams’ major coups is scoring the first Nobu Hotel in Asia, second only to the Las Vegas original.

The City of Dreams outpost continues what general manager Marlon Hirsh calls “the unique Nobu hospitality — understated, chic and trendy” being the main buzzwords that define the Nobu experience.

Inspired by boutique hotels and a Japanese bamboo motif, the lobby boasts the very first Nobu teahouse in the world, featuring hand-tied Ikaati teabags and a refined array of pastries. Plush shagreen elevators take you up to one of the 321 rooms, which induce an immediate Zen mindset with the shadow-style calligraphy on the walls (and the “o” in Nobu) signifying a free flow of energy. Other unique touches are the getaslippers and minibars, stocked with the Nobu sake and Matsuhisa wine that’s only found at 32 Nobu restaurants around the world.

Hirsh says Nobu co-owner Robert De Niro is very hands-on: “He sits on each piece of furniture and gives us his comments,” but again, no word on whether the legendary actor will be attending the grand opening.

At the Nobu restaurant, which is the largest in the world, breakfasts and other dishes on the menu have been “Nobu-fied” (or Filipinized, depending on your perspective), with Wagyu tapsilog, Sakana (Japanese fish) sisig, and paella on offer. Executive chef Zach Hillberry is the man responsible for the merry fusion, saying that these were the dishes he liked upon arrival in the Philippines, and that he included paella as a nod to our Spanish colonial history.

Of course, signature dishes such as Rock Shrimp Creamy Spicy, Toro Tartar with Caviar, and Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeño are available to local diners, and “every meal at Nobu is meant to be a kaisekiexperience,” Hillberry says.

The bespoke philosophy of the hotel extends to the spa, where the signature Nobu Rakuen treatment includes yoga exercises to help client and therapist breathe together as one, followed by a relaxing massage with bamboo rollers.

No wonder the Nobu Hotel was fully booked during the holiday season, and is currently at 75 percent occupancy, with a clientele comprised of locals and Chinese from Taiwan and Mainland China. Many, it seems, are seeking that unique brand of Nobu hospitality found only in this corner of the world.

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To reserve at Crown Towers, Hyatt City of Dreams Manila or Nobu Hotel, call 800-8080 or book through the City of Dreams website: www.cityofdreams.com.ph/.