Staycations are becoming increasingly more popular with those who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life without contending with the long hours of travel to a resort in another province. However charming one’s surroundings may be in another part of the country, sometimes you only have a short period of time to get some R and R, so a staycation in a cozy hotel is definitely something everyone should try to treat themselves over the weekend if they don’t want to spend a lot of time on the road. One great place for such a staycation was the Henry Hotel in Manila, which has been generating a lot of buzz online and thus led us to try the place out for ourselves to see if it was really worth all the hype.

Located in Pasay City, this charming hotel consists of a complex of several interconnected grey homes and a central White House—we were immediately struck by the elegance of its architecture even in the middle of the chaotic urban sprawl. The lovely fixtures, well-furnished vintage interiors and meticulously maintained gardens were a balm to our tired eyes, as we had just spent a long holiday away only a few days before and wanted to have some quiet time. We were greeted by the courteous and attentive staff, who immediately took our bags and made queries to ensure that we were as comfortable as possible for our whole stay. Their unstinting politeness really made our vacation!

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The room we got was the classic room, which was comfortable and spacious, as well as bright and airy. It comes with a full mini bar and a writing desk for those who need to get a bit of work done. I really make it a point to check the bathroom first thing, and I was pleased to see how well-stocked with amenities it was, and how scrupulously clean. The internet connection was also quite speedy, which was great whenever I had to attend to emails or answer messages. The bed was also large and cozy even though it was the most basic suite, and were it not for the reviews of Apartment 1B’s delicious food and the beautiful pool on the grounds, I may not have made it off my pillows!

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Our accommodations came with free breakfast, which was very delicious and filling. Guests can enjoy a continental-style repast which comes with bread, jam, coffee, tea, salad, fruits, and a choice of
main course. I had a lot of difficulty settling on daing na bangus because the options of tapa, adobo flakes and the like were very tempting! It was just as delicious as I expected, and servings were very generous.

We spent the afternoon relaxing in the pool and exploring the grounds—there’s a fountain in the garden area where guests can stroll in peace and quiet. Afterwards, we returned to Apartment 1B in the White House, where we treated ourselves to some Spaghetti Vongole and Caesar Salad, a healthy dinner to match a staycation that was relaxing for our minds and bodies. I can’t help but heartily recommend that you eat there during your stay instead of leaving the hotel compound, as the relaxing French music and the warm ambiance of the restaurant are definitely worth your time and money to complete your Henry Hotel experience. When we had to check out, I found myself wishing that we could extend our stay.

Next time, when I have the chance to go on another staycation, I’ll definitely keep the Henry Hotel in mind, and I strongly recommend it to anyone looking for a place to get away from Manila stress! I’ll try staying in the other suites during my next visit, as the hotel staff let me take a peek at them—they’re even bigger and come with bathtubs for maximum comfort, which is always a plus with me! The desserts from Apartment 1B are also on my list of things to try when I come back, as they’re well-known for their salted caramel chocolate torte, which is always gone in a jiffy. I recommend this place for every kind of person in need of leisure—whether it’s a small family, a group of friends looking for a serene retreat or couples who want to have a romantic evening in, it’s perfect for whatever your weekend plans may be.

Address:  2680 Compound, F.B. Harrison St, Pasay, Metro Manila

Website:  The Henry Hotel 

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