Special Features

UPDATED: Best Family Staycations for the Holidays in Manila

by Jaclyn Clemente Koppe
June 9, 2021

Missing family staycations in Manila? These hotels are ready to welcome back kids of all ages for staycations!

Throughout the lockdown and into the General Community Quarantine (GCQ), staying mostly within the confines of our flat has been a relative breeze. Our six-year-old is a homebody and a typical girly girl. So she actually prefers playing with her toys, chatting online with cousins and friends, all within a well-ventilated space.

But recently she has been missing a lot of the old things we used to do for fun. That includes family staycations in Manila.

Kids are allowed to go on family staycations in Manila!

While going to the mall and the cinema is still highly restricted or outright forbidden, the Department of Tourism (DOT) with the blessing of the IATF has allowed staycations without age restrictions for a few hotels in Manila (NCR).

DOT Secretary Berna Romulo Puyat, herself a mom of two, understands the importance of enjoying family time but in safe and secure facilities. “Staycations are a fantastic way for you and your whole family to experience a quick getaway without leaving town,” she says. “What’s more, they help revive tourism by bringing back jobs to the hospitality industry. Hotels approved by the DOT for staycations follow stringent health and sanitation protocols. So guests of all ages can be assured of their safety while enjoying the hotel’s various amenities and outlets.”

Helpful tips for going on a family staycation during GCQ in Manila

Before you start packing your bags and booking your rooms, take note of a few details:

the hotel you’re staying in has to be within your region of residence. Best to confirm with the hotel first since some LGU guidelines still take precedence.
guests have to take an antigen test on the day you check-in. We recommend checking with the hotel if they offer this in-house or if guests have to go to a nearby testing site.
Pregnant women and those with pre-existing conditions will not be permitted to enter the hotel.

When my husband and I booked our recent staycation, we did not know kids were already allowed. It was a fun little daddy and mommy getaway. But it is good to know that we would be able to enjoy one of our favorite family activities again and with the proper safety protocols in place.

While long-distance travel is still highly restricted, here are some hotels in the city where you can feel transported and also be safe and secure.

WHERE TO STAY

Okada

This massive property in Pasay City houses both five-star hotels and world-class casinos. Kids and adults will get a kick out of their sterilizing “robots” roaming around the lobby and corridors and their halls are already decked for holiday festivities.

How much: A stay in their Deluxe King room starts at P10,500++, and if you book their Holiday by the Bay Staycation, it comes with complimentary breakfasts for 2 adults and 2 kids, a Christmas hamper, discounts in their Recovery Spa, and a P2000 dining voucher you can use in some of their restaurants.

What we love: Need more space for a much-needed family get-together? Their executive suites come with a fully-stocked bar, dining and living area, plus stunning views of Manila Bay that will surely get everyone in a party mood. For bookings and more information, check out okadamanila.com.

The Peninsula Manila

The 44-year-old Makati institution has always been the center of Christmas festivities in the city, and it is comforting to know that they have opened most of their dining establishments, fitness facilities, and now their guest rooms, to NCR residents.

How much: The Pen’s “Family Loves in the City” promo includes breakfast for 2 adults and 2 kids; a family-style lunch or dinner at The Lobby for 4; plushies (they’re the cutest!); and complimentary use of the fitness center and pool. The Deluxe King room starts at P10,000 ( inclusive of taxes and fees).

What we love: For those who plan to stay in during the entire duration of their stay, rest assured that The Peninsula has thought of many fun activities for the whole family, such as afternoon tea in their gorgeous lobby; yoga and Pilates sessions in their fitness center; or a mixology class at The Conservatory. For inquiries and bookings, go to peninsula.com.

City of Dreams (Hyatt Regency, Nobu, and Nuwa)

I know kids of all ages are missing City of Dreams’s Dreamplay and arcade wonderland The Garage (I am!), but in the meantime there is plenty to do when checked in at one of the property’s three luxury hotels.

How much: Hyatt Regency has a “Take Back Your Summer” promo that starts at P7,300+++ on weekdays and P8,300+++ on weekends for two an overnight stay for two adults and two kids in a 50-sqm Deluxe Room.
What we love: For those who are in WFH mode, COD takes pride in their seamless WiFi connection throughout their property, even when you’re having some poolside fun with the family. Staycation packages in Nobu Hotel and Nuwa offer similar inclusions, and start at P8,800+++ and P21,600+++, respectively. For more details and reservations, go to cityofdreamsmanila.com.

Grand Hyatt Manila

This BGC newcomer is becoming an easy favorite of both locals and visitors thanks to its impressive lobby and delicious food offerings.

What we love: All of their F & B establishments have reopened (except for the bar at The Peak), which is a welcome treat for staycationing foodies.

How much: Grand Hyatt’s “Grand Escape with Antigen Test” promo starts at P9700+++ for their King Bed room and offers up to 50% discount on room rates, complimentary breakfasts, and flexible check-in and out. That means more chill time with the family! For more details and booking information, go to hyatt.com.

EDSA Shangri-La

EDSA Shangri-La, especially those who have the Golden Circle Cards, can still head in and spend a Staycation in EDSA Shangri-La.

What we love: EDSA Shangri-La is well-known for their restaurant known as Heat and Summer Palace. Summer Palace is famous for their Hot Prawn Salad which will definitely be something for your kids to enjoy when introducing them to different kinds of Chinese food. Heat on the other hand, is a continental buffet for your kids to try out. Before booking, make sure your kids younger than 18 and your parents above 65 years old have a negative swab test before checking in.

How much: Right now, they have a StayAndDine Promo of PHP 10,000++ depending on the package you’re planning to select. If you’re in the mood for a gastronomic trip, you can check out their FB page.

UNWND

Unlike your typical hotel, UNWND offers a different experience with more ethnic and chill vibes to help create the best family staycations for you in Manila.

What we love: UNWND offers a more ethnic and earthy approach which gives you a chance to escape the wild and crazy city life. It has several art galleries, boutiques, and activities to keep your mind off the stress. It’s like a mini-backpacker’s adventure without you having to leave the city.

How Much: A stay in UNWND costs around PHP 3000 ~ PHP 3500 depending on what kind of room you’re staying in. But before you go, make sure you check the availability of rooms and that your younger kids have swab tests. You can also check out their FB if you want to know what rooms are available.

Everyone needs a Staycation!

Opening up these Manila hotels for family staycations is truly a blessing, especially during the holidays and getting into the spirit of things has been tough. Taking this break from the stress and the mundane will surely help us power through the remainder of this topsy-turvy year and give our families the much needed boost going into 2021.

Always remember, though, to remain vigilant and mindful even while relaxing with the family on a staycation. It will take some getting used to, walking around the hotel premises in masks and face shields and keeping those little hands (and yours) sterilized, but it’s really a small price to pay for a taste of our old life and of better days yet to come.