With everything on my plate, a staycation is my pause button from life. It's my quick escape from the troubles and worries in my head. One notable staycation that I had with my best friends was at City Garden Grand Hotel.

Located in the heart of Makati City, the City Garden Grand Hotel is a 33-floor hotel that serves luxurious accommodations to business and leisure travelers. The lobby is attracting from the outside, and boy it didn't fail with its bright interiors with hints of lush greenery inside.

A smooth and hassle-free check-in transaction at City Garden Grand Hotel is always on because of the number of front desk officers awaiting to serve the guests. Add to that is the number of couches in the lobby that provides instant comfort to travelers who've traveled in x number of hours in the scorching heat of Manila.

In case of delays in check-in, Cinnamon Bark, a coffee and pastry kiosk, is also present on the ground floor. (I can tell that the rainbow cake is silently calling my name. hihi)

Given that we are three staying for the night at the hotel, we were checked in a De Luxe Double Beds room on the 29th floor. #2907 I requested a non-smoking room since nobody in my clique smokes. Upon opening the door, the warmth color of the room embraced my sight. Details of the walls were kept to a minimum and amenities inside the room were strategically placed to give way for the bedside couch and office table. Take the in-room mini fridge and utensils hidden in the cabinet below the television, as an example.

The woven abaca headboard and wooden flooring accentuates the room's simplistic look. The airy queen sized beds are too comfortable for my life, it's hard to resist some snoozing may it be in siesta or late night time. (Or maybe I really just love to sleep)

They specifically have a Pillow Menu for their guests! One of my biggest regrets until today is to not able to request for Goosedown pillows. 😩

The roomy bathroom is a win because it comes with a vast sink alongside hot and cold shower with bathtub. I would expect a bidet on the toilet since this hotel is a 4-star hotel, nonetheless! :)

I didn't have any expectations for dinner, provided the venue where we'll dine is at an open space. No complaints though because the city view is even better at night! Plus, I was quite impressed that given such limitation, they're able to pull of a Mongolian Buffet for guests even in a windy evening. 

Because my friend Jhean is a self-confessed carnivore, the asian-inspired buffet offering helped her get through the dinner. 😂

The morning was perfect for some dipping in the pool at the 32nd floor. The morning swim was so relaxing because the water is subtly cold and there were less people in the water. 

The pool area was a different sight because there were foreigners getting their golden tans under the sun. Felt like I wasn't in Makati for a moment, which for me is a good thing. 

I didn't know that I was in for more surprises because of the enormeous breakfast spread awaiting us in Spice Cafe located in 2nd floor. Seeing the salad bar, wide array of viands, noodles and dimsum corner and the dessert bar, I was indeed a top of morning mood.

With different tables to choose from, we dined by the window to enjoy the morning Makati view. Because really, who doesn't want a nice view of the skyline over breakfast, right?

Breakfast fans will definitely go gaga over the overflowing crunchy bacons and freshly cooked omelette. 

I've shed a tear because I was on a dessert fast during this time that's why I wasn't able to try out the cupcakes and chocolate fondeau. However, the sumptuous choices of bread and cheese saved me from breaking my fast.

City Garden Grand Hotel

8008 Makati Ave. cor. Kalayaan Ave.

Makati City, Philippines 1200

City Garden Grand Hotel didn't fail to make my whole weekend complete. They've won my heart from the great Makati view, gastronomic experience and exemplary room and facilities. I didn't want to end my stay just yet but I had another Monday to face.

No negative reactions during my experience because I felt like me and my friends were highly prioritized given the fact that most of their guests are foreigners.

Because I confess that my stay at City Garden Grand Hotel is my best weekend staycation yet, I wanna end this blog post with my clique's shenanigans during our stay at City Garden Grand Hotel! ❤️