DreamPlay by DreamWorksJapanese hotel in the PhilippinesNobu Hotel ManilaNobu MatsuhisaStaycationTravels
Nobu Hotel & DreamPlay by Dreamworks Experience
A few weeks before my much-awaited trip to Japan, the Blogapalooza team hit me up and asked if I'm down for a staycation at Nobu Hotel (a Japanese-themed luxurious hotel in City of Dreams Manila).
I thought to myself, "this is a good pre-game before my trip". That's why I immediately replied yes, packed my bag, and headed to Pasay for a staycation (with the parentals for the first time!)
The lobby of Nobu Hotel isn't less spacious compared to other luxurious hotels in the metro. However, they made it a point to be loungey for guests who are waiting to be assisted in regards to their booking. A security deposit of Php 5,000 will be asked from the guest upon check-in and will also be returned upon checkout.
There was a little confusion with my online booking but the front desk officer made it a point to handle the situation with utmost hospitality.
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| Level 8 elevator waiting area |
Nobu Deluxe Room
A few steps inside the room, I immediately saw different contemporary Japanese-inspired symbolisms which made me slightly elated for my Japan trip. Take this personalized note on the television for example! 😍
Also, the photo frames and the minimalist brush stroke art on the wall shouted Japanese. I couldn't be any more excited to just lounge around and relax in this room for a weekend.
My favorite part of this room is the panoramic view of the airport. I think I saw myself counting the planes flying in and out of the field. 💕 🛫
My friends know how much I take advantage of the sunlight thus this little breakfast nook with complimentary fruits automatically hit the spot! The table is a tad small for my gadgets (laptop, camera, cables, etc.) which is why I've basically occupied this area during our entire stay.
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I've got a thing for anything personalized! How cute is this! 💕 |
The drawer is loaded with snacks, and the mini-bar with drinks. Very tempting!
The closet is equipped with its own sensor-powered lighting, bathrobes, in-room safe, and of course, Japanese-inspired slippers complimenting the colors of the bathrobes. How cool is that!
I was in awe when I first saw the sleek bathroom of the Nobu Deluxe room. You'll have to agree when I say that black makes everything look extra elegant. Right? ❤
I wish our room also came with a toilet with a heated seat since we're already talking about Japan here. That would've made the experience extra unique, don't you think? :)
In contrary to what's on the website, my room has Themae Paris bath amenities instead of Natura Bisse. Not that I'm complaining because I've used the products themselves and they're actually nice for my hair and skin. Wondering where I can get Themae Paris full-sized products here? :)
Talk about certified mirror selfie goals when you take photographs at the Nobu Deluxe's washroom! (All thanks to the LED light surrounding the bathroom mirror. 💖)
Dinner at SM Mall of Asia
Oh boy, I've loved Pepper Lunch ever since that's why dining here for the first time with my parents was an exciting experience for me. #notsponsored lol 💕
Breakfast at Nobu Restaurant
I initially wanted us to stay in one of the cabanas just outside the restaurant for brekky. However, the staff was nice to suggest that we just stay inside because it tends to get hot on the side of the cabanas during mornings. I just took photos of them for the gram and blog instead. hihi 😅
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| One of Nobu restaurant's cabanas |
Everything in the buffet table looked so delicious that I wasn't able to choose which first to get! From delightful pastries and waffles, they also have Japanese staples served for breakfast like Okonomiyaki and chef's rolls.
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| Pick between hearty Japanese selections or heavenly pastries |
Kids and kids at heart like me will surely devour in the different cereal selections! 😛
Am I the only one here who's also after maximizing the drinks bar whenever in a buffet? lol Nobu Restaurant has quite a selection when it comes to drinks, too. Very flexible for kids to adults if you ask me. :)
For the main course, there's also quite an amount of food options guest can choose from. I have to say that being overwhelmed by the food at Nobu Restaurant is a good problem until I realized that their restaurant is only open for breakfast until 10:30 am since they also have a Nobu Sunday brunch happening in the restaurant after the breakfast buffet, too. (Mind you, we went down for breakfast at 9:30 am haha)
PS. I'm lowkey tempted to go back to Nobu Restaurant for their sunday brunch because I saw the chefs preparing the sushi and sashimi as the buffet is about to close. I'm not lying when I say that the food they're creating looks fantastic!!
Make sure to give Nobu Restaurant's special sauces a try when you're here for a brekky in the future! :)
Services and Facilities at Nobu Hotel
Most facilities of the Nobu Hotel are located on the first floor. We didn't have a hard time going back and forth from the eight floor to the first floor because there are two elevators readily available from my room's floor.
I seriously love how the sunlight reflects on the gold facade of the Nobu Hotel. From the swimming pool view, the place looked regal. We felt like a royalty as we chilled by the pool because ice cold water and towels are readily available in the area. Snacks can also be ordered and delivered to the sunbathing chair. Unwinding was indeed taken to the next level.
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| You simply cannot miss checking out the spa and fitness room when in Nobu Hotel |
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| Nobu Spa |
DreamPlay by Dreamworks
I know I wouldn't enjoy DreamPlay as much if I'm alone that's why I tagged these two cute little kids (Kuya Coco and Ninu) for one epic kind of afternoon with some of my favorite cartoon characters.
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| Ninu and Kuya Coco |
As soon as we secured our slots, we were provided with a wristband that must be worn at all times inside the theme park.
There are twelve attractions inside DreamPlay but let me show you some of my favorites! 😊 (in no particular order)
DreamTheatre
I've always been a fan of 4D viewings and most of the time, I get the chance to experience theme on amusement parks.
The best thing about DreamTheatre is that you can view a 4D shorts of Madagascar, How to train your Dragon, and Kung Fu Panda in one sitting. These short films are not published on other platforms that's why it's a must-visit when in DreamPlay.
The best thing about DreamTheatre is that you can view a 4D shorts of Madagascar, How to train your Dragon, and Kung Fu Panda in one sitting. These short films are not published on other platforms that's why it's a must-visit when in DreamPlay.
DreamStudio
What's exciting about this activity is that creative juices flow as participants get to direct their favorite DreamWorks characters in one film. From the background, characters, to movements, the person in the director's chair will be charged in almost every single element of the movie.
I've got to admit that this brought out the creative in me. Creating films is one of my weakness that's why I had to spend some time just to finish my film. lol
Dance off with the Madagascar Characters
I'm a silent fan of Madagascar especially **PUSS IN BOOTS** that's why I had to stop and catch their production number right in the middle of the park around 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm. The characters look so cute up close! 😍
DreamTales Library
To be honest, I can't remember the last time I've watched a puppet show that's why watching the DreamTales Library's Puppet Show brought in so much feels. It truly brought out the kid in me since I've watched these characters in the movie. Just a tip to those who wish to drop by this attraction, be mindful of the schedule of the show so you can secure a space ahead of time.
Cooking with Gingy
"Did someone say free snacks? As in free gingerbread man snacks?" Nobody can't stop me from visiting this workshop after figuring out that there is an actual cooking class inside DreamPlay where it teaches you how to create your own gingerbread man. No age requirement, you just have to enlist on your chosen schedule so you can participate in your chosen schedule.
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| Shrek and Donkey made an appearance during the class. How interactive! :) |
My final product! Please don't judge my gingerbread man. There was time pressure involved when I was designing mine. 😅
In case you're wondering, the gingerbread cookies at Gingy's kitchen tastes nice. Just add few more frostings if you want your snacks to taste a little sweeter.
Wall of Destiny
This is probably my favorite attraction in DreamPlay! With my affinity for thrilling theme park attractions, I've really wanted to give these obstacles a try. However, there are a number of kids lined up already so I'd rather just watched them from afar. I just have to say that I felt bad later on for not giving this a shot! haha
This attraction kind of reminds me of the obstacles at the Legends of the Hidden Temple. Haha (90s kids where you at? 😝 )
Whatever Floats Your Boat
Another fun activity inside DreamPlay, Whatever Floats Your Boat lets everyone curate their own boats and race with the other creative boats in the water stream. Aside from the creativity unleashed, the spirit of competitiveness among kids also shows once the race starts.
For 3 years old and below kids like Ninu, there are few attractions and facilities inside DreamPlay that they can still enjoy like this digital coloring book activity. :)
Verdict
Nobu Hotel provides a breather in the middle of the metro if you are near to exhausting yourself from work and other stress-inducing situations in life. The Japanese vibe it gives off alone gives that tranquility from the toxicity of the reality. I was undergoing under the stress of planning itinerary, daytime corporate work, and nighttime blog-related work so this staycation was really heaven sent.
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| Don't mind our swollen face because we literally just woke up before taking this shot! 😅 |
As early as now, I'm already saying that I'll be coming back to Nobu Hotel in the near future for their Sunday brunch! Japanese food is always a good idea to me. 😛
What do you think of my staycation experience at Nobu Hotel? Let me know on the comment section which part of my staycation are you also looking forward to experiencing soon!
You can book your rooms at Nobu Hotel in City of Dreams here. Be also in the loop of their latest promos and announcements when you visit their Facebook page here.
Disclosure: This staycation was sponsored by City of Dreams Manila. However, the views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely from the blog owner and is not in any way influenced by the brand.
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