The Holiday Inn Manila Galleria holds the distinction of being one of the most iconic hotels in Ortigas. It’s been around for thirty-one years, but the best thing about it is that it has recently undergone a transformative restoration, blending timeless elegance with modern functionality. The new design seamlessly balances contemporary style with a soothing ambiance, ensuring guests enjoy a sanctuary of tranquility during their stay.
Together with my foodie friends, I recently enjoyed a memorable overnight stay at Holiday Inn Manila Galleria as part of our #AWeekendThatNeverEnds experience. Our spacious 2-bedroom suite was so comfy, we were reluctant to leave its comforts, so we stayed in and ordered room service for our late-night dinner, which is quite a new experience for our group.
Our in-room dining experience
The Holiday Inn Manila Galleria boasts an expansive in-room dining menu, accessible via a QR code provided in the room. It features tasty appetizers, salads, soups, and various cuisines, including Asian, Indian, Healthy, Pizzas and Pastas, and Western.
After agreeing on getting classic Filipino comfort food for our first dinner during our staycation, we simply called up the hotel’s Food and Beverage department and placed our orders. In just a few minutes, our feast was wheeled into our room, carried by friendly and professional staff who ensured everything was perfectly set up for us. (He even gamely posed for our photos and videos!)
Given the busy day we had, we opted to eat family-style in the suite’s well-appointed dining area, clad in our plush hotel bathrobes and sleepwear for maximum comfort, sharing our Filipino food feast. Our spread included:
Salmon in Tamarind Miso Broth (Php856.31). Grilled salmon fillet and salmon head with creamy taro mash, baby red radish, and tender bok choi, immersed in flavorful tamarind miso broth, served with a side of white rice. It’s perfect for one of our group who was feeling under the weather.
Bagnet Kare-Kare (Php759.62). Crispy pork belly complemented by a rich peanut sauce, paired with summer vegetables and bagoong, served with a side of white rice. Who says you can’t enjoy this sumptuous dish while lounging in your hotel room?
Thrice-Cooked Crispy Pork Belly (Php690.57). Crispy pork crackling, atchara, and lechon sauce, served with white rice. A classic Filipino ulam that’s always a hit!
Grilled Chicken Inasal (Php376.78). Marinated grilled chicken fillet served with atchara, calamansi, and soy sauce, served with white rice.
Pancit con Chicharones (Php546.93). What can possibly beat the classic Pinoy-style stir-fried noodles and veggies topped with decadent pork crackling?
Seasonal Fresh Fruits (Php486.16). A vibrant selection of sliced local fresh fruits – pineapple, honeydew, and watermelon – for our dessert. Quite a welcome break from the usual sugar-rush we get from our usual post-meal cakes and pastries.
I can definitely say that the privacy and comfort of dining in-room are unparalleled. Unlike eating out, we could enjoy our meal in our bathrobes and jammies, chatting and laughing without any interruptions. The sheer flexibility of also allowed us to eat at our own pace, taking as long as we pleased so we can catch up and swap stories. We didn’t even have to worry about cleanup; the staff came back to take away our used plates and put leftovers in take-away boxes (because we don’t like food waste!).
Plus – and this is a big deal for us foodies! – we were so at home in our surroundings, taking our awra shots, posing with the food and all sorts of shenanigans that foodies do as they create their content, with no fear of judgement as we’re all among friends. This made our in-room dining experience all the more enjoyable.
Is in-room dining for you?
Even if you’re not part of a gaggle of food content creators like I was, you might also find in-room dining suitable in these situations:
- Late Arrival or Early Departure. If you arrived late at night or are leaving early in the morning and can’t get to an open restaurant. It’s also a wise choice if you’re dealing with jet lag.
- Privacy and Intimacy. If you’re part of a couple celebrating a romantic occasion, like an anniversary or honeymoon, you may prefer the privacy and intimacy of in-room dining.
- Business Travelers: Traveling for work? You might need to maximize your time for meetings or work. In-room dining is a convenient option as you can eat while you work.
- Families with Young Children. Parents, let’s face it: the little ones can be quite a handful, especially in restaurants, right? Dining in-room gets rid of all that stress and hassle.
- Special Dietary Needs. If you have specific dietary requirements, you may find it easier to customize your meals by coordinating with the hotel’s F&B staff for your in-room dining services.
- Adverse Weather or Physical Conditions. During inclement weather or if you’re not feeling well, in-room dining provides a comfortable alternative to venturing out in the rain or extreme heat.
In-room dining at the Holiday Inn Manila Galleria offered us a delightful blend of convenience, comfort, and culinary indulgence. The ability to enjoy a lavish meal in the privacy of our suite, tailored to our schedule and preferences, made our staycation truly special. If you’re planning a staycation, I highly recommend trying in-room dining to enhance your experience and live it up during your hotel stay.
Want to book your stay at Holiday Inn Manila Galleria? Call +63287909400 or email higm.reservations@ihg.com and use my code IKOTHGEL to enjoy 15% discount on the best available rates. (Offer valid until December 31, 2024.)
Holiday Inn Manila Galleria is located at One Asian Development Bank Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City. Stay updated on its promos and offers by following it on Facebook and Instagram.
Disclosure: Staycation and dining experiences were sponsored by Holiday Inn Manila Galleria and Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria.
Check out my previous posts about Holiday Inn Manila Galleria:
Jellybeans in the City 