Rainy Day Staycation at Parque Espa?a Residence Hotel ...

With the kids back to school and the rainy days upon us, it?s hard to squeeze in a getaway. But what if stress is getting the best of you? Then the next best thing would be to go on a ?staycation?.

A staycation is basically having a mini ?vacation? either just within the metro ? usually staying in a hotel/bed and breakfast/resort ? or somewhere that is just a couple of hours drive from where you live.?

However, if you?re so fed up with the metro and want a change of scenery but you?re just not up for more than a 3-hour drive to Tagaytay or Batangas, your next best bet will be to head just a little bit down south to Alabang.

Located in a quieter area of Filinvest City is Parque Espa?a. Unlike most hotels, it is a serviced residence that will be your home away from home.

As soon as you step in, your attention will be caught by the colorful Mediterranean tiles of the front desk and the vibrantly-colored furnishings of Dolce Y Naturales at the lobby lounge that is perfectly balanced by the earth-toned accents. Tr?s chic!

I approached the front desk to inform of my reservation, and after presenting? a valid ID and handing over a Php1,000 incidental deposit (refundable upon check-out), I was given our keycard together with 2 breakfast vouchers and WiFi passwords*.

We were given a 55 square meter 1-Bedroom Deluxe. Needless to say, my mom and I had a lot of space to move around!

Now, don?t worry if the lobby?s theme is not carried through to the rooms yet (but that?s not to say it?s not stylish or cozy). Parque Espa?a?s Sales & Marketing Manager, Tina Robles Anciano, explains that renovation of some rooms are in the works.

Modest dining table complete with dining ware and complimentary bottles of water.

Living room accent and flat screen TV

And because it is a serviced residence, you literally have everything you?ll ever going to need. It has a living area, dining table good for 4 persons, a kitchenette and more.

Our comfy queen-sized bed for the night

We had a bed that was more than big enough for us. The clean, fluffy and comfy sheets and pillows sent us to dreamland in no time.

Aside from the TV in the living room, there is also a wall-mounted flat screen TV and DVD player in the room.

And to maximize space ? as if the room?s not spacious enough ? the closet?s sliding door doubles as a full-length mirror. Inside are built-in clothes? hanger and a safe to keep your valuables.

The working desk with iPod dock/alarm clock and the room?s own WiFi router for faster browsing experience.

The spotless toilet and bath. Plus points for the glass-enclosed shower. No wet floors here.

Each room has its own fully-equipped kitchenette with a fridge, stove, microwave oven, and tea and coffee-making facilities. It even has a flat iron and provision for washing machine.

While I?m sure it?ll be hard to leave the comforts of your room, the roof deck is worth checking out primarily because of the modest pool and the view.

Refreshing view, isn?t it?

This is the beauty of Alabang: you get to enjoy the laid back vibe of the south and be in the metro at the same time.

If you need a quick fix, Westgate and Commerce Center is just a stone throw?s away, but why go out when you can dine at their in-house restaurant? Also located at the roof deck is Bistro del Cielo which serves really, really (did I say really?) good? and affordable food. And I?m not even exaggerating. The food is so delectable it deserves a separate blog post. ;)

For the shopaholics, guests can take advantage of Parque Espa?a?s FREE 24-hour shuttle service to nearby malls like Festival Mall and Alabang Town Center. Talk about value-added service!

Executive Suite

One of the rooms of the 3-bedroom Deluxe. Perfect for groups or families.

The staff was also kind enough to show me the other rooms they have. Though the rooms vary in layout, the amenities are consistent.

For the fitness buff, Parque Espa?a?s location is perfect for a morning run. And don?t worry if it?s gloomy outside, you can still use their fitness center located at the ground floor.?

K

*WiFi is Php100.00 per password

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Source: http://www.excursionista.net/2013/06/parque-espana-hotel.html

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