At Asia’s first Nobu outpost, which is owned by acting ace Robert De Niro, Hollywood producer Meir Teper and acclaimed chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Rosa Ocampo discovers a sumptuous experience that makes her feel like a celebrity for a day
Location The hotel is very accessible, located just minutes away from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Makati CBD, Mall of Asia and other Manila Bay area attractions. A big plus: City of Dreams (CoD) Manila provides complimentary shuttle service to and from various points of the metro.
Rooms Our 36m2 Deluxe Room spells Zen luxury, from the softest and cushiest bed and pillows, to the statement wall adorned with a huge calligraphy-like artwork.
While our bathroom doesn’t have the high-tech Japanese toilet found in the more expensive rooms, we are bowled over by its aesthetics (ladder towel rack, wooden planks, deep basin), luxuriant bathrobes and towels, and Natura Bissé bath amenities.
Facilities The lobby is cheerful with splashes of colours in the seating area. But the swimming pool is small, the corridors narrow, and the lifts cramped and confining.
Although the hotel stay comes with complimentary breakfast buffet at Nobu Restaurant, I recommend returning for dinner or a nightcap when the elegant venue is transformed into something theatrical, magical and whimsical even, thanks to the lighting, the wide skies and the gilded backdrop of CoD Manila’s domed Fortune Egg.
The Japanese fusion food is pleasing to both the palate and eye. The flavours do not overpower, and are refined with just the right balance of sweet, spicy, sour, salty and bitter. The food presentation is an art, served with dramatic flair and flourish, one dish after another in special plates and saucers.
We spotted several celebrities contentedly tucking into their meals and for one magical night, I felt like a celebrity also.
Service A standout. The hotel staff are young, cheerful and helpful. The restaurant staff are relaxed, attentive but not suffocating. The waiters know the menu well.
Verdict An indulgence of the palate and senses. Furthermore, Nobu Hotel Manila is an escape from the hurly-burly of the city without actually getting away.
Name Nobu Hotel Manila
No. of rooms 321
Rates From US$163
Contact details
Tel: (63) 2-800-8080
Email: guestservices@cod-manila.com
Website: www.nobuhotelmanila.com
