Travel Agent - May 12, 2008 - (Page 31)

two telephone lines with IDD and NDD facilities. For even more business bells and whistles, book one of the hotel’s 91 Business Rooms on the fourth, fifth and sixth floors for quick access to the Business Centre. Business Rooms have an array of multi-function communications equipment that combines a fax, copier, scanner and printer. For the best city views, choose one of the Skyline Rooms or Deluxe Skyline Rooms. On clear days you’ll also be treated to views of the mountains (the clearest months are November through May). The Mandarin Oriental Club is on the 15th to the 18th floors, with a private lounge on the 17th floor. Guests enjoy complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, evening cocktails, free access for the first two hours to three boardrooms and complimentary pressing of one suit or dress per day. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Manila has a Thai decor and ambiance. The bi-level spa has four private rooms; two of these are specially designed for couples. The spa manager is Angelita Castillo (angelitac@mohg.com, 632-750-8888, ext. 1901 or 1902). Advance spa reservations can be made by contacting momnl-spa@mohg.com. The hotel also has a yoga studio on the 18th floor. The hotel’s Paseo de Uno restaurant has Asian and international dishes prepared in open kitchens. The Tivoli has continental cuisine and Tin Hau offers Chinese dishes. Martini’s is one of Manila’s places to see and be seen. Martini’s has a “Thank You for Smoking” policy that fits right in with its live jazz and array of cocktails and now its “Music and Wine” nights. The hotel is proud of its personalized service. As a guest at the hotel, I saw numerous examples of this. For instance, when I returned to the hotel after making a purchase at a convenience store, the bellman took my purchase and placed it in a Mandarin Oriental logo shopping bag and handed it back to me with a smile. The Mandarin Oriental, Manila is presently offering the Seasonal Choices package, which combines accommodations with breakfast, double occupancy at the same rate, late checkout and a complimentary extra bed for a child under 12. The package is valid through September 30. The travel agent liaison is Christine Angeles, counter sales executive at Baron Travel. Her direct line is 632-750-0015. The Makati Shangri-La, Manila (www. shangri-la.com/en/property/manila/makati shangrila) has 699 guest rooms and suites. A nice touch in the corridors is the Zen-inspired waterfall treatments on each floor. The 599 guest rooms have furniture accented with Canadian maplewood finish, high-speed Internet access, a pillow menu and bathrooms fitted with TVs. Even-numbered rooms on the upper floors (19th floor and above) have sunset views. Junior Suites and Executive Suites are a popular option. These are spacious and, because of their extra closets and storage area, especially popular with travelers on Manila shopping expeditions. Horizon Club rooms on the 23rd to 25th floors offer an enhanced level of service, comfort and convenience, including late checkout until 6 p.m., broadband Internet access and a personal concierge. Horizon Club rooms provide access to the lounge, which is on the 24th floor. The Club Floor rooms provide either sunset views of Manila Bay or mountain views. Restaurants at the hotel include Red, specializing in seafood, Inagiku for market-fresh sushi and Shang Palace, serving modern Cantonese dishes. The hotel’s Stresscape Spa has five treatment rooms on the fourth floor inside the Health Club. Shereen Silva is the spa manager (stressCONTINUED ON PAGE 32 Resources Entry Requirements: U.S. citizens need a passport to enter the Philippines. Currency: Peso ($10 U.S. equals about 420 pesos) Language: Tagalog is the language of the Philippines, although English is widely spoken. Electricity: 220 volts Departure Tax: Departing the Philippines, there is a 750 peso (around $18) departure tax. Tour Operators: A partial list of tour operators with programs to the Philippines includes Goway. com (www.goway.com, 800-3878850), Pleasant Holidays (www. pleasantagent.com, 800-4483333), SITA World Tours (www.si tatours.com, 800-421-5643) and Travel Bound (www.booktravel bound.com, 800-808-9541). Philippine Department of Tourism: www.experiencephilippines.ph or www.wowphilippines.com.ph ABOVE LEFT: A Premier Suite at The Peninsula Manila offers a spectacular view of the Manila skyline THIS PHOTO: A panoramic view of the Makati Shangri-La, Manila May 12, 2008 TravelAgent | 31 http://www.shangri-la.com/en/property/manila/makati http://www.shangri-la.com/en/property/manila/makati http://www.goway.com http://www.goway.com http://www.goway.com http://www.pleasantagent.com http://www.pleasantagent.com http://www.sitatours.com http://www.sitatours.com http://www.booktravelbound.com http://www.booktravelbound.com http://www.experiencephilippines.ph http://www.wowphilippines.com.ph

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - May 12, 2008

Travel Agent - May 12, 2008 Online Now Contents Contributors From the Editor From the Publisher Europe: Bruges Might be One of Belgium’s Best-Kept Secrets Hawaii: Condo Resorts Provide a Plethora of Vacation Choices Pacific/Asia: Manila has Plenty to Offer Visitors of Every Taste Alaska: Icy Strait Point Offers Authentic Alaskan Adventure Pacific Northwest: Airplane Buffs and Wine Aficionados Enjoy Washington Las Vegas: Let Your Hair Down at Some of these Casual Bars Central & South America: History and Culture Beckon in Guatemala Caribbean & The Bahamas: Recent Renovations Have Made the Westin Aruba Resort a Jewel of the Island Cruises: A New Musical is Making Waves on Disney Wonder San Diego Becomes a Major Cruise Port Cover Story: Top Tips for Selling in a Down Economy Rail Travel: Sightseeing and a Gourmet Meal on the Royal Livingstone Express Hotels: There is Plenty to Do at Ski Resorts in the Summer Tours: Photos from the 33rd Annual Mountain Travel Symposium Agent: Eric Ardolino has Won the Technology War Customer Relations: Ensemble Agents use CRM tools Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Luxury Travel Expo Jamaica Will License Casinos Enormous Cruise Ships are Planned ResortQuest Hawaii Continues to Grow 2008 TMU Conference Recap In the Spotlight Agent Access Classified Marketplace Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch

Travel Agent - May 12, 2008

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