Easter Weekend at Discovery Suites

Every now and then Nino and I like to take the kids out of the normal routine and treat the family to something different. When ever we do this, there are moments that we get to document that we wouldn’t normally find so meaningful. Stepping outside of our comfort zone, outside of the norm, gives us the opportunity to look at things with fresh eyes.

And I love it when that happens.

Like take for instance, this weekend, where we were invited to spend some time at Discovery Suites in Ortigas Center. Getting away within the city, gives us the chance to explore different parts of Manila that we wouldn’t normally hang out in.

So after picking up Gia from school on Saturday morning, we grabbed a quick lunch at our one of our favorite Japanese spots and then we checked into Discovery Suites.

Whenever we stay at ANY of the Discovery properties, we know that there will be attention to detail, impeccable service, and little treats for the whole family to enjoy.

Even checking into the hotel is made easy with the personal attention, and of course the anticipation of what we will need.

Because we are a family of 6, the three bedroom suite is actually a perfect fit for us.

The boys were super excited to see that they would finally have their own personalized pillow cases. In fact, I think that was what they were most excited about until we had dinner.

When you check in for the 3 night stay over Easter weekend, each child (12 years old and younger) will receive their own Easter Bag chockfull of treats, which makes it even easier, if you are forgetful momma like me.

All you have to do, is remember to pack the essentials.

Actually, not even.

With Podium right across the street, you don’t have to worry if you forgot something at home. In fact, you can even take advantage of the partnership by using discount coupons in case you want to shop! We did exactly this, when it came time for Gelli to take a nap. Nino and I took the two oldest kids across the street to see if there wasn’t anything that they needed which we could treat them to for a little bit.

By the time we got back to the suite, it was already time to freshen up for dinner. We were so excited to see what Chef Gerwin from 22 Prime prepared for us.

After walking us through the menu, we waited patiently for our four course dinner to begin by going through the parts of our day like we do every night we sit down to dinner. I ask the kids to go through their days and share one thing that they are grateful for that happened, and one thing that they could work on to be a better person. I think it was unanimous that we were all grateful for the special treats that we had been enjoying since we checked in.

Our first course was a Creamy Mushroom Soup garnished Truffle Oil and Chives, served with a Mushroom Duxelles Brioche Toast.

The second course was a 4 hour Sous Vide Octopus that was Char-grilled and nestled on Paprika Puree with a Miso Paste. I loved all the different layers of flavors and the different textures that brought this dish together. I never knew you could fry quinoa, and hadn’t also thought of dehydrating olives! Do you want to know what made me even happier than this dish?

The fact that each of my big kids (even Diego) could appreciate this dish in its entirety.

They all wiped it out clean.

But we all knew what was coming, and we were looking forward to the main course.

When we treat ourselves to steak in a restaurant like 22 Prime, the kids know that there are two ways they can order their steak if given the option. Medium. Or Medium Rare. If the steak is a good steak, there will not be a need for any other gravies or toppings. It’s nice to have the option if we want it, BUT since we all love a good steak, we all know that it’s perfect if eaten hot right off the grill.

Options to have the sauce is wonderful, but we didn’t even use them!

Side dishes that were served family style with this huge cut of meat were Truffled Potatoes au Gratin, Grilled Asparagus, Roasted Tomatoes, and Sautéd Mushrooms.

Everyone enjoyed this meal fully. In fact, the kids took note of something that I thought was pretty funny. I’ll recount the conversation for you here as you might find it amusing as well.

Gia to her dad: I noticed something. Whenever you or Mom serve us and we are eating out, you always give us the choice cuts.
Miguel: Yeah, I noticed that too. And you serve us first, as well.
Me: Well, that’s what it means to be a parent. We give you the best first.
Nino: We do this, so that you know, when you have kids, you will give them the best pieces too.
Gia: Can’t we teach our kids which parts we don’t like? And then give it to them, so we still get the parts that we prefer?
Miguel: YES! That’s perfect. That’s what I’m gonna do with my kids.

Hmmm. Of course, Nino and I laughed a little about this conversation. I’m sure every other parent out there would agree…we would give our kids the best pieces so that they eat well. Each and every time.

It was around this time, that I remembered it was time for EARTH HOUR in the main lobby. I knew Gelli would enjoy the music downstairs and the fact that everything would be lit by candles. So before dessert was served we snuck out for a few minutes.

Gelli danced for a few minutes before we went back upstairs to finish dessert.

I must admit, by this time, I was already thinking that we probably all could have just split dessert in twos.

After enjoying some tea to help me digest, we all retired to the sanctuary of the suite and comfort of our beds.

Breakfast the next morning was an all you can eat buffet of everything you would want to kick start your Sunday. We knew we had a few things that we had to accomplish yesterday, so unfortunately, we were not able to work out, swim, or take advantage of the steam and sauna rooms, BUT we did allow the kids to play for a little while in the play room.

Three things we loved about our stay?

1. Attention to detail.

Being greeted in our room with one of our family photos from Gia’s 18th Birthday was something that I could totally appreciate. It’s just another indication of how much everyone pays attention.

2. Impeccable Service.

Even if there were things that needed to be addressed in our room, they were addressed with a quickness. If we needed extra towels or help with the air conditioning, the Discovery Suites staff was there within minutes, making sure that we were as comfortable as possible, and happy.

3. Delicious Food.

Even if you were to decide not to do any overnight at Discovery Suites, you would be guaranteed a delicious meal with a steakhouse feel on a table cloth and pressed napkins that can only imply you are in a fine dining establishment, like 22 Prime.

But let’s say you DO decide to check in for the upcoming Holy Week?

This is what you will be able to take advantage of depending on the rooms and package you avail of:

Inclusions:

Breakfast Buffet for 2 at Restaurant 5
Access to Easter Kiddie Breakfast at Sta. Maria function room available from 30 March to 1 April 2018.
- Standard Kids’ Breakfast rates apply:
  - Ages 1 to 5 – FREE
  - Ages 6 to 11 – 50% OFF
  - Ages 12 and above – PHP 865 nett
Access to Easter Kids’ Activities at the children’s playroom from 29 to 31 March, 4 to 5 PM at the children’s playroom
Access to swimming pool, fitness center, and children’s playroom
Access to high-speed internet for unlimited devices
For 3-night package only:
- Access of up to 2 kids to the Golden Easter Egg Hunt on 1 April 2018 at the 36th floor Garden

The search for the Golden Egg is on this coming Easter at Discovery Suites Manila. If you’ve already signed up, or are planning to, here’s everything you need to know.

The Golden Easter Egg Hunt will take place on Easter Sunday, April first, 2018, at 9am on the Discovery Suites’ 36th floor.
It’s open and FREE for children ages 4-12 of guests who are booked for the Easter 3 Night Stay Package. Guests who book this offer are entitled to 2 tickets for the Golden Easter Egg Hung, and 1 ticket for a chaperone or guardian to accompany the kids.
How to:
- All kids will assemble at the Easter Kiddie Breakfast Buffet where the Grand Master will be waiting.
- Everyone will go up to the 36th floor garden where they will collect as many hidden eggs filled with surprises, as they can.
- There is one (1) Golden Egg hidden in the garden, and the one who finds it will bring home a special prize.
- ALL the eggs and treats that everyone collects can be taken home.
After the Egg Hunt guests may attend Easter Sunday Mass at Magellan function room on the 41st floor, followed by a heart family lunch at 22 Prime.

You can check the website for rates and inclusions by clicking here.

Thanks for having us, Discovery Suites! We had a blast!