Suite Serendipity: Staycation at Discovery Suites

The dizzying combination of rushing work projects, Christmas shopping, preparing for a slew of holiday parties (themed parties at that!), and planning my own birthday certainly becomes frazzling. Add to that, crawling traffic along EDSA and the snaking line to use the MRT -- these are the signs of the times that holidays are coming. I find myself finding more reasons and seeking more friends to go on quick roadtrips, any quick escape from the busyness of everything, but planning that can also be a daunting task. And so, a better solution: staycation. It's a moment to freeze time and just simply absorb the more finer things in life we take for granted when we are at the brink of stress: indulging delicious flavors of a meal, enjoying every tired muscle kneaded during a massage, and resting your head on the fluffiest pillows as you welcome slumber in your beautiful hotel room.





For a quick fix of unwinding, indulging of fine food and spa pampering, a staycation at Discovery Suites' suite collection, the Serendipity Suites, is recommended. Whether you're seeking a long break or just an overnight escape, this Ortigas haven can be your home away from home, with its comfortable suites, delicious steak restaurant, and relaxing spa services. Waste no gas money and rely on good old strolling, and you will find everything just around Discovery Suites to entertain you. Podium and Megamall are just a short walk away, should the shopping bug bite hard, or if you wish to buy fresh ingredients to bring back to the suite to cook up a quaint dinner for you and your guests at the kitchen.





Enhanced levels of hospitality -- this is what one is to expect with their Serendipity Suites experience. I tried out Serendipity Suites for one night, bringing along one of my favorite girl friends for a weekend of girl bonding -- food trips, pampering, gossip, and heart to heart talk was my weekend's sweet recipe. During our stay, we got a combined experience of having a luxe apartment unit/private home, and the excellent guest service one expects from a premier hotel. It was staycation at its finest!





Discovery Suites' new collection offers Junior (P8,000++), One Bedroom (10,000++), Two Bedroom (P14,000++) and Three-Bedroom (P18,000++) suites located at Discover Suites' three floors. Inside every suite, a fully furnished kitchen (complete with refrigerator and oven), a dining table, living/reception area with a flat screen TV, and complimentary broadband connection. What we found to be the highlight of the suite experience was their pillow selection. We were welcomed by a stack of fluffy pillows to choose from. Goose feather? Foam? Cotton? Hypo-allergenic? Different weights and widths and lengths to choose from. The Pillow Concierge cheerfully explained how different each pillow was and let us feel and embrace them to decide for ourselves which pillow would spend sweet slumber with us (I chose the goose feather).



After check-in, we walked to the nearest supermarket to buy some snacks to bring back to the suite, then decided to unwind later in the afternoon by having a one hour massage at Terra Wellness Spa (booking a Serendipity Suite gives you exclusive discounts at the spa, by the way). Before our massage, we were asked to choose which of the aromatic massage oils our therapists will use for us. Every Amuin therapeutic aromatherapy essential oil presented had a relaxing appeal, and I ended up choosing 'Sigla' with its happy lemongrass scent.







After all the kinks and knots all over our bodies were kneaded and soothed to relaxation, we stopped by the poolside to take some pictures and hang out for a while. Then, it was soon time for dinner. Located at the 22nd level, 22 Prime, Discovery Suites' restaurant showcasing US Prime steaks, was our dining destination for the evening. And just because we wanted to have fun, my friend and I prettied up for the occasion, in dresses and heels. Good thing we did, because we matched the restaurant's ambiance that night, with a table for two just by the glass window, the sparkly Ortigas skyline in view.





For that evening, we tried out their signature menu called Surf & Turf Special (P1,695/person). This features a soup and salad, a main course, a glass of wine, and a dessert sampler. Since that night was our first time to experience 22 Prime, we figured the set menu was the best way to have a taste of what the restaurant has to offer.





After being served complimentary breads and dips, our soup and salad arrive. Chef's Soup of the Day was Classic Lobster Bisque (ala carte - P395), and the salad, Caesar Salad '22 Prime' (ala carte - P295). What a luscious start to our luxurious dinner! The soup was excitingly rich, flavors very potent, as if the entire essence of a lobster was placed right on the bowl in front of us. Their caesar salad is a whimsical and creative version of the classic salad, with cheese fritters in wonton adding crunch and tang.



Our main course arrived: two big plates containing Grilled US Angus Rib Eye Steak (200g), Jumbo Prawns, Twice-Baked Potatoes, & Tagaytay Vegetables. Considering we had breads and dip, some wine, salad and soup earlier on, the serving size of the main course is generous. Before we dug in, we were presented a box of steak knives where we can choose a knife that we can use for our main course that evening. I though that was such a charming, personal touch on 22 Prime.



I wasn't able to finish everything; good thing a couple of our friends dropped by the restaurant, so we had them sample the steak and prawns. The beef was cooked medium, and pleasantly pink upon slicing. The two pieces of prawns were plump and juicy. As is, both surf and turf were already tasty that I didn't even bother using the two sauces that came along with the main course. In between bites, assorted veggies (asparagus, melted cheese in tomato) and potatoes (baked and mashed) were most welcome in my palate.

This coming Thanksgiving, 22 Prime wishes to indulge customers with a lavish dinner buffet. On Thursday, November 24, 7pm to 10:30pm, they have a Thanksgiving Feast at P1,250++ per person. Enjoy Slow-roasted US Turkey with traditional stuffing, fresh seafood bar, Aromatic Roast Pork and Crackling, Smoked Ham, Whitefish Fillet Florentine au Gratin, Spaghetti Aglio Oglio, Paella Valenciana, salads, desserts and many more.



We ended our dinner with Chef's Dessert Sampler, a trio of cream puff, pana cotta, and custard cake. We remedied our glorious food coma by watching television back at our suite, and also using the suite's complimentary broadband connection to watch old Saturday Night Live skits online. We had a belly full of good food and big laughs, until it was time for some shut-eye. Embracing our comfy pillow of choice, it was a much needed good night's sleep.



The next morning, we felt like we needed to cocoon in our suite -- we wanted to make the most out of our stay, especially our plush beds and huggable pillows. It was as if our beds had magnets, and never wanted to let go of us! Held captive, we decided to stay in for the rest of the morning unproductive. We also decided to have breakfast brought in our suite instead of going down to the restaurant, so that we can enjoy it in the comforts of our own room, bedroom slippers, while watching television and reading the newspaper.



It was definitely a sweet experience having an overnight staycation at Serendipity Suites. If you want a quick but sweet escape, a special haven where you can celebrate the upcoming holidays without having to leave the metro, then book a suite at Discovery Suites. Indulge in their fine food, friendly service, and feel-at-home accommodations. They will definitely have you pining for the suite life!

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Discovery Suites holiday room packages begin at P3,500++ (Junior Suite De Luxe), P3,800++ (Junior Suite Premier), P 4,800++ (One Bedroom Suite), and P9,800++ (Three Bedroom Suite). Rates are inclusive of buffet breakfasts at Restaurant 5. Rates are valid from December 1 – 30, 2011, and from January 1- 10, 2012. Early birds will be rewarded with a 50% discount on the second night provided they confirm and settle their December reservations between November 15 until December 15, 2011.

For inquiries and reservations, call Discovery Suites at 719-8888 or 914-9888, or book through e-mail at rsvn@discovery.com.ph. For 22 Prime inquiries and table reservations, please call 719-6821, 719-8888, 914-9888 or e-mail fbds@discovery.com.ph