Finding that perfect weekend getaway within the metro is always a sure thing...in a Hyatt world.
Hyatt City of Dreams Manila is your gateway to the perfect weekend, located at the heart of the city by the bay yet one feels a million miles away from all the stress of the urban rat race. Add an indulgent layer of sumptuous flavors executed with that distinct Hyatt touch, it's another weekend made perfect...in a Hyatt world.
The gleaming golden structures of Hyatt City of Dreams Manila rise prominently in stark contrast with the blue skies and calm waters of the famed bay, a dramatic setting for that perfect weekend escape. Hyatt City of Dreams Manila consists of two towers linked to the vast entertainment complex, including the family entertainment center DreamPlay by Dreamworks Animation, Pangaea + Chaos nightclubs, gaming facilities, and international stores, bars and restaurants. Your options are limitless, all within the confines of the sprawling 6.2 hectare City of Dreams complex.
Hyatt City of Dreams Manila boasts of 362 elegant rooms, with panoramic views of the bay or the city. Ranging from 36 to 85 square meters, each guest room is accentuated with striped woods and warm, comforting tones of mustard, paprika, and chocolate for that cozy vibe, configured in King or Twin accommodations to fit your needs and specifications.
My sanctuary for the weekend is Hyatt City of Dreams Manila's well-appointed Deluxe Suite, with luxurious tub and bath, 300-count linen and non-allergenic feather pillows for that well-deserved break. High-speed wireless internet lets you connect with the world, and a 42-inch LED HDTV with interactive interface keeps you entertained.
A visit to the Hyatt Club Lounge adds that distinct Hyatt touch, combining smart elegance with exclusivity capped by warm and personal service for Club guests. Daily continental breakfast, all-day coffee and tea, daytime snacks, pre-dinner cocktails and canapes, and late evening coffee, tea and snacks, it's all here at the Hyatt Club Lounge.
Dinner at Hyatt City of Dreams is an experience in itself at the 315-seater interactive show kitchen restaurant, The Cafe. And after visiting The Cafe a number of times before, the station chefs even remembered what I enjoyed, premium salmon sliced extra thick and fresh oysters on a half shell served on ice, making my dinner even more special.
At The Cafe, diners have a variety of seating options to choose from, including cozy circular booths to private and semi-private rooms to stand-alone tables that place you right in the middle of it all, in close proximity to the different live stations. During the breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet service hours, The Cafe's entertaining and vibrant culinary theater format is highlighted by expert chefs with their masterful performances. Diners can feast and indulge in a wide variety of flavorful options, like pasta, pizza, and Italian classics at The Italian Station; carvery, grill, teppan, griddle, satay, kebab, and yakitori at The Grill and Griddle Station; sushi, sashimi, charcuterie, cheeses, pate, salads, freshly-baked bread, terrines, and chilled seafood at The Deli; dim sum, Chinese barbecue, wok, noodles and rice dishes at The Asian Station; tempura, fried dim sum, pressure fried dishes, and fried food favorites from around the world at The Comfort and Favorites Station; and finally, soft-serve ice cream, pancakes, waffles, crepes, halo-halo, indulgent pastries, cakes and baked treats at The Pastry Station. After a tasty first course of fresh salmon and oysters on the half-shell from my friends at the The Deli Station, it's time for even more fresh seafood, it's time for Sushi and Sashimi...
...followed by Fresh Clams Sauteed in Butter and Garlic. The chilled seafood is actually great as is, but the station chefs will gladly serve your fresh catch any way you want it, served ala minute and fresh from the kitchen at its flavorful peak.
After some fresh oysters, why not go for another round, with a plate of freshly baked Oyster Rockefeller. And that's what makes The Cafe special, where you can have your dish any way you want it.
That evening, succulent Curracha, or local Spanner Crabs from down south were featured in the chilled seafood section. Sauteed in butter and garlic? Yes, please...
At The Asian Station, Fried Chili Lobsters were served (L), while the The Grill and Griddle Station featured the Smoked Barbecued Pork (R), a tender slab of juicy pork smoked for hours. But take your time, there's no need to rush. Simply go with the flow and pick whatever fancies your appetite, it is after all, a weekend staycation.
Back at The Asian Station, a selection of tasty Dim Sum were displayed, including the soupy Xiao Long Bao and other familiar favorites. Pair your dim sum with a bowl of comforting Asian-style noodles, like Laksa masterfully prepared ala minute by the station chefs.
At The Grill and Griddle Stations, the grills were fired up all night serving freshly grilled seafood and assorted skewered meats. Craving for some pork love? No worries, The Grill and Griddle Station has that covered with their Grilled Pork Belly (L). Grilled Beef Ribs? The Grill and Griddle Station has that too (R)...
And here's the beef. Meet The Beast, a massive whole leg of premium Mayura Wagyu Beef, one of the highlights at The Grill and Griddle Station that evening. Go for a few slices and have it grilled to your desired doneness, pair it with a selection of roasted vegetables and sauces to complete your carnivorous feast.
But leave room for dessert. Cap your feast with with a tempting array of decadent desserts at The Pastry Station, like intricate pastries or the classic Crepes prepared ala minute by the station chef, with your choice of filling, syrups, and soft-serve ice cream flavors. And there's more...
...like a thick and creamy Milkshake in your choice of flavor, including Vanilla, Chocolate or Strawberry.
Not to be missed is The Pastry Station's Mango Sans Rival, with soft and chewy layers of butter meringue and cashews with sweet and tart mangoes for contrasting notes to temper the creamy richness of this classic dessert.
The Cafe at Hyatt City of Dreams Manila adds that sumptuous and flavorful layer in a continuous chain of memorable experiences for that perfect weekend getaway. And the best part? Seeing familiar faces manning the live stations, and when these same chefs remember your favorites, the perfect weekend gets a warm and personal touch...
And it's little touches like these that add to a memorable experience...in a Hyatt world. After dinner, why not have a nightcap at The Lounge with a round of signature handcrafted cocktails (more on The Lounge on my other post, A Tipple at The Lounge: Oktober Special Cocktails at Hyatt City of Dreams Manila).
Refreshed and well rested, bright and early starts sets the tone for another day in the perfect weekend. The lush and verdant greens of the gardens and the clear blue skies provide contrasting hues to the golden towering structures of City of Dreams. It's a new day, and it's time for breakfast...
The Cafe presents yet another facet with its flavorful breakfast buffet, showcasing the freshest ingredients to guarantee a perfect start...
The Italian Station is transformed, serving farm-fresh eggs the way you want it, poached, scrambled or sunny side-up (R). At The Asian Station (L), fresh noodle dishes and congee are served up for a hearty and comforting breakfast.
The interactive show kitchen format at The Cafe provides an appetizing backdrop for a sumptuous breakfast, with each station fired up for the early risers. The bustling activity just whets your appetite even more, as you grab a plate and start loading up...
And bacon starts my day right. Crisp and smoky, bacon always guarantees a perfect start.
Pair your bacon with a stack of freshly made and fluffy Pancakes at The Pastry Station (L), or why not have some French Toast or Belgian Waffles instead? At The Grill and Griddle Station, indulge in some thick slices of Country Glazed Ham (R), and your new day is off to a great start.
An early morning swim at Hyatt City of Dreams Manila's outdoor pool completes the weekend escape.
And as the sun rises higher, the sleek golden facade of City of Dreams radiates a warm glow reflecting the clear skies...
...unveiling the contemporary lines in the light of a new day. Perfect starts for a perfect weekend, just can't get better than this.
As the sun descends on the distant horizon, the golden structures continue to glow in the fading light. It's the end of another perfect day. Here's to perfect weekends...in a Hyatt world.
Hyatt City of Dreams Manila is located at Asean Avenue corner Roxas Boulevard, Entertainment City, Paranaque, Manila or call (+632) 691-1234 for inquiries and more information.
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