A Premier Staycation at Diamond Hotel's Premier Suites

A memorable weekend unfolds...with a Premier Staycation at Diamond Hotel's Premier Suites.

The Jewel by the Bay, Diamond Hotel Philippines sets you right in the middle of historic old Manila with dramatic views of the magnificent sunset by the bay a mere few minutes from the airport, convention centers, cultural sites, historic landmarks, and shopping destinations. And with its equally impressive luxurious comfort and impeccable service, Diamond Hotel Philippines is your gateway to the city for that perfect weekend escape. The newly renovated Premier Suites at the Premier Floors are more reasons to visit the elegant Diamond Hotel. Read on for more on a Premier Staycation experience at Manila's Jewel by the Bay...

Located along the famed old city by the bay, Diamond Hotel Philippines offers guests panoramic views of the city and the bay with its legendary sunset. The imposing facade stands proudly along the bay with its distinctive bay windows for breathtaking views of the both the city and the bay. It's the perfect spot to catch the sunset, and feel the pulsating local vibe of the old city.  

From the minute you enter Diamond Hotel, the friendly staff greets you with the warmest of smiles starting a continuous chain of experiences linked together by the hotel's signature hospitality. And somehow, you don't feel far from home. And this weekend, this is home. Each step of the way is marked by a courteous smile from the hotel security to the front desk all the way to the servers and restaurant managers, each one ready to assist your every need. It's the kind of service honed by years of experience in the industry as one of the country's premier five-star hotels.

The new Premier Suites are located at Diamond Hotel's exclusive Premier Floors at the 22nd to 23rd Floors, providing guests with added privacy and security with special access cards at the elevators. For the solo traveler, there's just nothing like peace-of-mind when you're far and away from home.

My own private sanctuary at Diamond Hotel is the elegant Premier King with forty square meters of luxury highlighted by the impressive king-sized bed and panoramic bay window. The luxurious space combines elegant design with all the functional amenities for that perfect weekend escape with a large screen LCD TV and free unlimited wi-fi access in guest rooms and public areas to keep you connected with the rest of the world. The blend of old-world luxury and functional modernity is executed with a unique style consistent with Diamond Hotel's heritage of elegance. A stay at Diamond Hotel's Premier Suites also includes access to the Health Club and Spa, swimming pool and outdoor whirlpool. After a few minutes, it all sinks in. You're home. At Diamond Hotel's exclusive Premier Suites.

The plush pillows and linens call you, and once you lay down, getting up will be a serious challenge. The soft pillows embrace your head in comfort, taking you away to dreamland in no time. It is, after all, a weekend, and doing nothing is actually the best part of any staycation for that much needed break from the hectic pace of the previous week. And Diamond Hotel's Premier Suites is just what you need for that Premier staycation experience.

All that space, and it's all for you. And I'm lovin' every minute of this weekend at Diamond Hotel...

My Premier King Suite includes a work area (L) with all the outlets you need to connect all your mobile devices to finish that last-minute report for work or simply keep in touch. But my favorite feature of the Premier King Suite is the bay window (R) with the elegant chaise lounge and comfortable pillows... 

...with its spectacular views of the bay on the left and the emerging skyline on the right. It's the perfect spot for a freshly made cup of coffee or tea from the Premier Suite's own coffee-making bar. Guests can select from the Premier King, Premier Regency and Premier Executive Suite at Diamond Hotel's exclusive Premier Floors, each one lavishly appointed to suit discerning guests. The warm earth tones are accentuated by splashes of vibrant colors for that comforting and calming vibe, making you settle in and feel at home almost immediately. 

On one side of the bay window, the skyline of historic old Manila slowly transforms as new structures emerge...

...and on the other, the tranquil and serene bay calms you draped with the golden glow of the afternoon sun. The traffic below starts to build up, but it doesn't matter when you're twenty-two floors above the bay.


Below, the hotel's tropical lagoon-like pool with its cascading waterfall is an inviting sight. And when you're up for it, go for a few laps or simply lounge by the pool with a cocktail.

A platter of fresh fruits by the bay window is just one of those little touches that add to your Premier staycation at Diamond Hotel, one of many links in a continuous thread of experiences. And little touches like this mean a whole lot and goes a long way.

The spacious Premier Suite also includes an equally spacious bath with all the toiletries you need neatly arranged and within easy reach. The massive stainless steel rainfall shower head with its soothing downpour of streaming hot water works like a charm. The bold and deep tones of the marble add a luxurious feel to the suite.

The pampering continues with a knock on the door for a platter of indulgent and tempting sweet treats. You just know this is going to be great weekend at the Premier Suites of Diamond Hotel (for more on Diamond Hotel's new Premier Suites, visit https://www.diamondhotel.com/accommodations/premier-floor).

Throughout my stay at Diamond Hotel, one can't help but feel pampered by the friendly service of the hotel's staff. Just before dinner, the staff prepared to turn down the bed for a restful and good night's sleep. It's little touches like this that add to your memorable staycation experience at Diamond Hotel. 

Turned down and ready, you're tempted to call it a night. But dinner is about to be served...

Located at the lobby, Corniche is the hotel's restaurant offering a sumptuous buffet spread daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner with several live stations to satisfy any appetite or craving. With its high ceilings and panoramic floor-to-ceiling glass walls, it's buffet dining elevated to a luxurious level. A genuine warmth greets you... 

...almost like seeing an old friend, as the manager and staff of Corniche lead you to your table. The always impressive Fresh Seafood Station is given the final touches, with the day's freshest and bountiful catch laid on ice. The station chefs are there to assist you in preparing your fresh catch any way you want it.

Plump and succulent prawns, shrimps, crabs, mussels and clams, it's a great way to start your buffet dining experience at Diamond Hotel's Corniche. Great as is with its fresh, clean and mildly briny notes, you can also opt to have your seafood baked with cheese, grilled or lightly sauteed in butter and garlic with a squeeze of lemon. 

Since my very first dining experience from six years back, I've always been impressed with the service and wide variety of culinary offerings at Diamond Hotel's Corniche, and this weekend, dinner and breakfast were scheduled at one of my favorite dining spots this side of the metro (for more on Corniche, see my previous posts, Savor The Flavors of the Philippine Archipelago by Chef Myke "Tatung" Sarthou at Corniche featuring one of the country's noted culinary experts on Filipino cuisine, A Spanish Festival of Flavors: Exquisita Comida Espanola at Corniche highlighting authentic Spanish cuisine by Executive Chef Francisco Javier Coque, Celebrating the Flavors of May Festivals at Corniche's Culinaria Filipina by guest chefs Myrna Segismundo and Jill Sandique, Fiesta de Sabores Espanoles: A Spanish Fiesta of Flavors at Diamond Hotel's Corniche by guest chef Edgard Sanuy Barahona for Madrid Fusion, Celebrate Independence Day with Feasts From The Filipino Kitchen at Corniche with a spotlight on the signature lechon of  Pepita's Kitchen, All-You-Can-Eat Steaks at Corniche on the memorable steak buffet, The Best of Filipino Cuisine at Diamond Hotel's Corniche with guest chefs Sau del Rosario, Bruce Lim and JP Anglo; If It's Tuesday, It Must Be Arabian Nights at Diamond Hotel's Corniche on the previous middle eastern culinary festival, An All-American Feast at Diamond Hotel's Corniche with guest chef Christopher Gallaga's unforgettable Turducken, Salmon 100 Ways and More: Salmon Nights at Diamond Hotel's Corniche with a focus on everything salmon, Food News: Diamond Hotel's Corniche Features Cocina Filipina with Chef Bruce Lim showcasing local regional cuisine with a modern twist, and Awesome Lobster Buffet at Diamond Hotel's Corniche on my first time at Corniche made even more special with unlimited lobsters). That's six awesome years of memorable dining experiences at Corniche, and this weekend promised to be another unforgettable experience.

When I started my blog more than six years ago, Diamond Hotel was one of my first posts (see my very first post on Diamond Hotel, Food News: Diamond Hotel Opens The Lobby Lounge from 2012). And going back to Diamond Hotel since that first visit always feels like seeing old friends with that comforting familiarity.

From the Japanese Station, the Indian Station, the Fresh Seafood Station, the Grill Station and the Carving Station, the station chefs at Corniche are always ready to prepare your dish exactly the way you want it. They can also offer tasty suggestions, so feel free to chat with them and get their recommendations as well. 

As more guests arrived, the different stations and grills at Corniche were fired up for the evening's dinner service. The bar was also busy churning out refreshing drinks for the guests, it was another typical evening at Diamond Hotel's Corniche. 

Start with the fresh and clean flavors of Tuna and Salmon Sashimi from the Japanese Station...

...followed by tasty bites of gourmet cheese, nuts, creamy potato salad and refreshing Kani Salad. At Corniche, you can enjoy your buffet feast at your own leisurely pace, so there's no need to rush.

Dining at Corniche is like taking a culinary journey around the world where you can indulge in the rich and vibrant flavors of the east from the Indian Station with Rogan Josh and Lamb Biryani...

...and comforting local flavors like Lengua with grilled peppers and zucchini, and other savory treats from the Carving Station like Roast Turkey with Cranberry Sauce. It's a taste of the world, one plate at a time at Corniche.

And you can never have enough of the fresh seafood. Go for one more plate before capping the evening with an indulgent stop at the Dessert Station for some tempting pastries, cake and homemade ice cream. Halo-Halo? Make your own halo-halo at the Dessert Station too. Dinner starts at 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm daily. After a soothing cup of freshly brewed coffee, work-off the extra calories with a short walk around the hotel's pool or...

...why not have a few drinks at Diamond Hotel's Bar 27? Handcrafted cocktails, now that sounds like a good idea (for more on Diamond Hotel's Bar 27, see my post, High Times Above The City By The Bay at Diamond Hotel's Bar 27). Chill, party, or upbeat, Bar 27 has the right cocktail for you, just ask Bar 27's mixologist, Pierre...

...and he'll whip up your cocktail in a flash. The intriguingly named Experience Me (P 455 net) is a naughty blend of Bourbon Whiskey, Sweet Vermouth, and Angostura Bitters that hits the spot with sharp yet soothing notes. But Bar 27 has another cocktail worth a round or two coming up...

The wittingly-named Johnny Be Good (P 455 net) is a smooth blend of Johnnie Walker Whisky, sugar cubes, Angostura Bitters and soda water with just the right mix of deep smoky notes with a hint of bitter sweetness in every sip. It's the weekend, why not have another round Bar 27's uniquely named cocktails like Fly Me To The Malt, Never Mind...Her, Cool As A Cucumber, Whiskey Business, Read Between The Gin, A.K. B27, Smoking Gun, Toxic Relief, and Sexy In The City. For the solo traveler, the hotel bar is always a safe bet where you can enjoy your drink with some peace of mind.

One last round at Bar 27 and it's time to call it a night back at your very own Premier Suite. And a Full Body Massage is just what you need to end the day right. The Health Club and Spa of Diamond Hotel offers offers a fully-equipped gym so you can have your work-out regimen without skipping a beat as well as a variety of therapeutic treatments and wellness services by trained therapists. From relaxing foot massages to back and body massages, you can get back to your winning form in no time at all with Lifespan Reflexology located at the 6th Floor of Diamond Hotel. And you can have your relaxing massage in your Premier Suite, simply call the Front Desk for your appointment any time of day.

Well rested and recharged, you're ready for the day ahead. The calmness of early Sunday mornings is a great time for short walks around the pool.

Take in the early morning sun by the pool side...

...or go for a few laps before breakfast, it's your call.

Stop by the pond, and the fish are always happy and excited to see you. It must be feeding time...time for breakfast at Corniche.

Early that morning, Corniche was busy for the breakfast service. Serving breakfast daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 am, Corniche offers wide array of local and international breakfast favorites with a lavish buffet spread. You can also enjoy freshly prepared noodles, waffles, pancakes, French toast, crepes, and eggs prepared a la minute to your preference in several live stations.

Sunny-side up or over-easy, the station chefs expertly prepares your eggs with speed and precision. An omelet with everything in it? No worries, the station chefs can whip that out for you too in minutes. The scale and variety of offerings at Corniche is an experience in itself.

As more early risers arrived for breakfast at Corniche, the staff remained on the ball and spot on with their gracious service. Your coffee cup is never empty for long, refilled regularly by the servers. Head chefs make the rounds of the different stations to make sure everything is running smoothly for the breakfast service...

...as my cup is refilled with freshly brewed coffee. The busy mornings are always softened by the smiles of the staff at Corniche making your sumptuous breakfast even better. And the continuous chain of genuine warmth weaves its colorful tapestry to your Premier weekend staycation at Diamond Hotel. It's the little things that add up to a memorable experience, and Diamond Hotel's staff keeps everything real.

Breakfast is all about starting the day on the right note, with gourmet cheese, smoked salmon, cold cuts and a freshly prepared omelet...

...followed by crisp bacon, hash browns, and a masterfully executed sunny-side up with a perfectly runny yolk. Salads, fresh-baked bread, savory dishes, and congee, name it and Corniche has it covered with their extensive buffet selections. I've taken breakfast for granted for such a long time, enjoying a hearty breakfast at a leisurely pace just feels so right.

Can't decide between pancakes, waffles, French toast or crepes? Have it all in one plate...

A short walk around the pool and one more stop at the pond to say goodbye to my buddies just seemed right after a satisfying breakfast at Corniche. It's been a memorable weekend. A premier staycation weekend. At Diamond Hotel.

By early afternoon, the sun drapes the imposing facade of Diamond Hotel in a muted golden glow, setting the stage for another spectacular sunset on the bay. The end of my weekend staycation nears, and you just wish there were more days in a weekend...

The luxury and exclusivity of the Premier Suites and the variety of flavors at Corniche have made my staycation experience at Diamond Hotel a memorable one. But it's the people behind the warm smiles that made my experience special. So special, you never felt alone during the whole weekend at all. 

From the front desk to servers and staff, a weekend staycation at Diamond Hotel seemed like seeing old friends. And home away from home can be found at Diamond Hotel, the Jewel by the Bay...