Four amazing days. In the very best hotel in Davao City. Just in time for the annual Kadayawan harvest festival. Four amazing days of luxury and comfort, the best international and local cuisine, experiencing the city's rich cultural heritage up close, and meeting some great people. That's one awesome experience at The Marco Polo Davao...
Situated in the heart of Davao City, The Marco Polo is right in the center of the city's business and commercial district, and just a 20 minute drive from the Davao International Airport. Part of an Asian-based hotel group, The Marco Polo has 13 luxurious properties in Hong Kong, China, Thailand and the Philippines, key Asian business and leisure destinations combining Asian warmth and western comfort. And there's no better place to stay in Davao, the "City in Bloom," than The Marco Polo.
Inside the Marco Polo Davao, the elegant interiors combine modern western design with touches of the local culture, a unique trademark of The Marco Polo. The Marco Polo Davao has a total of 245 rooms and suites, ranging from Superior and Deluxe rooms all the way to the Marco Polo Suite, and the Presidential Suite. Add some impressive banquet facilities including several ballrooms and function rooms to fit any requirement, and a host of services one can expect from The Marco Polo, this is definitely the place to stay while in the "City of Blooms". And with a full service 24-hour Business Center offering an extensive range of secretarial and business services, you can enjoy business with leisure any time. A member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world's largest alliance of independent hotel brands, guests can enjoy benefits and savings in all of The Marco Polo's properties plus over 300 hotels worldwide with its innovative loyalty program.
The inviting Lobby Lounge is the perfect place to recharge upon arrival, with its casual yet elegant chairs and sofas, and refreshing cocktails.
And what better way to start your Davao adventure than with a refreshing chilled Pomelo juice, a popular local citrus fruit synonymous with Davao.
The Marco Polo's new Premiere Room, my home for the next four days. The rooms feature an elegant balance of comfort, warmth and space. All rooms come with with Queen or twin beds, electronic guest room locks, individually adjustable air-conditioning system, a well-stocked mini-bar, a personal safe, a private bathroom with separate shower and even a telephone extension. The beds come with goose down pillows, and lying for just a few minutes can lull you to sleep almost immediately...
An executive desk with Fax/modem port, IDD/NDD telephone with voice mail facility and Broadband internet service keeps you connected at all times. Plus, a flat screen LCD TV with cable ensures you won't miss your favorite cable channels.
A complimentary plate of seasonal local fruit, including bananas, sweet mangoes and rambutan, awaits you as you enter your personal sanctuary at The Marco Polo.
If you need a caffeine boost, the Premiere Room is also equipped with a Caffitaly Capsule System, with complimentary coffee capsules. No need to leave your room for a late night coffee fix, or an early morning cup of premium coffee.
With time to kill, and mustering enough will power to leave the comfort of the goose down pillows, I decided to take a short walk and explore "The Deck," The Marco Polo's recreational level featuring the hotel's pool, a fitness center, a spa and restaurant, all located at the 4th level away from the city's pulsating vibe.
The 25 meter pool is perfect for a few laps or a refreshing dip to beat the afternoon heat.
And if you feel the need to burn off some calories, the Fitness Center welcomes guests with its top-of-the-line gym equipment with a full complement of trained fitness instructors.
And if its serious pampering you're after, there's The Marco Polo's Lazuli Spa. For more on The Lazuli Spa, check out my post here at http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2013/08/sanctuary-in-city-marco-polos-lazuli-spa.html.
And if you're after some of the freshest salads, savory steaks and prime beef and mouthwatering barbecues, the glass-enclosed Polo Bistro is just a few steps away from the pool (more on the Polo Bistro's mouthwatering dishes here athttp://dude4food.blogspot.com/2013/08/dinner-at-marco-polos-polo-bistro.html).
As the afternoon sun slowly sets, the sound of distant drums signal last-minute rehearsals for the next day's festivities as the city prepares for the annual Kadayawan harvest festival.
The VIP stage in front of The Marco Polo gets the finishing touches, all set for the next day's festivities. You can have a magnificent bird's eye view of the Kadayawan from your own room, or you can opt to get up close at street level for an even more memorable Kadayawan experience.
Stay tuned for a series of posts highlighting The Marco Polo as well as Davao's rich culture and local cuisine...
Special thanks to Anthony Tan, The Marco Polo General Manager; and the Marketing team led by Emelyn Q. Mauhay, Director of Sales & Marketing; Patty Basa Tan, Media Communications Officer; and Phoebe Kaye Reyes, Public Relations Assistant for an amazing four days at The Marco Polo. And a truly unforgettable experience in the "City of Blooms."
The Marco Polo is located at C. M. Recto Street corner M. Roxas Avenue 8000 Davao City, Philippines or call (63 82)221-0888 for inquiries and reservations. You can also call the Manila Sales Office at (63 2) 893-0888 or send an e-mail to davao@marcopolohotels.com. Visit their website at www.marcopolohotels.com for more information.
Dude for Food is now on Facebook, check out the FB Page for good eats and awesome travel destinations. Better yet, click "Like" and enjoy the ride...just look for the FB :Like" widget on the right sidebar.