An Oasis in the Busy City
An Oasis in the Busy City
Nestled in the heart of Ortigas is a hidden gem of a hotel that offers a charm unlike any other.
By Margaux Salazar
The 5-star Joy-Nostalg Hotel & Suites Manila managed by Accor (formerly Oakwood Premier) is an oasis in the city. A stone’s throw from The Podium Mall and Shangri-La Plaza Mall, it offers 229 expansive rooms and top-notch customer service that will make you feel right at home, with a sense of comfort and quiet luxury at the same time.
As it also operates as serviced apartments—catering to long-staying expats—the rooms are not your typical hotel rooms in terms of size and amenities. The Studio is at 41 sqm., the One-Bedroom at 86 sqm. and 91 sqm., the Two-Bedroom at 131 sqm., and the Three-Bedroom at an incredible 182 sqm. Apart from the home entertainment system and beds that provide the most restful sleep, all rooms come with a fully equipped kitchen—with a stove, microwave, and fridge—that makes it perfect for guests who wish to stay in and cook or order in.
Their all-day dining, The Nostalgia Bar & Lounge, is a highlight of the hotel. Decked with elegant interiors, it indeed offers a touch of nostalgia and old-world glamour. Guests can indulge in a wide array of international and Asian cuisines from their a la carte menu, from Crab Roe Fettucine to Grilled Prawns (with citrus cous cous, arugula, and white wine sauce), Indonesian Nasi Goreng to Classic Kare-Kare and Crispy Pork Belly. They also serve grilled specialties such as Ribeye, Tenderloin, King Prawns, and Tasmanian Salmon. Plant-based options are available such as Crispy Crab and Mushroom Sisig (made with vegan crab, mushroom, and calamansi crème) and Black Rice Risotto, as well as vegetarian dishes like Truffle Cream Rigatoni, Penne Pesto with Blue Cheese, and Singaporean Wok Tossed Noodles. Desserts include their Signature Earl Grey—made of layers of crunchy hazelnut, mango gelee, earl grey mousse, chocolate cake, and chocolate mousse—and their unique take on Tiramisu that is served with a dark chocolate tower with a crunch.
À la carte dishes at The Nostalgia Bar and Lounge.
The breakfast buffet (served at 6 a.m.-10:30 a.m.) is not to be missed. Aside from the all-time favorites: crispy bacon, sausages, garlic rice, and omelettes, and a selection of croissants, pastries, and breads, guests are also delighted with Filipino flavors including hot champorado, taho, and local delicacies such as cheese covered pichi-pichi. There’s a noodles station if you’d prefer to start your day with a warm bowl of soup. Healthy eaters will also enjoy the spread with its salad station, detox drinks, and yogurt station, wherein you can choose from a variety of yogurts (plain, full cream, mango, and more) and toppings such as fruits, nuts, chia seeds, and muesli. Whether you prefer a light or hearty breakfast, you’ll surely savor the early moments of your day here.
The lunch buffet is also a must-try (even if you’re not checked in at the hotel). A bit of soup, a bit of leafy greens, a bit of sushi, a bit of dim sum, a bit of pasta, a bit of seafood, a bit of porchetta—a little bit of everything really as the spread is not too overwhelming. It’s these intimate moments with sumptuous food and relaxing views that make the visit here an experience for the senses. (The lunch buffet is served on weekdays while dinner for both weekdays and weekends is a la carte only.)
For a more casual nightcap, check out the hotel’s rooftop bar called The Roof that offers a sweeping skyline view. Sip some whisky, gin, wine, beer, or cocktails and enjoy bar chow while watching the sunset or having a chill night with friends. The hotel also houses an indoor pool, sauna, spa, and gym.
If you’re looking for a venue to hold your intimate gatherings and celebrations, the hotel’s ballrooms or The Nostalgia Bar and Lounge offer luxurious spaces. The Roof is an al fresco venue with a cool and calming feel. Choose from a variety of set menus to compliment your theme.
And for pet parents, this property allows your fur babies to stay with you in the rooms. To their credit, the hotel only offers the rooms a day after checkout of guests with pets to make sure it is thoroughly cleaned and there are no traces of smells. It’s really all in the details that make your stay here outstanding.
