F1 Hotel Manila: Weekend Staycations in Bonifacio Global City

While I love living in my city, it's also nice to enjoy the comfort and not to mention, luxury, of a new environment. This is probably one of the reasons why I love staycations so much. You get to experience what the place can offer without driving too far out from the city. And one of my most favorite spots to explore as of late is the metropolis dubbed as the future premiere central business district of the country. If you haven't guessed it yet, it's one of the sprawling urban playgrounds in the metro -- Bonifacio Global City, or The Fort in Taguig.

I've always loved exploring the foodie destinations and the hippest shops at The Fort. But while I can bear the almost 2-hour commute going to and from BGC, I still prefer spending time at one of the hotels here, just so I can really experience more of the place while I also unwind and recharge. So whenever the boyf and I have some extra cash and a free weekend, we try and book at F1 Hotel Manila, which is also the first hotel to open in the area.

Front desk at F1 Hotel Manila

Unlike most hotels I've been to, F1 Hotel Manila has its front desk at the 5th floor, while the ground floor housed the concierge. And while it may not be as big as that of other 4-star hotels', I still really dig its modern chicness. Loved how the floor-to-ceiling windows also makes the lobby look so refreshing during the day.

Seating area at the 5th floor

We've already been to F1 Hotel Manila three times now, and check-in is usually a breeze. After confirming the booking we made online, and giving a P3,000 incidental deposit (in case you consume anything not included in the room rate, i.e. snacks from mini-bar, room service, local calls, or break something in the room) which will be returned upon check-out, we already found ourselves off to our home in BGC for the day.

The Deluxe Room

The two times we've been to the hotel, we chose to stay in their Deluxe Room -- a 35sqm. room with either a large double bed or twin beds.

When we first checked in, I was surprised to find the room this spacious. There's a 32-inch LCD TV, an executive desk, a sofa and a coffee table, a counter with a mirror, fridge and coffee and tea maker, a luggage rack, a full-body mirror, and a closet -- yet, the room still feels big despite all these. Seriously, we had so much floor space we didn't know what to do with it!

The room mainly has a wood, dark brown and slate gray motif which we quite like. Sure, the room can use more accents like a plant décor or more wall installations. But for the basic business traveler, which this hotel mostly caters to, F1 Hotel Manila has everything down.

Hand-held showerhead and a rain shower

The toilet and bath is also pretty simple, yet clean and fully functional. One of our pet peeves is not finding a bidet (or even tabo or dipper) in today's modern hotels, and we're so happy to find that F1 Hotel has a bidet. Hurray! The bath's also fully amenitized, so no need to bring anything. Towels, toothbrushes, toiletries -- they already have it! As with hot and cold water.

The Fort Suite

On one occasion, the boyf and I were fortunate enough to have been extended an invitation for a staycation. Unlike the other times we've checked in here, this time, we were lucky to have been given the 43sqm. one bedroom Fort Suite with a separate living and working area.

The Fort Suite's living area reminds me strongly of the space in a Deluxe Room, but without the bed, with a longer executive desk, and more sofa seating. Oh, and the fridge here is filled, unlike that of the Deluxe Room's, which can be a good thing and a bad thing. (I like my fridge with free space so I can put drinks and the facial masks I usually bring with me. LOL!)

We love the bedroom so much, with a nice, soft-but-with-just-the-right-firmness king-sized bed and pillows. The boyf loves something else about the bedroom though... The distance, or lack thereof, of the bed to the LCD TV! He says this is the perfect setup of a TV in the bedroom, just a few meters away from you even if you rest all the way to the headboard. Haha!

Like the Deluxe Room, the bathroom of the Fort Suite is also simple yet clean and fully amenitized. It doesn't have a bath tub like what I'd usually expect in suites. But we're very much okay without it, since we're usually out exploring the city most of the time anyway.

Canary Lounge & Swimming Pools

The 3rd floor houses the hotel's all-day dining restaurant called F (more on this later), as well as the Canary Lounge and three swimming pools.

To be honest, I used to not think much of F1 Hotel's swimming pools. But after seeing the area for myself, I can't deny that even a water hater (spell CAN'T swim) like me was truly enticed to take a dip! They have a kiddie pool for toddlers and small kids, a family pool for everyone to have fun in, and a lap pool for those who want to swim off some calories.

Fitness Center & Spa

Just a little above the 3rd floor is the 3M floor with the hotel's fitness center and its spa.

Working out with food as a motivation? Why not?!

I really wanted to have a go at the treadmill during our stay(s). But since I was already walking a lot exploring BGC, I thought I'd use this excuse. Haha! The next time we stay at F1 Hotel though, I'll make sure to bring my workout/gym clothes. #NoMoreExcuses

I didn't get to take a peek at the hotel's spa and wellness center, but I have blogger friends who have already enjoyed and can attest to their massage services. If the price is right, I'll definitely avail of their spa next time. That massage bed and hot tub is calling me!

Breakfast at F All-Day Dining Restaurant

I made a not-so-positive review on F All-Day Dining Restaurant's buffet spread a few years back. But after trying out their breakfast buffet thrice, as well as their lunch and dinner buffet once, I can say that a LOT of things have changed since I made that post.

From what I know, Chef Sau del Rosario has also worked as F1 Hotel's executive chef and consultant, so this may have been the reason why the f&b at F1 has turned around for the better. But if there's one thing that didn't change, it's how stylish this restaurant looks like! The red swirly cushion seating by the lobby, and the chic albeit low-ceiling dining area, still has me sold. And of course, how can I not mention the courteous and efficient service?

Anyway, the lunch and dinner buffet spread change every few months, so for now, let me just share with you the breakfast buffet offerings which has somehow been consistent through our three stays at F1 Hotel Manila.

Sushi, yogurt, fruits, breads, cereals

Frittata, French toast, pancakes, waffles

Scrambled eggs, sausages, bacon, potatoes

Adobo, daing, menudo and omelette station

Assortment of drinks, egg drop soup, arroz caldo

There's also a station for hot noodles, if I recall right... Anyway, it's quite curious how my choice of breakfast evolved throughout my three stays at F1 Hotel Manila. Just look at the photos below and see what I mean.

September 2013: My first plate

September 2013: My second plate

July 2014: My first plate

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July 2014: My second plate

December 2014: My only plate

See the changes? Aside from eating less and less, I think I'm also seeing the healthier changes. Teehe! Let's hope I keep this up on my next staycations at F1 Hotel Manila and anywhere else.

Although not as grand as the other hotels I've been too, F1 Hotel Manila has proven to be an enjoyable abode in Bonifacio Global City. It has all the basics down and more. I didn't even think it'd have a pool. And F1 Hotel has three! But other than the good accommodations and even better, their location right smack in The Fort, another thing that makes this hotel special to us is how the guards and the concierge happily greet us each time we'd walk in. And this is a sight I'd surely love to see again, so 'till our next staycation, F1 Hotel Manila! (*＾ワ＾*)b

Hotel Rates:
Deluxe Room - P7,000 nett | P9,000 Published Rate
City Suite - P7,850 nett | P10,200 Published Rate
Fort Suite - P9650 nett | P12,600 Published Rate


F1 Hotel Manila
32nd Street (Lane Q), Bonifacio Global City
Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines
(02) 928-9888; 908-7888
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