Seven Suites Hotel and Observatory: A stellar weekend getaway

Location: Hollywood Hills Subd., Sumulong Highway, Antipolo City
Philippines

How to go there: From Cubao, ply Marcos Highway until Masinag Market, after Masinag Market, turn right until you reach Seven Suites Hotel, which is on the left side. You may also ride a jeepney to Antipolo but be sure to ask the driver if it will pass by Sumulong Highway.



Hours of Operation: 24 hours


Website: http://www.sevensuites.net

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sevensuiteshotel

Contact Numbers:

682-0330; 682-2076; 217-5443

Amenities/Facilities:

- Function rooms
- Billiard table
- Spa
- Swimming pool
- Restaurant
- Wi-Fi access
- Observatory


Environment/Ambiance/Food: The ambiance is great because of its somewhat zen feel. It's theme can be compared with Tagaytay's "The Boutique" because of its color motiff which is black and white. Because of its location, the chilly weather in Seven Suites is just perfect for couples who want to escape the hustles and bustles of the Metro even for just one night. With its perfect city light backdrop, Seven Suites Hotel is also a great place for practicing night photography. The overlooking cityscape is probably one of the best assets of this hotel cum observatory. The nearby restaurants like Grilla, The Spaghetti House and the in house restaurants Hollywood Steak house and Sugar are also strategic locations for watching the sunset. Debuts and weddings are also being held in Seven Suites because of its romantic ambiance. Watching the sun set while pledging your vows amidst the hotel's garden is just a splendid sight to behold.

There's nothing very special with the rooms, although I can only speak for the De Luxe Rooms since I haven't seen yet their suites. The cable channel is not clear, there are few sockets in the room and bed is not cozy enough for me. By the way, if you hate taking the stairs, then Seven Suites might not be for you. The hotel is 5-storey tall, including the penthouse or observatory but there's no elevator. Although it doesn't really mind it at all since this is actually a good form of exercise and they can save a lot of energy from it. I like the idea that Seven Suites takes high regard to the environment, in fact, they have a mini garden where organic and medicinal plants are grown.

Each room is named after the 7 days of the week, thus earning it the name Seven Suites Hotel.

Foodwise, I must caution that it's quite expensive. I haven't tasted yet their steak although it actually looks delish but I have tried one of their desserts already which is the "Controversial Smores." I don't know what's so controversial about it but it's yummy. Hehehe. I love how they named their desserts (Sugar), like for example, the Politically Correct Sacher Torte. Hahaha. So cool and unique. You'd really be intrigued.

Our breakfast was alright although there's really nothing special and you can't actually get to choose your food. In our case, it's an omelette, which is tasty, toasted bread with butter, bread isn't hot anymore upon serving, cereal, coffee, and pineapple, which I think was just the one in can because it doesn't tastes fresh. But anyway, all in all, I love the breakfast, at least it's not the usual Tocilog, Tapsilog, Bacon and Egg, etc. =)


Staff: Staff is friendly and accommodating including the manager. They always try to strike a conversation with their guests and greets them with a smile.


Price: I must say that Seven Suites' rate is kind of stiff compared to other hotels which is far better than theirs when it comes to facilities and service. However, since it's an observatory as well and it's actually the only nice hotel or place to stay in Antipolo, then that explains the price I guess. And come to think of it, not all people can have the chance to experience using a telescope in their whole life. I for one have dreamed of owning one since I'm a frustrated Astronomer.^_^ By the way, their lowest room rate starts at Php 3,920 and can go up to Php 12,320 for a suite.

Remarks: Since it's a January when we went there and the weather is chilly, it's actually expected that no one will go swimming in their pool, but I do hope that they can actually clean it everyday just in case guests want to take a quick plunge, same goes with the jacuzzi. Their lobby has mosquitoes as well which is quite disappointing. You can actually play billiards for free but they only have one billiard stick. =/. Their penthouse or observatory in the roof deck is not very presentable and clean so I hope they could do something about it. I think they should create a special room ala Planetarium and sell souvenirs related to Astronomy, like stars, planets, etc. I bet it would be a hit to children and adults. After all, they are the only hotel cum observatory in the country so they should invest on it.