The lobby is quite small but elegant. The reception desk personnel were warm and accommodating, the welcome mango drink refreshing. Noy requested for a room located at the highest possible level, to which they gladly complied.
On our 10th level room we found a large bed and the usual amenities, but this was more comfortable and thought-of.
The bathroom showed signs of just how old the hotel is, but it's pleasant and well-appointed.
Noy especially liked the black and white tiled floor while I loved the signature seashell design everywhere in the hotel, evident even in the towels.
While the toiletries aren't so bad, I wish they would replace them with something like L'Occitane, just like Sofitel did.
In the evening we proceeded to the function rooms for the symposium. Dinner buffet was served in one while the program was held in another. Both rooms had an old world European feel, both businesslike but still very comfortable. There were mirrors everywhere to make up for the rather small size of the rooms, making them bright and airy.
Dinner was largely made up of Filipino dishes. Food wasn't at all bad - there was plenty, but I'd say I've tasted better. In the other room where the program proper was held had a coffee and snack bar (sandwiches and fries). There was bottled water and candy for everyone. It was really well thought-of.
When we went back to the room we were surprised to see the television turned on, the curtains drawn, the trash bins emptied, the bed made ready for sleeping. The slippers were even laid out beside the bed for use.
Oh, and they even replenished the complimentary water bottles in the fridge. I haven't heard of such service, but it was a good one and we thoroughly appreciate it.
Noy and I brought swimsuits but woke up too late for an early morning swim, what with the very comfortable bed (finally! one large bed!), save for the blanket that always folded under the covers.
The pool was large and inviting, but we didn't want to swim in full view of the diners at Paseo Uno, where we had breakfast as well. Our table had a view of the pool, a pretty one, but the mere thought of all these people looking at me in my swimsuit while they ate prevented me from giving in =D.
There were four well-replenished food stations. While Paseo's size is a lot smaller than Spiral's, I enjoyed eating here more because there was less clutter, not to mention less people. This size allowed me to choose my food carefully and not to jump at something I haven't had before. Spiral's was just too overwhelming for me, although their food tasted a little better than Paseo's.
Paseo Uno, MO's all-day diner, with its wood-framed capiz walls, modern-inspired native furnishings and lovely anthuriums, serves homemade yogurt in cute little jars perfect for whipping up a salad dressing. The yogurt wasn't sour at all. Noy mixed it with a blueberry-flavored soya drink and made himself a yogurt masterpiece. It was very good!
I probably would not be able to forget how the attendants give utmost attention to its diners. Whenever someone left the table to get more food, an attendant would place the chair back and the refold the napkin. When that someone comes back to the table, the attendant would let that diner sit, replace the napkin on his or her side and ask if anything else is needed, like a coffee refill or a newspaper. It's almost tiring to look at the OC-ness but it's definitely something remarkable. I myself felt special whenever the bespectacled guy, bless him, almost ran just to lay the napkin out on my lap.
MO is a hotel that caters mostly to business travelers, but it's not a very bad getaway to those who are seeking mere pleasure. They have a world-renowned spa place on the 18th floor, something I would love to try and save up for. Would I come back for another weekend? Oh yes yes yes.
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