Some people want a staycation just to get away from the humdrum and stress of daily life.  So they want a luxury hotel which is accessible to all their needs, whether it be entertainment, food, or fun.  It doesn’t even have to be located in a rural or beach area.

The Novotel Manila Araneta Center is just the perfect place as a family staycation hotel. This luxury hotel is ideally located in Cubao, Quezon City, which is considered a very central and accessible part of Metro Manila.  In fact, Novotel Manila is probably the only premier luxury hotel located in the northern part of the metropolis.

Location Map

Novotel is only a five-minute walk from the LRT and MRT stations, and is situated right next to the Smart Araneta Coliseum, a major entertainment venue.  With such a location, you can easily get around the Araneta Center on foot, whether it be to shop at Gateway or Farmers Plaza, attend a concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum or Kia Theater, buy fresh produce at the Farmer’s Market, watch a movie at nearby cinemas, or dine in any of the area’s fine restaurants.

Novotel is just beside Smart Araneta Coliseum
You can easily buy small items that you'll need for your staycation at Shopwise which is just across the hotel
Gateway Mall is just a short walk from the hotel where you can watch movies, shop, and dine.

We decided to try the Oasis in Gateway for lunch before we check-in. It’s main attraction is their garden dining area. They serve food from the different restaurants surrounding the garden.

And during the holiday season, there are many more reasons for spending your staycation at Novotel Cubao. For about 35 years, Araneta Center has been putting up a gigantic 100-foot Christmas tree adorned with more than 1000 bulbs top to bottom, and every branch of the tree is covered with pine garlands to resemble a real pine tree. The festive lights sparkle every night starting November. The tree’s sparkling brilliance makes a great picture spot for you and your loved ones.  Besides the tree, the Araneta Center is decked with colorful lights all around the blocks.

For this year, the Le Grand Cirque show will be showing from December 25, 2016 to January 3, 2017, which is another wonderful reason to hang out in the area this season.  This show mashes circus acts with amazing theatrical effects, so don’t miss it! It’s another good reason to stay at the Novotel.

Even if you don’t participate in any of the center’s events this season, there are still numerous reasons why you should consider Novotel Araneta Center for your family staycation anytime of the year.

The hotel is very kid-friendly and accommodates two adults and two children (under age 15) to stay in one big comfortable room at the usual room rates.  Guests including kids are entitled to free breakfast buffets.  If you have a bigger family, you can book a second room for your kids at 50% off!

Lots of Play Area for your Kids

Kids will have fun playing with other kids in a safe environment.

Lobby Play Area

Premier Lounge Play Area

Rooms have a couch, work area, and entertainment center. It also come with complimentary coffee, sugar and creamers in sachets, teabags, mineral water, and toiletries. There’s a minibar complete with a small refrigerator and electric kettle. The refrigerator contains some beverages like soda and beer but be aware that these are chargeable to you when consumed.

You can request for either one queen bed or two twin beds in your room.  Novotel is known for their comfy beds and pillows which guarantees you’ll have a good sleep during your stay.

The room’s luxurious and spacious en-suite bathroom uses products that not only cleanses your body but also support farmer communities. The bathroom also has a hot and cold rainshower. A vanity mirror which has the perfect lighting for those who love to take selfies.

Techies will like the fact that the room has an abundant number of sockets  all around  to charge your gadgets and they also have strong WiFi (for free).

Novotel Manila Araneta Center in Quezon City boasts of a grand ballroom and spacious meeting rooms for business guests, an executive Premier Lounge on the rooftop, a spa, a fitness center, swimming pool, garden events place, and multilevel parking.

Versailles Garden

Christmas is in the air! @novotelmanilaaranetacenter #christmasatnovotel #christmasph #novotelmanila

A video posted by Staycation Philippines (@staycationph) on

There are several dining places in Novotel to tease your palate. The Gourmet Bar serves gourmet favorites like tapas, mozza, bocadillos, and reinvented Filipino dishes made from organic ingredients.

The Food Exchange Manila is noted for its international cuisine prepared in an interactive culinary theater.

The Pool Bar and Lounge likewise serves fare in a less formal setting which transforms into a trendy outdoor club after dark.

The kiddie and adult pools are open every day and are free to guests. You can borrow towels to use at the pool at no extra charge.

Premier Lounge

The Premier Lounge serves an international buffet spread, as well as, provides an awesome panoramic view of the metropolis skyline while you work on your laptop or just enjoying your afternoon tea.

For your fitness needs, you can also avail of the gym for free.

Fitness Center

Or if you need to stay connected and do some off-site quick research during your staycation, you’ll be glad to know that you can use the hotel’s desktops located at the lobby.

Now that you know all these, you should bring your family to Novotel Manila for a well-deserved staycation.

Check the availability and rates of Novotel Manila Araneta Center

Hotel rates vary depending on the date of your booking so just check their rates directly on their site.

(Novotel Manila Araneta Center graciously welcomed us and provided our accommodation. Thank you very much for hosting me and for your hospitality! My opinion, as always, are solely my own.)