City of Dreams Manila is a luxury integrated resort and casino complex in the Philippines. It has an iconic Fortune Egg that houses a nightclub, which attracts top-tier acts from all over the world. COD is a family-friendly one-stop fun, shopping, and staycation hub for locals and tourists. The rooftop pool deck is one of its highlights. The iconic gold structures’ exterior of the massive complex backdrops the expansive pool area. It can accommodate hundreds of guests at once. Furthermore, there are also several bars, restaurants, and cafes to choose from for a quick break or a good dinner. I’ve been in this place a few times but I just can’t get enough! Whether you’re a tourist or a Kababayan looking for a new environment to spend a few days on, this is one of the top places I can recommend to you.
SHOP AND PLAY
Almost everyone is aware that when it comes to the City of Dreams, the first thing that comes to their minds is “casino”. Of course, that is the main thing, but it also has some shops varying in clothes, shoes, eyewear, jewelry, and a lot more! While going around the window shopping or buying some stuff, you can also give your kids some fun time in DreamPlay! DreamPlay provides entertainment for children and the young at heart. They have different DreamWorks-inspired attractions and interactive features that will keep little ones mentally and physically stimulated. This way you wouldn’t have to worry about your kids throwing tantrums as you try to walk around or try some luck in the COD’s casino. At least both the adults and the kids are having fun, right? However, remember that with great stakes come big losses and wins. Gamble responsibly!
Here are some of the shops that you can find inside:
- Mary Grace
- 7/11
- Cafe Society
- Red Ginger
- Rossi Pizza
- Starbucks
- Coach
- Mont Blanc
- Euria
- Owndays
- Kultura
- Lacoste
STAY AT NOBU HOTEL
The Nobu Hotel Manila, like the other hotels at City of Dreams Manila, is comprised of two mid-rise towers. Nobu is well-equipped with everything needed to make one’s stay as comfortable and relaxing as possible. We got our room as a complimentary stay by earning 500 casino points. Everyone is free to book a room they desire. The crew and staff are attentive. The hotel rooms are simple yet stunning, with minimalist Japanese interior design and functional amenities. The bathroom is spotlessly tidy and roomy, with basic toiletries for grooming and bathing. There was less of the typical decor found in chain hotels, and the ambiance was more akin to boutique hotels. The towels are stored in a wooden rack, contributing to the overall minimalist aesthetic. There is also free parking, free and fast WiFi Internet, a gym, a spa, laundry services, luggage storage, and transportation arrangements at Nobu Hotel.
Rooms:
- Nobu Deluxe – 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. An extra crib is available upon request. (36 sqm or 387 sqft)
- Nobu Premier – 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. An extra crib is available upon request. (42 sqm or 452 sqft)
- Nobu Executive – 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. An extra bed or crib is available upon request. (46 sqm or 495 st)qf
- Nobu Suite – 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. An extra bed or crib is available upon request. (68 sqm. or 732 sqft)
STAY AT HYATT HOTEL, EAT AT WAVE BAR CAFE AND HIDEMASA
You don’t have to go very far to find Hyatt Hotel, the ideal location for a staycation, where luxury and leisure seamlessly blend. In the 362 contemporary guest rooms, which range in size from 36 to 85 square meters, you can unwind and recharge while deciding which of the many activities you want to engage in close to the five-star casino complex. Their rooms are classy and elegant. I’ve been to a number of hotels and I can say somehow, Hyatt’s Suite is just similar. I was greeted by the huge glass window that overlooks the rest of the outside of COD. There was a flat-screen TV, fast internet, and a bed you would never, ever want to get out of. The 3,000 parking spaces at COD are available for visitors to use and are free. Local customers like myself typically leave our cars in the care of the valet.
One of the busiest areas in the City of Dreams is the pool. At night, a lot of people lounge to get good drinks and delectable food at WAVE. It is a contemporary poolside deck, restaurant, and bar. It is very convenient for those who want to take a quick break from swimming. They have snacks and beverages at reasonable prices. When I say reasonable, they’re relatively average in price considering the location. This would vary menu prices ranging from Php 200 – Php 5,000. We took a quick merienda here before having dinner in Hidemasa. It is a Japanese restaurant that specializes in regional ramen dishes. With its three counter kitchens for Edomae Sushi, Teppanyaki, and Robatayaki, the restaurant has a distinctive atmosphere. To satisfy my Japanese-Filipino food cravings, I ordered one of their ramen, sushi, and some skewers. All I can say is, they were *chefs kiss*!
FINAL THOUGHTS
These are just some of the things that I can share, there were more moments that I might have missed, but to sum it all up, I definitely recommend you to check out these places. You wouldn’t regret it! I will for sure come back here and experience more activities and try more cuisine the next time I set foot in the City of Dreams’ vicinity.
