Hotel Celeste, Manila

Hotel Celeste is conveniently located steps away from Greenbelt Malls and is easily accessible by public transport. Fairly new, this boutique hotel offers a very good alternative to the serviced apartments and big chain hotels in Makati. The room given to me during my stay was fairly large, quiet, and had a very comfortable king-sized bed with plush down pillows (or at least they felt like down). It was a little smaller than the room given to my friends (they were a couple), as theirs had an even bigger bed with the same amount of open space. However, my room had a bathtub, while theirs had a shower. Bathrooms came with L'Occitane toiletries, nice touch, free bottled water, and free wifi access. Breakfast (included with the room) at the hotel was excellent - everything was cooked upon order, and were delicous. However, you will have to be very explicit with what you want. My eggs Benedict came by their lonesome, and I had to order the sides of mushrooms and tomatoes the next time so the plate could look more appetizing. Still, it was all very good. There was a small buffet table filled with bakery items, cereals, fresh fruit and yoghurt, and juices and coffee were included. Too bad we didn't have time to sample the very interesting menu offered for lunch and dinner. The staff could be a bit busier perhaps, as idle time lead to endless chatter behind the bar, a little annoying first thing in the morning. Still, they were 100% there for the actual meal service. Same goes for the concierge desk - very accommodating, but a little frosty on the approach, especially compared to the solicitous valet and security guard at the front door. Greeting you by name is a very nice touch. This being Manila, they all looked nice and professional. Oh, the rooms came with a complimentary foot massage, which I didn't avail of. I was in my friends' room when the masseur came in with his spa kit - foot bath, stools, towels, etc, and judging by the look on my friends' fac