Ramada Manila Central: The Newbie at the Oldie

Crowded streets, food stalls here and there, lucky charms dangling from every window and rising tall condominiums blocking the sunlight - these are the things that you can see at Ongpin Street in Manila now. Also known as Manila's Chinatown, this one of the oldest Chinatowns in the world has been the heart of Manila for centuries. But with these current developments, is there really a place for the Ramada Manila Central?

Just recently, I was invited to check out this newly opened place in Chinatown. Famous in the Chinese region, Ramada Hotel just opened its Manila Central doors giving a modern twist to the oldie and crowded Manila's Chinatown.

Officially opened its doors last April 27th, Ramada Manila Central is located a stone-throw away from the Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz or more popularly known as Binondo Church. Ramada Manila Central is the latest addition to this historical street, and with their breath-of-fresh-air outlook that aims to give local and international tourists a more pleasing and relaxing place to stay during their visit here in Manila, they are assuring that everyone will enjoy Manila more than they'll ever know.

On my visit here, I was welcomed by Ramada's Director of Sales and Marketing, Miss Ma. Luisa R. Bernabe. She was the one who introduced us the the General Manger, Mr. Karl C. Valhagen and Food and Beverage Manager, Miss Jayvee R. Velasquez. The team toured us around shared to us the things that guests could expect from Ramada Manila Central and some more things to watch out for!

To be honest, I'm not really expecting much from this place since the image of Chinatown has been tarnished for a very long time. But when I stepped in on their lobby and see how their minimalist elegant design gave a refreshing look to the whole place, I knew that this is gonna be "the place" for those who are planning to see downtown Manila and experience how the fusion of Filipino and Chinese cultures mixed so well.

Ramada Manila Central is consisted of four types of room. From superior, to deluxe, to executive to, to suite, according to Miss Bernabe, the hotel is really targeting Chinese businessmen, but with other spacious rooms that can actually fit up to 5 people, families and as well as leisure travelers are also welcome to have a classy downtown experience.

Each room has this modern-Asian inspired motif, with centralized air-conditioning, high-speed internet connection, direct dial telephone, 32" plasma television with cable channels, hairdryer, an overhead shower and some has tub.

Other facilities of this 7-story hotel includes a lobby lounge, all-day dining at their in-house restaurant called NEWS, which contrary to the whole "Chinatown" idea serves mostly European and American dishes, a premiere lounge, which is perfect for businessmen, Old Shanghai Bar and Rooftop Multipurpose Hall for some partying or quiet moment, since Binondo is a really quite district at night and lastly, fitness facilities for those who are health and body conscious.

One of the seminar rooms

Other services that Ramada Manila Central offers are airport transfers, 24-hour reception, concierge, scheduled shuttle service to and from SM Mall of Asia, tours and travel desk, parking and valet, laundry, pressing and dry cleaning.

Each room door is equipped with electronic door-lock system, in-room electronic safe, round the clock security and close circuit TV camera.

Wedding and baptismal packages are also offered to those who are planning to have their wedding at the nearby Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz, and their reception at Ramada Manila Central, so feel free to ask. That church is one of the loveliest church that you could find on this part of Manila, so having Ramada Manila Central is such a great addition to this district, if I may so, then!

Ramada Manila Central is aiming for a 4-star category, and if that happens, they'll be the first here in Chinatown - something to really look forward to!

For more details you can check out their website at www.ramadamanilacentral.com or you can like their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/RamadaManilaCentral.

Welcome, Ramada Manila Central!

Hope to experience you soon! Happy rammmpa!