Manila’s notorious traffic makes the choice of a layover hotel unusually important. Hyatt’s twin golden towers within the City of Dreams resort, under ten minutes from Ninoy Aquino International Airport, solve the problem in style, and come with a casino, nightclubs and restaurants on the doorstep.
At a glance
Location: City of Dreams, Parañaque, Manila, Philippines
Rooms: 362 rooms
Stayed in: Club Room, twin beds
Best for: stopovers, casino-goers and travellers with early flights
Reviewed: October 2017
8.7 out of 10
Setting and arrival
City of Dreams opened at the end of 2014 and combines three hotels with clubs, restaurants, a shopping mall and a casino. We landed late at night, and the hotel driver was waiting in arrivals. A private entrance kept check-in calm and quick despite the activity next door.
The rooms
Our Club Room, set up with two beds, was warm and stylish, with wooden accents and floor-to-ceiling windows. There is a proper desk beside the flat-screen TV, fast complimentary Wi-Fi throughout, and a welcome plate of fruit. The marble bathroom has both a deep bathtub and a large rain shower, and the beds are among the most comfortable I have slept in.
Dining and drinks
Club floor guests have access to the Club Lounge for complimentary drinks and snacks. The Café is the main restaurant, with live cooking stations at breakfast and Hyatt’s well-known Sunday lunch of lobster, seafood and free-flowing champagne. The Lounge is the hotel bar, ideal for a nightcap.
The resort
With only one evening, we explored City of Dreams itself. The central dome houses two nightclubs, and DreamPlay, a DreamWorks-themed play park, is a big draw for families. At midnight most shops had closed, but the casino was in full swing. Direct access from the hotel makes it easy to dip in and out.
Facilities
The hotel has a fitness centre, a salon and a striking outdoor pool, and its ballroom can seat up to 500 guests or be divided for smaller events.
The verdict
For a night between flights, it is hard to beat. Stylish rooms, excellent beds and an airport transfer of under ten minutes, a rarity in Manila, make Hyatt City of Dreams the smartest stopover in the city.
- Rooms: 9.0
- Service: 8.5
- Dining: 8.5
- Facilities and spa: 8.5
- Location: 9.0
Hyatt Regency City of Dreams Manila, City of Dreams, Parañaque, Metro Manila, Philippines.
David stayed as a guest of the hotel. Based on a stay in October 2017. Facilities, menus and prices may have changed since.
