Novotel Manila Araneta Center

Opened in 2016, the Novotel Manila Araneta Center occupies a 25-story modern high-rise lined by palm trees in a busy urban setting. The property can feel hectic at times, as the hotel is a popular place for meetings of friends and business people in the Gourmet Bar, Premier Lounge, and poolside bar. Interiors have high ceilings and a fresh, almost futuristic decor that features rounded chairs, huge ceiling lights supported by massive columns, and wood-slatted dividing screens. There's also plenty of seating space outdoors that features black-wicker couches, tropical plants, and palm trees. Guests are mainly tourist families, as well as some couples and friends. Many business travelers also stay here due to the hotel's ample meeting space and location near many different large IT companies. 

Novotel Manila Araneta Center is centrally located in the IT hub of Quezon City, the biggest city in Metro Manila and all of the Philippines. The hotel is next to to the Smart Araneta Coliseum, which hosts big concerts and sporting events, and offers direct access to the Coliseum, LRT and MRT stations, and Gateway Mall. Surrounding streets are lined with malls, markets, and restaurants, while several businesses, including Accenture and Dell, are located within a five- to 10-minute walk. Quezon Memorial Circle, a national park and shrine, is a 35-minute MRT ride away. Central Manila is about 20 minutes away by car, but also accessible by public transport. Binodo, Manila's Chinatown, is a 37-minute MRT ride, while the bargain shopping area of San Nicolás is 47 minutes by LRT. Ninoy Aquino International Airport is about a 25- to 40-minute drive or 90 minutes by MRT from the hotel. 

Rooms at the Novotel Manila Araneta Center are clean and cozy and come with a modern, ergonomic design. Decor has a tasteful Mid-Century Modern vibe and combines neutral tones with orange or green accents, including soft chaises. Light-wood bed frames, desks with USB hookups, and closets are sleek and minimalist. Standard amenities include wall-mounted LED flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, along with coffee- and tea-making facilities, minibars, and free bottled water. Glass walls separate the ultra-modern gray-tile bathrooms, but shades can be pulled down for full privacy. Walk-in showers have rainfall showerheads. Toiletries, hairdryers, and robes and slippers are provided. Some rooms have wonderful city views. Executive Rooms, some Superior Rooms, and one-bedroom Suites get access to the Premier Lounge on the 24th floor with all-day refreshments, breakfast, and more. 

This Novotel offers a wide range of features well suited to tourists and business travelers. Buffet-style breakfast features a nice mix of Western and Asian cuisine and is available daily for a fee. Buffet lunch and dinner are also served. There's a pool bar on the sixth floor, best visited at sunset for al fresco cocktails. Guests receive two free drinks at either the Gourmet Bar near the lobby or the pool bar. The outdoor pool area is large and has a waterfall feature, but the space can get crowded. The modern In Balance Spa and Fitness Center offer a full range of treatments and updated TechnoGym equipment, respectively. Children's clubs are available for infants up to 12-year-olds and there's a kiddy pool. The hotel offers seven meeting rooms (capacity up to 1,500) as well as a Grand Ballroom and outdoor wedding venue. Wi-Fi is free throughout, but the signal can be spotty. Parking is free.