While arranging my weekend stay at Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Manila, I caught myself thinking about something.
Do we really need a special occasion to book a beautiful hotel?
Usually, there’s a reason. A birthday, an anniversary, a celebration, or simply having something worth making plans around. We tend to associate hotel stays with occasions, especially when the destination is a city we already know.
But this time, there wasn’t one.
I simply wanted a weekend when I could step away from my usual routine, spend a little less time looking at my phone, and enjoy being somewhere without feeling the need to fill every hour with something productive.
And I thought, why not?
I’ve spent a good part of this year traveling, discovering new places, meeting people, and documenting experiences for GURUS Travel Diaries. Somewhere along the way, I realized that even when you’re doing something you genuinely love, it can be surprisingly difficult to switch off.
There is always another photograph to take, another message to answer, or something waiting to be finished.
For this particular weekend, I wanted a comfortable room, a good breakfast, a beautiful view, and the freedom to enjoy Manila without a packed itinerary.
That was how I arrived at Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Manila, where we spent two nights in a One-Bedroom Panorama Suite overlooking Manila Bay.
As it turned out, the weekend gave me more to write about than I had expected.
A Thoughtful Welcome
One thing I appreciated about Lanson Place happened before we had even reached our suite.
During check-in, the Front Office team informed us that two running events, the J.CO Run and PUMA Run, were scheduled around the Mall of Asia complex that weekend.
Guests received notices explaining the events and asking for their understanding regarding possible noise and increased foot traffic. The team also took the time to explain everything personally.
What impressed me was that they had already considered how the events might affect breakfast. Service would open earlier than usual, and I was even asked what time I preferred to have mine.
I appreciated that because they weren’t simply informing guests about a potential inconvenience. They were already making adjustments to help everyone plan around it.
Hotels cannot control everything happening outside their doors, especially in a busy district like Mall of Asia. But they can control how they communicate with guests.
And at Lanson, that communication was thoughtful from the beginning.
Checking in at Lanson Place Mall of Asia with my VL Luggage in Beige and Ivy Travel Bag, and Sand Packing Cubes from The 815 Co. My matching travel companions for another weekend away with GURUS Travel Diaries.
A Suite That Actually Feels Like Home
We stayed in the One-Bedroom Panorama Suite, and I immediately understood why Lanson Place describes its hospitality as more residential.
The suite was spacious and comfortable, with a separate living room and bedroom that made it feel more like a private apartment than a typical hotel room.
One of my favorite features was the balcony, which extends from the living room all the way to the bedroom. Both spaces opened onto the same view, and I loved being able to step outside and look toward Manila Bay.
The view was beautiful throughout the day, but sunset was particularly special. Watching the sky gradually change colors from our own balcony became one of my favorite parts of the weekend.
And staying in was easy because the suite had practically everything we needed.
There was a kitchen with a full-sized refrigerator, cooking facilities, and complete utensils. Guests can prepare their own meals, which is especially convenient for longer stays or anyone who simply wants to save on dining expenses.
You can bring groceries, cook something you enjoy, and have a quiet meal in the suite without worrying about corkage fees.
There was also a washing machine, another practical detail that makes the residential concept feel more complete.
But as a coffee person, one of my favorite things was the Nespresso machine.
I love being able to make myself a good cup of coffee whenever I want, especially without having to get dressed and head downstairs first.
And speaking of little comforts, there was something else I was particularly happy to discover.
Before leaving for Lanson, I had been debating whether to bring a cute dress I wanted to wear for dinner. It needed ironing, and because I live quite far from the property, I didn’t have enough time to prepare everything before leaving.
Besides, even if I had ironed it, packing would probably have wrinkled it again.
I brought it anyway, hoping I could simply request an iron from housekeeping.
As it turned out, I didn’t need to request anything.
There was already an iron in the suite.
I know it sounds like such a small thing to get excited about, but these are exactly the details I appreciate when traveling.
Like I always say, the smallest things matter.
The bathroom was another pleasant surprise. I genuinely loved the bath amenities, particularly the conditioner. I enjoyed the products so much that I found myself wishing I had them at home.
Between the spacious interiors, kitchen, laundry facilities, coffee, and beautiful views, the suite offered the kind of comfort that made staying in just as appealing as going out.
Settling In Before Switching Off
Whenever I arrive at a hotel, I usually prefer spending the first day settling in.
I like having time to unpack, explore the room, and get comfortable before making plans to experience the rest of the property.
Lanson was no different.
And although I had arranged this weekend hoping to spend a little less time online, I still had work waiting for me that first evening.
I know. So much for switching off.
Fortunately, the internet connection was excellent. I was able to finish my tasks comfortably from the suite without worrying about connectivity issues.
For someone who often works while traveling, that matters. A beautiful room is wonderful, but a reliable internet connection can be just as important when there are deadlines to meet.
Once everything was finished, I could finally close my laptop and enjoy the evening.
It wasn’t quite the completely offline first night I had imagined, but at least I could wake up the following morning without unfinished work hanging over me.
The Little Discoveries at Cyan
The following morning, I was ready for one of the things I always look forward to during a hotel stay: breakfast.
At Cyan Modern Kitchen, Lanson Place’s all-day dining restaurant, the buffet offered plenty to explore.
Since it was my first time dining there, Ms. Laura, the restaurant manager, personally gave me a tour of the different stations.
I appreciated that she took the time to introduce the selections rather than simply pointing me toward the buffet.
There were familiar breakfast favorites such as bacon, sausages, pastries, and other staples served daily, along with waffles and pancakes accompanied by jams and spreads that appeared to vary.
What interested me more were the stations where guests could prepare something according to their preferences.
The make-your-own noodle soup station was one of them. Rather than choosing a ready-made soup, guests could put together their own bowl with their preferred ingredients.
Some mornings you want bacon and eggs. Other mornings, something warm and savory sounds much better.
There was also a station catering to health-conscious guests, with options including oatmeal and overnight oats.
I liked seeing those choices alongside the more indulgent breakfast favorites. Not everyone wants to start their morning with a heavy meal, and having both oatmeal and overnight oats available gave guests another way to enjoy breakfast according to their preferences.
What I appreciated about Cyan was that the variety wasn’t simply about offering more food. It was about recognizing that guests have different tastes, routines, and dietary needs.
Ms. Laura also shared something interesting about how the kitchen accommodates different dietary requirements.
Although Cyan is not halal-certified, she explained that the team makes an effort to accommodate Muslim guests who prefer halal-friendly preparation. At the egg station, for example, a separate pan is used for guests requesting that accommodation.
For international travelers, halal refers to food and preparation practices permitted under Islamic dietary guidelines. Using separate cooking equipment can help reduce cross-contact, although it does not automatically make a meal halal-certified.
I appreciated Ms. Laura’s transparency. For guests with specific dietary requirements, knowing what a kitchen can accommodate is important, and those requiring strictly halal-certified meals should still confirm the arrangements directly with the restaurant.
But among all the breakfast offerings, one station delighted me most.
A Filipino Morning Favorite, Your Way
I was genuinely happy to discover Cyan’s make-your-own taho station.
For international readers unfamiliar with it, taho is a traditional Filipino snack made with warm silken tofu, sweet brown sugar syrup called arnibal, and chewy sago pearls.
In the Philippines, taho is often sold by street vendors walking through residential neighborhoods in the morning, calling out “Tahoooo!” as they make their rounds.
For many Filipinos, that familiar call is part of growing up.
At Cyan, guests can prepare their own taho, adjusting the syrup and sago according to their preferences.
I loved seeing something so distinctly Filipino included alongside the international breakfast selections.
For local guests, it’s a familiar favorite. For international visitors, it’s an opportunity to discover a part of Filipino food culture they might otherwise only encounter on the street.
And for me, it was one of the most memorable discoveries of the morning.
Vacation Mode at Edge Pool Bar
Later that day, we headed to the rooftop infinity pool and Edge Pool Bar on the eleventh floor, overlooking Manila Bay.
I had every intention of going for a swim.
Unfortunately, the weather had other plans.
A little poolside downtime overlooking Manila Bay, with my Ivy Travel Bag in Beige from The 815 Co. by my side. One of those lovely moments when a weekend in the city feels like a proper escape.
It rained, so I never got to enjoy the pool the way I had hoped. A little disappointing, yes, but I wasn’t about to let that stop me from enjoying the afternoon.
I ordered a piña colada and tried their slushie of the day.
Both were wonderfully refreshing.
There is something about sitting beside a pool with a cold drink that immediately makes everything feel like a vacation, even when you haven’t traveled particularly far from home.
And that was exactly how I felt.
Vacation mode was officially locked in.
Would I have loved to swim? Absolutely. But I was perfectly happy enjoying my drinks and taking in the surroundings.
The pool will have to wait until another visit.
A Little Something from BLK 12 Café & Bar
Another spot worth mentioning is BLK 12 Café & Bar, where I got to try two drinks from their specialty menu. First was the Español de Leche, their take on a Spanish latte made with pastillas de leche, giving a familiar coffee favorite a distinctly Filipino twist. I also tried the Lollicup, a fruity iced tea combining merryberry, cranberry-apple juice, and banana essence.
I loved seeing these playful combinations on the menu, especially the use of familiar local flavors in something as simple as a coffee break. It’s a lovely little addition to the Lanson Place experience, whether you’re looking for an afternoon pick-me-up or just somewhere to enjoy a drink between plans.
The Dinner I Almost Missed
By our second evening at Lanson Place, I was seriously considering skipping dinner.
I had already enjoyed breakfast at Cyan, spent time at Edge Pool Bar, and was perfectly happy with the idea of returning to our suite.
But I’m so glad I changed my mind.
Dinner at Cyan turned out to be one of my favorite dining experiences of the weekend.
The buffet featured crafted drinks, a carving station, Japanese rolls, salads, and another noodle station with selections different from those served during breakfast.
But most of my attention went straight to the seafood.
There were lobsters, crabs, and prawns, and I happily made the most of the selection.
I had been craving seafood, so discovering all three was a very pleasant surprise.
Another highlight was the pasta station, where I ordered penne with arrabbiata sauce.
It was absolutely delicious. The tomato-based sauce had a lovely balance of richness and heat, and I paired it with a glass of white wine, which was included with dinner.
Between the seafood, pasta, and wine, I was having a much better evening than the one I had almost spent staying in our suite.
At one point, Carlos, the manager on duty, came over to ask how we were enjoying dinner.
I told him how much I loved the seafood selection and admitted that I had almost skipped dinner altogether.
That was when he explained that our stay happened to coincide with Cyan’s seafood-themed buffet.
Apparently, the restaurant features different dining themes, and we had arrived just in time for one that suited my cravings perfectly.
I couldn’t have asked for better timing.
A Warm Welcome, Every Single Time
During dinner, I also jokingly mentioned something I had noticed about Lanson Place.
Getting to breakfast was almost tiring, and I meant that in the nicest possible way.
Every staff member we passed seemed to have a smile ready for us, followed by a cheerful “Mabuhay!” or “Good morning!”
And when I say everyone, I mean everyone.
By the time we reached the restaurant, we had already exchanged so many greetings that I couldn’t help laughing about it.
For international readers, Mabuhay is a Filipino expression commonly used to welcome guests, and at Lanson, the team certainly made sure we felt welcome.
What I appreciated even more was that their attentiveness never became overwhelming.
During meals, the staff regularly checked whether we needed anything, but they also knew when to give us space to enjoy our food and conversation.
Good hospitality isn’t about constantly approaching guests or asking whether everything is okay. Sometimes it’s about being available without making your presence felt every few minutes.
At Lanson Place, the team managed that balance beautifully.
And as for all those greetings? I certainly wasn’t complaining. If anything, it became one of my favorite things about the stay.
A sweet moment at Lanson Place Mall of Asia as the staff surprised a guest with a birthday serenade during dinner.
The Breakfast I Missed
Now, I have to admit something.
I only managed to enjoy breakfast at Cyan once during our stay.
By Sunday morning, the property was noticeably busier with the running events taking place around the Mall of Asia complex. And if I’m being completely fair, I was also feeling a little lazy.
So I skipped breakfast.
What I didn’t realize until later was that our accommodation also included access to Club Lanson, where we could have enjoyed breakfast as an alternative to Cyan.
Had I realized that sooner, I absolutely would have tried it on our last morning. I would have loved to experience both dining options.
That will have to wait for another visit.
Nevertheless, breakfast at Cyan Modern Kitchen did not disappoint.
Between the generous selection, customizable stations, taho, and Ms. Laura’s personal introduction, I had plenty to appreciate about the experience.
A Weekend That Didn’t Need an Occasion
Looking back, I think what I enjoyed most about this weekend was how little I expected from it.
There was no celebration to prepare for, no itinerary to follow, and no particular reason to be there other than wanting to enjoy a change of scenery.
And perhaps that’s something we don’t allow ourselves often enough.
We’re so used to waiting for birthdays, anniversaries, or special milestones before treating ourselves to an experience like this. Yet sometimes, an ordinary weekend is reason enough.
What stayed with me about Lanson Place was how easily I settled in. Nothing felt rushed, and I never felt that I had to make the most of every hour just because I was staying somewhere beautiful.
I could simply enjoy being there.
And maybe that’s what I needed more than anything.
I arrived wondering whether a hotel stay needed an occasion.
I left thinking that perhaps making time for ourselves is already an occasion worth celebrating.
A Final Thank You
A sincere thank you to Rochelle Tabino, Assistant Director of Marketing at Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Manila, for arranging and coordinating our stay and making this experience possible. I truly appreciate the time and effort that went into ensuring everything was taken care of before our arrival.
Special thanks to Ms. Laura of Cyan Modern Kitchen for personally introducing me to the breakfast offerings, and to Carlos, the manager on duty during our dinner, for checking on us and sharing more about the restaurant’s themed dining experiences.
To the Front Office team, thank you for the thoughtful communication during check-in, and to everyone at Lanson Place who welcomed us with a smile and a cheerful “Mabuhay!” throughout our stay, thank you for making the experience so warm and comfortable.
For more information about accommodations, dining, and guest experiences at Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Manila, visit lansonplace.com and follow @lansonplacemallofasia on Instagram.
