I have fond memories of Binondo as a child or teenager walking with her dad along the busy people-filled streets of Philippines’ China Town. I also frequented the area when I took up advance summer classes of Trigonometry and Geometry, Typing and Chinese classes at YMCA.
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Ivan Man Dy’s Binondo Food Wok
I also had fun doing a food walk tour with Ivan Man Dy at the helm guiding us while we snaked in between streets and corners to find the best spots for Chinese specialty food. I was back at the area again sometime July when The Food Club spent the weekend over at a newly built hotel in Manila.
Ramada Manila Central stands tall at the heart of Binonda, Manila, Philippines amidst neighboring historical sites like the Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz, who happens to be the first Filipino saint. Launched this year, it is a comfortable respite at the center of one of the most historic sites in the country and the oldest Chinatown in the world, where cultures of Filipino and Chinese meet.
The hotel is quite accessible being situated in one of Manila’s central business, cultural and commercial districts. It’s also a few minutes away from big shopping complexes like Divisoria, 168, and 999 Malls. Bubba and I were first to arrive at the venue and initially parked at the basement but since there was a bit of construction ongoing in their basement parking, we opted to park outside beside the historic Binondo Church. We learned from the front desk that they actually have parking slots reserved there for their clients and they assured us that the car is secured with round the clock security.
Initially we thought of checking in at the ground floor but since we will be occupying the rooms at the Executive Floor, there was an express check-in waiting for us on that floor, 5th. We were assisted with our overnight baggage and showed us into our room.
All guest rooms offer hi-speed internet access, 32 inch LCD TVs for all room types, separate shower bath and tub and our room specifically came with a queen-size bed. The whole hotel comprises of over 100 rooms and suites and there are non-smoking rooms also available upon request.
Ramada Hotel also has a large ballroom for events and weddings, rooftop bar and restaurant other than function rooms which makes the hotel ideal for both business and leisure travelers. Other amenities at Ramada Manila Central include an exercise facility, kids play area, rooftop multipurpose hall, and café restaurants.
The ballroom I mentioned can accommodate 300 persons. They also house 2 VIP floors that serve cocktails, all day snack service and use of boardroom facilities which is a great venue for meetings and business transactions.
From the comfort of our own room, I had to take in a business call. The Wi-Fi Internet access helped me check my emails without a hitch while Bubba finds a comfortable spot on the bed and watch Dog Whisperer on National Geographic Channel. I’m just so happy they have SKY Cable as their cable provider!
Instead of heading out that evening, dinner was spent at their in-house café. For dinner, we tried their café’s set meal at Php 295 that includes three-courses with option of three different dishes per course.
For starters, I had the Velvety Pumpkin Soup with Smoked Bacon while Bubba had the crispy taco salad with minced beef, salsa, olives and drizzled with their house dressing.
As our mains, we both ordered the Twice-Cooked Filipino Beef Ribs Adobo that comes with a serving of rice. To end our meal, dessert choice was the Pandan Sansrival.
Ramada Hotel also has brailed elevators and it makes it convenient that their elevators have access to all levels. It’s a pain sometimes to change from one elevator to another just to access the basement or another level. Elevator is also provisioned near disability accessible rooms. Hotel entrance is wheel accessible as well with its ramp access while the steps and staircases have handrails.
The location of Ramada Manila Central is only 11 kilometers away from the international and domestic airports, and a few minutes away from the ferry port. Same as the shuttle services of hotels in Macau, Ramada Hotel provides a FREE round trip shuttle service to and from SM Mall of Asia and Lucky Chinatown Mall.
It makes it easier to go shopping around the area or go on a food trip of Chinese fares. Ramada Hotel is surrounded by restaurants of authentic Chinese cuisine and is actually within close proximity from Club Intramuros Golf Course if you’re planning to tee off.
Ramada Manila Central offers a place to rest, revive, restore at the heart of busy Binondo.
Ramada Manila Central Hotel
Ongpin cor. Quintin Paredes Sts,
Manila, Philippines 1006
(632) 354 4151
Ramada Manila Central Hotel Flickr Album
Directions: From North. Take A. Bonifacio Ave. Turn right on Blumentritt, turn right on Aurora Blvd., then take Rizal Ave. Make a U-Turn after first stop light, then take Abad Santos. Cross Recto to take the opposite road of R. Regente. Turn right on Plaza Lorenzo Ruiz. Turn left on J. Luna St. Left on Cervantes St. Left on Quintin Paredes St. Ramada Manila Central is at the corner of Ongpin and Q. Paredes Sts.
From Ninoy Aquino International Airport NAIA, you can take the cab going to Binondo. By LRT, take the Baclaran station and dropoff at Carriedo station. The Santa Cruz arc/shrine is a few walks a way from the LRT. From this point, you can either walk, take pedicabs/tricycles, calesas – horse-driven carriages, or jeepneys that would take you to Binondo.
Ooh, interesting! I had been hotel hopping for a few months when I needed to hole myself up. Will give this a try. 😀