Crimson Hotel Filinvest: Your Urban Escape In Alabang Awaits

I live in Pasay and I studied in Manila. I do some works at Quezon City and Valenzuela. You’ll likely see me strolling at Taguig and Makati at leisure times. Therefore, when in Metro Manila, you’ll basically see me at south-central parts or up north.

So last weekend, we decided to explore the Southern part, specifically Las Pinas. I know how vibrant Alabang is so we wanted to wander around Filinvest and Villar City. For the night, we booked a room at Crimson Hotel.

According to its website, Crimson Hotel is a five-star hotel in the heart of the cosmopolitan city of Alabang. It offers stylish rooms, modern amenities, chic lobby, exceptional dining and exceptional service with Filipino hospitality. But after our staycation in the said resort, I’m having doubts about its rate, especially in this modern time when hotels and rentals are more meticulous on design, amenities and comfort.

Crimson Hotel has one of the biggest hotel lobby I’ve ever seen. It was elegant and spacious so people waiting for their companions would be in a light mood. The check-in process went smoothly. Hotel staff were very courteous, respectful and mindful to the needs of customers. Their smiles make you feel welcome like as if they are ready to make the guests’ stay enjoyable.

We booked a premier room, which was the least expensive, and it was just on the average level. There’s no special touch. I could feel nothing from the interior. You just get the basic essentials in a hotel room like two double beds, flat-screen TV, mini fridge and flat iron. There should be an electric kettle but our room had none. But, at the minimum, the room was clean and the bed was comfortable to sleep on.

From our room’s glass window, we had a glimpse of the hotel’s swimming pool and its large deck. So we knew that it was full from morning to night. We could see how the hotel’s amenities were separated from the rest of the city. During the day, we enjoyed the great views of the Laguna Bay. At night, the beautiful city lights of Alabang Commercial District illuminate.

The shower room was just the same. You could tell from the cabinets and lavatory that they were already old. Thankfully, the white marble tiles keep it modern-looking. They weren’t generous with the toiletries, too. It felt like we were in a two-star hotel. I’m sorry. I’m just disappointed because I stayed at a better hotel before at a lower price so I was expecting this would be grander.

There’s no need to go out of the hotel for food because the hotel has numerous restaurants inside. Cafe Eight is the flagship restaurant renowned for its contemporary international buffet. The Deck Bar is an al fresco dining and drinking spot beside the hotel’s swimming pool. The Lobby Lounge offers decadent dessert samplers and tempting wines in the reception area. Baker J is a French bakeshop while Firehouse Pizza is a crafted pizza house. A secret door, marked by a changing keycode, at the ground floor leads to Alibi Lounge • Bar, a captivating and enigmatic speakeasy.

Initially, we planned to avail the buffet breakfast at Cafe Eight but the receptionist offered access to their executive lounge that costs only 2500 pesos for three persons. Aside from a complimentary buffet breakfast, we can have unlimited refreshments and pastries in the afternoon and alcoholic drinks in the evening. The executive lounge is at the top floor of Crimson Hotel so from here, we get to enjoy the panoramic views of the city.

For sure, the breakfast buffet in Cafe Eight has wider selection than the buffet here at executive lounge. But the dishes here are premium. I mean the cold cuts platter alone makes the breakfast expensive! Although the kinds are limited, they have good choices of cheese and cured meat. I’m addicted to charcuterie board and this part is actually enough for me. The pastry section looks like a French bakery. The pan au chocolat and croissant were luscious. I could sense the buttery and creamy flavor between the thin flakes.

There were also Asian and Filipino appetizers such sushi, dumplings, rice cakes and taho. Since the buffet table was just small, you can have the eggs and other stuff requested. They have a menu for entrees and serve them plated. This could just take some time though. I was already full when I got my Eggs Benedict, which has a nicely poached egg. We also recommend the American breakfast and Beef Tocino. At the executive lounge, I received an attentive service. I can even see the chef and checking from time to time.

We chose Crimson Hotel over other hotels for this staycation because of their swimming pool. It looks so good in the promotional video and then, we witnessed this mess. It’s like a expectation-versus-reality experience. There were a lot of people because it was weekend. The pool and The Deck Bar are located in one porch so those who are swimming and those who chilling in The Deck Bar were all swarming in one place.

Actually, if there were no splashes of water and used towels scattered, one would appreciate how the pool area was landscaped and designed. They furnished The Deck Bar with wood plank floorings, Dedon loungers, white canopy tents and quality umbrellas. The balcony was properly shaded and, at the same time, there was a crisp breeze of air. That’s probably the reason why people love staying here.