Welcome to my first hotel review!
Araneta City in Cubao has tons of hotels around to choose from and there's surely one that fits your preference, budget, or purpose.
As for me, I've only went to Araneta to watch concerts which is why my topmost priority when choosing an accommodation is its proximity to the venue. Next to proximity is security, then price, comfort, and amenities.
If budget is not much of an issue, the best option is definitely Novotel.
Novotel is a 4-star hotel under the AccorHotels group located just beside the Araneta Coliseum and just across Fiesta Carnival. It's also near New Frontier Theater, Gateway 1 & 2, Ali Mall, and Farmer's Market. Pets are also very welcome as it is a pet-friendly hotel.
Going back to my main reason of choosing this hotel, Novotel is only about 168 meters from the Coliseum. As I went solo this time, I don't want my family to worry about me walking to and from my accommodation that's why I chose the one with the shortest distance from the venue. It's also less exhausting, of course.
This is the view from my room. You can see here that the coliseum is literally next to the hotel.
When it comes to safety, Novotel makes me feel more at ease as security is tight compared to other hotels around. There are more security personel visible and even a K-9 which is a bit elusive. Bags are checked upon entrance aside from passing through a scanner and only those with a room key card get to use the elevators. I think this is already the standard for most hotels.
Now for the room tour, of course! I booked the Superior Room with a King bed instead of two twin beds. I've stayed to a similar room last time with Leann and it was already spacious enough for two persons so it was so much more spacious for me alone.
And on the left side of the room, there's also a couch where you can sit and eat using the bedside table. Behind it is a huge window. I like hotel rooms with huge windows so this is a plus for me!
The bed is comfy and very spacious. Honestly, I'm imagining myself suddenly waking up to a ghost lying next to me. Lol. I surrounded myself with pillows.
Opposite the bed is a desk or work table where you can use laptop as there is an outlet available for charging, display, and perhaps a port for ethernet or networking cable. There are other more ports which I am not familiar with.
Then there's the mini bar. There's mini fridge, electric kettle, packets of coffee and tea, cups, glasses, and two glass bottles of water. One is already chilled inside the fridge.
I can't remember if they were already using glass bottles back in 2023 but there's a note that they've switch to glass bottles to reduce waste.
Next is the bathroom which I really love because it's spacious and well-lighted. The shower and toilet area are also separated but I wish the glass of the shower area was made opaque so you're not there openly seen bathing in case another person wants to use the toilet or sink. Well, the other side of the shower area is also full-glass but there's a curtain or blinds you which you can pull down for privacy.
The sink is wide and is made of plastic. Yup, I thought it was concrete but I tried knocking on it and it sounded like plastic. The personal care amenities is almost complete. The only thing it lacked for me is conditioner. There's even hand soap and lotion and napkins beside the sink. Meanwhile, bathrobes are available upon request.
There's also a huge mirror opposite the bathroom.
My biggest problem that night, however, was adjusting the room temperature. I felt dumb trying to bring up the temp because the room was so cold I'm already shivering. Haha! I spent a couple of minutes figuring out how to adjust the temp and even cosulted Youtube and Google but still failed. You now what I did instead? I turned it off! The room was still cold but was already bearable. I switched it back in the morning after I took a bath.
And here's the key card. It's made of wood and the design looks nice!
Before I forget, I'd like to add that the room also smells good. This is among the things I look forward to when first entering the room. I take a deep breath and initially judge the room base on its smell. There's actually a more fragrant room I've entered but novotel rooms smells nice as well.
Of course, they also have a pool which I've never visited due to lack of time. I can only see it through the windows. There's also a bar, spa, gym, kids' area, buffet area, gelato shop, and indian restaurant.
Customer service is also topnotch from booking your room to the hotel staffs. They were courteous and I felt very welcomed.
They also recently celebrated their 10th anniversary where the grand prize is an electric vehicle. I was given raffle tickets for staying at the hotel. Unfortunately, I didn't win any of the prizes.
Overall, Novotel is the perfect hotel to stay at when you want to do a staycation or watch a concert at Araneta Coliseum and New Frontier Theater. You definitely deserve a comfy place to rest at after a fun and tiring concert.
My experience with Novotel has always been nice and I would happily recommend it to anyone staying at Araneta City. It's more pricey compared to most hotels around but you get what you paid for. It's nice, clean, comfy, and a few steps away from concert venues and malls.
I give this hotel a perfect five 🎒🎒🎒🎒🎒 backpack rating.
