From afar, the bronze and blue color combination of the Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Manila’s exterior is an eye-catch. Walking toward the venue, it was a windy day with a slight gloom in the sky as rain clouds lurked about. Fortunately, the vibes completely changed upon entering the hotel.

Right as you walk inside Lanson’s halls, there’s a homely feel mixed with the opulent design throughout the place. A welcome first sight is the Blk 12 café and bar, a chill place to catch up over brewed coffee or some cool wine after dark.  There are several rooms to choose from with each one offering a welcoming stay. Solo travelers or couples will find the Superior Room and Deluxe Room, at a sizeable 25 square meters, adequate for a refreshing stay. Large families or groups can opt for the Hotel Suites, ranging from 49 to 68 square meters. If you’re looking to go the extra mile in enjoying your visit, opt for the rooms with a bayside view. There’s a certain beauty to sitting by your bed and opening the curtains to catch the iconic Manila Bay sunset. 

Come lunchtime, the hotel’s third floor is home to Cyan Modern Kitchen. Here you’ll find modern interpretations of traditional international dishes made using fresh, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients. A highlight of their buffet experience is the Indian cuisine, best enjoyed during the weekend when they roll out their Indian weekend menu. There’s a brilliant one-two spice punch from the Chicken Tikka that is best paired with Basmati Rice. Of course, it wouldn’t be an Indian feast without a freshly baked serving of flatbread, readily available upon request. We recommend the version that comes with cheese as it pairs well with the sauce-heavy dishes being offered. “The culinary offerings for the Indian Weekend Cuisine were also inspired by India’s vast geography and its rich regional diversity, which contribute to the varied flavors, textures, and colors of its dishes,” shares Chef Emmanuel, Cyan Modern Kitchen’s Indian specialty chef.

After a hearty meal, there are still many ways to unwind during your stay. A dip over at the Infinity Pool on the 11th floor is enough to send anyone in a tranquil state. For the health buffs, there’s the fitness center equipped with state-of-the-art gym equipment accessible 24/7. Meanwhile, children can play to their heart’s content over at the kid’s corner which offers video games, movies, board games, and other fun activities. Whatever you choose to do, there’s certainly something about this seaside hotel that will leave you in a state of wonder.