The bottom line, I recommend staying in their suites. The rooms have a more premium and modern feel compared with those in Discovery Suites.
Discovery Primea is a serviced apartment type of accommodation located in Makati, right in front of Rustan’s and Glorietta 5 (along Ayala Ave).
A couple of months ago, I was able to book a Twin Suite (two bedrooms, two bathrooms) for an overnight staycation with the family to celebrate my son’s birthday. The reservation was for 4 adults and 2 kids and included a breakfast buffet. I decided to try this out because I had a good experience with their branch hotel on Ortigas (Discovery Suites).
Reservation Notes
- I used Booking.com, but you can also book directly through their website.
- Check-in time was 2 PM, but next time I will try requesting an earlier check-in time.
- I needed a Php 4000 refundable deposit (besides the accommodation cost) when checking in. I recommend using a credit card so it won’t take time to return your deposit.
- The suite in Discovery Primea is smaller than the suite in Discovery Suites, but not by much (105 vs 97 sqm).
- You can have guests, however no parties are allowed.
- I mentioned we were celebrating my son’s birthday, and in the room, there was a cake, a happy birthday banner with balloons, and a written note with greetings when we arrived.
- They were able to provide a crib as I requested.
- We needed to supervise the children as there was a small awning window with a handle beneath the main window — we were able to open it and it was a sheer drop; we blocked the windows using the bed and the accent chair in both rooms.
- The TVs show basic cable channels and have no Internet TV capabilities (e.g., Netflix, etc).
- The breakfast buffet starts at 7 AM to 10:30 AM.
- Room service is until 9 PM only, which was a shame as I was feeling peckish then.
- The WIFI was easy to access, you didn’t need to ask for the password.
- You need to scan a QR (usually on the study table) to order from room service.
Some Takeaways from Doing Staycations in General
- I would recommend bringing a couple of gallons of water so that there would be less need to go to a convenience store right after checking in.
- Bringing plastic containers and eco-bags is a good idea to be able to take home leftovers.
- You may need to bring paper plates if you have guests as the plates and silverware are strictly enough for 4 only.
- I think bringing a power strip or extension cord would be pretty useful as I find there seems to be a general lack of power sockets in hotels.
Notable Amenities
- Has a washer/dryer, meaning you can launder your clothes if you need to
- Has two bedrooms and two bathrooms — you don’t need to share bathrooms which is great
- Rain shower and bathtub with TV in the master’s restroom
- Master light switch from the master’s bedroom that controls all the lights outside
- Nespresso machines with 3 sample capsules
- Power outlets on both side tables
- Free parking, with valet service
- There is a spa, a salon, and a watch repair center within the hotel
- The infinity pool looked nice but was packed, so we weren’t able to avail of this (but to be fair, it was a weekend in December, so there were lots of people than usual)
The Good
- The kitchen is big and furnished (including a stove, microwave, refrigerator, Nespresso machine, pots, pans, silverware, and glasses)
- The location is great if you need to go out a bit (in front of Rustan’s Makati/Glorietta 5)
- Availability of a portable crib for those with babies or toddlers at no charge
- Approachable, friendly staff with their signature greeting (bowing with right hand on chest)
- It’s easy to order Grab Food as it’s beside the commercial district
The Bad
- Lights are pretty dim and there are few light sources in general, especially in the kitchen area
- The breakfast buffet wasn’t anything special
- 7-Eleven was around a 5-minute walk (beside Old Swiss Inn), which made buying necessities a bit tiring
- The small awning window with a handle beneath the main window is not kid-friendly
Cost in Total
The rate per head, per night is around Php 3400, not including the kids as they are free. The quoted price for the room was around Php 14000, but in total was closer to Php 20000 when we factored in all of the other expenses (food, snacks, and drinks).
The Verdict
Bottom line, I recommend staying in their suites for a staycation. The space is pretty big and the feel is premium. The price may not be the cheapest, but I believe it is worth it.