The tollgate, whether it is at the north or south, serves as a landmark for me that I am already crossing out of Manila. Seems to be an out of town trip when we stop by the tollgate and handover money. Don’t overreact when I tell you Alabang is already an out of town trip for me. Take my shoes as the girl who grew up at the north side of Manila, I’d always have the perspective of going out of my comfort zone when I pass any tollgate. Not to mention that it costs bucks of cash too. 
As soon as finding out that Acacia Hotel, the newest 5-star hotel in Alabang, invited me over the holy weekend, I immediately gave my Yes as an answer. I believe I needed to get out of my comfort zone and experience a different kind of relaxation. 
Thank God my Acacia Hotel accommodation was scheduled during the holy weekend. Most of the people I know are out of the country or at their respective provinces. You know what that means, no traffic in Manila! Indeed, the perfect timing to drive without the hassle of being stuck in traffic and wasting gas. From Greenhills to Alabang, it took us less than 30 minutes to reach our destination… 
Acacia Hotel Manila
Why Acacia Hotel? 
According to them, they resemble to the characteristics of an Acacia tree – shade, shelter and strength. “To provide comfort like a shade; a safe haven such as a shelter; and a strong and stable place that guests can keep coming back to. A true home away from home.”
 
Well, true enough. Acacia Hotel made me feel at home when I saw their welcome note in the Junior Suite they provided me. 
The Suite:
This 43 square meter room can fit one family. Maximum capacity could be 2 adults plus 2 kids. If you can squish and don’t mind to hug each other while sleeping, like our family, 4 adults can fit 😉 
Other features of a Junior Suite room (and other rooms): 
40” LCD TV with cable
Central air conditioning with individual temperature control
Electronic “Do Not Disturb” sign
Electronic safety deposit box
Full size executive desk
Fully marbled bathroom with separate shower and bathtub
Fully stocked mini bar and refrigerator
Hairdryer
IDD telephone with bathroom extension
Iron and ironing board
Message light on telephone
Sprinklers and smoke detectors (For smokers, note that there are 2 smoking floors where you can request if you’d like. But I suggest save yourself and rather not smoke 😉 
WIFI access
The most important of the room, the bathroom! After reading the sweet welcome note, I checked my favorite room. 😀
I hate showering inside the tub. I appreciate hotels that separate the bathtub from the shower area. For some reason, I find it more organized to take a shower this way. 
Entertain guests in your very own lounge. This was the area where we had tea and snacks. Mom felt at home na talaga, slippers off! :)) 
Warm earth tones were used in the suite to make the guests more relaxed and have a cozy stay. Classy and cozy interiors gave the rooms a touch of neatness and elegance. 
Hassle-free environment for the disabled ones, Acacia Hotel is handicap-friendly. 
At night, my south friends, Vernon and Mark, came over to visit. That’s how rare I visit Alabang, we all got excited to see each other in “their area”. 

The cool weather and view of tall buildings of Alabang made our conversations more relaxing. We stayed at the outdoor activity area for dinner. 
Multi-colored pool is also located at the same floor. A small jacuzzi, ideally for couples, is at the other end of the pool area. 
Distinct Design of Acacia Hotel 
The patterns, shapes, vibrant colors and works of art truly complement each other. Look at that chic, stylish and elegant lobby. Don’t you just want to make yourself fit in the couch and dine with your friends there?

And that’s exactly what my family did. While having dinner with my friends, my family was at the lobby lounge for their dinner. Thank you to The Lobby servers for treating my mom like a V.I.P. even though you didn’t have an idea that she’s my mom. 😀 Tried and tested, great service from the Acacia Lobby team! 
The Food:

My family ordered a plate of Carbonara with egg and bacon on top. Hello bacon lovers, I know you won’t mind the calories and fats when you get this to your taste-buds. 
Classic crispy Lumpia dipped in vinegar was the only Filipino dish on the dinner table. 
Thank you for serving this deluxe Chocolate cake in my room, Acacia Hotel team. I ate half of it before I went to bed. It was too sinful that I had to control myself. You caught my weakness, desserts! 🙂
The Pandan juice is my favorite Acacia Hotel drink! I finished one glass before jumping off to bed. It was definitely a “goodnight” drink. 
(Photo by Charles Rodulfo)
Special thanks to Chrystel Ilano, Bobby Horigan, Carlos Lavares and everyone from Acacia Hotel. Every single person from Acacia Hotel made my first day feel that I’m actually at “home”. They are true to their slogan. The smiles and impeccable service of Acacia Hotel’s staff demonstrate what Filipino hospitality is. 
For reservations and inquiries, call (632) 720-2000 / (632) 588-8888
Or you can visit their website for more information – Click HERE
Stay tuned for my Day 2 Acacia Hotel Manila weekend
Pray, Eat and Love.
Cheers,
The Food Scout
Location: 5400 East Asia Drive corner Commercial Avenue, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City, PH