Hotel Review: Microtel by Wyndham Mall of Asia (Highly Recommended for Runners!)

I have come to enjoy running (despite my misgivings a year ago) but I still find the gun start times difficult for comfort. The night owl in me has gotten used to doing practice runs in the late afternoons, just before sunset. So there's always a change in schedule whenever my husband and I join actual races. It's either I get very little sleep or won't sleep at all.

a beautiful sight to wake up to in the morning!

When we signed up for the Manila leg of MILO Marathon 2015, I already anticipated not getting enough sleep before race day and standing by for a couple of hours at the venue after hubby joins 42k runners at an earlier gun start.

Microtel's pretty facade

Since the race would be held at the Mall of Asia grounds, we had this idea of booking a room in Microtel by Wyndham, which is the nearest hotel to the venue. Thankfully, agoda offers discounted rates for thousands of hotels, including this one.

our beautiful sunset view room

I appreciated being given a room on the 11th floor because we got a great view of Manila Bay, the MOA Eye Ferris Wheel, and its surrounding areas. Our room has two big beds and convenient amenities such as a mini ref which we filled with various drinks we later bought from the nearby SM Hypermarket.

Loved the convenience of a big closet, mirror, cable TV, desk, and mini ref 

We had the sunset view room but it was very unfortunate to arrive there in the afternoon while rain was pouring. Still, the silver lining to this is a great view of the MOA Fireworks that night, which they have every Fridays and Saturdays. Too, the comfy window seat was the perfect place to get shots of runners the next day! You can read my separate blog post with pictures taken from our hotel window and more details about our MILO Marathon experience here.

my son's shot of the MOA fireworks

Hubby and I appreciated Microtel's proximity to the mall because we just walked there to have dinner together while our second son stayed behind in the hotel to look after his brother with special needs. Later that night, hubby and Gab went back to MOA to watch a movie. How nice to be so near dining and entertainment establishments! But in case it's raining or you're simply too lazy to walk, ask the front desk about the hourly free shuttle service to and from the mall. 

bathroom amenities

In addition, Microtel's staff are very friendly. Checking in and out were a breeze. The guards even cheerfully greeted me the next day on my way out at 4AM as I walked towards the starting line for the 10K race. I couldn't believe how well-rested I was that morning! Unlike in previous races, there wasn't any pressure to accompany hubby a couple of hours early so I got to sleep longer.

Microtel's spacious dining area

Our room included a free breakfast for two. Unfortunately, since we stayed at the race venue to cover the post-event press con, we didn't get to eat at the hotel as breakfast can only be availed until 10AM so I have no photos about it to share with you. We also hadn't time to enjoy the pool awesomely located on the rooftop but we did have hot showers and some rest before we had to head home. I do hope we get to come back and stay there again one of these days to maximize enjoying the many amenities, including the fitness center.

a relaxing roof deck leading to the pool area

Microtel is a 3-star city hotel that features air-conditioned rooms with chiropractor-approved mattresses, cable TV, Internet-ready data port, and private toilet with hot and cold shower. Its location inside the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City makes it very accessible to major trade halls and top attractions in Metro Manila, including SMX and Philippine International Convention Center, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Manila Ocean Park, and Intramuros. Furthermore, Ninoy Aquino International Airport is only a 20-minute drive away.

my sons and I on the window seat

To fellow runners, the next time you join a race to be held in MOA, consider having a room in Microtel and experience how convenient it is! Make sure you book through agoda because they offer some of the lowest prices compared to published rates!