Watching the 2012 fireworks from a distance

Every new year's eve, we usually stay in a hotel to avoid too much smoke from the fireworks but at the same time giving us a good view of the same. This year, we decided to return to the Atrium Hotel on top of the EGI Tower in Pasay City. It is at the corner of Gil Puyat and Taft Avenues occupying the 15th to the 25th floor. The lobby is located on the 15th floor which has a business center, a restaurant and a casino.

15th floor with the lobby and the Christmas tree behind us

The staff were friendly although they seemed to be understaffed and there were too many guests that night. When we got to our room, there was only a king-sized bed whereas we understood from the website that we checked in was that there are two double beds. We called front desk and they immediately sent an extra bed at no extra cost. We also called housekeeping to provide us with another blanket which was quickly delivered.

The last time we were here was about nine years ago and the place looked as we left it, except of course for some aging. The room we had seemed not to have been renovated since the last time we were there. The carpet was very dirty that it doesn't feel right walking on it barefoot. The television is still the old picture tube type but has cable. The toilet was dirty and I tried to flush it. It seems the water is dirty or the plumbing is rusty which makes the water brownish. The paint on the wall is peeling.Lighting is provided by mostly lamp shades making the room a little bit dark,.

the atrium

photo taken on our floor, the 23rd

For dinner, we had to buy early as the restaurants near the hotel were closing early, between seven and eight pm. Since the exit of the hotel is in the back of the EGI Tower, guests can pass through the ground flood of the building anytime by just informing the guard that you are a hotel guest.

Food outlets near the hotel are: Mang Inasal, Jollibeee, Chowking, Greenwich Pizza, Wendy's, Pizza Hut and KFC. There is also a 711 convenience store nearby.

After dinner, we just watched TV and took a nap while waiting for the fireworks to begin. The view from the balcony gave us a good view of the surroundings, from the SM Mall of Asia to the Makati area.

The morning after, the smog was so heavy that the news said that some planes were diverted from the Manila airport to the one in Pampanga.

 

  

Here's wishing everyone a Happy and Prosperous New Year!!!