Microtel Inn and Suites by Wyndham: Leading the Charge in the ‘No-Frills’ Hotel Industry


Do not be fooled by which category Microtel Inn and Suites fell into; it’s ‘no-frills’ concept isn’t a giveaway for you to expect less coziness—when in fact, theirs is a hospitality brand that is blazing the trail in providing affordable yet comfortable accommodation in the country. As evidenced by their numerous branches dotting strategic locations all over the country--Microtel maintains that consistent quality that has guests opting for more return visits and new travelers such as myself, discovering and experiencing their signature friendliness with gusto for the first time. 


Cocooning at Microtel on a Weekend of re-discovering Quezon City

Last April I got invited along with a few other travel writers for a tour of adjacent attractions located in Quezon City. Our little ‘urban adventure’ took us to places I previously take for granted such as the tree-covered Quezon Memorial Circle, who we all seem to brush aside as this chameleon of wide expanse of spot serving as mere backdrop to the busy traffic. Channeling out all the blaring horns and dreary cars and walking inside under the canopy of old trees and into the spacious land inside Quezon Circle, I instantly marveled at the park atmosphere—where one can breathe fresh air for a change. 

The #MetroManila skyline as seen from the rooftop pool of #MicrotelUPtechnohub
We spent considerate time inside the QCX or the Quezon City Experience, an interactive social museum that displays fascinating facts about and the storied history of the city. A few strides away, situates the Quezon Heritage House – a reconstructed and re-imagined house of former President Manuel L. Quezon and his wife Aurora Quezon. We capped the afternoon off with a fun bike with members of the UP Bike Share inside the campus of UP Diliman

The Japan surplus (around 2.2k pesos each) bikes belonging to the #BikeShare, a non-profit student initiative promoting the use of bicycles as a form of transportation.
Right now, they are offering these bikes for free of use among students of UP. (After they register and attend road safety lessons) "When you're riding a bike you see the city differently"
Tired but satisfied from an activity-packed afternoon had me developing a newfound appreciation of the gems that can easily be found tucked within each nook and cranny of this bustling city. As if on cue, rest and relaxation awaited us at Microtel UP Technohub


Microtel UP Technohub

Located on a quiet partition of property edged by towering trees and a javelin throw distance away from a technology and BPO center, Microtel UP Technohub provides a strategic location for guests traveling within Quezon City and the rest of Metro Manila. Situated nearby are a cluster of Government offices, restaurants, churches, parks and not to mention the University of the Philippines. Designed with a boutique hotel kind of look but not overdoing on aesthetics, both the interior and exterior of Microtel UP Technohub appears light and easy on the eyes as it injects that modern and homey vibe that blends well with its surroundings. 


Soft beds and pillows battle it out with the laid back, finely furnished, classy interiors, for starring roles among its 120 rooms designed specifically to deliver comfort and easiness. The fatigued I felt from the whole afternoon of our urban adventure was quickly sorted out by a short nap on our sufficiently spacious room. During nighttime—a meander at the center garden provided me with an additional charm of the place. Casual conversation over a sumptuous dinner followed at their in-house Millie’s Restaurant, where Chef Gino Santayana and F&B Consultant Enzo Ciliani introduced us to some of Millie's signature dishes such as; Penne Putanesca, Prawns Catalan, Ribeye Fiorentina with Sauteed Mushrooms and Fries and a sinful serving of Tiramisu desert. Over satisfying bites I bonded more with the other participants. 


Not content with the myriad of table topics – we huddled beside the rooftop swimming pool for a night of cocktails, with more insightful discussions while we stare in-between at the glistening lights of the Quezon City skyline. As I returned to my room just before midnight, an 8-hour sound sleep to dreamland awaits me.

Other features of the hotel include; Function and PWD-friendly rooms with braille room markings for the blind, free and fast Wi-Fi, a 24-hour security and CCTV cameras and an exclusive guest access system that guarantees no outsiders can even step into the hallway of each floors. 

Address: UP-Ayala Land Technohub, Commonwealth Avenue,
Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines 
Rates: Starts at 3,200+ PHP per night

Microtel Acropolis

The next day we transferred to another Microtel property located along E. Rodriguez Jr. avenue near Eastwood City in Libis. Exhibiting the similar characteristics of my first Microtel in Technohub, this ‘Green-certified’ property of Microtel in Acropolis also dishes that bright and cheery visuals that quickly lightens up your mood upon stepping inside. Coupled with the clockwork professionalism of the staff, they instantly make guests feel right at home. Sometimes you wonder about the ‘no-frills’ concept of Microtel when everything seems to be well thought out. With almost similar rooms, function rooms and ideas and minus the rooftop pool--the Acropolis property alters from the TechnoHub property by having a different all-day restaurant; the Silvertie café and Bistro, which is managed by Enderun Colleges.  

Photo: Microtel Acropolis website
Similar to all of Microtel’s 13 locations (and counting) all over the country, the Acropolis property stands in the midst of a lively part with this one-of Quezon City's Eastwood City. Malls, cinemas, bars and even the famed Mystery Manila are all just a few hops away, making it a perfect place to set home base on your leisure or business trips within Metro Manila.


Address: E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave., Brgy. Bagumbayan, Quezon City
Rates: starts at 3,300+ PHP per night