It was another beautiful weekend to just spend at home. So I dragged my friend once more to a quiet bed & breakfast I found out at the heart of Parañaque City.
After the receptionist greeted us warmly, we were quickly given our room key card. For a small hotel, having your own is tantamount to their concern regarding privacy, safety and security. This place is perfect for those seeking solitude without the need to go out of the city. And at a much affordable rate at that.
It was Sunday and I was expecting the place to be crowded but it was not. I found the Purple Tree Bed & Breakfast homey at once upon entering its premises. The courtyard was charming at a quick glance. Paintings hung along the corridors leading to the rooms. It was a lovely touch to a rather quiet passageway
I expected our room to be on the smaller side. But it was still large enough for us to move around comfortably. We were assigned to stay in a Superior Room fit for two individuals with a nice view of the pool outside.
After stuffing our things inside the cabinet, I roamed around to get a better feel of the place. From the name itself, I got loads of the color purple within the hotel premises. From a purple sofa to purple courtyard chairs, to purple seat covers and other things in different shades of lavender. Even the staff were wearing purple shirts. But the hotel was named after the purple fruit-bearing (duhat) tree standing tall in the middle of the lot, just by the pool.After grabbing a quick lunch at a nearby eatery, my friend and I rested for a while. I was tempted to crawl under the sheets for our bed was big and the air-conditioning was spewing out the coolest air! I remember wrapping myself with the orange blanket that night.
There were other guests but no one paid attention to swimming that afternoon. So a happy, purple-tailed mermaid emerged from the pool every now and then, tail splashing back and forth. It was drizzling at times but the sun shone for most of the afternoon. We even got to swim while it was raining!
This conveniently-located bed and breakfast is very easy to find. Dayrit’s Restaurant (since 1974) is a local landmark and is open to hotel and walk-in guests alike. President’s Avenue, where Purple Tree Bed & Breakfast is located, also reminds me of Maginhawa in Quezon City where food joints line up both sides of the street. A popular mall is just a five-minute jaunt from the hotel.
Our favorite place to dine was this cheap carinderia near the main highway. A meat/rice viand costs only Php 45. I bet it would be cheaper if I chose a vegetable ulam.
Our Room
I was able to see all the different room types offered by the hotel sans the penthouse as there were guests staying in. All rooms are cozy but I can say that the room (Superior Room with Pool View) we were given was the nicest and had the best view.
The room comes with the usual complimentary stuff like towel and toiletries. The cabinets have hangers and a separate metal wall mount hanger for our wet clothes which was strategically located near the door. Amen to that! The air-con is in very good condition too. However, I noticed that room slippers were not included. I found out later on that this can be bought from the hotel sari-sari store at a minimum price. It would be nicer if they would include it in the room rate. If only I had known, I should have brought my own bedroom slippers. Complimentary bottled waters are also amiss. But maybe this is because of the room’s very affordable prices and the nice room that the hotel already offers.
We woke up to a rainy morning the next day. We had a slow start and did not have breakfast till 9 AM. Instead of serving buffet breakfast, the hotel serves continental breakfast instead which you can select upon check-in. They will give you a form to fill out.
I liked the fact that you will be given the option of having breakfast either in the courtyard or in your room and at your most convenient time between about 6:30 AM/7 AM to 10 AM. We chose to eat at the covered gazebo since it was drizzling and a hot breakfast seemed a much better idea.
The courtyard is loveliest when viewed coming from the entrance and while going up the ramp or stairs. The small pool is located at the left side while the shaded eating area is at the adjacent covered space. At the back of the restaurant is another entrance leading up to the rooms where a small pond is located. The pond, with live fish, was a nice garden accent, giving the concrete surroundings a warm and rustic feel.
The Purple Tree guarding the hotel lot
Amenities
Aside from the pool, courtyard and restaurant, the hotel lives up to the bed & breakfast theme as you will not find a business center or a gym. But the staff are more than helpful for any concern you might have. There were a few times during our stay that we needed some things and we got it by just a phone call away.The hotel staff were also keen at times when they placed a towel on the poolside chair while I was swimming without me even asking for it. That was a thoughtful gesture which guests like me appreciate very much.
Other Accommodations
With the assistance of one of the friendly hotel employees named Mai, we were given a quick tour around and took photos of the other room types offered.
All in all, we had more than a pleasant vacation at this hotel. A stay at Purple Tree Bed & Breakfast is a steal as you will get more from what you will pay for. It is clean, modern, comfortable and has charming rooms at a great location.
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The Purple Tree Bed & Breakfast
Book Now!
www.purpletreebb.com
Metro Manila, Philippines
thepurpletreebb@gmail.com
