Because I work out of my house, every so often I like taking vacation breaks away from home especially during holidays and long weekends. These don’t actually have to be too far from home; the concept of a “staycation” has grown in popularity especially because Metro Manila decongests on holidays as everyone else goes out of town. A staycation also means we still have access to the conveniences of city living.
The Cirque Serviced Residences recently opened, and I pounced on the opportunity to unwind there.
A partnership between premier property developer Ortigas & Company and leading serviced residences operator Hospitality Innovators, Inc., The Cirque has a total of 55 units spread across two residential towers at Circulo Verde at Calle Industria, Quezon City. We could pick from one-bedroom (flat or loft) and two-bedroom options furnished and designed by a collaboration between Kibu Design Concepts and K. Benitez Interiors. Scroll down to the bottom of this post for more pictures. π
Each unit comes with hotel creature comforts like cable and a smart TV, wireless internet, and toilet and shower with toiletries. What sets The Cirque serviced residences apart from hotel rooms are the fully-equipped kitchen with induction stove, microwave, and refrigerator, living and dining areas, and a service area with a washing machine and iron.
Of course, my favorite part would have to be the hotel bedding and bathrobes. They are plush and luxe, and just getting into a bathrobe to relax for the afternoon in bed felt like my own little spa experience. The beds are memory foam and were ultra-comfortable.
My flat had a western exposure catching the setting sun and looking out onto the cityscape. If I lean far enough on the balcony, I could see the Marikina River around the corner.
In the near distance I could see the commercial towers of Eastwood City, which is the closest full mall development. The Cirque may also soon offer free shuttles to nearby commercial complexes.For staycationers like myself with our own cars, it’s just a five-minute drive away. I had dinner and caught a movie before coming back to the flat to cook myself some cup noodles and catch up on some work before bed.
When I woke up the next day, it was drizzling and overcast, but not enough to dissuade me from going on a short run. The Circulo Verde development has a one-kilometer circumferential asphalt road with sidewalks on both sides — perfect for runners and cyclists, although I saw more on mountain bikes that morning due to the conditions. Because this road isn’t a public one, the only vehicles that drive on it are those owned by residents, hotel guests, and those heading to the Industria Mall, a commercial complex inside Circulo Verde that houses food and service establishments.
Circulo Verde prides itself on being a pet-friendly development, with Hachi Park paying tribute to furry friends and creating a safe space for them to run around leash-free. The units at The Cirque are also equipped with special humidity-, noise- and odor-absorbing tiles and textile walls that allow guests to bring their pets in while avoiding disrupting neighboring guests.
The one-kilometer track took me past the Industria Mall, a remote car racing track, and the Bike Playground, a haven for mountain bike and BMX bike enthusiasts. You can bring your own bike or rent one to go on their asphalt and dirt tracks.
Even though I got drenched through with sweat and rain, it only took an elevator ride to get out of my wet things and into a hot shower. (I usually have to drive home wet and messy.)
I then headed out for breakfast at Industria Mall, where we could use vouchers issued to us to eat from set menus at Chef & Brewer, Kambal Pandesal Concept Cafe, or Chill Top Bar. Because I had so many vouchers, I ate breakfast at Kambal Pandesal Cafe then had an early lunch at Chef & Brewer before checking out.
I also took the opportunity for a little dip in the pool when the sun finally came out. I had the entire place all to myself, which houses three pool areas and an abundance of lounge chairs and umbrellas for sun worshipers.
(During my stay the gym and the children’s playgrounds were still undergoing final finishes to their construction.)
The Cirque Serviced Residences was a great mix of hotel and homey comforts, which I think would benefit long-staying residents as well as weekend staycationers. In fact, I heard that one of the one-bedroom lofts had just been snapped up by an expat for a year-long lease.
I only have two major concerns for improvement:
Calle Industria, the road that runs on the outside of the Circulo Verde development, is a major artery for heavy trucks and public transport. Road noise is quite evident, especially late at night. I would recommend bringing earplugs if you’re sensitive to noise while sleeping.
The other concern is internet. I had so much difficulty connecting to their wifi system because the passwords they hand out expire so frequently — although once you’re connected, the speed is blisteringly fast. The residences had just switched over to a new IT system, so hopefully they will have worked these connection issues out by now (I left a note in their guest feedback form).
The Cirque Serviced Residences are now on soft opening with special promo rates on their room types — more than 50% off their published rates until December 2017. With so many declared holidays this November, you might want to stay in the city and treat yourself and/or your family to a well-rounded staycation that accommodates your active lifestyle.
Check out my photos of The Cirque room types below.
The Cirque Two-Bedroom Flat
master’s bedroom with queen bed
study and vanity with coffeemaking facilities
The Cirque One-Bedroom Loft
The Cirque One-Bedroom Flat
Guests can experience the tailor-made staycation experience at The Cirque with the following introductory rates per night: P4,800 for the one-bedroom flat, P5,800 for the one-bedroom loft, and P7,000 for the two-bedroom flat. For more information and to book your well-rounded staycation, visit thecirque.com.ph.
