There are a few differences between the Solaire Resort in Entertainment City, Parañaque, and the new Solaire Resort North located in the heart of Quezon City, which opened last May 25.
For one, Solaire North reaches for the skies. “We’re more of a vertical concept,” points out Gina Cariño, Solaire Resort North hotel sales and marketing director. True, instead of Solaire in Entertainment City’s horizontal spread, the first and only five-star luxury integrated resort in Quezon City offers 38 stories on 1.5 hectares of land.
The focal point when you enter the lobby just off EDSA (don’t forget to use the service lane as you approach; you can’t miss the big resort sign 38 floors high) is an enormous glass structure by international architectural sculptor Nikolas Weinstein — one reaching three levels high, bedazzling guests with its light and sound show every few minutes.
Finestra has a new branch, this one overlooking Quezon City’s skyline and sunset to the North, with menu prices 15% less than the OG.
From the façade to the repeating solihiya patterns of the grand lobby, Solaire North conveys the brand’s forward-looking design values and puts Filipino identity front and center, including the many local artworks decorating the lobby and gallery, such as striking pieces by Nicole Coson, daughter of Tessie Sy Coson. (Tarzeer Pictures, Inc., an art group headed by Enzo Razon, Dinesh Mohnani and Gio Panlilio, curated all the artworks of Solaire Resort North.)
This is clearly a different Solaire experience. Since it’s Quezon City, a place of “foodies,” as Cariño notes, it caters more to family experiences, including 14 dining outlets and kid centers.
The gaming areas are on four floors — the third and fourth levels, just above the lobby, plus VIP casinos on floors 37 and 38. “Unlike Solaire in Pasay, when you enter, you already see the casinos,” notes Cariño. “This is a different vibe.”
Even the restrooms are unique, with each cubicle having its own sink.
All of this is to reintroduce the Solaire concept to a new setting: Quezon City is decidedly a more urban, foodie-oriented center, and the resort plans to be a mecca for families, local businesspeople and professionals, and those seeking a jaw-dropping dining experience at Finestra on the 38th floor.
Another difference: “We don’t have high-end retail shops here,” says Cariño. Instead, “We have more kids’ activities, including a (soon-to-open) Kids Club, with a bowling alley and arcades, and then there’s small event stages.” A lengthy L-shaped pool on the sixth floor leads to a waterpark area for kids. Also, she teases, “Watch out for another outlet that will open on the ground floor. It will be one of a kind.”
Intrigued, we take a tour through the restaurants. In that department, Solaire North is as world-class as its predecessor, offering new versions of what have become Solaire favorites: Northern residents will find Red Lantern, which is best known for its authentic Chinese delicacies from various regions of China, from Cantonese, Yunnan, Hangzhou to Sichuan, Chengdu and Shanghai Huai Yang dishes (plus the crowd favorite dim sum buffet); then there’s Yakumi, the elevated Japanese restaurant serving an array of traditional Japanese staples, omakase and seafood exclusively sourced from Tokyo’s Toyosu market, offering uncompromising quality.
And finally, on the 38th floor is Finestra Italian Steakhouse, home to the finest ingredients and gustatory creations of Italy. A media dinner prepared by Sardinian (by way of UK) chef Joel Manchia, who trained under chef Andrea Spagoni at the original Finestra, highlighted the classics: a US beef tenderloin carpaccio, the special Finestra Caesar salad, US prime tenderloin Rossini or merluzzo (a Patagonian toothfish), followed by homemade Finestra tiramisu (always a treat).
Finestra’s view is stunning. Take in the expanse of Quezon City at sunset — you can even glimpse Manila Bay and just about spot the other Solaire on the horizon. Finestra also offers two large private rooms with a total capacity of 35 when combined. The 110-seat floor matches the lavishness of the original Finestra, but again, there is a difference — in price. Finestra PR assistant Catherine explains: “We serve the same menu as the one in Pasay, but the prices are much less here, by 15 percent.” How is it possible? “We can try to be more popular here in Quezon City, because we’re building our name in this market,” she says. Chef Joel adds, “We have exactly the same menu, me and chef Andrea worked on it together. We use the same imported ingredients from Italy, the same craftsmanship, so no compromise on quality. But prices are lower; we take the hit.”
And we take the delicious lunch and dinner specials and the awesome view.
The Sky Bar is a treat for a perfect sunset experience on the sixth floor.
Other food offerings below include the Lobby Lounge at the ground level for a cup of coffee or tea paired with pastries and decadent cakes; the popular Fresh International Buffet, an all-day dining buffet restaurant; Lucky Noodles is open 24 hours, offering popular Pan-Asian comfort food; the Food Court offers 10 stalls, seven of them exclusive to Solaire Resort North, including Korean brand Kkanbu Express. And adding to Solaire’s homegrown restaurant concepts is Manyaman, with a menu of modern twists on Filipino and Kapampangan dishes like Beef Adobo sa gata, Bringhe, Hipon sa aligue and Adobong Pansit Pusit.
Looking for a drink? The Dragon Bar is a lavish setting to spur your fortunes on the casino level. Or enjoy the rooftop bar for handcrafted cocktails, limited-edition whiskies, or your favorite cigar.
Skyhigh Suites
With all this vertical space, you’d expect the rooms to be special at Solaire Resort North. They are. Deluxe guest rooms range from 42 to 49 square meters while suites are between 89 to 382 square meters. All are meticulously designed, finished and furnished, with modern in-room features. The suites are lavish, with elegantly furnished living rooms and great views overlooking the city.
Plus, every hotel guest enjoys complimentary access to the outdoor L-shaped swimming pool with cabanas to take in the sweeping cityscape views.
For kids, there’s a dedicated Kids Waterpark, too. And the soon-to-open Kids Club offers a six-level play structure with a play village, soft play area, and children’s bowling alley. Two private rooms are available for guests to hold children’s birthday parties and gatherings, with all the necessary audio and visual equipment for an immersive sensory experience.
For adults, there’s an expansive wellness center and health club, and the spa offers an array of treatment options plus the gym, with the latest fitness equipment for cardio and strength training. Also, enjoy the plunge pools and Japanese onsen tubs, as well as the first and only tepidarium (a version of the Roman baths) in the country.
That’s a lot for residents to the North seeking a very local, and vertical, getaway in the heart of Quezon City.
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For more information and reservations, visit www.solaireresort.com or call +63 8888-8888. Enjoy exclusive rebates and savings with the “Book Early, Stay Longer and Save” offer. Solaire Lifestyle Members are eligible to avail of the Double Offer program.
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