Novotel, the Green Initiative and a Free Staycation

So…sometimes, I do get lucky!  I subscribed to Novotel-Araneta Facebook page to watch out for their promos.  Sometime in May, they posted about their Green Star contest where they gave information about some of their Earth Day initiatives or programs to protect and conserve the resources of Mother Earth, and participants to the contest were to vote for the best one.  Participants will then post their answer the question “How can you get involved with Novotel Manila Araneta Center’s commitment towards positive hospitality?” in the comment section.  Novotel will then select qualified answers and raffle them off.  

Novotel-Araneta, Manila

I was impressed with and voted for their HealthyNSustainable initiative where Novotel’s own El Dorado Farm in San Mateo, Rizal grows organic fruits, vegetables and herbs which they serve in the hotel restaurant.  The scraps from the fruits, vegetables and herbs are also used for their cocktail infusions, which results to less wastage. Under this initiative, they also do knowledge sharing by conducting workshops in the community on sustainability, and they campaign to their guests through inspiration boards in their hotel, to make a conscious choice on sustainable food and drinks.

And I won :).  I got a message in FB messenger informing me that I won an overnight stay in a Superior Room. I booked myself, mom and brother for July 15.

The hotel is very nice- not because it is free :) but because it is very new and because of its cleanliness, modern design and coziness.  The room size is just right and the bed and small sofa very comfortable.  The toiletries are sugar-cane based and smell really good. 

By the pool side

Breakfast is buffet and though there were lesser selection compared to 5 star hotels, the food is still ample.  My favorite would be the mixed fresh fruit juice- very yummy and very healthy! I finished around 5 bottles.

Thank you, Novotel-Araneta and kudos to your HealthyNSustainable initiative!

Book your stay at the Novotel website .

USA Day 4: The Strip

Open 24/7.  That is how The Strip is: non stop .  The place is non-stop gambling, dining, shows, shopping and walking. It is buzzing with activity, at any given time.

Sights at The Strip

Las Vegas Boulevard

Gamble your heart out.

The Strip is the 4.2 miles or so stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard, from Mandalay Bay and Delano to the Stratosphere. The Linq hotel, where I am staying is right in the middle of The Strip.

Street sign near the Mandalay Bay

Mandalay Bay

Street leading to the stratosphere

Many hotel resorts  and casinos mimic famous places around the world, making the cityscape of The Strip very scenic.  It's like being taken to New York, Egypt, Paris,Venice and Hollywood, just in one day.

New York,New York

Paris

Planet Hollywood

Egypt in Luxor Hotel

Resorts, casinos, stores and restaurants also also come in different interesting themes. Visitors will be taken to the Roman time at Caesars Palace, or King Arthur's time at the Excalibur. The Mirage has a Polynesian theme complete with lagoons and dolphins. The resraurant at MGM has rainforest for a theme.  Of course, Hardrock Cafe would have its signature electric guitar and M and M World comes with its M and Ms colors, and one which the kids would love.

Caesar's Palace, infront of The Linq

Lagoon at The Mirage

Rainforest Cafe at MGM

M and M world

The hotels and casinos also offer  free attractions- unfortunately, due to limited time, I only explored a few.  (And this also means, I gotta go back to check out the rest. :) ). The choreographed routine of water, music and light of the  Bellagio dancing fountain is a favorite. It is open daily, and runs every half an hour (or every 15 minutes from 8 PM to 12 AM) . I also liked the Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo.    It has a nice garden, which gives you a break from the hustle and bustle of the Strip.  The Wildlife habitat has pink flamingos, ducks and kois...and a nice wedding chapel. 

Bellagio dancing fountain

Wildlife at Flamingo

Wedding chapel at Flamingo

   

The Strip is a looong walk but free monorails are available, if you do not want to take the Deuce bus.  The Mandalay Bay Tram connects Mandalay Bay, Luxor and Excalibur. The City Center Tran connects Monte Carlo, Crystals and Bellagio.  There is another tram connecting Treasure Island and The Mirage.

The Strip spells fun.  I enjoyed people watching, the lights and sights, and just being in the middle of it all.  But at the end of my 3rd day in Las Vegas, I was all worn out, and was ready to head back to San Francisco to meet my high school friends.