There’s this distinctive charm I find in Cocoon Boutique Hotel that I can’t really put into words clearly. This small boutique hotel by the corner of Scout Tobias near Timog in Quezon City looks unpretentious from the outside with only about six floors (including the rooftop) and stretching wider on the Scout Rallos side. It was a different story once I got into the lobby. Like going through a rabbit hole, the high-ceiling lobby, the gorgeous vintage grand piano, the excellent woodwork on the walls, touch of color and life from the indoor plants and then there’s the genuine smile as the staff welcomed us.
Classic + Modernity
“The owner must have had an amazing foresight accumulating all this wood!” our friend Jing exclaimed as she marvelled on the reclaimed wood used on the flooring as she inspects the Junior Suite we were checked in. I on hand am enjoying my barefoot wanderings inside this 2 bedroom suite. It’s not often I get to enjoy a hotel’s flooring like I’m in an old ancestral house not on some typical cold hotel’s floor tiles. I also grew fond of the original oil paintings and vintage furnitures strategically placed inside the room. So Filipino yet with a Japanese Zen-like quality in how they were arranged. Simple yet full of character. I definitely like the owner’s (Rafael and Regina Vinzon) taste in furniture and display.
Even if the hotel uses reclaimed wood, I also like the unobtrusive touches of modernity here end there. I like the LED touch-panels by the card slot and door number where the screen indicates the doorbell, “Make-Up” if you want the room cleaned or simply the “Do Not Disturb” sign. All rooms have hi-speed internet via LAN cable and Wifi, large flat screen TVs with cable and USB capable if you like your own movies. The inverter-type airconditioning unit used throughout the hotel is ozone friendly, one of the many environment friendly initiatives of the hotel.
Country’s First Green Hotel
Cocoon Boutique Hotel prides itself as being the first “Green” hotel in the country having their building registered by LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and pursuing certification. Even if not being fully aware, I certainly felt better I’m partly taking care of the environment by staying here. The building has dual pipes for grey and potable water aside from utilizing rain and ground water for flushing, plant irrigation and general cleaning. Their bathroom hygienic kits are 100% organic and personally quite good to use.
Bedroom Experience
Oh! Have I mentioned the beds? I could write a whole story on it, on how soft yet so firm the bed is and oh so hug-able and comfortable those Goose down duvet pillows are. I could easily let myself fall back and just feel the anti-microbial foam catch me and contour to my body. The king-sized bed in the master bedroom of was so fun to roll around from side to side. I noticed that the linen used kept me warm under the sheets even if the aircon was blaring on a high. I’m not sure if the 400-600 thread count Egyptian cotton linen has something to do with it but it sure kept me cozy under the wraps. This has to be one of the most relaxing sleep I had in a hotel within the city. Ambient street sound was dumbed down by the insulated windows (though there’s a faint sound coming from the bathroom window but nothing bothersome) keeping things quiet.
Hotel Facilities
For a small hotel, Cocoon Boutique Hotel does try to give more comfort than it’s pleasurable bed and rooms. For the fitness conscious, they have a small exercise room with a treadmill and elliptical machine, it may not be much like a full service gym but boy, that treadmill is probably the most hi-tech I have used. There’s a pool at the 6th floor, albeit small it’ll be good for a refreshing dip amidst the QC skyline. My favorite is their spa, it’s the first time I’ve tried a thermal massage bed which feels really pleasant especially on a cool massage room. Their masseur were exceptionally skilled as well. Looking at their prices, I thought it’s standard Php 600 price was of great value.
Abuela’s Cafe and Bar
Breakfast is included in the room rate and I highly recommend dining in at the Abuela’s Cafe by the pool-side. I really liked that some of the spices and ingredients are taken from the Organic Garden by the pool, like the chives, garlic, basil and more. Aside from buffet treats like coffee and tea, breads, fruits and salads, we had a choice of ala carte meals. I especially liked my Hungarian Sausage and they have the best tasting Tawilis I’ve tasted in the Metro.
Genuine Hospitality
Another thing I remember most are the friendly and accommodating staff at this hotel. Aside from the top of the line service, their willingness to help and lend their aid is sincere and not just another-day-at-work type of people. In at least two-years of Cocoon’s operation, a number of the core staff there are still happily In service which says a lot about the hotel. I don’t think I would be this satisfied on my two-night stay there even if I’m in the city. I wouldn’t be surprised why this is becoming a favorite for wedding venues, balikbayans and even people looking for a staycation in the city. I wouldn’t mind being cocoon-ed again in this hotel.
Check here for Cocoon Boutique Hotel rates and online bookings.
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.
