TRYP by Wyndham

 It's time to take a TRYP!

By Chin-Chin Chan Chiu

The lengthy lockdowns and travel restrictions have made travelers, both local and global, agog to leave the confines of their respective homes. So, when governments across the world allowed its citizens to move freely, a majority booked for their dream destinations and hideaways right away.

While it is true that restrictions have been lifted, logistics available in pre-pandemic times have not yet been fully restored. Thus, we find routes not serviced by airlines, boats, and/or land transportation providers, as of yet.

The next best thing to do is book for a destination which will provide the same unforgettable experience yet make it very accessible to go to and return from one's point of origin just as easily. For cityphiles and yuppies, the best proposal would be to find a place that would give them a different vibe from their usual work or home space; which will then afford them amenities to fully enjoy; plus a gustatory hub to satiate all their epicurean cravings. With all of the foregoing, there is only one place to experience all that and more! It's high time to take a TRYP! (pun intended)

Guided by its mantra, "Powered by the city," TRYP by Wyndham is an American hotel brand operating all over the globe. The Wyndham Hospitality Group is the biggest worldwide in terms of brand acquisition. The TRYP brand serves, mostly, modern travelers and the yuppie set.

"The Mall of Asia is our first location in the Philippines. We chose this area because it is a mix of the old and new Manila. Our guests would experience and feel both these worlds, especially the iconic Manila Bay sunset.

"We were anxious when the pandemic struck. While most hotel properties around the country did not have operations during that time, we were lucky to have housed BPO workers who stayed with us because they were required to have lodgings near their workplace. Services were limited during the lockdowns due to restrictions in human interaction. Despite our occupancy, people were confined to their rooms so we needed to call them from time to time and check on their wellbeing.

"We continued our operations, even during the height of the pandemic, because it somehow gave our employees a source of livelihood, which was scarce for everybody during those trying times. We provided them with stay facilities as well as health care. Health protocols for both guests and staff were followed, despite the extra cost.

"When staycations were slowly allowed, our teams adjusted to the normal way of serving our guests. But we also had to retrain them after the hiatus. Our Baguio hotel has fully recovered, while Microtel and TRYP here in MoA is getting to where we left off in 2019," shared Dean Cid, chief operations officer for the Phinma Hospitality Group and general manager for both Microtel MoA and Tryp hotels.

TRYP by Wyndham Mall of Asia opened in 2018 and is the first of its kind to open in the Philippines. The Wyndham Hotel Group owns 24 hospitality brands worldwide, including Microtel and TRYP which are both carried in the Philippines by the Phinma Hospitality Group, that runs and operates all of its Philippine properties, including ventures and partnerships. There are 14 Microtel and one TRYP hotels around the country, so far. Of the 14, eleven are in Luzon while the three other properties are in Davao, Boracay, and General Santos City.

"Safety and security are the main features that our international guests look for, and which we provide. Our Mall of Asia hotels cater mostly to domestic travelers while our Batangas and Boracay properties cater more to foreign travelers. Our staff, comfortable amenities, level of cleanliness, our beds, and close proximity to the airport are all plus factors. Moreover, we have the most dynamic loyalty awards program, the Wyndham Rewards, where cardholders can easily redeem their existing points with other properties, as well as exchange them for airline miles, movie tickets, or merchandise," continued GM Cid.

TRYP Mall of Asia has 191 rooms, including options for corner suites, specialty rooms, and family rooms with lofts. 

"TRYP and Microtel hotels have no commissaries, everything is prepared fresh in the kitchen. Our food plating is a good balance of protein and grilled vegetables. Milagrosa, which is our all-day dining outlet, offers monthly food themes. With May being the Burger Month, we proffer a number of burger concoctions. Gladly, burgers seem to be the preference of our diners.

"In line with our Wyndham Green program, our affiliate company Phinma Solar would be providing us sustainable energy in the near future," enthused TRYP Hotel's director of sales Edison Rosales.

Aside from Milagrosa, TRYP operates a lobby lounge and a roof deck hub, Encaramada, with a swimming pool where guests can relax and enjoy the panoramic view of the Manila seascape and the much talked-about Manila Bay sunset.

"Happy employees make our guests happy and they return to stay with us; which makes our owners happy as a result. TRYP is an upscale hotel that gives our guests a unique experience. They see and feel something different in each and every visit. And we welcome them, time and again," intoned GM Cid at the close of our intimate colloquy.