Entertainment City: City of Dreams Manila

The second casino and resort to rise in the Entertainment City complex, City of Dreams saw its doors open with a soft opening on December 14, 2014, and a grand opening on February 2, 2015. It celebrated its inauguration with a bang through the Concert of Dreams, which featured local talents like Gary Valenciano and Zsa Zsa Padilla, as well as international stars like Ne-Yo and Kelly Rowland.

City of Dreams is a sister resort to City of Dreams in Macau, but it has its own unique Manila flair that makes it stand out. The resort has six hotel towers with 938 rooms, including Nobu Hotel, Nuwa (formerly known as Crown Towers), and a Hyatt Regency Hotel.

In addition to this, City of Dreams is also a gamer’s haven, with 289 gaming tables, 1,620 slot machines, and 176 electronic table games. For shopaholics, it’s also home to The Shops at the Boulevard, an almost 80,000 square meter shopping mall housing the best local and international brands around. Families will also enjoy DreamPlay, a theme park located in the complex that was developed in partnership with DreamWorks Animation, as well as The Garage, a VR play and dining experience that’ll knock your socks off.

One of the most awe-inspiring sites in the City of Dreams complex includes the Fortune Egg, a dome-like building that houses two of the best international nightclubs in Manila. Visitors can choose between Chaos or Pangaea, both of which were developed by the group of “International King of Clubs” Michael Van Cleef Ault.

City of Dreams Manila: Casino Gaming

City of Dreams Manila is the second casino resort to open in the Entertainment City complex, but in terms of gaming experience it’s absolutely first class. Players play at Qi Long Club, formerly know as Signature Club, an exclusive, members-only gaming club with a variety of games. City of Dreams Manila offers a wide variety of games for a range of skillsets, and among their offerings include:

• Baccarat
• Carribean Stud Poker
• Roulette
• Money Wheel
• Pontoon
• Sic Bo
• Lunar Poker
• 3cardPoker
• Black Jack
• Baccarat 27
• Craps

Members are part of the City of Dreams Manila’s loyalty program, The Melco Club. Formerly called the Dream Rewards program, Melco Club members can earn Melco Points, which will allow them to access a range of benefits at the casino resort. Members rewards are ranked in ascending order from Sapphire, Gold, Pearl Jade, Phoenix, and finally, Dragon membership.

The City of Dreams Manila also offers VIP Gaming through its Li Ying VIP Club. Li Ying Club members get to experience a whole new world of distinctive service and luxury, while enjoying high stakes play on Baccarat and Roulette tables.

City of Dreams Manila: Fine Dining Restaurants

Gamers don’t have to go far to refuel, and City of Dreams Manila offers a wide selection of different cuisines at different price points to appeal to even the pickiest of eaters. The resort casino’s premium restaurants number at six, and include top class dining experiences at places like Nobu and the Crystal Lounge.

Nobu Restaurant is the world’s most recognized Japanese restaurant. Home to innovative cuisine that puts a brand new spin on traditional dishes, Nobu is home to modern Japanese food at its finest.

Crystal Dragon is home to authentic regional Chinese dishes, as well as premium Cantonese fare. It serves lunch and dinner a la carte, as well as dim sum, fine Chinese teas, and exclusive Chef’s recommendations.

For a top-of-the-line experience, head to the Crystal Lounge, a premium lounge and bar that offers a variety of Western and Asian light meals. Guests can treat themselves to Filipino, Korean, Chinese, and Western snacks and light meals in an a la carte menu, as well as one-of-a-kind cocktails with a modern flair.

Looking for a spot to snack and relax after a dip in the pool? Head on over to Breezes at Nuwa Tower 2. An exclusive tropical cocktail and pool bar, Breezes has an extensive whiskey, wine, rum, and spirits selection. It also offers Cuban and local cigars for the enjoyment of patrons.

If an exclusive dining experience is what you’re after, go to Hide Yamamoto to experience one of four different menus by Chef Hide Yamamoto, a 2010 Global Award recipient. Hide Yamamoto is home to some of the finest fresh fish and sushi in the country, and their ramen is among the best.

Finally, nothing says hearty meal like a great serving of steak, and that’s exactly what Ruby Jack’s Steakhouse and Bar has to offer diners. A classic steakhouse with a contemporary yet comfortable layout, it’s a definite go-to for meat lovers.

Members and VIP looking for more exclusive dining experiences can take their pick, as well. Qi Long Hin is a 24-hour, members-only dining room and lounge with Asian and International Cuisine. Li Ying Lounge is a private gaming area with a 76-seat dining lounge and two private dining rooms, promising great food and privacy. And finally,  for VVIPs Li Ying Hin offers tailored food and beverage service to enjoy at your leisure.

City of Dreams Manila: Casual Dining Restaurants

Diners who are looking for a more casual vibe combined with top service and incredible menus can check out City of Dreams Manila’s contemporary dining options. Southeast Asian food lovers can try Red Ginger, which operates 24 hours a day and offers popular Southeast Asian dishes with modern spins.

Looking for a place to relax and have a nice chat? Try The Lounge at the Hyatt Regency Manila. Here, you can meet up with friends and family while having a range of light beverages and snacks.

O Kitchen is home to some of the best fusion cuisine in Manila, with a menu that combines rich, exotic, and creative tastes. For a bit of that European flair, Prego Italian restaurant and bar has a menu full of the best of Tuscan cuisine.

Casual diners looking for a place to snack and relax can go to Modern Table 082 for some great chicken, pizza, pasta, and sports. And for diners who want a chic experience day and night, Wave is a contemporary poolside deck, restaurant, and bar promising exactly that.

For sweets lovers looking for a bite, check out CafeSociety for pastries, quick gourmet sandwiches, and hot and cold beverages. If you feel like something fresh on the go, Nobu Lounge is perfect for chatting over dinner. It serves bentos of Nobu’s signature ishes in a stylish lounge that also serves coffee and tea.

Got a craving for Chinese food in Metro Manila? Try Jing Ting in the Retail Avenue for its Northern Chinese-inspired cuisine and large, open-show kitchen. If you’ve got noodles on the mind, Noodl8 is home to unique noodle creations, popular Asian delicacies, and premium tea blends 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you’re interested in a grand buffet experience, The Café is a 315-seater buffet offering a range of seating and dining options for even the pickiest of eaters. Once you’re done there, you can head over to good old Starbucks and enjoy your favorite handcrafted beverage.

Kids and kids at heart eat well at the City of Dreams thanks to Chez Gingy. A casual dining restaurant in DreamPlay, Chez Gingy serves American, Italian, and Asian light dishes that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

City of Dreams Manila: Bars

What’s a casino and resort complex without a nightlife? Head on over to CenterPlay for some talented stage performers and world-class bartenders and mixologists. Delight in some great company, delicious drinks, and incredible bar tricks all in one venue. CenterPlay is open from 6:00pm to 3:00am, with a Hotdog Bike available on regular days from 3:00pm to 2:00am and 12:00nn to 2:00am on holidays.

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For more information about where to eat, play, and relax in the Metro, check out our primer on Manila’s Entertainment City.