People stay here with their families, the adults not missing the fun and the lucky break that could come anytime at the casino, while the kids simply hang around the beautiful lobby, minimalist in design yet cozy and warm

“In the middle of it all” is how one can best describe Winford Manila Resort and Casino, which is part of MJC Investments Corporation’s P8-billion hotel, leisure and entertainment project within the San Lazaro Tourism and Business Park, the former site of the San Lazaro Hippodrome.

That it is the nucleus wherefrom all centers of the metropolis emanate may be an exaggeration, and yet, Winford allows its guests fast travel and easy accessibility to Chinatown, Rizal Park, University Belt and Quiapo or downtown Manila, this despite traffic issues.

But add a little bit more to your forbearance and gas to your tank, and you’re either in the Central Business District of Makati or Ortigas, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and, yes, the Entertainment City and the Mall of Asia by the Manila Bay.

But why go far to shop? Winford stands next to SM San Lazaro where they’ve got it all. Divisoria is literally a short carriage ride away, as in the olden times, but now, Winford, upon the guests’ request, can easily arrange a shuttle service for those who much prefer the inclusivity and offerings of this bargain paradise.

If you must hear Sunday Mass, or you plan to tie the knot in the heart of the city for romantic reasons, there are churches all around Winford — the University of Santo Tomas Church, to start with.

Not too far for worship are the Quiapo, San Sebastian and San Agustin Churches.

Winford, too, has special packages for weddings, with a ballroom large enough for couples who want a grand wedding. Anything simpler here at Winford can still be just as impressive because the hotel makes sure any milestone celebrated here is truly memorable given the pervading silky atmosphere. The smell of perfume actually glides through the air.

Ryan Rabe, director for Hotel Operations of Winford Manila Resort & Casino.

Winford is also a most accessible accommodation for parents from the provinces who are visiting their children who are staying in the University Belt.

One stays in Winford for other practical reasons. The buffet spread at the Copa de Manila serves the best international dishes, usually a fusion of the Oriental with western favorites, and yet, the two dishes that diners keep coming back for are their caldereta and humba. The Japanese dishes will always be a hit, along with the freshly baked pastries whole day round.

The interior of Winford is not your usual hard-as-a-steel atmosphere that so many hotels now favor. Instead, the beauty of the place is such that an occasional ornament depicting good luck and great fortune, understandably abstract, is juxtaposed with bright flowers in vases standing here and there.

Various seating arrangements in the lobby are filled with children either chattering and goofing around or simply concentrating on their tablets.

This is one hotel where the ushers or receptionists are sweet and caring. One must add “good looking and tall” to their description, along with being articulate and amiable. They will even volunteer to escort you to your room. If at all, the overall attitude of the staff reflects the suave manners of the general manager, Ryan Rabe. Public relations, as practiced by this hotel, is not just about press releases and collaterals. Jami Ledesma, their public relations expert, makes sure that what you read in the papers is exactly what you get when you visit or stay in Winford.

DRAGON-LIKE sculpture greets guests at the lobby.

People stay here with their families, the adults not missing the fun and the lucky break that could come anytime at the casino, while the kids simply hang around the beautiful lobby, minimalist in design yet cozy and warm. Another place where you find families frolicking is the swimming pool area where one can have refreshing drinks.

Of course, beer will always be available here, with all kinds of promos to entice you, as though Oktoberfest covered 365 days, 366 on a leap year. As they say at Winford, every month is a beer month. Buy one ice cold draft beer and get another one, free.

The casino is also an entertainment center where one gets to listen to the likes of the Spirit of ’67 and to Voice of the Philippines champion Mitoy Yonting who sings with his band, the Draybers, on alternating nights at the Hippodrome Bar & Lounge.

Before or after watching a good show, one can have dimsum and other Chinese delicacies at the Choi Garden should one crave first class Chinese comfort food.

At Winford, everyone is a VIP guest. And that makes one’s stay in any of its 128 superb rooms and suites, all boasting sleek décor in various Oriental themes, truly special, comfortable and tranquil.

All these amazing wonders in one beautiful and state-of-the-art hotel right in the center of the metropolis. No wonder every guest is a winner.