Grand Hotel, Fiesta Resort gets whimsical

Asia Pacific Hotels, Inc. adheres to its commitment to enhance Saipan as a family destination by reopening “The Wonderful World of Whimsy” entertainment arcades at the Saipan Grand Hotel in Susupe and at the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan in Garapan.

Whimsy has a wide array of game machines, ranging from amusement games, simulated fighting games, air hockey, golf putting challenge, to Dance Revolution. The Whimsy outlets, which were both unveiled over the weekend, are open daily.

“It’s for the kids and the kids at heart,” says Joe Paran, sports and recreation manager at Grand Hotel.

Paran said the opening of Whimsy is timely because it comes before the holidays. “This is when entire families come together and we wanted also have a place for kids to enjoy besides the pool.

There are over 40 entertainment machines at Grand Hotel’s Whimsy, which kids and adults alike can enjoy. Kids will certainly enjoy simulated fighting games such as Tekken III and G-loc, besides the old time favorites such as Galaga 88 and Tetris, while anyone can move to the beat of the dance revolution machine.

A putting machine will also challenge golf aficionados or anyone who wants to try getting the ball into the hole.

Paran disclosed that Whimsy has further plans to acquire additional forms of entertainment and recreation such as billiards, Foosball, other table games, as well as singing and drum machines.

“We’re excited about bringing back the arcade experience to the island since it’s been awhile that there has been one,” Paran said.

Whimsy requires no entrance fee, enabling everyone to enjoy the facility. Patrons simply need to use quarters or tokens to enjoy the entertainment machines.

Paran said Grand Hotel’s Whimsy would give away 10 tokens each to the first 100 patrons daily. Those who order lunch at any of Grand Hotel’s restaurants get 15 complimentary tokens each. Hotel guests also get 10 tokens each for free.

Grand Hotel’s Whimsy is connected to the hotel’s gift shop, where snacks, refreshments, and souvenir items are also available.

A fun way to party!

Whimsy teams up with Grand Hotel’s Food and Beverage Department, which announced that the entertainment arcade could also serve as a venue for children’s parties.

Food & Beverage assistant manager Anita Go said parties at Whimsy would surely be fun-filled, with the Grand Mascot’s appearance adding to the entertainment provided by the arcade.

Go said each child attending the parties would get 10 complimentary tokens. The celebrant will also get complimentary lunch vouchers for two, acceptable at any of Grand Hotel’s restaurants.

For parties catering to at least 50 persons or more, the celebrant will also receive a complimentary overnight stay at the hotel.

Grand Hotel party packages range from $8-, $10-, or $12-per head. Culinary expert Chris Adams will prepare menus specially designed to suite your child desires.

Additionally, Grand Hotel will also give away 15 complimentary tokens for every $10 spent at any of its restaurants.

A thrilling getaway experience

Grand Hotel offers hotel guests a thrilling experience by not only filling their stomach but also making them enjoy Saipan’s clear waters through jet ski or banana boat rides.

The hotel’s “Grand Weekend Getaway” entails two nights of deluxe room accommodations, while the “Grand Overnight Escapade” offers an overnight stay at a deluxe room—both with complimentary meals and fun-filled activities.

Both getaway packages include Sunday brunch or Sunset Beach Barbecue for two, breakfast buffet for two, two standard drinks at the guests’ preferred outlets—Club V, Southern Cross or Mango Tree Café, 20 tokens at Whimsy, banana boat and jet ski rides, and complimentary late check out time until 2pm.

The fun-filled stay will surely be worth it, with the Grand Weekend Getaway and the Grand Overnite Escapade offered at a special rate of only $149 and $99, respectively. (Limited time only, subject to availability; rates do not apply for 12/7/05 -1/03/06; call 234-6567 for reservations.)

Hot ramen under the mango tree

Grand Hotel’s Mango Tree Café has recently begun offering Japanese noodles from 10pm to 2am every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Go said the café makes available assorted Japanese ramen for those who want late night or midnight snacks, or enjoy hot soup after a long day of activities and partying.

Available at only $5 each, enjoy your favorite Shoyu and Miso ramen with all the traditional toppings, invites Go.

“Come to the Grand…where the excitement awaits you!”