Manila Airport & Mall Luxury: Your Dream House Awaits!
Manila Airport & Mall Luxury: My Dream House…or a Luxury Prison with a Great Pool? A Review That's Probably Too Honest.
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to dive headfirst into Manila Airport & Mall Luxury: Your Dream House Awaits! Now, the "Dream House" bit? Let's just say, your dreams might vary. This place is… a lot. And I, your humble reviewer, am going to give you the unvarnished truth, warts and all. Expect some digressions, some outright gushing, and maybe a touch of existential angst. Welcome to the ride.
First Impressions & Accessibility: The Maze Begins!
Getting there? Well, that's a journey in itself. The airport transfer was thankfully smooth. A gleaming black SUV, and I was feeling like a VIP…until we hit that Manila traffic. Let's just say, the ride felt longer than my last relationship. Accessibility is a mixed bag. While they claim facilities for disabled guests, I didn't scrutinize every nook and cranny for ramps. However, the lobby itself is HUGE, and the elevator is a lifesaver. Navigating the place… well, it's like being in a really, really fancy IKEA. Be prepared to wander. Thankfully, they do have a concierge who seems perpetually pleasant, even when you're lost for the third time.
Rooms: Luxury or Labyrinth?
I booked a "Luxury" room – and yes, it did actually have a bathtub…and a separate shower/bathtub. I mean, fancy, right? Air conditioning was a MUST, and thank the heavens it worked. The blackout curtains were also clutch; essential for battling jet lag. The bed was comfy enough, though I'm a sucker for a softer mattress. Free Wi-Fi? Yes, and it worked (major win!). Free bottled water? Yep. Complimentary tea? A small victory.
My room was also stuffed to the gills with amenities, including a refrigerator, mini bar, in-room safe box, hair dryer, bathrobes, slippers, mirror, desk, closet, alarm clock, telephone, satellite/cable channels, and a coffee/tea maker. Okay, they are not messing around.
Buuut… let’s talk about the soundproofing. It’s not bad, but I could still (briefly) hear the drone of traffic and the muffled chatter from the hallway. And the window that opens? I opened it once, took a whiff of the Manila air, and slammed it shut immediately. Air con for life.
The "Things to Do" Dilemma: Spa, Gym, or Just… Exist?
Okay, THIS is where things get juicy. The fitness center? Pretty standard. The gym/fitness options? Solid. They had treadmills, weights, the whole shebang. I didn't use it, because, well, holidays.
Now, the spa… ah, the spa. They offer the full gamut: massage, body scrub, body wrap, sauna, steamroom, and a foot bath. I went full-on indulgence mode and booked a massage. It was… okay. Not the best massage of my life (the masseuse was clearly new), but not the worst either. The Spa/sauna area? Pretty luxurious. The pool. Oh, the pool.
The Pool with a View
Now, THAT was something. The swimming pool [outdoor] is gorgeous. The Pool with view… Forget the view - I got lost inside this gorgeous large outdoor pool and enjoyed this experience so much. I spend an entire afternoon reading a book on a sunbed, sipping cocktails, and generally pretending I was a wealthy socialite. It was bliss. The poolside bar certainly added to the experience, and the swimming pool itself was huge!
Eating, Drinking, and Snacking: Will You Survive the Food?
Dining here is an experience unto itself. The hotel boasts multiple restaurants, with options for every palate (or at least, every palate that enjoys a buffet). Asian cuisine in restaurant? Check. International cuisine in restaurant? Double-check. Western cuisine in restaurant? Yep.
A word of warning: the breakfast [buffet] is… extensive. Like, "you-might-need-a-nap-afterwards" extensive. I opted for the Asian breakfast on day one (the congee was delicious), and the Western breakfast on day two. Both were good, but my stomach really struggled with the sheer volume. They also offer breakfast in room, which is tempting, but I prefer the chaos of the buffet. Coffee/tea in restaurant? Yes, they got plenty. The coffee shop is also good for a quick caffeine fix. the Desserts in restaurant and the Snack bar has some great treats that will keep you here.
There’s also a bar, and the happy hour is… well, it’s happy. You could also order the Bottle of water, it's always good for you.
Cleanliness, Safety, and COVID-Era Considerations: Are They Doing the Right Things?
This is where Manila Airport & Mall Luxury actually shines. They’re taking COVID seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and a Safe dining setup. Check, check, check. My room was definitely Rooms sanitized between stays. They had a Hygiene certification, Staff trained in safety protocol, Individually-wrapped food options, and Physical distancing of at least 1 meter. The place felt clean, which is a huge relief. There are also CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property. Even the cashiers are all masked up, so I appreciate this hotel.
They also provide Room sanitization opt-out available, which is great.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the Questionable!
The hotel offers a plethora of services. Air conditioning in public area? Naturally. Concierge? Super helpful. Daily housekeeping? They kept my room spotless (almost too spotless – I lost my sock). Doorman? Always there to greet you. Elevator? Essential. Laundry service? Convenient. Luggage storage? Yep. Meeting/banquet facilities? If you need to throw a party in a hotel, this is your place. Taxi service? Readily available. Car park [free of charge]? A huge plus.
The convenience store is… convenient (prices are a bit inflated, but you're trapped).
The business facilities (like Xerox/fax in business center) seem to be there, though I didn’t need them.
Noteworthy Extras:
- Cashless payment service: Smooth and easy.
- Doctor/nurse on call: Peace of mind.
- Front desk [24-hour]: Always someone there, which is reassuring.
- Safety deposit boxes: Always a good idea.
The Quirks, the Flaws, and the Overall Vibe:
Okay, let's be real. Manila Airport & Mall Luxury isn’t perfect. It’s a bit… corporate. A little sterile. It lacks that certain je ne sais quoi. You're definitely paying for luxury, but it sometimes feels a bit… clinical. Like a very well-appointed hospital, maybe?
I also had a minor snafu with the internet [LAN] that had me raging in the beginning, but after they took care of it, I was able to work without any problems.
The sheer size of the place can be overwhelming; getting to your room after a long flight can feel like conquering Mount Everest. And while the service is generally excellent, it can feel overly attentive at times – is the staff trained to be this professional?
But! The pool is amazing! The beds are comfy, the AC works like a charm, and the cleanliness is top-notch.
For the Kids:
They offer great things for the kids such as the Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal and they can also ask for the Room decorations.
The Bottom Line: Should You Stay?
If you're looking for a convenient, clean, and well-equipped hotel near the airport, then Manila Airport & Mall Luxury is a solid choice. It is a great place even for the kids. Just be prepared for a slightly… soulless experience. But hey, sometimes, a clean, efficient hotel is all you need.
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. The pool earns it that extra star!
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Osaka Oasis: 6-Guest Pola Inn Near Haginochaya Station!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to plan a Manila trip that's less "polished brochure" and more "sweaty, chaotic, and utterly unforgettable." We're talking a house near the airport (because, hello, practicality! And thank GOD for that, trust me later) and all the glamorous… mall-adjacent experiences Manila has to offer. Buckle up, it's gonna be a ride.
Day 1: Arrival, Exhaustion, and the Quest for Adobo (and AC)
- 10:00 AM: Touchdown! Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). God, that airport. It’s like a living, breathing organism. You can smell the desperation – the desperate need to get out, the desperate search for a working bathroom.
- Anecdote: The immigration officer? Looked like he hadn’t slept since the Marcos era. Gave me a side-eye that could curdle milk. "Purpose of visit?" "Escape from reality, sir. And possibly find some delicious adobo." He just grunted, stamped my passport, and waved me through. Manila charm, folks!
- 10:45 AM: Taxi chaos. Grab an Uber. Seriously. Don't even think about haggling with the airport taxis unless you enjoy the thrill of being ripped off (and possibly mildly traumatized).
- Quirky Observation: The traffic in Manila is a biblical plague. A constant, relentless, herding of metal beasts. You'll see everything - jeepneys painted like exploding rainbows, beat-up sedans sporting questionable bumper stickers, and guys casually transporting entire refrigerators on scooters. It’s a vibrant, honking symphony of madness.
- 12:00 PM: Arrive at my godsend of a house near the airport. Air conditioning? CHECK. Clean bed? CHECK. My sanity? Still mostly intact.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated RELIEF. Oh, sweet AC, you are my savior. Being outside for more than five minutes, and its like being hugged by a furnace
- 1:00 PM: The Adobo Quest Begins! I’m STARVING. Gotta find the perfect adobo. Armed with Google Maps and a desperate hope of finding something within a reasonable distance (walking, in this heat, is a form of masochism), I venture out.
- Imperfection: Okay, I got lost. Twice. And the first place I tried was closed. And the second? Let's just say the adobo was… not the stuff of legends. More like "slightly-vinegary brown sludge."
- 3:00 PM: Nap Time. A necessity. Manila is a marathon, not a sprint. And I'm already feeling the jet lag creepin'.
- 5:00 PM: Another attempt at finding decent adobo. This time, it's an old, hole-in-the-wall place recommended by the friendly owner of the house. This time, i'm ordering a cold soda
- Opinionated Language: Finally, some real adobo! Rich, savory, the pork practically melting in my mouth. This is what I came for. This is what makes the sweat and the traffic worth it! I am in heaven, with my cold soda
- 7:00 PM: Early dinner with some friends.
- 9:00 PM: crash.
Day 2: Mall Mania and the Art of Avoiding the Sales Pitch
- 9:00 AM: Rise and… well, not shine. More like squint blearily at the harsh sunlight. Time to conquer a mall. Because in Manila, malls are practically cultural institutions.
- Emotional Reaction: Ugh. Malls. I have a love/hate relationship with these enormous, air-conditioned fortresses of consumerism. The air conditioning is a blessing. The sheer volume of people, less so.
- 10:00 AM: Mall Exploration: The first mall has everything. And by everything, I mean a bewildering array of shops, food stalls, and people. It's like one giant, indoor city.
- Messier Structure: Okay, so I wandered, I window-shopped, I got overwhelmed. And then I saw it… a sale! A genuine, actual-can't-believe-it-sale.
- 11:00 AM: The Sale! I spent too much money.
- Stream-of-consciousness, doubling down: I needed a new shirt. Then I saw a dress. And then another dress. And then shoes. And a bag. And… well, you get the idea. The sales people were relentless, but hey, the deals were good! Or so I told myself! I think I blacked out for a little bit. I have a problem, I admit it. I went HAM!!!!
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Of course. I needed to replenish my energy after all that intense… shopping.
- 2:00 PM: Another Mall. Different Mall, Same experience.
- Quirky Observation: The food courts are an experience in themselves. A cacophony of smells and sounds. You can find everything from Filipino fast food to international chains. And the people-watching? Top-tier entertainment.
- 4:00 PM: Finally, outside. Needed to leave the mall.
- 6:00 PM: Home. Exhausted. The Manila heat is a relentless creature, but I love it.
Day 3: Day trip
- 9:00 AM: Wake up and head out to another place.
- 7:00 PM: Head back home and sleep again.
The End (For Now)
Look, this itinerary is just a starting point. Manila is a city that surprises you. It challenges you. It’ll make you sweat, it’ll make you laugh, and it’ll probably make you slightly insane. But it's also a city that's undeniably alive, bursting with energy, and full of the most resilient, welcoming people you'll ever meet. So embrace the chaos, embrace the heat, and just… go with it. And for the love of all things holy, drink plenty of water and bring your sense of humor. You're gonna need it.
Tokyo Riverside Escape: Luxurious Cozy Well Studio in Tangerang!
Manila Airport & Mall Luxury: Your Dream House Awaits! (…Maybe? Let's Talk About It.)
Okay, so the whole "Luxury" thing… is it real, or just a sparkly mirage at NAIA?
MIRAGE, my friend. A sparkly, duty-free-scented, overpriced mirage. Let's be honest, the "luxury" you find *inside* NAIA is a whole different beast than the supposed luxury of, say, *leaving* NAIA. Getting *to* the airport? That's the real luxury challenge. Traffic? You may as well prepare for a gladiatorial combat scene, battling jeepneys, oblivious Grab drivers, and the sheer, unadulterated *chaos* that is Manila road rage. I once spent three hours in a taxi that should have taken 30 minutes. Three. Hours. And yes, I considered walking. Across the Manila Bay. At midnight. So yeah, luxury? More like a survival skill.
What about the airport lounges? Are those worth the hype/price?
Lounges… ah, the air-conditioned havens. Look, they *can* be worth it. Especially if you're a masochist who enjoys paying to avoid the screaming children and the symphony of coughing that's a standard NAIA airport experience. Depends on the lounge, of course. The nicer ones? Think tiny, slightly grubby versions of a business class cabin. The food? Varies wildly. I once had a suspiciously green spaghetti in one. Another time, a truly *divine* adobo. It's a gamble, a flavor roulette. But the quiet? Priceless. Unless there's a guy loudly video-chatting about his cryptocurrency portfolio... then it's back to the chaos. (I swear, I always end up next to *that* guy.)
And the "Malls" part? Where do those factor in? Are we talking Rodeo Drive or… something else entirely?
Okay, the *mall* part is where things get confusingly brilliant and utterly confusing. Manila malls? They're a whole ecosystem. You've got your high-end ones, with actual designer stores and the air of exclusivity, which are lovely if you, you know, have the budget of a small country. Then you have the other ones, the ones that are, shall we say, “eclectic”? Think everything from designer knock-offs to street food that might or might not be safe to eat (but you probably will anyway, because... temptation). My advice? Embrace the chaos. Get lost in the labyrinthine passages, try the questionable siopao, and be amazed by the sheer *variety*. It's an experience. Often a slightly overwhelming one, but an experience nonetheless. One that will probably leave you feeling both utterly exhausted and strangely… exhilarated.
Let's talk pre-flight panic: What are the biggest travel nightmares to watch out for at NAIA?
Oh, the nightmares... where do I even *begin*? Okay, first, traffic. I mentioned that, right? Plan for double the time you think you need. Triple it if it's near a holiday. Then, the lines. Oh, the lines! Security, check-in, immigration... they stretch on forever. Smile, though, it's the Manila way, even when you're internally screaming. (And pack your patience. You'll need it.) Secondly, lost luggage. It happens. A lot. Be prepared for it. Keep valuables with you. Take photos of your bags. Pray to whatever deity you believe in. Finally, the unexpected flight delays. Embrace them. They're part of the charm. (Said with heavy sarcasm.) Pack a book. Download some movies. Learn to meditate. You'll need it.
Okay, so you mentioned a dream house… Is this related to NAIA or the malls? Where do I find this *elusive* dream house?
Ah, yes, the dream house! (Takes a deep, dramatic breath.) That's the *real* luxury, the end game. Look, NAIA and the malls? They're just… stepping stones, portals, gateways to the *possibility* of the dream house. But finding the dream house? That's a journey. A long, often frustrating, and probably expensive journey. It's not in the airport or the malls, obviously. Unless… are there real estate agents in the duty-free shops now? (Checks phone… nope.) No, the dream house is out there, in the sprawling suburbs, in the hidden pockets of development. In my dreams, it’s overlooking the ocean, with a massive balcony for endless sunsets. In reality… well, it’s probably going to be a condo a little outside of the traffic, with a pool I’ll use twice a year. But hey, a girl can dream, right?
Any specific tips for surviving the Manila travel experience? Like, *really* surviving?
Okay, survival tips. Listen up, because this is crucial.
- Always, ALWAYS bring cash. Seriously, ATMs are either out of order, out of cash, or charging insane fees.
- Learn a few basic Tagalog phrases. Even a "po" and "opo" go a long way. Filipinos are wonderfully polite.
- Pack light. Really, truly light. You'll thank me later when you're lugging your suitcase through a crowded terminal.
- Embrace the chaos. It's the only way to stay sane.
- Never, EVER assume you can navigate confidently. Google maps are your friend, but they are also sometimes, inexplicably, wrong.
- And finally: Remember to laugh. If you don’t laugh, you *will* cry.
One Last Thing: What *actually* makes the Manila travel experience… bearable? Or even enjoyable?
The people. Hands down. The Filipinos. They are resilient, incredibly kind, and have a sense of humor that can cut through the thickest traffic jam and the most stressful delay. They make the experience bearable, *and* they make it enjoyable. They embody the true spirit of resilience. They make you laugh at yourself, which, believe me, you'll need to do. And even though the airports and the malls might be a mess, and finding your dream house is a marathon, not a sprint, I’m strangely drawn back. Because, despite everything, there’s something… *magical*… about the Philippines. And maybe, just maybe, the dream house will all be worth it. Eventually. (Takes a deep breath.) Now, where's my passport...?
