Makati's BEST Hotel: Your Dream Manila Getaway Awaits!
Makati's BEST Hotel: Your Dream Manila Getaway Awaits! - A REAL Review (Because Let's Be Honest, Reviews Can Be Fake)
Okay, so "Makati's BEST Hotel"? Big claims, HUGE expectations. I went in skeptical, fully prepared to unleash my inner grumpy hotel critic. But… (and this is where things get interesting) …I'm actually kind of blown away. This review is going to be REAL. The good, the bad (if any!), and the definitely messy.
First Impressions & Accessibility - Navigating the Labyrinth of Luxury (and My Own Incompetence)
Getting there was a breeze, thankfully, because Manila traffic… let's just say it's a character-building experience. The hotel itself is a striking building, tall and sleek, and the lobby is…wow. Seriously, wow. It’s got that "money, honey" vibe without being too ostentatious. Now, I wasn't specifically looking for it, but I did notice how easy it was to move around the place. Accessibility seems genuinely considered – ramps where needed, wide hallways, and elevators that actually work. (Believe me, I’ve stayed in places where elevators are a gamble more akin to a slot machine). The check-in was easy, quick, and friendly. Contactless check-in/out? A godsend after a long flight, especially when you are as hopelessly disorganized as I am!
Rant Time: The WiFi Saga, Or, How I Tried to Work and Failed Miserably (But Eventually Triumph-ish-ly)
Okay, let's be real. Internet is EVERYTHING. Especially when you're me (a chaotic freelance writer who needs caffeine and the internet to survive). They boast Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and Wi-Fi in public areas, and… mostly true. In my room, it was generally fantastic, rock solid. Fast enough to upload those HUGE files I was working on. Internet [LAN] was available - nice touch for serious business types. Down in the lobby…well, let's just say it had moments. Sometimes I felt like I was back in dial-up era. It was… frustrating. There was a moment where I considered throwing my laptop out of the window (I didn't, obviously. Too expensive). But! They had Internet services, I got my hands on the password, and eventually everything balanced. You could go onto a private room to make sure you can get solid connection. So, overall, the WiFi situation was a roller coaster, but ultimately, I survived. And that, my friends, is all that matters.
Room with a View (and a Deep, Deep Sleep)
The room? Gorgeous. Seriously. Clean, spacious, and with all the goodies. Air conditioning that actually worked (another miracle!). Blackout curtains – a lifesaver for light sleepers like me. Extra long bed, because apparently, I’m a giant. High floor with an amazing view of the city – I could watch the sunset from my window every day, if I could. Air Conditioning was great! And I was particularly obsessed with the bathrobes - like, ridiculously soft and fluffy. I practically lived in it. The bathroom? Spotless, with a separate shower/bathtub, and all the toiletries you could ask for. Yes, even slippers, because who doesn't love slippers? I’m a sucker for a great mirror. No, let's talk about the fact that I could turn on the reading light. In-room safe box was a good touch too. It's important to me to have smoke detector, and safety/security feature everywhere, so I feel safe.
The Food, Glorious Food! (And My Adventures in Eating Everything)
Okay, buckle up, because this is where things get REALLY interesting. This hotel’s got restaurants. So many restaurants. And they're all… pretty darn good.
- Breakfast [buffet]: A glorious spread of everything you could possibly imagine. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, you name it. I went full glutton, trying a little bit of everything. The pastries were divine, the coffee was strong, and there was even a dedicated egg station. Breakfast takeaway service was available, which was pure genius for a lazy day!
- Restaurants: The restaurants themselves are a highlight. Asian cuisine in restaurant was an adventure for me! There were a bunch of options. I took a shot and didn't regret anything.
- Coffee shop: When I needed a pick-me-up, the coffee shop was my savior. They had coffee that tasted actually good.
- Room service [24-hour]: The ultimate indulgence. Ordering room service at 3 am after a particularly stressful work marathon is an experience everyone should have at least once in their lives.
- Bars, Poolside bar: They had bars so I could find a drink.
Things to Do (Beyond Stuffing Your Face): Relaxation and Recovery
- Pool with view: Gorgeous pool. Seriously, swimming in it at sunset? Pure bliss.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: I’m too lazy for that, but I heard good things. (I swear I’ll use it next time.)
- Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Sauna: Okay, NOW we're talking. Seriously, this spa is worth the trip alone. I indulged in a massage that melted away all my stress. The sauna and steam room? Perfect for detoxing after (ahem) excessive buffet consumption.
Cleanliness & Safety - Because No One Wants a Holiday Horror Story
This is a big one for me. I AM a worrier, and since I've been here, everything has been great!! Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and staff wearing masks – it all made me feel safe. Hand sanitizer stations everywhere. And the biggest plus for me? Rooms sanitized between stays. The presence of doctor/nurse on call and a first aid kit is always reassuring. The Staff trained in safety protocol was very visible. I felt like they took this seriously.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
- Concierge: Extremely helpful. They're always happy to point you in the right direction or make recommendations.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was always spotless.
- Laundry service: A lifesaver, especially if you're a messy packer like me.
- Currency exchange: Super convenient.
- Cash withdrawal: Always handy.
For the Kids and Family (Because They're Not Always About Me!)
There were a lot of the little ones running around. However, I'm not a family person, so I couldn't tell you that much, but it looks like it was Family/child friendly!
The Grumbles, The Glitches, And The Honest Truth
Look, no place is perfect. The WiFi was a little bumpy at times (as mentioned). And the prices in the mini-bar? Let's just say they weren't cheap! But honestly, those are minor quibbles.
Value for Money - Worth It
Yes. Absolutely. The quality of the rooms, the amenities, the service… It's genuinely good. Considering what you get, it's a solid investment.
The Verdict: Book It! (Unless You're Looking for Perfection, Because You Won't Find It… But You Will Find Something Pretty Damn Close)
Here's the deal: I went in cynical. I fully expected to find flaws and pick things apart. But I didn't. Or, to be more accurate, I found minor flaws that were vastly outweighed by the overall experience. This hotel got almost everything right. The service was impeccable, the rooms were gorgeous, the food was delicious, and the spa was pure heaven. The hotel lives up to its name, and it definitely deserves to be one of Makati's BEST Hotels. I am going back!
Uncover Portugal's Hidden Gem: Morgadio da Calcada's Douro Valley Magic!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because planning a trip to Makati in Manila is like… well, like trying to herd cats dipped in glitter. It's chaotic, beautiful, and utterly unpredictable. But hey, that's where the fun is, right? Let’s get messy with this itinerary. And for the love of all that is holy, don't expect perfection. I’m a traveler, not a travel perfectionist (thank GOD).
Subject: Makati Mayhem: A Hot Mess Itinerary (and My Honest Feelings)
(This is heavily geared towards someone who wants a blend of luxury and local culture, plus a hefty dose of food coma.)
Day 1: Arrival & The Glorious Glut of Food
Morning (God, I hate mornings): Arrive at Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Pray your flight isn’t delayed, because… well, it probably will be. Don't sweat it. Grab a pre-booked airport transfer. Traffic in Manila is legendary. Prepare yourself.
Hotel Hangout: The Peninsula Manila. Okay, let’s be honest: I'm a sucker for a bit of old-world glamour. The Pen is iconic. It’s got that grand, colonial vibe that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time (in the best way… minus the actual colonialism, obviously). Check-in. Collapse on the bed. Stare at the ceiling for a bit. Just… breathe. You’re in the Philippines, finally!
Lunchtime (Hallelujah!): Head to Toyo Eatery. Honestly, this place is a must. It's Filipino fine dining but with that playful edge that I absolutely adore. I remember going there last time. The Chef is amazing. Get the tasting menu. Trust me. The experience of flavors is just amazing, I was laughing with myself and some friends, like a childish kid. It brought some great memories.
Afternoon (Shopping Therapy and Local Flavor): After that food coma (which will hit you… hard), wander over to Greenbelt Mall. It's fancy, it's air-conditioned, and it's a great place to do some damage to your credit card. But don't just stick to the international brands! Poke around for local artisan shops. You can find some amazing crafts and unique souvenirs.
Evening (Dinner & Drinks): Dinner at Wildflour Italian. I know, I know, Italian in the Philippines? But trust me again. It's fantastic. Order ALL the pasta. And the cocktails. The atmosphere is lively, and it's a good spot to people-watch. Then… and this is crucial… go to Polilya Street. It's buzzing with bars. Find one that looks intriguing (or just go with the crowd). Embrace the chaos. Get ready to try some Filipino spirit and dance your problems away.
Day 2: History, Hustle, and Heartbreak (Maybe?)
Morning (Culture Shock, Activated): This is gonna be a long day and it's a bit exhausting, but hang in there! Wake up in your beautiful hotel room, this is the only treat, you can take! Embrace it! First, take a taxi to Intramuros. It's the walled city, where Manila's history slaps you right in the face. Rent a bamboo bike (the bike is not made of bamboo, I'm sure), it's a fun and eco-friendly way to explore. Visit Fort Santiago. Gaze at the remnants of history and try to imagine what it was like back then.
Lunchtime (Local Grub): Skip the fancy tourist traps and head to a carinderia (a local eatery) outside Intramuros. You’ll get the real taste of Filipino food. Be brave! Order whatever looks interesting. Point and grin. Hopefully you will be understood.
Afternoon (Tomboy and the Cultural Center of the Philippines): Embrace the artistic side of the Philippines. Then, proceed to the National Museum Complex. It's well-preserved and worth seeing. Just the whole place is a beautiful view!
Evening (Dinner & The Night is Young): Head back to Makati. Apero: Another great place to dine, offering European Cuisine. The setting is just gorgeous. After, find some bar and enjoy the night.
Day 3: Shopping, Serendipity, and Saying Goodbye… (For Now)
Morning (Retail Therapy Redux): Hit up Power Plant Mall at Rockwell. It's a more modern, upscale mall. Browse the shops. Spoil yourself with that thing you’ve been eyeing. No regrets.
Lunchtime (Last Supper): If you managed to be in Makati on a Sunday, have lunch at Salcedo Market. It's a haven of food stalls and local vendors. Try everything! Seriously. Try the kare-kare (peanut stew). Try the lechon (roast suckling pig). Just… eat.
Afternoon (Spontaneous Adventures): This is the day to embrace the chaos. Get lost. Wander around. Chat with locals. See where the day takes you. Maybe visit a local park, or see a movie in a local theater. Embrace the unexpected.
Evening (Farewell Feast): Book a special dinner at Gallery Vask, for final meal, I know it's expensive, but it's worth it.
Night (Departure): Head back to NAIA (allow PLENTY of time for traffic). Say goodbye to Makati, to the chaos, and to the beautiful, messy, amazing experience you just had. And start planning your return, because you will be back.
Important Ramblings and Imperfections:
Traffic: It’s soul-crushing. Download a ride-hailing app like Grab. Be patient. Breathe. Sing a song. Whatever gets you through.
The Heat: It's relentless. Wear sunscreen. Drink water. Seek out air conditioning liberally.
The Food: It’s incredible. Be adventurous. Try everything. And don't be afraid to ask what things are.
The People: Filipinos are incredibly friendly and welcoming. Don't be afraid to strike up conversations. They're the heart of the Philippines.
Expect the Unexpected: Things don’t always go to plan. Embrace it. That's part of the fun.
My Feelings: I love traveling, and I hate the same time. The emotional roller coaster is amazing.
Finally: Above all, enjoy yourself. Let go of your expectations. Embrace the chaos. Makati will change you. For better or for worse, you'll be forever changed. And you'll be craving sisig and the Pen's amazing spa the moment you land back home.
This itinerary is a starting point. Customize it to your interests. But most importantly, be yourself. That's the only way to truly experience the beauty and the mess of Makati. Now go forth and get yourself lost in the wonderful chaos!
Escape to Paradise: Riverside Resort Richmond (MI) Awaits!
So, what *IS* the meaning of life, anyway? (And can I order it with extra cheese?)
Oh, honey, if I knew *that*, I'd be sipping piña coladas on a private island, not banging out FAQs for you. Seriously, though, that's the Everest of questions, isn't it? I’ve had more existential crises than I've had hot dinners (and trust me, that's a LOT). I've tried everything– meditating (fell asleep), reading philosophy (ended up staring at the ceiling), following gurus (they always wanted money). My personal philosophy? Find something that makes you *gasp* with delight, something that makes you *forget* to breathe. For me? It's a perfectly brewed cup of coffee, a good book, and a dog who thinks I'm the actual sun god. That's it. That's all I got. And honestly? It’s enough for today. Tomorrow, who knows? Maybe I'll join a monastery. Or buy a llama. DON'T JUDGE ME.
What should I do when I feel completely overwhelmed? (Like, by *everything*?)
Oh, sweetie, me too. I've been there. Like, last Tuesday. Overwhelmed is my middle name. Okay, it's actually Denise, but still. When the walls start closing in? First, BREATHE. Like, really, deep breaths. Then:
- Identify the Monster: What's actually stressing you out? Is it work? Relationships? The fact that your socks keep disappearing in the laundry? Write it down. Just get it OUT of your head.
- Break it Down, Baby: HUGE problem? Chop it into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Suddenly, that mountain doesn't seem so tall.
- Ask for Help (Seriously): I used to think asking for help was a sign of weakness. Now? I beg people for help. Friends, family, the stressed-looking barista at the coffee shop. Someone, somewhere, has probably dealt with something similar, and they might even have a solution.
- Do ONE Thing: Choose *one* small task that you can complete. Clean a drawer. Send an email. Drink ALL the coffee. Just accomplish *something*. It gives you a tiny victory. A teeny, weeny, but still a victory.
How do I stop procrastinating? (Asking for... a friend... who might be me.)
Ugh, the procrastination. The DEVIL I tell you! I’m writing this at *midnight* because I, uh... well, let's just say my "friend" (ahem) *also* struggles. Here are some things that *supposedly* work. (I'm still working on implementing them myself, mind you):
- The Pomodoro Technique: Work for 25 minutes, break for 5. Repeat. (I usually spend the breaks scrolling through TikTok, but theoretically, it's supposed to be a productive technique.)
- Break Down Tasks: Smaller tasks = less overwhelming. Rinse and repeat.
- Reward Yourself: Finished something? Ice cream. Watched an episode of that show you like? Treat yourself! Just, you know, don't make the rewards so tempting that *they* become a procrastination activity.
- Accountability Buddy: Tell someone what you’re going to do, and then let them check in on you. The shame of failing in front of another human being can be a surprisingly powerful motivator. (My buddy is my dog. He's not very good at checking in, but he judges me silently which is arguably worse)
What's the best way to deal with failure? (Because, let's be honest, we *all* fail.)
Oh, failure? My, uh, *friend* and I have a PhD in that. The key? You gotta embrace the suck. Seriously. It's how you *learn*.
First, acknowledge it. Don’t try to brush it under the rug. “Okay, I messed up. Big time.”
Then, ANALYZE. Why did you fail? What could you have done differently? Be honest with yourself. (This is the hard part!)
Next, find the lesson. What did this teach you? About yourself? About the world? About the sheer futility of expecting life to go exactly as planned?
And finally, forgive yourself. Seriously. You're human. You make mistakes. The sun will still rise tomorrow. And hey, maybe get some ice cream. Or a big bottle of wine. Or both. No judgment!
**Anecdote Time:** I once tried to bake a cake for my best friend's birthday. It was supposed to be a masterpiece, a culinary triumph. It was... a disaster. It looked like a collapsed volcano. The taste? Let's just say my dog wasn't even interested. I cried. Right there. But through the bitter taste and tears, I learned: never trust a recipe that calls for "3 tablespoons of sadness." And that my friend loves me even when I fail (and also that she's a very good friend).
How do I build confidence? (Because, sometimes, I feel like a tiny, fluffy kitten in a world full of grumpy bears.)
Confidence is like… um… a sourdough starter. You gotta feed it regularly. It takes time. You gotta make mistakes. And sometimes, it’ll just fail and you’ll have to start over. (Like, a lot.)
Here's what I've learned, through trial, error, and a healthy dose of therapy:
- Fake it 'til you make it (sometimes): Stand up straight. Make eye contact. Even when you feel like you're dying inside. Honestly? Other people barely notice you're faking it.
- Celebrate the Small Wins: Finished a chore? Made a phone call you were dreading? Pat yourself on the back. Maybe even get some celebratory cookies.
- Focus on What You *Can* Control: You can't control what other people think. You can control how you respond. You can control your actions. Focus on those. The rest? Let it go. Easier said than done, I know. I am, in fact, currently working on a "letting go" meditation… which I keep putting off.
- Surround Yourself with Cheerleaders (and Ditch the Doubters): Find people who believe in you, even when you don't believe in yourself. And the negative Nancy's? Bye Felicia. Their negativity is like a virus. YOU DON'T NEED IT.
