Manila's HOTTEST Netflix Getaway: Iris Suite Luxury! (Shore2)
Manila's HOTTEST Netflix Getaway: Iris Suite Luxury! (Shore2) - My Chaotic, Honest, and Absolutely Obsessed Review
Okay, people. Let's be real. We've all been there. Scrolling, scrolling, scrolling… desperately searching for a legit staycation in Manila. Somewhere… different. Somewhere Insta-worthy, Netflix-binge-friendly, and most importantly, clean. (Because, you know, COVID-19 is still a thing). Well, I think I've found it: Iris Suite Luxury at Shore2! Buckle up, because I'm about to give you the unvarnished, honest truth. This isn't your typical brochure review. This is MY experience.
First Impressions (and the Accessibility Angle):
Getting there? Easy peasy! Airport transfer was a lifesaver after that crazy Manila traffic. Car park [free of charge] meant one less thing to stress about. And the elevator? Crucial. As someone who’s seen her fair share of wonky elevators, this one was smooth and, thank goodness, Facilities for disabled guests are available. I didn't need them myself, but seeing those options gives major peace of mind. Accessibility gets a big thumbs up from me already. And yes, as you'd expect, there's CCTV in common areas and outside the property. They're serious about security.
The Room - My Netflix Nook! Available in all rooms!
Okay, the room. This is where things got interesting. I went for the Iris Suite (duh – the name is in the title!). The Blackout curtains were an absolute revelation! Perfect for those hardcore Netflix marathons. Seriously! We're talking total darkness, zero distractions. My eyes are thanking me. HUGE free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Internet… Internet [LAN]… Internet services – you get it, connection's on point! And the Netflix part? Seamless. No buffering, no pixelation, just pure, unadulterated streaming bliss.
My room had an additional toilet which was luxurious and efficient. The big bathtub! It was perfect, I mean picture this, hot water, bathrobes, and your favorite show.
The Coffee/tea maker was a lifesaver. Complimentary tea – yes, please! And the free bottled water? Hydration is key, people! This is a true home away from home.
Cleanliness and Safety (Because We're Not Crazy):
Look, I'm a germaphobe. Sue me. This place, though? Top notch. Anti-viral cleaning products, rooms sanitized between stays, staff trained in safety protocol. I saw them sanitizing everything. Even the elevator buttons! They've got hand sanitizer everywhere, and the whole place feels clean and fresh. Daily disinfection in common areas, sanitized kitchen and tableware items, and individually-wrapped food options are huge wins in my book. I'm talking levels of cleanliness that made me actually relax. They're serious about this stuff. And hey, opt out of room sanitization? Nice touch.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - My Stomach's Story
Okay, so the food. Because let's be real, a staycation is all about the food.
- Restaurants – the restaurant in the hotel was awesome, all Asian cuisine in restaurant, I love Asian food.
- A la carte in restaurant and breakfast in room are great options.
- Breakfast [buffet]: The buffet? Solid. They had everything from Asian breakfast to Western breakfast. I went for the omelet station. (I did take a breakfast takeaway service option for a cheeky snack later!).
- Poolside bar: The poolside bar was a total vibe. Sipping cocktails while watching the sunset over the city? Pure magic. They had happy hour deals – always a good thing.
- Coffee shop: The Coffee shop was a decent place.
- Snack bar: They also had a Snack bar so I could just pop into the restaurant and grab a quick munch!
The Pool with a View - My Sunset Therapy
Oh. My. God. The Pool with view? Seriously. The best part of this place. Infinity pool, overlooking the… well, the city, but at sunset? Breathtaking. I spent like, three hours just floating around and watching the colors change. Pure bliss. Didn't need to swim in the swimming pool [outdoor].
Ways to Relax - Spa Day!
Right, the spa. Officially, it has a sauna, spa, steam room, sauna, I didn't get to use those, but I did enjoy the massage. It was good. A proper, "melt-away-all-your-stress" kind of massage. The Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, etc., I'm so there next time!
Things to Do (Besides Binge-Watching)
Okay, so you're not glued to your screen 24/7 (weird, but okay). They have a Fitness center/ Gym: I'm a gym-goer usually but just didn't fancy it. They've got a gym/fitness though! They also have Meeting/banquet facilities, and Indoor venue for special events. So I'm sure I could host a event, but I just wasn't with it.
Services and Conveniences - Smooth Operator
The staff. Super friendly, professional, and helpful. Shoutout to the concierge - they were on it, recommending restaurants and arranging the airport transfer and the taxi service. Daily housekeeping was excellent. The dry cleaning and laundry service were handy. And the 24-hour front desk? Always a win. They even had an on-site convenience store!
For the Kids
I don't have kids. I'm a cat person. But I did notice they have babysitting service, kids facilities, they even have kids meal.
Getting Around
Car park on-site and also free of charge, I just used a taxi service because the car was such a hastle!
The Verdict:
Okay, here's the deal. Iris Suite Luxury at Shore2 isn't perfect. Nothing is. But it's damn close. It's clean, comfortable, well-equipped, and perfect for a Netflix-fueled staycation. The staff are great, the pool is amazing, and the whole place just works.
My Unsolicited Advice - You're Welcome: The Secret Sauce
- Book a room with a view. Trust me on this.
- Maximize those Blackout curtains: Embrace THE DARKNESS!
- Don't skip the massage. You deserve it.
- Order room service. Because you can.
The Offer - Your Netflix Escape is Calling!
Are you ready to escape the chaos and embrace pure relaxation?
Book your stay at Iris Suite Luxury! (Shore2) and get ready for:
- Guaranteed Ultra-Fast Wi-Fi for hours of seamless streaming.
- Exclusive Pool Access to the luxurious view.
- Complimentary welcome drinks to kick off your stay.
- A complimentary spa voucher to ease any lingering stress.
- 10% off all food and beverage during your stay.
BUT WAIT… it gets better!
Book now through [Your URL] and receive:
- A FREE Netflix gift card to fuel your binge-watching!
This offer is only valid for a limited time. Don't miss out on Manila's HOTTEST Netflix Getaway. Book now and let the relaxation begin!
Nanjing's BEST Hidden Gem Hotel: Unbeatable GreenTree Inn Deal!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, Instagram-perfect travel itinerary. This is the REAL DEAL. We're diving headfirst into my Manila escapade in the glorious, Netflix-and-chill-ready haven known as the Iris Suite by YourNest @ Shore2. Prepare for chaos, questionable decisions, and enough food to feed a small army.
Manila Mayhem: A Slightly Unhinged Itinerary (Plus Netflix, Obviously)
Day 1: Arrival, Initial Panic, and Pancit
- 1:00 PM: Touchdown Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
- Reality Check: Okay, first off, the humidity hit me like a brick wall. I think I sweated through my shirt before I even cleared customs. This is gonna be… intense.
- Anecdote: Navigating the airport was akin to surviving a zombie apocalypse, but instead of zombies, it's overly enthusiastic taxi drivers. Negotiating the fare felt like a high-stakes poker game. Did I get ripped off? Probably. Do I care? Not really. I need air conditioning and a shower.
- 2:30 PM: Arrival at Iris Suite by YourNest @ Shore2.
- OMG, the Suite! Honestly, the pictures didn't do it justice. Crisp white sheets? Check. Netflix? Double-check. Wifi that actually works? Praise the heavens! Okay, deep breaths… let the good times roll!
- Emotional Reaction: Pure. Unadulterated. Bliss. I dropped my bags, did a little happy dance, and then collapsed onto the bed. I'm in Manila!
- 3:30 PM: Netflix & Chill (and maybe some real chill)
- Movie Choice: I'm leaning into the local vibe: "Hello, Love, Goodbye." Gotta get in the mood, right? (Plus, the a/c just hit a sweet spot)
- Snack Scenario: Found some instant noodles in my bags, but I'm too hungry for a full-blown meal. Gotta get something at the lobby.
- 5:00 PM: Dinner at a nearby "Pancitan" (Noodle House).
- Location Scouting: Downloaded Grab, but I feel so tempted that I would rather pick the closest place and walk.
- The Pancit Experience: Dude, Filipino pancit is EVERYTHING. I swear, I inhaled a mountain of noodles, veggies, and whatever delicious meat they had on offer. Was it the most sophisticated meal? Nope. Was it the most satisfying? Absolutely. (And I learned that when they say "spicy", they mean spicy. My mouth is still tingling.)
- Quirky Observation: The way the locals effortlessly wield their chopsticks is mesmerizing. I'm still struggling. My noodle-eating game is weak.
- 7:00 PM: Evening stroll. I'm tired, but…
- Rambling, the aftermath of a long day. Okay, so I've decided to get out of the amazing suite and wander around. I'm too tired to do anything, but I think I should.
- Emotional Reaction: Well, this is Manila. What to expect?
- 9:00 PM: Back to the Suite. Unwind, Watch More Netflix.
- Movie Choice: Okay, maybe "Crazy Rich Asians" to keep the Asian theme going. Don't judge me.
- Bedtime: Ah, the sweet, sweet embrace of air conditioning and soft sheets. Good night, world.
Day 2: Intramuros, Introspection, and a LOT of Ice Cream
- 9:00 AM: Wake Up (…eventually).
- The Struggle: That jet lag is a sneaky beast. Managed to hit the snooze button approximately 17 times.
- 10:00 AM: Breakfast in the suite.
- On the plus: I'm not getting up at once to eat.
- On the minus: I'm too lazy to get up and buy breakfast, so I'm having a cereal and water.
- 11:00 AM: Old Manila Tour (Intramuros).
- Transportation: Uber, because I’m not brave enough for public transport yet.
- The Walls: Intramuros is seriously cool, a glimpse back into another era, maybe?
- Emotional High: The architecture is so beautiful. There's something strangely compelling about history.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch and walk in the Intramuros.
- Food: Found a small, local eatery.
- Anecdote: The food, the heat, the people, the vendors… this is where "feeling alive" truly happens.
- 3:00 PM: Ice Cream Therapy.
- Location Scouting: The idea of walking around in 35-degree heat to search for ice cream is not quite the same, but it has to be experienced.
- The Experience: I think having some ice cream is a genius. It makes everything better.
- Quirky Observation: I've noticed that most of the ice cream flavors have a certain, undeniable fruit taste. I love it.
- 5:00 PM: Pre-Dinner Netflix Marathon.
- Movie marathon: "John Wick." All of them.
- Snacks: Grabbed some chips from the grocery store.
- Bedtime: I'm going to fall asleep in the living room.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner (decidedly NOT instant noodles).
- Culinary Destination: Some place with air conditioning. And good food.
- Opinionated Note: I am so over boring food. I want adventure!
- The Outcome: Okay, the food was amazing - and I got to try some new local dishes! I'm starting to love this place.
- 9:00 PM: Early Night / Netflix:
- Movie choice: "The Good Place." It's my safe space.
Day 3: The Mall, the Mass, and the Manila Traffic
- 9:00 AM: Wake up (again!).
- Status Check: Still alive!
- Decision: I'll skip breakfast again.
- 10:00 AM: A day at the SM Mall of Asia.
- The Plan: Head to the Mall of Asia. It is the largest mall in the Philippines, one of the largest in Asia, and among the largest in the world.
- The Outcome: I survived the Mall, got everything I need, and everything is good.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch and walk at the Mall of Asia
- Food: Found a local eatery.
- Anecdote: The food, the people, the vendors… this is where "feeling alive" truly happens.
- 3:00 PM: Mass at a local church.
- Location: San Sebastian Church.
- The Experience: I think having some church is a genius. It makes everything better.
- 5:00 PM: Dinner.
- Culinary Destination: Some place with air conditioning. And good food.
- Opinionated Note: I am so over boring food. I want adventure!
- The Outcome: Okay, the food was amazing - and I got to try some new local dishes! I'm starting to love this place.
- 7:00 PM: Early Night / Netflix:
- Movie choice: "The Good Place." It's my safe space.
Day 4: Departure (and a lot of good bye)
- 9:00 AM: Wake up (again!).
- Decision: I'll eat whatever is left.
- 10:00 AM: Pack..
- The Plan: Head to the airport. It is the most important thing to do.
- The Outcome: I survived the flight.
- 1:00 PM: Going to the Manila airport.
- Anecdote: The plane ride, the people, the views… this is where "feeling alive" truly happens.
- 3:00 PM: Plane.
- Decision: I will sleep all the way back home.
- The Experience: See you again!
- 5:00 PM: Final thoughts
- Culinary Destination: My favorite food.
- Opinionated Note: I am so happy, I want to be back in Manila again!
- The Outcome: Okay, the food was amazing - and I got to try some new local dishes! I'm starting to love this place.
- 7:00 PM: Plane time.
- Movie choice: "The Good Place
Frequently Asked Questions (That No One Really Asked, But Here We Are)
Why is everything so DIFFICULT?
Oh, honey, THIS is a question I ask myself approximately 17 times a day. You want *real* talk? I think it's because life is basically one giant, elaborate prank. We're all just playing along, and sometimes the punchline is... well, it's a soggy sandwich and a flat tire.
Seriously though, it’s a mix of things, isn't it? The expectations! The *pressure*! (Ugh, I HATE pressure.) The fact that we're all constantly comparing ourselves to impossibly curated Instagram feeds. Remember that time I tried to bake a cake and it looked like something my dog coughed up? Yeah, reality bites. But hey, at least we have stories, right?
So... what IS the deal with *points at random thing* all the time?
Okay, so you want the lowdown on, let's say, the sudden proliferation of avocado toast. (Or, insert your pet peeve here. Mine's the whole "hustle culture" thing; I need a nap!) Here's the thing: It’s usually some crazy mix of marketing manipulation, a weird trend, and the fact the internet *loves* making everything a Thing.
I remember when everyone was suddenly obsessed with those slime videos. I was watching one with my niece and I was like, "Is this...is this all there is?" It felt profoundly... empty. That’s the danger with trends, like, just because everyone does it doesn't mean it's *good* for you. Or in the case of the aforementioned slime videos, that it makes all that much sense. But hey, people like what they like. I'm just gonna be over here with my books and my cats, you know, living my best (slightly chaotic) life.
Is it possible to be truly happy?
Okay, let's get real. Happiness isn't some permanent state of blissful sunshine and rainbows, *as much as I freaking wish it was*. It’s more like... a series of slightly lopsided moments. You know? Like, you're eating a really amazing piece of cake. Or seeing a sunset that makes you tear up. Or finally finding that missing sock. Those tiny victories.
I used to chase this idea of constant bliss. I read all the self-help books, did the meditation, tried to eat all the kale (blech). But it just made me feel… more anxious. Then, I realized that true happiness embraces the whole shebang, the good AND the ugly. It is okay to be sad, to be annoyed, to just feel blah. And honestly? Knowing that helps me be a whole lot happier. Because at the end of the day, there will be cake. I can guarantee you that.
My gosh, I messed up BIG time. What do I do?
Oh, sweetie, we've ALL been there. I’ve been there so many times I should have a frequent flyer miles account. The key? Acknowledge it. Own it. And then, learn from it. Then, maybe, apologize or apologize to the dog for your sudden burst of rage.
Okay, truth time: I once accidentally told a potential client that their entire business plan was "a steaming pile of garbage" (oops, I was having a REALLY bad day). My face was so hot, I was certain my eyebrows were going to spontaneously combust! The client was really, really nice about it. I apologized *profusely*, I explained that I'd recently lost my favorite mug and needed a new one, and then had to eat crow. And, guess what? We ended up working together *anyway*. Because everyone messes up sometimes. The important thing is to apologize, learn, and try to make amends. Or at least get a new mug.
How do I stop overthinking EVERYTHING?
HA! You and me both, friend! I feel you. Ugh, the hamster wheel in my brain never seems to tire. Look, there’s no magic bullet here. But here’s what I’ve learned, mostly through trial, error, and copious amounts of chocolate:
- **Limit your intake of doom-scrolling.** Seriously. It's a black hole.
- **Challenge your negative thoughts.** Is that worry really based on fact, or is it just your brain being a drama queen? My brain loves to be dramatic!
- **Get some fresh air.** Or, you know, even just stand in the sun for five minutes. It actually helps!
- **Find a distraction.** Read a book, binge a silly show, call a friend and ramble.
And the number one thing? Realize that you're not alone. Everyone overthinks. It's human. Embrace the mess... or at least try.
What's the deal with coffee? Are you always that hyper?
Is the sky blue? Let's just say I have a *relationship* with coffee. It's a serious relationship. I’m on a first-name basis with my barista. I used to be the kind of person that was perpetually worried about things. Until I discovered caffeine. It’s like... pure, concentrated energy… and anxiety. But hey, who’s counting?
But honestly it's more than the coffee. I’m just *wired* that way. I think it is the way it is. I get excited about things, and I talk fast, and I make a lot of jokes (often terrible ones). But I'm also pretty good at deep thoughts. It's chaos wrapped in a smile. I am a walking, talking, caffeinated paradox. What can I say?
What do you really *do*?
Okay, that’s a fair question. And the honest answer right now is "a bit of everything." I am also in a constant state of evolution. I'm also pretty good at failing gracefully. I'm a writer, a thinker, and a professional questioner. I help people figure out their stuff. I love helping people but sometimes you do feel like all you are doing is enabling. I'm also a terrible cook, a moderately decent gardener (my tomato plants are my pride and joy... mostly), and a connoisseur of comfy pants.
I’m on a continuous journey of figuring out what I want, who I am, and what I want to be when I grow up. (I'm pretty sure that's a lifelong pursuit, by the way. And I'm okay with that.)
