Manila's BEST Hotel Room? (Manhattan Parkway Tower 2 Reveal!)
Manila's BEST Hotel Room? (Manhattan Parkway Tower 2 Reveal!)
Manila's BEST Hotel Room? (Manhattan Parkway Tower 2 Reveal!) - My Honest, Messy, and Totally Unfiltered Take
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just spent a glorious, chaotic, and utterly satisfying weekend at what's being touted as Manila's best hotel room: the Manhattan Parkway Tower 2 reveal. And let me tell you, it’s a rollercoaster. Forget carefully crafted PR fluff – I’m here to spill the tea, the dirty tea, and the absolutely divine tea. Ready? Let's dive in!
(Disclaimer: I'm a human being, writing this after a weekend of, ahem, research. My opinions are my own, and may or may not reflect reality. Proceed with an open mind, and maybe a strong coffee.)
First Impressions (and Oh, the Accessibility!)
Okay, so navigating Manila can be an adventure in itself. But, the Manhattan Parkway Tower 2 actually considers accessibility. Accessibility? Believe it or not, in a city where sidewalks are often a free-for-all, a hotel that cares feels like a minor miracle. The ramps? Smooth. The elevators? Spacious and readily available. Facilities for disabled guests? Checked! I'm not in a wheelchair, but this is a HUGE bonus for anyone with mobility issues, or, honestly, just a lot of luggage. (And trust me, I always have a lot of luggage.) The lobby even had a doorman and a 24-hour front desk. Seriously, these guys are on-the-ball.
From the Lobby to the Living Room: A Whirlwind of Modern Luxury
Entering the room… whoa. It's like they took every luxury cliché and dialed it up to eleven. Air conditioning, naturally. But also, a high floor view that's almost cinematic. The blackout curtains are a godsend, especially after a late night at the bar (more on that later). The carpeting is plush; you want to just sink into it. The sofa? Forget about it; absolute cloud of comfort. Extra long bed? Check. Linens? Crisp and clean, smelling of… success? (Okay, maybe not, but they're good).
But Let's Get Real: The Messiness of Perfection
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. While the room looks pristine (and is, thanks to the daily housekeeping!), the sheer volume of amenities can be… overwhelming. The mini bar is a death trap for impulse buyers. (I may or may not have overstocked on those little chocolates.) The coffee/tea maker is all fancy, but I spent a good five minutes just trying to figure out the pods. (User error, I know). And the bathroom phone… who uses those anymore?
The Wi-Fi Whisperers: Internet Access and Connectivity
Let's talk internet. In this digital age, Wi-Fi is KING. And thank the tech gods, because the Manhattan Parkway Tower 2 delivers. We're talking Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! No fighting for bandwidth, no struggling to upload your Instagram stories (the real test, right?). They also have Internet access – wireless, Internet [LAN], and even a Laptop workspace. Internet services? Covered. For business travelers, there's even a Xerox/fax in business center. Though, let's be honest, who actually faxes anymore?
Food, Glorious Food! (And the Occasional Mishap)
The dining situation? A mixed bag of deliciousness and minor hiccups. The breakfast [buffet]? A glorious explosion of choices. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, and even a Vegetarian restaurant within easy reach. The coffee shop? Perfect for grabbing a quick caffeine fix before conquering the city. They have restaurants, ranging from Asian cuisine in restaurant to International cuisine in restaurant. And the room service [24-hour]? A godsend after a long day exploring.
Now, the minor hiccups. One morning, I accidentally requested breakfast in room and thought the breakfast takeaway service was a great idea… until my order took longer than promised. Hey, nobody's perfect, am I right? And then there's the menu. The soup in restaurant was…okay, I'm not going to lie, it tasted like they were trying to recreate my Grandma's chicken noodle (who's been using the same recipe for 50 years - it's a secret). But the desserts in restaurant were divine. And the bottle of water they left in the room every day? Much appreciated.
Relaxation Station: Spa, Pool, and Pure Bliss!
Okay, let’s talk about the good stuff - pure relaxation! The Swimming pool [outdoor]? Absolutely stunning, with a Pool with view that will make you forget all your worries. (Unless you run out of sunscreen, then you remember them all again.) The fitness center? Surprisingly well-equipped. I actually used it! (Okay, maybe not every day…). And the spa? Oh, the spa…
I treated myself to a Body scrub and a Massage. It was pure, unadulterated bliss. The masseuse had magic hands. I think I might have actually drooled. They offer a Spa/sauna and a steamroom also. The Foot bath was an amazing touch, too.
Practicalities: Cleanliness, Safety, and Peace of Mind
Let's be frank, safety is paramount. I was instantly comforted by the Security [24-hour]. The rooms sanitized between stays, and they use Anti-viral cleaning products. There's even a Doctor/nurse on call and a First aid kit. The staff is trained in safety protocol. Plus, the hotel proudly boasts Hygiene certification, and they even have a Safe dining setup. Considering everything that has happened in the world recently, this is a huge selling point for me. They offer Room sanitization opt-out available, if you'd prefer (though I'm personally thrilled with the thoroughness). In addition to that, they have Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, and CCTV in common areas. And, just for extra reassurance, the Manhattan Parkway Tower 2 has a CCTV outside property.
The Quirks and Imperfections: A Reality Check
Now, some of the less-than-perfect bits. The elevator wait times sometimes felt like an eternity during peak hours. (Minor quibble, honestly). The Happy hour was a bit crowded. And sometimes the air conditioning felt a little TOO efficient, making the room a bit chilly. Oh, also, no Pets allowed. I’m a dog person, so that’s a personal bummer.
For the Kids (and the Big Kids Too!)
I wasn’t traveling with kids, but I noticed they had a Babysitting service and Kids facilities. They're definitely Family/child friendly.
The Verdict?
Okay, so Manila's best hotel room? Is the Manhattan Parkway Tower 2 perfect? Nope. But it’s damn close. It's a luxurious, well-thought-out experience with some genuinely impressive features, a few quirks, and a whole lot of heart. And honestly, sometimes the imperfections just make it more… human.
SEO-tastic Summary (Because We Have To!)
This review highlights:
- Accessibility: Excellent for guests with mobility needs.
- Connectivity: Stellar Wi-Fi and internet options.
- Dining Variety: From buffet breakfasts to in-room service.
- Relaxation: Stunning pool, spa, and fitness center.
- Safety & Cleanliness: Top-notch protocols and hygiene practices.
- Amenities: Everything you could possibly need, sometimes a little too much.
My Unmissable Offer (and the Call to Action!)
Tired of the same old hotel experience? Craving a luxurious escape in the heart of Manila?
Book your stay at the Manhattan Parkway Tower 2 and experience the difference!
Special Offer: Book a two-night stay within the next month and receive a complimentary couples massage and a free complimentary bottle of sparkling wine on arrival. Don't miss out! Visit our website now to book your unforgettable Manila adventure!
[Link to booking website]
(P.S. Don't forget to try the desserts! You won't regret it.)
Cyberjaya's Hidden Gem: Beryll Inn Hotel KL - Unbeatable Rates!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your sanitized, Instagram-filtered itinerary. This is a messy, gloriously human attempt to conquer Manila from the very…well, okay room in Manila. Specifically, that oddly-named (and potentially over-promised) "Hotel Quality Room" at Manhattan Parkway Tower 2. Let's see what we've got… and try not to completely lose it in the process.
MANILA MAYHEM: A Stream-of-Consciousness Itinerary (aka My Attempt to Survive)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Room Reveal (aka Did I Just Get Scammed?)
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Arrival. The Airport Gauntlet (aka The First Test)
Okay, landed at NAIA. Holy humidity, Batman! It's like stepping into a warm, wet blanket. The airport? A beautiful chaos. Taxis are trying to fleece you (I swear, one guy's face actually morphed into a cartoon dollar sign when he quoted me a price). Managed to haggle a Grab (thank God for apps!). Note to self: Learn at least some Tagalog phrases. "Magkano?" (How much?) Is probably key. Already feeling a little sweaty and slightly terrified. But also kind of thrilled. This whole 'adventure' thing is starting, after all.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Bag-dragging to Manhattan Parkway Tower 2. The Elevator Struggle.
Grab took me to the promised land (well, the promised tower). Lobby is…impressive? Shiny marble, some bored-looking security guards. Found my room. (Fingers crossed for 'Hotel Quality'…though my expectations are now significantly lower than when I booked.) Dragging my luggage through the hallways felt like an Olympic sport with heavy baggage and a lingering fear of getting lost.
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: The Room Reveal. Or, What Did I Pay For?
Okay, the room…is…a room. It is a room. "Hotel Quality"? Hmm. Maybe it's hotel-adjacent quality. The bed looks… adequate. The view? Well, it is a view. Mostly of other buildings. But hey, there's air conditioning! (A very important detail). The bathroom…ahhhh. That could use a little…sprucing up. Still, it's got its own quirks. Like a giant window, and those lights that make you feel like the protagonist of a movie. My immediate, impulsive reactions:
- "Alright, this is my space… or is it a prison for the next 72 hours?"
- A strong desire to nap.
- A minor breakdown over the lack of a decent coffee maker. Seriously, how am I supposed to survive the city without caffeine? (Ranting, I'm ranting)
- Took some photos (I have to, it's the law.. right?)
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Sensory Overload: First Steps into the City
Time to actually DO something. First, a desperate search for coffee (Starbucks, I’m ashamed to admit, but I need the caffeine fix right NOW). Then, a walk around the area. Holy cow. Manila. It's… a lot. The noise, the smells (good and…less good), the constant buzz of people and traffic. I have to say, it is quite magical. My brain feels like it's short-circuiting, but in a strangely exhilarating way. Found a local eatery and tried a lumpia. Delicious! Maybe I'll get into this food thing.
- The Street Food Moment: Witnessed a guy on a motorbike selling… something fried. Looked amazing. Seriously considering buying it despite not knowing what was inside. Risk versus reward, right? Maybe not.
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner and Initial Panic Attack, The Mall Experience.
Decided to embrace the mall culture (apparently, it's big here). Looked like a movie set. Dinner at a place called… I don’t even remember, but it was filled with neon lights and loud music. Food was acceptable. Had a slight panic when I realized I'd forgotten my phone. Had to go back for it (I live in a tech-dependent world, what can I do?).
8:00 PM - onwards: Room Rest and Journaling
Back in the "Hotel Quality" room. Trying to decompress (I need to get used to the sound of traffic and the general commotion). Writing this down – need to process the day. Already feeling a little overwhelmed, but also strangely energized. Tomorrow, I'm visiting Intramuros. Hopefully, I won't get lost (probably will).
Day 2: History, Heartbreak, and Hummus (Possibly in That Order)
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Breakfast and a Caffeine Emergency (aka The Search Continues)
The "Hotel Quality" room's offering some form of instant coffee (the horror!). Scavenged the neighborhood, found a local coffee shop, and had a fantastic breakfast. The food? Delicious!
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Intramuros Adventure (aka Feeling Like A Time Traveler)
Took a Grab (again, bless modern technology) to Intramuros. Absolutely stunning! The Spanish-era architecture is remarkable. Rode a bamboo bike (a little rickety, but fun!). Visited Fort Santiago (chills!). Wandered the cobblestone streets, imagining what life was like back then. This is why I travel. History! Impulsively Emotional Reaction:
- Standing inside Fort Santiago and realizing the weight of so much history. Realized how difficult it must be to live through that.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Lunch and A Lesson in Resilience
Found a little cafe inside Intramuros. Had a wonderful conversation with the owner, a lovely woman who shared stories of the city's past and present. She taught me a few Tagalog phrases beyond "How much" that I immediately forgot, but I appreciated her effort. She was so welcoming.
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: The Transportation Tango
Getting back to the hotel was… a challenge. Traffic absolutely ground Manila to a halt. Took a jeepney (a highly decorated, public transportation) – felt like being in a music video. Then, a taxi that got stuck in gridlock. Finally, a pedicab (a three-wheeled bicycle) for the last stretch. My nerves are frayed and I'm covered in a thin layer of sweat, but I made it.
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner Failure and Room-Service Indulgence
Planned on going to a new restaurant, but I couldn't find it. Got lost (again). Got hangry (very). Ended up ordering room service (even if it meant paying the hotel prices).
9:00 PM - Onwards: The Aftermath
Back in the room. The air-con is doing its best. Feeling a little defeated but also strangely invigorated. Going to attempt sleep. Tomorrow is a new day…and hopefully, my brain will restart.
Day 3: Shopping, Sipping and Saying Goodbye (Unless I Change My Mind at the last minute)
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Another Breakfast Emergency
Realized my food supplies were running low. Found another local cafe, and it was delicious.
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Shopping Mania!!!
Headed back to the mall, this time with the intention of actually shopping. The experience was…intense. So much to see, hear, and experience. Came away with a few souvenirs. The Moment of Weakness:
- Bought a shirt that I probably won't wear. (Don't judge me.)
- Tried a durian fruit. It was the most difficult choice of my life.
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Coffee and Reflection
Found a nice cafe in the mall and sat for a while. Sipping my coffee and journaling. Trying to appreciate the experience. Am I having a good time? Overall, yes. Emotional Reaction:
- Realizing I've been trying to pack too much into each day. Need more chill time. Less rushing.
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Packing and Preparing
Packing is always a nightmare. Trying to get organized. Hoping I didn't forget anything.
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Last-Minute Adventures/ Farewell Dinner
Deciding on one final adventure. Maybe a quick museum visit? Or just wander around a local market? Having a farewell dinner. Hopefully,
Manila's "Best" Hotel Room at Manhattan Parkway Tower 2: The Truth (and Tears)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the Manhattan Parkway Tower 2, the proclaimed "best" hotel room in Manila. And let me tell you, finding the perfect hotel room is like finding a unicorn that also makes excellent margaritas – mostly mythical, but with occasional flashes of pure, unadulterated joy. I've been on this quest for years, and this... this was a rollercoaster. Let's tear it all down and build it back up!
Is 'Best' Subjective? Obviously. But REALLY, is this good?
Ugh, the million-dollar question, isn't it? "Best" is like the perfect adobo recipe – everyone has their own opinion and Grandma's is ALWAYS the best. In this case, the Manhattan Parkway Tower 2 boasts a suite, a very comfortable suite. Now, when I arrived, jet-lagged and grumpy, I'd just flown in from a trip and I was expecting... magic. Shiny, glistening, fairy-dust magic!
The initial impression? Solid. Not "knock-your-socks-off-and-write-poetry-about-it" amazing, but comfortably upscale. The views? Spectacular, especially at sunset. Suddenly, Manila’s brutal chaos, the horrendous traffic, the EVERYTHING, melts away as you stare at that gorgeous panorama.
But here's the thing, I felt… lonely. I ordered room service, and the chicken sopas arrived lukewarm. A minor detail, but it took the shine off. Maybe I was expecting too much. Maybe "best" needs a little bit more… soul. The hotel is grand, yes, but the service needs a bit more polish to lift it out of the crowd. I definitely think the suite is good, really good actually and a great option for anyone looking for a more elevated experience or, let's face it, escaping the real world for bit.
What's the Room REALLY Like? The Breakdown!
Okay, let's get into the nitty-gritty. This is where things get a little… chaotic. I arrived and it was a suite, and everything was pristine and modern. The living area was separate from the bedroom which is ALWAYS a plus. You had a comfy couch, a massive TV (loved it for binge-watching trashy reality TV, my guilty pleasure), and ample space to, you know, spread out. Honestly, how many times have I trip over luggage in a tiny hotel room?
The Bedroom: The bed. Oh, the bed. It was HUGE, seriously. And the pillows were… a dream. Actually, I literally had a dream about the pillows. I'm not kidding. They were fluffy, supportive, and whispered sweet nothings of sleep (probably). I was able to actually relax there. The bathroom was well-appointed, with a large soaking tub (I'm a bath person, sue me).
The Vibe: Okay, here's my biggest personal issue: it's somewhat impersonal. It needs some kind of lived-in feel, something to make it feel homely. Don't get me wrong, luxury is fantastic, but it needs a bit more soul. It's a great business hotel room and nothing much more than that. I'm not sure if it is 'best' just yet. Maybe I needed a tiny bit more, okay?
What About the View?! Does it Deliver?
Oh, my god, THE VIEW. This is where the Manhattan Parkway Tower 2 *absolutely* shines. Seriously. It's a panoramic vista of the city, and I mean PANORAMIC. I'm talking towering skyscrapers, pockets of green space, and the shimmering lights of Manila. Especially at sunset, the oranges, pinks, and purples painted across the sky were… chef's kiss. It's worth the price alone, absolutely. I think the view is the main reason why the hotel is regarded so highly.
There's something about watching the city transform from the chaos of the day, to the twinkling lights, which is mesmerizing. I probably spent a good chunk of time just staring out the window. It's the kind of view that makes you forget about your worries (at least temporarily). You could definitely convince yourself you're living in some kind of dystopian, cyberpunk dream. And honestly, sometimes that's exactly what the doctor ordered.
The Downsides? Oh, There's Always Downsides…
Alright, let's get real. No place is perfect, not even a supposedly 'best' hotel room. My biggest gripes? The service, at times, felt a bit… robotic. It was efficient, yes, but lacked the warmth and genuine hospitality I'm used to in the Philippines. A little bit of that Pinoy charm goes a long way!
And, as I mentioned, my room service wasn’t perfect. The temperature, I can live with. But it was more the *speed* of service. I have a feeling that I am overreacting though. It's Manila; things take time. But when you’re paying that kind of money, you expect a little more.
One thing that's a big challenge? The location. Because I was near a major road, the traffic was horrendous. Even in the hotel, you had to be prepared to wait. I once had to wait one hour for an Uber! But aside from that, I've nothing major to complain about.
Would You Stay Again? In a Heartbeat?
Okay, the big question. Would I stay at the Manhattan Parkway Tower 2 again? Yes, absolutely. Despite my nitpicks, the view alone is worth it. And the bed! Oh, the bed. Plus, I feel like I could have a bit more of a good experience next time. I know what to expect.
I'd probably pack my own chicken sopas, just in case. But for a luxurious escape in the heart of Manila, with a view that steals your breath away? Yeah, sign me up. Maybe I'll even ask for a corner suite and ask for a slightly more personable welcome!
You know, maybe best isn't about perfection, but about finding something that makes you feel…something. And even with a few hiccups, this room made me *feel*. It gave me a brief moment of peace in a chaotic world. And really, isn't that what we're all looking for?
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