Manila's Most Stunning Skyscraper: The Urban Deca Tower EDSA!
Manila's Most Stunning Skyscraper: The Urban Deca Tower EDSA!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average hotel review. This is a deep dive, a messy, glorious swoon into… The Urban Deca Tower EDSA! Manila's supposed crown jewel. And let me tell you, I’m about to get real. SEO be damned, though I’ll try and sprinkle some relevant keywords in there for you savvy searchers.
(Disclaimer: My experience is based on… well, let's just say a recent stay. Your mileage may vary, and hey, things change! So, take this as a snapshot, okay?)
First Impressions & Accessibility: A Rollercoaster Right Off the Bat
Okay, so… EDSA. It's Manila. It's chaos. Getting to the Urban Deca Tower EDSA is a test of your sanity and your faith in humanity. Accessibility… well, that’s complicated. The building itself? Modern, shiny, supposedly geared for comfort. But Manila traffic is a beast. Seriously, a beast. Getting a taxi? Pray to whatever deity you believe in. Negotiating the sidewalks? Forget it – potholes the size of craters and no one seems to give a hoot.
- Accessibility Score: I’m gonna give it a generous 6/10. The building entrance itself seemed okay for wheelchair users (I didn’t need one, but I was looking out for it). But the outside world? That's a whole 'nother ballgame. The good thing is they have a car park [on-site] and car park [free of charge]… if you can get to it.
The Room: My Sanctuary, My Fortress (Mostly)
Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. The room! Mine was… decent. Clean. Good. It had that new hotel smell which is always a plus, you know? The Air conditioning, bless its little heart, was a lifesaver. And they had Air conditioning in public area too. Thank God. Manila heat is no joke.
Available in all rooms features: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. It was all there, a veritable checklist of modern comforts.
The Bed: Oh, the bed. It was… comfortable. Not "cloud nine" comfortable, but definitely a solid 8/10. Important after battling EDSA.
Internet: Ah, yes. Internet access – wireless, Internet access – LAN. They advertised Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And, well, it mostly worked. Sometimes it was lightning-fast, other times it was the digital equivalent of watching paint dry. Internet services were generally okay, but don’t expect to stream anything in 4K.
The View: I think I had a great view. Manila smog is a thing, though. Let's just say it felt like my high floor was an adventure.
Extra touches: The Free bottled water was a godsend. And I appreciated the inclusion of coffee/tea maker – because a caffeine addict needs their fix. Daily housekeeping meant a clean and tidy space.
The Imperfections: The non-smoking policy was strictly enforced though. Which, thank goodness. You can tell cause of good Smoke detector. But I swear, the walls were a little thin. Heard some… ahem… interesting noises from the next room. Let's just say, a little more soundproofing wouldn't have gone amiss.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (Or Not)
Here's where things get… variable. The restaurants on-site? They existed. I tried one restaurant – it boasted Asian cuisine in restaurant, but it was just OK. I’m still searching for the real flavor.
Dining Options: They had A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Asian breakfast, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Happy hour, Poolside bar, Snack bar, Room service [24-hour].
The Coffee Shop: I didn't get the chance to go there, probably a miss on my part.
Alternative meal arrangement: They offered this, but I didn't use it.
The Bar: You know, I tried to get a drink at the bar one night. It was… interesting. Let's just say the bartender was more focused on his phone than on my cocktail. I had a taste of the Bottle of water which was a nice touch
The Food Delivery: Ah, it's there, but didn't test it, probably a blessing.
Overall, the dining situation was… adequate. Not a foodie paradise, but hey, you won't starve.
Ways to Relax (Or Try To): A Bit of a Letdown
I was really looking forward to the spa. I mean, after the hustle and bustle of Manila, a Body scrub, a Body wrap, a Foot bath, a Massage, a Sauna, a Spa, a Spa/sauna, a Steamroom sounded heavenly.
Pool with view: The Swimming pool was alright, the Swimming pool [outdoor] was good and clean. I saw it, but was too chicken to go in!
Fitness center: Yep, it was there. I peeked in. Looked… well, like a gym. I didn't test it.
The Spa: This was where I had an… experience. Let’s just say the massage was more “light scratching” than “releasing all the tension.” I wasn't feeling very energetic after the session, perhaps I needed a Doctor/nurse on call.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe-ish
Okay, so this is important, especially these days. The Urban Deca Tower EDSA seemed to take hygiene seriously.
Cleanliness features: They had Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.
Safety features: Access was controlled. They had CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property. Fire extinguisher and Smoke alarms were visible. Security [24-hour] was present.
Room Sanitation: I didn't opt-out of Room sanitization opt-out available.
The Real Deal: I didn't see anything that made me think it was dirty, and that's a huge win.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the “Huh?”
Essentials: They have a Convenience store, which is always a lifesaver. Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Concierge, Doorman, Elevator, Gift/souvenir shop, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Safety deposit boxes, and Dry cleaning.
Contactless Everything: Contactless check-in/out, thankfully.
Business Needs: They have Business facilities, including Audio-visual equipment for special events and Meeting stationery .
The Weirdness: I saw a Shrine in the lobby. Felt a bit random.
For the Kids & Couples: Meh
For the Kids: They have Babysitting service and are advertised as Family/child friendly with Kids facilities, but I didn't notice them.
For Couples: I saw Couple's room.
Getting Around: Pray for Patience
- The Transportation: Airport transfer is offered, but factor in Manila traffic – you'll need a strong dose of patience. They have Taxi service but I have no clue if the driver know how to navigate through Manila.
The Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Look, The Urban Deca Tower EDSA isn't perfect. It's got its quirks, its flaws, and the location is… intense. But it's also a decent basecamp for exploring Manila. And, hey
**Parisian Paradise: Trianon Gare de Lyon Hotel - Unforgettable Stay!**
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your sanitized brochure itinerary. This is me, raw and unfiltered, attempting to survive a stay at the infamous Urban Deca Tower along EDSA, Mandaluyong City. Consider yourself warned.
Urban Deca Tower: Operation Survive & Thrive (Probably Mostly Survive)
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (Plus Okay Pizza)
1:00 PM - Touchdown! (Or, rather, Land at the Base of Decadent Towers) Okay, so, I arrive. The sheer scale of the thing is the first sucker punch. It dwarfs everything else. I swear, skyscrapers are designed to make you feel like a tiny, insignificant ant. Am I supposed to feel intimidated? Am I supposed to feel impressed? I feel both. Like I should maybe apologize to the building for breathing its air.
1:30 PM - The Check-In Gauntlet Finding the lobby is a quest. And then the lines. Oh, the lines. I'm pretty sure I aged a year just waiting. The staff are… well, they're dealing with a lot. Patience is a virtue I apparently left in the taxi.
2:00 PM - The Room Reveal (and the Sigh I Didn't Expect) My room. Okay. "Cozy" is the official word. "Cramped" is my inner monologue. Let’s just say it's not exactly the Ritz. The air conditioning is making a noise somewhere in between a jet engine and a dying cat. But hey, at least it's cool. And it has a view, even if the view is mostly other buildings and EDSA traffic, the ever-present soundtrack of Manila.
3:00 PM - Fuel Up: Pizza Perfection (Almost) Desperate for a lifeline, I stumble upon a pizza place downstairs. Let me tell you, after the check-in experience, that pizza tasted like ambrosia. Except, the cheese was slightly off. Okay, very slightly off. Maybe I'm just tired. Maybe my taste buds are also traumatized by the check-in. Anyway, I ate it. No regrets.
4:00 PM - EDSA Symphony of Traffic (The "Get Your Ears Ready" Section) I try to take a nap, but EDSA has other plans. The horns, the buses, the general cacophony… it's a symphony of pure, unadulterated Manila. I gave up, because sleep. is. impossible.
6:00 PM - Sunset (Trying to find the good in my life) I try to watch the sunset. I saw it. I guess. But… I don't know. I feel like the buildings are blocking me from good views. I need to find something positive about this situation. I feel like I'm missing out on something cool.
7:00 PM - Dinner Gamble (Or, “Where Can I Actually Eat Around Here?”) Okay, time to find dinner. The options… are limited, to put it kindly. After some frantic Googling and a desperate dash for a nearby restaurant, I finally land somewhere. The food is.. alright. The experience is… an experience.
9:00 PM - The Bedtime Ritual of Resignation Back in the room. The AC still sounds like a dying cat. EDSA still screams. Tomorrow, the real adventure begins. God help me.
Day 2: Exploration, Existential Dread, and a Potential Emergency
8:00 AM - Breakfast Debacle (The Quest for Coffee) Breakfast. I venture into the unknown to find coffee. This is serious business. The coffee is… weak. And the breakfast is… edible? Honestly, I'm operating on fumes at this point.
9:00 AM - EDSA Expedition (The "Cross the Street or Die Trying" Challenge) I decide to brave exploring the surrounding area. Crossing EDSA is a life-or-death situation. It feels like you're playing a real-life version of Frogger. My heart rate is still recovering.
10:00 AM - Mall Mayhem (Or "Where Did All These People Come From?") The nearest mall. The sheer crush of humanity is overwhelming. I get lost. I get claustrophobic. I buy a t-shirt. I feel like a zombie.
12:00 PM - Lunch (The "Find Something You Can Actually Swallow" Edition) Lunch in the mall. It's a blur of fast food and questionable decisions. I eat something vaguely resembling chicken. I survive.
13:00 PM - Pool Party (It's the thought that counts) I had no idea I could even use the pool. I am shocked at how many people are having a good time. The pool itself looked clean, and a little chaotic, but hey, at least there are people enjoying their time here!
15:00 PM - Room Panic and a Potential Emergency (The "Is That a Leak?" Scenario) Back in my room. The AC is still going strong (and sounding awful). And then… is that water on the ceiling? Uh oh. This could be a whole new level of adventure. I am dreading this right now.
4:00 PM - Resolution! (Or, You Know, the Attempt to Fix It) I tried to call the front desk. I waited. I went downstairs and tried again. They seem to be… working on it. Okay.
6:00 PM - Dinner and Despair (Or, "Will This Day Ever End?") More questionable food. More EDSA. More existential angst. I think my soul is slowly being ground into dust.
8:00 PM - Bedtime (Praying for Silence…and Maybe an Eviction Notice) I give up. The AC drones on. The traffic howls. Tomorrow, I'm going to figure out how to leave.
Day 3: Survival and Escape (Because That's All I'm Really After)
9:00 AM - The Check-Out (The Great Escape) Check-out. It's a battle. It's a paperwork circus. But eventually, I am free. I am out. I AM ALIVE.
10:00 AM - Reflection (The "What Did I Just Experience?" Meditation) So, my time at Urban Deca Tower. It was… an experience. Would I recommend it? Well, if you're looking for an adventure, a lesson in resilience, and a crash course in Manila life, then maybe. But if you're looking for luxury, peace, and quiet? Run. Run far, far away.
11:00 AM - Goodbye (And Never, Ever Again) I leave. I look back at the tower. I offer a silent prayer of thanks. And I promise myself I'll never stay there again.
Final Thoughts:
Urban Deca Tower. It's a place. It's a test. It's a reminder that sometimes, the best adventures are the ones you survive. And at the end of the day, there is only one thing I can say: I made it. Now please, someone, get me a really good coffee. And maybe a therapist.
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Urban Deca Tower EDSA: So You Wanna Know, Huh? (Prepare for the Rollercoaster)
Okay, first things first: Is this place *actually* stunning? The pictures look... shiny.
"Stunning" is a strong word, right? I mean, look, the architecture from the outside? Yeah, it's got *potential*. It's trying to be all modern and sleek, trying to play with light and shadows. But let's be real, in Manila, "shiny" often translates to "a bit gaudy" with a side of "probably has leaks." Honestly, sometimes I think the best view *of* the building is *from* a distance, because up close... well, you'll see. Be prepared for a healthy dose of "Manila-chic" – which is a slightly different breed of chic. Think practical, not runway.
What's it *really* like to live there? Spill the tea!
Alright, here's the tea, steeped strong and bitter. Living there... it's an experience. One that, depending on the day, can veer wildly between "Wow, city views!" and "Oh god, another brownout."
The first thing to know? Expect traffic. EDSA is a beast, and even if you're *living* near it, getting *out* of it can be a nightmare. I remember one time, tried to pick up a pizza from the delivery guy and it took me longer to cross the street to the other side than it took for him to deliver. But hey, at least the food was warm.
The common areas? They're usually well-maintained - or at least, they *try* to be. The pool? Pretty decent, but gets crowded on weekends. Gym? Small, but usable. Just don't expect the Ritz. Oh, and elevators. Pray to whatever deity you believe in that they're working. Because when they're not? Stairmaster Central. And those stairs are *long*.
Tell me about the units! Are they spacious?
Spacious? Uh... Manila spacious. Which means, "relatively compact." You're not getting a mansion here. These are designed for practicality, which means efficient use of space. The one-bedroom units are *cozy*. Think "studio with a wall." But hey, they're affordable, and that's a huge plus in this city. I know someone who lives in a studio and she calls it "a stylish shoebox." And you know what? She loves it. She's got the city lights, a great view (from her tiny balcony), and she's happy.
What about the view? That's gotta be a selling point, right?
The view *can* be spectacular. Honestly, some nights, especially when there's a fireworks display(yeah, even just a random fiesta fireworks show), it's magical. You see the whole city spread out below, twinkling like a galaxy. You feel like you're on top of the world. Then, the very next day, you'll see the smog and the perpetual grayness Manila is known for - and it may get, well, slightly less magical. But the potential is there. And that sunrise? Forget about it. Worth the rent, almost.
Are there any major annoyances I should know about? Like, red flags?
Oh, honey, buckle up. Manila is a city of minor annoyances, and Urban Deca Tower is no exception. First, as I said before: the elevators. Get used to waiting. Second: the noise. EDSA is *loud*. Even if you're high up, you can hear the traffic (and the constant stream of horns). Third: the maintenance. Expect occasional water interruptions, power outages (sometimes, on the same day, which is a delightful combo), and the occasional random construction. Fourth: the parking situation – if you drive, prepare to compete for a spot that seemingly vanishes the second you need one. Fifth, and this one's my personal pet peeve – sometimes the units are... not *perfectly* finished. Expect a few quirks. Think crooked tiles, dodgy paint jobs, or a slightly wonky door.
Okay, so is it worth it? Should I rent there?
That depends. Are you on a budget? Do you crave a city view? Are you willing to endure Manila-style inconveniences? If you answered "yes" to those questions, then yeah, it could be a good fit. It definitely has its perks, especially for its price point and accessibility (location, location, location!). But if you're a high-maintenance individual who demands perfection? Run. Run far, far away. Honestly, I kind of like it (in a Stockholm Syndrome kind of way). It's got character. Flaws and all. And hey, where else are you going to see the sunset over EDSA every night from your balcony?
What's the best thing *and* worst thing about living there, from your perspective?
Okay, the *best* thing, hands down: the view. Seriously. Watching the sun set over Manila's concrete jungle can be breathtaking. It reminds you, even amidst the chaos, that there's beauty to be found. And on a clear night, the city lights are insane. I could sit there for hours, just staring out and thinking. It's a perspective thing, I suppose.
The *worst* thing? Okay, it's tied between the elevators and the brownouts. But... I had an experience. One of those times the elevator went down. I was carrying groceries, and the power went out. Trapped in the dark for 45 minutes. I was *mortified*. It was stuffy, hot, and I'm not going to lie, I kind of freaked out. The emergency lights were flickering, the air was thick with the smell of, well, everything. And the worst part? The elevator music was still playing! After the power came back on, and the elevator started moving again (thank goodness), I swore I could never, ever be okay with The Urban Deca Tower EDSA again! But the next day I found myself looking at those views again. And this is the kind of love-hate relationships you develop in this city.
Are there any good food options nearby?
Yeah, plenty! Being on EDSA means you're practically drowning in fast-food chains, restaurants, and everything in between. You've got malls within walking distance (think SM North, Trinoma), so you're not exactly starving. If you like Korean food, you're in heaven. And for groceries, well, there's a few options – mostly the supermarket in one of the malls nearby.
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