Manila Hotels

[Uncle Volodya]

Looking to spend 2 nights in Makati. Are these hotel Girl Friendly?

[Kabul Guy]

Don't lose sleep waiting for it. It's only been a couple years since they figured out how to roll the airport exit tax into airfares. Some airports in the Philippines still don't have it figured out. Leaving Davao a couple weeks ago I noticed that PAL has the exit tax rolled into the fare, but other carriers' passengers have to stop and pay the tax before entering the departure area.

Ever take a ferry? Except on the big 2 go one I have always had to pay the port tax separately.

[Soapy Smith]

One thing I would like to see here is like in Dubai, the taxi takes a toll road using electronic payment and it is added to the meter.

Don't lose sleep waiting for it. It's only been a couple years since they figured out how to roll the airport exit tax into airfares. Some airports in the Philippines still don't have it figured out. Leaving Davao a couple weeks ago I noticed that PAL has the exit tax rolled into the fare, but other carriers' passengers have to stop and pay the tax before entering the departure area.

[Kabul Guy]

I think it is standard operating procedures for Manila taxis, especially for Yellow cabs to me. I haven't heard the drivers kid has dengue lately and needs money for meds! LOL.

On the other hand I don't see how they can make much money at the meter rates either.

I would just as soon see the meter rate increase to what a driver could live on and then have strict enforcement of the rules regarding using the meter, knowledge of the city, condition of the cab, and other rules that govern in many other cities.

One thing I would like to see here is like in Dubai, the taxi takes a toll road using electronic payment and it is added to the meter.

[Dg8787]

I've been into that general area numerous times in metered yellow cabs under the current fare structure and the meter typically generated between 300 and 350. Perhaps this is their effort to make up losses in the number of fares they get since the regular white taxis have been allowed to pickup at the airport.

I think it is standard operating procedures for Manila taxis, especially for Yellow cabs to me. I haven't heard the drivers kid has dengue lately and needs money for meds! LOL.

On the other hand I don't see how they can make much money at the meter rates either.

[Soapy Smith]

Booked for 2 nights after flying in from USA to T1. Thought I would give Yellow taxi one last try. After driving off the driver asked to see the slip and kept it. I knew then he would try to overcharge me. I ask him to turn the meter on and he said it was flat fee of P600 to the hotel. Then he proceeded to give me a sad story of high gasoline prices, airport charges and blah blah blah. End of story I wasn't in a fighting mood and paid 500.

I've been into that general area numerous times in metered yellow cabs under the current fare structure and the meter typically generated between 300 and 350. Perhaps this is their effort to make up losses in the number of fares they get since the regular white taxis have been allowed to pickup at the airport.

[Dg8787]

Thanks gents for the info.

Booked for 2 nights after flying in from USA to T1. Thought I would give Yellow taxi one last try. After driving off the driver asked to see the slip and kept it. I knew then he would try to overcharge me. I ask him to turn the meter on and he said it was flat fee of P600 to the hotel. Then he proceeded to give me a sad story of high gasoline prices, airport charges and blah blah blah. End of story I wasn't in a fighting mood and paid 500.
Next day, Friday 3pm went to T3 from hotel and white taxi quoted flat fee of 300.

The hotel was out of regular rooms and I had to book a jr suite with a queen bed and twin bed. It had a living room too but no ac in the living room. Everything was clean. Only downside was the air con was weak and the bathroom is small. The staff was good service and restaurant food was good.

[Rubio Tonto]

I have booked City Garden Suites for 2 days, non smoking room, about $60 a night all in. On my last trip I ate in the restaurant twice, the food was good.
Anything I should know about City Garden Suites?

Sure. Rubio shagged a spinner there a few times. OK OK, it was more than one spinner. Don't be so judgmental.

[Tryntry]

I have booked City Garden Suites for 2 days, non smoking room, about $60 a night all in. On my last trip I ate in the restaurant twice, the food was good.

Anything I should know about City Garden Suites?

The most important things are that it is girl friendly and nearby LA Cafe and Robinson's Mall. Happy hunting.

Standard rooms are not very big, with so so beds.

[Dg8787]

Goons,

Don't forget to report back on your visit (s). Seems you have more questions than reports here.

Hey Goons,

Report in please.

Goons?

Goons?

Goons?

[Dg8787]

I have booked City Garden Suites for 2 days, non smoking room, about $60 a night all in. On my last trip I ate in the restaurant twice, the food was good.

Anything I should know about City Garden Suites?

[Rubio Tonto]

What sogo would you recommend close to the airport with easy access to ST girls.

The Sogo that's next to the pedestrian bridge that goes across the street to the EDSA Complex on the other side. It's about 1/4 km or 750 feet east of the Heritage Hotel.

[VeryInterest]

Looks like you will only be there for a short time or half a day or so, I would suggest looking into a SOGO as they are nice (themed) and they have ST rates.

They are located all over the place, so finding a suitable location is easy, and often times there are girls very close by to the SOGO (makes it easy).

What sogo would you recommend close to the airport with easy access to ST girls.

[Dg8787]

I was there is Aug'17 and they still had the shuttle at that time. However the place is so close and costs nothing to go to the MOA from hotel. I even took the jeepney once just for the heck of it.

Might mention to cross over EDSA from the hotel for direct transportation to MOA. Also taxis going to and returning from MOA might want P100 flat fee as it is a short fare for them.

[Dg8787]

Same as before? I wasn't aware Tune allowed for guests. Cool.

I suppose the charge for extra towels and TV and A/C by the hour same as ever?

Goons,

Don't forget to report back on your visit (s). Seems you have more questions than reports here.