Manila Hotels

[Soapy Smith]

After one night at Boulevard Mansion I moved to Grand Regency Suites for about eight nights. Grand Regency is one of about four hotel operations in the Birch Tower on Bocobo Street, less than a block south of Pedro Gil and Robinsons' Place Mall. This particular company has rooms on four floors, but not four consecutive floors, so maybe something like floor 24, then 31,32, 35, or something like that. They have staff more or less permanently stationed on each of the floors. In general, it's a crazy business plan. Since the space they rent is probably premium cost, they don't have space for their own services, aside from a coffee shop and check-in counter on the first floor. So they outsource everything: linen service, WiFi, guest laundry. One day I was without bed linen until nine at night because their linen service delivery had been delayed by monsoon flooding. I sent laundry out two different times, but they clearly overcharged me the second time. But the hotel couldn't resolve the problem, since some laundry several blocks away in Malate had done the work and the pricing. WiFi was inoperable in the room for the first three days. When I asked, they claimed the problem was with the provider, PLDT. The said, "the provider says it's because of the weather" (monsoon rain and flooding every day I was in Manila). But PLDT was the provider for their coffee shop, and the signal there was fine throughout. The third morning, probably out of guilt, they sent up free room service breakfast, which was not warm by the time it arrived. WiFi was fine once it was restored on day four. So to me the business plan is crazy, having to depend on all these outside vendors and having their employees scattered though four floors and the ground floor of the building. At least three other hotel companies are operating similarly in the building.

The rooms are sort of suites, but the bathroom is small, sleeping area is small, and the "kitchen" area consists of two stools, a small counter, a mini-fridge, and a microwave. A balcony (32nd floor) gave a nice view to the north (over Robinsons' Place) and out toward Manila Bay.

The four elevators were inadequate for a building with 50 floors of small units. I spent more time waiting for elevators than riding them. Others in the building seemed to be primarily Arabs and Koreans. The former were mostly late middle aged men, and the Koreans varied from 20's to late middle age. Many of both these groups were often escorting scantily-dressed and heavily-tatooed Filipinas in and out of the building. Filipino friends told me that many of these were probably running overseas employment recruitment businesses. I had not been in the area in several years and was surprised by the growth in number of restaurants, hookah shops, and other businesses with Arabic name signs, especially along Adriatico across from Robinsons' Place and their highrise building.

There is a pool on one of the lower floors, but another ISG regular has told me the pool is often not very warm. It did seem that the check-in area in the building lobby made for very relaxed girl-friendly practices. The ads on Agoda insisted that every guest above two occupants must be paid, but I had extra guests overnight and was never asked to pay. I suspect this is because the security guard at the door works for the building rather than any one of the hotel companies, so he has little incentive to enforce such rules and even less capability to keep track of who everybody is that comes and goes.

The pool, the view, quick access to Robinsons Place, and girl friendly policy are the only things to recommend this place over other cheap monger hotels in the area, such as Rothman, Las Palmas, Palm Plaza, Riviera, Executive Plaza, and Cherry Blossoms. There are several elements on the negative side of that comparison.

[Soapy Smith]

I am about a month late posting two reviews, but better late than never.

I stayed one night in Boulevard Mansion. Cringe, cringe. I did so thinking I might take a quick look at LA Cafe, and because I was unsure whether Grand Regency Suites (next review) had late night staff to handle registration. Many of us have depicted Boulevard Mansion as a well-worn hotel. It still is, especially in terms of carpet, furniture, and so on. But at least this time it was clean; employees seem to be doing their best to work with the existing structure. Staff were polite and responsive, bed was comfortable, AC worked well, and the view was actually quite good: I could see southward, except for tall buildings blocking the view, and also out onto Manila Bay. Complementary breakfast was adequate, barely; coffee was plentiful but not very good.

There is not much to recommend this place, except for two things: it is two short blocks from LA Cafe and it is easy to get to from the airport. I had landed at Terminal One this time, and the taxi ran into minimal congestion getting from the terminal to Roxas. Then it's a straight shot down Roxas, since the Boulevard Mansion is on the frontage road along Roxas, just a block beyond Pedro Gil intersection. So the narrow niche that this place fits is for guys who have two or three days in Manila, want to get quickly from the airport to horizontal recreation, and have accommodated themselves to the prospects at LA Cafe, Amazonia, G-Point, or Robinsons' Place mall freelancers.

BTW, my flight got delayed an hour by traffic control at NAIA, so that I did not end up going to LAC the first night. I went once a week later and was pleasantly surprised.

[MrWoolyBooly]

Holy Cow, I don't stay in Sogos except as a last minute short-term option, but while booking my next Metro Manila visit see several locations under 20 USD per night. I'm still not going to book there for an extended visit, but for the gentlemen looking for the most bang for his buck I don't see how you could beat it. For all it's tawdriness, they're all safe refuges. Maybe a room there for double- or overlapping lady dates.

[Member #4558]

Hi Vitaplex,

Thanks for your advise and feedback.

I usually booked my hotel reservation thru Expedia or agoda, it is normally automatically for 2 guest, I wonder if booking thru this will also enable me to be able to bring my girl or girls without any issue? I plan to stay in New World Manila Bay hotel too, I know it is near Malate / Ermita area but it seems a bit distance from Burgos? Should I also booked another one near burgos area? I try to stay in one single hotel than moving evey 2 days or so.

May be some idea on the bar fine market prices in Burgos or ermita bars? I also will visit LA CAFE that last visit way back 5 years ago I got some good pick but that was the only area I visited and already a long while now. Guest prices change?

Cheers,

MD.

Booking through Expedia and / or Agoda doesn't change anything both regarding girls (you can still bring them) and prices. In fact I have the latter years found to book directly with hotels to me even cheaper (for Manila I have the latter years stayed at Fairmont, Raffles, Shangri-la Makati, Sofitel, Hyatt COD, New World Manila Bay and Riviera Mansion). If you go through with your plan with only 3 days in Manila, then changing hotels and city area will steal a lot of valuable time. Travelling within Manila city borders only happens inbetween the hours of 10:30 pm to 6 am. If you stay Makati or Malate it will take you between 20 to 40 min travelling late night / nighttime. I would only stay one place. I've been to LAC 3 years ago or so so other BM's probably have better recent intel from here. But I read it is still a hit and miss place which is how I viewed it "back in the days". Some diamonds in the rough to be found. I have no experience from girliebars (EDSA, closer to Malate, or Burgous). I only observe through reading here Burgous and KTV girls start to get pricey. I am a datingsite guy myself.

[Simmer]

Hello there!

Need some advises here, I am planning to visit the philippines for a period of 1 week, after reading some posting here, I feel that I want to try the following mongering places: Ermita / malate, Burgos and AC. I wonder if it is advisable to go all three said place as I know AC is about 2 hours or so away from Manila, while Ermita / Malate and Burgos should be closer (based on google map). Should I stay in one hotel to mongering both ermita / malate and burgos? I have seen some hotel such as New World Manila Bay Malate , city garden, cherry blossom etc. But not have any idea if those hotel are lady friendly or not?

I am still reading some post though but I hope to have some up to date advises too and best recomendation on the hotel will be appreciated too.

Thanks and cheers.

MD.

I checked out of Cherry Blossom this morning (next to Robinsons Place mall). It's a hotel that has seen better days and I have mixed feelings about it. The staff are smartly dressed and the lobby is (of course) nice to look at. Upstairs the rooms are a little rundown, the pillows lumpy, the bed a plastic mattress with half a mattress protector, a bed cover that went straight into the corner. Shower worked and was strong, but occasional hot / cold bursts if somebody nearby flushes a toilet or whatever. I walked in and paid 2550 I think (printed rate card) for a deluxe (Asked about the superior and he said the room was bigger but that was it.

The room is set up for two people. That is, two pillows, two drink glasses, two towels. However, when I returned with a pair of girls later that night they happily and speedily brought up additional sheets, pillow, towels, and glasses.

Breakfast buffet: edible. Rice, scrambled egg, American style bacon, chicken sausage thing, juice, coffee. Fills a hole, nothing more.

Check out was frustrating. Right before leaving the room I dropped a bottle of Red Horse which, of course, shattered and glass and beer was everywhere on the floor. I told housekeeping who were outside, and when I checked out I told them too. They wanted to charge me for the broken glass (110 PHP) and for the extra person (900 PHP) who didn't even stay the night. But sir, you asked for an extra bed. No I didn't. Have a look in the room. It's not there. AT least, I never found it. And the glass? I told you it was a BEER BOTTLE, not a drinking glass. Anyway, 15 minutes later and not a cent poorer, I was allowed to go. Stupid thing was I could have just dropped the key in the dropbox and walked out without being honest.

One good thing about the hotel is its proximity to LA Cafe. Last night I paid 2000 PHP each LT which I believe is above average cost. Mind you, 5 girls in a row all started at 3 k each. I'll report that in the appropriate forum.

All that said, for that price in that area I doubt you'd get that much better so you pays your money, you takes your choice!

Might want to consider changing hotels if you go to Makati. Geographically not far but traffic can be a bastard, and some girls might not want to go far.

[Macho Dik]

You will need two hotels, one in your Ermita / Malate experience and one for AC. For me, mongering in the different areas of Manila is one type of experience which only varies slightly between the locations. Then AC is a totally different experience.

For me, I would split it 3 days in Manila, then 4 days at ABC in Angeles. AC is not a return day trip. Yes, it will be a two hour drive, yes it is worth it. The transfer from your Manila hotel to AC should cost <P3 K by private car. There are cheaper methods available. On the day of your departure flight, just arrange a driver direct from AC to MNL terminal.

Enjoy

BD

Hi BD,

Many thanks for your kind feedback and advises. It surely give me a big help.

Yes, I surely will booked two different hotel for those 2 location, I plan to booked;.

1) ERMITA / MALATE area: New World manila bay hotel.

2) AC: either ABC or Lewis grand, are these both right on the right action area? I hate to walk too far after my pick as I want to minimize the "walk of fame with different girls every night".

One more thing, as I asked earlier, should I also booked a different hotel in Burgos? Or I can stay in New World Manila Bay hotel and go to Burgos for mongering?

I plan to stay Manila for 3 nights and in AC for 2 nights. Tight schedule hope this is enough.

I am trying to gather more info on the Burgos and Malate bar price (BaR FINE for LT and ST) as well as that of AC, as you have recomend in AC at dollhouse, thois will surely my visiting places too.

Thanks for your further advise, Needed it as I have bad expericne in the past for rip off and ruining my mongering spirit before.

In the philippine, I only VISITED WAY BACK 5 YEARS AGO ONLY IN la CAFE but only once with a nice pick then.

Cheers,

MD.

MD.

[Macho Dik]

All hotels are girl friendly. If you have booked a lets day double room (2 occupants) I have read here and other places, never experienced myself though, you might have to pay for girl no 2, 3 and so on. I have brought 4 girls in tow staying at New World Manila Bay Hotel (Bayview Suite) and no one did raise any eyebrows.

Hi Vitaplex,

Thanks for your advise and feedback.

I usually booked my hotel reservation thru Expedia or agoda, it is normally automatically for 2 guest, I wonder if booking thru this will also enable me to be able to bring my girl or girls without any issue? I plan to stay in New World Manila Bay hotel too, I know it is near Malate / Ermita area but it seems a bit distance from Burgos? Should I also booked another one near burgos area? I try to stay in one single hotel than moving evey 2 days or so.

May be some idea on the bar fine market prices in Burgos or ermita bars? I also will visit LA CAFE that last visit way back 5 years ago I got some good pick but that was the only area I visited and already a long while now. Guest prices change?

Cheers,

MD.

[Fox333]

Visiting Manila on a business trip in October and heck, thinking why not extend for a short R&R. Looking to hook up preferably with a female tour guide with added benefits. Appreciate any suggestions!

Thanks.

[BrainDrain]

Hello there!

Need some advises here, I am planning to visit the philippines for a period of 1 week, after reading some posting here, I feel that I want to try the following mongering places: Ermita / malate, Burgos and AC. I wonder if it is advisable to go all three said place as I know AC is about 2 hours or so away from Manila, while Ermita / Malate and Burgos should be closer (based on google map). Should I stay in one hotel to mongering both ermita / malate and burgos?

You will need two hotels, one in your Ermita / Malate experience and one for AC. For me, mongering in the different areas of Manila is one type of experience which only varies slightly between the locations. Then AC is a totally different experience.

For me, I would split it 3 days in Manila, then 4 days at ABC in Angeles. AC is not a return day trip. Yes, it will be a two hour drive, yes it is worth it. The transfer from your Manila hotel to AC should cost <P3 K by private car. There are cheaper methods available. On the day of your departure flight, just arrange a driver direct from AC to MNL terminal.

Enjoy

BD

[Member #4558]

Hello there!

Need some advises here, I am planning to visit the philippines for a period of 1 week, after reading some posting here, I feel that I want to try the following mongering places: Ermita / malate, Burgos and AC. I wonder if it is advisable to go all three said place as I know AC is about 2 hours or so away from Manila, while Ermita / Malate and Burgos should be closer (based on google map). Should I stay in one hotel to mongering both ermita / malate and burgos? I have seen some hotel such as New World Manila Bay Malate , city garden, cherry blossom etc. But not have any idea if those hotel are lady friendly or not?

I am still reading some post though but I hope to have some up to date advises too and best recomendation on the hotel will be appreciated too.

Thanks and cheers.

MD.

All hotels are girl friendly. If you have booked a lets day double room (2 occupants) I have read here and other places, never experienced myself though, you might have to pay for girl no 2, 3 and so on. I have brought 4 girls in tow staying at New World Manila Bay Hotel (Bayview Suite) and no one did raise any eyebrows.

[Macho Dik]

Hello there!

Need some advises here, I am planning to visit the philippines for a period of 1 week, after reading some posting here, I feel that I want to try the following mongering places: Ermita / malate, Burgos and AC. I wonder if it is advisable to go all three said place as I know AC is about 2 hours or so away from Manila, while Ermita / Malate and Burgos should be closer (based on google map). Should I stay in one hotel to mongering both ermita / malate and burgos? I have seen some hotel such as New World Manila Bay Malate , city garden, cherry blossom etc. But not have any idea if those hotel are lady friendly or not?

I am still reading some post though but I hope to have some up to date advises too and best recomendation on the hotel will be appreciated too.

Thanks and cheers.

MD.

[Travel Doc10]

I wanted to thank you guys for your help and quick responses. I will be in manila for 1 week, arriving very late, then moving on to an island vacation in El Nido (Palawan island) 5 nights, then 4-5 days in AC. Leaving for Cambodia from there. So not entirely mongering focused. I was planning on seeing some of the historical stuff a couple of days, I figure I will just deal with the traffic on those few occasions, maybe stop by the Havana cafe when I am over that way. I realize staying in Makati is probably best for me. I was looking at city garden grand hotel, decent fares on websites, nice pool. I am looking to wander around, eat well. At night I will most likely visit both regular clubs / restaurants, etc. Along w the gogo bars. Take an occasional bargirl, but it sounds like there is also a nice selection of freelancers around. Always starting vacations w / best of intentions, but depending on how the nights go, the days may be more lazy at the pool. I have traveled a fair bit in south america, so looking to finally compare. I love Latinas, but Asians are my absolute favorite, can't wait to be surrounded, If anyone thinks there is a much better hotel, that is better located, better for whatever reason, similar price I would be happy to hear your opinion.

Thanks again,

Chris

[GoodEnough]

Hey guys,

I am making my first trip to Asia, going on a 10 week tour of SE Asia, sort of a retirement present to myself. I start in Manila. No particular reason, just the logistics of it, anyways I am trying to decide on the best area to stay. From what I have read the traffic is a nightmare there, I am hoping to do sightseeing etc. , this is not exclusively mongering trip, although I imagine it will still be a daily thought / occurrence. From what I have read it seems like the greenbelt area would provide me with the most flexibility, that is ease of going up to Burgos st and also going to the old part of the city (and manila cafe). Along with the local entertainment complex in greenbelt. Is this a correct assumption?

Thanks for your thoughts on this.

You've received some good suggestions. However I think you would get more calibrated responses if you shared something about what you're really looking for. That is, what are your personal preferences? What types of encounters do you prefer? What sorts of hotels meet your budget and tastes? Have you had prior experiences in third world countries? I'm not trying to disparage your post, just suggesting that the more information you feel comfortable providing, the more helpful the responses are likely to be.

GE.

[George03]

Just my experience, but with 10 weeks, you can have a great time! My longest trip was about 10 days. In Manila, as already mentioned, the Malate area is a good place, Manila Bay Cafe, Point, Amazonia, Cowboy, all within walking distance. The Lotus Garden is my go to, decent hotel, decent food. As stated, not the best area, but you should find plenty of diamonds in the rough. Greenbelt area, Burgos, Havana, etc is something you should try. More expensive, but freelancers not that bad. Angeles not too far away, Subic an option for a couple of days. If spending all 10 weeks in Phil, check out FilipinaCupid, Date in Asia, etc. Maybe find one (or several) you can spend some time with and go to Boracay. You can read this forum for how the dating thing works. There are many options in the Phil!

Hey guys,

I am making my first trip to Asia, going on a 10 week tour of SE Asia, sort of a retirement present to myself. I start in Manila. No particular reason, just the logistics of it, anyways I am trying to decide on the best area to stay. From what I have read the traffic is a nightmare there, I am hoping to do sightseeing etc. , this is not exclusively mongering trip, although I imagine it will still be a daily thought / occurrence. From what I have read it seems like the greenbelt area would provide me with the most flexibility, that is ease of going up to Burgos st and also going to the old part of the city (and manila cafe). Along with the local entertainment complex in greenbelt. Is this a correct assumption?

Thanks for your thoughts on this.

[Member #4698]

Hey guys,

I am making my first trip to Asia, going on a 10 week tour of SE Asia, sort of a retirement present to myself. I start in Manila.... I am trying to decide on the best area to stay.

Hi TC, I think you are going to enjoy your present. Considering that this is your 1st Asian trip and that you have allowed yourself a good amount of time to get around and visit multiple destinations in multiple countries, I suggest that you stay in Makati for the first leg of your trip, however long you decide that should be, (I would not stay LESS than 5 nights), allow yourself to break in easy to the PI, have a great time, and then stay an equal amount of time in the Bay area (Pasay, Malate/Ermita) for the last leg of your trip before departing for home. Both areas of Metro Manila have very good hotels and excellent nightlife, but the areas are very different and each is worth exploring on its own. As you already realize, the travel times between the different municipalities can be very time consuming. For example, a taxi from the Hyatt City of Dreams to Burgos Street can take anywhere from 30 to 40 to 60 minutes or longer depending on the traffic and the time. My feeling is, why make that trip if you don't have to? The solution is to stay in both areas since you have the time and enjoy yourself.

I will let other board members offer their suggestions on where else in the PI to go (hint: AC), but are you interested in Beaches or Scuba Diving? The PI has some great islands, Palawan for example, for these natural recreations. I would only add here that during your 10 weeks in SE Asia you should definitely hit BKK, Pattaya, and possibly Jakarta, Macau ($$$) and Phnom Penh for girls; Siem Reap and Ubud for a little culture. And although 10 weeks sounds like a long time, it really isn't, so my tip to you is don't try to go everywhere. It is better to slow down and spend quality time wherever you go. Its worth it.