hotel

Hotel in Bonifacio Global City: F1 Hotel Manila

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer
F1 Hotel Manila

F1 Hotel Manila is the very first premier hotel in Bonifacio Global City or popularly known as BGC – a Philippine leisure, lifestyle and business hub situated in Taguig City.  F1 Hotel Manila is located along the 32nd Street of Bonifacio Global City and is just a walking distance from various corporate offices, shopping malls, banks and a world-class hospital.

F1 Hotel Manila Facade
F1 Hotel Manila Facade

Since I will not be able to travel on Christmas, Jen and I decided to book a hotel for a holiday staycation instead. Since we did not want to go farther for our staycation, we considered hotels in BGC which is just a 10 minute drive from home. After comparing prices, we decided to book a room at F1 Hotel Manila.

Lobby

We arrived at F1 Hotel Manila at around 3:00 PM. The hotel’s parking was full, perhaps due to the holiday season where many guests visit F1 Hotel for their sumptuous lunch and dinner buffets.  We had to temporarily park at Parkade 3 and soon transferred to the hotel’s parking later that day.

I should say that F1 Hotel Manila’s entrance is not like any other expensive hotels in Bonifacio Global City. It was simple yet modern.  We approached the concierge at the hotel’s ground floor and we were courteously informed that the hotel lobby is on the 5th level.

Elevator area at the ground level
Concierge at the ground level
Lobby at the 5th level

The lobby in the 5th level was simple and modern. The check-in process was a breeze. Special thanks to F1 Hotel Manila’s front desk officer Joanne! Unlike in other hotels, I was surprised that we were given 2 key cards for our room.  Joanne also provided a personalized WiFi password for our internet needs throughout out stay. Just make sure to prepare your credit card or 3,000 Php cash for the hotel’s security deposit. Don’t worry as this is refundable after check-out.

F1 Hotel Manila Deluxe Room

We stayed at room 702 which is at the end of the hallway and appears to be corner unit. As we entered the room, there was an element of surprise as there is a mini hallway leading to the main room area. I should say that I was really surprised with the interiors! The room is stylish and has this executive and businessman vibe. The grays, reds and browns perfectly complement each other resulting to a modern and classy appeal of the room.

mini living room area
F1 Hotel Manila

The king size bed and pillows were very comfortable. Pillow cases, linens and comforter were of high quality and at par with that of 5-star hotels in the metro. I personally love the soft gray headboard.

Executive feel

There is a life-size gray wooden dresser that come with safety box, bathrobe, iron and even fire extinguisher. Beside the dresser are the complimentary tea, coffee and creamer sachets along with complimentary water bottles. Beneath is a personal refrigerator.  Across the dresser is a mini living area with a high-end sofa and table.

work area
toilet & bath

The Deluxe room also comes with a 32 inch flat screen cable TV placed in a long desk paired with a comfortable stylish chair. The desk also serves as a work area in the room. On the other end of the desk is a stylish lamp, a welcome letter from F1 Hotel Manila, F1 Hotel Manila notepad and a booklet containing hotel’s menu and offerings.

The toilet and bath were also a surprise! The sink and the toilet are adjacent to one another. F1 Hotel Manila branded toiletries such as soaps, shampoo, conditioner, cotton buds, toothbrush, toothpaste and even a comb are provided. Just above the sink is a long mirror that covers the entire length of the bathroom. The shower area is separated by a glass door. The rainfall shower is my favorite!

Aside from the cozy and upscale ambiance, the floor to ceiling glass window sets this F1 Hotel Room apart from other upscale hotels I have been to. Despite of this, the room does not get hot during daytime due to the floor to ceiling curtains and not to mention the strategic location of its air-conditioning unit.

F1 Hotel Manila Published Room Rates

  • Deluxe Room – 10,000 Php a night

1 King-Size Bed
36-38.89 Sqm

  • City Suite – 11, 200 Php a night

2 Double-Size Bed
39-40 Sqm

  • Fort Suite – 13,600 Php a night

1 King-Size Bed
42.15-43.82 sqm

Tip: We booked a Deluxe Room and only paid 4,200 Php instead of the 10,000 Php published rate. Get huge discounts if you book your F1 Hotel Manila room HERE.

F1 Hotel Manila Facilities, Amenities and Services

  • F All Day Dining Restaurant – Located on the hotel’s 3rd level, F All Day Dining Restaurant serves contemporary Filipino and international lunch and dinner buffet.
F All Day Restaurant
Breakfast buffet
Yummy breads at F All Day restaurant

Since our booking includes breakfast, we had our breakfast buffet at F1 All Day Dining Restaurant. Breakfast buffet is only served from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

  • Swimming pools – Located in the 3rd level, F1 Hotel Manila has three pools – a kiddie pool, family pool and a lap pool. These pools are open daily from 7:00 AM until 8:00 PM.
One of the 3 pools in F1 Hotel
Jen enjoying the cabana
  • Fitness Center – If you are a regular gym goer, do need to worry about missing your daily gym regimen. F1 Hotel Manila has a fitness center fully equipped with treadmills, weights and many other gym equipment.  The gym is located in 3rd level mezzanine and is open 24/7.
  • Spa and Wellness – To those who want to simply relax, F1 Hotel Manila offers a selection of signature and traditional massage services. The Spa and Wellness is located in 3rd level mezzanine and open from 1 PM to 5 AM during weekdays and 10 PM to 5 PM on weekends.

Other Facilities and Services

  • Complimentary Shuttle Service – Shuttle service going around Bonifacio Global City is available for in-house guests. Prior reservation is needed and maximum of 10 passengers per trip.
  • Airport transfers – Available upon request. Minimum rate of 1,500 for a sedan car and 2,200 Php for a van per way.
  • Make-Up Room – F1 Hotel Manila offers 1 complimentary make-up room service per day. To avail the service, simply tap to activate the make-up room icon near your room’s door. High-tech!
  • Concierge Services
  • Meetings and Events Facilities
  • 4 level car park
  • Wi-Fi in all rooms and public areas
  • 24-hour Guest Services
  • 24 hour security
  • In-Room Dining
  • Laundry & Valet Service
  • Babysitting Services

Overall, we enjoyed our F1 Hotel Manila staycation. The hotel did not disappoint. The hotel staff, from the security guards to front desks are very welcoming and accommodating. The room was very stylish, classy and cozy. The breakfast buffet was good. I would highly recommend this hotel not just for a staycation but also for business and corporate travelers who are visiting Bonifacio Global City.

Discounted F1 Hotel Manila Rooms  HERE

F1 Hotel Manila
Address: 32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City
Contact Number: 908.7888 / 928.9888
Email us at: [email protected]

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Budget Hotel: Meaco Hotel Valenzuela City

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer
Affordable hotel in Valenzuela

Meaco Hotel in Valenzuela City is one of the newest hotel chain of Asia Novotel Incorporated. Located along McArthur highway in Baranggay Karuhatan, Meaco Hotel Valenzuela is strategically located as it is few meters away from SM Center Valenzuela and a few minute drive to Our Lady of Fatima University and Fatima Medical Center. If you love to try local restaurants, Meaco hotel is literally few steps away from Little Beijing and a few minute ride to Golden Crown food center.

Meaco Hotel Valenzuela facade
Meaco Hotel Valenzuela facade

The facade is simple and barely noticeable from McArthur highway. Parking area is right in front of the hotel building.

Meaco Hotel Lobby and Hallway

I should say that I was not expecting much from Meaco Hotel. As we arrived in the area, it was raining and we were greeted and assisted by the hotel’s security guard to the parking area of the hotel. As we entered the lobby, it was clean and well-maintained. There is nothing much to see except for the reception, small LCD TV, a couple of chairs and tables, dining area, a mini store where guests can buy snacks.

Mini store and dining area
Meaco Hotel Valenzuela reception

We informed the receptionist of our online booking. Unfortunately, it appears that they overlooked our booking for that day and reserved a deluxe room for us the next day. It was late night and we were advised to wait for an hour. Given that the hotel is quite new, we tried to understand the situation as the receptionists might not be used to online bookings and reservations. Surprisingly, unlike other hotels in Metro Manila where check-out time is 12 noon, Meaco Hotel allows literally 24 hour stay from your check-in time. So the delayed check-in was not issue to us.  While waiting, we ordered their yummy longsilog (for only 80 Php each) and had our dinner in the hotel.

Come check-in, we took the stairs to the second floor as there is no elevator in this 3-storey hotel. Hallways are consistent with the lobby, very clean and well-maintained. The rooms are surprisingly powered by key-card locks.

Meaco Hotel Valenzuela Deluxe Room

The room is spacious.  The queen size bed with a golden headboard is comfortable but surely not at par with that of upscale hotels in Metro Manila. Nonetheless, it was good enough for a good and sound sleep. There are also bedside tables with a hotel room phone on one table. There is a cable LCD TV screen with limited channels facing the bed. On the right of the LCD TV is stylish mirror in a golden frame.  If you are bringing work to Meaco hotel, right below the TV is a long table that can serve as a work space. All rooms also come with free WiFi access.

Meaco hotel deluxe room
Meaco Hotel Room
LCD TV and work space area

Meaco hotel room’s toilet and bath  is very clean and spacious. Fixtures look modern and new. The hot and cold shower is working perfectly. Toiletries such as bath towels, bath gel, shampoo and toothbrush are also provided. My only rants were the slightly clogged water drain in the shower and the very small slippers in the room. Nonetheless, issues like these can be reported to the reception.

Toilet and bath
Toiletries

Meaco Hotel Valenzuela Room Rates

Apart for the affordable room rates, Meaco Hotel also offer 12 hour rates for those who are visiting Valenzuela on short trips.

  • Deluxe 12 hours – 700 Php / 24 hours – 900 Php
  • Twin Deluxe 12 hours 800 Php / 24 hours 1,000 Php
  • Family 12 hours 1,100 Php / 24 1,400 Php
  • VIP Family 12 hours 1,500 / 24 hours – 1,800 Php

Tip: It is cheaper if you book online using a voucher. My girlfriend booked via asiatravel.com and used a voucher for our two night stay at Meaco Hotel Valenzuela. We paid 1,400 Php instead of 1,800 Php!

Affordable Hotel in Valenzuela City

Overall, we enjoyed our 2 night stay in Meaco Hotel Valenzuela. For the price, the hotel exceeded our expectations. The security guards and most of the staff were very friendly and helpful. The rooms are very decent and clean.  The hotel is very accessible and strategically located. If you are visiting, travelling or backpacking Valenzuela, you would never go wrong if you stay in this budget hotel.

Meaco Hotel Contact Number – +63 2 4439021 / +63 916 3491030
Address – 349 McArthur highway, Karuhatan, Valenzuela City

Aside from Valenzuela City, Meaco Hotel chains are also available on the following Philippine provinces:

  • Legaspi, Albay
  • Solano, Nueva Vizcaya
  • Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte
  • Calbayog, Samar
  • Anilao, Batangas

 

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Rosal Hotel Pasig Review and Room Rates

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer

Rosal Hotel is one among the long list of Pasig motels located in Hillcrest drive. Just like its neighboring hotels, this budget accommodation offers short-time stay rates.

Rosal Hotel Garage Room

I have been to the nearby Orchids hotel and I should say that Rosal hotel’s garage is more spacious, clean and well maintained. Just like any other motel, at the back of the garage is the stairs leading to the vestibule. There is nothing much in the vestibule except for the 2 complimentary water bottles.

The room itself is very spacious. Unlike other affordable motels, you can say that the room is well maintained. There are no to minimal signs of frayed furnishings and ageing ceilings and walls. The bed, linens and pillows were just okay and not something that you will rave about.

Rosal Hotel Pasig Room

There is a small cable LCD TV with limited channels. My only complain is the remote is not working (we checked-in at room #56). The air conditioning works perfectly. There is a designated dining area that also serves as a work space if you are brining work in your Rosal hotel room. Surprisingly Wifi signal is strong with a fast internet connection.

Rosal Hotel Pasig City

The toilet and bath is spacious and very clean. It comes with 2 bath towels and 2 pairs of slippers. There is hot and cold shower. Same with the neighboring Orchids Hotel, toiletries are for sale except for the small soap. Since Rosal hotel offers short time rates, condoms are also  available for 30 Php.

  • toothbrush – 15 Php
  • toothpaste –  10 Php
  • Shampoo – 10 Php
  • conditioner – 10 Php
  • Mouthwash – 55 Php

Rosal Hotel Pasig Room Rates

  • Wash-Up rate or popularly known as short-time rate (3 hours) – 540 Php (In excess of 3 hours, an extra charge of 180 Php per hour)
  • 24 hour rate – 2,325 Php (comes with free breakfast for 2)
  • Evening Special (8 PM to 8 AM) -740 Php
  • Midnight Promo (adjustable 12 hours and check-in should be between 12 AM to 5 AM except Saturdays) – 840 Php
  • Morning Special (5 solid hours and check-in should be between 4 AM to 4 PM except Saturdays) – 540 Php

Tip: Room rate for 24 hour stay is cheaper if you book HERE.

Rosal hotel also accepts major credits cards and Bancnet debit cards. Service car is also offered from Rosal hotel to various landmarks around Pasig.

Tip: If you are visiting without a car, Uber is cheaper than Rosal hotel’s service car. I am giving you 100 Pesos off each of your first 2 Uber rides. Just use the promo code ‘edp1000ue‘ and sign-up here.

Overall, Rosal hotel Pasig is just like any other cheap motels in the metro. What sets it apart is the clean and spacious rooms and toilet. It is a good place for a short time stay if you are visiting Pasig City.

Rosal Hotel Pasig contact number: +63 2 6352729
Adress: Jardin De Rosal Hotel, Hillcrest Drive, Bagong Ilog, Pasig City, Philippines

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Where to Stay in Lucena: Star Garden Tower Hotel

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer
twin bedroom star garden tower hotel lucena city

Star Garden Tower Hotel is situated right in the heart of Lucena City, Quezon Province. Located along Quezon Avenue, this nine-storey mid range hotel just few meters to convenience stores, fast foods, schools and a local shopping mall. Star Garden Tower Hotel is also a few minute jeepney ride away to various Lucena City landmarks such as the Lucena Perez Park, Quezon Convention Center and Quezon Provincial Government office.

It was during the Pahiyas Festival when we arrived in Lucena City. Me and Jen (my Pahiyas Festival travel buddy)  who I met for the fist time didn’t reserve any hotel/lodge prior to our Lucban trip. I was too confident that everything will go well, just like my any other DIY trips where I did not bother to reserve accommodations. When we arrived in Lucena, I started calling hotels in Lucban inquiring for room availability. From one call to another, I was not getting not so good response from the attendants as all hotels were fully booked! Well, I did not anticipate that we are attending one of the biggest festivals in the Philippines and hotels in Lucban easily get fully booked during the season. Since we were already in Lucena, a gateway to Lucban, I decided to check Agoda and other hotel booking sites for hotels in Lucena. Unfortunately, all listed Lucena hotels were also also fully booked! Too my desperation, I continuously searched for hotels in the internet and found Mercado motel along Lucena’s Quezon Avenue.

Star Garden Tower Hotel Lucena Quezon
Facade of the Star Garden Hotel, Lucena City, Quezon Province

Since I was concerned of my company and I wouldn’t want her to experience sleeping in a cheap motel (especially that it was our first time to travel together), I was still hoping to see a decent accommodation where we could spend the night in Lucena. Luckily, on our way to Mercado motel,  we passed by Star Garden Tower Hotel. We immediately alighted the jeepney and headed to the hotel.

As we entered the modern architecture of the hotel, we were greeted by Gladys, a very welcoming and pleasant attendant of Star Garden Tower Hotel. We immediately inquired and were informed that there will be one available twin bed room by noon time. Me and Jen did not hesitate to pay for the room to make sure that we’ll have a decent place to rest and sleep after visiting Lucban.

lucena city hotel lobby

Since we were too early for check-in and we wanted to be in Lucban as early as possible, we left our backpacks to Glady’s and we immediately left for Lucban.

Star Garden Tower Hotel Lucena City Room Rates

  • Starndard (Single Bed) – 1,738 Php
  • Extra Standard (Queen sized bed) – 2,068 Php
  • Double (Queen size bed, mini bar) – 2,068 Php
  • Twin (2 single beds) – 2,508 Php
  • Junior Suite (Queen size bed, additional, Jacuzzi) – 3,828 Php (additional 1,000 for Jacuzzi use)
  • Sky Executive Suite (master’s bedroom, one twin room, living room and dining room) – 8,140 Php

After enjoying the Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, we headed back to Star Garden Tower Hotel in Lucena.

Twin Room at Star Garden Tower Hotel Lucena City

twin bedroom star garden tower hotel lucena city
Twin bedroom at Start Garden Tower Hotel (2,508 Php)

I was expecting that the room would be decent and it did not disappoint. The room was clean and spacious. The air conditioning unit was working perfectly. There was only a medium-sized pillow and a throw-pillow for each bed, nonetheless the bed was really comfortable. The room has an LCD cable TV and beneath it is a mini refrigerator that comes with a 2 complimentary bottled water.  There was a fairly sized closet with a mirror right in the corner of the room. A frosted glass door separates the clean and spacious toilet and bath to the bedroom.  The hotel wifi signal was strong and the internet speed was decent.

Since the hotel is in a province, Star Garden Tower hotel did not give me that rustic feel that I felt in some other hotels situated in provinces.  A 2,500+ Php room is quite pricey for a budget traveler like me but I then realized that it is a twin bedroom and I have someone with me to share the room expense. A 1,250+ Php comfortable and decent room situated in the city center is not bad at all.

The customer service was excellent! the hotel staff were welcoming, friendly and accommodating. Gladys, the front desk was very pleasant. We asked her instructions and asked for her recommendations on how to get around and where to go around the city. She knows what customer service is!

Star Garden Tower Hotel’s Sky Lounge

Bar at star Garden Tower Hotel
Sky Bar/Star Lounge

The hotel also has a Sky Bar/Sky Lounge that offers fine drinks and sounds at night. In the morning, the lounge serves as the area for guests’ complimentary breakfast. Speaking of which, the complimentary breakfast was okay but may not be enough for those who eat heavy breakfast.

Being in a location where most of the business establishments in Lucena are situated, this is an ideal hotel for businessmen and travelling professionals who has transactions and business to do in Lucena city. If you are a budget traveler and is willing to pay for a minimum of 1,800 Php for a night, I would definitely recommend Star Garden Tower Hotel.

Star Garden Tower Hotel Location:  2948-B Quezon Avenue Lucena City
Star Garden Tower Hotel contact numbers:  +63 42 7104437 / +63 932 4060362
Unfortunately, Star Garden Tower Hotel currently do not offer online booking. You may book other Lucena city hotels here.

 

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