Beacon Tower Makati: Manila's BEST Luxury Apartment? (You WON'T Believe This!)
Beacon Tower Makati: Manila's BEST Luxury Apartment? (You WON'T Believe This!)
Beacon Tower Makati: Manila's BEST Luxury Apartment? (You WON'T Believe This!) - Seriously, I'm Still Processing It…
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. I just got back from living (yes, LIVING) at the Beacon Tower Makati, and frankly, I need a lie-down and a stiff drink. Is it Manila's best luxury apartment? Well, let’s just say my expectations went in one direction and my experience went… whoosh… to another. Prepare for a brutally honest, slightly chaotic, and hopefully helpful review. No sugarcoating here, folks – just the unvarnished truth, seasoned with a generous helping of my (admittedly) quirky observations.
Accessibility: Getting There (and Getting Around - The Real Deal)
First things first: getting to the Beacon Tower is a breeze. Makati's notorious traffic? Yep, it’s still a thing, BUT the location is surprisingly strategic. You're close to everything (hello, Ayala Avenue!) BUT you also have the luxury of escaping the immediate fray. Getting around inside the complex? Easy-peasy. Elevators are plentiful and fast, and while I didn't specifically test EVERYTHING for wheelchair accessibility (I should have!), the layout looks pretty damn good for it. The lobby is grand, but not intimidatingly so. Score: Solid 4/5 (Pending a true wheelchair review, though the bones are good.)
Internet: Wi-Fi Woes?… Nah, Not Really
Okay, this is a BIG one for me. I NEED internet. I'm a writer. I practically breathe internet. The good news? Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Hallelujah!). The better news? It actually works. No buffering, no random dropouts. I even got a good connection on my laptop using Internet [LAN] . Bonus points for Internet services that gave me options beyond the standard wifi. Wi-Fi in public areas was also solid, which I used while chilling on the Terrace. Score: 5/5 (Internet Gods, you've heard my prayers!)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: From Buffet Bliss to Poolside Sips (and a Few Hiccups)
Alright, this is where things get interesting. The Beacon Tower throws EVERYTHING at you. Let’s dissect this feast, shall we?
- Restaurants: Plural! Yes, actual restaurants. And the A la carte in restaurant options were extensive. I had a fantastic steak at one of them (which they’d allow me to pay for with the Cashless payment service), and the International cuisine in restaurant offerings were seriously tempting.
- Breakfast: The Breakfast [buffet] was your typical hotel spread, but well-stocked and fresh. (I may or may not have eaten three plates of bacon every morning. Judge me.) They had Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western breakfast, and Western cuisine in restaurant if you wanted an upgrade. The Breakfast in room option? Absolute lifesaver. Especially after those late nights.
- Bars: They've got you covered. The Poolside bar is where I spent most of my free time, nursing a cold beer and soaking up the sun. They also have a proper bar. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was also available. Plus, the Happy hour deals were a welcome cherry on top of the experience.
- Room Service: Room service [24-hour]? Yes, please! This is where that Bottle of water came in handy when I woke up at 3 AM with a craving for something. (Also, great for the inevitable late-night snack cravings.)
- Snacks and Desserts: Snack bar? Got it. I was also impressed by the selection of Desserts in restaurant.
- The "Meh" Moments: Now, the Buffet in restaurant got a little repetitive after a while. And finding a decent Salad in restaurant was a bit of a quest. Small potatoes, though.
Score: 4.5/5 (Mostly because the buffet could use a little zhuzhing.)
Things to Do (Or, How to Actually Relax)
This is where the Beacon Tower truly shines. It's not just an apartment; it's a lifestyle.
- Pool with a View: The outdoor pool is GORGEOUS. The view? Stunning. Spending an afternoon swimming here is pure bliss.
- Spa/Wellness: They offer all the bells and whistles: Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Sauna, Steamroom, and Spa. My muscles thanked me. Seriously.
- Fitness Center: The Gym/fitness center is well-equipped and surprisingly uncrowded. I actually worked out while I was there. (Don't judge! I had free time.)
- Pro Tip: Book a massage. Seriously, just do it.
Score: 5/5 (Pure indulgence. I'm relaxed just remembering it.)
Cleanliness and Safety: Peace of Mind (and Freshly Sanitized Everything)
COVID-19? Yeah, it's still a thing. But I felt incredibly safe at the Beacon Tower.
- Sanitization Mania: Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Hand sanitizer, Sterilizing equipment, Staff trained in safety protocol, and they even offered Room sanitization opt-out available. They took this very seriously.
- Food Safety: Safe dining setup, Individually-wrapped food options, and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items (important!).
- Other Goodies: Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter (well-enforced), and Shared stationery removed. The Hygiene certification on display was reassuring.
- The Quirks: A few staff members seemed a little TOO eager to spray everything with disinfectant. (I swear, I saw them disinfect a lightbulb!)
Score: 5/5 (They take safety SERIOUSLY… maybe a little too seriously.)
Rooms, Rooms, Glorious Rooms! (Let's Talk Details)
This is where the "luxury apartment" part REALLY hits home. The rooms are… well, they're amazing.
- Space and Comfort: I had a massive Air conditioning unit and Blackout curtains, and a extra long bed. The Sofa, Seating area, and Laptop workspace were perfect.
- The Essentials: Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathtub, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Linens, Mini bar, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, and Wi-Fi [free].
- The "Fancy" Stuff: Additional toilet, Bathroom phone, Carpeting, Closet, Extra long bed, Ironing facilities, Mirror, On-demand movies, Scale, Interconnecting room(s) available, Non-smoking, and the most wonderful Window that opens.
- The Details that Impressed Me: The Daily housekeeping was impeccable, the Complimentary tea was actually good, and the Socket near the bed was a small but significant detail.
Score: 5/5 (Pure, unadulterated comfort. I might move in.)
Services and Conveniences: The Perks of Pampering
Even beyond the rooms, the Beacon Tower just… keeps providing.
- The Usual Suspects: Air conditioning in public area, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Front desk [24-hour], Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Safety deposit boxes.
- The Unexpected Delights: Babysitting service (for those with kids!), a Convenience store (for those late-night snacks!), and a Doorman.
- The "Good to Know" Stuff: Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], and Car park [on-site].
Score: 5/5 (They anticipate your every need. It's slightly unnerving but ultimately delightful.)
For the Kids:
For the kids only: Family/child friendly, Kids meal, and Babysitting service.
Getting Around:
Getting around only Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, and Valet parking.
In-Room Amenities:
**Available
Unbelievable Views Await: Conquer Beinn Bhracaigh, Pitlochry!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're diving headfirst into a chaotic, glorious, and hopefully not-too-disastrous adventure in Makati, Manila. We're talking about The Great Place at Beacon Tower. Think of this as less a polished itinerary and more a rambling, slightly hysterical love letter to a weekend of potential fun… and inevitable screw-ups.
Day 1: Arrival, Aspirations, and the Art of Winging It (and Probably Failing)
- 1:00 PM: Arrival at Beacon Tower. (Gulp.) Okay, so, I tried to be organized. Ordered a Grab, packed my emergency snacks (dark chocolate, you're a lifesaver), and even tried to look vaguely cosmopolitan. Reality? I'm sweating, already slightly stressed about the sheer size of this building, and my luggage is probably going to topple over any second. Pray for me.
- 1:30 PM: Check-in. (Pray for the receptionist.) Dear God, hoping the room is as snazzy as the pictures. (Fingers crossed for a decent view, though let's be real, I'll probably mostly be staring at my phone.) The receptionist will probably hate me because I take forever.
- 2:00 PM: Reconnaissance Mission: The Pool. (Potential for Glory, or Drowning.) Time to scout the pool. This is crucial intel. Is it Instagram-worthy? Are there plenty of sun loungers? Is the water suspiciously green? (Okay, maybe I'm being dramatic.) If this pool situation is good, we're instantly upgrading our rating. If it's a chlorine-drenched swamp… well, there's always the aircon.
- 3:00 PM: The Exploration Begins! (Or, "Where's the Nearest Coffee?") Let's wander around, get a feel for the place. Maybe find a decent cafe. If I'm being honest, the whole "exploring" bit is mostly about finding some caffeine. (My existential dread requires fuel).
- 4:00 PM: The Gym (HA!). Okay, I said I would work out. Maybe I'll just…look at the equipment? Consider the possibility of exercise? Let's be honest, the most exercise I'm likely to get is furiously speed-walking back to the room to avoid a stranger.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant. (Pretentious? Maybe.) I've been researching Makati restaurants, because that's the kind of (mildly) impressive research I do when I'm procrastinating. Hopefully somewhere with good food but not too fancy, because I'm a klutz and I'm a magnet for spilled wine.
- 8:00 PM: Sunset Drinks or a Bit of Relaxation (Pray For a Decent Cocktail Menu). A sundowner is crucial for evaluating how much the location is up to the hype, so I'm hoping to find a bar with a good vibe. If not, room service and Netflix it is. Honestly, that sounds more tempting already.
Day 2: Culture Shock, Shopping, and the Descent into a Sugar Coma(And Possibly a Breakdown)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast (My Happy Place). Okay, breakfast is sacred. Hopefully, Beacon Tower has a decent spread. If not, there's always the emergency stash of instant noodles.
- 10:00 AM: The Glorious Quest for Brunch. (Or, "Where Am I?") Time to venture out! Exploring Makati! I'm not sure if I can do this, but it is the goal of the time. Pray for me.
- 1:00 PM: Retail Therapy. (My Kryptonite.) Oh, boy. Time to unleash the shopaholic within! Makati is a shopper's paradise, but my bank account is trembling in fear. Must. Resist. Impulse. Buys. (Except maybe that ridiculously cute t-shirt I saw in the window…)
- 3:00 PM: The Massage. (Pure Bliss, or Awkwardness?) Okay, this is a must. After all this running around, I need some serious pampering to avoid a full-blown meltdown. A massage is perfect.
- 5:00 PM: The Great Sugar Rush. Okay, I need something more, something I have not planned for. I need to feel good. I am going to get the best sweets - for the taste or for the experience.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner and (Hopefully) a Decent Nightcap. (Or Maybe Just Tears.) Dinner, hopefully not eating alone, I hope.
Day 3: The Farewell, and the Realization of How Much I'll Miss This (Maybe)
- 9:00 AM: Last Breakfast (Savor Every Bite!). One last glorious meal, soaking up the atmosphere before the inevitable return to reality.
- 10:00 AM: Pack, Panic, and Possibly Regret Leaving. Packing is the worst. It's a sad reminder that the fun is ending. I'll probably overpack, forget half the things I actually need, and then have to sit on my luggage to get it to close.
- 11:00 AM: Check-out (Try Not to Cry). Say goodbye to Beacon Tower (and its potential for air conditioning). Maybe leave a small, slightly messy thank you note for the staff.
- 12:00 PM: Farewell Makati! (Until Next Time, Maybe?) Head to the airport/bus station/whatever mode of transport I'm using, with a heart full of memories (good, bad, and hilariously chaotic) And the certainty that I probably didn't do half the things I planned, but somehow, still had a blast.
So, there you have it: a messy, real, and hopefully entertaining potential travel itinerary. Remember, flexibility is key, humor is your best friend, and bringing a sense of adventure (and maybe some extra dark chocolate) is essential. Wish me luck, people. I'm going in! And who knows, maybe I'll actually have a good time. Or at least a really good story to tell.
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Beacon Tower Makati: Manila's "Best" Apartment? (Spoiler Alert: It's Complicated...)
Okay, is Beacon Tower Makati *really* all that? Like, "best luxury apartment" material? I'm skeptical...
Skepticism is healthy! And honestly? That "best" title? It's subjective. Did I think it was amazing when I first saw the photos? Absolutely. Did I think, "THIS is my destiny?" Yes! (Okay, maybe a little dramatic...) But let's be real – luxury comes with a price, and that price includes some serious **downsides** you don't see plastered all over the glossy brochures. Sure, the views are breathtaking (more on that later). The amenities? Top-notch, on paper. But let's unpack this mess. It’s not perfect, okay? Not even close!
What about the location? Is it actually *convenient* or just fancy-sounding?
Ah, the location. Beacon Tower *does* boast a prime Makati address. Easy access to the business district, malls, restaurants… All very appealing, right? RIGHT... until you're stuck in rush hour, which is basically ALL the hours. Seriously, I spent so much time idling in traffic, I could practically *hear* my savings shrinking. And don’t even get me STARTED on the construction… Always, ALWAYS some kind of road closure or building project nearby. It's not a deal-breaker, sure, but it gets old fast. "Convenience" is relative when you're crawling along at a snail's pace. It's a double-edged sword: great in theory, a bit of a nightmare in practice.
Let's talk about the views. Are they as stunning as the Instagram pics suggest?
Okay, the views? The views are… *chef's kiss*. Seriously. I had an apartment on the 38th floor, and the sunsets were genuinely breathtaking. Watching the Manila skyline light up at night? Unforgettable. I would sit there, cocktail in hand (okay, maybe a cheap beer, let’s be real) just staring out the window, feeling utterly privileged. It almost made up for the traffic, the… you know, everything else. Almost. I'll admit, it's a major selling point. *But*... remember you are still in the city. There are also the views of other towers, and the distant hum of the city itself. It’s a beauty with a constant reminder of the urban jungle...
What are the amenities like? Are they as luxurious as advertised? The pool? Gym? Etc.?
The amenities... Okay, the *pool*… it's… nice. It gets crowded. Like, REALLY crowded, especially on weekends. Finding a sun lounger? A competitive sport. The gym? Great equipment, but again, expect a wait during peak hours. I actually once witnessed a whole argument over a treadmill! The sauna? It’s nice… when it’s working. I swear, it was down for maintenance more often than it was actually open. And the kids' play area? Cute, but noisy. The game room? I used it once, and that one time I did, there was a birthday party in full swing. I just left...
The service? Is it what you'd expect in a "luxury" building?
Service… Oof. Okay, so this is where things get *really* mixed. The front desk staff? Mostly polite, efficient, and helpful. You know, the usual. But… maintenance? Don't even get me started. I had a leak in my bathroom that took *three* weeks to fix. THREE WEEKS! And the laundry service? They shrunk my *favorite* shirt. That's right, the one shirt I loved and was now ruined. So, some days, the service feels luxury, other days it feels budget-friendly.
Okay, the elephant in the room: the cost. Is it worth the price tag?
Worth it? That’s the million-dollar question, isn't it? *Is* it worth the crazy high rent? The answer is… it depends. If you have unlimited funds, a high tolerance for traffic, and are willing to overlook a few inconveniences, then sure. It *can* be a fantastic place to live. But for the average person? It's a significant financial commitment. And honestly, I often found myself questioning if the views and the occasional swim in the pool were really worth the price of living in a gold-plated cage. Think HARD about your priorities. Really, reflect on your values. It's a LOT of money.
Would you rent at Beacon Tower Makati again? Be honest!
Okay, honesty time? Probably not. I mean, the views were amazing, no doubt. But the constant noise, the traffic, the occasional service issues… Ultimately, I decided the downsides outweighed the perks. I found myself constantly stressed about the cost, about the slow internet, and about getting anywhere on time. But, here’s the kicker: a part of me, the part that loved those sunsets, the part that enjoyed the convenient proximity to everything, I think I'd miss it. So, maybe not *never* again. But for now, I'm happier (and have a lot more money) in my more modest (and less flashy) apartment, thank you very much! And it’s more *me*...
Any tips for potential renters?
Absolutely!
- Visit on a Weekday During Rush Hour: Experience the *real* commute. This is vital.
- Talk to Existing Residents: Find out about their genuine experiences...the good, the bad, and the annoying.
- Negotiate the Rent (if possible): Try to haggle! You never know what can happen, especially during off-season..
- Read the Fine Print Understand the contract *thoroughly* before signing.
- Have Backup Plans: For everything. Traffic, internet, the gym being closed. Always have backup plans!
- Remember the Maintenance: Do *not* be shy to complain!
- Embrace the Hustle: Makati is a madhouse. If you can handle it, you'll be fine.
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