Unbelievable Makati Luxury: Holiday Inn & Suites Awaits!
Unbelievable Makati Luxury: Holiday Inn & Suites Awaits!
Unbelievable Makati Luxury: Holiday Inn & Suites Awaits! (Or Does It…?) – A Brutally Honest Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to unload the full, messy truth about the Holiday Inn & Suites Makati. Forget those polished, perfect hotel reviews. This is the real deal, warts and all. We're talking a stay that was a rollercoaster of amazing and "wait, what?!" sprinkled with a healthy dose of "is this real life?"
First Impressions – The Good, The… Questionable?
The promise of luxury at the Holiday Inn & Suites Makati is strong. The marketing is slick; the pictures? Gorgeous. It definitely looks the part. The lobby is all gleaming marble, and the staff? Super friendly, especially during check-in. (Contactless check-in/out? Check. Smooth as silk, I have to say.) They practically beam at you. But, and this is a big but, the reality… Well, let's just say it’s not always quite as seamless.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag
They advertise themselves as Facilities for disabled guests. Elevator? Check. But the devil, as always, is in the details. I didn't specifically need those facilities, but I did notice a few things. The hallways seemed wide enough for wheelchairs, and the front desk staff were quick to offer assistance when they saw me struggling with my luggage (yep, that's the reality of my messy life - I pack way too much!). Still, I can't give a definitive answer without firsthand experience. More on that later.
The Room – My Personal Shangri-La (Mostly)
The room itself? Surprisingly spacious. Air conditioning? Absolutely. Thank GOD. Makati is HOT. The bed? Oh, the bed! Seriously, it was like sinking into a cloud. Extra long bed? Yup. Blackout curtains? Glorious. I mean, I actually slept well! (A miracle, truly.) They give you bathrobes and slippers! What a treat. Slippers are the little things.
However… and there’s always a “however,” isn't there? The décor felt a little dated. Like, maybe they haven't updated since… well, let’s just say the Nineties. Carpeting? Yes. Carpeting that might have seen better days. (But, hey, the cleanliness was impeccable - more on that later.) The room decor felt a little corporate-y. You know, the kind of place that feels like it's designed by committee. The bathroom, though? Surprisingly modern. The separate shower/bathtub was a plus. And the complimentary tea? A lifesaver after a long day of dodging traffic.
Cleanliness and Safety: Gold Star Award!
Okay, on a scale of 1 to, "I'm afraid to touch anything," this place gets a solid 10. Seriously, Cleanliness and safety are clearly a massive priority. Rooms sanitized between stays? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Individually-wrapped food options? Check. Hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE? Check. They follow the hygiene protocol with Professional-grade sanitizing services and Anti-viral cleaning products and trained staff. It was reassuring, especially given… well, you know. They even offer a Room sanitization opt-out available if you're into that sort of thing. Peace of mind? Absolutely. This is the stuff you think about in the back of your head but rarely see executed so well.
The Breakfast in room service, they even offered a Breakfast takeaway service. I mean it's convenient, but I'm a bit of a breakfast buff, myself.
Dining: A Buffet Odyssey (and a Missed Opportunity)
The Breakfast [buffet] was, well, a buffet. A pretty decent one, I will admit. Asian breakfast? Check. Western breakfast? Check. Coffee/tea in restaurant? Check. Soup in restaurant? YES I needed that. The coffee wasn't the best in the world, but the complimentary bottle of water in the room was always welcome.
But, and this is where the "missed opportunity" comes in, is the bottle of water! The other food options were fine. They had a Bar and Poolside bar (which looked amazing). I would've liked to dive in.
The Restaurants themselves felt a little… uninspired. I was expecting a vibrant dining scene, but it didn't quite deliver. I'm also not much of a cook. I would have loved more of a focus on local, exciting cuisine (and a GREAT margarita). Vegetarian restaurant? Yes. A la carte in restaurant? Yes. But it felt like they could have amped up the flavor and personality, especially in a city like Makati.
Ways to Relax: Pool, Spa, and the Dream of… A Nap.
The Swimming pool [outdoor] is gorgeous. I'm serious. Pool with view? Yes! The view of the city from the pool is straight-up breathtaking. I spent a good chunk of my time lounging there. Now, the Fitness center? I'm not a gym rat, but it looked well-equipped. Then there is the Spa! Oh, the spa. They list Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom. YES! I got a massage. I needed a good massage- after all this stress! The massage was excellent. I left feeling like a new person. This is what a vacation is all about.
Internet: The Truth is Out There (But Sometimes Slow)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! Free Wi-Fi! And it actually worked most of the time. They also advertised Internet access – LAN, but I didn’t even bother. I'd say the Wi-Fi was reasonably reliable – maybe a little spotty at times, which is a bit of a drag. Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas were generally good.
Services and Conveniences: Above and Beyond (Mostly)
Daily housekeeping? Check. Concierge? Check. Laundry service? Check. Dry cleaning? Check. Basically, they've got you covered. Cash withdrawal? Easy peasy. Currency exchange? They've got it.
The staff were consistently helpful and accommodating. Doorman? Yep. Luggage storage? No problem. They also had a Gift/souvenir shop (perfect for picking up last-minute presents).
And here’s a quirky observation: they have a Shrine. Really! Right in the lobby. It's a bit… unexpected. But hey, it adds character, right?
Things to do: It's all about being in Makati!
The hotel is well-located – close to everything. The Taxi service was reliable. Car park [free of charge] is a definite plus.
For the Kids: Family Friendly!
Babysitting service? Yup! Kids facilities? Absolutely. So if I were traveling with my kids, there would be no problems.
The Final Verdict… And a Crazy Offer!
Okay, here's the brutally honest summary: The Holiday Inn & Suites Makati is a solid choice for a comfortable, convenient stay in Makati. It's clean. The staff are lovely. The pool is amazing. It’s a safe bet.
It's not perfect. The dining could be elevated. The décor could use a refresh. But overall? I'd recommend it. It's a good option.
And now, the offer to get me to book!
Unbelievable Makati Luxury: Holiday Inn & Suites Awaits!
Okay, listen up! Are you ready to experience genuine Makati luxury without the usual BS? If you're looking for a clean, comfortable, and conveniently located hotel with an amazing pool and top-notch service, then the Holiday Inn & Suites Makati is a fantastic choice!
Here's what you get:
- Luxurious Comfort: Sink into our plush beds, enjoy the blackout curtains and take the slippers that we provide right into the separate shower/bathtub!
- Safety and Peace of Mind: Rest easy knowing that we prioritize your health with rigorous sanitation protocols, safe dining setups, and trained staff.
- Spectacular Views: Cool off in our stunning outdoor pool and take in the breathtaking cityscape.
- Convenience: Take advantage of our prime location, free Wi-Fi, and a host of services to make your stay stress-free.
But wait, there's more!
Book your stay with us within the next 30 days and get a complimentary upgrade to a room with a city view AND a free cocktail at our poolside bar! (I highly recommend the margarita… just sayin'.)
Don't miss out on this amazing offer! Click the link below to book your unforgettable Makati getaway today!
[Link to Hotel Booking]
(P.S. Don't forget to try the massage! Seriously, you won't regret it.)
**(P.P
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Karuizawa Club & Hewitt Resort - Your Dream Escape!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, perfectly-planned itinerary. This is my (slightly chaotic) love letter to Manila, written after a stay at the Holiday Inn & Suites Makati by IHG. And let me tell you, it was a ride.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Manila Swelter (aka "Why Did I Choose August?")
10:00 AM: Touchdown at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Good Lord, it hits you the second you step out of the plane – a glorious, humid, choking hug of Manila air. My glasses immediately fogged up, I started sweating faster than a politician at a press conference, and my carefully constructed "travel chic" outfit was immediately replaced with "defeated tourist chic" (read: crumpled linen).
11:00 AM: Taxi to the Holiday Inn & Suites Makati. The drive… well, it was a visual feast and a sensory overload wrapped into one. Jeepneys zipping around like colorful cockroaches, the honking symphony of a thousand impatient drivers, the vibrant chaos of street vendors hawking everything from mangoes to knock-off designer bags. My inner monologue: "Is this exhilarating or terrifying? Both. Definitely both."
12:00 PM: Check-in. The lobby of the Holiday Inn was a welcome respite from the heat – blessedly air-conditioned. The staff, bless their souls, were unfailingly polite and helpful, even when I, a sweaty, slightly overwhelmed wreck, fumbled with my paperwork. The welcome drink was a life-saver. I think it was iced tea, but I couldn’t be sure, I drank it so fast.
1:00 PM: Lunch at The Cafe in the hotel. Buffet. My weakness. My downfall. I loaded up my plate with everything – lechon (roasted pig), chicken adobo (marinated chicken), fruit, pastries… basically, I ate my weight in Filipino comfort food. The lechon skin… oh, the crispy, crackling, salty skin! Pure bliss. My stomach grumbled a little in protest later, but boy was it worth it.
3:00 PM: A nap. A necessary nap. The heat, the jet lag, the sheer intensity of it all. I crashed in my room, and the comfortable bed and AC turned into best friends. I’m pretty sure I drooled.
5:00 PM: Stumbling around Makati. I ventured out, fueled by a vague sense of needing to "experience the city." I wandered the sidewalks, which, in true Manila style, were a mixed bag of broken pavement, intrepid vendors, and the occasional stray dog. Felt a bit lost, but the general "buzz" was infectious.
- Anecdote: Saw a street vendor selling balut (boiled duck embryo). Nope. Just nope. My stomach is not adventurous enough for that. The sheer amount of people that were trying to convince me to eat it was crazy!
7:00 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant. Found a little place near the hotel. The staff greeted me with genuine warmth, and the food was simple, delicious, and cheap. I slurped up some Sinigang (sour soup) with gusto and felt like I was finally starting to get the hang of this whole "Manila thing."
9:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Exhausted but strangely exhilarated. The kind of tired that feels good, even after a slightly disastrous day.
Day 2: Intramuros and the Battle of the Souvenirs
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast buffet (again!). Hey, I’m on vacation! This time, I vowed to be more restrained… and failed. The hotel buffet offered an amazing view of the city, but my eyes often wandered off to look at the food.
- 10:00 AM: Taxi to Intramuros, the Walled City. Ah, Intramuros. Historic, charming, and a haven from the chaotic modern city. The cobblestone streets, the Spanish colonial architecture… it was like stepping back in time.
- 11:00 AM: Walking tour of Intramuros, hired the guide. He was good, and I learned a lot, but the heat was unforgiving. By the end of the tour, I felt like a melted candle. Seriously, how did people live like this?
- 1:00 PM: Lunch near Fort Santiago. Simple Filipino fare and cold drinks. The food was tasty, but I was so over-heated I was barely able to eat!
- 2:00 PM: Souvenir Shopping. THIS. Was. An. Experience. Everywhere you look, hawkers are trying to sell you something. “Sir, hello! You buy this?” “Madam, beautiful scarf for you?” My strategy: maintain eye contact, smile, and slowly back away. It worked, mostly. I did end up buying a few things, though… those little wooden carvings of jeepneys were irresistible.
- 4:00 PM: Kalesa ride. A horse-drawn carriage ride through the narrow streets. It was… charming. A little jerky, a little smelly (the horse), but charming nonetheless. It felt like I was in a movie.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant in Intramuros. I found this little restaurant, charming and traditional, and the food was amazing! The chicken adobo was easily one of the best things that I had eaten in my life.
- 8:00 PM: Back to the hotel, utterly wiped out, but heart full. Intramuros was a definite highlight.
Day 3: Shopping, Massage, and a Flight of Exhaustion
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast Buffet. Okay, I admit it. I’m addicted.
- 10:00 AM: Shopping at Greenbelt Mall. Air-conditioned heaven! Luxury brands, local boutiques… I was in retail therapy heaven. I went a bit overboard, but hey, souvenirs, right?
- Quirky Observation: The mall was a veritable fashion show. People in Manila dress. And they dress well. I, in my crumpled linen attire, suddenly felt very underdressed.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a restaurant in Greenbelt. Sushi. Something a little less heavy after my heavy eating spree…
- 2:00 PM: Massage at a spa near the hotel. Oh. My. God. Pure bliss. The masseuse was incredibly skilled, and I felt all the tension melt away. I emerged feeling like a new person.
- 4:00 PM: Relaxing by the pool. The hotel pool was small but perfect. I just sat and tried to make sure I was really relaxing.
- 7:00 PM: Final dinner at Firehouse Pizza in the hotel. I had a pizza and just let my mind drift.
- 9:00 PM: Packing and preparing for departure. A surge of sadness hit me. I genuinely hadn't expected to fall for Manila so hard. It was hot, it was chaotic, it was sometimes overwhelming. But it was also vibrant, welcoming, and full of a certain kind of energy that I found irresistible.
- 10:00 PM: Slept.
Day 4: Departure - The Sad Farewell
7:00 AM: Woke up. My flight was leaving late morning.
8:00 AM: Last breakfast buffet. One last hurrah!
9:00 AM: Check out of the hotel. The staff was very friendly and helpful!
10:00 AM: Taxi to the airport. One last drive through the streets. One last look at the colorful jeepneys, the honking traffic, the buzzing life. I smiled.
12:00 PM: Flight.
Emotional Reaction: As the plane took off, I felt… a pang of regret. I wanted to stay longer. I missed a lot. I wish I can go back at an earlier or later time to avoid the heat. But, I also knew I would never forget my time in Manila. It was imperfect, messy, and utterly unforgettable. And I can’t wait to go back.
Opinionated Language: Manila, you beautiful, chaotic, sweaty beast. You stole my heart. Holiday Inn & Suites Makati by IHG was a perfect base. I'll be back.
Unbelievable Makati Luxury: Holiday Inn & Suites Awaits! (… Or Does It?) A REALLY Messy FAQ
Okay, spill. Is this Holiday Inn really *that* luxurious? I mean, it's a Holiday Inn… right?
Alright, alright, let's get REAL. "Luxury" is a subjective beast, isn't it? Like, for *me*, luxury is a clean toilet and a decent cup of coffee. And yes, the Holiday Inn & Suites Makati *mostly* delivers on both fronts. But 'unbelievable'?! Hold your horses there, marketing team. I'd say "pleasantly surprising" is more accurate. Listen, I went in expecting the usual – a perfectly fine, perfectly functional hotel. And I got *that*, plus a little sprinkle of, dare I say… *charm*? The lobby is pretty swanky, at least. Marble floors, ridiculously polite staff… you know, the works. But then you get the room, and it's… well, see next question...
So, the room? Don't leave us hanging! What's the room *really* like? Was the pillow fight epic?
Okay, the room. Truth time. It *looked* gorgeous in the photos, all sleek lines and panoramic views. My room? Uh… let’s just say the view was… *adjacent* to a very tall building. And the sleek lines? More like… slightly chipped lines. And the pillows? Okay, the pillows were actually pretty good. Not quite pillow-fight-epic level, but definitely comfortable. I did discover a rogue hair on one of the towels, though. (Don't judge, I'm a messy person!) And the air conditioning… it was on the fritz. I spent the first hour of my stay sweating like a pig trying to find the sweet spot. That was NOT luxurious, let me tell you. Eventually, they fixed it – bless their little hearts – but it was definitely a stumble right out of the gate.
Food, glorious food! (And did they mess it up?) Tell me about the breakfast buffet – the important stuff!
Alright, breakfast… now *this* I have opinions on. And mostly positive ones! The breakfast buffet at Holiday Inn & Suites Makati? Actually, pretty darn good. They had everything you could possibly want… from the usual suspects (bacon, eggs, toast – yes!) to some seriously delicious Filipino dishes. I totally devoured a plate of adobo. (Don’t tell my doctor.) But the *real* MVP? The coffee. Strong. Hot. And readily available. Because, let's be honest, a good breakfast is basically useless without decent coffee, am I right? My ONLY gripe? The bread. It was... a bit stale. Come on, people! A little fresh bread goes a long way! But I'm willing to overlook it. The adobo made up for it. Seriously, it was worth the trip alone.
What about the location? Makati is a busy place. Is it actually *convenient*? Or just… noisy?
Makati is a *jungle*, I tell you! A concrete jungle! And yes, the Holiday Inn is right in the thick of it. Convenient? Absolutely. You're a stone's throw from everything – shopping, restaurants, nightlife. But noisy? Also, yes. I heard a car alarm for a good twenty minutes one night. And the traffic… oh, the traffic! It's a sensory overload, really. The roar of the engines, the incessant honking… it's a lot. So, if you're a light sleeper, pack some serious earplugs. Seriously. Because otherwise, you WILL be woken up at 5 AM by the sounds of the city! Or, you know… embrace it. Become one with the honking. Adapt. Become a Makati warrior.
Did you use the pool… and was it crowded? I'm not about to share a pool with a hundred screaming kids.
The pool. The pool! Listen. This is where it gets… complicated. The pool itself? Perfectly fine. Clean, well-maintained. A decent size. I actually really liked it. But the *crowds*… *sigh*. Okay, it wasn't a *constant* swarm of screaming children. But yeah, it was a little… busy. One day, I swear I saw *three* inflatables bobbing around at once. And the noise level… let's just say it wasn't exactly the relaxing oasis I was hoping for. However, there were a few brief moments of blissful peace, so I’m still on Team Pool. You know, if you can deal with the chaos. Or go at an off-peak time. Or just… embrace the chaos. Maybe bring earplugs AND a sense of humor. That might be the key.
Okay, the staff. Are they actually helpful and friendly, or just… politely pretending?
Okay, I'm going to give it to them straight: the staff are AMAZING. Seriously. They're genuinely friendly, incredibly helpful, and go above and beyond. I had a problem with the hairdryer one morning (because, yes, my hair is a disaster), and someone was up to my room in like, five minutes. They were all smiles and genuinely happy to help. It was so… refreshing? They really seemed to care about making your stay a good one. They were a definite highlight, honestly. And it was so easy to talk to them. They were genuinely helpful and not the fake kind of nice.
Would you go back? Be honest now!
Would I go back? That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? Despite the slightly wonky air conditioning, the rogue hair on the towel, and the occasional pool-based pandemonium, yes. Absolutely, yes. The good stuff – and there was plenty of it – outweighed the minor hiccups. The adobo, the friendly staff, the (mostly) comfortable pillows… it all added up to a pretty decent experience. It wasn't "unbelievable" luxury, sure, but it was a solid, comfortable stay. And sometimes, that's exactly what you need. Plus, you know… I’m a sucker for a good breakfast buffet. So yes, I'd definitely go back. Just… maybe with some extra earplugs. And a contingency plan for the air conditioning. And possibly a whole crate of adobo. Okay, maybe I *really* want to go back…
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