Manila's BEST Staff Housing: Unbeatable Comfort & Location!
Manila's BEST Staff Housing: UNBEATABLE Comfort & Location! (Yeah, Right?) - A Brutally Honest Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans—and maybe some lukewarm coffee from the mini-bar—on Manila's "BEST Staff Housing." They boast "Unbeatable Comfort & Location!" which, let's be honest folks, is a claim that sets my BS detector buzzing like a faulty fire alarm. But hey, I'm a sucker for a good review, so here we go, warts and all… and trust me, there are warts.
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- Keywords: Manila Staff Housing, Employee Accommodation, Philippines, Best Housing, Comfort, Location, Accessibility, Amenities, Cleanliness, Safety, Dining, Services, Room Features, COVID-19 Protocols, Fitness Center, Swimming Pool, Staff Accommodation Review, Manila Hotel Review.
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of Manila's supposed "BEST Staff Housing," covering everything from accessibility and amenities to cleanliness and the all-important "vibe." Find out if it lives up to the hype (spoiler alert: maybe not entirely), with a deep dive into the good, the bad, and the hilariously awkward.
The Grand Entrance (and Accessibility, or Lack Thereof – Immediate Buzzkill)
First impressions? Well, let’s just say my wheelchair-bound friend, Miguel, almost broke his neck trying to get in. "Accessibility" is apparently a loosely-used word here. There are "facilities for disabled guests," according to the website, but good luck navigating the maze of hallways and questionable ramps. The elevator? Tiny. The doors? Narrow. It's like they designed this place for a particularly agile hobbit. I'm starting to think they think ALL staff members are super agile…
Accessibility (and the Illusion Thereof):
- Wheelchair accessible: (Mostly a lie.) Limited – struggled to navigate the initial areas.
- Elevator: Small, a bit clunky, and probably wouldn't fit a giraffe.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Listed, but implementation appears… lacking.
Inside the Fortress: Rooms & Reality Checks
Okay, let's talk rooms. “Available in all rooms” they say – now, I'm not sure if they're talking in all the rooms or if they really mean it…
- Available in All Rooms:
- Air conditioning (Thank God, it's Manila!)
- Alarm clock (Useless, I just used my phone)
- Free bottled water (Always a plus, right?)
- Wi-Fi [free] (Finally, something that works!)
- Other Room Features:
- Bathrobes (Fancy!)
- Coffee/tea maker (Essential!)
- Daily housekeeping (…mostly good. More on that later)
- Ironing facilities (Handy, if clothes aren't crumpled)
- Mini bar (Overpriced… and strangely tempting)
- Private bathroom (Thank goodness!)
- Shower (Works. Mostly.)
- Satellite/cable channels (Lost in the endless channels)
The rooms themselves? They're… functional. Think "clean but not sparkling." My room had a decent view (high floor!), and the bed was…well, it was there. Not the best, not the worst. The blackout curtains are a godsend for sleeping in, but the air conditioning sometimes sounded like a dying walrus.
The Cleaning Crew: A Tale of Two Days
The "Daily Housekeeping" is a mixed bag. One day, the room was spotless, everything was organized, and I felt like a king. The next day? Stray hairs in the bathroom (yikes), the bed slightly unmade, and a vague sense of “meh.” It just depends on the day, apparently.
Safety & Security: Are We Safe?
Alright, let's get serious for a moment. Manila isn't exactly known for its pristine safety record. Here’s the lowdown on what I witnessed:
- CCTV in common areas: Check. A reassuring presence, even if it doesn't always make you feel safe.
- CCTV outside property: Present, but cameras like these are rarely that trustworthy.
- Fire extinguisher: Yep, I saw one.
- Front desk [24-hour]: Always someone there, which is definitely a plus.
- Smoke alarms: I hope they work!
- Security [24-hour]: Guards on patrol, but I wouldn’t try anything stupid.
The security felt reasonably solid, thank goodness.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: A Culinary Adventure… or Disaster?
The dining options here vary. The "Restaurants" are ok (some are downright depressing).
- Restaurants
- A la carte: Fine, not amazing.
- Asian and Western cuisine: They try, bless their hearts.
- Buffet in restaurant: A bit hit-or-miss depending on the day and time.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Adequate.
- Happy hour: They exist… somewhere.
- Poolside bar: Nice view but pricey.
- Salad in restaurant: Fresh! Kinda.
- Snack Bar
- The snack bar is life-saving.
The COVID Factor: Are They Trying?
Look, I am worried about COVID.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: I saw some people wiping things down.
- Hand sanitizer: Lots of hand sanitizer. Which is good.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Yes, thankfully.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Mostly!
- Room sanitization opt-out available: A good sign.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Hopefully!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: The Struggle is Real
- Fitness center: It exists. I didn’t go.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: The saving grace. The view is… passable. (Yes, the view is of a parking lot, but whatevs!)
Basically, you're stuck with what's available.
Services & Conveniences: The Bare Minimum
- Concierge: Hit or miss.
- Convenience store: A life-saver for forgotten essentials.
- Laundry service: Expensive but necessary.
- Luggage storage: Available.
Let’s Talk About the Bad… Because, Oh Boy…
- Communication Breakdown: The staff’s English skills varied wildly. Sometimes, it was a struggle to get basic requests understood.
- The Noise: Thin walls! You hear EVERYTHING – late-night conversations, slamming doors, the walrus-like air conditioning…
- The Bugs: I saw a couple of cockroaches. Enough said.
- The Price: Not unreasonable considering the location, but you’re certainly paying for the privilege of "convenience."
- The Vibe: It just felt like staff housing. Not always in a cosy, communal, kind of way. Sometimes it just feels… meh.
The Verdict (My Unfiltered Opinion)
Is Manila's "BEST Staff Housing" as amazing as it claims? Heck no. Is it entirely dreadful? Definitely not. It’s… complicated. The location is great, the free Wi-Fi is a win, and the pool is nice. But the accessibility challenges, inconsistent cleaning, and occasional shortcomings in service really take the shine off.
My Final Rating: 3 out of 5 stars. Solid, but with serious room for improvement. I will survive and even enjoy certain parts, but it’s not some luxury paradise.
Paradise Found: Riu Palace Costa Rica - All-Inclusive Luxury Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't going to be your sterile, corporate-approved itinerary. This is a raw, unfiltered "survival guide for Manila with a Company Staff Accommodation" kind of deal. Consider this a journey… through my scrambled brain. Manila Mayhem: A Week of Corporate Accommodation & Existential Dread (Mostly Kidding!)
The Premise: We're in Manila. We're probably working. We're living in the Company Staff Accommodation, which, let's be honest, could be anything from a luxurious condo to, well… let's just say a place where you wouldn't want to drop a single contact lens. But we're going to make the best of it, right? Right?!
Day 1: Arrival, Awkward Introductions, and the Search for Decent Coffee (and Sanity)
- Morning (aka The Flight of Fear): Land in Manila. The air hits you like a damp, warm wall. Immediate emotional reaction: WHOA. What have I gotten myself into? Immigration: pray to the gods of polite officials and hope your passport picture doesn't make YOU look like a criminal.
- Afternoon (Finding the Place): Find the company accommodation. (Important first step, lest you wander around aimlessly in the tropical heat like a lost flamingo.) Inspect the room. Note the lack of natural light. Contemplate the meaning of life. Pray the aircon works. Deep breaths.
- Afternoon (The Caffeine Quest): Okay, coffee. Essential. The instant coffee in the accommodation is a crime against humanity. Locate a Starbucks/local tindahan ASAP. The first sip of real coffee is a small victory. Cherish it. Maybe buy an extra pastry. You deserve it.
- Evening (The Icebreaker from Heck): Company dinner. Force yourself to mingle. Try to remember names. Fake enthusiasm. Smile. Repeat. This is where I usually trip over my tongue or say something deeply embarrassing. Forgive yourself in advance. (Remember to take advantage of the free food because you are still getting your bearing)
Day 2: The Work Grind, Traffic Trauma, & the Joy of Street Food (Maybe)
- Morning (The Commute from Hell): Traffic. Manila traffic is legendary for a reason. Expect delays. Plan accordingly. Pack a book. Download podcasts. Develop a philosophy of acceptance. Rage is futile. I once spent three hours in a taxi that moved about 200 meters. That was an experience.
- Daytime (Work, Work, Work): Actually do some work. Try not to let the general chaos of Manila distract you. Concentrate. Think of your paycheck. Maybe that new laptop you want.
- Afternoon (Street Food Adventures): Cautiously explore the street food scene. I'm talking about trying the fish balls (those little orange, chewy balls) from a vendor. They look dubious, but they're delicious, you know. WARNING: Always double-check (very carefully) the Hygiene before purchasing.
- Evening (Accommodation Aftermath): Dinner in the accommodation. Maybe cook. Maybe order delivery. Contemplate the sheer volume of plastic takeaway containers. Miss your home.
Day 3: Shopping, Sanctuaries, and a Potential Breakdown
- Morning (The Shopping Spree): Experience a mall. Manila's Malls are palaces of consumerism. The sheer scale is overwhelming. Get lost. Buy something completely unnecessary. The retail therapy is real.
- Afternoon (A Glimpse of Peace): Find a church or a park or any green space. Manila is a city of concrete and chaos. You need a quiet moment. Breathe. Remember that the Philippines is beautiful.
- Evening (The Emotional Cave-In): This is the day the homesickness might hit hard. The food is too salty. The noise is endless. The internet is slow. You miss your cat. Call someone. Watch a terrible movie. Eat that entire pint of ice cream you’ve been hoarding because you deserve it.
- Nighttime (Overthinking Phase): Question your life choices. Why am I here? Is this my forever job? Should I have become a farmer with goats instead?
Day 4: Going Deep - A Day Dedicated to Binondo Chinatown (and a LOT of food!)
- Morning (The Chinatown Awakening): Get up early. Hit Binondo Chinatown. It's a sensory explosion. Incense, chatter, smells that are amazing and a tiny bit…questionable. Street food is NEXT LEVEL here. This is the day to really try the authentic stuff.
- Afternoon (Food Glorious Food – The Binondo Food Crawl): Let's be realistic: This is the whole point of the day. Hit up:
- Dong Bei Dumplings: (I literally dream about these. They are juicy, flavorful, perfect.) Get ready to line up. It's worth it.
- Fried Siopao: (Those pillowy buns filled with savory pork. Eat them hot.) They keep you coming back
- Yin & Yang Restaurant (For Good Luck!): Try the Noodles and the Fortune cookies.
- Eng Bee Tin Hopia Factory: (The pastry hopia is a must-try.) Buy a box!
- Evening (The Food Coma): You will be stuffed. You will waddle. You will be deliriously happy. Take the longest bus ride back for the experience.
Day 5: Culture, History, and Possibly Regret
- Morning (Intramuros): Visit Intramuros, the "Walled City." It's a step back in time. Cobblestone streets. Forts. Churches. Learn about the history. Pay attention! (Even if you're secretly thinking about lunch.)
- Afternoon (Something Cultural): Maybe a museum. Maybe a art gallery. Maybe just a really good nap. The art scene is amazing - but don't feel bad if you're more into gelato.
- Evening (The Dinner Dilemma): Deciding what to eat is a big decision. Do you try some of the local restaurants? Or do you just order a pizza from a place you recognise? The inner conflict is REAL. Also, laundry. Do some laundry.
- Nighttime (Reflection and Recharge): Write in your journal (or, let's be honest, your notes app.) What makes you happy? What sucks? What do you need? Remind yourself that you are strong, resilient, and deserve a nice bath.
Day 6: The Getaway Gamble (Optional)
- Morning (Escape Route – Weekend Trip?): Is there a weekend trip? If you can, GO. Explore the beaches, the mountains, the local towns.
- Afternoon (Island Hopping/Hiking/Relaxing?): Be with yourself. This is your moment.
- Evening (The Return): Back to Manila! You have survived the week. You have seen the light.
Day 7: Departure and The Aftermath
- Morning (The Goodbye Blues): Packing. Last-minute coffee. Final frantic attempts to buy souvenirs. Think that you want to come back but you also need a break.
- Afternoon (The Airport Run): The usual airport chaos. Try not to panic. Say goodbye to all the friends from the past week. Get on the flight.
- Evening (Back Home): The world seems quieter. The air smells cleaner. You have stories. You have memories. You have survived. And you will, probably, do it again.
Important Notes (aka The Real Deal):
- Embrace the Chaos: Manila is messy. Loud. Overwhelming. It's part of the charm. Let go of control. Go with the flow (as much as possible).
- Traffic is a Mindset: Learn to accept it. See it as a chance to read, reflect, or just zone out.
- Eat ALL the Food: Don't be afraid to try new things. Be adventurous (but cautious about food hygiene).
- Learn a Few Basic Filipino Phrases: Magandang umaga (Good morning), Salamat (Thank you), Magkano po? (How much is it?) - it goes a long way.
- Take Care of Yourself: This is a tough city. Drink lots of water. Get enough sleep. Find your happy place (even if it’s just a corner of your accommodation).
- Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help: The locals are generally friendly. Ask for directions. Don't be afraid to admit you're lost.
- Enjoy the Ride: It might be challenging. It might be frustrating. But it will also be an adventure. Embrace it!
Now, go forth and conquer (or at least, survive) Manila! Good luck!
Escape to Paradise: Sukorn Cabana Resort, Trang, Thailand Awaits!
Okay, so "BEST" Staff Housing... Is that just marketing hype? Or is there *actually* something to it?
Look, let's be real. The word "BEST" gets thrown around like confetti. But honestly? Having lived in a few *ahem* less-than-stellar accommodations in Manila before, I can honestly say there's a legitimate argument to be made. It's not perfect. It's not a five-star hotel. It's a *home*. And a pretty darn good one, all things considered. The sheer relief of not commuting for two and a half hours to finally get to your room? Priceless. That's the first win, right there.
What can I *actually* expect in terms of room size and amenities? Are we talking shoeboxes or something livable?
Okay, the shoebox days… gone. Usually. I mean, it depends on the specific building. Some are older, some are newer. But generally, you're looking at a private room, maybe with an en-suite bathroom (HOORAY!). It might not be palatial, but you'll have SPACE. Enough space to actually walk around, put up some posters (crucial for sanity), and maybe even do a little impromptu dance-off when nobody's watching. And hey! Air conditioning? That's a lifesaver in Manila. So, yeah, livable. Absolutely. Though I did once have a roommate who hoarded... well, let's just say it involved a lot of empty instant noodle packets. *Shudder*. But that's more of a roommate issue than a housing one, I guess? Still haunt me though.
And the location? Manila traffic is legendary. How close *is* "close" to work?
This is where BEST Housing *really* shines. Seriously, location is everything in Manila. I’d hazard a guess that it is the single biggest reason for its… well, its bestness. You're talking walking distance (bliss!) or a *maybe* a short jeepney ride. No more soul-crushing commutes! Let me tell you, after spending an hour and a half stuck in a jeepney listening to the same Taylor Swift song on repeat (true story, people), the sheer joy of being able to walk a few blocks is beyond words. I almost cried the first time. Okay, I probably did. Don't judge. It's a huge quality-of-life improvement.
Food! I hear Filipino food is amazing. Is there access to a kitchen or dining facilities?
Yes! Usually, there will be a shared kitchen. Sometimes it's a bit… well, "rustic." And by that, I mean, you might find a cockroach or two. But who hasn't, right? And honestly, after a while, you just learn to live with that kind of thing. Just get used to keeping your food sealed tight. There will often be a communal dining area and I'm sure you can find someone who can cook. And look, even if the kitchen is… challenged, you're in Manila! Street food is EVERYWHERE and CHEAP! Which is a glorious blessing, truly.
What about security? Is it safe? I've heard… things… about Manila.
Right, let's be frank. Manila isn't Disneyland. But BEST Housing generally takes security seriously. There'll be security guards, maybe CCTV – things like that. You know, the usual precautions. Now, is it *impenetrable*? Probably not. But it's safer than you'd be wandering around alone at 3 am, that's for sure. Just use common sense, keep your wits about you, and don't flash your fancy phone around like you're trying to make friends with pickpockets. And I say ‘security’ takes it seriously, then they do. I mean, one time I forgot my key card and the guy at the front desk gave me the dirtiest look, like I was trying to break into Fort Knox. But, that’s better than the alternative, I would suppose.
Okay, so it sounds pretty good. But what are the downsides? Spill the tea!
Alright, alright, let's get to the nitty-gritty. The downsides:
- Noise: Manila is a loud city. You will hear things. Karaoke at 3 AM? Construction starting at 6 AM? Get used to it. Earplugs are your friend.
- The occasional cockroach: I mentioned this, didn't I? It's not a deal-breaker, but maybe bring a can of bug spray.
- Shared spaces: You'll be sharing kitchens, sometimes bathrooms. Learn to share (and to clean up after yourself!).
- The company: No matter how good the housing is, or how bad it is, you will be living with people. Some of those people might drive you mad. Prepare yourself.
Do I get to choose my roommate? Because I have a strong preference that they aren't messy.
Okay, this one… it’s a gamble, let’s be honest. You *might* get a say. You *might* get assigned. You *might* end up with someone who's the polar opposite of you. My advice? Bring earplugs, stock up on cleaning supplies, and learn the art of passive-aggressive sticky notes. Or, if you're feeling brave, talk it out with your roommate. And maybe, just maybe, you'll become unlikely friends. Or at least cohabit without killing each other. Look, you win some, you lose some.
Is there Wi-Fi? Because, you know, the internet is kind of essential these days. Also Netflix.
Yes. Usually. But sometimes that Wi-Fi can be spotty. Like, "dial-up in the 21st century" spotty. Have some downloaded movies ready. Don't expect to stream 4K all the time during peak hours. Embrace the offline life sometimes. Read a book. Talk to your housemates. Sometimes, it's a blessing in disguise. Sometimes. Other times? You are just in a raging mood because of the terrible wifi.
