Luxury Manila Living: JMM Apartment Suites Await!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the shimmering, possibly slightly overwhelming, world of Luxury Manila Living: JMM Apartment Suites Await! Let's see if this place lives up to the hype, shall we? (And trust me, I've seen some stuff in my hotel reviewing life. We’re talkin’ questionable continental breakfasts and sheets that could double as sandpaper.)
First Impressions & Getting There: Accessibility (and the Dreaded Airport Transfer)
Okay, so, Accessibility. Big deal for a lot of folks, and rightfully so. JMM gets points here, I think. They seem to list it, which is a HUGE step. Like, they mention "Facilities for disabled guests." Alright, alright, they're not hiding the ball. Gotta dig deeper to see how that actually translates into real-world usability, right? (We’ll get to that, I swear…) On-site, you’ve got an elevator (essential!), which is always a good sign. But… whispering… I'm skeptical of blanket statements until I see the specifics. Ramps? Wide doorways? I don't have insider info on ALL of that yet, but, hey, it claims to be there. So, let's leave a question mark in the accessibility box for now.
The Airport transfer is listed. Phew! Because Manila traffic? Dear God, it’s a special kind of hell. I’m picturing myself, already fried from the flight, dragging my luggage through a sea of humanity, hailing a taxi that maybe… or maybe not… speaks English. The thought alone sends shivers down my spine. So, yeah, the transfer service is a massive plus.
The Tech Stuff: Internet, Internet, Internet! (and the Glorious Absence of Lag)
Alright, let's talk about the digital age, people. We all need it! We LIVE on it! So, Internet Access? Absolutely crucial! JMM's got you covered on several fronts:
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – Bless. You. Seriously. That’s the bare minimum, but a vital one. (I've been to places where Wi-Fi was slower than a snail in molasses. Nightmare.)
- Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services. The listing's a bit vague here, but I take it to mean both the wireless and a possible wired option for those who like to hardwire to the wall. Good! Now just hope the speed is decent.
- Wi-Fi in public areas – Again, essential. I hope it's strong enough to handle Zoom calls. Let's be honest, we all have to work sometimes.
- Internet Access – wireless Available in all rooms.
Cleanliness & Safety: Post-Pandemic Peace of Mind (or, "Is This Place Actually CLEAN?")
Look, after the last few years, the cleanliness of a hotel is no longer just a "nice to have." It's a must-have. Especially if you're selling luxury. And JMM throws out all the buzzwords. Let’s see what that really means:
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hygiene certification, Rooms sanitized between stays, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. Okay, this is what I want to hear. Buzzwords are great, ACTION is better. This suggests they're taking it seriously.
- Room sanitization opt-out available – Love this. Gives you a choice. Some people are probably over the constant cleaning!
- Hand sanitizer, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. Good. Good. Good. These are all good signs.
- Shared stationery removed. I'll add that to the small list of things I don't miss from pre-pandemic life.
- Individually-wrapped food options -- necessary in the climate of Covid, and a small plus for food safety.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Because a Girl Needs Her Coffee
This is where it gets interesting. Hotels can live or die by their F&B. So, let's break it down:
- Restaurants, Coffee shop, Bar, Poolside bar, Snack bar, Room service [24-hour] – YES! 24-hour room service? You had me at “hello.”
- A la carte in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], Buffet in restaurant, Asian breakfast, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast – Options. OPTIONS! I like options. Breakfast buffet is what gives me life. As long as it's not the sandpaper-sheet variety…
- Alternative meal arrangement – Intriguing. What kind of arrangement? Dietary needs? Late night cravings? Tell me more!
- Bottle of water – Essential. Dehydration is my enemy.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant – Also essential. I'm a caffeine addict. No shame.
- Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Happy hour – If they have a decent chocolate dessert, I'm sold. Salad and soup are good for balance. Happy Hour? Sold again.
I'm especially intrigued by the Poolside bar. I can see myself there now, cocktail in hand, soaking up the Manila sun. I am so very ready.
Things to Do (and Ways to Relax): Because Vacations Aren't All About the Couch
This is where the "luxury" really starts to show, right? Let's see what JMM’s got on offer:
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Pool with view, Massage, Foot bath, Body scrub, Body wrap – Hold. The. Phone. Pool with a view? Yes. Massage? Absolutely. Everything else? Consider me in. This is looking promising.
- Proposal spot – Okay, that's specific. Romantic types, take note!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
This is where a hotel really earns its stars. It’s about the small touches.
- Air conditioning in public area, Daily housekeeping, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Room service [24-hour], Safety deposit boxes, Taxi service – All super important, and most are expected.
- Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free] – Most of these expected, but it’s nice to see them all listed. The bathrobes and slippers get bonus points for me.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Doorman, Essential condiments, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center – This hits a lot of bases. Business travelers and event planners, take note! The gift shop is good in desperate times you forgot a gift, and a shrine… odd, but interesting.
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal – Okay, I see you, JMM. This is great for families, but I'm more excited for the adults-only pool. Just kidding! Sort of…
For the Kids (and the Inner Child in All of Us)
Okay, they seem to have thought of everyone!
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal – Great for families, and if they have a decent kids club, it might even make me wish I had kids!
Rooms: The Nitty-Gritty (and the Important Stuff)
This is where the rubber meets the road. A fancy spa is useless if you're sleeping in a broom closet.
- **Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathtub, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this itinerary for the JMM Apartment Suites in Manila is about to get REAL. Forget perfect Instagram feeds; this is a train wreck waiting to happen (in the best way possible, hopefully!). Get ready for a deep dive into my chaotic travel brain…
JMM Apartment Suites: The Manila Mayhem – A Stream-of-Consciousness Itinerary
(Disclaimer: This is more of a suggestion than a rigid plan. Consider this a very loose framework. Expect deviations. Embrace the glorious mess.)
Day 1: Arrival and the Shock of Manila (or "Why Did I Pack So Many Black Clothes?")
- 10:00 AM (ish): Land at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Oh god, the humidity. It hits you like a warm, sticky blanket. Immediately regret my all-black ensemble. Seriously, what was I THINKING? Seriously, this trip needs more colors of shirts.
- 11:00 AM (ish): Find a taxi (or try to negotiate a Grab – good luck, my haggling skills are rusty). Pray to the travel gods to not get scammed into the "fixed rate" that's higher than the actual fare. Also, avoid the "airport taxi" mafia, those guys are sharks.
- 12:00 PM (ish): Arrive at JMM Apartment Suites. Hopefully, the check-in process isn't a disaster. I once spent an hour trying to explain my booking to a very confused hotel clerk in Thailand because I'd neglected to print it out. Fingers crossed I can remember my last name.
- 12:30 PM (ish): Unpack. Immediately realize I brought way too much stuff. Vow to donate half my wardrobe before I leave. (Spoiler alert: I won't.)
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Gotta find something edible. Maybe a local eatery? Or a mall food court? That's one thing I love about travelling, you always see different cultures of food in many countries.
- 2:00 PM: Explore the neighborhood of the suites! Check out nearby stores and market.
- 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Rest for a while.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner and experience the Manila's nightlight!
Day 2: Intramuros, and the Ghosts of Spanish Colonization (and My Terrible Sense of Direction)
- 9:00 AM: Wake up. If I can. Jet lag is a cruel mistress. Coffee. Lots of coffee. Maybe two cups.
- 10:00 AM (ish): Embark on an adventure to Intramuros, the walled city. Seriously, this place is like a time machine.
- 11:00 AM (ish): Stroll through the narrow streets and imagine how old the city is.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch Break and enjoy the local foods of Intramuros!
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Visit Fort Santiago - Learn and witness the history.
- 5:00 PM: Take the rest of the time enjoying the amazing experience!
Day 3: A Day Trip to Tagaytay - Taal Volcano or Bust! (Emphasis on Bust)
- 7:00 AM: The Early Start Oh god, the early start. I’m not a morning person. But hey, the Taal Volcano is calling! Or at least, the pictures of it are. Pray the traffic to Tagaytay isn't soul-crushingly awful. Pack snacks. Important.
- 8:00 AM (ish): Find transport. Taxi? Bus? Again with the negotiation skills! Pray I don’t end up crammed into a jeepney with a chicken and a crying baby.
- 9:00 AM (ish): Traffic. Oh, the traffic. Contemplate life choices as the car inches forward. Read a book. Stare out the window. Wonder if I should have just stayed in bed.
- 11:00 AM - 12:00PM: Arrive. Hike up to the volcano rim. Try not to die of exhaustion or heatstroke. Take pictures of the damn volcano!
- 1:00 PM: Lunch time! Enjoy the foods and foods!
- 2:00 - 4:00 PM Head back to the suites and rest.
- 5:00 PM Enjoy spending time at the suites or enjoy the Manila Nightlife!
Day 4: Shopping, Chaos, and Possibly Getting Lost (My Specialty)
- 10:00 AM (ish): Head to a mall. SM Mall of Asia? Greenbelt? Decisions, decisions! (More decisions than I thought I’d have to make on this trip. Should I get an iced coffee? Do I need another pair of shoes? Do I need a larger suitcase?)
- 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM: Shopping spree! Try to avoid impulse buys (unlikely). Get lost in the labyrinthine mall corridors (almost guaranteed). Buy souvenirs for people I’ll probably forget to give them.
- 4:00 PM: Head back to the suites to rest.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner and get ready for the flight the next day!
Day 5: Departure - Farewell, Manila! (And Let’s Not Forget That Humid Blanket)
- 9:00 AM: (ish): Check out of JMM Apartment Suites. Hopefully, I will have left the room in a state of semi-decency. (Sorry, housekeeping!)
- 10:00 AM: Head back to NAIA. Hope for no traffic-related delays.
- 11:00 AM (ish): Check in. Empty my pockets of all the random receipts, coins, and half-eaten snacks I've accumulated.
- 1:00 PM: The Flight. Reflect on the craziness of the trip, the delicious food, the friendly people, and the fact that I’ll probably need a vacation from my vacation.
- 2:00 PM: Take off!
Okay, spill the tea: What *actually* makes JMM Apartment Suites "luxury" in Manila? Is it just the price tag?
Ugh, "luxury." It's a word that gets thrown around like confetti, right? Okay, so JMM...it's not *just* the price tag (though, let's be honest, it's definitely a factor). I stayed there last year, and the *real* luxury, for me, was the little things. Like, remember the never-ending construction noise in my old condo? Forget about it! At JMM, it's all about the peace and quiet. Which, if you're a frazzled Manila person like me, is worth its weight in gold. Plus, the concierge actually remembered my name. Not some generic "Good morning, sir/madam." It was a personalized "Good morning, Ms. [My Last Name]! Lovely weather, isn't it?" Small, but it makes a difference, you know?
And the gym! Okay, I'm not a gym rat, but the equipment was actually *new*. And the pool? Infinity pool overlooking the city? Yeah, that's a "luxury" I could get used to. Though, the first time I went, I almost tripped on the edge. My clumsy self, I tell you.
However, my apartment, it was "luxury" in that it had a ridiculously large walk-in closet – which I promptly filled with clothes I didn't need. Haha! Okay, so maybe a slight exaggeration, but it's luxurious in the sense of having a buffer space away from city commotion.
What's the catch? There *has* to be a downside, right? My spidey senses are tingling!
Alright, alright, calm down, Detective. Yes, there's a catch. Or, several.
First, the cost. Let's address the elephant in the room: JMM ain't cheap. You're paying for the convenience, the location, the peace, the… (ugh, I hate to say it) *status*. So, yeah, it's a financial commitment.
Second, Manila traffic, darling! Though JMM is centrally located, which is a big selling point, but getting in and out during rush hour is a nightmare. You'll be stuck in traffic, but hey, at least you'll be stuck in traffic in a luxurious car... or perhaps a Grab car because you don't actually *own* a luxurious car yet.
And the "luxury" aspect... it can be a bit... performative. Some residents seem obsessed with appearances. Like, I saw this woman, bless her heart, practically *wearing* her designer shopping bags! It's Manila, you know? The 'keeping up appearances' thing is REAL.
There's also the whole "keeping up with the Joneses" dynamic. It's easy to feel the pressure to buy expensive things, eat at fancy restaurants, etc. I ended up just ordering in from my favorite cheap hole-in-the-wall resto most nights.
Oh, and the occasional power outage. Because, Manila.
Location, location, location! Where *exactly* are these suites? And is it a decent neighborhood?
Okay, so the location is usually in one of Manila's posher areas, like Makati or Bonifacio Global City (BGC). And yes, the neighborhoods are decent. Safe, relatively speaking. You won't feel like you're taking your life into your hands walking down the street at night.
They're typically close to malls (hello, shopping!), restaurants (hello, food!), and other amenities. Convenience is KING (or QUEEN!). You can probably walk to a Starbucks in your pajamas. (I may or may not have done that. Don’t judge.)
But, honestly, I found that the "decent" neighborhood was just a gilded cage sometimes. You are removed from the "real" Manila. The traffic can be a pain, I swear. And sometimes, I missed the hustle and bustle, the genuine messiness of it all. Because, you know, it’s still Manila.
What kind of amenities are we talking about? Beyond the infinity pool, of course. (And no, not just the really big closet!)
Okay, beyond the pool (which, by the way, sometimes gets overcrowded, even though it's supposed to be "exclusive"), you'll find gyms (usually well-equipped), dedicated parking (essential!), and sometimes even a spa and a mini-theater.
The concierge is usually top-notch, and they can handle everything from booking your restaurant reservations to arranging your dry cleaning. Some places have in-house restaurants or cafes, which is a plus. I once ordered room service from a place inside the building, and it was the best lechon I'd ever had! But it was expensive, naturally.
Be warned, though: these amenities can vary greatly depending on the specific JMM property. Some are flashier than others. Do your research! See everything! Ask questions!
Who is this *really* for? Like, who actually lives in these places?
Ah, the million-dollar question! Honestly, it's a mixed bag. You'll find a lot of expats, especially young professionals. They like the convenience and the security.
You'll also see wealthy Filipinos, of course, which probably makes up the biggest demographic. Families, the kind with maids and drivers and the whole shebang.
And then there's the "pretenders." The ones who are trying to keep up appearances, even if it means eating instant noodles for a month. Yes, I'm talking about myself here.
Ultimately, it's for anyone who can afford it and values convenience, security, and a certain standard of living. If you don't mind the pressure and the price tag, then go for it! I mean, I did.
Also, sometimes you'll get these people - the ones who just want to be *seen* living the luxury lifestyle! And, yeah, they're there.
Is it worth the price? Give me the honest truth! And don't sugarcoat it!
Okay, here's the brutally honest truth: whether it's "worth it" is entirely subjective. For me? Sometimes, yes. For others? Absolutely not.
It comes down to your priorities. If peace of mind, convenience, and a certain lifestyle are important to you, and you have the money, then it can be worth it.
But, if you value experiences over possessions, if you're on a budget, or if you crave the chaos and authenticity of Manila, then it might not be the right fit. There's a massive opportunity cost to your lifestyle with JMM.
I'll be honest, there were times when I felt guilty for spending so much on rent. I could have used that money for a down payment on a house or traveling, which would have brought me more long-term joy.
In the end, I'd say try to find a place that actually fits *you*, and not some image of 'luxury', if you do decideWhere To Sleep In
