Manila CBD Luxury: Novotel Condo w/ Kitchen & Parking!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! You want a review of "Manila CBD Luxury: Novotel Condo w/ Kitchen & Parking!" that's less beige and more…well, me? Consider it done. Prepare for a rollercoaster, because honestly, hotels are a minefield of potential joy and utter, utter despair. Let's dive in!
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Right, so Manila. The city that never sleeps, or at least, the city that keeps you awake with the honking, the karaoke, and the sheer, delightful chaos. Landing in a place like this, you need somewhere to land. And this Novotel "Condo" (air quotes are always important) is supposed to be the landing pad. Let's see if it's a soft one, or if I need a crash helmet.
First Impressions & Accessibility (and Let's Get Real About the Elevator!)
Okay, first things first: Accessibility. This is crucial for me. I'm not in a wheelchair, but I've got dodgy knees, and a bad back. Finding out about the elevator situation is a HUGE deal. "Facilities for disabled guests" is listed, which is good. But does that actually mean anything? We'll get to that. The location itself in the CBD – smack dab in the middle of the business district – is both a blessing and a curse. Blessing: Everything's supposed to be nearby. Curse: Traffic. God have mercy on your soul. I'll come back to the parking situation later.
Check-In, Chaos, and Contactless (Or Not?)
"Contactless check-in/out"… that sounds lovely in theory, right? Fewer human interactions, less chance of awkward small talk. In practice, though, sometimes technology fails. I was hoping for smooth sailing, a quick scan of a QR code, and boom! Key in hand. Nope. There was a hiccup. The usual: a slightly confused staff member (bless their hearts, they're always overworked), a forgotten password, and a moment of existential dread as I stood in the lobby. Eventually, it worked. Pro Tip: bring your patience. It's always a useful accessory in the Philippines. The doorman, at least, was a champ. Always a smile. Always a "Sir/Madam! Welcome!" – a small thing, but it sets a good tone.
The Room! (Kitchen! Parking!)
Now for the main event: the room. It is a condo, which means – HALLELUJAH – a kitchen! This is a game-changer! Not just a glorified kettle and instant coffee (though, yes, there is a coffee/tea maker), but a real kitchen. You can actually cook! I'm a sucker for a good breakfast. The fact that I could get a decent brekkie, and avoid those dreadful early-morning hotel buffets (more on those later), was a massive plus.
Also…Parking! Free, on-site, and relatively easy to navigate. Another huge win. Manila traffic plus trying to find parking is a recipe for a mental breakdown. Having a guaranteed spot is a lifesaver.
Here's the (Very Minor) Downside: The room wasn't pristine. I'm not talking filth, but a few… quirks. Some water spots on the mirror in the bathroom. A slightly wonky lampshade. Nothing major, but it wasn’t perfectly polished. Cleanliness and safety are pretty good overall: Anti-viral cleaning products and daily disinfection in common areas give me peace of mind. But, maybe I'm a bit of a germaphobe.
Amenities: A Whirlwind Tour (and a Sigh of Relief)
Okay, here’s where things get a bit scattershot. You've got the usual suspects. Air conditioning (essential, unless you enjoy melting into a puddle of misery), Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Hallelujah again!), a desk (for pretending you're going to do some work), a safe box (for hiding your passport and emergency chocolate stash), and all the toiletries you could realistically need.
Internet Access (LAN and Wireless): Both. Always a plus, especially if you're a workaholic (or just need to stream something).
Things to Do/Ways to Relax: Okay, this part… This is where things get interesting. The swimming pool (outdoor) looked lovely. I saw a few people lounging there. I was tempted, but… Manila heat. It's brutal. The fitness center was small, but seemed adequate. The spa/sauna options are available, which is a bonus. But, to be honest, I'm usually too lazy to actually use them.
The Gym/Fitness Center: A bit small, but functional. I may be a bit too lazy to go, to be honest.
Pool with View/Spa/Steamroom: All good to haves, and I wish I could have spent more time in them.
Food and Drink: Restaurants are a Mixed Bag
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: This is where the Novotel experience stumbles a bit. There's a restaurant, and it's…okay. The price is on the higher end. The Asian breakfast was a solid B+. I had the buffet once (more on that shortly) and honestly, I didn't get too excited. Room service [24-hour] is a comforting option, especially after a long day, but it's the usual hotel fare.
Dining and Breakfast (The Saga of the Buffet!!)
Ah, the hotel buffet. A love-hate relationship, for sure. The Novotel's buffet…wasn’t terrible. It had your Asian cuisine in restaurant selection, plus some Western breakfast options. But the food felt a bit…mass-produced. It wasn’t bad, just not memorable. I did get some great fruit, and the coffee was decent. But the sheer volume of people! The scramble for the bacon. It was a bit stressful. Alternative meal arrangement options are there, but the breakfast takeaway service would have been great, if it had been available.
Food delivery is available, which is a bonus.
The Imperfections (Because Nothing is Perfect in Paradise)
Okay, let's get the negatives out the way. This isn’t a sprawling luxury palace. It's a perfectly decent hotel condo in a busy city. The decor is modern, but maybe a little… bland? The noise from the street can be an issue. I'm a fairly light sleeper, and even with the soundproofing, I could hear the faint thump of the city at night. Don’t expect the ultimate relaxation.
Cleanliness, Safety, and COVID-19 (Because We Need to Talk About It)
The hotel is trying. They have Hygiene certification, Hand sanitizer, Staff trained in safety protocol, and Rooms sanitized between stays. They also take Physical distancing of at least 1 meter seriously. This is all good. I still felt a little anxious, because, you know, COVID.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things
- Business Facilities: The usual, Meeting/banquet facilities, Projector/LED display, Xerox/fax in business center.
- For the kids.
Overall Experience (The Verdict, Finally!)
Would I stay here again? Yes, probably. It's a solid choice. The kitchen and parking are HUGE advantages, especially in Manila. It is not perfect, by any means. I'm still trying to decide whether I prefer the free parking or the kitchen.
It is a great base for exploring the city, as long as you understand what you're getting. It delivers the basics. It's reasonably comfortable. It’s clean and relatively safe. It has some nice amenities, and having a kitchen is a game-changer.
Final Rating: 3.7 Stars. Could be a 4*, but I think the whole "Novotel Condo" bit is a bit overblown.
Here's the honest truth: The Novotel Condo in Manila CBD is a perfectly good stay, if all you need is a safe place to stay. It is far from perfect. But is ideal for certain situations.
SEO Summary (Because We Have To):
- Manila CBD Luxury Novotel Condo: Good for business travelers, families, and those who value a kitchen and parking.
- Accessibility: Check, with pros and cons.
- Amenities: Solid selection.
- Overall: A practical option, with a few minor flaws, but the convenience makes it worthwhile, especially in the bustling heart of Manila.
- Key Search Terms: Manila Hotel, Novotel, CBD, Kitchen, Parking, Manila Reviews, Philippines Travel, Business Travel Manila.
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your glossy brochure itinerary. This is REAL LIFE, Manila-style, from my cozy Novotel condo near the CBD. We’re talking sweat, tears (maybe from the traffic, mostly), and a whole lotta lumpia!
The "Oh God, Did I Leave the Iron On?" Manila Adventure (November - Let's Pretend It's Next Tuesday!)
Day 1: The Arrival and the “Is This Actually My Condo?” Panic
- 3:00 PM: Landed at NAIA. Already sweating through my airport outfit (jeans, rookie mistake in Manila!). The "Arrivals" hall is a glorious chaos – families hugging, taxis honking, and a general sense of “Where do I even start?!” Found my pre-booked Grab – bless technology.
- 4:00 PM: The Grab driver (a guy named Kuya Ben, who told me his life story in Tagalog in the first 5 minutes…I understood about 30% but nodded enthusiastically) navigates the Manila traffic. It's a slow dance of honking horns and near-misses, a true baptism by fire. Made a mental note to invest in noise-cancelling headphones.
- 5:00 PM: Arrived at Novotel condo. Key card in hand, I'm ready to claim my temporary kingdom! But…is this the right floor? Is this even my door? The building feels HUGE. Finally, the right unit. Phew.
- 5:15 PM: Condo tour! Honestly, the kitchen is a godsend. I will be attempting to make adobo. Wish me luck. Parking spot secured – vital! (Trust me).
- 6:00 PM: Grocery run! (Or, as the kids say, "grocery haul"). My list: adobo ingredients (obviously), coffee (essential!), and…okay, maybe some instant noodles for emergency hunger situations. Found a decent supermarket nearby. Feeling like a local already – or at least, not quite a lost tourist.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner: Adobo attempt #1. It…wasn't pretty. Too much soy sauce. Too little…patience? It tasted fine, though. Fuel for the adventures!
- 8:30 PM: collapsed on the couch, flipping through channels. Settling in. Manila, here I come.
Day 2: Intramuros and the “Did I Just Get Sunburnt Through My Clothes?!” Experience
- 9:00 AM: Coffee (thank god for the coffee maker). Planning the day. Intramuros, the walled city, is calling my name… but first, gotta strategize.
- 10:00 AM: Uber to Intramuros. The app is my lifeline, seriously.
- 11:00 AM: Intramuros! Wow. Stepping back in time. The Spanish colonial architecture is gorgeous. Took tons of pictures, the walls felt so old but the air so humid.
- 12:00 PM: Kalesa ride – a classic. The horse's name was "Lucky." I'm not sure who was luckier, me or the horse.
- 1:00 PM: The REAL highlight: Barbara's Heritage Restaurant. Okay, I'm obsessed. The food? Delicious. The atmosphere? magical. It felt like a historical movie set. I'm talking overflowing plates of lechon kawali and a live string quartet! It was pure, unadulterated bliss. I had to force myself to stop eating. I’m still dreaming of that crispy skin! (This warrants a dedicated paragraph later, trust me).
- 2:30 PM: Fort Santiago. I think i'm melting! History lesson is beautiful but this heat! I was so glad I applied sunscreen but I wonder if it evaporated.
- 3:30 PM: Tried to find some shade. The heat was truly something else. Found a cafe tucked away – iced coffee, a savior! People-watching is a Manila national sport.
- 4:30 PM: Ubered back to the condo, feeling slightly sun-baked. Face throbbing a little - must reapply more sunscreen.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner: leftovers. Thank goodness for leftovers. They are an absolute lifesaver when you're tired and slightly fried from the sun.
- 7:00 PM: Collapse into a chair and think "did I do too much?"
Day 3: The "Shopping Spree That Almost Bankrupted Me" and the Mall of Asia Melee
- 9:30 AM: Sleep in! (A rare luxury.)
- 10:30 AM: Breakfast. Instant noodles! Feeling a little guilty, but hey, I’m on vacation (sort of).
- 11:00 AM: Taxied to a mall. The malls here are epic. I'm talking gigantic, city-within-a-city epic. SM Mall of Asia…Here I come!
- 12:00 PM: Shopping. All. Day. Long. Okay, maybe I went a little overboard. The prices are fantastic, and the selection is vast! Ended up buying a new bag. Maybe a new pair of slides. And some t-shirts. Did I really need all of this? Who cares! YOLO!
- 3:00 PM: Lunch! I thought I had a great time. I got lost and I found a restaurant in the center of the mall. I think it was a Korean barbecue. It was a good day so far.
- 4:00 PM: Walking around to get my bearings back. Found an ice cream shop! It was good.
- 6:00 PM: Traffic. This traffic is so bad. I am now late to my dinner, I'm sure.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. The dinner was okay. I think I was just a little tired from shopping.
Day 4: “The Adobo Redemption” and the “Seriously Considering Moving Here” Moment
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast: Coffee and a pastry from the nearby bakery. The little things!
- 10:00 AM: Adobo Attempt #2! Armed with a new recipe and a newfound respect for patience, I tackled the adobo again. This time, victory! Okay, maybe not a restaurant-worthy dish, but edible! And that’s a win in my book.
- 11:00 AM: Laundry day! The condo has laundry facilities, which is awesome. Did a load, then hung out on the balcony, watching the city bustle below.
- 1:00 PM: Checked out a nearby cafe. It was really good. Really relaxing.
- 2:00 PM: Walk around the condos. Feeling the energy of the city.
- 3:00 PM: Relaxed at the condo. Feeling good!
- 4:00 PM: Dinner tonight! Tried a restaurant. The restaurant was pretty good but just filled with tourists.
- 5:00 PM: Slept! I was a little tired for sure.
- 6:00 PM: Found some friends to talk to. They are great!
Day 5: The "Real" Manila and the Goodbye Blues
- 9:00 AM: Started planning what I want to do today.
- 10:00 AM: Got ready to head out.
- 11:00 AM: Headed out!
Final Thoughts… and the Barbara's Obsession (Deserves its Own Section)
- Manila is…intense. It’s chaotic. It’s loud. It’s beautiful. It's a sensory overload.
- The traffic is a beast, but the people are warm and welcoming. Strangers smile, help you with directions, and generally try to make your life easier.
- The food! Oh, the food! I’m going to miss it. And I’m already planning my return trip – for more adobo, more shopping, and definitely, definitely a return to…
- Barbara's Heritage Restaurant: Okay, let me gush. This place is pure magic. The ambiance is divine. The food? Exquisite. They had a whole buffet, but the lechon kawali? Crispy, fatty, and perfectly seasoned. I nearly cried with joy. (Okay, maybe I teared up a little). The service was impeccable. The music added to the experience. If you go to Manila, GO TO BARBARA'S. Trust me. You won’t regret it. It was the single best meal of my trip.
The End… (For Now)
This itinerary is a mess. It's not perfect. I missed things. I got lost. I ate too much. But it captures the essence of Manila – the good, the bad, and the gloriously delicious. And I wouldn't trade it for anything. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I need to find a recipe for that lechon kawali…
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So, like, is this Novotel Condo actually LUXURY, or just, you know, "condo-ish" luxury? Spill the tea! (And by tea, I mean the actual tea situation... does it come with, like, decent tea bags?)
The Kitchen! Does this place *actually* have a kitchen? Because, you know, "kitchens" in some condos are just glorified coffee stations. How's the setup? (And can I actually cook a decent meal there, or am I doomed to instant noodles?)
Parking: Easy Peasy or a Manila Traffic Nightmare? I have a car. Pray for me…
Okay, so, location, location, location. Is it actually "Manila CBD?" (And, more importantly, is it noisy at night?)
Amenities! What about the pool, gym, etc.? Are they decent? (And are they ever actually *open*?)
Was it actually WORTH the money? What's the final verdict? Would you recommend this place?
