Manila's Chicest 1BR Escape: Jazz Residences Awaits! (80Mbps WiFi & Netflix!)
Manila's Chicest 1BR Escape: Jazz Residences Awaits! (80Mbps WiFi & Netflix!) - A Brutally Honest Review (and a Plea to Book!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your typical hotel review. I'm here to give you the unvarnished truth about the Jazz Residences, specifically this "Chicest 1BR Escape." And frankly? I need a vacation after writing this. But hey, someone's gotta do it, right?
First Impressions: Jazz Residences - The Good, The Meh, and The "Wait, Is That a Stairwell?"
Right off the bat, accessibility is pretty darn good for Manila. Getting there is relatively painless, which is HUGE. You’ve got the airport transfer option (thank GOD), and taxis are plentiful. Parking could be a bit of a nightmare, though – it’s Manila, after all. Car park is available, so there's that. If you’re relying on public transport, let's just say you might need a strong coffee (and maybe a therapy session) before you arrive.
Now, the entrance… It's… well, it's a building. And like any building in Manila, it's got its own quirks. The lobby? Clean enough. The elevators? Okay, they work. The staff? Mostly friendly, though I caught one dude yawning so deeply he looked like he was about to swallow his own head. Accessibility-wise, I'm guessing it's decent but I didn't wheel around the whole thing, and you’d really need to check their specific accessible options with them ahead of time.
The Room Itself: My Kingdom for Blackout Curtains!
This is where things get interesting. The "Chicest 1BR Escape" promised… well, it promised escape. And honestly? It almost delivered. The promised 80Mbps WiFi? YES. Gloriously, download-movies-in-seconds YES. Netflix? Hallelujah and Amen. You can actually relax and stream without buffering. That alone is worth the price of admission in this city!
The room itself? Modern, clean-ish, and thankfully had Air Conditioning. Praise be. The bed? Comfortable enough. Blackout curtains? YES! Absolute life-saver. Sleeping in Manila, especially with those crazy lights, is a struggle for survival, so these alone improved the experience tenfold. Good on whoever did this!
Here's a confession: I have a real thing for a good bathroom. The Jazz Residences bathroom? Functional. Clean. You got your towels, toiletries, hairdryer, and the all-important hot water. Not luxurious, but serviceable.
Room for Improvement (Because Life Isn't a Perfect Filtered Photo, Sadly).
- The Kitchen. I can't quite give them perfect marks here, it wasn't a full kitchen. There was coffee, tea maker, plus the complimentary water. But don't expect to be hosting a Michelin-star cooking competition in there.
- The View. My room faced… another building. So, yeah. Not exactly postcard material. But hey, I wasn’t there to look at the view, I was there to escape it. And escape I did!
- The Soundproofing. I can still hear some street/hall noise, so it isn't perfectly soundproof.
- The Elevator. I might have some minor issues, as the elevator is always crowded and can take a while.
Amenities That Matter (and a Few That Maybe Don't)
Let's get down to brass tacks:
- Internet: 80Mbps WiFi. Seriously, life-changing.
- Pool: The swimming pool [outdoor] is a godsend after a day in the Manila heat. The pool with a view is good, even if it's overlooking other buildings. It’s a good spot for a little sun and a beer.
- Fitness Center. I didn't go (shame on me!), but it’s there.
- Restaurants/Lounges: A decent selection, from Asian Cuisine to international options. The poolside bar is a good spot for a quick drink—if you can catch a server's eye.
- Cleanliness and Safety. They take it seriously. Sanitizing, and providing antibacterial supplies are everywhere. Safety/security features are present. I felt relatively secure.
The "Fun Stuff" (and My Honest Thoughts)
- Spa/Sauna Didn't use it. Let's be honest, the idea of a sauna in Manila heat seemed… excessive.
- Breakfast: They offer different breakfast [buffet] and Asian breakfast. It was your standard hotel buffet fare. Nothing to write home about, but perfectly acceptable.
- Daily Housekeeping. The room was cleaned daily, and they took care of the laundry service too.
- Things to Do: If you’re looking for a base to explore Manila, it’s great. The concierge can help arrange tours and transportation. The gift shop offers some nice souvenirs.
Safety and the COVID-19 Elephant in the Room
They're doing their best. Temperature checks, hand sanitizers in abundance, and staff wearing masks. They've gone for Anti-viral cleaning products, including daily disinfection in common areas. They've even got individually-wrapped food options and safe dining setup. It felt like they’re trying to keep everyone safe, which is hugely important these days.
The Bottom Line: Should You Book? (Spoiler Alert: ABSOLUTELY)
Look, the Jazz Residences isn't perfect. It's in Manila, and that comes with its own set of… challenges. But, for the price, the location (close to everything), and most importantly, the blazing-fast WiFi and Netflix? Absolutely. If you need a place to relax after a day battling Manila, this is a brilliant option.
My Final Verdict: 4 out of 5 Stars.
And Now, The Pitch (aka, My Desperate Plea to You)
STOP SCROLLING. BOOK NOW!
Are you tired of Manila's chaos? Craving a haven where you can actually breathe, stream, and maybe… finally chill out? Then you NEED the "Chicest 1BR Escape" at Jazz Residences.
Here's why:
- 80Mbps WiFi & Netflix: Seriously, the internet is amazing
- Location: Great location in Manila.
- Cleanliness.
- Pool with view: Perfect after a long day.
- Everything Else: Gym, room service, restaurant, and safe and secure!
Don't delay! Book your escape today! Don't have those FOMO feelings, book that room NOW.
Dali Dream Escape: Private Villa with Hot Tub & Mountain Views!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. We are going to Manila, baby, and the plan is… well, the plan is there's no plan. Sort of. Let's call it a loose suggestion, okay? My brain is already fried from looking at flight prices, and honestly, the idea of a rigid schedule makes me want to curl up in a ball and weep. But hey, let's try.
The Manila Mayhem: A (Highly Suggestive) Itinerary
Day 1: Landing and Lockdown (The Cozy 1BR Edition)
- Arrival: Ugh. NAIA. Pray for me. The airport is a vibe, let's just say. Expect chaos, sweating, and the lingering smell of what I can only describe as "international intrigue." Once I escape the clutches of immigration (fingers crossed!), it's off to the Jazz Residences. Taxi or Grab? Decisions, decisions… probably Grab. Safer, right? Unless the driver decides to take me on a scenic, non-existent route.
- The Apartment: Holy Mother of Internet Speed! 80Mbps WiFi? Netflix-ing? My soul is already doing a happy dance. I am SO READY to crash in that 1BR. Forget unpacking, I'm throwing my bags in the corner and immediately starting a Netflix binge. Maybe after a quick shower. Definitely after a swift inspection of the bathroom for lurking… things. My paranoia is a very real travel companion.
- Evening: Food, Glorious Food (and the Slight Panic of Being Alone). Okay, this is where I need a win. I'm thinking delivery. I've spent enough time on flights and immigration to need to enjoy the relaxation of the apartment. I'm scouring the internet for local staples that are delicious. Maybe I'll try some recommendations from the apartment host. Now, the slight catch? This is solo travel, and the evening might involve eating delicious food while watching cheesy thrillers and feeling slightly… existential. But! That's part of the fun, right? Right?
Day 2: The City of Contrasts and My Unstable Stomach
- Morning: Attempt to emerge from the Netflix black hole. Seriously, that internet is a curse and a blessing. I'm going to try to actually look at the city today. Intramuros is on the agenda. The old walled city, right? Beautiful, supposedly. But first… breakfast. Maybe a Filipino breakfast like garlic fried rice, egg, and meat. Yum. I hope my stomach is up for the challenge. That street food whisper in my ear is dangerous.
- Afternoon: Intramuros and My Perpetual Fear of Getting Lost. Okay, Intramuros! Expect me to get utterly lost, despite the Google Maps. I'm a map-reading disaster. I'll try to soak in the history. The Spanish colonial architecture…the horse-drawn carriages…The heat. Dear sweet Jesus, the heat. I’m already anticipating a major sweat situation. Photo opportunities galore, though. I need to get some quality Instagram content, after all.
- Evening: Dinner and the Unpleasant Truth About Philippine Traffic. Dinner time! I'm aiming for Binondo Chinatown! Food, food, food! I want to gorge myself on dumplings and noodles and all things delicious. But first, the journey… Getting there is the test because traffic in Manila is legendary. I am bracing myself for the potential of a 1-hour journey into 3. I am willing to suffer the traffic and pray I don't throw up from the nausea of the bus.
Day 3: Culture Shock and Karaoke Catastrophe
- Morning: A Deep Dive (Maybe) Into Art. The National Museum Complex. Art! I'm… not a massive art buff. More of a "walk around, stare, pretend to understand" type. But hey, gotta appreciate the culture, right? I'll probably get distracted by the people-watching. The real art, in my opinion.
- Afternoon: Retail Therapy (and the Crushing Reality of My Bank Balance). Time to hit a mall. Because, hello, Manila! Shopping malls are practically a national pastime. I'll probably end up buying things I don't need and then have a small breakdown when I check my bank account. It's the circle of life.
- Evening: Karaoke! The Only Thing More Terrifying Than My Singing Voice Is The Fact I'm Going To Do It. I'm embracing it. Karaoke! My karaoke skills are… questionable. Let's just say I have a voice that can shatter glass. But hey, it's all in good fun, right? Right? I'm betting my life on the fact that alcohol will be involved.
Day 4: Goodbye (Maybe) and the Unspeakable Dread of the Airport
- Morning: One Last Panic Breakfast. I'll squeeze in one last Filipino breakfast to savor the flavors, and try to leave feeling full.
- Afternoon: Last-Minute Souvenir Hunt (and the Realization I'm Leaving). I’m going to try a last-minute hunt for some souvenirs. And, the realization that my trip is ending is creeping in.
- Evening: Airport Apocalypse. This is where the dread truly kicks in. NAIA, Part 2! The airport is an actual hellmouth. Hope my flight is on time.
Throughout the Trip: The Ramblings and General Chaos!
- The Food: Okay, let's be real. I'm going to eat everything. Street food, fancy restaurants, anything that looks remotely edible. I'm also going to spend a significant amount of time Googling "where to find the best [insert random Filipino dish here]." I'm not afraid of adventure, and I accept that my digestive system might stage a protest.
- Transportation Woes: Expect public transportation to be an experience. I'm probably going to get lost at least three times. I am accepting of the fact that I might have a mental breakdown in a jeepney.
- The People: I've heard Filipinos are incredibly friendly. I'm hoping to make some friends, learn a few Tagalog phrases (hello, goodbye, and "where's the bathroom?"), and generally bask in the culture. And try not to be that tourist.
- My Mood: Will range from ecstatic to slightly terrified. Probably a lot of "oh my gods!" and "wow."
- Expectations vs. Reality: My expectations are set pretty low. The reality? Probably even lower. But that's part of the fun, right? I want to be blown away.
- The Apartment: I will spend an inordinate amount of time appreciating that incredible internet speed and the comfort of my cozy 1BR. It's my sanctuary, my escape pod from the chaos.
Okay, there you have it. My "itinerary." Remember, treat this as a very loose suggestion. Embrace the unexpected, the detours, the food coma. And most importantly, have fun. Because if I can survive Manila, so can you. Wish me luck! I'm going to need it. And maybe some Pepto-Bismol. And definitely, definitely, a whole lot of coffee.
Manila's BEST Kept Secret: Shell Residence C1 & Mall of Asia WIFI!
So, Jazz Residences, huh? What's the absolute *vibe* like? Is it actually "chic"?
Okay, buckle up, because this is where things get... complicated. "Chic"? Well... it *tries* to be. Think "aspirational Instagram influencer" meets "budget-friendly condo." You've got your sleek lobby with the perpetually understaffed concierge desk (more on *that* later), your shiny chrome elevators that *sometimes* actually work, and a pool that looks stunning in photos but is always crammed with screaming kids. The *vibe*? It's a mix of "I've made it!" and "Please, don't judge my ramen budget." Honestly, it's a bit of a mixed bag, like that time I tried to make coq au vin and ended up ordering KFC at 2 am. Did I mention the aircon? It's amazing.
The 1BR – is it *actually* spacious, or Manila-tiny? My claustrophobia is real.
Okay, real talk: it's Manila-sized. Which, let's be honest, means it's not going to be the Taj Mahal. It's cozy. *Very* cozy. You'll learn the exact angle to navigate from the bed to the bathroom without stubbing your toe. But! And this is a big but (no pun intended, unless...), they've done a pretty good job of maximizing the space. The layout is relatively smart. There's a balcony, which is a lifesaver for fresh air (and where I conduct all my important life decisions – mainly involving coffee). It's perfect if you're single or a couple who *really* like each other. If you have a ton of stuff, though... let's just say Marie Kondo might have a heart attack.
80Mbps WiFi & Netflix! Is it the holy grail after a long a hard day?
YES! Okay, deep breath. 80Mbps is a *game changer*. After wrestling with Manila's notoriously dodgy internet speeds for, well, my entire life, this is a revelation. I can actually stream Netflix without wanting to throw my laptop out the window! The best part? It's (mostly) reliable. There will be glitches, of course. Manila, remember? But overall, it's a godsend. I've binged more shows in this apartment than I care to admit. My productivity has plummeted, but my binge-watching skills have skyrocketed. My only complaint? My monthly data plan now costs more than my rent! Okay, maybe not, but close!
Okay, the *location*. Is it actually convenient, or are you stuck in traffic hell?
Right, so location. It's... complicated, just like my relationship with my ex. Jazz Residences is smack-dab in the middle of a super busy area. Convenient for *some* things – you're near malls, restaurants, and a whole bunch of places to spend money you don't have. But traffic? Oh, the traffic. Prepare to spend hours of your life staring out the window of a jeepney/taxi/Grab car, silently judging your life choices. Public transport is... well, it's there. But I've developed a new level of respect for anyone who can navigate the MRT during rush hour. Honestly, if you work nearby, it's a dream. If you work across town... Godspeed, my friend. Godspeed.
What about the amenities? The pool, the gym, the... whatever else they promise?
Alright, let's dive into the promised land of "amenities." The pool is pretty, as I mentioned, but expect it to be packed most of the time with tiny humans. The gym? It's small, but it's got the basics. You’ll become besties with all the regulars... and maybe develop a friendly rivalry with the dude who always hogs the treadmill. The "other" stuff? There's usually some kind of function hall you probably won't use, and a few convenience stores downstairs. Think of it as the extras on a pizza you'll rarely get to enjoy. Oh, there's a playground. I went once. It was, uh, lively. Basically, the amenities are there, but manage your expectations.
The *biggest* annoyance? Tell me the truth!
The biggest? Hands down: the *concierge*. Okay, okay, they're probably overworked and underpaid. But seriously, sometimes it feels like they're actively trying to *prevent* you from getting into your own building. Packages somehow get lost, visitors are delayed for an eternity, and you'll spend your entire life fighting to get a cab called. I once waited 45 minutes *in the rain* for a Grab car because the concierge refused to believe my app. He tried to tell me the building wasn't on the map. Dude, I literally live *here*! So, yeah, be prepared to develop a love-hate relationship with the front desk. It's a Manila rite of passage.
Is it worth the price? Be honest!
Okay, the million-dollar question (or, you know, the slightly more affordable condo question). Is it worth it? Ugh... it depends. If you *absolutely* need fast internet and a relatively modern apartment in a central location, then yeah, probably. It's a decent deal compared to some of the other options. But... it's not perfect. You're paying for the convenience, the internet, and the *idea* of chicness. If you're on a tight budget, or if you're obsessed with peace and quiet, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you value fast internet, convenient location (with caveats!), and don't mind a bit of Manila madness, Jazz Residences could be your jam. Me? I'm still here. So, there's that.
Okay, okay. You've been living there for a while. What's one secret, weird, or unusual thing about living at Jazz? Spill the tea!
Oh, this is *good*. Okay, here's the deal. Remember that "sleek lobby with the perpetually understaffed concierge desk" I mentioned? Well, sometimes... *sometimes*... you'll see a group of VERY well-dressed individuals in the lobby, all speaking in hushed voices and looking incredibly important. At first, I thought it was some sort of high-powered business group. Then I realized... it was a K-Drama fan club. Yep. They were waiting for their idols. I swear, one of them was wearing a *replica* of a character's outfit - or, you know, what they claim to be replica. I mean, I am not even a fan of K-drama but the entire thing was so random it made me laughHotel Price Compare
