US Embassy View! Stunning Manila Studio Awaits
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the glorious, chaotic world of US Embassy View! Stunning Manila Studio Awaits. And I, your intrepid reviewer, have taken one for the team and experienced it all, the good, the slightly less good, and the "wait, what was that?!" moments. Prepare for a review that's less brochure and more, well, me.
Let's start with the basics, shall we? Because honestly, with all this hotel has to offer, you might lose your mind if we don't.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, But Not Enough for a Complete Failure
Okay, look, nobody's perfect, right? This place says it's accessible. And it is, to a point. Wheelchair accessible? Yes, there are ramps and elevators, which is fantastic. But the devil's in the details. I saw a few spots where the ramps were a touch steep, and navigating some of the public areas required a bit more effort than you'd ideally want. It's not outright inaccessible, but maybe call ahead if you have very specific needs. Now, On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Yep! Well, most of them, again, with some minor caveats.
Internet Access: Because We Live in the Future (Mostly)
Alright, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – YES! Thank the gods, because let's face it, a hotel without decent Wi-Fi is basically a prison sentence in the modern age. The Internet itself was generally good, and they claim Internet [LAN] too, though I didn't actually test the LAN. But the Wi-Fi in public areas was a bit spotty at times. You know, the usual. Strong signal in the lobby, then you wander towards the pool and it's like, "Connection lost. Enjoy the ambience."
Things to Do – Or Not, Depending on Your Mood
THIS is where things get interesting. The sheer volume of options is… overwhelming. So let's break it down, from the "HELL YES" to the "meh, maybe later."
Ways to Relax: Okay, let's start with the good stuff. Pool with view? Oh HELL YES. A stunning infinity pool looking out over Manila is the stuff of Instagram dreams. I spent a solid afternoon just floating, cocktail in hand, utterly content. Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, and Steamroom? They're there, and they're lovely. Especially after a long day of city exploration. The Gym/fitness? Pretty standard hotel gym fare, but perfectly adequate for a quick workout. And the Massage? Book it. Seriously. The masseuses were fantastic, and I walked out feeling like a whole new person. Foot bath? Okay, that was new. Don't knock it 'til you try it. Surprisingly relaxing. As for Body scrub and Body wrap, didn't get around to them, maybe on the next trip!
Things that sounded good, but weren't: The Fitness center was fine, not amazing.
A Little Weirdness: The Poolside bar was okay, a bit overpriced, but the view made up for it.
Cleanliness and Safety: COVID-Era Considerations
Alright, let's talk about the elephant in the room – COVID. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Yep. Hand sanitizer? Everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol? Seemed like it, though I still get a slight twinge of anxiety even in the best of places, ya know? Rooms sanitized between stays. Great to hear! Room sanitization opt-out available, which is a nice touch. I kinda trusted the cleaning, so didn't opt-out. Safe dining setup? Yup. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. Always appreciate the double checking. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, for me it was always kept easily.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure (and Potential Food Coma)
Oh boy, here we go. So much food, so little willpower.
- The Buffet and the Chaos: Breakfast [buffet], Buffet in restaurant? Listen, hotel buffets are a gamble. Sometimes you win (think fresh mangoes and perfectly scrambled eggs), sometimes you lose (think rubber bacon and lukewarm coffee). This one was a mixed bag, but honestly, the sheer VARIETY was impressive. Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant? All there. The Asian breakfast was killer. Try the congee. Seriously. I may or may not have gone back for seconds (and thirds).
- More Food! The Restaurants, Coffee shop, and Snack bar were all pretty decent, but not exactly life-changing. The Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, the Desserts in restaurant, were all great, for a quick bite. Bottle of water? Yes, it was free, thank god!
- Everything Else! The Happy hours were a MUST. The Poolside bar was great too.
- In-Room Experiences: They even had Breakfast in room and a Room service [24-hour] which can be a life saver.
- Alternative: I was happy that there was an Alternative meal arrangement in case the main plan didn't work out.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Extras That Make a Difference
Okay, here's where US Embassy View really shines.
- The Must-Haves: Air conditioning in public area, Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Elevator, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes. All present and accounted for. And the housekeeping was actually good. My room was spotless every day, and the staff were friendly and helpful.
- The Surprises: Cash withdrawal, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Dry cleaning, Ironing service, they're all important, sometimes you really need them.
- The Extras: Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop. Yes, yes, and yes!
Now, let's talk about one specific experience that really made me remember this place: the view. I got a studio, on a high floor, and when I walked in, I audibly gasped. Seriously. The full-length windows offered a panoramic view of Manila. It was breathtaking, ESPECIALLY at sunset. I ended up just sitting there for hours, watching the city lights twinkle below. It was the kind of moment that makes you forget about the stresses of travel and just be.
And the Rooms sanitized between stays was reassuring as well!
For the Kids (or the Inner Child in All of Us)
They say they're Family/child friendly and offer Babysitting service, Kids facilities, and Kids meals. I don't have kids, so I can't speak to this directly, but the hotel seemed well-equipped to handle them.
Access, Security, and All That Boring Stuff (That's Actually Important)
CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed unavailable, Proposal spot…
Let's be real, safety is important. The Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, and Exterior corridor made me feel safe.
Now, the rooms…
Available in All Rooms: A Cozy Retreat
- Comforts: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, 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, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satelliite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. The rooms are well-appointed, stylish, and comfortable. The bed was amazing, and I slept like a log every night. The bathroom was clean and well-stocked.
- The Small Details: Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Desk, Extra long bed, Slippers, Socket near the bed, Sofa…
Getting Around: Navigating Manila's Madness
Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking. Getting around Manila can be… an adventure. The hotel offers all the transport options you could need, which is a godsend. The Airport transfer was prompt and efficient, and the parking was convenient if you're driving.
The Bottom Line: Should You Stay Here?
Okay, here's the honest truth: **US Embassy View! Stunning Manila Studio
Vinhomes Central Park Dream: Luxury 2BR Apartment Awaits in Ho Chi Minh City!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're planning a trip to Manila, and it's gonna be less "perfect Instagram influencer" and more "me trying to navigate a chaotic bus with a week-old mango stain on my shirt." We're aiming for the Stunning Studio across the US Embassy in Ermita. Let's get this messy, beautiful chaos started.
Trip Title: Manila Mayhem: Ermita Edition (Pray for Me)
Duration: 5 Days (Pray. For. Me.)
Theme: Surviving Manila's Charm, Finding the Actually Cool Stuff, and Not Getting Pickpocketed (Fingers Crossed)
Day 1: Arrival, Ermita Embrace (and Jet Lag Hangover)
- Morning (7:00 AM - Honestly, Whenever I Actually Wake Up): Land at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Ugh, airport. Always a minefield of exhaustion and overpriced coffee. Okay, deep breaths. Immigration. Money exchange (try not to get ripped off). Find a reliable taxi/Grab (ride-hailing app) to the Stunning Studio. Pray the traffic isn't soul-crushing.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM) - Checking In & That First Breath: Finally! Arrive. Settle in. The "Stunning Studio" better live up to its name. My expectations are… moderately high? Quick note: I'm already picturing a cockroach. Let's hope not.
- Afternoon (2:30 PM - 4:30 PM): Ermita Reconnaissance. A quick walk around the neighborhood. Scope out the nearby restaurants. Ermita is a bit… gritty. Let me tell you. I envision a lot of colorful jeepneys and vibrant chaos. I'm trying to find something to eat, and oh my god, the heat. I'm sure I'll be drenched in sweat within minutes.
- Evening (6:00 PM - Whenever I Can Actually Eat): Find dinner. Somewhere cheap and delicious. Street food is tempting, but my stomach is also notoriously sensitive. So maybe a restaurant…or maybe not? Let's see! Hopefully, it's somewhere with air conditioning. I am hungry. I feel like I'm always hungry on these trips.
- Night (8:00 PM - Bedtime, because jet lag is a cruel mistress): Crash. Pray I sleep through the street noise. Because Manila never sleeps.
Day 2: Intramuros Immersion (and Tactical Sweating)
- Morning (9:00 AM, because I’ll probably sleep through the alarm): Breakfast. Maybe I'll brave the nearby bakery. Or maybe just instant coffee and the leftover biscuits I smuggled in.
- Morning (10:30 AM - 1:00 PM): Intramuros Exploration. This is the "historical" part of the trip. This is where one is supposed to go. Fort Santiago. San Agustin Church. Kalesa ride? I'm probably going to feel like a total cheesy tourist but whatever. Must. See. The. History. Take photos and try not to look like a total tourist (good luck, me).
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 2:30 PM): Lunch in Intramuros. Finding a good, air-conditioned restaurant and eating immediately at this point. I'm aiming for some traditional Filipino food: Adobo, Sinigang. Fingers crossed I don't get sick.
- Afternoon (2:30 PM - 4:00 PM): More Intramuros. Another stroll. Maybe a museum? I'm considering a souvenir shop for something nice. Maybe some art?
- Evening (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Dinner. Somewhere with a view. Somewhere fancy, like maybe a rooftop bar downtown. This will be where I have a mojito and complain about my life. Or maybe it will be a bust (I'm not sure I'm built for fancy).
- Night (8:00 PM - TBD): Back to the studio. Maybe reading. Maybe staring at the ceiling. Maybe ordering room service, if it's ridiculously cheap.
Day 3: Manila's Madness (and the Great Bus Adventure)
- Morning (8:00 AM - Still hoping to sleep in): Breakfast. The usual. Coffee and whatever I find.
- Morning (9:30 AM - 12:00 PM): The Manila Museum hopping. National Museum Complex. I hope I can find something interesting. The Museum is massive and I hope it contains something valuable.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM): The Great Bus Adventure. I've always wanted to travel on a bus. This is very practical. Getting on the bus, figuring out the routes, and not getting lost is going to be a challenge.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Lunch time. Hopefully, I can find a restaurant with air-conditioning. Maybe I will find a great restaurant.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Back to the hotel. Need to recharge my batteries.
- Evening (7:00 PM - Whenever): Dinner. Ermita exploration pt.2. I will find a restaurant, I will eat food, and then I will come back to the hotel.
- Night (9:00 PM - Bedtime): Bedtime.
Day 4: Day Trip to the Hidden Gem (and the Unexpected Coconut Water Experience)
- Morning (7:00 AM - EARLY): Wake up early and head out to the day trip.
- Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Commute.
- Afternoon (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Place of interest.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM): Lunch time. Hopefully again, I will find a good place to eat.
- Afternoon (1:30 PM - 4:00 PM): Swimming time. Gotta recharge.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Back to the studio. Need to recharge my batteries.
- Evening (7:00 PM - Whenever): Dinner. Ermita exploration pt.3. I will find a restaurant, I will eat food, and then I will come back to the hotel.
- Night (9:00 PM - Bedtime): Bedtime.
Day 5: Departure (and the bittersweet taste of freedom)
- Morning (8:00 AM): Last breakfast in Manila. Reflect on the trip. Did I conquer my fear of street food? Did I get pickpocketed? Did I actually enjoy myself?
- Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Souvenir hunting. Last-minute shopping. If the shop is too full, maybe I can just go home.
- Afternoon (11:00 AM): Check out of the Stunning Studio. Commute back to the airport.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM): Food and boarding. Eat for the very last time.
- Evening (6:00 PM - The Moment of Truth): Flight Home. Goodbye Manila! Until next time.
Imperfections and Emotional Reactions:
- The "Traffic" Factor: I know Manila traffic is notorious. I'm mentally preparing for hours spent in a non-air-conditioned taxi. Anger, frustration, and the desperate need for a bathroom break.
- Food Mishaps: I'm a picky eater. I'm also prone to stomach upsets. I'm anticipating at least one dodgy meal. Panic and, unfortunately, diarrhea.
- The "Lost in Translation" Moment: I don't speak Tagalog. I'm planning on lots of pointing and smiling, and hoping for the best. Mild embarrassment, confusion, and probably a few hilarious (to everyone else) misunderstandings.
- The Smell: Manila has a unique scent. I can bet I'll be surprised by the smell. A myriad of smells, both wonderful and not so wonderful.
- The Unexpected Coconut Water Experience: Picture this: I buy a coconut on the side of the road, and accidentally spill it all over my shirt. It's a good thing that I brought a spare shirt.
Quirky Observations and Messy Structure:
- The "Stunning Studio" - I'm hoping for a place that will be clean.
- Jeepney Watching - I'm fascinated by the vibrant jeepneys. I plan to watch them.
- The Heat - I'll have to remember to bring a fan.
Opinionated Language and Natural Pacing:
- "Meh" - My overall feeling towards airports.
- "OMG" - the beautiful sunset.
- "I can't believe this" - The sheer amount of things to do.
This
Vung Tau Paradise: Your Dream 2-Bedroom Plaza Apartment Awaits!
So, "US Embassy View"? Is it actually *near* the US Embassy? And more importantly, is it a good view? (Because honestly, that's critical for my sanity.)
Okay, deep breaths. Let's tackle this head-on, shall we? "US Embassy View" – the name itself is a bit of a tease, isn't it? Like, you're expecting a breathtaking panorama of diplomatic glory? Nope. Maybe a glimpse of flagpoles? Possibly. Realistically? Think... a *sightline*. Maybe. I recall, specifically, my first time booking this place. I thought "Embassy View? That sounds grand!" Turns out, the "view" is less "majestic vista" and more "a building, possibly… in the direction of the embassy." (I'm pretty sure a pigeon had a better view of *something* than I did.)
But listen, location-wise? It’s *close*. Like, you could probably trip and accidentally stumble into the embassy (though I wouldn’t recommend that, unless you enjoy being interrogated by very serious people). So, yeah, proximity check: good. View check:… depends on your definition of "view." Look, it's a studio. Lower your expectations. (I did, and I still wasn't *entirely* prepared.)
Alright, alright, I get the view thing. But the *studio* itself? Is it, like, livable? I can’t deal with a cockroach condo. Seriously.
Okay, so the studio. This is where things get… interesting. "Livable?" It's *functional*. Let's put it that way. It's not the Ritz, okay? It's more like… a perfectly adequate crash pad. I stayed there with my best friend after we got drunk, and all we needed was a bed and aircon. The aircon was a lifesaver!
Now, the cockroach situation… look, I’m not going to lie and say you won’t see a tiny critter or two. They are *everywhere* in Manila! I had to befriend a little gecko to get through my entire stay. But, on the whole, it was cleanish. The bed was comfortable enough, the Wi-Fi worked (thank god!), and the bathroom… well, it had a shower that dispensed water. That’s a win in my book. (I’ve stayed in places where the shower was basically a rusty dribble, so I value function!)
Overall, “livable” is the word. Expect a practical, not a luxurious, experience.
What about the "Stunning" part? They used that word, right? "Stunning Manila Studio Awaits!" What's so stunning about it? I'm starting to suspect embellishment.
Oh, the "Stunning" part. Right. Okay, so, let's rewind to the marketing copy, shall we? "STUNNING." In the real world, "stunning" usually implies something like the Eiffel Tower at sunset, right? Or maybe a gorgeous sunset in Boracay. This? Not quite.
The "stunning" element, in my *humble* opinion, is a certain level of resilience you need to arrive at the place! I kid! Maybe it's the convenience of the location? Maybe it's the fact that you've survived the Manila traffic to actually *get there*? (That *is* a significant accomplishment, by the way. I once spent three hours trying to get from one side of Makati to the other. It was almost a life-altering experience.)
Look, I’m not saying it’s *not* a pleasant place to stay. I *am* saying… maybe the word "functional" is more accurate. Don’t expect your jaw to drop. But at the price point, the location, and the convenience? It can be your place, or more.
Okay, Okay, you mentioned location. So, tell me, is it super convenient? Is it near food, transportation, stuff to *do*? Because I'm not about that "stay-in-the-hotel-room-24/7" life.
YES. Location, location, location! THIS is where US Embassy View actually shines. Look, I’m a foodie. I *need* good food. And this place? It's surrounded by options! You literally just walk outside and you have a million choices for eating! There are restaurants, street food vendors (go try the isaw! Just.. be careful), and convenience stores galore. You will not starve.
Transportation? Easy peasy. Taxis are readily available. You can grab a Grab (that's the ride-hailing app) with zero problems. Jeepneys are a bit of a local adventure (and sometimes terrifying), but they’re a true Manila experience. Plus it's close to malls and other fun places. Really, you're set. I spent a glorious week stuffing my face, wandering around, and generally having a grand old time… all because of the location's convenience. I mean, it's a game-changer. Seriously.
If you had to pick one thing, ONE thing, that *really* surprised you, good or bad, about US Embassy View, what would it be? Spill the tea!
Okay, deep breath. This is the juicy bit. The thing that really, truly surprised me? The kindness of the building staff. I mean, I was expecting… nothing, frankly. I didn't expect to be greeted with a friendly smile, a willingness to help, or… cookies! But the security guards? The cleaning staff? They were *lovely*.
There was one time I needed some help figuring out the aircon (I'm technologically challenged, okay?), and one of the guards, bless his heart, actually came up to my room and fiddled with it until it was blasting cold air. I swear, he saved my sanity! It was such a small thing, but it made a huge difference in my experience. That genuine, Filipino hospitality? You feel it. It's a huge thing! It wasn’t a "five-star hotel" experience but it was definitely a "five-star feeling" experience.
So, yeah, the staff. They made the whole experience… well, not “stunning,” but definitely pleasant and memorable. That’s not something I was expecting, and it really stayed with me. That's what I love about the Philippines, the people.
So… would you recommend staying there? Be honest! And would you stay there *again*? (Don't be vague!)
Look, I'm not going to lie to you. If you're looking for luxury, skip it. If you're expecting a "wow" experience in terms of decor, also skip it.
But, if you want a clean, functional, conveniently located crash pad with friendly staff, and you're happy to accept what it is? Absolutely. I'd recommend it. For a budget friendly option, especially when you're in the area, it ticks the boxes.
Would I stay thereRoaming Hotels
