Manila's Hottest Hostel: Purple Tree Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's hotel review. We're diving headfirst into Purple Tree Awaits!, Manila’s so-called "Hottest Hostel." And let me tell you, "hottest" in Manila can mean anything. Prepare for honesty, a few tangents, and maybe (just maybe) you'll actually want to book a stay.
First Impressions: The Accessibility Abyss (and a glimmer of hope)
Let's be brutally honest: Manila's accessibility game is…well, it’s still warming up. Purple Tree, bless its cotton socks, attempts to be inclusive. They boast "Facilities for disabled guests," but let's parse that. An elevator? Check. Ramps where applicable? Probably. But Manila’s infamous traffic and congested sidewalks? That’s outside their control. Remember, you gotta walk a bit, even with the "Airport transfer" – which, by the way, is a lifesaver if you're arriving after a long flight, because, trust me, navigating Manila traffic after dark is an experience.
The Internet Saga: Wi-Fi Wonderland (Mostly)
Okay, I'm a digital nomad, so let's cut to the chase: Internet matters. Praise the digital gods - "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" and "Wi-Fi in public areas"! This is huge. And honestly? It worked, mostly. There were a couple of blips (a minor, existential crisis-inducing lag, you know, the usual), but compared to some places I've stayed, it was a digital paradise. They also offer "Internet [LAN]," which is great if you're old school or really need a stable connection.
Cleanliness & Safety: Is it Actually Safe? (Important!)
This is Manila, people. Safety's a biggie. Here’s where Purple Tree shines. "Anti-viral cleaning products, "Daily disinfection in common areas, "Hand sanitizer" everywhere. "Rooms sanitized between stays"? Bingo! And a "Doctor/nurse on call" is a HUGE comfort, especially if your stomach doesn’t like the local…uh…delicacies (more on that later). The "CCTV in common areas" and "Security [24-hour]" gave me a sense of calm. This ain't just a party hostel; they actually care about your well-being.
And they take COVID-19 seriously. "Physical distancing of at least 1 meter"? Check. "Sanitized kitchen and tableware items"? Double-check. I felt genuinely safe and actually able to relax and enjoy myself.
Food, Glorious Food (and the occasional stomach rumble)
Alright, let's get to the good stuff. Eating is a big deal in Manila. Purple Tree is packed with “Dining, drinking and snacking” options. Restaurant? Check. Bar? Check. Poolside bar? HELL YES.
- "Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant": Delicious! I recommend the tapsilog – it's a Filipino breakfast staple.
- "Coffee shop, Coffee/tea in restaurant": Perfect for those morning (or afternoon) caffeine fixes.
- "Snack bar": Great for a midday munch, and I loved the fries.
The “Breakfast [buffet]” was good and I have no complaints about the quality and variety. But honestly? Sometimes, I just wanted a real burger and the bar served an amazing one. It was surprisingly good, especially after a long day battling the Manila heat. The only slight downpoint, is that the "Bottle of water" they give you at check-in is sometimes not enough and that you would need to pay for additional ones.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Beyond the Bed
This is where Purple Tree really, truly, excels. Because Manila is intense. You need a refuge.
- The Pool with a View: Oh man, the pool! I spent an entire afternoon floating, sipping a cocktail, and watching the city go by. Pure bliss.
- Fitness Center/Gym: Okay, I didn’t use it (mostly because the pool was calling my name), but it's there, and it looked decent.
- Spa/Sauna/Steamroom: Now we’re talking! After a long day of exploring, the spa was a Godsend. A massage? Heavenly! And I'm a big fan of a "Foot bath" because my feet get destroyed on the sidewalks.
Rooms: The Real Deal
So, the rooms? They're good. Not "luxury hotel" good, but perfectly comfortable. "Air conditioning" is essential in Manila. "Free Wi-Fi" in the room? Crucial. "Blackout curtains"? YES! I am pretty sure, I have never been so thankful for blackout curtains because I needed my beauty sleep.
- The Good: Clean, comfortable bed, decent space. The "Smoke detector" and "Fire extinguisher" made me feel safe. The "Slippers" were a nice touch.
- The Real: Don't expect palatial suites. It's a hostel, so think functional, not fancy. The "Window that opens" does great. I can't stand cramped rooms.
Services and Conveniences: Small Things, Big Impact
They thought of everything.
- "Daily housekeeping": Awesome.
- "Luggage storage": Needed.
- "Laundry service": Saved my life.
- "Cash withdrawal" made things easy.
For the Kids: Family Friendly?
They have "Babysitting service," "*Family/child friendly" and "Kids meal. This is fantastic for Manila, where family travel is huge.
The Messy Bits: The Real Life Anecdotes
Here's where it gets real. I had a moment in the bar where I accidentally ordered a very spicy dish. (My fault, I didn't read the menu properly!). My face was on fire, but the staff was amazing. They brought me extra water, laughed along with me, and made me feel totally at ease. It's those little interactions that make a place special.
And the elevator? It broke down once. (Hey, Manila!) But the staff jumped into action, helped me get my luggage to the room, and were genuinely apologetic about it. Stuff happens. What matters is how they handle it.
The Verdict: Purple Tree Awaits! - Book it?
Yes. Absolutely.
Why?
- Safety: They get it. They understand the needs of travelers.
- Social: It’s a great atmosphere, a perfect spot to make friends.
- Location: Perfect for exploring the city.
- Value: Great value for the price.
- The Pool: Did I mention the pool?!
My Honest Recommendation (and a Tangent):
This hostel is not perfect. But it is perfect for Manila. (If that makes sense). They put in the effort, they show humanity, and that’s why it works. It's a bit rough around the edges, but it feels real.
My Offer: "The Manila Madness Escape Package"
Book your stay at Purple Tree Awaits! with the "Manila Madness Escape Package" and get:
- A FREE welcome cocktail at the Poolside Bar (because who doesn't need a drink after navigating Manila traffic?)
- 20% off any spa treatment (because you deserve to relax)
- Early check-in, so you can settle in ASAP
- Guaranteed access to the best poolside cabana (because you deserve it)
Just use code "MANILAESCAPE" when you book!
So, are you ready to experience Manila with a safe, comfortable, and genuinely welcoming place to return to at the end of each day? Book your stay. Purple Tree Awaits!
Dunbar Dream: Stunning 2-Bed Serviced Apartment Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this itinerary for The Purple Tree Hostel in Manila? It's less "rigid schedule" and more "slightly-organized chaos with a healthy dose of existential dread and questionable food choices." Here we go…
The Purple Tree Hostel: Manila - A Slightly-Aggressive Adventure (or, My Brain on Budget Travel)
Day 1: Arriving (and Immediately Regretting a Few Life Choices)
- Morning (approximately 6 AM - whenever I can drag myself out of bed):
- Arrived at Manila airport. The air hit me like a humid, smoggy wall. Already questioning my life choices. Seriously, why did I think this was a good idea? I'm from [your home country], I'm used to [your familiar weather/climate], and now I'm in this… thing.
- Negotiated a taxi. Probably overpaid. Pretty sure his meter was broken…or maybe it's just the speed of Filipino money that seems to double and triple in a matter of seconds.
- Arrived at The Purple Tree. The exterior looked… well, lived-in. Much like my soul. They advertise a "chill vibe." I'm currently aiming for "barely functioning."
- Check-in. The guy at the desk was friendly, but I suspect he's seen it all. He probably judges me by the way I didn't manage to look like a seasoned traveller.
- Afternoon (or, The Quest for Food and Sanity):
- Crucially important detail: Nap. Needed it. Sleep will be intermittent at best.
- Tried to find a simple eatery. Got lost. Manila is a labyrinth! Eventually, found something that looked edible. It was called “Jollibee” and it gave me the best chicken I've had in ages (and the worst. I might have ate the wrong part of the Chicken. I'm sure I'll regret that). Fuel for adventures, right?
- Walked around the neighborhood. Spotted a stray dog, felt a pang of sympathy and the urge to adopt it. Reality check: I can barely take care of myself.
- Major emotional reaction: Felt a wave of homesickness hit me like a brick. Why am I doing this again? Okay, deep breaths. This is supposed to be an adventure. Right? Right.
- Evening (The Hostel Experience):
- Attempted to socialize in the common area. Met a guy from Germany who could speak five languages and a girl from Sweden who seemed to have her entire life meticulously planned out. My social batteries depleted within five minutes. Retreat to my bunk.
- Trying to read my book. Kept getting distracted by the sounds of life. The rhythmic thump-thump-thump from the street below. A chorus of gecko chirps. Other people’s deep voice snoring. This is gonna be fun.
- Quirky observation: My bed has a mosquito net. It's both comforting and vaguely depressing. Like a tiny, personal prison. But hey, no mosquito bites. Small victories.
- Decided to write in my journal. My pen ran out of ink. FML.
Day 2: Exploring (and Possibly Enduring)
- Morning:
- Woke up. Survived the night! Minor triumph.
- Breakfast at the hostel. Standard fare. Question: Why do hostels always serve the same vaguely unsatisfying breakfast? Answer: Budget travelers have no standards.
- Hired a tricycle driver to take me to Intramuros, the historical walled city. He was amazing (but I probably got ripped off again, details later). It was hot. So, so hot. My sweater was immediately soaked with sweat.
- Afternoon (Intramuros - The Good, the Bad, the Mostly-Sweaty):
- Rambled through Intramuros. The architecture was beautiful and it gave me the impression of walking on history.
- Experiencing Double Down: Did a kalesa ride. This…this was probably the highlight of my whole trip. A horse-drawn carriage through the streets was like stepping into a movie scene. The driver narrated all the historic details while I was busy thinking about how the heck did these horses get through the traffic. It made feel more like an actual traveller than some tourist, and I loved it.
- Got my photo taken. Probably looked like I was melting into a pile of tourist despair.
- Emotional reaction: Feeling a bit overwhelmed by the history and the crowds. But also, oddly, exhilarated. This is what I came for, right? This weird, chaotic beauty?
- Lunch. Found this street food vendor offering what he said was "the best sushi in Manila." I was skeptical. It tasted like fish and rice. Not the best in Manila, but hey, it was a meal.
- Evening (Back at the Hostel and the Inevitable Late-Night Rambles):
- Back at the hostel. Exhausted – physically and emotionally.
- Messy structure alert: Decided to hang out with the other backpackers. The guy from Germany was still there! And the girl from Sweden. They both made me feel inadequate again, but I tried to be friendly.
- Talked with my new friends in the common area, shared some stories and jokes.
- Opinionated language: The hostel was great, I loved it, but the walls were thin. Someone’s phone was ringing at 3 AM. No surprise.
- Stream-of-consciousness, emotional rollercoaster: Sitting here now. In my bunk. Listening to the city slowly die down. I love it. I hate it. I'm probably going to have nightmares about that Jollibee chicken. Tomorrow… tomorrow, I'm going to try to find the best coffee in Manila. And maybe…just maybe… I won't get lost this time.
Day 3: [Insert Day's Plans. This is where it gets hazy. We'll figure it out along the way]
- Morning: [To be determined. Maybe a trip to a museum? Or more street food. Or just hiding in my bunk until it's time to leave.]
- Afternoon: [TBD. Possibly a shopping trip. Probably a nap.]
- Evening: [Again, TBD. But definitely more hostel shenanigans. And hopefully, more food that doesn’t make me question my digestive system.]
Final Thoughts (and, Honestly, A Whole Lot of Question Marks):
This "itinerary" is probably a terrible guide. It's probably more accurate to say it's an outline of how I think my trip might go, mixed with a healthy dose of self-doubt and existential pondering. Manila is overwhelming, beautiful, and completely unpredictable. It’s a place that will challenge you, frustrate you, and make you fall in love with it all at once. And the best part? I have no idea what's going to happen next.
Wish me luck. I'm going to need it. And maybe a strong drink. Or five.
Luxury Suite Apartments in Essen, Germany: Your Dream Stay Awaits!
Purple Tree Awaits: Manila's Hottest Hostel – Seriously, Is It REALLY Hot? (And Other Burning Questions)
OMG, is Purple Tree Awaits ACTUALLY the "hottest" hostel in Manila? My Instagram feed is going crazy... but it's Manila, sooo...
Okay, first off, let's get *real*. "Hottest" in Manila could mean anything, right? Hot weather, hot... food? Hot *mess*? Look, the truth? It *is* pretty darn popular. I saw it plastered all over social media before I even set foot in the Philippines. So, the hype is real. There's a definite buzz. The kind where you kinda think, “Okay, here we go… another overly-hyped, Instagram-famous place where I’ll be surrounded by influencers and forced to eat avocado toast.” But... and this is a big BUT... it exceeded my expectations.
It's more "vibrant" than "hot" in the stereotypical sense. Lots of young travelers, a very active social scene. Expect to be invited to a beer-pong tournament the first night. Expect to meet people from all walks of life. If you're looking for a quiet retreat where you can quietly read a book... maybe pick a different hostel. If you're looking for a good time, then you are in the right place
As for the "hot mess" aspect... well, the common areas can get a little chaotic. Empty beer bottles. Leftover pizza boxes. (I'm not complaining, I'm just saying!) But the staff? Bless their hearts, they're constantly cleaning up and trying to keep things together. They're the real heroes.
What's the vibe like? Is it a party hostel or a more chilled out vibe?
Oh, the vibe. It's a *vibe*, alright. Think... a slightly tipsy, energetic puppy. Definitely a party hostel, but not in a *totally* feral, wake-up-with-a-stranger-and-no-memory kind of way. (Though… who knows, right? Manila is wild!) There's always something going on – themed nights, group tours, cooking classes (which, honestly, I botched miserably but that’s another story). The common areas are ALWAYS bustling. It’s all about being social.
But, and this is important, even though it's party-centric, it's generally pretty respectful. People seem to know to dial down the volume in the dorms after a certain hour. (Mostly. There was this one guy… I’ll call him “Brendan.” Brendan, from Australia, apparently thought 3 AM was an excellent time for enthusiastic karaoke. But the staff sorted him out, bless them.)
The dorms... are they bearable? 'Cause I'm a light sleeper.
Okay, real talk time. Dorms are dorms. You're sharing a room with potentially a dozen other people. Expect snoring. Expect midnight bathroom trips. Expect the occasional phone alarm that goes off at 6 AM and the perpetrator acting all innocent about it....
That said, Purple Tree seems to have put some thought into it. The beds are generally comfortable. They provide earplugs (thank GOD). They have these little privacy curtains on some of the beds, which are a lifesaver. I'm a light sleeper, and I managed to get a decent amount of shut-eye. But *bring* your own earplugs and eye mask. Trust me. And maybe invest in a good noise-canceling headphone.
Also, pro-tip: Request a lower bunk. Climbing down from a top bunk after a few San Miguels... well, let's just say it's a recipe for disaster.
Food! What's the food situation like? (Because I'm always hungry.)
Okay, this is a big one, because let’s be honest – food is life. Purple Tree has a common kitchen and cafe area. It wasn't Michelin-star quality, but it's functional. You can cook your own meals (always a budget-friendly option). There's a little cafe that serves breakfast (included with the stay, which is amazing) and sometimes lunch/dinner, which, honestly, it's decent, but the real magic is the proximity to amazing street food.
The best part? The *location*. It's in a buzzing area, packed with food stalls. You can stumble out of the hostel and be swimming in a sea of delicious, cheap eats. I'm talking *lechon* (roast pig), *adobo* (braised meat), *kare-kare* (peanut stew)... Seriously, my tastebuds were on a permanent vacation. I gained like five pounds in four days. Worth it.
Any particularly memorable experiences? Or, you know, disasters? Spill the tea!
Oh, you want the *juicy* stuff? Okay, buckle up. I’ve got a doozy. So, there was this one night, the hostel was having a Filipino-themed party. And they were giving out free shots of *something* – I have no idea what it was, but it tasted like gasoline and sadness. Anyway, clearly, I took a few. I think the next thing I remember is waking up… not in my bunk. Or in the hostel, for that matter. I was on a *jeepney* (the local bus, a brightly-colored, somewhat chaotic bus), heading… somewhere.
Turns out, I'd wandered out with a group of people I barely knew, fueled by questionable alcohol and terrible decisions. We ended up at karaoke bar. Me. At karaoke. If you know me, you know that is *never* a good idea. Apparently, I butchered a rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody". And then, the real kicker? I lost my phone. Gone. Poof. Mysteriously vanished into the Manila night. The next morning, I woke up with a monumental hangover and the feeling of utter shame. Then I had to spend half the day trying to track down my phone (which, thankfully, turned up!). But, hey, at least I have a story, right? That's the beauty of a hostel like Purple Tree. It's an experience. Sometimes a slightly disastrous one, but always memorable. It's those messy, unexpected moments that makes travel so wild. I wouldn’t change a thing.
Is it clean? Because I'm a bit of a germaphobe...
Look, "clean" is a relative term, especially in a busy hostel in a bustling city. It's not a five-star hotel, but it's generally pretty decent. The staff works hard to keep things tidy. Bathrooms were cleaned regularly, although, you know, they are shared so there's that. The dorms were swept and mopped. I saw them doing the laundry daily.
My advice? Bring some hand sanitizer. Pack travel-sized disinfectant wipes for any surfaces you're really worried about. (I'm not judging!) and embrace the chaos with an open mind
Hotelish
