Commonwealth's HOTTEST Condotel: The Residences - Unbelievable Views!
Commonwealth's HOTTEST Condotel: The Residences - Unbelievable Views!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because I'm about to spill the tea, the coffee, the whole darn buffet on The Residences - Unbelievable Views! - Commonwealth's HOTTEST condotel, according to… well, everyone who's actually been there. Forget those polished PR brochures, you're getting the real deal, straight from yours truly. Forget perfect, this is going to be gloriously imperfect, just like life!
First Impressions: Accessibility & Safety - I'm a Worrywart, and I Approve!
Okay, full disclosure: I’m a bit of a control freak. Especially when it comes to safety. So when I see keywords like "CCTV in common areas," "24-hour security," "Fire extinguishers," and "Smoke alarms," my little worry-brain does a happy dance. And The Residences? They delivered. Seriously, you could practically eat off the floors (though I wouldn't recommend it, you know… germs!). The “Exterior corridor” aspect had me slightly concerned at first, but honestly, it felt so safe, I barely noticed.
And accessibility? Top marks. "Facilities for disabled guests" doesn't just mean a ramp, from what I could see. It felt like they'd actually thought about it. (I wasn't using a wheelchair myself, but I was looking.) "Elevator" – check. "Air conditioning in public area" – double check. This ain’t some afterthought effort.
The Internet: Because Let's Be Honest, We Need It!
Okay, massive win here. “Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!” That's a given these days, but the speed? Solid. I’m a digital nomad, so I practically live online. And the “Internet Access – LAN,” too? Brilliant! It was a total lifesaver when I needed to upload a HUGE video and Wi-Fi was, well, you know how sometimes it can be… a let-down. This stay wasn't!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Oh. My. Word. The Pool.
Alright, let's get to the good stuff. This place? It's a vacation.
The Pool: The "Pool with view" is… yeah, it's a thing. I spent a solid afternoon just… staring. It's an infinity pool, okay? And the view? Unbelievable. I mean, “Unbelievable Views!” is in the name, and they mean it. I’m not gonna lie, I got way too comfortable, ordering from the "Poolside bar" (more on that later). The sun… the breeze… I might've dozed off, woke up with a slight sunburn. Worth it, a thousand times over.
The Gym/Fitness: OK, I'll be honest, I meant to hit the "Fitness center." I saw it, and I thought about it. But the pool… ya know? The way the sun hits the infinity edge? Yeah, fitness lost. But, it was there, and it looked decent.
The Spa/Sauna/Steamroom: This is where I went a bit crazy. I'm talkin' "Body scrub," "Body wrap," the whole shebang. They offer a "Couple's room". Didn't book it in here, but man, after that massage, I seriously considered going straight back in for another one. "Foot bath?" Yes. Yes, I had one. It was heaven. Utter bliss. "Spa/sauna"? Double check. This place is built for pure relaxation.
Food, Glorious Food (And A Little Bit of Wobbly Service?)
This part’s a mixed bag, which is, you know, real life.
- The Good: The “Breakfast [buffet]” was AMAZING. I’m talking “Asian breakfast,” "Western breakfast," everything your cholesterol-loving heart could desire. The "Coffee/tea in restaurant" was solid. The "Desserts in restaurant?" I made sure to try them. I did get a "Bottle of water" whenever and wherever I wanted it.
- The Not-So-Good: The service, sometimes, was… a work in progress. A few times, things took longer than they should have. Nothing major, but it wasn't perfect. The "Room service [24-hour]" was spotty in the wee hours. I may or may not have ordered a salad at 4am and waited a while before receiving it.
- The Quirks: The "Snack bar"? Totally random. I couldn't figure out how it worked.
The Room: My Nest For A Few Days
The room itself? Solid. "Air conditioning," "Blackout curtains" (blessing!), "Complimentary tea" (score!), and a "Refrigerator" (to keep my… uh… treats cold. I mean, drinks!). The bed was comfortable ("Extra long bed" was a plus), the "Internet access – wireless" worked perfectly. "Coffee/tea maker," check. I’m a light sleeper, so "Soundproofing" was a real winner. The "window that opens" was a little frustrating because of the view. "Unbelievable Views!" again. It was like a whole another world outside my windows.
It all felt nice, although you do have to be aware these are "condos" and not typical hotel rooms. It can feel a little more… lived in than a super-slick, sterile hotel room. Not a bad thing, just something to note.
The Little Things That Make a Difference
- "Daily housekeeping" - Always a win.
- "Concierge" - Super helpful!
- "Facilities for disabled guests" - Always a win.
- "Meeting/banquet facilities" - Didn't use it, but good to have.
Cleanliness & Safety: Pandemic-Proof (Mostly)
They took the whole COVID thing seriously. "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Hand sanitizer" everywhere, "Daily disinfection in common areas," "Rooms sanitized between stays"… I felt safe. They had "Rooms sanitized between stays." If you're a worrywart like me, you'll appreciate it. There's "Physical distancing of at least 1 meter," and staff's trained. The "Safe dining setup" was reassuring.
Things I Didn't Get To, But Noted:
- "Babysitting service"/ "Family/child friendly" - Didn't have kids with me. Seemed legit though.
- "Business facilities" - Had a look in the Business Center - looked alright.
- "Cash withdrawal" - always handy.
The Not-So-Great:
- The "Meeting/banquet facilities" are nice - Didn't use it, but good to have.
- There was a "Shrine" - I found it quite weird.
- The "Happy hour" - I may have missed it.
Rambling Thoughts and My Totally Biased Verdict:
Okay, here's the deal. The Residences - Unbelievable Views! isn't perfect. It's a bit of a mixed bag, like life itself. There were some minor annoyances, a few service hiccups. But you know what? The good stuff? The pool. The views. The spa. The feeling of safety. The unbelievable views. They outweighed the minor imperfections by a mile.
My Offer: Seriously, Book This Damn Place!
Are you looking for a real vacation? Somewhere to unwind and recharge? Somewhere with a view that'll make you stop and say, "Wow"? Then book The Residences - Unbelievable Views! right now. Don't wait. Don't hesitate. Just do it.
Okay, here's my totally biased, totally unofficial offer to help sweeten the deal:
Book now through any major booking portal and:
Promise yourself to spend at least one afternoon at the pool. Don't leave without doing it.
Order extra snacks! You'll thank me later.
Book that extra spa treatment. You deserve it. Take advantage of the "Couple's room." Or go alone!
Don't dwell on the small stuff. Just relax and enjoy those Unbelievable Views!
And tell them I sent you… Wait. That probably won’t work. But you will go there! Won't you?
SEO Keywords (Because I Have To, Sigh):
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- Safety
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Go. Book. Enjoy. (And send me a postcard!)
Unbelievable Horizon 2 Villa: Your Hoi An Dream Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, perfectly-organized, Pinterest-worthy travel itinerary. This is… well, this is my Condotel at The Residences Commonwealth Manila adventure, and it's gonna be a glorious mess. Consider this your (un)official guide to chaos, punctuated by moments of genuine wonder.
Trip Title: Manila Mayhem: Condotel Capers and Cultural Collisions
Dates: October 26th - October 30th (ish… flexibility is key, right?)
Day 1: Arrival and Apartment Awkwardness (and the Quest for Coffee)
Morning (Oct 26th): Landed at NAIA. Jet lag is a cruel mistress. The air is a humid hug, already clinging to me like a lost lover. Grabbed a (seriously overloaded) Grab car. I swear, the driver was juggling calls, navigating traffic, and singing along to a dang karaoke track all at once. I'm already in love with Manila's energy.
Afternoon: Arrived at The Residences. The lobby… it was grand. Almost intimidating. Check-in was smooth… until I realized I hadn't brought my charger adapter. Facepalm. Cue frantic search through my luggage – a feat only marginally more organized than my brain at this point. Found the Condotel. It's… nice. Clean. But, the bedspread… screams 1998. Still, the view from the balcony is pretty damn good, overlooking the city's tangled web of concrete and life.
The Great Coffee Drought of '23: Okay, this is a crisis. I NEED caffeine. Found a nearby coffee shop. The barista was a sweet kid, but the coffee… let's just say it tasted more like ambition than caffeine. I chugged it anyway. Desperate times. Found it a few block away and the coffee was better.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant (I think it was called "Turo-Turo"). Pointed at things on the menu, crossed my fingers, and hoped for the best. Ended up devouring adobo chicken (amazing!), some weird, delicious fried thing that I still can't identify, and a mountain of rice. My stomach is happy. My wallet? Maybe not so much. My first true immersion in the delicious chaos of Filipino food.
Night: Crawled into bed, ready to succumb to the siren song of sleep… only to be woken by a chorus of distant karaoke. Embrace the culture, they say. So, I plugged my ears and tried to dream.
Day 2: Walls, Waterfalls, and the Art of Saying "No"
Morning (Oct 27th): Woke up feeling surprisingly chipper. Maybe the questionable coffee finally kicked in. Breakfast at the condo's cafe. The eggs were… questionable. Made a mental note to explore those egg-related options later.
Day Trip to Intramuros: Took a Grab to Intramuros, the walled city. This place is beautiful, like stepping back in time. The cobblestone streets, the horse-drawn carriages, the old Spanish architecture… It's atmospheric! But the heat… good lord. I sweated through my shirt in about five minutes. Found a shady spot and drank an iced halo-halo. Instant joy. Wandering around, I stumbled upon a church. The stained glass was stunning, but mostly, it was calm and cool. A peaceful counterbalance to the bustling city.
The Photo Frenzy: Took a million photos. Then deleted half of them. Realized I'm probably the worst photographer in the world. Still, the memories… right? I bought a "Selfie with a Carabao" photo, and the Carabao seemed just as over the heat as I was.
The "No" Struggle: Got swarmed by vendors, and I'm ashamed to admit that my attempt at saying “No thank you, po” was a spectacular failure. Seriously, those street hustlers are relentless. I ended up buying a cheap painting of a sunset, just to escape the pressure. (It’s terrible. I love it.)
Evening: Dinner in Intramuros. Found a restaurant with a cool vibe (and air conditioning!). Tried sisig--the sizzling pork dish. Delicious, greasy, and probably not very good for me. Couldn't care less.
Day 3: The Mall-nificent Adventure & Karaoke Meltdown
Morning (Oct 28th): Decided to embrace the local experience: the mall. Got ready to do battle. The size of SM North EDSA is something to behold. The number of people… even more so. It's a city within a city. Saw everything from designer brands to knock-off designer brands. Ate at a food court and almost got lost trying to find my way back.
The Karaoke Cabaret: Tonight is the night. Karaoke. This is Manila. Karaoke is a cultural imperative. Found one with a private room (thank god). After a shot of courage, I belted out a karaoke classic. (Badly). I went for a power ballad, naturally. My voice cracked, I forgot the words, but I felt… liberated. My inner diva had finally been unleashed. The Filipino love for karaoke is contagious!
Emotional Rollercoaster (Post-Karaoke Edition): After karaoke, I felt a strange mix of euphoria and exhaustion. I walked back to the Condotel, reflecting on life. The city lights glittered. I did some window shopping in the middle of the night, and ended up buying a strange stuffed toy. Then back to the room.
Day 4: The Condotel Chronicles & The Search for Authentic Souvenirs
Morning (Oct 29th): Slept too long. Ate instant noodles. Tried to clean the Condotel kitchen. Fail. The dust bunnies seem to have won. This place needs a serious deep clean.
The Quest for Authentic Souvenirs: I have to find something for the people back home besides my stories and the stuffed toy. Went to the market. Got overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices. Ended up buying a wooden spoon, a shirt that said, "I Love Manila," and a ridiculously large mango.
The Great Filipino Coffee Redemption: After the terrible coffee on Day 1, I've had to find a better option. I spent most of the afternoon touring coffee shops, and I finally tracked down a good one. The coffee was strong, and the cafe was relaxed.
Evening: One last dinner. Trying to savor the flavors, the sounds, the chaos. Looking back, I can't believe how much I have done. The food stalls are an addiction. The warmth of the people… it's addictive.
Day 5: Departure (and the lingering scent of adventure)
Morning (Oct 30th): Packed. More or less. Tried to leave the Condotel as I found it (not happening). Said goodbye to the view from the balcony. Said goodbye to Manila.
Departure: Got a Grab to the airport. Traffic was insane, of course. But I didn’t even care. I'm strangely sad to leave.
Final Thoughts: Manila, you’ve been a whirlwind. You’ve challenged me, frustrated me, thrilled me, and filled me with a sense of adventure I didn't know I had. The food, the people, the chaos… I wouldn't trade it for anything. And though The Residences Condotel was cozy and neat, I'll remember Manila far more. I'll be back. Possibly with a better charger, maybe a better grasp of the language. And definitely with a stronger tolerance for karaoke. Until next time, Manila! (And yes, I’m already planning my return.)
The (Unbelievably) Real Deal: Your Burning Questions About The Residences Condotel
Okay, seriously, are those views *really* as amazing as they say? Because marketing, am I right?
Alright, let's be real. Marketing lies. It's in their job description. But the views at The Residences? Okay, they’re *mostly* true to hype. I've spent a few nights there. The first time, I actually swore out loud. Like, a proper "Holy…!" kind of swore. I'm not particularly prone to dramatic pronouncements, but the sunrise... it hit me right in the feels. I'm talking tears, guys. Actual, watery eyes. Then the building next door started construction and it blocked the view of the sunset, or so I THOUGHT! I saw the sunset and it wasn't the best but the next day the sun set in different location and it was the best sunset I have ever seen! So, yeah, it's pretty damn impressive. Some windows are better than others. Ask for a high floor, east-facing room. Trust me. And don’t completely believe *everything* they show you in the brochure. (I'm still mad that the pool is a little smaller in real life.)
Is it actually *comfortable* to live there, or is it all just pretty pictures and tiny closets?
This is the million-dollar question, isn't it? Look, it's not like you're moving into a sprawling mansion. The units I checked out felt a bit… compact. Space is, shall we say, *optimized*. The closets? Functional, but don't even think about bringing your entire wardrobe. I'm sure a minimalist would *thrive*. Me? I'd probably be trying to squeeze my collection of Star Wars memorabilia into the tiny storage space. They have good air conditioning, which is a MUST, and the beds are comfy enough to sleep on. Bring your own pillow though. The pillows felt kinda… flat. Again, not the mansion life, but it's a solid living space. Definitely more comfortable than my last apartment, which was basically a glorified walk-in closet with a questionable air vent.
What about the noise? Is it like living in a construction zone, or can you actually relax?
This is a HUGE variable. Construction around the area is like a freaking cockroach infestation – it's *everywhere*. And let's be honest, the walls aren’t exactly soundproof. You'll hear things. You'll hear your neighbours...a LOT. One morning, I distinctly heard someone *singing* in the shower. Badly. (Bless their heart). Another time, I almost had a panic attack because of the construction nearby, it sounded like they were tearing the building down. So, yeah, if you're a light sleeper, bring industrial strength earplugs, move them into earplugs, or consider a different location. Or, invest in a heavy dose of denial. It's a lifestyle choice, really… But, if you're lucky enough to be on a high floor and away from the main road, the noise is *somewhat manageable*. But don't let your hopes up too much. It can get loud, especially in the morning and evenings.
The amenities – are they actually usable, or just a bunch of fancy promises?
Okay, the pool…it's nice. But it's not *massive*. And it gets crowded. Especially on weekends. Expect to fight for a sun lounger. The gym? Decent, actually. Better equipment than you’d find in a lot of apartment complexes – which is a lifesaver. The common areas… well, they’re well designed. They *look* fancy. I never actually used the business center, but it looked nice. The staff is generally friendly and helpful. The thing is, it's what's advertised. I think the pool is great though. It allows you to watch everyone from above and from below! And the gym... okay it is not the place where you would work out in, or so I thought. I spent some time running on the tread mill and I would totally go back.
Is there a restaurant, and if so, is the food edible?
Okay, yes, there's a restaurant. I actually *ate* there. Twice. The first time? Fine. The second time? I think I had a chicken salad. It was… serviceable. Not gourmet, not terrible, just…food. The prices though? Let's just say you're paying for the convenience *and* the view. You're better off walking a few blocks to find some actual decent eats. I would not suggest the food though. It's a lot more interesting eating anywhere else. The vibe is decent though, it has some style, which is nice!
Parking situation? A nightmare, or… tolerable?
Parking in this city is always a battle, right? The Residences… it's a bit of a mixed bag. There is a parking garage, which is a plus, but space is…limited. Expect some jockeying for a spot, especially during peak hours. And it can get expensive. On-street parking is a gamble, so if you value your sanity, just pay for the garage spot, despite the costs. I've heard horror stories of cars getting towed or ticketed, and then you're just screwed. Plus parking is always a hassle.
Is it actually a good *investment*? Or just a fancy place to live?
Ah, the million-dollar question (there's that phrase again!). Honestly… I'm no financial advisor. Real estate is a gamble, and I'm more inclined to gamble on a lottery ticket. The area is developing, which *could* lead to appreciation. But there are a lot of new buildings going up too. Things are changing fast. Research, research, research! Talk to a real estate professional. Do your homework! Seriously, don't trust me. I am far from a financial wizard. Buy at your own risk.
Okay, but the *vibe*? What's the overall feeling of living there?
Okay, this is the most important thing. The vibe? It's… modern. Trendy. Slightly… pretentious (but in a good way?). You'll see a lot of people taking selfies. It feels like everyone is trying to look good. It's a very instagrammable kind of existence. If you want a quiet, secluded life, this is probably not the place for you. It is a social place, even if you're just observing. There's a definite "upwardly mobile"Book Hotels Now
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