Manila Bayview Mansion: Unbelievable 31st-Floor Balcony Views!
Manila Bayview Mansion: 31st-Floor Heaven… Mostly! (A Rambling Review)
Okay, buckle up, because I just got back from Manila Bayview Mansion, and let me tell you, it's a rollercoaster. Prepare for some disorganized thoughts, because that’s just how it is when you’re still buzzing from those views. And the coffee? Hoo boy, let’s get into it.
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- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of Manila Bayview Mansion! Discover the breathtaking 31st-floor balcony views, the good, the bad, and the hilariously underwhelming. Spa? Pool? Food? Find out if this Manila hotel is worth your pesos! Accessibility, Wi-Fi, dining, and more – all laid bare.
Alright, that's out of the way. Deep breath.
The Good, the AMAZING, and the WTF moments:
First, let me scream about the 31st-floor balcony views. Seriously. Mind-blowing. You feel like you're floating. The sunset was a glorious, fiery kiss goodnight over Manila Bay. I literally spent half a day just staring out there. It was the kind of moment that makes you want to call everyone you know and tell them to drop everything and book a flight. That view alone almost justifies the whole stay, I tell ya. This is where it shines! (Available in all rooms, High floor, Window that opens) - Check, check, and check!
Now, about the Accessibility. This is where things get a little… complicated. (Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests) They say they're accessible, and there is an elevator. But navigating the hotel, even with my perfectly good knees, felt like an obstacle course sometimes, especially in the common areas. I saw a few ramps, but the overall design felt like it was trying to comply without actually understanding accessibility. Needs work, big time. This is an area where they could improve significantly.
On-site Accessible Restaurants / Lounges: Honestly, didn't check this out - focus on the views!
Rooms: The Room amenities were decent. (Air conditioning, Alarm Clock, Bathrobes, Coffee/tea maker, Closet, Complimentary tea, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Mini bar, Mirror, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Slippers, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free]). The bed was comfy enough, and the air conditioning actually worked – a small miracle in Manila! The coffee situation, though? Let's just say the complimentary tea was a better bet. And the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! held up – which is a godsend.
The View (Again, Because It's That Good): I found myself just lingering on the balcony, watching the boats bob on the water, the city lights twinkling. It really is something special to have that panoramic view. It felt like a private oasis, a world away from the hustle and bustle of Manila.
Internet & Tech Stuff: (Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services). The Wi-Fi held up in the room, and the connection was stable, unlike some other places I've stayed. Good job! And (Wi-Fi in public areas) was decent.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax & Spas: Right, onwards to the spa… Oh, the spa. (Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]). They have the amenities on paper (pool with a view, sauna, steam room, a gym that looked surprisingly well-equipped). I did have a massage. It was… fine. The view from the pool was nice, but it was a little crowded. The whole area felt a bit dated. I did appreciate the Pool with view.
Cleanliness and Safety: Okay, safety first! They seem to be taking the, um, current climate seriously. (Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment). Everywhere you went, there was sanitizer. They seemed to be doing their best to keep things clean, and it felt… safe-ish. The (First aid kit) was a plus.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: The food situation was… varied. Let’s start with the Breakfast (A la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant) Okay, the buffet! It had everything, but it wasn't anything to write home about. I went for the Asian options more often. The coffee? A letdown. The coffee shop had better options, but let's just say I was grateful for the (Bottle of water) in my room.
The 24-hour Room service was a lifesaver more than once, especially after a late night of… research. The (Happy hour) at the bar was pretty good, and the cocktails weren’t watered down (a good sign!).
Services and Conveniences: They offer a lot of the standard services. (Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center) The concierge was helpful, the daily housekeeping was efficient, and the fact that they have a Concierge is nice. The (Cash withdrawal) was clutch.
For the Kids: They have some (Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal) options, so it's definitely a place to consider for families.
Access: They had (CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed unavailablePets allowed, Proposal spot, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms). Security was tight, which is always a plus.
Getting Around: (Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking). Getting around was easy too. They have (Taxi service) and (Airport transfer) options, and (Car park [on-site)]. It's a great location.
In-Room Details: Just to recap the room and the views! (Additional toilet, 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, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/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).
My Verdict:
So, yeah, Manila Bayview Mansion is a mixed bag. Is it perfect? Absolutely not. Is it worth it? For that view? I'd say, yes. But manage your expectations, embrace the imperfections (like the spotty service), and focus on that incredible view. And seriously, bring your own coffee.
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're talking about Malate Bayview Mansion 31S Balcony, Manila, and let me tell you, just the thought of it is already conjuring up images that are, shall we say, intense. Consider this less a schedule and more a chaotic love letter (with a few choice expletives) to a potential disaster/triumph.
The Malate Meander: A Mostly Ill-Conceived Plan
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Balcony Assessment (or, "Oh God, What Have I Gotten Myself Into?")
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: The Great Landing & Apartment Search. Alright, so the flight actually landed, which feels like a win. Now, the real fun begins: navigating Manila traffic (pray to whoever you believe in), and then finally, finding the bloody Bayview Mansion. I'm already picturing myself wandering aimlessly, sweat pouring down my face, asking bewildered locals, "Uh, where's the… thing?" Or, you know, just getting completely lost and ordering a grab and letting the driver decide where to go! I can tell you one thing I am not going to be an expert on navigation at this point. Hopefully, the driver knows where to go.
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Checking in and the Balcony Revelation. Okay, so let's hope it looks like the pictures, and even better, let's hope it's actually real. I'm picturing glorious sunsets, the salty tang of the sea… and maybe, just maybe, a working air conditioner. This is where things could go wildly wrong. Remember that time I booked that "luxury cabin"? Yeah, let's just say "rustic" was a generous interpretation. But hey, the view will (hopefully) redeem it, or the pictures will be the highlight of my trip.
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: The Balcony Reconnaissance… and First Cocktails. This is crucial. The moment of truth. Stepping onto that balcony. Is it wide enough to turn around in? Is it actually… safe? Is it clean? (This is Manila, so, temper expectations). I will, of course, immediately crack open a San Miguel Light and conduct a thorough assessment of the view. The "cocktail" part of the itinerary, will be, I hope, a moment of pure bliss. The sun setting over Manila Bay, a cold drink in hand… fingers crossed, the mosquito situation isn't apocalyptic.
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner Dilemma & Dinner Dive. Okay, Dinner is a big concern. Do I brave the street food right away (risky) or find something known and tried? More likely I'm going to be scared to eat food in Manila and would order delivery. I may die in my room. I'll probably chicken out and order some damn Chinese takeout. And the other part of me desperately wants to give the food a shot and find out what it is like.
Day 2: Cultural Assault (or, "Am I Really Cut Out For This?")
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Breakfast… The Struggle is Real. Okay, so how do I find breakfast? Are there fruit stands nearby? Or, do I succumb to the siren song of instant noodles? The internal struggle is already beginning. This is where it gets really scary.
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Intramuros Inquisition. Intramuros, the walled city. Supposedly gorgeous, rich in history. I have mixed feelings. Am I going to get ripped off? Will I get lost and end up in some strange alleyway? (Probably). But hey, historical sites, are pretty cool, right? I envision myself taking a kalesa (horse-drawn carriage), feeling like I'm in a bygone era, and then immediately regretting the decision when the horses start doing their business right in front of me.
- Anecdote Alert: Remember that time I tried to ride a camel in Morocco? Let's just say I ended up smelling like camel for days. I am half hoping for a mishap, I won't deny.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch… Another Food Fight. Somewhere in Intramuros. I'll probably end up ordering some boring "safe" dish because I'm too chickenshit to try the locals.
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Manila's Malls (if I survive). Okay, okay. The malls in Manila are legendary. Air conditioning, familiar brands, maybe a movie. This could be my only escape from the city’s chaos. Or it could be an even more overwhelming experience. I'm already feeling claustrophobic just thinking about the crowds. I might just turn around and head straight back to the peace of my balcony.
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Balcony Sunset Round Two… and Meltdown Prevention. The sunset, the saving grace, the reason I booked this darn thing in the first place! This is my "me time." I will need it. I already feel the impending culture shock setting in.
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner Redux & Existential Dread. Perhaps I'll brave a proper Filipino restaurant this time. Or maybe just order pizza. The existential dread will probably kick in regardless. That’s part of the fun, right?
Day 3: So Long, Farewell (or, "Did I Even Leave My Apartment?")
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Breakfast Encore (hopefully with less regret). Maybe I'll try the local coffee. See how long I can get a good morning on my stomach.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Souvenir Scramble & Last-Minute Panic. Okay, now I actually have to buy those souvenirs. I'll probably end up grabbing a bunch of cheesy trinkets at the last minute that I'll never use.
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Farewell Feast (or, "Oh God, The Airport.") One last meal before that dreadful airport experience.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Departure Debacle. The airport: a modern-day hellscape. I'm already bracing myself for the long security lines, the delays, the overpriced snacks…
- Emotional Reaction: I will probably cry. From relief, from exhaustion, from the sheer overwhelming nature of it all. But hey, at least I survived! (Hopefully).
4:00 PM… Onward, or Home To Peace & Quiet Once I arrive at home I will want my bed.
Final Thoughts:
This "itinerary" is less a plan and more a collection of my anxieties, hopes, and a healthy dose of cynicism. Manila, you're a wild card. Malate Bayview Mansion 31S Balcony, you'd better deliver on that view… because I'm already questioning my life choices. Wish me luck – I'll need it.
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Manila Bayview Mansion: 31st-Floor Balcony Views - You Got Questions? I Got Opinions (and Maybe Regrets...)
Alright, so you're thinking about Manila Bayview Mansion? Let's be real, it's the view. That 31st-floor balcony? That's the whole darn story. Don't get me wrong, I lived there for six months... and let me tell you, it's an experience. Prepare yourself, because this isn’t going to be a sterile brochure. We're going deep, folks. Buckle up.
1. So, the View. Is it REALLY as good as the photos?
Okay, here's the brutal honesty: Yeah. It's... pretty damn spectacular. The photos? They're not *lying*. Especially at sunset. I swear, I’d find myself just... *staring*. The sky explodes in orange and purple, the boats bobbing on the water… it's pure magic. But! And this is a big BUT… those photos conveniently leave out the other stuff.
Like, you know, the *smell* sometimes. Let's just say Manila Bay has its moods. One minute it's breathtaking, the next it's… well, let's just leave it at "potent." (More on that later, MUCH later).
2. What's the commute to, say, the Ortigas business district?
Commute, eh? Bless your optimistic heart. Look, the traffic in Manila is legendary. From Manila Bayview to Ortigas? You’re looking at a minimum of an hour, maybe an hour and a half, depending on how the city’s feeling that day. And "depending on how the city’s feeling" is a fancy euphemism for "Do they feel like having a parade? Is it raining? Is there a stray cat that wandered onto EDSA?" I once spent *three hours* trying to get home. Three hours! I could have walked to Baguio faster. Seriously, factor in a LOT of travel time. Make friends with a good audiobook. Or, you know, a therapist.
3. What are the apartments like? Modern? Spacious?
Modern… well, they’ve got the basics, right? Think… "functional." Spacious? That depends on what you consider spacious. My place... had a tiny kitchen. TINY. I'm talking, you could practically touch all four walls while stirring a pot of instant noodles. And the bathroom? Let's just say if you're claustrophobic, you'll want to avoid eye contact with the shower. But hey, at least the balcony was huge. Compensating, perhaps?
Oh! But the aircon? That was a beast! It worked too well, i was freezing inside. You’ll be reaching for your sweater in July, I guarantee it.
4. What's the deal with the amenities? Pool? Gym?
The pool is… yeah, it exists. It's not exactly the Four Seasons, though. Think more… public pool. The gym? Well, it's in a room. With some equipment. It’s functional, I guess? Don’t go expecting a state-of-the-art fitness center. The best amenity, honestly? The 7/11 downstairs. Seriously, that place became my lifeline. Midnight cravings? 7/11 to the rescue. Emergency need for a pack of instant noodles? 7/11 again! I practically lived off of siopao and coffee. The convenience was a godsend.
5. Maintenance? Dealing with the building management? What's it like?
This is where things get… interesting. Let’s just say, patience is a virtue, and you'll NEED IT. My AC broke. Not a little bit, mind you. It completely died during a heatwave. I called, I emailed... I practically offered to sing them a song. It took *three weeks* for them to fix it. Three. Weeks. I was sweating so much, I thought I was going to become a human puddle. And the forms? Oh, the forms! So many forms. So. Many. Forms. Be prepared for bureaucratic red tape of epic proportions. Bring snacks. Bring a comfy chair. Bring a friend who speaks Tagalog. You'll need them.
6. Back to the View!! What about the sunsets? Any specific memories?
Okay, okay, the sunsets. Right. So, one time… I was having a particularly bad day. Work was a disaster, I was late on rent, and my washing machine decided to eat one of my favorite shirts. Complete and utter meltdown, right? I went out onto the balcony, ready to just… scream. And then the sunset happened. Seriously, it was one of those ones where the sky just *erupts* in color. You could swear the clouds were on fire. And for a fleeting moment, everything felt… okay. Just… beautiful. It was almost spiritual. Almost. Then I remembered I still had to eat instant noodles for dinner. But still. Those sunsets… they were something else. Worth the rent, almost.
But yeah, I'm getting off-track, as I always do. The sunsets are stunning. Just don't expect them to solve *all* your problems. They just provide a very pretty distraction.
7. The Smell! You mentioned the smell...
Okay, buckle up. The smell. It's... a feature. Sometimes it's fine. Sometimes you don't notice it. Sometimes… it's a pungent reminder that, well, you're living near Manila Bay. It can smell like… well, let's just say it varies. Sometimes it’s fishy. Sometimes it's… industrial. There were days I just couldn't breathe deeply. Seriously. I’d be sitting on my balcony, enjoying the view… and then *WHAM*! A blast of… something. It’s unpredictable, and it’s part of the Manila Bay experience, for better or worse. My advice? Keep a good supply of air freshener. And maybe a hazmat suit for the particularly bad days. Kidding! (Mostly.)
8. Would you recommend living there?
That's the million-dollar question, isn't it?Hotels Near Your
