Arzo Hotel Makati: Your Luxurious Manila Escape Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the shimmering, potentially slightly-too-glitzy world of the Arzo Hotel Makati: Your Luxurious Manila Escape Awaits! I’m going to be brutally honest, kind of like your best friend after a few too many cocktails. Prepare for a review that’s less "polished travel brochure" and more "unfiltered late-night chat with a genuinely curious (and slightly cynical) traveler." And yes, I'm going to try to weave in all those SEO keywords like a crazy spider spinning a web. Let's do this!
First Impressions & the Accessibility Angle (Because Hello, Real Life!)
So, let's talk about the getting there part. Accessibility matters, folks, not just for wheelchairs but for, you know, life in general. Is it actually easy to get to this place? How about the Airport transfer? Thankfully, Arzo seems to have that sorted, which is a HUGE plus after a long flight. The big question: Wheelchair accessible? This is where I need specifics, which I don't have (yet). But a luxurious escape is only luxurious if everyone can experience it! I really need to know if those lovely restaurants, mentioned below, are actually accessible. This is a need-to-know situation for me, for real.
Checking In & the "Luxury" Factor (or, Where’s My Slippers?)
Okay, so assuming you've made it (with or without major airport drama), what's the vibe? Arzo promises Luxurious Manila Escape… but does it deliver? The Front desk [24-hour] is a good start, especially if your flight gets in at 3 AM (been there, done that, cried a little). I’m hoping for a smooth Contactless check-in/out, because who wants to touch anything right now? And YES, Daily housekeeping is a must. Please, let the staff be friendly and welcoming, and not just doing their job and that is all they can get out of.
You know what I love? When a hotel gets the little things. Like, maybe some Bathrobes and Slippers in the room? Makes you feel like you instantly deserve to be there. And, you know, a decent Coffee/tea maker? Because I'm not civilized until I've had a cup of joe. Bonus points if there's a Complimentary tea selection, and even extra bonus points if there is a Mini bar with the good stuff (and not just those ridiculously overpriced peanuts). But even more bonus points if it has a Bottle of water.
The Room Itself: My Personal Fortress (or, Where I Hide From the World)
Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of the actual room, which is where you'll be spending a fair chunk of your time. The fact that it's a Non-smoking room is essential, as is the fact they have Soundproof rooms. I am a light sleeper, and I crave silence. So, yes. That is a big check.
Here's what I’m looking for in order:
- Bedding: A ridiculously comfortable bed with Extra long bed options. I have been known to starfish across a queen-sized, so…
- Bathroom: Separate shower/bathtub is a LUXURY. Don’t be shy with the Toiletries--and good ones, mind you. Hot water linen and laundry washing is a massive bonus, if I need to deal with dirtied clothes.
- Technology: Internet access – wireless is a given these days, but I'm hoping for speedy Wi-Fi [free]. And the Internet access [LAN] is just chef's kiss for the tech-savvy among us. (And if there’s a Laptop workspace, even better). This way I can go down the rabbit hole of social media or binge anime without an interruption.
- Extras: Air conditioning is a must in Manila. They better have it or I'm going to be sweating the moment I step in the door. Blackout curtains, please. I hate the sun. And finally, a Mirror close to a Socket near the bed is important.
- Safety First?: How do I feel about the Smoke detector, Fire extinguisher, and Safety/security feature? I want to feel safe, and that is really high up on the list of things to worry about.
The Spa, Pool, and Ways to Relax (or, How I Plan to Spend All My Time!)
This is where it gets interesting. The Spa, Sauna, Steamroom, Massage, and Foot bath… YES, YES, and YES! I'm already mentally booking time for a treatment, preferably a Body scrub and Body wrap. I'm dreaming of the Pool with view (because why wouldn't you want a view while you're lounging?), including the Swimming pool [outdoor]. The Gym/fitness is a necessary evil. If I must.
This is where it gets subjective and, frankly, a bit messy. Let's say I manage to convince myself to go to the fitness center, which is probably not going to happen. BUT, I do like the idea of a Poolside bar. The ability to take a dip and order a cocktail within seconds of thinking about them… that's the real luxury.
Food, Glorious Food (or, Where I Predict I'll Gain 5 Pounds…)
Let's talk about the most important thing: FOOD! This is where a hotel can truly shine. Arzo boasts an impressive array, which, to be honest, is making me salivate!
- Breakfast: The Breakfast [buffet] is a must-see, or hopefully, a must-eat. I really hope the Asian breakfast is good, and I'm crossing my fingers for a decent Western breakfast too. Breakfast in room option? Always a win. Breakfast takeaway service? Perfect for those hungover mornings.
- Restaurants: Restaurants plural? Okay, I’m intrigued. Asian cuisine in restaurant and International cuisine in restaurant are good starting points. A Vegetarian restaurant is a must-have these days since everyone is looking for that in Manila. Coffee shop for that caffeine fix, Snack bar for the late-night munchies, and a Poolside bar (again, because heaven).
- Dining Options: A la carte in restaurant is important for being able to pick and choose. Bottle of water is critical to stay hydrated. Room service [24-hour]? Bless. The. Chefs. Alternative meal arrangement? Another win for me.
Important Food Notes: I am extra interested in hygiene. So, are there Sanitized kitchen and tableware items? Are there Individually-wrapped food options? The Safe dining setup is critical. And while I'm at it, how about those COVID precautions?
Cleanliness and Safety: My Inner Germaphobe Speaks (or, The World After the Apocalypse)
Okay, let's get real. Cleanliness and safety are paramount right now. I'm looking for reassurance, people.
Cleanliness: I want to hear about Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays.
Protocols: Is there Physical distancing of at least 1 meter? Staff trained in safety protocol? Hand sanitizer everywhere? They have to.
Extra Measures: I’m also curious about Room sanitization opt-out available, Professional-grade sanitizing services, And the all-important Hygiene certification!
Important Extras: First aid kit, and Doctor/nurse on call.
COVID Specifics Safe dining setup? Sanitized kitchen and tableware items? Okay, I feel calmer now.
CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property are good things, right?
Services and Conveniences: The Stuff That Makes Me Say "Yes!"
Okay, let's talk about the little things that make a hotel REALLY stand out. Here's what I'm looking for:
- Conveniences: I need a Concierge, a Cash withdrawal machine, and a Convenience store. The Luggage storage is a must.
- Services: Dry cleaning, Ironing service, and Laundry service. My inner lazy person is rejoicing.
- For the Business Traveler (and the Over-Packer): Business facilities, Meetings, and Meeting/banquet facilities are good to know. And a Xerox/fax in business center for those last-minute emergencies.
- For the Rest of Us: An Elevator is a must, so I can get access to my room without climbing mountains. Safety deposit boxes are nice.
**Getting Around and the Out and About (or, How
Escape to Paradise: Hat Yai's Rama Hotel Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your grandma's itinerary. This is a real attempt to survive and maybe even enjoy a stay at the Arzo Hotel in Makati, Manila. Let's get this show on the road… or, you know, the elevator…
Arzo Hotel Makati: Operation "Don't Melt in the Humidity" - A Completely Unprofessional Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival, Existential Dread, and the Quest for Air Conditioning That Actually Works (Probably)
1:00 PM - Arrival & Initial Judgements: Alright, so, the airport chaos? Epic. Truly. After a flight that felt longer than my last relationship, I finally made it to the Arzo. First impression? It's…a hotel. A hotel. Not quite the oasis I was dreaming of. The lobby is functional, I guess. Smells faintly of something vaguely floral, but mostly just… hotel. The staff is friendly. That's a plus. They're probably thinking "Oh, another tourist, poor them"
1:30 PM - The Room Reveal & The Great Air Con Debacle: Whew, the room! Opens the door. Okay, so, my mood is good. And I think I just got slightly annoyed. The room is fine. It's a room. Two beds. A small desk with a lamp. My first priority, naturally, is the A/C. This is where things got REAL. You know that moment when you press the "on" button and NOTHING changes? The gentle trickle of warm air caressing your face? Yeah, that's the vibe. I mess with the buttons. Frantically. I was sweating faster than a politician at a press conference. I call the front desk. They say they'll send someone. This is a sign of a bad omen.
2:00 PM - The A/C Crisis (Round 2): Someone from the hotel comes to fix the A/C, I'm hoping it's a genius. He fiddles, he prods, he mutters in Tagalog (which, let's be honest, I understood the gist of). "It's fixed." he says. "Great!" I say! But guess what? It's not. It's still just a fancy, overpriced fan at this point. My mood is officially in "definitely planning on getting angry" mode.
2:30 PM - The "I Need Caffeine or a Therapy Session" Interlude: Okay, I need to de-stress. And my soul craves coffee. Time to go find a cafe. Pray for good coffee. Pray for less humidity. Pray for my existential dread to subside.
3:00 PM - Pre-Dinner Exploration (or, Attempting to Avoid Complete Overwhelm): The area outside is a concrete jungle filled with traffic, noise, and a surprising number of stray dogs. I get the feeling, that I'll get lost, and I'll be forced to eat something I don't like. I'm not gonna lie, the whole experience is making me feel like I'm melting. Maybe I'll just stay in the room and watch TV… What am I saying?! I'm a tourist!
7:00 PM - Dinner, Glorious (Hopefully) & The First Taste of Local Food: Found a restaurant! (Or maybe it found me). It's Filipino cuisine. Chicken Adobo! YES! As it touched my tongue, I realized that this trip to Manila would be worth it.
9:00 PM - Embrace The Chaos (Or, At Least Try To): The air con STILL sucks. I've gotten used to it. Manila at night is different. The world is filled with sounds and smells. It's an assault on my senses. I'm not sure I entirely like it, but I'm here, and I can't help but be, in some strange, messed-up way, intrigued.
Day 2: Culture Shock, Shopping Spree (Or Attempted Panic-Buying), and the Search for Inner Peace (Spoiler: Still Searching)
8:00 AM - Breakfast, Briefly Interrupted By My Inner Critic: The hotel breakfast buffet. Standard. Eggs, some mystery meat… And my inner critic is screaming things like "You don't deserve this food!" I force myself to eat. Need fuel!
9:00 AM - The Glorious Intention: Ok, now its time to hit the streets and start experiencing the world!
10:00 AM - The Manila Market: Sensory Overload & Bargaining Fail: This place is a glorious explosion of color, noise, and things I could (and probably shouldn't) buy. I'm overwhelmed. I try bargaining, fail miserably, and end up buying a weird, slightly-too-small t-shirt. Still, I'm happy.
12:00 PM - Lunch & That Moment I Almost Lost My Mind: The food is good. I am hungry. I can't remember how many hours I've been walking, and I'm starting to feel like I'm gonna pass out.
2:00 PM - The "Lost Tourist" Act: I'm officially lost. Google Maps isn't helping. I'm hot, bothered, and starting to wonder why I thought this was a good idea. I ask someone for directions. They speak Tagalog. I nod and smile like I understand. I don't.
4:00 PM - Back to the Hotel & The A/C (Still a Disaster): It's still broken. Honestly, at this point, I just laugh. What else can you do, right?
7:00 PM - The Search for Comfort Food & The Solace of Netflix: Tonight, I am ordering room service. I need something familiar. I need a hug from my favorite show on netflix.
Day 3: Acceptance, Embracing the Awkward, and Leaving with a Story (Hopefully a Good One)
8:00 AM - Breakfast & The Slightest Sense of Optimism: The air con is still a lost cause. But you know what? I'm not even that mad anymore. Manila, you've broken me. And maybe, just maybe, I'm starting to like it.
9:00 AM - The Farewell Brunch (Or, One Last Attempt at Enjoying the Hotel): Brunch at the hotel. I eat one last plate of weird meat, because why the hell not?
10:00 AM - Last-Minute Souvenir Hunt & That One Thing You Regret Not Buying: I rush to the airport for my flight. I'll be happy to leave this place.
12:00 PM - Departure & Post-Manila Reflection: Heading home. I'm tired, slightly sunburnt, and still covered in a thin sheen of sweat. But I'm also strangely…changed. Manila, you were a mess. But I'll always remember that time the air con never worked, the coffee was lukewarm, and I almost got lost forever in a crowded marketplace. And hey, at least I got a good story to tell.
Important Notes (Because, Honestly, I Probably Forgot Something):
- Humidity: It's real. Embrace it. Bring deodorant that can withstand the apocalypse.
- Traffic: Be prepared to spend a significant amount of time in it. Bring a book, a podcast, or the ability to meditate (I have none of these).
- Air Conditioning: Management may want to get that fixed. Just saying.
This is my experience in the Arzo Hotel in Makati Manila Philippines.
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Arzo Hotel Makati: Your Luxurious Manila Escape... with a Side of Chaos!
So, what *is* the Arzo Hotel about, anyway? Like, seriously – what's the deal?
Okay, so picture this: luxury, right? Manila. And the Arzo Hotel tries *really* hard to be that. Think sleek lines, cool aircon blasting (thank GOD for that!), and a lobby that practically screams, "Relax, you've arrived!" They've got these swanky rooms, a pool that actually looks swim-able, and a restaurant that promises culinary adventures. But, and this is a big BUT, it's in Makati, which means... well, it's Manila. Things are gonna get interesting.
Is it REALLY luxurious? Because, you know, Manila...
Look, let's be real. "Luxury" in Manila is a different beast than, say, Switzerland. The Arzo *tries* for the whole "five-star" vibe. The rooms are nice, genuinely. The bed? Heavenly. I sank into it like a marshmallow. The bathroom was… clean, which is a victory in itself. But... and this is where the Manila magic comes in... there's always *something*. Maybe the elevator takes a suspiciously long time. Maybe the "concierge" is more "guy who points you in the general direction of stuff." Maybe the TV channels are a bit… limited. It's luxurious... with a healthy dose of "character." Don't expect perfection. Embrace the quirks.
Tell me about the rooms! Are they worth the price tag?
Okay, the rooms. Let's get specific. I stayed in the Deluxe Room (splurged a little, didn't I?). Spacious? Yes. Clean? Mostly. The bed was the highlight – legitimately cloud-like. I swear, I slept for a solid ten hours that first night. The view? Well, it was of other buildings in Makati. Let's just say it wasn't exactly postcard-worthy. The bathroom was good, plenty of hot water, which you *will* appreciate after a day sweating your butt off in the Manila heat. Worth the price? Eh... it depends. If you're craving a comfortable, air-conditioned haven after battling Manila's chaos, then maybe. If you're on a shoestring budget, probably not. But that bed... *that bed* almost justifies it all.
Speaking of chaos... How's the location? Is it easy to get around?
Makati. AKA: Ground Zero for Manila traffic. The Arzo is *in* Makati, which means you're in the heart of it, baby! Walking outside? Be prepared to dodge motorcycles, jeepneys belching fumes, and street vendors selling... well, everything. Grabbing a taxi? Good luck! It's a warzone. But! The hotel staff are pretty helpful with calling you taxis and getting you going. Grab (the ride-hailing app) is your best friend. Seriously. Without Grab, I think I'd have been trapped inside the hotel forever. Just factor in *lots* of travel time. If you think you can just pop down the street for a quick bite... think again. It's an adventure in itself, getting anywhere.
The pool! Is it a lifesaver or a disappointment?
Okay, the pool. This is a big one. After a day of battling the Manila heat and the sheer *energy* of the city, that pool is calling your name. And honestly? It's pretty good. Clean, refreshing, and a decent size. Not Olympic size, by any means, but enough to actually swim in. Bonus points for the poolside bar, which serves… well, everything you need after braving the traffic – cocktails, mocktails, snacks. One minor gripe: sometimes it gets a bit crowded. And you know, people in pools can be… people. But overall? The pool is a definite win. A small oasis of calm in the middle of crazy.
The restaurant. What's the food like? Did I get food poisoning? (Asking for a friend...)
Ah, the restaurant. They call it something fancy. I remember vaguely... something with "Zen," or maybe it was "Zest." Whatever! Look, the food... it's better than hotel-standard-blah. They had a decent breakfast buffet, with your usual suspects: eggs, bacon, toast, some local fruit. Nothing to write home about, but perfectly acceptable. I had dinner there one night, and it was… okay. I remember ordering some kind of pasta dish. It was edible. The atmosphere was nice, the service was friendly but, let's just say, not Michelin-star level. Did I get food poisoning? Nope! I survived. Success! But, honestly? Manila has so many amazing food options, I wouldn't eat all my meals there. Explore! Get out there, find some adobo, try the local street food (responsibly, of course!). The restaurant is a convenient option, but don't miss the real deals.
What's the best thing about the Arzo Hotel? And the worst? Spill the tea!
Okay, the *best* thing? That bed. Seriously. I sound like a broken record, I know. But after a long day of exploring, or just *existing* in Manila, that bed is a gift from the gods. Pure, unadulterated comfort. The pool is a close second. The worst? The elevators. Sometimes they felt like they were on vacation. Seriously. And the "business center." Think of it as a desk in the corner with a computer from the early 2000s. And the occasional power outage. But honestly, that's Manila. You learn to roll with it.
Would you stay there again? Be honest!
Ugh, honestly? Yes, probably. But! It's not *just* the Arzo. It’s the whole Manila experience. It’s that need of a nice bed after a long day. The Arzo is a solid base, a place to decompress after a day in the thrilling, exhausting chaos of Manila. It's not perfect. Nothing is. But it's clean, comfortable (that bed!), and a welcome respite. If you're looking for a luxurious-ish escape in the heart of the city, with a healthy dose of Manila's charming imperfections, then yeah, I'd recommend it. Just… book a Grab in advance.
