University Place Manila: The Ultimate Guide to Luxury Living in the Philippines
University Place Manila: My Honest, Rambling, and Occasionally Glorious Experience (SEO-ified, of Course!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the shimmering, air-conditioned world of University Place Manila. This isn't just your average hotel review; this is a deep dive, a soul-searching journey fueled by caffeine, a healthy dose of skepticism, and a whole lotta Wi-Fi. (Seriously, "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" is a godsend.)
First Impressions (and a Touch of Anxiety): Accessibility, Safety, and the Shebang
Let's be real, navigating Manila can be a chaotic ballet. But University Place? From the get-go, they seem to get it. Accessibility is a big one. I'm a walking person, but I appreciated the ramps, elevators, and the general feeling of not being an afterthought. They really tried. Car park [free of charge] and Valet parking? Score! Finding parking in Manila is a sport, so this alone is a win.
The 24-hour front desk, security [24-hour] and CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property gave me a sense of calm. Manila isn't always the most chill place, and knowing you're at least somewhat protected is crucial. Plus, with all the Fire extinguisher and Smoke alarms, I was less worried about spontaneously combusting, which is a win in my book.
And the Check-in/out [express] and Contactless check-in/out? Genius. Nobody wants to stand in line after a long flight.
Rooms: My Sanctuary (and the Occasional Sigh)
Alright, the rooms. They've got the basics down, a good thing. The Air conditioning was a life-saver. Blackout curtains? Essential for sleeping off that jet lag! And the Free bottled water? Hydration is key, people.
My room had a High floor, so I was treated to that Manila skyline. The views are actually decent! Soundproofing seemed to work, mostly, but I still heard the occasional motorbike. Maybe I'm just sensitive.
The Bed itself? Comfy, I confess, though the sheets were a bit…stiff. A minor quibble, honestly. I loved the Daily housekeeping and the Linens, though. Made it feel like a real treat to come "home" each day.
The Wi-Fi [free] absolutely lived up to the hype. Speed was great and didn't drop out once while I was there. Needed to connect with family so this was a bonus.
Now, about the bathroom. My room had a Separate shower/bathtub, which is a luxury I can get used to. Not many issues here.
Food, Glorious Food (and My Stomach’s Adventures)
Food is where University Place Manila really surprised me. The Breakfast [buffet] was a solid experience and I recommend it. They had a decent Asian breakfast, but you can get your standard Western breakfast items too. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was available all day, which I appreciated.
I ate dinner at the restaurant that served Asian cuisine in restaurant and International cuisine in restaurant and a couple times, and it was decent. They have a Bar and a decent selection of drinks. The staff were all nice and gave some good recommendations.
Things to Do (or, The Art of Doing Nothing Beautifully)
Okay, let's talk relaxation. THIS is where University Place Manila shines. There's a Swimming pool [outdoor], but the "pool with view" didn't seem to be as impressive as I expected. Still, a nice way to cool off.
And the Spa! Oh, the spa! The Massage I got was heavenly. I literally melted into the massage table. My therapist was amazing. I might have even snored a little. It was a straight-up moodbooster. They even had a Foot bath and a Sauna and Steamroom, which made the whole experience feel ridiculously decadent.
I'm not a gym person, but the Fitness center looked well-equipped if you're into that sort of thing.
The Bits and Bobs: Services, Conveniences, and Random Thoughts
They offer Laundry service and Dry cleaning, which is great if you're staying for a while. The Concierge was super helpful with getting me taxis and offering tips on where to go. They have a Convenience store, which is convenient.
For the kids: I didn't have kids with me. They have a Babysitting service.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Modern-Day Holy Grail
In these times, this is crucial. Anti-viral cleaning products and Daily disinfection in common areas gave me a sense of security. Rooms sanitized between stays and staff trained in safety protocol? Check and check. They even had Hand sanitizer everywhere. They seemed to be taking it seriously.
Now, the Big Win (and Some Mild Gripes)
University Place Manila isn't perfect. It lacks something of the charm that some hotels have, and the view from my room wasn't spectacular.
But the fact that the Wi-Fi worked, the staff were friendly, and the spa was incredible? That's winning. The fact that they prioritize safety? Priceless.
My Recommendation: Book It (But Manage Your Expectations)
University Place Manila is a solid choice. It’s a comfortable, safe haven in a bustling city. If you're looking for a luxurious, worry-free experience with excellent service and a killer spa, go for it.
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the glorious, chaotic, and utterly unpredictable heart of… University Place Manila! This ain't your meticulously planned, Instagram-perfect itinerary. This is the real deal, the one with the questionable street food, the near-misses with jeepneys, and the inevitable existential crisis brought on by humidity. Let's go!
Day 1: The Baptism of Manila (and My Stomach)
Morning (Maybe): Okay, so I intended to be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, ready to conquer the world. But let's be honest, the jet lag hit me like a ton of bricks. Woke up at, let's say, "eventually." Dragged myself out of the hotel (more like a decent hostel, let's call it that, the Manila Dreams Inn – sounds kinda fake, but the AC is a LIFE SAVER) and into the concrete jungle. First Impressions: Hot. Like, global-warming-is-eating-my-face hot.
The Quest for Breakfast (and Survival): Found a karinderya (local eatery) – smelled AMAZING. Ordered tapsilog (cured beef, garlic rice, fried egg). Oh. My. GOD. Heaven on a plate. The beef was a little chewy, the egg maybe a tad overcooked, but who cares?! It was a symphony of flavors and grease, and I devoured it like a starving person. (Spoiler alert: I was starving.) Feeling pretty confident… until…
Rant Time: Jeepney Mayhem (and My Sanity): I decided to be brave and take a jeepney. Famous last words. They are a riot of colors and noise. And let me tell you, learning the route? Forget about it. I swear the driver was trying to do a karaoke session while simultaneously navigating through a traffic jam that looked like a scene from Mad Max. I clung to the bar for dear life, sweating bullets, and questioning all my life choices. (Seriously, what possessed me to think this was a good idea?) Arrived at my destination (thankfully) relatively intact, smelling of exhaust fumes and mild terror.
Afternoon (Potentially): My original plan involved visiting a few historical sites. But after the Jeepney-ocalypse, I decided to chill. I wandered through some of the quieter streets (thankfully, the hostel is near the University of Santo Tomas so that is a plus for sightseeing) and stumbled upon a small park with a few benches. Sat there, watching the locals. It's here I saw how Filipinos have this relaxed approach towards life. I was staring at a couple, obviously in love, casually strolling. I was green with envy.
Evening (Fingers Crossed): Found a local bar, The Rabbit Hole. It's nothing fancy, but the beer is cold, the music is loud, and the people are friendly. Had some sisig (chopped pig's face, yum!), shared stories with a few locals (some of the best, most hilarious people I've ever met), and ended the night feeling a little less like a clueless tourist and a little more like… well, a slightly less clueless tourist, maybe. The karaoke started and I wanted to run away. But the singer was having the time of his life.
Day 2: Embracing the Chaos (and Slightly Regretting It)
Morning (Eventually, Again): Woke up with a slight headache (blame the beer, I guess). Decided to go to a proper coffee shop this time. Cafe Adriatico, they serve lovely coffee and pastries that are just pure comfort. Then, I needed to do something. See, I came here to start anew. I'm hoping to get a job teaching English here. As I sipped my coffee, I decided to revisit my resume. This feeling of possibility… It's overwhelming.
The Intramuros Adventure (Round Two): Armed with a map and a renewed sense of purpose (and maybe a slight caffeine buzz), I decided to tackle Intramuros, the historic walled city. This time, I hired a bamboo bike. It was glorious, the wind in my hair, the colonial architecture, and the utter freedom of not being stuck in a traffic jam (ahem, Jeepneys).
The Fort Santiago Experience (And a Personal Cry Fest): Walking through Fort Santiago… Man, that place is heavy. The history is palpable. I spent a good hour just wandering around, imagining the stories those walls could tell. But then I reached the area where Jose Rizal, the national hero, was imprisoned. I sat there, imagining his last moments – the courage, the sacrifice… And yep, I lost it. Just sat there, tears streaming down my face, feeling the weight of history and the sheer beauty of the human spirit. (Don't judge me, I was probably dehydrated.)
The Food-coma of Champions (and the Search for Wifi): Lunch was adobo at a local restaurant. (Yes, another dish. I have no regrets.) Then, as I attempted to navigate my way to another church, the exhaustion hit me. I found a cafe with AC and Wi-Fi, hoping I am able to book my flight back, which would include all the costs.
Evening (Still Alive!): Stumbled upon a fiesta (festival) happening nearby! Color, music, food vendors EVERYWHERE. The energy was intoxicating. Bought some street food (again, I am a glutton), danced clumsily to some Filipino pop music (everyone seemed to find my terrible dancing hilarious, which is a plus), and ended the night with a massive grin on my face. Manila, you crazy place, you're growing on me.
Day 3: The Backstreets and the Inner Peace (Maybe?)
Morning (ish): My original plan was to visit a Museum. But! Last night, the hotel owner had this suggestion for me about this "hidden gem" coffee shop. So I had to drag myself.
Coffee Shop Chronicles: The name is The Coffee Project. I didn't expect much since I always go to cafes. But as I entered, it was a hidden sanctuary. It felt like a hug. The cafe serves delicious coffee and I was able to see how Manila is so diverse and inclusive.
A Day of Reflections: I had the sudden urge to just find a spot and reflect… The people, the stories, everything.
Late Afternoon: While wandering around the University, I decided to find a small eatery. I sat there and ate. (I am really glad I'm living my best life). After that, I decided to walk around to get some fresh air and to find a good spot to watch the sunset.
- Sunset's Serenade: I found this rooftop bar. The view was amazing. The beer was great. I was watching the sunset. It's peaceful, I thought. But as I looked around the same feeling of pressure and anxiety came back. I began to feel again the same thing. The feeling of not being good enough crept in.
Evening: After all those thoughts, I decided to go back to my favorite bar. The music was great, everyone was dancing.
Final Thoughts (and My Stomach's Thoughts):
Look, Manila is a whirlwind. It's messy, it's loud, it's overwhelming at times. But it's also beautiful, vibrant, and full of heart. You’ll get lost (literally), you'll sweat buckets, you'll eat things you can't pronounce, and you'll probably question your life choices at least once. But you'll also meet incredible people, experience things you've never imagined, and probably fall a little bit in love with this chaotic, mesmerizing city.
And my stomach? Well, it's surviving. Probably. Pray for me.
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University Place Manila: So, *is* it Living the Dream? My Messy, Opinionated Guide
Okay, spill the tea. What *is* University Place Manila, anyway? Beyond the brochures?
Alright, let's get real. University Place Manila (UPM) is this… well, it *tries* to be luxury. It's swanky condos right smack in the heart of Manila's university district (hence the name, duh). Think gleaming towers, "resort-style" amenities (we'll get to that), and the promise of convenient living. Basically, they're aiming to be the go-to for students (or their parents with deep pockets) and anyone who wants a 'posh' lifestyle. I went in expecting a palace. I emerged… well, we'll get there.
Amenities, amenities! What can you *actually* do there besides just… existing?
Here's where things get… interesting. They boast a pool (which, I'll admit, is pretty nice, especially after sweating through a Manila afternoon), a gym (meh, it's adequate, but seriously, good luck getting a machine during peak hours), and some “study” areas (translation: places where people actually *do* study… or pretend to). They also have a game room, I think? I could never actually find it. Honestly, the best part of UPM’s amenities is the *idea* of them. But honestly, the pool is a lifesaver and the security is pretty good. That makes a big difference in Manila.
The Location, the *Location*! Is it actually… livable? Or just a convenient gridlock?
Okay, here's the deal. UPM is *convenient*, no question. You're literally steps away from universities like... well, you know, the ones the place is named after. Food, shopping, everything is within walking (or a short tricycle) distance. That's a HUGE plus in Manila. But… and this is a big BUT… traffic can be a nightmare. Like, soul-crushing, makes-you-question-your-life-choices, stuck-in-a-jeepney-for-three-hours kind of nightmare. I've missed so many deadlines. Also, it's a bit noisy. The constant thrum of jeepneys and the occasional karaoke session at 3 AM? Yeah, you get used to it… eventually. Maybe. On a good day, I embrace the chaos. On a bad day, I'm plotting a move to the mountains.
The Units: Are they… liveable *and* luxurious? Or just… expensive boxes?
Okay, the units themselves. They *look* nice in the photos. Modern, sleek… minimalist. In reality? Well, the build quality isn't exactly top-tier luxury. I've seen some… questionable finishes. And the walls? Thin. You'll get to know your neighbors *very* well. The views, though? Depends on your unit. Some have decent cityscapes. Others? Well… are looking into other buildings. BUT, and this is important, the layouts are generally pretty well-designed. The space is used efficiently. And the natural light is pretty good, if you can get a unit with a decent window. It's not a palace, but it's definitely upscale compared to some of the other options around. Just don't expect perfection. And don't even *think* of using the included appliances. They are a joke.
The Price! Is it *worth* the hefty price tag? My wallet's already crying.
Ugh, the price. Yeah, it's not cheap. Let's just put it that way. Manila real estate is… complicated. And UPM knows it's got a prime location. So, are the units worth the cost? Okay, here's my brutally honest take: No, probably not. But… and this is a big but… context matters. If you're a student and your parents are paying (lucky you!), then sure, it's a convenient and relatively safe option compared to some other places. If you're looking for convenience and you value time saved on commuting and you can afford it, it's worth *considering*. Just go in with your eyes wide open, and don't expect a bargain. The location is a luxury in itself, though, you're paying for that. If you plan on spending a lot of time in your unit, you might want to look around first. Seriously consider a different part of Manila. There's a lot of newer places that are more affordable and a bit better built.
The Security: Feeling Safe? Or just… paranoid?
Actually, the security is surprisingly good. They have guards everywhere, and they're usually pretty vigilant – at least that's my experience so far. I've felt safer here than in some other places, and that’s a huge relief! It's good to have peace of mind when you consider how Manila can be. And I love the guards! I always get a 'good morning' or 'good day.' That alone makes a difference!
My Biggest Complaint? What Really Grinds My Gears at UPM?
Okay, I'm going to rage for a second. The INTERNET. Dear GOD, the internet. They boast about high-speed internet, but it's more like dial-up from the early 2000s. I spent a week trying to download a single video and I got so frustrated, I almost throw my laptop out the window. And customer service is… well, let's just say you need a lot of patience (and maybe a little bit of luck) to get things resolved. I mean, it's Manila, right? Things don't always run smoothly. But the internet… it's a dealbreaker for me. If I didn't need to be close to my university, I would have left a long time ago.
So, Should I Live at University Place Manila? The million-peso question!
Alright, here's the bottom line. If you value convenience above all else, and your budget allows, then UPM *could* work. If you can tolerate the occasional internet meltdown, the noise, and the slightly-less-than-luxury finishes. Think of it as a well-located cocoon, not a palace. And be prepared to embrace the Manila experience... with all its quirks and imperfections. Just… go in knowing what you're getting into. And maybe bring your own Wi-Fi router. Also, look around. There are some nicer options. But hey, if you end up there, shoot me a message, let's commiserate over the internet and laugh about the traffic. You might just find you enjoy it.. Or not. It's Manila! It's gonna be messy either way.
