Escape to Paradise: The Oriental Place Makati Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: The Oriental Place Makati Awaits! – A Honest, Messy, and Utterly Human Review
Alright, listen up, wanderlusters and weary souls! I just crawled back from a little slice of heaven (and a whole lot of air conditioning) – The Oriental Place Makati. And let me tell you, "Oriental Place" is a bit of an understatement. It's more like, "Get Your Sandals Ready, You're About to Be Pampered Into a Mild State of Bliss!"
This isn't your average hotel review, folks. This is real. I'm talking spilled coffee, questionable decisions in the buffet line, and honest-to-goodness opinions. So buckle up.
First Impressions & Accessibility (or, "Where's the Elevator, Again?")
Okay, so Makati. Bustling, chaotic, and a touch overwhelming. The Oriental Place? A surprisingly tranquil oasis, tucked away from the concrete jungle. Getting there was a breeze thanks to their airport transfer (thank the heavens – traffic is a beast!) and the car park is free - bonus!
Accessibility: Now, I'm no expert on accessibility, but I did notice a wheelchair ramp around the entrance - always a great start! Also, there's an elevator, which is a lifesaver after a long flight. I spotted facilities for disabled guests, which is a huge plus.
The Room – My Personal Sanctuary (…with a Few Surprises)
My room? Ah, my room. A haven of fluffy robes, a bathtub begging for bubbles (which I happily obliged!), and…wait for it…blackout curtains! Pure. Bliss. Let me tell you, after battling jet lag, those curtains were the MVP. Slept like a baby (a slightly sleep-deprived baby, but a baby nonetheless).
Here's a list of Room Features:
- Available in all rooms: 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.
The Wi-Fi [free] was a lifesaver. Seriously, I need my internet to survive, especially when I'm traveling! And a personal anecdote, there was an unexpected issue with the hot water linen and laundry washing, but the staff addressed it promptly--which tells me they actually care about you.
Oh, and the Imperfections:
- The mini bar had a weird smell, and I was a little bit too afraid to check it out.
- I really wanted to use the mirror that I didn't know was there, but it did not have a light.
- The aircon kept adjusting to 28, and was not optimal to the best sleep experience.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – My Stomach's Adventure
Okay, food. This is where things get really interesting. The breakfast [buffet] was…an experience. They had everything! Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, the works! Coffee/tea in restaurant was my morning ritual.
The Good:
- I hit up the poolside bar for happy hour. Two words: Margarita bliss. Seriously, the drinks and the view were phenomenal.
- They have a Vegetarian restaurant so my friend had fun.
- They have a Desserts in restaurant.
The (Slightly) Less Good:
- The Buffet in restaurant was…extensive. Almost too extensive. Deciding what to eat was a battle. A delicious battle, but a battle nonetheless.
- A la carte in restaurant, I did not like it as much as the buffet.
- I saw a Soup in restaurant, but I was so stuffed from eating everything else.
The Sanitization & Safety – Because, You Know, Reality
Cleanliness & Safety: This is where The Oriental Place absolutely shines. They're taking this stuff seriously. I saw signs everywhere about physical distancing of at least 1 meter, hand sanitizer stations, and the staff diligently following protocols. They use Anti-viral cleaning products. This felt super reassuring, and I'm a nervous flyer. Their safety features are top notch.
Specifically, here are what they apply:
- Anti-viral cleaning products
- Breakfast takeaway service
- Cashless payment service
- Daily disinfection in common areas
- Doctor/nurse on call
- First aid kit
- 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
- Shared stationery removed
- Staff trained in safety protocol
- Sterilizing equipment
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – My Personal Nirvana
Okay, the part we've all been waiting for. The escape, the paradise part. And trust me, it's real.
The Spa: I booked a massage. Let me tell you, I walked in like a stressed-out pretzel, and walked out like a noodle. Their Body scrub and Body wrap are so tempting!
The Pool: The swimming pool [outdoor] with a pool with view was to die for. I'd probably stay there all day if my skin wasn't too sensitive.
The Fitness Center: I didn't actually make it to the Fitness center - because, you know, vacation - but they've got one! Gym/fitness? Check! They have everything to ways to relax.
The Steamroom and Sauna: I did not have time to go to Spa.
- Sauna
- Spa
- Spa/sauna
- Steamroom
Services & Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter
They have a 24hr front desk and Security!
- Oh my gosh, they already have Breakfast in room!
- They have Concierge that helped me with everything!
- The Daily housekeeping made me feel like royalty.
- But seriously, the Luggage storage was a lifesaver.
- I also appreciated the Cash withdrawal service.
And then there's the extras:
- Smoking area
- Terrace
- Shrine
- Meeting/banquet facilities
- Business facilities
For the Kids – I Don't Have Any, But…
Okay, I don't travel with kids, but I noticed they seem pretty kid-friendly. They had Kids facilities and a Babysitting service! Family/child friendly, for sure.
Final Verdict – Would I Go Back? (Spoiler Alert: YES)
Despite the occasional hiccup (hey, no place is perfect!), The Oriental Place Makati is a winner. It's a beautiful escape, combining comfort, convenience.
Here's the bottom line: If you're looking for a clean, safe, and relaxing stay, with a touch of luxury and a whole lot of pampering, Book this hotel now! You deserve it!
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Body:
Tired of the daily grind? Craving a truly rejuvenating getaway? Look no further than The Oriental Place Makati, your perfect escape to paradise in the heart of the Philippines!
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Here's what awaits you:
- Unrivaled Comfort & Safety: Rest easy knowing we prioritize your well-being: anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection, physical distancing, and staff trained in safety protocols.
- Culinary Delights: Savor delicious meals at our diverse restaurants, including an Asian breakfast, Buffet in restaurant, and a poolside bar for happy hour!
- Pure Relaxation: Indulge in our
Okay, buckle up buttercups. This isn't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is me at The Oriental Place Makati, and let's just say things are probably going to get…interesting. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, questionable food choices, and possibly a tear or two (mainly from laughing at myself, hopefully).
The Oriental Place Makati: A Manila Mess – A Stream of Consciousness Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and the Eternal Quest for Legit Coffee
1 PM: Arrival & Initial Panic. Okay, so the flight was delayed. Of course. And Manila traffic? It's a beast. Found myself staring at the endless sea of cars and motorcycles, feeling that familiar existential dread of "am I even alive right now?" Finally arrive at The Oriental Place. Looks… promising. The lobby smells vaguely of lemon pledge, which is both comforting and mildly terrifying. Check-in was surprisingly smooth (thank god, after that travel headache). Room looks decent. Window? Check. Mini-fridge? Check. Toiletries? Check. Okay, functioning human again.
1:30 PM: The Coffee Predicament. NOW. Coffee. I need it. Desperately. The room has a sad little instant coffee situation. Nope. Not gonna fly (or rather, not gonna function). Google Maps says there’s a Starbucks a few blocks away. This is a mission.
2:00 PM: The Starbucks Odyssey. Ugh, the heat. The humidity. I’m already glistening. This is why I always pack a handkerchief, and I'm so glad I did. Navigating Manila sidewalks? It's a chaotic ballet of dodging vendors, crossing roads at what appears to be a free-for-all, and trying not to make eye contact with the stray dogs. Found Starbucks. Victory! Ordered a venti iced latte. This is going to be my base camp for the next few days.
2:30 PM: Back to the Room & Initial Recon. Back to the room, iced latte clutched like a lifeline. Okay, time to actually look around… The view is…urban. Buildings. More buildings. A splash of green from a distant park. No complaints, really. Time to chill, make some calls.
3:00 PM: The Pool… Maybe? The hotel has a pool. Tempted. But… humidity. And the thought of having to apply sunscreen is exhausting me. Maybe later. Definitely later.
5pm: Dinner Head down to the hotel resto. I'm hungry. But my choices are limited. Let me try the chicken inasal (grilled chicken). My first taste of Filipino Cuisine. I was expecting something a bit more… spice-y.
6pm: Downtime After my exhausting meal, I was finally able to take a breather. I'm now in my room, taking notes, and planning. Tomorrow will be another day.
Day 2: Exploring (and Judging) Makati - or at least the area around the hotel.
9 AM: Coffee Ritual (Round 2). You guessed it: Starbucks. I'm starting to think I should just move in. The barista guy kind of recognizes me. We have a silent understanding.
10 AM: Trying to See What's up. I decided to roam around the area.
12 PM: Lunch. I decided to try a restaurant that was close by. The place seems to have a lot of people. I can't help but be curious, so I decided to go in. I ordered a bowl of soup, and some rice with a viand. The food was delicious, and I almost wanted a second helping.
1 PM: Back to the Room - Nap time. After a delicious meal, I was already feeling myself. I decided to go back to the room, and have a nap.
3 PM: Pool Time. I finally mustered enough courage to go to the pool. It was great, everything looked so clean.
5 PM: Dinner. I was thinking of going somewhere else. But then I realised, I still have a lot more exploring to do in these area, so I went back to the same restaurant with some friends.
Day 3: The "Cultural Experience That Almost Killed Me"
9 AM: Coffee. You know the drill.
10 AM: A cultural experience. I decided to go to an area where I can immerse myself in culture. The place was vibrant, people are all over the place. I really felt like I was lost in a sea of humanity.
1 PM: Lunch. I ordered some sort of deep-fried dish with rice. It was good, but a bit much.
2 PM: The "Almost Killed Me" Part. After that intense cultural excursion, I had to sit down, and rest. It took me some time to recover from that. Not exactly a fan of crowded places and heat.
4 PM: Back to the Room. I think some downtime is in order.
7 PM: Dinner. I think I will just stay in the hotel and rest.
8 PM: Early to Bed. I have a plane early.
Final Thoughts (and a Sprinkle of Self-Deprecation)
The Oriental Place? It's fine. It's a base camp. Makati? Overwhelming and amazing all at once. Manila? A beautiful, chaotic, sweaty, wonderful mess.
I didn't conquer the city. I didn't become a culinary expert. I barely managed to find my way. What I did do, though, was breathe it all in, stumble, and, well, try. And that's what really matters.
Would I recommend this itinerary? Probably not. It's far from perfect. But it's mine. And I survived. Consider this a win. Now, where's that airport? And, more importantly, where's the next cup of coffee? Cheers!
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So, "Escape to Paradise"... Is that even a *thing* in Makati? Seriously?
Okay, so look, I'm a cynical New Yorker at heart, right? Paradise? In Makati? My internal monologue was screaming "Yeah, right!" But... and this is a big but, the Oriental Place, it's... trying. It's definitely *aiming* for paradise. It’s like, they've got these shimmering pools (that, okay, did look inviting after a day of battling Manila traffic), a lobby that's trying to be all zen and minimalist, and the promise of, like, quiet.
But honestly? It’s Makati. You’re still hearing the distant rumble of a jeepney at 3 AM. Paradise isn't about perfection its about making the most of the space that you have. You know what I mean? It IS nice though, don't get me wrong. It's a decent escape, just... temper your expectations, like the guy at the front desk told me about the jacuzzi...
What's the *actual* vibe of the place? Like, who's the target audience here? (And can I wear my pajamas?)
Okay, so, the vibe. It's... mixed-ish. It's *trying* to be upscale, but it’s not, like, stuffy-upscale, which I appreciate. Like, I saw a guy in a suit, clearly on some kind of important business trip, and right next to him was a couple of backpackers, looking slightly shell-shocked by the sheer... *Makati-ness* of it all. Actually, the backpackers seemed confused. They were asking about the jacuzzi and the front desk guy was like, "Oh, it's out to service..." And I gave them a knowing look.
As for pajamas? Honestly, I don't think they'd bat an eye. I saw someone rocking sweatpants at breakfast. My advice? Do you. But maybe ditch the crazy slippers. You know? Just, because.
Let's talk rooms. Are they actually decent, or is it just another cramped Manila hotel situation? The reviews are *all over the place*.
Okay, the rooms are... *better than your average Manila hotel*. Let's put it that way. I've stayed in some places where the "view" was a brick wall. The Oriental Place actually *tries*. My room had a view of... other buildings. Standard Makati. But it was clean, well-lit, and the bed? Honestly, the bed was *amazing*. Like, sink-into-it, forget-your-problems amazing. I may or may not have spent an extra hour in bed each morning. Don't judge me.
And the bathrooms? Surprisingly good. Good water pressure. Hot water that actually *worked*. A small, but essential, victory.
The food. Spill. Is it worth eating at the hotel restaurant, or should I just brave the Manila street food (which, let's be real, is tempting)?
Okay, listen. The food... it's... fine. The breakfast buffet is your typical hotel breakfast buffet – eggs, some sad-looking bacon, fruit (that, let's be honest, might be from the supermarket.) I had it, of course. I *had* to. It was included.
But, and it's a big but, there are *tons* of amazing restaurants in Makati. Literally, a five-minute walk and you're in foodie heaven. So, my advice? Eat breakfast. But then *explore*. Go find some proper Filipino food. Go get some adobo. Go get some lechon. Trust me. You’ll thank me later. Skip the "fusion" at the hotel restaurant. You're in the Philippines! Embrace it!
Okay, the pool. Tell me the truth. Is it Instagram-worthy or just sad?
The pool. Alright, alright. Let's talk. It's... not a bad pool. It's long and narrow-ish. Not massive, but good for a quick dip, it's got that infinity edge thing going on so it *looks* good if you frame the photo right. The problem? It gets *busy*. Everyone wants a picture. And it can get kind of loud. Plus, and this is a small thing but it bugs me, the pool towels. They're... thin. Like, you could see through them thin. I'm just saying, invest in some better pool towels, guys! They seemed to be always out of stock, it's a serious issue. Poolside is the best place for a relaxing time, and everyone knew that but management, apparently.
What about the service? Is it friendly? Efficient? Do they speak English? (Because, let's face it, that's kind of important.)
The service is generally... well-intentioned. The staff are lovely, genuinely friendly. They try very hard. But, and maybe this is just me, there's a slight lack of... polish? Sometimes you have to ask for things a couple of times. Sometimes your order gets messed up. But honestly, it's part of the charm! It’s not the Ritz-Carlton, it's a perfectly OK hotel in Manila. And the English is excellent. No complaints there. They are definitely helpful! And one day – I spent a day in the lobby because the AC in my room went out. I just sat on the couch and watched everyone! It felt relaxing in a weird way!
Location, location, location! How convenient is it, really? Is it easy to get around?
The location is… pretty good, actually. It's in the heart of Makati, close to the main business district, but tucked away enough that it's not *completely* insane. Walking distance to a mall or two. Taxis are readily available, and Grab (the local Uber) is your friend. Getting around Manila is always a challenge, mostly because of traffic, but the Oriental Place is in a strategically good spot. So you can get to the airport quickly!
Is there anything *really* bad about this place? Any dealbreakers?
Okay, fine. Let's be honest. The soundproofing isn't amazing. I heard *everything* from the hallways. The traffic noise, some nights, was a little excessive. Again, Makati. What do you expect? I wish I had earplugs for the times I had to stay up late. My advice? Bring earplugs. Seriously. Also, the elevators are a little slow sometimes. But honestly, these are minor quibbles. The biggest dealbreaker for *me*, and this is a personal thing, was that the jacuzzi was out of order. Always.Serene Getaways
