Sequoia Hotel Manila Bay: Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!
Sequoia Hotel Manila Bay: Unfiltered Luxury & My (Mostly) Awesome Experience!
Okay, so picture this: you’re in Manila. The concrete jungle’s calling, the traffic’s a beast, and you just… need a break. That’s where the Sequoia Hotel Manila Bay waltzes in, promising "Unbelievable Luxury." Now, I’m generally cynical about hotel promises – especially when "luxury" is involved. But after my stay? Let's just say they might be onto something. Buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your average hotel review. This is a messy, honest, and hopefully helpful dive into everything Sequoia has to offer.
First Impressions: Accessibility & the Welcome Wagon (or Lack Thereof, Initially)
Let's get the nitty-gritty out the way, shall we? Accessibility is key, and Sequoia mostly delivers. The elevator? Check. (Essential, because I'm not climbing mountains of stairs on vacation!). Facilities for disabled guests are touted, which is great, but I didn't get to fully explore this aspect. I'm not disabled, so I can't give a firsthand account, which is a bit of a bummer, I know. It would have been a huge plus if I could have found a more concrete confirmation, but still, it is nice they are offering some accessibility. The exterior corridor made me think back to how many times I tripped on the way to my room, it would be nice if this aspect included some added security to avoid tripping or other mishaps.
Now, the Check-in/out [express]? Meh. It wasn't exactly lightning fast, but the staff was friendly, and the concierge quickly came to the rescue when I had a luggage mishap. The front desk [24-hour] is a huge plus, obviously.
The Room: My Private Paradise (with a Few Quirks)
Alright, the room. This is where Sequoia really shines. I booked a non-smoking room (essential for my sensitive nose!), and it was a haven of air-conditioned bliss. The air conditioning in the public area was appreciated too. The blackout curtains are a game-changer – goodbye, harsh Manila sunlight! I slept like a log. The extra long bed was a dream. Seriously, I could starfish without fear of falling off.
Amenities Galore! They've got it all, seriously. From bathrobes to slippers (luxury!), complimentary tea and coffee/tea maker (morning savior!), free bottled water (hydration station!), and a mini bar (temptation central!). The hair dryer, ironing facilities, in-room safe box – all the essentials were there. I loved the soundproof rooms too, because, well, Manila. The bathroom phone… well, I didn't call anyone from the bathroom, but hey, it's there! And of course, Wi-Fi [free] in the rooms – essential for my social media addiction and keeping up with friends and family.
Now, a little anecdote, because that's what makes a review REAL, right? My room had a mirror on the wall, of course. But one night, I was getting ready for dinner, and caught my reflection. I am not a selfie person, but I felt compelled to take one. I then realized I had missed an important appointment, an incident which reminded me of my tendency to get so lost in my own reflection. It's important to be honest about the imperfections, and it's important that a hotel room has a great mirror.
Oh, and the Internet? Absolutely crucial for a modern nomad! The Wi-Fi [free] in my room was a lifesaver. They also offer Internet access – LAN, which is a more secure option for those who need it. Internet services are available, and again, the Wi-Fi in public areas was a decent speed. I tried out my computer in the lobby and it was a quick start, which was great!
But, a tiny (and this is tiny!) gripe: the additional toilet wasn't in my room. But hey, I didn't really need it.
Dining & Drinking (and Sinking into Bliss) – My Favorite Part!
Okay, listen up, foodies! This is where Sequoia slays. Seriously. Let’s start with breakfast. The Breakfast [buffet] was nothing short of EPIC. There were Asian breakfast options (hello, congee!), Western breakfast favorites (eggs, bacon, the works!), and enough to make even the pickiest eater happy. The Buffet in restaurant was something to behold. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was top-notch, and I may or may not have poured myself a few extra cups.
Restaurants galore, people! I indulged in the A la carte in restaurant options a few times. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was fantastic. They have a Vegetarian restaurant too, which is great for the herbivore among us. I even ordered room service, and the Room service [24-hour] was prompt and delicious, especially the soup in restaurant. The Poolside bar was a must-visit, and I found myself lingering there more than once. I can recommend the bottle of water, also! The desserts in restaurant were a triumph of sugar and artistry.
Ways to Relax: Spa, Swim, and Be Pampered!
The swimming pool [outdoor]? Glorious. The pool with view? Even better! I spent a solid amount of time just floating around, staring at the Manila skyline, letting my cares melt away.
Then came the spa. Oh. My. Goodness. I went for the full experience, folks. I treated myself to a Body scrub, a Body wrap, a Massage, and maybe even a Foot bath. (Okay, I definitely did the foot bath). It was pure, unadulterated bliss. The Spa itself was gorgeous, with a sauna and steamroom to help de-stress. It was a total escape. I am so relaxed, I don't want to leave the spa/sauna.
Things to Do (Besides Eat and Float) And the Important Details!
Let's face it, I mostly ate and floated. But Sequoia does offer things to do. The Fitness center/Gym/fitness looked well equipped, but I confess, I avoided it. I am perfectly happy with having a great time.
Safety & Cleanliness: Feeling Secure (Even in These Times)
This is HUGE, especially in the current climate. Sequoia takes this seriously. They have physical distancing of at least 1 meter, hand sanitizer everywhere, and staff are trained in safety protocol. I noticed daily disinfection in common areas and rooms sanitized between stays. They even offer room sanitization opt-out available if you wish, which is nice. Individually-wrapped food options and a safe dining setup were standard. They also used anti-viral cleaning products and really seemed to care if you are safe.
Even better: Cashless payment service, safe dining setup, and even sanitized kitchen and tableware items. I felt genuinely safe, which is a massive plus.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy!
They offer Airport transfer, and while I didn't need it, it's a great convenience. They also have Car park [free of charge] if you're driving, and taxi service.
The Little Extras that Made me Smile:
- Daily housekeeping: Because who wants to make their bed on vacation? Not me!
- Free bottled water: Hydration is key!
- Luggage storage: Essential for late check-out/early arrival.
- Concierge Service: Super helpful!
- Elevator: Praise the heavens!
The Not-So-Perfect (But Still Manageable) Bits:
- Missing extra toilet: Not a deal-breaker, but it would have been nice.
- Express check-in/out could be quicker: But the staff was friendly, so it's forgiven.
- Some minor things are unavailable: Pets allowed aren't an option.
My Verdict: Should You Book? YES!
Honestly? Yes. Absolutely. The Sequoia Hotel Manila Bay delivered on its promise of "Unbelievable Luxury." It's a perfect escape from the chaos of Manila. This is a hotel that genuinely cares about your well-being, from the impeccable cleanliness to the attentive staff.
My Offer to You (Because I'm Feeling Generous!)
To make the Sequoia experience even sweeter, I'm offering you my unsolicited and totally amateur advice. Book that room! You deserve this. Trust me.
Here’s My Personal Booking Hack:
- Pro Tip: Book directly on their website for the best deals, and keep an eye out for special offers!
SEO Breakdown for the Geeks:
- Keywords Used (Naturally, of Course!): Sequoia Hotel Manila Bay, luxury hotel Manila, Manila Bay hotel, accessible hotel Manila, spa hotel Manila,
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, pristine travel itinerary. This is me, unfiltered, navigating the concrete jungle of Manila with the (slightly questionable) sanity of a tourist fueled by instant noodles and sheer willpower. We're talking Sequoia Hotel Manila Bay, baby! Consider this less a schedule and more… a slightly organized descent into delicious chaos.
The Sequoia Shuffle: Manila Bay Mayhem (and Maybe Some Magic)
Day 1: Arrival, Awe (and a Near-Death Experience with a Taxi Driver)
1:00 PM: Touchdown Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Okay, so the air smells of a weird mix of jet fuel and… something tropical, I think? Immediately, the sheer intensity of Manila hits you. It's a glorious, overwhelming symphony of noise, color, and human energy. Found my driver, thank god, in a swirling sea of people holding signs. He looked promising.
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM: The taxi ride from the airport. Oh. My. God. This deserves its own novella. Let's just say Philippine traffic is a sport, and my driver, bless his heart, was a gold medalist. We weaved, we dodged, we miraculously didn’t crash. I swear, at one point, I saw him use the horn to communicate with a chicken. Seriously! I was gripping the seat so hard my knuckles turned white. I was pretty sure I was going to die. Finally, we arrived at The Sequoia Hotel Manila Bay. I kissed the ground (the lobby floor) and vowed to walk everywhere from now on.
3:00 PM: Check-in at the lovely Sequoia Hotel. Oh, the relief of air conditioning and a fluffy white towel. My room is surprisingly nice, overlooking the bay. The water seems calm from up there. This could work.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Reconnaissance mission. Exploring the hotel. Finding the pool. Okay, that pool looks inviting. The hotel seems nice enough, for now. I may need to drink some beer to calm these nerves.
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel. The restaurant looks okay. I'm going for the safe option: chicken. I’m pretty sure I saw a cockroach. (Maybe I did, maybe I didn't, I'm blocking it from my memory). Oh well, it was delicious.
9:00 PM: Attempt to sleep. Nope. Jet lag is a savage beast. Plus, the city's cacophony, even tucked away in my hotel room, is still roaring. Staring at the ceiling thinking, "What have I gotten myself into?!".
Day 2: History, Heartbreak (and the Unexpected Joy of a Street Vendor)
7:00 AM: Wake up because someone’s outside my window, I think. Actually, I think it's a rooster.
9:00 AM: Breakfast at hotel. The scrambled eggs. Oh. My. God. They are glorious. And the coffee. Not bad. Still feel like I have a cloud over my head but the breakfast is perfect.
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Intramuros! The walled city. Okay, wow. This is beautiful. The architecture, the history… It's like stepping back in time. I rented a bamboo bike because walking seemed impossible. Weaving through the streets. Seeing the forts. A little bit of my soul seems to have come back.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch in Intramuros. I see this restaurant. The food is meh, the service is… well, let’s just say the waitress must have been having a bad day. Sigh. The history is enough to sustain this.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Fort Santiago. Exploring. A powerful and heartbreaking look at the past. I cried a little, okay? The stories of the prisoners… shudders.
5:00 PM: Back to the hotel. It's hot, it's overwhelming, and I need a break.
6:00 PM: This time… I walk to the bay. The sunset is beautiful. The vendors are out, selling various treats. I buy some food. I smile. This is a good moment.
8:00 PM: Thinking about dinner. Maybe I'll go to the mall? Ugh, but I want something local. Okay. I'll order a recommendation from the hotel. I. Am. Starving.
9:00 PM: Staring at the ceiling. What if I never sleep again?
Day 3: Markets, Mayhem, and a Moment of Zen? (Maybe)
8:00 AM: Okay, I think my jet lag is starting to improve. I ate some of that delicious scrambled eggs. I am ready to go.
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Divisoria Market. Okay, this is sensory overload personified. Colors, smells, sounds… It's a beautiful chaos. I got lost at least five times. I haggled with vendors (badly). Brought back some trinkets. Exhausted. But good.
1:00 PM: Back at the hotel. I'm going to the pool. I deserve it.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Pool time. Ahhhh…. This is what heaven feels like. The humidity doesn't quite disappear, but I am feeling good.
6:00 PM: Decided I don’t want to go all the way to the mall. Went to the small grocery store across the street to grab some more snacks, and maybe a bottle of water.
7:00 PM: Dinner in the hotel. Again. This time, something different. It's okay. I still like the scrambled eggs.
8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: I’ll get those trinkets to send some pictures.
9:00 PM: Maybe, just maybe, I will sleep tonight? Time will tell.
Day 4: Departure (and a Promise to Come Back… Eventually)
7:00 AM: Wake up. I actually saw a cockroach. This time, I know it. And I'm okay with that.
8:00 AM: One last breakfast. Those glorious eggs.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Quick checkout, a few last-minute souvenirs from the hotel shop (because I always forget something!), and a heartfelt "goodbye" to the staff who are, honestly, the absolute best.
10:00 AM: I hope our taxi ride will be less stressful than on the way in. Wish me luck.
12:00 PM: Flight back home.
Final Thoughts:
Manila, you are intense. You are chaotic. You are beautiful. You are frustrating. You are… unforgettable. Did I love everything? Absolutely not. Did I have some moments of pure, unadulterated panic? Oh, you betcha. But would I do it again? In a heartbeat. Maybe next time, I’ll learn some Tagalog and actually know what I'm eating. Stay tuned!
Indonesian Paradise Found: Pondok Balebat 2 Hotel's Unbelievable Luxury!
Is the Sequoia Hotel REALLY as luxurious as it looks in the pictures?
Okay, *deep breath*. The pictures? They're... mostly accurate. But let me tell you, walking into that lobby? It’s like being slapped in the face with a velvet glove. Seriously. You’re immediately hit with this *vibe*, this overwhelming sense of “I am not worthy.” Everything is gleaming, polished, and probably cost more than my car. Then again, I did spot a slightly wonky seam on one of the curtains in my room. It's the little imperfections that make you feel at home, you know? (Even if your home is usually just a pile of laundry and regret.) So yeah, luxurious... *mostly*. Just keep your expectations, and maybe a magnifying glass for the tiny, endearing flaws, in check.
What's the deal with the Manila Bay view everyone raves about?
The view? Oh. My. God. It’s… dramatic. Like, peak daytime soap opera levels of dramatic. The sunsets? Forget about it. They'll probably give you an existential crisis. One night, I swear, the sky was on *fire*. And the next morning? Fog. Thick, swirling fog that made me feel like I was in a bad movie. So, it's a lottery, really. Some days you win the lottery and witness sheer beauty, other days you're enveloped in a damp, slightly melancholic embrace of the deep fog. But even the fog has a certain charm, y’know? Just be prepared to be utterly speechless (or maybe just a bit soggy).
Is the service really as amazing as everyone says?
Yes, the service is ridiculously good. It's the kind of good that makes you wonder if you accidentally stumbled into some kind of parallel universe where everyone is unnaturally polite and helpful. I dropped a fork at breakfast, and before I could even *think* about picking it up, a waiter materialized like a ninja, replacing it with a fresh one. It's almost... unsettlingly efficient. The only slight hiccup? I asked for extra pillows one night. They arrived, about five minutes later, but they were so… *perfectly* arranged that I felt guilty messing them up to sleep.
What's the best thing about staying at the Sequoia Hotel?
Okay, this is tough. Because there are many contenders. The fluffy robes? Divine. The rooftop pool? Glorious. The food? Let's just say I might have gained a few pounds. But if I *had* to pick one thing? It’s the feeling of escaping reality, even for a little while. You’re instantly transported, shielded from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It's a bubble of serenity, even if the occasional bubble bursts (like, say, when you realize you've accidentally ordered room service for way more than you can eat). It's a moment of pure bliss, a chance to simply… *be*. Also, the air conditioning is spectacular. Seriously. Lifesaver.
Is the hotel family-friendly?
Well, it depends on your definition of family-friendly. They *definitely* cater to families. I saw a kid in the lobby, absolutely demolishing a giant chocolate cake. The staff seemed unfazed, which is a testament to their training. However, the overall vibe is more geared towards sophisticated calm than full-blown kiddie chaos. So, if your kids are the type who can appreciate a quiet, luxurious environment, then absolutely! If they're prone to, you know, screaming in public, maybe consider a different type of vacation (unless you're looking to become *that* family). Although, I did see them offer kids’ menus with a lot of cool stuff. That's always a good sign.
What's the food situation like? I'm a picky eater, send help!
The food...oh, the food. I’m personally obsessed with the breakfast buffet. It's a beautiful, sprawling display of culinary delights. I had a minor internal struggle every morning. My head told me to try to be healthy, my stomach told me to go for the croissants. I didn't win. The croissants *always* won. But, in terms of being picky and eating food, the hotel restaurants offer everything that you could want and more. I'd just advise booking to be safe with your preferred seating. And, pro tip: If you are planning on ordering room service, be sure to budget for the experience. Room service, for me, was a moment of "Oops, did I just order that?" but more power to you!
Did you experience anything *bad* at the Sequoia Hotel? (Be honest!)
Okay, let’s be real. Nothing is perfect. The elevator was a *little* slow at times. I did have to wait for it a bit. It’s hardly a catastrophe, but when you’re craving that rooftop pool, every second feels like an eternity. Also, on one occasion, the music at the pool got a little... repetitive. Like, I think I heard the same song five times in a row. But honestly? That's it. Minor gripes in the Grand Scheme of things. And even the elevator offered enough time to reflect on life, which is a good thing.
Is it worth the price? (The million-dollar question!)
Ah, the price. Yes. You'll be opening your wallet. It's not exactly a budget getaway. But is it worth it? For me, *absolutely*. The level of service, the stunning views, the escape from the everyday...It’s an investment in your sanity. Yes, I’d have to starve for a month to recover from my stay. But as I sit here, drinking my instant coffee and looking at my laundry pile, I already miss it. You’re paying for an experience, and it's an experience you won’t soon forget. Plus, the memories totally outweigh the cost. Just maybe start saving now... or sell a kidney. Kidding. Mostly.
What's the best tip you have for a first-time visitor?
Pack your biggest sunglasses. And your comfiest shoes. And maybe… *something* fancy to wear. Just embrace the vibe. Don't try to be cool. Allow yourself to relax. Order the croissant. Watch the sunset (even if it's behind a bit of fog). And don’t even *think* about checking your emails. Just let the Sequoia Hotel work its magic. It’s all about the experience - the good, the slightly wonky, the utterly incredible.
