Alwan Parklane Suites 17: Manila's BEST Kept Secret? (Unbelievable Views!)
Alwan Parklane Suites 17: Manila's "Secret" That's Almost Worth the Hype! (Unbelievable Views… Seriously!)
Right, so I’ve just crawled out of Alwan Parklane Suites 17 in Manila, and my brain is still buzzing. The phrase "BEST Kept Secret" is thrown around a lot these days, but does this place really deserve the label? Let’s dive in, shall we? Buckle up, because it's gonna get real.
Overall Vibe: The View Makes Up for Almost Everything
First things first: The VIEW. Oh. My. God. Seriously… it's breath-taking. You could spend all day just staring out the window. I'd happily pay extra for that alone. Perched high above the city, you get this panoramic sweep of Manila that's just… stunning. It's the kind of view that makes you feel… well, something. Like you're witnessing a secret, a hidden beauty. That's what they're selling, and that's what you get, period. But… is the rest of my experience as good as the view?
Accessibility - A Bit of a Climb, But Worth It (Maybe?)
Let's get the grunt work out of the way. Accessibility is… mixed. Yes, there’s an elevator (a very welcome sight), but the entrance? Well, it's a bit of a maze – a bit like Manila traffic, actually. I wouldn't necessarily call it a stroll for anyone with mobility issues. However, the facilities for disabled guests are a decent plus. I saw it and I liked it.
Rooms: Okay, Let’s Talk About… The Details
Alright, so the rooms. They’re… fine. Clean, mostly. (We'll get to the "mostly" later). The decor leans towards "functional chic" rather than "luxury boudoir." Everything you’d expect is there: Air conditioning (phew!), alarm clock, all the basics. The free Wi-Fi (essential, people!) worked like a charm, thankfully!
Strong Positives
- That damn view (again, because I'm obsessed).
- Blackout curtains: crucial for sleeping off that jet lag or escaping the city noise.
- Free bottled water: God bless the free bottled water, especially in Manila heat.
- Coffee/tea maker: I'm a caffeine fiend, and the instant coffee was… acceptable.
- Plenty of outlets near the bed? YES! Finally!
Minor Gripes
- Carpeting: Felt a bit dated. I kept wondering if there were dust bunnies hiding. I hate dust bunnies!
- The bathroom phone: Seriously? Who needs a phone in the bathroom these days? It felt like something out of the 80s.
- No USB charging outlets: Come on, guys. 2024!
Cleanliness and Safety – Doing Their Best, But…
Okay, this is a big one. Alwan Parklane Suites 17 is trying to be COVID-conscious. They have all the right buzzwords: Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer everywhere. They've got a Hygiene certification. That's the good part.
The not-so-good part? Well… one day, I noticed a… let's just say, smudge… on the mirror in my room. And it stayed there. For like, three days. I tried to ignore it, really I did. But it just kept staring back at me! That made me wonder just how thorough the cleaning really was. I'm just saying. I’m not obsessive, but I notice these things. And that smudge was the bane of my existence for those three days.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (of Sorts).
The "restaurant" is really more of a… breakfast nook. They offer a breakfast buffet, which is classic, and Asian cuisine in the restaurant – and some Western breakfasts as well. I went for the buffet one morning, and I'm not going to lie: the coffee was pretty weak. (I’m starting to sound like a caffeine snob, I know.) But hey, I'm not super picky. The staff, thankfully, were super friendly. The room service was fast, which if I was not in front of a computer screen, would be an upgrade.
- The Upside
- Breakfast takeaway service - nice for a quick preflight grab and go.
- Bottle of water. (Bless.)
- Poolside bar. (More on the pool later).
Ways to Relax: The Pool. Oh, The Pool.
Okay, now we're talking. The swimming pool has a view. A stunning view. And that, my friends, is where Alwan Parklane Suites 17 really shines. Imagine floating in the water, sipping a cocktail (from the poolside bar, naturally), and gazing out at that Manila sunset. It’s pure bliss. The sauna is another welcome touch, but I'm not the biggest fan of steamrooms.
Things to Do and Not-To-Do
The Hotel has a fitness center, a gym/fitness. I thought I'd try it one morning, but it was pretty basic; the usual treadmill, weights, and no one else was there - a true workout! Massage and Spa/sauna are available as well. Honestly, I was too busy looking at the view! Let's be honest. I went to Manila, but I ended up staying in the hotel.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the "Meh."
The Good:
- Free car park, elevators – Essential.
- Concierge: Helpful and friendly
- Laundry Service: Convenient, although a bit pricey.
- Daily housekeeping: Needed. Did I mention the smudges?
The "Meh"
- Food delivery: I didn't need it.
- Business facilities - the laptop was not great.
For the Kids - I didn't bring any kids, so I can't comment.
Getting Around: Taxi Service
- *A *taxi service* to get around.*
Internet – Thank You, Sweet Baby Jesus!
Praise be! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! It worked well, and the internet LAN access was available. I work online. Do you know how important this is? Very. And fast!
SEO, Metadata, and Final Thoughts: The Verdict?
Title: Alwan Parklane Suites 17: Manila's BEST Kept Secret? (Unbelievable Views!) - A Review
Meta Description: Discover if Alwan Parklane Suites 17 lives up to its "secret" reputation! Unbelievable views, but is the rest worth it? Honest review of rooms, amenities, and the pool. Find out if you should stay here!
Keywords: Alwan Parklane Suites 17, Manila hotel, best views, swimming pool, hotel review, Philippines, travel, vacation, accommodation, accessibility, Wi-Fi, restaurants, spa, cleanliness, security, [add more relevant keywords]
My Opinion:
Look, Alwan Parklane Suites 17 has its flaws. The rooms, the cleanliness… could be better. But that view. That freaking view. It's breathtaking. It's transformative. It almost makes you forget the minor inconveniences.
So, is it a "best kept secret?" Maybe. If you prioritize that killer view and can overlook a few imperfections, then yes. If you're a super-demanding, nit-picky guest, perhaps look elsewhere. But for me? I’d go back. Just for that view. And the free Wi-Fi. And maybe, just maybe, a slightly cleaner mirror…
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Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your perfectly polished, Stepford-Wife-approved travel itinerary. This is REAL LIFE. This is me, at Alwan Parklane Suites 17 in Manila, about to try and make some sense of it all. (And probably fail spectacularly.)
Manila Meanderings: A Diary of Disasters and Delights
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Bed Battle (and a side of existential dread)
- 10:00 AM (ish): Touchdown! Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The air hits you like a humid, chaotic hug. I emerge, blinking, into a wall of…well, everything. Smells, sounds, hawkers trying to sell me things I don't understand… it's sensory overload in the best, most overwhelming way. (Pro-tip: Bargain HARD. Like, really hard.)
- 11:30 AM: Taxi ride to Alwan Parklane Suites 17. The driver, bless his soul, navigated Manila's traffic with the skill of a Formula 1 racer, dodging jeepneys, stray dogs, and what looked suspiciously like a family having a picnic on the road. My internal monologue consists of "Are we there yet? Are we ALIVE yet?"
- 12:30 PM: Check-in at Alwan. I swear, the lobby is fancier than my apartment. I'm immediately intimidated. The suite itself? Okay, this is more like it. Clean, spacious, a little… sterile. But hey, a bed! (Major moment of triumph here. This trip is all about the bed.)
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: The Great Bed Battle. (This needs its own category.) I walk in, and the first thing I do is flop onto the bed. It’s crucial. If the bed isn't the most important part of any vacation, then I don't know what is! It’s the foundation upon which all joy is built. And… it’s hard. Like, sleeping-on-a-plank-of-wood hard.
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Attempted call to reception. "Hello? Is there another matrass or a pillow which I can sleep on, please?" I want to sound confident, but my voice cracks. "I mean, is there another… you know… something?" I hang up in shame. This is going to be a long week.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: The first day of Manila is already testing me. Contemplating the meaning of life, the universe, and the quality of my bed. Decide to go for a walk.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM : Explore the area around Alwan. Find a little street food stall with some seriously questionable deep-fried… things. (I later come to know these as kwek-kwek. Apparently, they're duck eggs. I'm still alive, miraculously.) The taste: oily, salty, and strangely addictive. This is Manila in a nutshell, isn't it?
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Back to the suite. I make a mental note to buy some bottled water. And maybe a dictionary.
Day 2: Cultural Chaos & Karaoke Catastrophe
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. (Thankfully, not the kwek-kwek again.) The hotel's breakfast is…adequate. The coffee is black and bitter, just the way I like it.
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Intramuros! A walled city! That's like a history book come to life. We've heard from many sources that this is the best possible place to explore the historic side of Manila. It's a glorious clash of ancient and modern. We take the kalesa ride, and try to take in the many historical sights. The heat is relentless, but the architecture is breathtaking. I feel like I've stepped back in time, except I'm sweating like a pig and surrounded by selfie sticks.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch at Barbara's Heritage Restaurant. It's fancy-pants Filipino food. The food is good, but I'm too busy sweltering.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM : We stumble back to the suites. I spend an hour trying to work out how to use the AC.
- 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM: K-Town! A karaoke joint that smelled of desperation and stale beer. Oh, and karaoke. I'm not a singer. Like, AT ALL. I'm tone-deaf, rhythmically challenged, and my attempts to belt out a power ballad are met with a mixture of pity and mild amusement. But the group of friends has come to my rescue, singing along at the top of their lungs.
- 10:00 PM - 11:00 PM: I head back to the suite.
Day 3: The Mall of Madness and a Moment of Zen (Maybe)
- 10:00 AM: SM Mall of Asia! The largest mall in the Philippines. (And possibly the world? I lost track.) It's a city within a city! Shops, restaurants, movie theaters, even an ice-skating rink. It’s overwhelming. It's fun. It’s exhausting. By the third hour, I'm ready to swear off consumerism forever. (Until I see the next sale, of course.)
- 1:00 PM: Eat at a Filipino restaurant. I can't remember the name. I'm still trying to work it out. But the food is tasty.
- 3:00 PM: I stumble upon a small park nearby. There are many trees, and other people. A slight breeze touches my face. I just sit on a bench and enjoy it.
- 4:00 PM: I head back to the suites.
- 5:00 PM: I go to sleep.
Day 4: (The Day of the Bed Battle)
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM : Attempted negotiation with reception. The bed is still killing me. They offer me a thicker mattress. I accept, and feel a small sense of win.
- 1:00 PM: I start the day by eating.
- 2:00 PM: I go out to explore the region.
- 3:00 PM: I eat again.
Day 5: Goodbye, Manila (and a promise to come back)
- 10:00 AM: Check out. I stand in the lobby, feeling a strange mix of relief and sadness. Manila, you chaotic, beautiful, exhausting beast, I'll miss you.
- 11:00 AM: Taxi to the airport. The traffic is, of course, a nightmare. I close my eyes and try to remember the good parts: the friendly faces, the delicious (and sometimes terrifying) food, the sheer energy of the city.
- 1:00 PM: Boarding. Manila, you've worn me out. But you've also filled me up. I'll be back. And next time, I’m bringing my own mattress topper.
- 1:30 PM: I get on the plane.
- 2:00 PM: We fly away.
Final Thoughts:
This trip wasn't perfect. It was messy, unplanned, and at times, downright frustrating. But that's what made it real. Manila isn't a place you can just "conquer." It's a place you experience, you stumble through, you get a little lost in. And sometimes, just sometimes, you find something beautiful along the way. (And, next time, a better bed.)
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Alwan Parklane Suites 17: Manila's BEST Kept Secret? (Unbelievable Views!) - An Honest FAQ
Okay, spill the beans. Is Alwan Parklane Suites 17 *really* a secret? And what's with the "unbelievable views"?
"Secret" is probably a *slight* exaggeration. It's not like a hidden island paradise where you need a coded handshake to get in. More like... a well-kept secret amongst a certain *type* of traveler. The kind who appreciates a killer view but maybe doesn't want to pay the (eye-watering) prices of some other hotels. And the views? Oh, the views. I'm talking panoramic, jaw-dropping, "I need to Instagram this immediately" views. You see the whole sprawl of Manila, the buildings like little Lego bricks, the sky painting itself every sunset. Seriously, I almost cried happy tears the first time I saw it. Okay, maybe I *did* cry a little. I'm a sucker for a good vista!
The pictures look slick. What's the *actual* vibe of the place? Is it all polished perfection?
Nah, not polished perfection. Let's be real, it's Manila. "Perfection" is a myth! The suites are… well-appointed, let's say. Modern, generally clean, and the furniture isn't screaming "IKEA!" You've got your basic amenities: kitchen (hallelujah for cooking your own breakfast!), a decent-sized TV, and air conditioning that actually *works*. But the building itself? It has a certain… *character*. A lived-in feel. Don't expect marble floors and a butler at your beck and call. Think more "comfortable apartment" than "luxury hotel." Which, honestly, I prefer. Makes you feel less like you're in a museum and more like you're actually *living* in the city.
Talk to me about the rooms themselves. What size are they? What am I getting? Is it worth the price?
Room sizes vary. I've seen studios and one-bedroom suites. Check the details on their website (I know, I know, doing your own research is *so* 2000… but you *have* to!). The key is the space. In Manila, space is a luxury. You're usually battling for elbow room. At Alwan, you generally get some room to breathe. You get a kitchen (again, HUGE win!), a comfy bed (crucial!), and, of course, those glorious views. Is it worth the price? YES. Especially if you compare it to other options in the area. You're getting a fantastic value, really. You're basically paying for the view, and that's the best investment you’ll make.
Okay, the view is supposedly amazing. What's it *really* like, though? Tell me something specific.
Alright, here’s a specific example: My first time there, I checked in late afternoon. I had a suite on a high floor. I opened the curtains… and BAM! My jaw *literally* dropped. I was looking at the entire city, spread out like a glittering map. The sun was starting to set, painting the sky in these insane oranges, pinks, and purples. I grabbed a bottle of San Mig Light from the fridge (because, priorities) and just… *stood there*. Didn't touch my phone, didn't move. Just absorbed it. The traffic started to light up, all the head and tail lights, all these little glowing roads, the city breathing under me. I think I genuinely forgot to blink for a while. It was… powerful. I’d had a rough week, and that view just *melted* all the stress away. It's not just pretty; it’s an experience. It's the reason you go.
What are the downsides? There *have* to be downsides. Nothing is perfect.
Okay, yeah, here's the brutally honest truth:
- Location: It's not smack-dab in the middle of everything. You'll need to budget for taxis or Grab rides (ride-sharing apps) to get around. But hey, that’s Manila for you!
- Building Noise: Occasionally, you might hear some street noise. It’s not a constant barrage, but if you're super noise-sensitive, bring earplugs.
- Internet: The WiFi can be a little… spotty. It's generally okay for basic browsing, but don't rely on it for serious work or streaming super-high-quality videos. Buy a local SIM card with data is a great solution.
- No On-Site Gym or Pool: If you’re a gym rat or swimming enthusiast, look elsewhere. This place is all about the views, not the amenities.
- Sometimes the Elevators...: Can get a little slow during peak hours like mealtimes. Just plan accordingly, and bring a book. Or use the stairs. Exercise!
How’s the service? Are the staff friendly and helpful?
The staff are generally lovely. They're not overly intrusive, but they're friendly and helpful when you need them. They've always been accommodating to my requests, like needing extra towels. You won't be overwhelmed with constant service, which is a plus, in my opinion. They're efficient and professional, but the atmosphere is relaxed.
Okay, I'm convinced. But let's say something goes wrong. How do they handle problems?
I had one minor issue with the air conditioning once (it was a particularly brutally hot day). I reported it, and they sent someone up to fix it promptly. They were apologetic and made sure everything was sorted out quickly. They’re not perfect, but they seem genuinely interested in rectifying issues when they arise. You're not just a nameless customer; they seem to care.
What's the best time to visit Manila? (I just want to maximize the view!)
The best time to visit Manila, in general, is during the dry season (November to May). However, for maximizing the view, any time you get clear skies is gold. That means: Check the weather forecast! Even during the rainy season, you can get stunning sunsets. But, the views are at their most spectacular when pollution is low (after a good rain) so, think twice after a downpour. The Golden Hour (sunrise and sunset) are the money shots. Just be prepared for the Manila humidity!
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