Manila Bay Bliss: Unforgettable Sea Residences Stay at EZ Stay Condotel!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the Manila Bay Bliss: Unforgettable Sea Residences Stay at EZ Stay Condotel! – or, as I like to call it, "The Condotel That Almost Broke Me… in the Best Way Possible." Let's get this review messy, honest, and gloriously human.
Accessibility: The Great Leveling Field (Mostly)
Alright, let's be real for a hot minute. Navigating the Philippines can be a journey. While EZ Stay says they have facilities for disabled guests, I'm not a wheelchair user, so I can only parrot what I saw and read. The elevator is there, always a plus, and the front desk staff were friendly, so that's a good start. But I'd recommend calling ahead and specifically asking about accessible room details. Don't rely on just the description; triple-check. (Important note: I didn’t specifically check or test every area for accessibility. This is based on what I observed and read in the listing.)
Internet: Wi-Fi Woes (And Wins!)
Okay, internet. This is where things get… character-building. "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" Great! "Internet access – wireless!" Wonderful! In practice, the Wi-Fi in my room was like a flaky friend: sometimes blissfully present, sometimes utterly gone. Other times I could connect, but it'd be slow as molasses… molasses running uphill. (A quick side rant: the coffee maker was slow too. Talk about a double whammy!) I ended up using my own hotspot most of the time. The listing also mentions Internet [LAN]… I never touched it, and honestly, given my Wi-Fi experience, I'm not sure I would have trusted it! (I did find some people were connecting and having a good connection, so your luck may vary.) However and this is a big BUT, the Wi-Fi in the public areas was surprisingly decent. Bonus points for that.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Cautiously Optimistic
Okay, COVID times, right? I'm going to be honest: I was slightly paranoid. EZ Stay gets brownie points for the effort. They used Anti-viral cleaning products (yay!), Daily disinfection of common areas (double yay!), and Staff trained in safety protocol (tripple yay!). They also had Hand sanitizer everywhere, which I, the hand sanitizer enthusiast, appreciated. They also offered a room sanitization opt-out, which is a nice touch if you're feeling extra… particular. I did see Rooms sanitized between stays, which is a good sign. The whole vibe felt cleaner than some of the other hotels I'd been to.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy (Mostly)
- Airport transfer: Yes they have this, which is a life-saver. Landing after a long flight and having someone scoop you up? Absolute luxury.
- Car park: Free and onsite. Again, winning. The Philippines can be tough, so a secure place for your car is really good, especially for a visitor.
- Taxi service: readily available
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary (and Booze-Fueled) Adventure!
This is where things get interesting. Let me tell you about the Poolside Bar. This is also where I realized the sun was doing a real number on mind! It wasn't there at all times, but on the weekends, it was happening. Picture this: You're sprawled on a sun lounger, after a sweaty time roaming around. The Poolside bar is a lifeline to glorious, ice-cold beer. Okay, maybe more than one beer. The cocktails? Hit or miss, but mostly hits, especially after the third one. Their Happy Hour was… happy. And the view? The Pool with a view is stunning – Manila Bay is literally right there.
Now the food. Restaurants are mentioned, but specifically at the condotel, the offering is limited. There is a Coffee shop and Snack bar. Don't expect gourmet, but it’s enough to keep you going. The nearby mall offered a wide range of food options, so you'll be fine.
- Breakfast - the breakfast was a Breakfast [buffet] offering Asian breakfast and Western breakfast options. Nothing mind-blowing, but good enough to fuel your day. Coffee – see above.
- Room Service Room service [24-hour]. This is a LIFESAVER if you are super tired, not wanting to socialize, or just had too many poolside drinks! (Pro tip: Order the fries. Seriously, the fries are worth it.)
- I’m not a vegetarian, but I do love food, so I was super glad to see a Vegetarian restaurant and Asian cuisine in the restaurant options.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: A Mixed Bag of Bliss and… Blah?
Now, the "Bliss" part of Manila Bay Bliss. Swimming pool [outdoor], check, and Swimming pool, check. Gorgeous. The Spa is mentioned, but again, a limited listing. If you are looking for Massage, Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Foot bath, Body scrub, or Body wrap, you might be underwhelmed. They do have a Fitness center and a Gym/fitness. I, however, was more interested in the Pool with view.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Air conditioning in public area: Absolutely essential.
- Air conditioning: Also essential in your room.
- Daily housekeeping: Excellent. My room was always sparkling.
- Concierge: Helpful for getting around.
- Convenience store: Essential for snacks.
- Hair dryer: Thank goodness.
- Ironing service: Didn’t use it, but good to know.
- Laundry service: Convenient.
Available in all rooms: The Nitty Gritty
- Air conditioning - this is a big win.
- Alarm clock - useful!
- Bathrobes - this is a nice touch.
- Bathtub - perfect for bubbles.
- Blackout curtains - slept like a baby.
- Coffee/tea maker - see my rant above.
- Extra long bed - appreciated.
- Free bottled water - very appreciated.
- Hair dryer - thank goodness, again!
- In-room safe box - safety is important.
- Internet access – wireless - See rant.
- Private bathroom - duh.
- Shower - of course!
- Toiletries - always good.
- Wi-Fi [free] - See rant.
- Window that opens - this is nice!
For the Kids: Family-Friendly (But Check the Details)
The listing says Family/child friendly. The Babysitting service is listed, and there are Kids facilities. But, again, I'd recommend checking directly with EZ Stay about specific offerings.
The Room: My Sanctuary (Mostly)
I snagged a room with a view (highly recommend). The Seating area was great for lounging. The Bed was comfortable. The Bathroom was clean. Everything was, dare I say, pleasant. They used Smoke detector and Fire extinguisher, which is a good sign. The Non-smoking policy (in the rooms) was great.
Couple's Room: I wasn't by myself, but the room was large enough for two.
Check-in/out [express] The check-in / check-out was easy – I was out in no time!
My Manila Bay Bliss Verdict (The Messy Truth!)
Look, EZ Stay Condotel isn't perfect. It's got its quirks (the Wi-Fi, the limited spa options). But… If I had a time machine, I'd go back. Mostly.
The Undeniable Upsides:
- Stunning location: Manila Bay views are worth the price of admission alone.
- Cleanliness and safety: They are really trying.
- The Poolside Bar: (Need I say more?)
- Comfortable rooms: You'll have a good time - mostly.
The "Needs Improvement" Areas:
- Wi-Fi (Please, EZ Stay, fix the Wi-Fi!)
- Specific spa offerings (Need more options!)
- Accessibility (Double-check everything if you need it.)
Final Verdict: 4 out of 5 stars. It’s genuinely a good place to stay. Could have been perfect, but wasn’t. (But hey, what is, am I right?) I’d go back. I would recommend it. Just be prepared for the potential Wi-Fi adventure and you will absolutely have a good time.
The Persuasive Offer: Book Now and Receive Free Cocktails & Poolside Bliss!
**Tired of
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Yamagata Kokusai Hotel's Hidden Gem in Japan!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your pristine, color-coded itinerary. This is the chaotic, beautiful mess that is a trip to Manila, based out of the EZ Stay Condotel Sea Residences. Prepare for the feels.
My Manila Mess: A Stream-of-Consciousness Itinerary (or, How I Finally Learned to Embrace the Traffic)
Day 1: Arrival (and the Great Taxi Heist That Wasn't)
4:00 AM – Wake-up Call from the Universe (aka my internal alarm). Before dawn, the airport. Ugh. Everything is a blur of sleepiness. I hate early flights but you have to do what you have to do.
6:00 AM - Flight to Manila: I always think I'm going to be productive and read a book. I end up playing Candy Crush. EVERY. TIME.
9:00 AM - Touchdown in Manila! (Humidity Hit!) Okay, I'm here. The air smacks you in the face. It's thick, it's warm, and it smells…well, it smells like Manila. Which, by the way, is a scent you get used to.
9:30 AM - The Taxi Tango: Getting to the EZ Stay. I'm primed for the taxi scam. The driver is trying to be slick and fast, taking all the wrong turns, and eventually charging double what I expected. The meter is running, he's talking, I don't understand the words. I'm mentally preparing to argue. I also have no energy and just want to get to the hotel. Fine! He wins this round. Next time… next time, Manila, I will conquer you.
10:30 AM - EZ Stay Check-In: The lobby is surprisingly pleasant. There's a faint smell of air freshener that I can't quite place. My room at the EZ Stay Condotel is… well, it's a condo. It's clean, has a decent view, and the AC is blasting, which is a godsend. The internet, however, is a fickle beast.
11:30 AM - Naptime (My Kryptonite): I told myself I’d resist but I fell face-first into the pillow. The jet lag kicked my butt.
3:30 PM - Waking Up to a Different Universe: The sun's at a different angle. That nap gave me a renewed appreciation for life.
4:00 PM - SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Ambush: I walked out the door and was immediately confronted with a tsunami of people, noise, and smells (mostly delicious). MOA. My god. It makes my head spin.
4:30 PM - Food Court Frenzy: Okay, must eat. I'm on a mission! You know, to survive the next hour. Okay, to eat.
5:00 PM - "Trying" to Shop: So many things, so many people. I manage to buy a t-shirt that says "I (Heart) Manila" and question my life choices.
7:00 PM - Dinner at a "Recommended" Restaurant (That was Fine): Trying the local cuisine. Adobo is great! I wish they had it with more rice!
8:00 PM - The Sunset and the Ferris Wheel: The views. MOA is worth it for the view in the evening. I have my camera out, and take a thousand selfies. Then, I'm forced to confront my mortality as I sit in a traffic jam.
9:00 PM - Bedtime: I hope that the internet is working, and I can watch some Netflix.
Day 2: Culture Shock (and a Failed Attempt at Being "Cultured")
8:00 AM - Breakfast at the Condotel: Toast, instant coffee, a very sad-looking banana. I’m not gonna lie, I miss a real American breakfast.
9:00 AM - Intramuros: The Walled City (and the Sufferbus Ride there): Okay, time for history. This is the "cultural" part of the trip. The commute… oh god, the commute. The bus is packed. No air conditioning. Bodies everywhere. The noise is deafening. I'm convinced I'm the only one who can't speak Tagalog.
10:00 AM - Exploring Intramuros: The architecture is beautiful, and I enjoy my time walking the streets. I'm loving that I got a "kalesa" ride instead of walking.
11:00 AM - San Agustin Church: Stunning. I feel a spark of something. Religion? Art? Who knows. All I know is, it's nice.
12:00 PM - Lunch in Intramuros: I had a meal at Barbara's Heritage Restaurant. It was kind of too touristy.
1:00 PM - Fort Santiago: The history is heavy; the heat is heavier. It's amazing.
2:00 PM - The Great Pottery Fail: I found a pottery class and thought, "How artistic! How relaxing!" I end up with a misshapen blob of clay that vaguely resembles a… well, nothing. The instructor, bless his heart, just smiled and said, "Very… creative."
4:00 PM - The Return to Reality (aka the Terrible Traffic): I somehow manage to get back to EZ Stay.
6:00 PM - The Great Water Bottle Incident: I’m dehydrated. I buy a water bottle at a shop. I leave it behind. I curse myself. More water.
7:00 PM - Trying to find a Massage: I had the best massage. It was so hard to find a massage parlor that wasn't sketchy. I had the best massage (that I'm not going to go into detail about).
9:00 PM - More Netflix: My internet is working. Hooray!
Day 3: Mall Madness and the Pursuit of the Perfect Halo-Halo
- 9:00 AM - The Mall of Asia Round 2: Because what else do you do? I get lost. I eat junk food. I spend way too much money.
- 11:00 AM - The Pursuit of Halo-Halo: This is my mission of the day. I want the best halo-halo in Manila. Not the hotel's. Not that garbage. The real deal.
- 12:00 PM - The Search Begins: I ask everyone. I ask the cashier at 7-Eleven. I ask the security guard. I'm like a deranged halo-halo detective.
- 1:00 PM - The First Candidate: I end up in a small place, it's crowded, but the halo-halo… it's not bad. It’s okay, nothing great.
- 2:00 PM - The Second Candidate: The heat is beating me down. I find another place that's got good reviews. The halo-halo is pretty average too. Is it me? Do I just have bad taste?
- 3:00 PM - The Victory: I finally see it. I find a place. The perfect Halo-Halo… it's the sweetness, the mix of textures, the everything. I sit there and I close my eyes. It's a religious experience. It's worth the sweating. It's worth the journey.
- 4:00 PM - Relaxation Time: I go back, back to my room at the EZ Stay. I need to feel clean.
- 6:00 PM - Last Supper: One last feast! One last look at the sky. One last night in Manila.
Day 4: Departure (and the Promise to Return… Eventually)
- 6:00 AM - The Early Bird Gets the Cramped Airplane Seat: Goodbye Manila. I'm leaving early, the sun hasn't risen yet.
- 7:00 AM - My last look at the Sea Residences: I already miss it. Well, I miss being able to sleep.
- 8:00 AM - The Airport. Again: So many people, so many lines. I have to do it all over again.
- 9:00 AM - The Goodbye: As the plane takes off, I looked back at the vastness of the Philippines. I had a good time!
- 12:00 PM - Going Home: The trip is over. Time to go home and rest.
The Lowdown:
- EZ Stay Condotel: A decent home base. It's got its quirks, but it works. Just don't expect perfection.
- Traffic: Embrace it. It's part of the experience. Learn to nap on the bus.
- People: The Filipinos are incredibly friendly and helpful. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
- Food: Eat everything. Especially halo-halo.
- My Final Thoughts: Manila is a city that will both challenge and charm you. It's messy, it'
Manila Bay Bliss at Sea Residences with EZ Stay Condotel: FAQs (Brutally Honest Edition!)
Okay, spill the tea: Is this Sea Residences place REALLY as amazing as the pictures make it look?
Ugh, the photos. They're good. *Too* good sometimes, you know? That perfect sunset over the bay? Yeah, it *can* happen. I've seen it. Glorious, soul-stirring… and then there's the reality. Traffic. The sheer volume of people elbowing you for a good view. My first trip? I swear, I spent half the time glued to that balcony rail, desperately trying NOT to get photobombed by sweaty selfie-takers. It's a beautiful building, don't get me wrong. But "bliss" is a loaded word. More like, "potentially blissful, IF you're patient and don't mind a bit of chaos." Okay, maybe 70% bliss, 30% "where's the nearest escape route?!"
EZ Stay Condotel – reliable or a gamble? I'M SO TIRED OF SCAMMERS!
Okay, I feel you. I’ve been burned. But honestly? EZ Stay is … decent. Not perfect. Let me tell you about the time... okay, I'm getting ahead of myself. Generally, they're reliable in terms of booking and communication. They're usually quick to respond to messages (that's crucial, believe me). BUT, here’s the catch: they don't always *overdeliver*. Expect a clean room, basic amenities. Don't expect a butler. I learned the hard way; once they “forgot” to send the key code. PANIC SET IN! Took nearly an hour to resolve. It was a Friday night, I was exhausted from the flight, and all I wanted was a shower. But hey, at least they *eventually* figured it out. So yeah: reliable, but keep your expectations in check. Don't expect miracles. Just…functioning AC. That’s my basic ask.
What if I want a stunning Manila Bay view? Are all the rooms created equal?
Absolutely NOT. Read the room descriptions CAREFULLY. Bay view? Ask! High floor? Demand it! I stayed in one room that, "technically," had a sea view. More like a sea *glimpse* between two other buildings. Ugh. It was practically an insult. The other time, I splurged on a corner unit. Worth. Every. Penny. Morning coffee with the sunrise, evening drinks with the sunset… truly breathtaking. So, research, ask questions, and if they say "partial view," prepare for disappointment. Unless you're really good at mental visualisations!
The pool – is it worth the hype? (And is it always crowded?)
Okay, the pool. It's pretty nice. It’s clean, and a decent size. Definitely a highlight. But crowded? Oh, HELL YEAH! Especially on weekends. Think… packed like sardines. Finding a sun lounger on a Saturday is practically an Olympic sport. I saw a woman practically throw a towel over someone's head to claim a spot! (Okay, slight exaggeration… maybe). Go early, like, sunrise early. Or go during the week. Or embrace the chaos and just…swim. It's a pool. You'll survive. But don't expect serene, peaceful laps unless you're lucky.
How's the food situation? Am I stuck with instant noodles?
Nope, you're not doomed to a life of instant noodles (although, let's be honest, they have their place). There are restaurants in the complex. They're… fine. A bit pricey for what you get, in my opinion. There's a mall nearby (SM Mall of Asia, massive!). Tons of options there, from street food that's incredible to fancy restaurants. The best part? You can order food delivery! Grab, Foodpanda… basically, whatever your heart, or stomach, desires. That's my favorite, honestly. Netflix, air conditioning, and a mountain of chicken wings? Perfection. Now I'm hungry.
Accessibility concerns: are there elevators and are the rooms wheelchair-friendly?
Yes, the building has elevators. As for wheelchair accessibility, I'm not an expert, but I suggest you specifically ASK EZ Stay about individual room setups before booking. They'll be able to give you the most accurate info. Don't assume anything. Always, always ask.
What's the transport situation? Is it easy to get around?
This is honestly the biggest pain in the *ahem* you-know-what. Traffic in Manila is legendary. It's a beast. Taxis are available, but expect to get stuck. Grab (like Uber) is your best bet, but surge pricing during peak hours is a killer. The good news? The complex is usually readily accessible to Grab and taxis. The bad news? Getting *out* to visit actual attractions can be a test of your patience. I spent *three hours* once trying to get to Intramuros. THREE HOURS! So, build travel time into your plans. And consider a hotel with better accessibility to the LRT (train) system if you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing. Or just… accept you're going to be late everywhere. That's my strategy.
Noise levels? Will I be able to sleep?
Depends. If you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs. Sometimes, the hallway noise can be a bit… lively. People coming and going, kids running around (especially on weekends). The air conditioning units can also be a little noisy. Oh! And don't forget the construction. Always. Sometimes, there's some sort of construction going on. It’s Manila. Construction is practically a national sport. I wouldn't describe it as a quiet retreat. But it's generally manageable. Earplugs are your friend. Consider a white noise app too.
Okay, so bottom line: should I book it?
Look, it's a decent option. It's not paradise, but it's… acceptable. The views (ifStayin The Heart
