Maxx Hotel Ortigas: Manila's BEST Kept Secret (Luxury Getaway Awaits!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the supposed "best-kept secret" of Manila: Maxx Hotel Ortigas! (Cue dramatic music and flickering lights… maybe?) Let's face it, luxury getaways? In the Philippines? You're either picturing something super-expensive (and potentially pretentious) or… well, let's just say I've seen some things. So, does Maxx Hotel Ortigas live up to the hype? Is it truly a hidden gem? Let's find out, and I'm going to be brutally honest – because, frankly, pretending to be a travel guru is exhausting, and you deserve the truth.
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First Impressions & the Getting There Game (Accessibility & Location – THE KEY)
Alright, so getting to Maxx. Let's be clear: Accessibility is a big deal for me. And… well, it's mostly good here. The elevator is a lifesaver! But like, you know how it is with Manila traffic? It's a beast. The airport transfer? Definitely a plus. Saves you the stress of haggling a cab (which, let's be real, after a long flight, is not on my list of fun things). Car park [free of charge] is a bonus, especially since finding parking in Ortigas is akin to finding a unicorn riding a scooter. Facilities for disabled guests are listed. I didn’t personally need those but I always appreciate seeing them.
The location is pretty good, smack-dab in the middle of Ortigas, which is a bustling business district. The upside? Everything (restaurants, malls, etc.) is within relatively easy reach. The downside? You're in Ortigas. Expect the hustle and bustle. Loudness. The usual suspects.
Checking In & Chasing the Wi-Fi Dream (Internet, Services & Conveniences – Where's the Magic?)
Right off the bat: Contactless check-in/out. Bless. Seriously. In this COVID-filled world, that's a huge relief. Front desk [24-hour]? Okay, standard but necessary. The lobby had a nice vibe, and the staff seemed genuinely friendly, not just trained-to-be-friendly.
Now, the Internet access situation… let’s be honest, this is a deal-breaker for many of us. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! And it actually worked. No frustrating buffering or dropping signals during my binge-watching session. Even the Wi-Fi in public areas was decent. I hate hotels that skimp on the Wi-Fi. It’s just…mean. Internet [LAN] is available so you can get some real work done if you still use one.
Rooms & Relaxation: Is This Real Life? (Available in all rooms, Spa/Sauna & More – Let's Get Cozy!)
Okay, let’s talk rooms. Air conditioning? Check. Blackout curtains? Double-check. That, my friends, is vital for sleeping in after a rough night. I’m telling you it made a HUGE difference!
The room itself was spacious, well-appointed, and surprisingly quiet despite being in a busy area. I’m a sucker for a good bathtub, and this one delivered. I’m talking deep soaking feels!
Let's be dramatic for a second: the true magic of the hotel is: Spa/sauna! They have a full menu of features: Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Sauna, Spa, Steamroom. And let me tell you, I spent a solid afternoon getting pampered. They also had a Swimming pool with a view (it’s not the most breathtaking view, mind you, but it's still a pool, and it’s outside, and in Manila, that’s a win!). The spa experience alone was worth the price of admission. I’m not kidding.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Fueling the Luxury Machine (Dining, drinking, and snacking – Food glorious food!)
Alright, food. I’m a big fan of eating, which is why I need to get a body wrap to balance things off! Restaurants? Yes, plural. Room service [24-hour] is a lifesaver. The Breakfast [buffet] was…okay. Not the most spectacular buffet I’ve seen, but definitely palatable. Asian breakfast options were available and if that’s your thing then that’s awesome! Coffee/tea in restaurant? Yes, thank goodness. I'm basically a caffeinated goblin.
They had a Poolside bar. You know, the kind that serves overpriced cocktails and makes you feel fancy? Yes, please. Happy hour? Even better!
Cleanliness & Safety: COVID-era Considerations (Cleanliness and safety – Keeping it clean!)
Okay, the serious part. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Check. They seemed to be taking hygiene protocols seriously, which is a HUGE relief. I saw Hand sanitizer stations everywhere. The staff wore masks, and there was Physical distancing of at least 1 meter enforced. I saw a Doctor/nurse on call. The whole place felt safe and responsible.
Things To Do, Ways To Relax, and Other Random Gems:
- Fitness center: They had one, and, again, I'm not sure I used it, but it was there.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: They have them, so if you're there for business… well, power to you.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Appreciated as always.
- Convenience store: Always a win!
The Ugly Truth? (The Imperfections, The Quirks, The Occasional Warts)
Okay, no hotel is perfect. My room smelled like a… well, it smelled a bit stale for the first hour (gone by the time I took a bath!). The view from my window was… a building. Not exactly Instagram-worthy. The buffet, as I mentioned, was solid, but not epic. And, of course, the Ortigas location means you're surrounded by the usual Manila chaos.
The Verdict: Best Kept Secret? Maybe. But… (Final Thoughts & Opinionated Rant)
So, is Maxx Hotel Ortigas a "best-kept secret?" Honestly? Maybe. It's a fantastic option, especially if you're looking for a luxurious and relaxing experience in a convenient location. It isn't the absolute best, there's no such thing.
Here's the thing: the staff were lovely, the rooms were comfy, the spa was divine, the Wi-Fi worked, and they took COVID protocols seriously. Those are all HUGE wins.
MY QUIRKY CONCLUSION:
Maxx Hotel Ortigas? I say, yes, book it! You deserve that spa day! You deserve that comfortable bed! Just remember it's in Ortigas, and embrace the organized chaos that comes with it. You're getting pretty impressive value here. Don't go expecting perfection, but prepare to be pleasantly surprised.
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- A complimentary spa treatment (your choice of massage, scrub, or wrap!)
- A free upgrade to a suite (subject to availability) and you can start relaxing in style!
- A 15% discount on all dining and drinks. Bottoms up!
- Guaranteed fast Wi-Fi (because, let's be real, that's critical!).
- And for the first 10 bookings, a complimentary bottle of wine upon arrival!
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Alright, buckle up buttercup, because we're about to dive headfirst into my slightly chaotic, definitely opinionated, and probably emotionally unstable plan for Maxx Hotel Ortigas, Manila. This isn't your perfectly curated Instagram feed itinerary, oh no. This is the raw, unfiltered truth of one woman's potential vacation. Let's get this show on the road (or, you know, the elevator):
The "I Paid For This, I'm Gonna Wring Every Drop Out of It" Itinerary (Maxx Hotel, Ortigas, Philippines)
Day 1: Arrival and the Sweet, Sweet Freedom (or, "Why Did I Pack So Much?")
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at the airport, Manila. Okay, first hurdle: Immigration. Pray to the travel gods I don't get pulled aside. My passport photo looks like I'm perpetually terrified of the dentist. Fingers crossed!
- 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM: Taxi/Grab to Maxx Hotel Ortigas. Ugh, traffic. This is where my love/hate relationship with Manila begins. It’s going to be an adventure, navigating the city. I'm picturing a chaotic, honking symphony. Let's not even think about the driver's driving skills.
- 2:30 - 3:30 PM: Check In & Room Unpacking – Disaster Zone! Okay, so I'm that person. The one with three suitcases. Why did I pack a sequined gown?! Manila, you are a mystery. The room better be clean because, honey, I've got standards. (Even if my packing skills are a mess.) This is where the true journey begins.
- 3:30 - 4:30 PM: Room Examination and Emotional Reaction. (Because It Will Happen.) I'm preparing for the inevitable: A sigh of relief if it’s nice, or a silent scream if it's…not. The air conditioning better be my best friend. This is going to be the decider if the hotel actually gets a good review, the first impression is important.
- 4:30 – 6:00 PM: Rooftop Bar Reconnaissance. Cocktails! That's the goal. Find the best view. Scope out the vibe. Judge the bartender's skills with extreme prejudice. I'm expecting sunset views worthy of a postcard. Hopefully, it's not full of influencers trying to get the perfect shot. Eye roll.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner at the Hotel Restaurant (Probably). After the rooftop bar, I'll be starving and probably a little bit tipsy. I'm a sucker for convenience. Please let the food be good. (And not just "hotel good," which is code for "bland.") Perhaps order something adventurous.
- 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Walk around Ortigas, Get a feel of the place. First impressions are important.
- 9:00 PM – Whatever : Unpack and Unwind. Because tomorrow is a world of potential.
Day 2: Ortigas Adventures and the Pursuit of Happiness (or, "Where Did I Put My Charger?!")
- 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Wake up? Breakfast. Or Maybe Sleep. Still on Manila time and might be dealing with jetlag. Breakfast buffet is the deciding factor, right? If they have a good selection of pastries, I'm sold. If not… Well, there's always room service.
- 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Explore Ortigas: This is probably a shopping mall. This is going to be interesting, I have heard the malls are massive in the Philippines.
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Quick Trip to the Coffee Shop/ Café to have a Cup of Coffee. Gotta caffeinate up!
- 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch, Explore and wander around. This can change depending on where my mood takes me.
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Massage. Is this the best idea when I may be hungover? Possibly. Do I need it? Absolutely. A massage is non-negotiable. I need to be pampered.
- 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM: Chill time / Get ready for dinner. Let the massage settle in, take a nap, prep my outfit.
- 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM: Dinner at a Local Restaurant: This is where the real Filipino culinary adventure begins. I'm thinking adobo, of course. And lechon, if I can find it. (I'm a sucker for crispy pork skin.) I'm going to get lost and end up at a carinderia with questionable hygiene standards. And I'll probably love it.
- 8:30 PM - Onward: Nightcap and People-Watching. Bars. Karaoke, Maybe?!
Day 3: The Grand Finale and the Flight Home (or, "Did I Spend Too Much Money?")
- 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Breakfast, Final inspection of Hotel. Try the breakfast buffet.
- 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Last-Minute Shopping/Souvenir Grab. Okay, this is panic-shopping time. I need gifts, I need things for myself, and I need to avoid the souvenir shops with ridiculously overpriced trinkets. Deep breaths.
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Lunch.
- 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Pack and Prepare to Check out of hotel. Say goodbye to this place. Did it live up to my expectations?
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Final drink on the rooftop bar. The view will look different now; it'll be a farewell toast.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Check Out/ Travel back to the airport. Last time I was here, the traffic was awful!
- 4:00 PM - Departure Time: Depart Manila. Time to go. The end!
Messy Thoughts, Random Ramblings, and Overall Feelings:
- The Hotel Itself: Okay, I'm holding my breath for the room. Cleanliness is key. The staff better be friendly (but not too friendly, you know?). Wi-Fi better be strong. And please, please let there be a decent hairdryer.
- Food: I'm going to eat everything. EVERYTHING. (Except, maybe, balut. Still not sure about that one.)
- Transportation: Taxis. Grab. The Labyrinthine nature of Manila streets. Pray for my sanity.
- Overall Vibe: I'm going to laugh a lot. I'm going to get lost. I'm going to make some questionable food choices. And I'm going to love it. This is going to be an experience. A slightly insane experience, but an experience nonetheless. I just know there's going to be that one moment where I look around and think, "What am I doing?" And then smile because, well, that's life, right?
So, there you have it. My slightly bonkers plan for the Maxx Hotel. Wish me luck. I'll need it. And maybe bring a margarita. Just in case. 😉
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Maxx Hotel Ortigas: Manila's BEST Kept Secret (Luxury Getaway Awaits!) - Or is it? Let's Dish!
Okay, spill the tea. Is Maxx Hotel *really* a "luxury" getaway? Because Manila and "luxury" don't always go hand in hand...
Alright, alright, settle down, drama queens. The "luxury" label? It's… nuanced. Yes, it's a step *above* your typical Manila hotel. Think: less questionable sheets, more… well, sheets that *look* like they cost more than a week's salary. The rooms are spacious, stylish (for the most part – I saw a lamp that seriously questioned my sense of design), and the bathrooms? Glorious showers. Pressure like a power washer! And the toiletries? Actual brand names, not the usual "generic mystery liquid in a pump bottle." But, and this is a big BUT, don't expect the Ritz. They're not throwing gold leaf on your coffee. It's more like… upscale comfort. Definitely feels luxurious compared to, say, that cockroach-infested motel I once stayed in (shudder).
The Pool! I need to know about the pool! Is it Instagrammable? Crucial information.
The pool... Ah, the pool. Okay, so, it's not infinity edge overlooking a tropical paradise. It's a perfectly decent pool. Clean, well-maintained (from what I could tell – I'm not a scuba diver), and the perfect temperature for cooling off after a sweaty day of… being in Manila. Instagrammable? Yeah, probably. If you get the right angle, filter the heck out of it, and crop out the Ortigas skyline (no offense, Ortigas, but you're not exactly Bali). But honestly? I spent a blissful hour just floating, watching the clouds. No filters needed, just pure, unadulterated relaxation. Actually, I saw this one dude trying to do a backflip and completely eating it. Hilarious. 10/10 for entertainment value, even if the Insta-aesthetic wasn't quite there.
What about the staff? Are they actually friendly or just… professionally smiling?
Okay, this is where Maxx shines. The staff? They're genuinely lovely. Not the "I'm-required-to-smile-at-you" kind of friendly, but actually *nice*. They're helpful, attentive without being intrusive, and seem to genuinely care about making your stay pleasant. During my stay, I accidentally spilled coffee *all over* the pristine white duvet (oops!). I braced myself for the wrath of the housekeeping gods, but instead, I was met with smiles and a quick, efficient cleanup. The guy even winked and said, *"Happens to the best of us, ma'am."* Definitely earned some serious brownie points for that one. That kind of service makes SUCH a difference.
The food! Tell me EVERYTHING about the food!
Alright, foodies! Let's talk sustenance. The buffet breakfast at Maxx? It’s… fine. Decent, a little bit of everything. Eggs, bacon, pastries, fruit… the usual suspects. It won't redefine your breakfast experiences, but it's unlikely to disappoint. Actually, I was really craving the longganissa that morning, and it was just *perfectly* crispy. Made up for the slightly sad-looking scrambled eggs, honestly. Lunch and dinner, the restaurant is okay. Nothing mind-blowing, but solid, safe choices. If you're a picky eater like me, you'll find something you like. They have this pasta dish that I ate three times (don't judge me!). And the cocktails? Pretty darn good and reasonably priced! Plus, there's room service, which, let's be honest, in a hotel like this, is a MUST.
Location, location, location! Is it actually in a convenient spot? Because Ortigas can be a nightmare.
Okay, location is KEY. Maxx Hotel is smack-dab in the middle of Ortigas. That means… traffic. Let's not sugarcoat it. It's MANILA. There will be traffic. BUT! It's also close to everything. Malls, restaurants, bars, office buildings. You're within walking distance (if you’re a masochist, or just really hate taxis) or a quick taxi/Grab ride away. It's also relatively close to the business district, which is good if you're a business traveler (blech!). But personally? I loved being close to the malls for last-minute retail therapy sprees. Plus, you can easily escape to some of the quieter areas if you want to avoid the hustle and bustle. It's a good trade-off, I'd say.
Let's talk negatives. What's the catch? There's always a catch…
Alright, the not-so-rosy side of things. First, the elevators can be a bit... slow. Especially during peak hours. I may or may not have considered taking the stairs (and then chickened out halfway up the first flight…I'm lazy, sue me!). Second, the Wi-Fi was a bit spotty at times. Annoying when you need to work (or, you know, binge-watch Netflix). I wish I could give you a more scathing review, but honestly, I was pleasantly surprised! Maybe I went in with low expectations, but I found myself getting pretty comfy.
Would you *actually* recommend Maxx Hotel Ortigas? Or are you just saying that?
Okay, the verdict? Yes. I would! It's not perfect, it's not the Four Seasons, but it's a solid choice. Especially if you're looking for a comfortable, convenient, and reasonably priced stay in Ortigas. The staff are fantastic, the rooms are nice, and the pool is… well, it’s there. It's a good base of operations for exploring the city. And hey, if you're lucky, maybe you'll see someone do a spectacular pool fail for your own amusement. That alone is worth the price of admission, right? Seriously though, go. Just don't expect miracles. Just expect a good, solid stay. And maybe bring an extra pair of socks... just in case.
Final Thoughts? Anything I missed?
Oh, yeah! Don't forget to check out the spa. I didn't have time, sadly (too busy eating pasta), but I heard good things. And, one final, slightly weird, observation: the air conditioning? *Freezing!* Seriously, bring a sweater, or be prepared to huddle under all the blankets. But hey, that's Manila for you. It's a city of extremesTrending Hotels Now
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