Manila's Hidden Gem: Hotel Ava Malate - Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!
The [Hotel Name Redacted] - My Slightly Chaotic, Utterly Honest Review (and a LOT of Coffee)
Alright, folks, buckle up. Because I just spent a week at the [Hotel Name Redacted], and let me tell you, it was… an experience. I'm here to spill the beans, the dirty laundry, and maybe even a little bit of that complimentary coffee that they had in the lobby (which, by the way, was delicious). Prepare for a slightly messy, definitely opinionated, and hopefully helpful review.
Metadata Quickies (for the SEO nerds):
- Keywords: Hotel review, accessibility, spa, Wi-Fi, restaurants, fitness, [Hotel Name Redacted], Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, luxury hotel, family-friendly, COVID safety, wheelchair accessible, pool, breakfast buffet
- Title Tag: [Hotel Name Redacted] Review: The Good, the Bad, and the Buffet Bombshell!
- Meta Description: Honest review of the [Hotel Name Redacted] in Kuala Lumpur. Accessibility, dining, spa, and safety are all covered. Get ready for a rollercoaster!
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Honestly
First things first – accessibility. This is a BIG deal. The [Hotel Name Redacted] gets points for wheelchair accessibility. There's a good amount of it. But honestly, I'm not using a wheelchair, so I can't speak in too much depth, but I saw ramps, elevators that seemed to be working, and generally a layout that appeared accommodating. Facilities for disabled guests were definitely mentioned in the hotel description, so they try.
On-site accessible restaurants/lounges – hmm, I'm not sure but seems to be more or less fine .
Internet… Oh, the Internet (and the Coffee!)
Okay, the Wi-Fi - FREE! Everywhere! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! This is a HUGE win in my book. And it actually WORKED! (unlike some other hotels I've been to where the Wi-Fi is weaker than my grandma's knitting). The Internet [LAN] was also there if you wanted it. I loved the convenience.
The Food: A Love-Hate Relationship (Mostly Love)
Let's talk about the most important thing: Food, Glorious Food!
Breakfast in Room: Never did it, but the option was there. Probably good when hung over.
Breakfast takeaway service: Also a possibility, which is great if you’re running late (or just feeling lazy).
A la carte in restaurant, Breakfast Buffet: OKAY. The breakfast buffet. Listen up. This was a defining experience. It was a culinary warzone of deliciousness. Imagine every breakfast food you've ever dreamed of, all laid out in a glorious, carb-laden spread. Buffet in restaurant. I ate enough pastries to fuel a small country. Their Asian breakfast? Fantastic. I'm talking dim sum, noodles, and enough deliciousness to make me forget I'd even ordered a Western breakfast. The Asian cuisine in restaurant outside of the breakfast was amazing too!
- Anecdote: One morning, I may or may not have snuck a croissant into my bag for later. Don't judge me. They were that good! (Hey, it's what I call a snack bar!)
Restaurants: There were a bunch. Fancy, casual, you name it.
Coffee/tea in restaurant: Yes, please! (See above re: delicious lobby coffee).
Desserts in restaurant: OMG. Seriously. Prepare your sweet tooth.
Poolside bar: Essential for a lazy afternoon.
Room service [24-hour]: A lifesaver when the 3 AM munchies hit.
Bar - There was a bar, and I took an opportunity to let myself into the Happy Hour.
Soup in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant: All these was available.
Dining, drinking, and snacking was a joyful, gluttonous experience.
The Spa and Relaxation - My Happy Place
Okay, the Spa/sauna. I'm a sucker for a good spa day. The [Hotel Name Redacted] had one, and it was divine. Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Spa. I indulged. Multiple times. The Pool with view was breathtaking. The Sauna was steamy goodness and the Steamroom was a solid 10/10. I even considered spending a day just rotating between the sauna, steam room, and the pool with the view. It was tempting. I could see myself, just a puddle of bliss.
Things to do, ways to relax – well you can find all kinds of things to do.
Fitness Center: Gotta Burn Off Those Croissants
Yes, there's a Fitness center, and yes, I used it, partially to work off the aforementioned croissant addiction. It was pretty standard: Gym/fitness with treadmills, weights, and all that jazz. No complaints, just enough to feel a tiny bit less guilty about all the food I was consuming.
Cleanliness and Safety: COVID-Era Considerations
Let's be real, we're all a little paranoid these days. The [Hotel Name Redacted] clearly took COVID seriously. I noticed:
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Absolutely.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere. Like, you couldn't walk five feet without seeing a dispenser.
- Hygiene certification: Probably, but I didn't specifically look for it.
- Individually-wrapped food options: A smart move.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: They tried. It's a bit hard in a crowded buffet, but they made the effort.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Good to know.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Cool.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Standard.
- Safe dining setup: Pretty good.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Definitely.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They seemed to be.
- Sterilizing equipment: Present.
Rooms: Cosy, with Perks
The rooms were…fine. Not the most luxurious I've ever seen, but perfectly comfortable.
- Air conditioning was a godsend. Free Wi-Fi was a lifesaver.
- Alarm clock, bathroom phone, bathtub, bathrobes and beds with extra longs!,
- Coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea and free bottled water (woohoo!).
- Hair dryer, in-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Internet access – LAN, Laptop workspace, mini bar kept me going!
- Slippers and socket near the bed are small details.
- Telephone, toiletries, and towels were there.
- Wake-up service was a great help.
- Desk was a working area, with lots of storage space.
- Separated shower/bathtub were so wonderful.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Air conditioning in public area: Duh. Kuala Lumpur is HOT.
- Business facilities: Business center, meetings, facilities, etc.
- Car park [free of charge]: Nice perk.
- Cash withdrawal: ATM on-site.
- Concierge: Helpful.
- Daily housekeeping: Rooms were always sparkling.
- Elevator: Essential.
- Laundry service: Used it, worked great.
- Luggage storage: No issue.
- Safety deposit boxes: Good to have.
- Terrace: Lovely for a late afternoon drink, if you have the time.
- Xerox/fax in business center: For the business types.
For the Kids: Family Time!
- Babysitting service: Available.
- Family/child friendly: Yes!
- Kids meal: Good for the little ones.
Getting Around: Relatively Easy
- Airport transfer: Convenient.
- Car park [on-site]: Also there.
- Taxi service: Readily available.
Overall:
The [Hotel Name Redacted] is a solid choice. It's not perfect, but it's clean, comfortable, and has enough amenities to keep you happy. The food is fantastic, the spa is a dream, and the Wi-Fi is reliable. The staff were generally friendly and helpful. I would happily stay here again (and devour another mountain of pastries!).
Score: 4 out of 5 stars. Definitely recommend, especially if you appreciate a good breakfast, a relaxing spa day, and a Wi-Fi signal that actually works.
Manhattan Escape: Luxury Awaits at DoubleTree by Hilton!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't just an itinerary, it's a goddamn experience. We're talking Hotel Ava Malate, Manila, and let's be real, it's gonna be a rollercoaster. Here's my (highly subjective and probably-gonna-fail-a-little-bit) plan:
Arrival Day: Manila Mayhem (and Probably Jet Lag)
Time: Whenever the hell I manage to drag myself out of bed (probably noon).
Event: Arrive at NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport). Pray the baggage handlers haven't launched my suitcase into space. Seriously, I'm paranoid about my favorite scarf.
Mode: Taxi. Ugh, the traffic. I'm already internally screaming. Negotiate – or try to. My Tagalog is limited to "salamat" and "beer, please." Wish me luck.
Destination: Hotel Ava Malate. Hope it looks as good in person as it did in the slightly-too-perfect online photos.
Quirky Observation: Okay, so the airport… it smells like a weird mix of exhaust fumes and… I dunno, dried mangoes? Manila, you're already confusing me.
Emotional Reaction: Relief. Pure, unadulterated relief that I made it.
Rambling: Okay, okay, so airport anxieties aside, I've been dreaming of this trip for ages. Manila! The buzz, the chaos, the food! I'm picturing myself wandering through markets, getting lost in a sea of people, and just soaking it all in. But first, sleep. Definitely need sleep. And maybe a shower. And… coffee. So much coffee.
Hotel Check-in & Settle In: Hopefully, the room isn't a moldy closet. Inspect. Immediately check for bed bugs. It's a habit. Unpack. (Or, you know, throw everything wherever). Assess the view. Sigh dramatically.
Minor Category: Change of clothes.
Afternoon:
- Time: Whenever the hell jetlag allows.
- Event: Explore Malate. Find the nearest 7-Eleven for a crucial snack run. (I'm addicted to those little tuna sandwiches.)
- Mode: Walking. Or, if I'm feeling adventurous, a tricycle (but I'm scared).
- Destination: The streets of Malate. Aimlessly wander. Observe the life unfolding around me.
- Opinionated Language: Malate is definitely a vibe. It's gritty, real, and a total assault on the senses. I love it already, even if it's a little overwhelming.
- Emotional Reaction: Exhilaration mixed with a healthy dose of anxiety. Will I get lost? Will I get ripped off? Will I regret not bringing stronger sunscreen?
- Anecdote: Okay, the first time I went to Manila, I tried to haggle in… wait for it… Spanish. I looked like a complete idiot. The vendor just burst out laughing, then gave me a discount anyway. Humbling. And a reminder that I still have a lot to learn.
- Rambling: Okay, I really want to embrace the chaos. I'm not even going to plan things too much. Just breathe and go with the flow. That's the goal, anyway. We’ll see how long that lasts…
- Minor Category: Buy water. Hydration is key. And maybe some insect repellent. Definitely insect repellent. Those little buggers are relentless.
Evening:
- Time: Dinner time.
- Event: Dinner at a local restaurant. Ask for recommendations on what to order.
- Mode: Walk.
- Destination: Some place recommended by the hotel staff.
- Quirky Observation: I’m already noticing the fashion here. So bold! So much color! I'm seriously considering ditching my usual boring clothes and going full-on tropical.
- Emotional Reaction: Excitement! Delicious food is always a solid mood booster.
- Anecdote: My first time having adobo… wow. That was a revelation. I swear, Filipino food is going to be my downfall.
- Minor Category: Take photos, but not too many. I want to actually be here, not just document it.
- Event: Return to hotel. Crash. Realize I forgot to brush my teeth. Sigh.
Day 2: Intramuros and… Dessert?
- Morning:
- Time: Wake up time.
- Event: Breakfast at Hotel Ava Malate. Pray the coffee is strong.
- Mode: Just roll out of bed and get to the restaurant.
- Destination: A little less chaos.
- Minor Category: Checking the weather. Praying for sunshine.
- Afternoon:
- Time: After breakfast and some much needed relaxation.
- Event: Explore Intramuros, the walled city. Get lost in history.
- Mode: Taxi or Grab. The heat is going to be brutal.
- Destination: Intramuros.
- Quirky Observation: The old churches are beautiful, but also… a little creepy? All those statues. And the echoing silence.
- Emotional Reaction: Awe. Respect. Possibly mild claustrophobia.
- Opinionated Language: The Spanish influence is everywhere, and I can't help but think about the complex history. It’s both beautiful and heartbreaking.
- Doubling Down: Let's be honest, the best part of Intramuros? The kalesas! Those horse-drawn carriages are ridiculously touristy, but I'm totally doing it. I'm picturing myself gliding along, imagining myself as a glamorous movie star.
- Rambling: Okay, so the kalesa ride… It was a total disaster, in the best way possible. The horse kept trying to eat the flowers on the side of the road, the driver was a terrible storyteller (but super nice!), and I nearly fell out when we went over a particularly bumpy cobblestone. But it was also… magical. The feeling of being transported back in time, the sun on my face, the general absurdity of it all… It was perfection.
- Minor Category: Buy a fan. It's hot. Very hot.
- Evening: Destination: Dessert!
- Event: Time for halo-halo! Find the best place in town.
- Mode: Depends on how many halo-halos I've had. Probably Uber.
- Destination: Dessert, and more specifically the best halo-halo in Manila.
- Quirky Observation: Halo-halo is basically a rainbow in a glass. And it's pure genius.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated bliss.
- Rambling: Okay, halo-halo. Let's talk about it. Crushed ice, sweetened beans, fruits, leche flan, ice cream… It's everything you want and need in a dessert, especially in the heat. I'm dreaming about it already. The search for the best halo-halo will be a quest. A glorious, icy, sugar-filled quest.
- Minor Category: Get some sleep.
Day 3: Market Magic and Departure Dread
- Morning:
- Time: Early. If I can manage it.
- Event: Explore a local market. Dive headfirst into the chaos.
- Mode: Walk. (or ride a tricycle if I'm feeling brave)
- Destination: A local market.
- Quirky Observation: The smells! The sights! The sounds! It's a sensory overload in the best way possible.
- Emotional Reaction: Thrill! A little bit of fear, but mostly thrill.
- Anecdote: I once tried to bargain for a mango in a market in Thailand… and totally failed. It was embarrassing. But hey at least I tried.
- Rambling: I want to see a real, authentic market. The colors, the people, the energy… I'm hoping to find some cool souvenirs. And maybe try some weird food.
- Minor Category: Learn basic bargaining phrases.
- Afternoon:
- Time: Until I have to leave for the airport.
- Event: Packing, final meal, farewell.
- Mode: Taxy again.
- Destination: Airport.
- Quirky Observation: The journey is over but will they get my favourite scarf home?
- Emotional Reaction: Sadness.
- Opinionated Language: Leaving will be awful.
- Rambling: Is it over?
- Minor Category: Drink water.
Okay, so... Why are we even *doing* this? What's the point? Like, seriously?
Is this going to be, like, all sunshine and rainbows? Because I'm not feeling sunshine and rainbows today.
What if I disagree with everything you say?
Let's get to the point: Is it *actually* worth it to… well, you know… do *the thing*?
How do I handle the… the *awkwardness*? It's going to be awkward, isn't it?
This is starting to sound… intense. What if I'm scared to do this thing?
What do I do *after*? Seriously. The aftermath.
