MOA's Chicest 1BR: Steps from the Mall, 5-Star Living!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the sparkling, slightly-too-perfect world of MOA's Chicest 1BR: Steps from the Mall, 5-Star Living! And let me tell you, the hype is real… mostly. This isn't just a hotel review; it's a full-blown, honest-to-goodness autopsy of a stay, complete with the good, the slightly wobbly, and the moments that made me want to scream into a pillow (in a good way, most of the time). Prepare for a rambling, opinionated, and hopefully hilarious take. Let's go!
First Impressions & Finding My Zen (or Trying To): Accessibility, Cleanliness & Safety – Let's Get This Over With
Okay, so, first things first, the accessibility. I need to preface this: I'm not a person with mobility issues. I can walk, I can climb stairs. That said, I did take a good look around. The elevator is a lifesaver, especially after a day of mall-crawling. The hotel seems generally geared towards accessibility, BUT… I didn’t personally use any wheelchair accessible facilities. I couldn't confirm if the facilities for disabled guests were truly comprehensive (I'm just a reviewer, not a specialist), so I'd encourage anyone with specific needs to call ahead and drill down on the details.
Now, onto the important stuff: Cleanliness and safety. I'm practically a germaphobe disguised as a travel writer, so this mattered a LOT. And, whew, they deliver. Honestly, it was like they had a small army of cleaners dedicated to eradicating every single microscopic speck. Hand sanitizer dispensers are everywhere, they clearly use anti-viral cleaning products, and the staff seem genuinely hyper-aware of hygiene. The room sanitization opt-out available? Not sure why you'd want to opt out, but the option's there! The fact that the staff are trained in safety protocol makes you feel like they actually care, which is HUGE. The daily disinfection in common areas coupled with rooms sanitized between stays gave me a mental sigh of relief, especially knowing they use professional-grade sanitizing services. They’ve also got the usual suspects: fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, CCTV in common areas/outside property, and 24-hour security. Basically, they're doing everything right to make you feel like you’re safe.
Internet: Wi-Fi Woes and Wireless Wonders
Alright, let's talk Wi-Fi. This is where things got a little… interesting. The hotel's website proudly boasts "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" and "Internet access – wireless" (and "Internet access – LAN," for the tech nerds). Here's the real tea: the Wi-Fi in my room, let's just say it wasn't exactly blazing fast. Think dial-up in a digital age. Okay, maybe not that bad, but streaming videos took some serious patience. I'm going to be honest; I spent a good chunk of my evening trying to get a decent connection! BUT, if I went to the Wi-Fi in public areas? No problem. Lighting fast. So, basically, if you're planning to work from your room, maybe brace yourself, or head to the lobby.
The Room: 1BR Bliss (Mostly) with a Side of Minor Complaints
Oh, the room! This is where the “Chicest 1BR” part really shines. It is chic. Seriously. Think sleek lines, a modern vibe, and everything (and I mean everything) you could possibly need.
Available in all rooms: Air conditioning (thank god), air conditioning in public area, an alarm clock (because waking up to your own internal alarm is apparently insufficient), bathrobes (yes, please!), bathroom phone (because why would you not want to take your phone calls in the bathroom?), bathtub (a godsend after a tiring day), bed (ultra comfortable with extra long bed), blackout curtains (perfect for my vampire-esque sleeping habits), carpeting (feels luxurious), closet (I had plenty of room to hang my ridiculous outfits), coffee/tea maker (essential), complimentary tea (yes!), daily housekeeping (bless them), desk (I attempted to work, which mostly failed -- see Wi-Fi section), hair dryer (a lifesaver for my unruly locks), high floor (loved the view), in-room safe box (for my… uh… important receipts?), internet access – LAN (didn't use it), internet access – wireless (see above), internet (see above), ironing facilities (because nobody wants wrinkled clothes), laptop workspace (again, see above), linens (crisp and clean), mini bar (for the cheeky late-night snacks), mirror (for existential contemplation, obviously), non-smoking (thank goodness), on-demand movies (boredom busters), private bathroom (duh), reading light (for pretending to read), refrigerator (for the aforementioned cheeky snacks), satellite/cable channels (zillions of options), scale (because vacation and no judgment), seating area (super comfy), separate shower/bathtub (luxury at its finest), shower, slippers (the little things!), smoke detector (yay!), socket near the bed (important!), sofa (for collapsing), soundproofing (blissful), telephone, toiletries (the good kind), towels (fluffy), umbrella (didn't use it, thankfully), visual alarm (in case of emergencies, and also in case you are visually impaired), wake-up service (did I mention the blackout curtains?). Wi-Fi [free] (mostly… see above), window that opens.
Additional Room Features: Additional toilet is a bonus! Interconnecting room(s) available (perfect for families).
The downers I could find were ridiculously minor: the location of a socket; it can be a little tricky to reach the reading lamp.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food (and Maybe a Slight Overload)
Let's be frank: I came, I saw, I ate. And MOA's Chicest 1BR delivers. They have a vast selection of food and eating options, and it's easy to get lost.
- Breakfast is a feast. Breakfast [buffet] available to everyone. I'm not going to lie, the Asian breakfast was the highlight. There were also Western breakfast choices. You could get breakfast in the room or breakfast takeaway service.
- Drinks & Snacks galore! I was particularly partial to the Poolside bar. Drinks are included like bottle of water, coffee/tea in restaurant, Happy hour, etc.
- Restaurant Options: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee shop, the Desserts in restaurant, Poolside bar.
Things To Do & Ways To Relax: Spa Day Dreams and Gym Fails
- Spa/sauna options.
- Sauna and steamroom.
- Massage treatments.
- Pool with view options.
- Gym/fitness available, but I will admit; it was there, and I never went…
- Swimming pool.
- Things to Do & Leisure:
- Things to do, i.e. the mall itself.
- Ways to relax and explore the Terrace.
Services and Conveniences: The Perks (and the Price Tag?)
- Around the clock: the 24-hour features: front desk, and room service are truly a godsend.
- For the kids:. Family/child friendly with some Kids facilities and Babysitting service.
- Others Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Outdoor venue for special events, Safety deposit boxes, Smoking area, Shrine.
The Verdict: Is MOA's Chicest 1BR Worth the Hype (and the Price)?
Honestly? Yes. Mostly.
My Quirky Verdict: I would ABSOLUTELY stay here again. The pros (cleanliness, the room, the food, the location, the security) vastly outweigh the minor cons. It's a truly luxurious experience, and while the price tag might sting a little, the value for money is there.
Here's my pitch, to make you want to book immediately:
Mykonos Luxury: Unbelievable Whitelist Residence Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this itinerary is less "polished travel brochure" and more "slightly chaotic human trying to survive a week in Manila while hopefully remembering to eat something other than instant noodles." We're talking Ultra-Modern 1BR in Shore 2 Res Steps from MOA – Manila Chaos Edition!
Day 1: Arrival and the Gentle Embrace of Manila's Hustle (and Heat)
- Morning (10:00 AM): Arrive at NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport). Seriously, the sheer humidity hits you like a wet, warm blanket the second you step off the plane. Remember to breathe. It's a challenge. And the traffic… oh, the traffic. Expect delays. Embrace the chaos, darling. It's part of the experience.
- (11:30 AM): Grab an airport taxi (negotiate the price before getting in - always!) and pray you get a driver who isn't auditioning for a Formula 1 race. My first taxi ride? Let's just say I considered learning Tagalog in the middle of a near collision. Heart rate, check!
- (1:00 PM): Arrive at Shore 2 Residences. Pray the AC works. Unpack and marvel at the "ultra-modern" aesthetic. Honestly, it looks pretty good, at least until you see the tiny cockroach the size of a thumb. Welcome to the Philippines!
- (2:00 PM): Lunch at a food stall near the MOA (Mall of Asia). Get anything, but try the adobo. It's probably the easiest thing you'll ever eat and, it's actually delicious. Seriously. This is where it gets good (and, let's be honest, where I start to actually enjoy myself).
- (3:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Explore the MOA but it's just too big, too much, and I am already tired.
- (7:00 PM): Dinner at a local restaurant. Sisig is the ultimate Filipino bar food. Savory, crispy, and a little (okay, a lot) sinful. Wash it down with a San Miguel.
- (8:00 PM - onwards): Collapse in the apartment. Reflect on the day. Did I survive? Yes! Did I see the Eiffel Tower? No. This trip might be harder than I thought.
Day 2: Intramuros & Fort Santiago - History, Heat, and Heavy Footwear
- Morning (9:00 AM): Breakfast at the apartment (instant coffee and whatever pre-packaged pastry I can find). Fuel up, because today's going to be walking-intensive.
- (10:00 AM): Take a Grab (local ride-sharing app) to Intramuros, the walled city. This place is steeped in history. It's also hot as hell. Honestly, even the shade is humid. Consider renting a kalesa (horse-drawn carriage) for some of the tour. Otherwise, prepare for the sweat.
- (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Explore Fort Santiago. The ghosts of the past kind of whispers (or moans) to you. It’s where Jose Rizal, national hero, was imprisoned. A very moving and slightly depressing experience, but important. It's a heavy atmosphere, so grab a bottle of water.
- (1:00 PM -2:00 PM): Lunch inside Intramuros, perhaps at Barbara's Heritage Restaurant. Traditional Filipino food and a welcome respite from the sun.
- (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Wander the cobbled streets of Intramuros. Visit the San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Maybe take photos. Maybe get lost. Both are valid strategies.
- (6:00 PM): Dinner at a casual restaurant in the city. This time, try something different. This constant loop of walking, sweating, and eating is exhausting, but hey, I'm learning!
- (7:00 PM - onwards): Back to the apartment. Netflix or reading. Mental and physical rest are crucial, or you'll become one with the humidity.
Day 3: A Day in the Manila Bay Area (and a bit of retail therapy)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Breakfast. (The pastries? Still going strong! Sad).
- (10:00 AM): Head to Manila Bay. Okay, so it's not the Caribbean. But there's a certain gritty charm to it. Walking along the baywalk is okay, and surprisingly soothing.
- (11:00 AM): Observe the street vendors. The people-watching is prime.
- (12:00 PM): Lunch. Somewhere in the bay area. Find a carinderia (a small, casual eatery). Usually good, cheap food.
- (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): (Back to MOA because it's really the only option with convenient access!). Window shop, browse, maybe buy something you didn't know you needed. Try to avoid buying a whole new suitcase because you've already acquired too much stuff.
- (5:00 PM): Sunset viewing by the bay. It can be beautiful, and it can be crowded, but it's a quintessential Manila experience, even if a bit too crowded and touristy.
- (7:00 PM): Dinner. At MOA. I'm uninspired. It's fine.
- (8:00 PM): Sleep.
Day 4: Day trip! (If I have the energy…)
- Option 1: Tagaytay: (This is the option I want to do, but it requires getting up early, which is a challenge). Tagaytay is a mountain resort town with Taal Volcano views. It gets cooler up there (hallelujah!), the food is good, and it's a nice escape from the city. But it's a bit of a drive.
- Option 2: Las Piñas Bamboo Organ: Closer to the apartment. Another historic site. More manageable.
- Option 3: Do nothing: (Most likely). Stay in the apartment, order takeout, and watch movies. It's okay to have a day off. (This is what I should probably do).
- (All Day): Whatever I do, I'll eat.
Day 5: The Improvised Plan!
- Morning: Wake up. See what the day brings. It can bring anything -- from a shopping spree to a desperate search for ice cream.
- Afternoon: Embrace the unknown. Maybe explore a new neighborhood.
- Evening: Find some live music. Or just relax in the apartment.
Day 6: The "Getting Ready to Leave" Day: Last Meals and Mental Prep
- Morning: Pack. Panic. Realize you've bought too much stuff.
- Afternoon: One last adobo and a serious effort to pack.
- Evening: Reflect on the trip. What did I learn? What do I miss? What will I remember?
Day 7: Departure - Farewell, Manila! (Until Next Time?)
- Morning: Final breakfast. Last-minute frantic packing. Final airport transfer.
- Departure: A tearful goodbye.
Notes and Imperfections:
- Traffic: Factor in extra travel time. Seriously. Public transport is an adventure. Grab is your friend.
- Humidity: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Carry a small fan (you'll thank me).
- Food: Be adventurous! Try everything.
- Language: Learn a few basic Tagalog phrases. "Salamat" (thank you) and "Magkano?" (how much?) will be useful.
- Safety: Be aware of your surroundings, especially when carrying money or valuables.
- Spontaneity: Don't be afraid to change plans! Manila is best experienced with a healthy dose of flexibility.
- My Emotional State: I'm hoping for highs (amazing food, moments of beauty) and accepting lows (the chaos, the heat, the sheer volume of humanity). I'm going to laugh, get frustrated, and probably say "Wow" a lot.
This is Manila. It's messy. It's beautiful. It's exhausting. And it's an experience I'll never forget, even if it's only because of the sheer amount of sweat I'll produce. Wish me luck, and wish yourself luck if you're going! Safe travels, and don't be afraid to embrace the chaos!
85 Sky Tower Hotel Kaohsiung: Unbelievable Views & Luxury You Won't Believe!
1. Seriously, how *close* is "Steps from the Mall?" 'Cause I've been lied to before.
Okay, real talk. "Steps" is a loaded word, isn't it? I've seen "steps" translate to a brisk 20-minute power walk across a parking lot the size of a small country. Here? Honestly? It's pretty darn close. I'm talking, like, you could *almost* roll out of bed, stumble in your slippers, and be inhaling the sweet smell of a Cinnabon within, say, 5 minutes? Maybe. Depends on how aggressively you chase the aroma. I actually *tried* this once. I was already late for a meeting, but that Cinnabon was calling my name. Let's just say my presentation skills suffered due to a sugar coma, but the distance was legit. So, yes, the mall access is... *ahem*... convenient. Don't expect to be *inside* the mall the instant you open the door. You still have to...walk. (The horror!)
2. "5-Star Living?" WHAT is that even supposed to mean in a ONE-BEDROOM apartment? Like, a butler? Gold-plated toilet seats? Spill.
Right?! "5-Star Living." That's what gets me. Are we talking about a Michelin-starred chef whipping up ramen in my shoebox kitchen? Probably not. The "5-Star" is likely a marketing ploy. BUT... I did see a picture of the gym, and it looked pretty swanky. Maybe they'll have a Peloton? (I've always wanted to say that phrase. Sounds so...yuppie.) Honestly, the "5-Star" probably translates to nice views, decent appliances (fingers crossed they're not ancient), and maybe a pool. I *hope* the pool isn't just a tiny, chlorine-filled puddle that's permanently crowded with screaming children. Been there, done that. The key is to manage expectations! Think of it like a very nice hotel room, but you have to clean it yourself. Or bribe someone to do so. (I haven't quite figured that part out yet.)
3. Is the noise level insane? Living "steps from the mall" sounds like a symphony of honking and screaming children.
This is the BIG ONE. Noise. My mortal enemy. You're right to be concerned. Mall proximity equals potential noise Armageddon. I'm guessing it depends *hugely* on which side of the building your unit is on. If you're facing the parking lot on a Saturday afternoon? Godspeed. Bring earplugs and consider investing in noise-canceling headphones. If you're facing, say, the ocean (totally possible in Manila, right?) – then maybe you're golden. I'd make *sure* to ask about noise levels specifically. Request a video of a typical weekday so you can get a sense of potential problems. I have a sensitive hearing; I can't live in the middle of a noisy area. My partner's told me she won't be able to live with me if the room has "lots of noise".
4. What's the deal with parking? Because finding parking near those malls is a special kind of hell.
Parking. Ah, yes. The trial by fire that greets you every time you even *think* about going to the mall. If the apartment comes with dedicated parking (a blessing!), then rejoice! If not… well, prepare for a fight. Especially during peak hours, holidays, or that annual sale where everyone and their mother descends upon the stores. Ask, *specifically* about how guest parking works, too. Can your friends even visit? Do they have to park a mile away? Or are they expected to arrive by seaplane? (Okay, maybe I'm being dramatic. But parking is *serious* business.) I've spent longer circling a parking lot than actually *shopping.* The irony is almost painful. I will not sacrifice my sanity for H&M. Not this time.
5. Is the internet actually functional? This is 2024, people!
This is... the real question, isn't it? "Functional Internet". Absolutely, inquire! Are there issues with speed? Are there any known issues? Is the apartment building even hooked up to the internet?! (You laugh, but I've seen it happen.) If you intend to actually *work from home* (like I do, and which is why I need this apartment), then reliable internet is absolutely non-negotiable. Ask about the provider, the speed, and if there have been any complaints from other tenants. If they hesitate, run. RUN FAR, FAR AWAY. The internet is the LIFEBLOOD of modern work. I’ve almost lost my job before because of lousy connection. A big issue in the past, but it's a BIG issue in the present.
6. Are pets allowed? Because my chihuahua, Mr. Bigglesworth (yes, that's his name), demands the finer things in life. Like, a view of the ocean from his dog bed.
This is crucial! Crucial! If you have a furry companion, investigate this with the fervor of a detective on a high-stakes case. "Pet-friendly" can cover a multitude of sins. Is there a weight limit? Are certain breeds banned? Is there a deposit? Is there a designated poop-scooping area? (You know, for Mr. Bigglesworth's *delicate* needs.) I absolutely adore pets, but I will admit that I will not live in a house with pets due to my severe allergies.
7. What's the security situation like? I'm not about to be starring in a real-life action movie.
Security! A must-ask. Is there 24/7 security? CCTV cameras? Do they have access control for the building itself and the individual floors? What about the neighborhood? I’m not trying to live in an action film, but I want to feel safe. This is something I will always ask about.
8. Okay, let's get practical: What's the dealbreaker? What would make you walk away, immediately?
Okay, real talk. Let's talk about the things that trigger my internal "RUN AWAY" alarm. Here's the shortlist of immediate dealbreakers: Mold. Smells. Smells of any kind, really,Hotel Search Trek
