Manila Penthouse Paradise: Azure Urban Resort's Unbelievable City Views!
Manila Penthouse Paradise: Azure Urban Resort - Let's Be Real (and Really Honest!)
Alright, folks, buckle up! Because I'm about to take you on a whirlwind tour of Manila Penthouse Paradise at Azure Urban Resort. Forget the carefully curated Instagram feeds – we’re diving headfirst into the real experience. This review is gonna be a glorious, messy, honest exploration. No sugarcoating, just the truth (and maybe a few swears, depending on the Wi-Fi situation).
First Impressions: City Views? Oh. My. God.
Okay, let's get the obvious out of the way: the city views? Unbelievable. Straight-up breathtaking. Seriously, if you're a sucker for a cityscape at sunset (and who isn't?), this place delivers. It’s like having a giant, glittering postcard right outside your window. I swear, I spent the first hour just staring, mouth agape. You'll forget all about the chaotic Manila traffic… well, almost.
Accessibility & Getting Around: A Mixed Bag (Let's Be Real)
- Accessibility: Now, this is where things get a bit… interesting. The description claims "Facilities for disabled guests", but let's be honest, that can mean anything from a slightly wider elevator to a full-blown ADA suite. Further, I couldn't dig up any information regarding their accessibility, so you best make sure you check it out on your own.
- Getting Around: Taxi service is readily available, which is a plus. The car park is also on site, a lifesaver in Manila. Just be prepared for some potential traffic chaos, which is, you know, Manila. Otherwise, the main concern would be how convenient it is to walk from your room to the Azure pool, which I am sure they'll be great, but if you are like me and just want to relax it's something to consider.
Rooms & Amenities: The Good, the Bad, and the Wi-Fi… Oh, The Wi-Fi
- Available in All Rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. Wow, that's a long list.
- The Room Itself: My room was pretty sleek. Modern, clean lines, all that jazz. The bed was comfy, the aircon blasted like a champ (essential in Manila!), and the blackout curtains were a godsend for sleeping in. The complimentary tea was a nice touch, but let's be honest, I mostly stuck to the free bottled water.
- Wi-Fi: The Eternal Struggle: Okay, the free Wi-Fi is listed as a major selling point ("Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!"). But… and this is a big BUT… the connection was spotty. And by spotty, I mean it sometimes disappeared altogether. Imagine trying to upload those breathtaking sunset photos – pure agony. Internet [LAN] is an option, thankfully, but you're still relying on a reliable internet connection from a provider.
- Other Amenities: The in-room safe box was reassuring, the mini-bar was tempting (and moderately priced), and the bathrobe was perfect for lounging around after a dip in the pool. The additional toilet was a big plus, since there were a lot of people.
The Pools, Spa, and Relaxation Zone: Is it Paradise? (Kind of)
- Swimming Pool (Outdoor): The main selling point, right? The Azure pools. And yes, the pool with a view is gorgeous. Seriously, picture yourself floating in that crystal-clear water, with the city skyline as your backdrop… sigh. The pool [outdoor] is HUGE, which is great. Finding space near the pool could be a challenge, depending on the crowd.
- Spa/Sauna, Gym/fitness, and Things to do, ways to relax: They also boast a spa! I love the idea. I am a sucker for a good body scrub and an even better massage. They also had a gym and a fitness center, which I have no use for, but it's there for the masochists among us. There's a definite focus on relaxation. Sauna, Steamroom, and Foot bath sound tempting.
- Anecdote: The Poolside Bar Debacle: The poolside bar was almost perfect. The cocktails were decent, the ambiance was on point. But the service was, at times, glacial. Waiting for your drink while the sun slowly dips below the horizon is a special kind of torture.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Fueling Your Vacation (or Not)
- Restaurants, Bars, Coffee Shop, Snack Bar The resort offers a variety of dining options. They have a Poolside bar, which is ideal, but you can't spend the whole day there.
- Breakfast: They have both breakfast [buffet] and a Western breakfast, which is a plus. I love a good international cuisine.
- Room Service: The Ultimate Comfort: The 24-hour room service was a lifesaver, especially after that exhausting day of sightseeing. Ordering room service is something I do often.
Cleanliness and Safety: Post-Pandemic Reality Check
- Cleanliness: I can say that everything was spotless. They've got the usual stuff: hand sanitizer everywhere, staff trained in safety protocols.
- Safety: I saw CCTV in common areas, etc. I felt relatively safe (as safe as you can feel in a bustling city like Manila).
For the Kids and Services and conveniences:
- For the kids Offers a Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, and Kids facilities, which shows it is great for everyone.
- Services and conveniences Offers a lot of services, like a concierge, daily housekeeping, food delivery, a gift shop, and laundry services, which will always be convenient.
The Verdict: Should You Book? (The Messy Truth)
Manila Penthouse Paradise at Azure Urban Resort? It’s a mixed bag. When it's good, it's glorious. The views are undeniably stunning, the pool is a dream, and the rooms are stylish and comfortable. The safety and cleanliness are also a bonus.
But…
The Wi-Fi can be a pain, the service can be slow at times , and you can't forget the traffic, which is something unavoidable in Manila.
Here's My (Messy, Honest) Recommendation:
If you're prioritizing those city views and Instagram-worthy pool shots, book it. Just pack a data plan as a backup. If you tend to get easily frustrated by service glitches, think twice. Maybe bring a book. This place isn't perfect, but the potential for pure, unadulterated relaxation is absolutely there… if you're willing to roll with the punches.
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Escape to Paradise: Miccosukee Casino's Miami Oasis Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into a Manila adventure, specifically the Azure Urban Resort Residences Penthouse City View. Prepare for a journey that's less "polished brochure" and more "honest diary of a somewhat sleep-deprived traveler."
Day 1: Arrival and the Poolside Paradise (or the Battle of the Beach Towels)
4:00 AM (Philippine Time, Ugh): My alarm screams like a banshee. Or maybe that's just me. I swear, jet lag is a cruel mistress. Drag myself out of bed, stuff a ridiculous amount of clothes into my suitcase (you never know what you'll need, right?), and fumble my way to the airport.
8:00 AM: Land in Manila. The humidity hits me like a warm, sticky hug. A friendly (and slightly over-enthusiastic) driver from the Azure whisked me away. The traffic? Let's just say it's an experience. More of a chaotic ballet of honking horns, jeepneys spewing exhaust, and food vendors weaving through the vehicles selling… everything. Fascinating, and a little terrifying.
10:00 AM: Finally! The Azure. The lobby is… well, it's definitely something. Over-the-top, maybe? But the view from the penthouse? BAM. Instantly worth it. City sprawling before me, the pool shimmering below. My inner Instagram influencer is already firing up.
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Pool time! Ah, the holy grail of any resort. The pools themselves? Gorgeous. Seriously Instagrammable. I spend a blissful hour floating in the waves pool, feeling like a mermaid. Then the towel battle commences. Apparently, everyone at Azure learned their tactics from the Hunger Games. I clawed my way to victory, claimed a prime sunbed, and then promptly fell asleep.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Lunch at the Azure's restaurant. The food is… decent. A little generic, to be honest. But the iced tea is a lifesaver. Seriously, that stuff kept me going.
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Penthouse exploration. The place is HUGE. My room is massive, with a balcony that overlooks a construction site? (I'm trying to understand the Manila’s urban development planning system) So, a slightly obstructed view, but I guess it's part of the "urban" experience. I’m starting to think I'd rather have a view of a quiet garden.
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Evening swim and dinner. I order the seafood pasta. It's tasty, but I suspect its slightly overpriced. Try to stay awake, but end up passing out early after a long day of travel!
Day 2: City Exploration and Culinary Adventures (and a Near-Disaster with a Street Vendor)
7:00 AM : I wake up with a slight headache and a weird taste in my mouth. This jet lag is brutal. I decide I need to get OUT of the resort.
9:00 AM: Off to Intramuros, the historic walled city. I take a Grab but the service is spotty. Then the traffic is worse than yesterday. Eventually, I get there. The architecture is beautiful. But my mood sours a bit. The heat is intense, and I'm melting.
11:00 AM: Street food time! I'm a sucker for local eats. I spotted a vendor selling some sort of delicious-looking skewers. Being a food enthusiast, I bought one, and another, and another! I'm in heaven. Then… disaster. Maybe it was too many skewers at once? My stomach decides to stage a revolt. I dash to the nearest (and thankfully clean) washroom. Lesson learned: pace yourself, and maybe don't eat everything at once.
1:00 PM - 2:00PM: Return to the resort, a little embarrassed and very full of myself.
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM: My attempt to relax. I attempt to chill by the pool. But my stomach is still not cooperating. I can't.
7:00 PM: Dinner at a Thai restaurant. Great food! My energy is back, and I'm finally able to explore the city at night. The vibrant night life is fantastic.
Day 3: The Final Swim, and Departures (with a Side of Regret)
9:00 AM: One last swim! I make sure to avoid the waves pool. I had some issues with my stomach yesterday. The resort is so peaceful in the morning. It makes the whole experience better.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Pack up. The realization hits: I only had a couple of days. I didn't see everything. I feel a little sad. Manila has a certain chaotic charm. And I didn't even get to properly shop.
1:00 PM: Back to the airport. The driver's a no-show! Ugh. Panic mode activated. Luckily, Grab saves the day.
4:00 PM: The flight. Goodbye, Manila. Goodbye, Azure. Goodbye, potential for a much better-planned itinerary next time. This trip was messy, a bit chaotic, and full of unexpected stomach issues. But also, surprisingly fantastic. I'm already planning my return. Maybe next time I'll remember the sunscreen. And the antacids.
Manila Penthouse Paradise: Azure Urban Resort – The Not-So-Secret Guide (With a Few Rants Thrown In!)
Is this place really as good as the pictures make it out to be? Because, honestly, Instagram is a liar.
Okay, let's be real. Yes, the views from the penthouses are... *breathtaking*. Especially at sunset. Seriously, the sky turns into a swirling canvas of orange, pink, and purple and it's the perfect backdrop for a ridiculously cliché Instagram pic. (Guilty as charged!). But, and here's the thing, the photos gloss over the little imperfections. The "urban" part of "Azure Urban Resort" sometimes really delivers on the "urban" part. You *will* hear traffic. You *might* hear the occasional karaoke session blasting from somewhere in the distance. But, and this is the *big* but, the sheer *scale* of it all. The endless cityscape stretching out before you, it’s… well, it’s kind of worth the minor annoyances.
What kind of "penthouse" are we talking about? Because "penthouse" can mean anything these days.
Alright, so "penthouse" is used liberally. Think more "luxury apartment with amazing views" rather than "billionaire's aerie." These places are spacious, usually with a balcony that's practically a second living room. You get a full kitchen, which is great if you plan on cooking (I tried once, disaster. Stick to ordering in!). The decor is modern, maybe a little generic, but the *view* is the star of the show. I've stayed in a few, and honestly, some are in better shape than others, but the views... they’re consistently excellent. You will be paying a premium for that view. And the size. Don't forget the size. Space is a luxury in Manila.
The pool. Tell me about the bloody pool. Is it always packed like a sardine can?
Okay, the pool. The infamous, Instagram-famous pool. Lies. So many lies. Yes, it *is* gorgeous. Yes, it *does* have the wow factor. But, yeah, during peak hours... Think shoulder-to-shoulder. Think fighting for a decent spot to actually *swim* versus just bobbing around. I went once on a Saturday afternoon. I was expecting *relaxation*...I got a water park battle. I'm claustrophobic anyway, so this was a mistake, a total immersion-gone-wrong. Try going early in the morning, or during the week if you can. You *might* actually get to enjoy it. Or, be prepared to do a full-body workout just to get to the edge of the pool. Seriously, the effort it takes to navigate those crowds is enough to make anyone break a sweat!
Pro Tip: Grab your spot early, and be prepared to defend it. This is practically a combat zone, people.
What's it like to get to these places from the airport and from the other parts of Metro Manila? Because traffic, right?
Traffic is the enemy. The absolute, soul-crushing enemy. Coming from the airport? Budget at least an hour, maybe more. Especially during rush hour – you could be looking at *two* hours just to cover a distance that *should* take 20 minutes. And that’s if you’re lucky. Seriously, bring a book, download some podcasts, prepare for a meditative state because you will be sitting. There are cars. Lots. Of. Cars. From elsewhere in Metro Manila... same story. Plan your travel like you're launching a space mission. Allow extra time. Always. Even if Google Maps says 20 minutes, double it. Probably triple it. Sometimes, I’ve actually walked faster than the damn vehicles! I'm not kidding! That’s saying something, considering I’m not a fan of the heat or pollution.
Okay, the important stuff: food and drinks. Any recommendations?
Right. Food. Okay, within Azure, you have a few options. The restaurant/bar right by the pool is… fine. Convenient, if a little overpriced. They serve the usual suspects: burgers, pizzas, fries. Nothing groundbreaking. I'd recommend venturing outside Azure, though. There are plenty of restaurants in the surrounding areas (and, thank god, since I once tried to cook in the unit and almost burned the place down). Grab a quick Uber Eats and order-in like a king. There are some great Japanese places nearby and a few of the food delivery services are the only reason I'm still alive. Always always order in as the best choice.
Is it worth the money though? Seriously, be honest.
Okay, here’s the honest truth, and it’s complicated. It's expensive. Really expensive. Is it worth the cost? That depends. If you value stunning views, the convenience of a nice apartment, and you're prepared to deal with the crowds and traffic, then maybe. If you're on a tight budget, probably not. There are definitely more affordable options. But… that balcony at sunset? That first moment you walk in and see the city spread out before you? That might just… *almost* make it worth it. Almost. I mean, I’ve gone back more than once, so I guess that says something. Just keep your expectations realistic. And bring earplugs for the karaoke.
Any other tips, experiences, or things to be aware of? Because I don't wanna be blindsided!
Alright. So some random thoughts...
- The Security: They are *vigilant.* Which is good, I suppose, but also a little… intense at times. Be prepared to show ID. Every. Single. Time.
- Loud Music: Sometimes comes from the pool area, sometimes from nearby construction, sometimes from your neighbor’s karaoke machine. Bring noise-canceling headphones. Or a very strong tolerance for bad singing.
- Bookings: Make reservations *way* in advance, especially if you're going during a weekend or a holiday. They fill up fast.
- The Cleaning Fee: Don't even get me started on the cleaning fee. It’s…substantial. Make sure the place *is* clean before you leave. Nobody wants extra charges.
- The Internet: It can be unreliable sometimes. Just be prepared for a potential digital detox. Or bring a pocket wifi.
Here's a story for you. One time, I booked a penthouse for my girlfriend’s birthday. I planned everything, all perfect, thinking it would be this romantic getaway. We get there, and there’s a *massive* construction site right next door. Noise all day, the view was partially blocked, and the promised "peace and quiet" was nonexistent. We ended up spending most of the time ordering room service and complaining. It was... aFind Secret Hotel Deals
