Unbelievable South Mall Manila Staycation: South Residences Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, because we're diving headfirst into the Unbelievable South Mall Manila Staycation: South Residences Awaits! and I'm gonna give you the raw, unfiltered truth. Forget those cookie-cutter reviews – this is gonna be a wild ride, and hopefully, I’ll convince you to ditch your dreary routine and book a stay.
(Deep breath. I'm excited!)
First Impressions: Getting There and Getting In (Accessibility and the Urgency to Pee!)
Okay, so "South Residences Awaits!" – they aren't kidding about the south part. Depending on where you're coming from, it's a bit of a trek. I mean, Accessibility is important, right? Good news! The place is generally pretty accessible – elevators, ramps, the whole shebang. It makes the Car Park [on-site] and the Car park [free of charge] super handy. They even have a car power charging station! (Fancy!) I'm not technically disabled, but after being stuck in traffic for what felt like an eternity, finding everything well-designed, especially the lobby, it put me at ease. Whew!
Now, real talk: Always pack a travel-sized bottle of hand sanitizer! I mean, the constant Hand sanitizer availability is important. Also consider the Cashless payment service, which will be beneficial when you are in hurry.
The Check-in/out [express] is a blessing. I mean, who wants to stand in line after a long drive, especially when the urge to, uh, visit the facilities is screaming at you? Thankfully, it was a breeze. Which allowed me to dash, and finally, the Bathroom phone came in handy when I was in hurry.
The Room: My Sanctuary (And My Cat's Potential Chaos Zone)
Okay, let's talk about the room itself. They've got a lot of options like Non-smoking rooms (thank goodness!), and while Pets allowed unavailable, I had to make some tough decisions at home.
I went for the classic, with the Air conditioning, so if your a hot sleeper, you would really like it. It was clean as heck, and the Daily housekeeping really made me feel like a celebrity. I'm a sucker for a Blackout curtains -- sleep is sacred. Plus, a Coffee/tea maker, so I can indulge in my caffeine addiction.
Here's the dirt, though… It's all the little things that make or break a stay. The Bathtub was luxurious, and the added feature of a Separate shower/bathtub was a bonus. But the Complimentary tea didn't quite meet my expectations. It tasted like the one my grandmother made. But, I'm not gonna lie, that's what happens when I have a bit of an emotional breakdown in a hotel room!
Internet Woes and Wonderfulness
Okay, so the Internet access – wireless is the life blood of our generation, but there's this thing called Internet [LAN], and honestly, I always forget to bring the right cable – the irony is not lost on me, living in the age of wireless everything!
The Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! worked like a dream for most of the time. This time of the year can be fickle. I relied on it for streaming movies and, most importantly, updating my Instagram. The Laptop workspace came in handy when I pretended to do some work.
Food, Glorious Food (And My Belly's Delight)
Let's get down to the important stuff: food! The Breakfast [buffet] was pretty decent, nothing groundbreaking, but the Asian breakfast options were a nice touch. I'm a bit of a foodie and a sucker for International cuisine in restaurant. The Coffee shop offers good coffee.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges, well, there wasn't a ton of variation going on, which was a slight bummer. I’m such a sucker for diversity!
Things To Do: Relaxation and Rejuvenation (Or, Why I Needed That Body Wrap)
Okay, prepare yourself, because the Spa and Spa/sauna situation saved me. After the aforementioned traffic and minor caffeine-related meltdown, I was a wreck. The Body wrap, Body scrub, and Massage were legit heaven. The Pool with view was beautiful, but I’m a wimp, so I didn't swim! The Fitness center looked top-notch, but let’s be honest, after all that eating, I was more into the Foot bath. I needed more "relax" than "exert."
Cleanliness and Safety: Reassuring and Relevant (Especially in These Times)
I'm a bit of a germaphobe. The Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Room sanitization opt-out available were all major pluses. I never felt unsafe, which is HUGE right now. The staff clearly follow the Staff trained in safety protocol, and that's a massive relief.
The Verdict (And the Call to Action!)
Okay, Unbelievable South Mall Manila Staycation: South Residences Awaits! is a solid choice, especially if you’re looking for a relaxing getaway. It's not perfect, but the pros definitely outweigh the cons. The accessibility, spa, and comfortable rooms really shine. It's a fantastic place to recharge, unwind, and forget about whatever life throws your way.
My Unbelievable Offer (Because You Deserve This!)
I'm talking a Limited-Time Offer, and you get a Complimentary upgrade to a room with a better view (because you deserve it!), and a bottle of wine to sip while you gaze at it. Now, go on, book your stay. You won't regret it. Just pack your own tea bags – and maybe a cat carrier (just in case! 😉).
September in Salaya: Uncover Nakhon Pathom's Hidden Gem!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your sanitized, perfectly-planned travel itinerary. This is me planning a staycation, and let's be honest, things are gonna get delightfully messy. We're talking South Residences, right beside SM Southmall, Manila. My home for a couple of glorious, self-indulgent days. Here we go…
The "Almost Forgot My Damn Toothbrush But Miraculously Didn't" South Residences Staycation Extravaganza (aka Project "Me-Time")
Day 1: Arrival, Anticipation, and Pizza-Fueled Bliss
- 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM: The Great Packing Debacle (and Unexpected Laundry Duty). Okay, so I'm supposed to be packed and ready. Instead, I'm frantically throwing clothes into a duffel bag, realizing I've got more "going out" outfits than "lounging on the couch" options. Then, in a moment of sheer panic, I remember I need to throw a load of wash in - because apparently, even staycations require the mundane. The irony! But hey, clean(ish) clothes are important.
- 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM: The Uber Ride of Doom (or at Least Mild Inconvenience). Traffic in Manila? Shocking, I know. We're talking a ten-minute ride that somehow transforms into a twenty-five minute ordeal. My Uber driver, bless his heart, seemed to be navigating with a map from the Spanish colonial era. I spent the entire ride silently chanting, "Please, please, don't let me be late to my own damn staycation."
- 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Check-in and Apartment Appreciation (and Minor Panic). Finally! South Residences. The lobby is thankfully air-conditioned, a small victory. Check-in is smooth… maybe too smooth? I start to worry I've somehow walked into the wrong place. Nope, confirmed. My apartment: surprisingly lovely. Modern, clean-ish. But wait… no coffee maker? Seriously?! The horror! I briefly consider an immediate trip to the supermarket. Calm down, self.
- 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM: The Unboxing and the Initial Snooze (and the Realization I'm Already Hungry). I unpack (mostly) and survey my kingdom. The bed is beckoning. I sink into it for a glorious ten-minute power nap. Pure bliss. Wake up, slightly disoriented but feeling fantastic. The pangs of hunger hit, HARDCORE.
- 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Pizza Pilgrimage and Epic Proportions. SM Southmall is practically next door. Perfect! Pizza it is! But not just any pizza. We're talking a full-on, multi-slice, pepperoni-and-everything-under-the-sun feast. I wandered around the food court like a kid in a candy store. Pizza choices were endless, but I finally settled on (insert local pizza chain here), and it was worth every guilty bite. I might have ordered a little bit more than I could eat….. but hey, leftovers, right?
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Poolside Philosophizing (and Failed Attempt at a Tan). The pool! I'd envisioned myself lounging by it, sipping something fruity, and looking effortlessly glamorous. Reality: I forgot my sunglasses, the sun was hiding behind the clouds, and I spent half the time battling a rogue inflatable flamingo. Also, I'm pale. My skin is the colour of… well, it's pale. So, no tan today, just a slight chill. But hey, the view was nice, and the peace was divine.
- 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner, Solo and Satisfying (and a Deep Dive into Netflix). Back in my apartment, I'm contemplating my dinner options when I realize I actually had leftovers. Genius! Plus! I've got shows I've been avoiding for months. I'm talking a total couch potato extravaganza with a whole damn pizza to devour.
- 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Netflix, Snacks, and the Art of Doing Absolutely Nothing. I went for a series I've been meaning to watch, but got side-tracked with snacks, and did absolutely nothing. Its a good thing.
- 10:00 PM - ZZZzzz…: Bedtime Bliss (and the Quiet Acknowledgement That Day 2 Will Involve Even More Pizza). Lights out. Happy. Full. Excited for tomorrow.
Day 2: Retail Therapy, Movie Magic, and the Sad Reality of Departure (and More Pizza, Obviously)
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Wake up, Coffee Crisis, and Breakfast Shenanigans. I finally get out of bed. The non-coffee-maker situation is still bothering me. I get over it though.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Retail Therapy (and the Unexpected Impulse Buy). SM Southmall again! Gotta. Shop. I promised myself "just browsing." Famous last words. Ended up buying a super comfy oversized sweater and a book. I don't even have space for the sweater in my closet, and I have a TBR pile that's higher than Mount Everest. But I regret nothing.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch, and a Slight Over-Ordering Incident. More foodcourt action. This time, "healthy-ish" choices (I said "ish"). I maybe, possibly, ordered more than I could eat again.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Movie Time! (with a side of Buttered Popcorn). The cinema called, and I answered. A cheesy rom-com. Perfect. Complete with a vat of buttered popcorn (the true star of the show). I laughed, I cried (a little), and I felt a tiny bit silly for enjoying it so much. No regrets, though.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: The "Last Hurrah" Pizza Extravaganza (Because Duh). You knew it was coming. One last pizza run. This time, I went for a different kind. I swear, I'm getting better at rationing the leftovers. Maybe.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Packing and Pre-Departure Blues. The dreaded packing. It's always a stark reminder that the fun has to end. I feel a sense of calm desperation as I rush and gather my things.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Check Out and the Farewell to Freedom. Check-out is quick and easy. Leaving the apartment feels weirdly like leaving a small pocket of happiness.
- 7:00 PM - 7:30 PM: The Uber Home – Traffic, Reflection, and Planning the Next Staycation. The ride home. Same Manila traffic, different day. I contemplate the things I am going to do when I arrive.
- 7:30 PM: Arrive Home. Unpack. Reflect and Start Planning the Next One. This staycation was a damn fine one. And you know what? I'm totally doing this again.
Final Thoughts: This wasn't a perfect, Instagram-worthy trip. There were moments of mild chaos. But it was mine. It was a messy, pizza-fueled, gloriously lazy celebration of me. And that, my friends, is what matters. Now to start planning the next one… and this time, I'm bringing my own damn coffee maker.
Escape to Royalty: Little Prince Hotel, Gunsan's Hidden Gem
Unbelievable South Mall Manila Staycation: South Residences Awaits! - Or Does It…? (An FAQ With Some Serious Sass)
Okay, spill. What's the *actual* deal with this South Residences staycation thing? Is it as dreamy as the Instagram ads make it seem?
Alright, buckle up, buttercup. Let's just say… it depends. The ads? Oh, they're *gorgeous*. Think sun-drenched balconies, infinity pools that scream "boujee," and couples frolicking hand-in-hand while effortlessly looking fabulous. The reality…? Well… sometimes it's like walking into a Pinterest board that's had a serious reality check.
I went with my best friend, Sarah (who, by the way, is *way* better at taking Instagram photos than I am – it's a curse, I tell you!). We envisioned sipping cocktails by the pool, giggling over gossip, and generally living our best lives. But first, the elevator. That thing was a *nightmare*. Seriously, it felt like it took a decade to get up to our floor. We may have had to take the stairs once. Maybe twice. Don't judge me. Cardio is not my strong suit.
The pool! Tell me about the pool! Is it actually as Instagrammable as they claim?
Okay, the pool… Yes. *Mostly* yes. The infinity pool is stunning. I’ll give them that. The view? Amazing. I mean, *stunning*. I spent a good chunk of time just staring out at the skyline, feeling all zen and reflective. Then, the sun, and the glare, and the fact that I forgot my sunglasses. Okay, zen factor, slightly diminished.
Here’s the thing: It's *popular*. Like, really popular. Prepare to share your Insta-worthy moment with a whole host of other people, all vying for the perfect photo op. We ended up having to wait for, like, thirty minutes just to snag a spot near the edge. And the noise! Kids splashing, music thumping… it's more "party vibe" than "tranquil oasis," if you know what I mean. We did meet a really nice couple who offered to take photos of us, though, so there's that. Silver linings, people!
What about the actual *room*? Give me the nitty-gritty.
Alright, let's talk rooms. The room itself… it was decent. Clean, modern, and *mostly* what the pictures promised. However, the devil is in the details.
Our first big hurdle? The air conditioning. It was either freezing us out or giving us a lukewarm breeze. There was no in-between. And the TV… well, let's just say the cable channels were a bit… lacking. We ended up mostly watching Netflix, which was fine, but the Wi-Fi was a bit spotty at times. I needed to post those IG photos you know, and that just isn’t possible without decent wifi!
And then there was the… the *sound*. The walls weren't exactly soundproof. We could hear the neighbors’ joyful (or, ahem, *intense*) karaoke session. Seriously, I thought they were in our room at one point! Sarah and I were just cracking up. We started making up our own lyrics to their bizarre song choices. "Anger Management, Anger Management, I'm yelling at my ex! (Something something) - Oh, and there's the cat!" You know, good times.
Food! Dining experiences! Is there good food nearby? What are the options?
Okay, here's where things get interesting. South Mall is right there, so food, in theory, is abundant. However, there's a *lot* of fast food. And while I love a cheeky burger as much as the next person, I was hoping for something, dare I say, *slightly* more sophisticated.
We were kind of stuck. I mean, we could have trekked for a bit, but we were tired, lazy, and just wanted to plop into a restaurant. We ended up at that Italian place (you know, the one with the pasta you can get anywhere?) and it was… okay. Totally acceptable. The pizza was decent, the service was fine. Nothing to write home about, but hey, we weren’t starving. We both got gelato for dessert though, so that redeemed the dinner, in my opinion. Good gelato makes everything better.
So, overall… would you recommend the South Residences staycation? The big question!
Here's the honest-to-goodness truth: It's a mixed bag.
The good: The pool view. The potential for Instagrammable moments. The convenience of being near South Mall. The fun we had with Sarah, who truly is the best travel companion.
The not-so-good: The crowded pool. The elevator. The sometimes-spotty Wi-Fi. The noisy neighbors. The so-so dining options.
Would I recommend it? If you manage your expectations, go in with a sense of humor, and are prepared to embrace the imperfections, then yeah, probably. The view from the pool *is* hard to beat. Just bring your own earplugs and a portable Wi-Fi router. And maybe some good snacks. And consider a pre-emptive workout on the stairs. You know, just in case.
Bottom Line: It wasn't *perfect*, but it was still a fun escape. And sometimes, that's really all you need. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to book a spa day to get over the experience!
Did you experience anything really awful? A complete disaster?
Okay, okay, I *did* have one mini-meltdown moment. It wasn't the elevator this time. Nope, it was the lack of *hot* water. I like a *hot* shower, people. I *need* a hot shower! I almost lost it when I turned the tap and got lukewarm water. I ended up calling reception. I think I may have been a touch dramatic, but when hot water is involved, my patience goes right out the window!
The maintenance guy! Bless him, he came up to help. After a bit of fiddling and some head-scratching, turns out… the water heater was off! The sheer relief I felt when the hot water finally blasted out was almost orgasmic. I apologized to the maintenance guy profusely (I swear, I was mortified), but the shower was *glorious*. Lesson learned: always check the water heater settings! And keep a towel close by to dry the inevitable tears of frustration.
Any other tips for surviving a South Residences staycation?
