717 Residences: Iloilo's Most Luxurious Address? (You Won't Believe This!)
717 Residences: Iloilo's Most Luxurious Address? (You Won't Believe This!) - A Messy, Honest Review
Okay, alright, let's dive into 717 Residences. "Iloilo's Most Luxurious Address," they say. Luxury. That word always gets me thinking… are we talking gold-plated toilet seats? Because, honestly, after a long haul flight, a gold-plated toilet seat sounds pretty darn appealing. So, did 717 live up to the hype? Well, buckle up, buttercups, because this is going to be a ride.
First Impressions & the Accessibility Angle: Getting In (and Getting Around)
Right off the bat, accessibility is a huge win. They've clearly put some thought into it. Wheelchair accessible areas are plentiful, which is a huge relief (and a massive selling point for anyone with mobility concerns – or those of us who've overdone it exploring and just want to glide!). Elevators? Yep. Elevator is there. That's good. And I'm a big fan of the car park [free of charge] and car park [on-site]. Parking in Iloilo can be a nightmare, so that's a solid tick. Airport transfer? They've got it. Score! It's a smooth, stress-free start, which, let's be honest, is half the battle when you're traveling. Check-in/out [express] and Contactless check-in/out were also a godsend. I HATE waiting in lines! And the fact that they have a Doorman makes you feel like a VIP. Even if you're not.
Rambling About the Rooms (And the Wi-Fi!)
Okay, the rooms. They're… impressive. Seriously. Like, "ooooh, fancy" impressive. They've got everything. And I mean EVERYTHING. Let's see… Air conditioning? Absolutely. Free Wi-Fi? Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (I really hate paying for Wi-Fi. It's a pet peeve.) Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN are available. They've got all the bases covered. The bed was ridiculously comfortable. Like, "I might just live here now" comfortable. The blackout curtains? Perfect for sleeping in after a night of… well, let's just say I explored Iloilo. The bathrobes and slippers? Pure bliss. I spent a solid hour just lounging in those, watching a movie on the on-demand movies system. Seriously, the seating area was so comfy, I almost didn't leave the room. And can we talk about the shower? Amazing water pressure! And the toiletries? High-end stuff. I’m a sucker for nice smelling shampoo. The mini bar was tempting, but I behaved… mostly.
The Perks and the Pampering: Spa-tastic or Just…Spa-ish?
This is where things got really interesting. The Spa! They have a full-blown spa! And a Sauna, a Steamroom, and a Foot bath! I had a massage. Oh, the massage. It was… good. Really good. Maybe even fantastic good. The masseuse was skilled, the room was dimly lit and calming, and for a blissful hour, all my worries melted away. I almost fell asleep. Almost. I was so relaxed, I practically floated back to my room. They also offer Body scrub and Body wrap treatments. I didn't try those, because, let's be honest, I was too busy eating.
Food, Glorious Food! (And the Accidental Carb Overload)
Speaking of eating… The dining options are plentiful. They have Restaurants, a Coffee shop, and a Snack bar. They offer Room service [24-hour], which is a major win. After a long day of exploring, sometimes you just want to order a pizza and watch a movie in your bathrobe. They have Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, and a Vegetarian restaurant. Breakfast [buffet] is a must, and it's pretty epic. The Asian breakfast was amazing. Seriously. I went back for seconds (and thirds… and maybe fourths). They also offer Breakfast in room and Breakfast takeaway service, which is perfect for those lazy mornings. The A la carte in restaurant is good too. They had desserts in restaurant that were to die for. And I'll admit, I may have indulged in a few too many carbs. But hey, it's a vacation, right? They also have a Poolside bar, which is perfect for sipping cocktails while soaking up the sun. They even have Happy hour!
Things to Do (Besides Eat and Sleep…Mostly Eat)
Okay, so beyond the pool (which, by the way, has a Pool with view - gorgeous!), and the spa, what else is there to do? Well, the hotel offers a Fitness center. I, uh, glanced at it. From the outside. Let's just say my idea of fitness on this trip involved a lot of walking to and from restaurants. They also have Meeting/banquet facilities and Indoor venue for special events if you need to host something. They even have a Gift/souvenir shop if you want to pick up a little something for yourself. I ended up buying a miniature version of one of the hotel's signature bathrobes. Don't judge me!
Cleanliness, Safety, and the COVID-19 Factor: Did I Feel Safe?
This is a big one, especially these days. 717 Residences takes cleanliness and safety very seriously. They use Anti-viral cleaning products, and there's Daily disinfection in common areas. They also have Hand sanitizer everywhere. They’re clearly following all the necessary protocols. They even have Individually-wrapped food options. Rooms sanitized between stays and a Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. I saw staff cleaning constantly, and I felt very comfortable. The Staff trained in safety protocol. They have CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property. It made me feel safe and at ease. They also have a Doctor/nurse on call and a First aid kit.
The Little Things (and the Occasional Glitch)
Okay, so the overall experience was fantastic. But let's be real, no place is perfect. There was a slight hiccup with the Wi-Fi on my first day (it happens!). It was quickly resolved and the hotel staff were incredibly responsive and helpful. The luggage storage was useful as I arrived early before check-in. They have Laundry service and Dry cleaning - both of which I used. The concierge was super helpful with recommendations for restaurants and things to do in the area.
The Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Absolutely. Without a doubt. 717 Residences is a truly luxurious experience. It's a place where you can relax, rejuvenate, and be pampered. The attention to detail is impressive, the staff is friendly and attentive, and the amenities are top-notch. It is expensive, there's no getting around that. But you're paying for quality, service, and an experience. If you're looking for a special treat, or just want to escape the everyday, book it. You won't regret it.
Here's the Offer You Won't Believe! (And You Definitely Won't Want to Miss!)
Escape to Iloilo's Most Luxurious Address! (717 Residences)
Tired of the same old routine? Yearning for a getaway that pampers your every sense? Look no further than 717 Residences, where luxury meets unparalleled service in the heart of Iloilo.
Here's what awaits you:
- Ultimate Relaxation: Indulge in a world-class spa experience with massages, saunas, and steamrooms. Unwind by the stunning pool with a view.
- Culinary Delights: Savor exquisite cuisine at our diverse restaurants and enjoy 24-hour room service. Breakfast buffet? Absolutely! (And it's amazing).
- Unrivaled Comfort: Experience the epitome of comfort in our luxuriously appointed rooms, complete with free Wi-Fi, blackout curtains, and all the amenities you could dream of.
- Seamless Convenience: From airport transfers to contactless check-in, we've thought of everything to make your stay stress-free.
But wait, there's more!
Book your stay at 717 Residences now and receive:
- Exclusive Discount: 20
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-organized itinerary. This is a messy, emotional, and gloriously imperfect trip to 717 Residences in Iloilo, Philippines. And trust me, it's going to be a wild ride.
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Lumpia Debacle
Morning (8:00 AM): Arrived at Iloilo International Airport. The humidity hit me like a warm, wet hug. Not gonna lie, I was already sweating through my "I Heart Philippines" t-shirt. Immigration? Easy peasy. Then, the glorious chaos of baggage claim. My suitcase, of course, decided to take a scenic tour of the carousel. Finally retrieved it, looking like a grumpy walrus.
Mid-Morning (9:30 AM): Taxi ride to 717 Residences. The driver, bless his heart, was blasting some local pop music at ear-splitting volume. I swear, I could feel my eardrums vibrating. Took in the sights – colorful jeepneys (those things are works of art!), bustling markets, and a general sense of vibrant energy.
Lunch (11:00 AM): Checked into 717. The room was… well, it was a room. Clean enough. The aircon was blasting, which was a godsend. My stomach, however, was screaming for food. Headed straight for the hotel restaurant. Ordered lumpia. Or, I thought I ordered lumpia. Turns out, I was so excited, I just pointed and mumbled. What arrived? Something… resembling a deep-fried, vaguely meat-filled log. The texture? Questionable. The taste? Let's just say, my face made a series of increasingly dramatic expressions. It was a lumpia experience, alright. A deeply unsettling one. I ate half and gave up. Defeated.
Afternoon (1:00 PM): Attempted to salvage my lunch experience. Found a local eatery. Ordered a pancit molo – a soup with dumplings. This was redemption! Savory, comforting, and utterly delicious. My faith in Filipino cuisine was restored.
Late Afternoon (3:00 PM): Pool time! The hotel pool was small but refreshing. Spent an hour just floating, trying to forget the lumpia trauma. Ah, the simple pleasures.
Evening (6:00 PM): Walked around the block, trying to find a decent restaurant. I got lost. Twice. I'm directionally challenged, okay? Finally stumbled upon a place with outdoor seating. Ended up having grilled seafood. The food was good, the beer was cold, and the people-watching was phenomenal. I love how people in the Philippines just live outside.
Night (8:00 PM): Back at the hotel, crashed. Jet lag is a beast. But before I closed my eyes, I wrote in my journal. "Lumpia: 0. Me: 1 (but barely)."
Day 2: History, Churches, and a Cataclysmic Ice Cream Moment
Morning (8:00 AM): Breakfast at the hotel. Eggs, rice, and… more lumpia. Okay, I didn't order it this time. I swear. But it was there. On the buffet. Taunting me. I bravely avoided it.
Mid-Morning (9:00 AM): Hired a tricycle to take me to the Jaro Cathedral. The tricycle driver, a wiry old man with a booming laugh, regaled me with stories about his grandchildren. The cathedral itself was stunning – a testament to faith and artistry. The sheer scale of it was humbling.
Late Morning (10:30 AM): Visited the Molo Church. The architecture was even more beautiful, though that was not the case for me. The stained-glass windows were breathtaking. Had a moment of quiet contemplation. Briefly considered becoming a nun. Immediately rejected the idea because I like cake.
Lunch (12:00 PM): Had lunch at a popular restaurant, which was recommended by the hotel staff. The food was excellent. The service, however, was a disaster. The waiter forgot my drink. Then he brought the wrong dish. And then, he kept staring at me. It was bizarre.
Afternoon (2:00 PM): The ice cream. Oh, the ice cream. I found a local ice cream shop. I'm an ice cream fiend, so I was extremely excited. Ordered a scoop of ube (purple yam) and a scoop of mango. Bliss. Then, disaster struck. I dropped the whole thing. On the sidewalk. A small child witnessed the tragedy. He stared at me, his eyes wide with what I could only assume was pity. I just stood there, frozen in horror. I wanted to cry. I think I might have.
Late Afternoon (3:00 PM): Went back to the hotel and cried. Just a little bit. The ice cream incident had broken something in me.
Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner at a restaurant. The food was good, but the ice cream incident still loomed large in my mind. I started thinking about ice cream. I was probably going to buy some tonight.
Night (9:00 PM): Back at the hotel, I sat on the balcony. I ate a whole tub of ice cream. I had found a new appreciation for ice cream.
Day 3: Island Hopping and Existential Dread
Morning (7:00 AM): Woke up feeling surprisingly chipper. Maybe it was the ice cream. Decided to go island hopping. The hotel staff helped me find a tour.
Mid-Morning (9:00 AM): Boat trip! The water was crystal clear, the sun was shining, and the scenery was gorgeous. Snorkeling was fun and then I got a bit lost while swimming and got a scare. I love the sea.
Lunch (12:00 PM): BBQ on the beach. The food was simple but delicious. Ate a lot of fish. The other tourists were also nice.
Afternoon (2:00 PM): More snorkeling. The fish were colorful. The coral was vibrant. I felt a sense of peace.
Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): Back on the boat, headed back to the mainland. As I watched the sunset over the water, I had a moment of existential dread. Why are we here? What is the meaning of life? Is there more ice cream?
Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner. Ate a big meal, but I can't remember what it was.
Night (9:00 PM): Back at the hotel, I decided to spend the night staring at the ceiling. I think I was exhausted.
Day 4: Departure & The Promise of More Lumpia (Maybe)
Morning (8:00 AM): Breakfast. Okay, I admit it. I tried the lumpia. Again. This time, it was… not terrible. Progress!
Mid-Morning (9:00 AM): Last-minute souvenir shopping. Found some beautiful woven bags.
Late Morning (10:00 AM): Headed back to the airport. The humidity was still oppressive.
Lunch (12:00 PM): Airport food. Mediocre, but I was too tired to care.
Afternoon (1:00 PM): Flight departure. As the plane took off, I looked out the window. I saw Iloilo shrink. I felt sad to leave.
Afternoon (3:00 PM): Arrived home, exhausted but happy. This trip wasn't perfect. There were mishaps, disappointments, and moments of pure, unadulterated chaos. But it was real. It was honest. And it was, in its own messy way, beautiful.
Night (9:00 PM): I'm already planning my next trip. I'm not sure where, but I will have ice cream. And maybe, just maybe, I'll even give that lumpia another shot.
717 Residences: Iloilo's Most Luxurious Address? (You Won't Believe This!) - A Messy FAQ
Okay, let's be real – Is 717 Residences *actually* luxurious? Like, are we talking "diamond-encrusted toilet seat" luxurious?
Alright, buckle up, because the "luxurious" label is thrown around like confetti these days. Let me tell you, I went there expecting… well, I don’t know *exactly* what I expected, maybe a butler named Jeeves who exclusively serves me mango sticky rice. What I *got* was… impressive. Very impressive. Think marble floors that you *could* eat off of (though, I wouldn't recommend it, I'm sure they clean it with something potent), gigantic windows with panoramic views, and a lobby that smells faintly of money and expensive perfume. But diamond-encrusted toilet seats? Sadly, no. Though, who knows? Maybe in the penthouse suite. I didn't get to see that! Seriously though, it's definitely a step above "average". Think more "boutique hotel" meets "fancy apartment complex".
What are the amenities like? Spill the tea!
Oh, the amenities! This is where things get interesting. They've got a pool that looks like it belongs in a James Bond movie (though, sadly, no sharks). A gym that's probably more advanced than my own skeletal system. And a… a *game room*. Now, I’m not a huge gamer, but the *idea* of a game room in my building? That’s just… tempting. I envisioned myself, lounging in a beanbag chair, surrounded by pizza boxes and the sweet sound of victory. (Reality: probably more like me getting utterly destroyed at Mario Kart by a bunch of teenagers. Sigh.) They also have a function room. You know, for throwing… fancy parties. Because, you know, *I* throw fancy parties all the time. (Spoiler alert: I don’t.)
The views! Tell me about the views! Because I'm obsessed with views!
Okay, the views. *Sigh*. The views are… breathtaking. Truly. I'm not exaggerating. One minute I was staring out the window, and the next I was having an existential crisis about the meaning of life. (Just kidding! Mostly.) You can see the entire city sprawling below you, the sun setting over the water… It's like living in a postcard. During the day, it's all bright and shiny. At night, it's a twinkling city of lights. It’s enough to make you want to… well, it’s enough to make you want to buy a place there, even if you can barely afford instant noodles for dinner. Seriously, the view alone is almost worth the price of admission. Almost.
What kind of people actually live there? Rich people, I assume?
Let's put it this way: I didn't see anyone wearing sweatpants. Or Crocs. Or anything that looked remotely comfortable, actually. There's definitely a certain… *je ne sais quoi* about the residents. They seem to have a certain… confidence. And an abundance of designer handbags. And, let's be honest, probably a lot of disposable income. I overheard a conversation about “the yacht club” and nearly choked on my (complimentary) coffee. So, yeah, mostly rich people. Though, maybe there's a secret society of struggling artists living in the basement, I don't know. I didn't exactly mingle. I was too busy trying not to spill my coffee.
Okay, so the price. How much are we talking here? (Don't sugarcoat it!)
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. The price. *Deep breath*. It's… not cheap. Let’s just say you’ll need more than the loose change you find in your sofa cushions. I'm talking "sell a kidney" territory. Maybe two. I didn't get exact figures, but I suspect it’s comparable to buying a small island. Or a very, *very* nice car. Or a lifetime supply of mango sticky rice (my personal goal). Look, it's an investment. A luxury investment. An investment that’ll probably leave you eating instant noodles… but with a killer view.
Is it worth the price? Be honest!
Honestly? That's a tough one. If you have the money, and you value luxury, and you want a killer view, and you don't mind potentially being surrounded by people who probably judge your choice of coffee brand… then yes, probably. But for *me*? My wallet is still screaming in terror. I'm still dreaming of that mango sticky rice. I'm probably better off sticking to my humble abode. Though, I won't lie… I'm still dreaming of that view. Maybe someday I'll win the lottery… and finally get to live in a building where the game room isn't just a pipe dream.
What was the best part about visiting 717 Residences?
This is going to sound weird, but… the elevator. Okay, hear me out! I'm normally terrified of elevators. Claustrophobia is a cruel mistress. But this elevator... this was a *smooth* ride. Like, whisper-quiet, gliding up and down, with a subtle scent of... something expensive. (I couldn't place it, but it was definitely not Axe body spray.) It was like being gently transported to another dimension of wealth and privilege. I rode it up and down, multiple times. Just to experience the serenity. The sheer, unadulterated *smoothness*. Seriously, it made me consider writing a love letter to an elevator. (Don't judge me!)
Worst part? (Be brutally honest!)
The *feeling* of being an imposter. Seriously, I felt like I was constantly waiting for someone to tap me on the shoulder and say, "Excuse me, sir/madam, this is for actual rich people." The sheer polished perfection of everything made me acutely aware of my own, well, *imperfections*. The way my shirt wasn't quite ironed, the slightly-too-loud laugh, the general feeling of being slightly out of place. It was a constant battle to not spill my coffee and to try, *try* to look like I belonged. I felt like a character in a movie, and not the main one. More like, the awkward extra in the background, fumbling with a canapé. It was a slightly stressful experience, to be honest.
