Manila Staycation: Unbelievable Eco-Luxury Awaits at En Casa Orila!

ECO Staycation - En Casa Orila Manila Philippines

ECO Staycation - En Casa Orila Manila Philippines

Manila Staycation: Unbelievable Eco-Luxury Awaits at En Casa Orila!

Manila Staycation: En Casa Orila - My Brain Dump of Eco-Luxury & (Mostly) Bliss!

Okay, buckle up, because I just got back from a staycation at En Casa Orila, and my brain is still buzzing. Forget the polished travel brochure – you’re getting the raw, unfiltered truth. This isn't just a hotel review; it's a confession, a love letter, and a gentle warning all rolled into one. Let's break this down, shall we? (Deep breath…)

Accessibility - The Good & The Slightly Tricky

Right off the bat, let’s talk accessibility. I'm not in a wheelchair, but I did notice the hotel says it has facilities for disabled guests. The elevator is a godsend (more on that later), and the common areas seem pretty navigable. However, I'd recommend calling ahead and specifying your needs. Manila isn't always the most accessible city, and while En Casa Orila is trying, double-check before you book.

Internet – Thank God for Wi-Fi! (And the Occasional Glitch)

Alright, internet. Let's be real. We need it. En Casa Orila delivers on this front. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms?! Yes, please! I’m talking crystal clear Wi-Fi. I actually managed to do some work (shhh… don't tell my boss!). The Internet access [LAN] is a bit of a throwback, but hey, options are good. The Internet services are there, but I only used the Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi in public areas was also solid, making it easy to catch up on emails by the pool.

Cleanliness & Safety - Feeling Safe, But Not Obsessively So

This is HUGE right now, right? En Casa Orila gets it. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, rooms sanitized between stays – they’re doing the work. The hand sanitizer is plentiful, and the staff is definitely wearing masks. I did notice the Staff trained in safety protocol, which made me feel at ease. There was a doctor/nurse on call, which is reassuring. Hygiene certification? I didn't specifically see this, but I felt confident in the overall cleanliness. Room sanitization opt-out available is also a nice touch if you’re extra sensitive.

Food, Glorious Food! (And My Stomach's Confessions)

Okay, this is where things get interesting. The Restaurants? Plural! They've got options. The A la carte in restaurant is a good option, but I mostly stuck to the Breakfast [buffet]. Now, the buffet… it’s a mixed bag. The Asian breakfast options were decent, but the Western breakfast felt a little… generic. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was a lifesaver. I'm a coffee fiend. There's a Coffee shop so you can grab a quick caffeine fix. I also had a delicious Dessert in restaurant one night.

  • Anecdote time! I tried the "international cuisine." I ordered the pasta. It was… fine. Let's just say I was glad I had the bottle of water to wash it down.
  • Quirky Observation: They had a Vegetarian restaurant, which I didn't try, but I appreciate the inclusivity.
  • Emotional Reaction: The Happy hour was a highlight! Cheap drinks and a beautiful sunset. Bliss!

The Poolside bar is also a winner. The Snack bar is handy for quick bites. The Room service [24-hour] is a blessing for late-night cravings.

  • Rambling Moment: I almost forgot! The Breakfast in room option is fantastic for those lazy mornings. The Breakfast takeaway service is perfect if you're in a rush.

Things to Do & Ways to Relax - The Ultimate "Me Time" Experience (Almost)

This is where En Casa Orila shines. The Swimming pool [outdoor] is gorgeous, and the pool with a view is Instagram-worthy. The Spa/sauna is a must. I spent a blissful afternoon at the spa. I opted for the Body scrub and Massage. Pure. Heaven. The Sauna was great, and the Steamroom was amazing. The Foot bath was also a nice touch. They have a Gym/fitness center, but I avoided it like the plague. I was there to relax, not to punish myself!

  • Doubling Down on an Experience: I want to highlight the Massage experience. I have chronic back pain, and the masseuse was incredible. She actually listened to my needs and worked out all the knots. I left feeling like a new person. Seriously, book the massage!

For the Kids - Family-Friendly, But…

They have Babysitting service and Kids facilities. It’s definitely Family/child friendly, but I didn’t see a ton of specific kid-centric activities.

Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter

They have a Concierge, which is super helpful. Cash withdrawal, Dry cleaning, Laundry service – all the essentials are covered. The Air conditioning in public area is essential in Manila’s heat. Daily housekeeping kept my room spotless. The Elevator (again, a godsend!). Car park [free of charge] is a bonus. Luggage storage is handy.

  • Imperfection Alert: The Convenience store was a bit limited in its offerings. Don’t expect a full supermarket experience.

Getting Around - Easy Peasy!

They offer Airport transfer and Taxi service. Car park [on-site] is available.

Available in All Rooms - The Nitty-Gritty Details

Air conditioning (thank GOD!), Alarm clock, Bathtub, Bathrobes, Blackout curtains (essential for sleeping in!), Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Mini bar, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.

  • Opinionated Language: The Bed was comfortable, the Pillows were fluffy (a huge plus!), and the Bathroom was clean. I didn't use the Additional toilet or Bathroom phone, but they're there if you need them!

The Rest (Quick Hits)

  • Business Facilities: They have Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, and a Business center.
  • Safety/Security: CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms.
  • Dining and Drinking: Bar, Bottle of water, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Happy hour, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Snack bar.
  • Services and Conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, On-site event hosting, Safety deposit boxes, Smoking area, Terrace.
  • Rooms: Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Mini bar, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free].

The Verdict: Go, But Manage Your Expectations

En Casa Orila is a fantastic option for a Manila staycation. It's eco-conscious, luxurious (in certain areas), and offers a truly relaxing experience. However, it’s not perfect. There are minor imperfections here and there, but overall, the positives far outweigh the negatives.

Here's my raw, unfiltered pitch for you:

Tired of the Manila grind? Yearning for a REAL escape?

En Casa Orila is calling! Forget the traffic, the noise

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ECO Staycation - En Casa Orila Manila Philippines

ECO Staycation - En Casa Orila Manila Philippines

Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. This is my attempt at an ECO Staycation at En Casa Orila in Manila, and trust me, it's going to be a glorious, chaotic mess.

ECO Staycation: Manila Mayhem (and Maybe Some Zen)

Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and Are Those Mosquitoes?

  • 1:00 PM: Okay, deep breaths. Arrival at En Casa Orila. Google Maps said it's a "hidden gem." Fingers crossed it's not hidden too well, like in a zombie apocalypse bunker. The Grab driver – bless his soul – looked more bewildered than I did. First impression: charming, definitely. That old-world charm you get from places that haven't quite caught up to the 21st century's relentless polish. I love it already. Though, I swear I just saw a mosquito the size of a small chihuahua. Already regretting not bringing the industrial-strength bug spray.

  • 1:30 PM: Check-in. The staff are lovely. Genuinely, so nice. Like, the kind of nice that makes you suspect they're secretly judging your travel-weary appearance. Oh well. The room is… quaint. And by quaint, I mean it feels like I've stepped into a time capsule. There's a fan, not AC. I'm already sweating buckets, and I've only been here for 30 minutes. Okay, this is going to be an adventure.

  • 2:00 PM: Unpack. Or, attempt to. The wardrobe is probably older than my parents. I'm pretty sure a ghost might be living here. I'm just gonna shove everything in and hope for the best.

  • 2:30 PM: Explore the grounds. The courtyard is gorgeous. Lush greenery, a tiny pond. Seriously, Instagram gold. I’m immediately picturing myself here, reading a book, sipping something cold… until I remember I forgot to bring a book. Or something cold. Or even a water bottle. Rookie mistake.

  • 3:00 PM: Food Adventure: The "Hidden Gem" Restaurant Search. The brochure mentioned a local restaurant, "The Secret Garden," a short walk away. Great! Except, the "short walk" turned into a sweltering fifteen-minute odyssey through Manila traffic. Honestly, surviving that felt like an achievement. The restaurant? Cute, but the food was… serviceable. Nothing to write home about. But hey, at least I survived!

  • 5:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Post-lunch slump. I feel like I need a nap, but I also feel like I'm missing out. The eternal vacation dilemma.

  • 6:00 PM: Attempt to read. Fail. Too hot. Too many thoughts. Too much mosquito-induced paranoia.

  • 7:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel. Surprisingly good, actually! The adobo was on point. Makes me feel better about the day. The staff were amazing. They were friendly and helpful, even when I asked for the 10th time about the internet.

  • 8:00 PM: Nighttime stroll around the courtyard. The air is cooler, and the ambiance is magical. I'm starting to see the appeal of this place. Finally, the mosquito situation is manageable.

  • 9:00 PM: Attempt to write in my journal. Give up. Too tired.

  • 9:30 PM: Bed. Pray for AC. And no more mosquitoes.

Day 2: Art, Adventure, and The Great Coffee Crisis

  • 8:00 AM: Wake up, surprisingly refreshed. The fan did its job, I guess. Breakfast! The buffet is small but satisfying. I'm already obsessed with the local pastries.

  • 9:00 AM: The Intramuros Exploration. This is Where I'm Really Going To Go Deep. I've always been fascinated by Philippine history, so Intramuros is a must. I decide to rent a bamboo bike. I'm picturing myself as a carefree explorer, windswept hair, effortlessly gliding through the cobblestone streets. Reality? More like a sweaty, wobbly mess, narrowly avoiding pedestrians and dodging potholes. The historical sites are incredible, though. The sheer weight of history is palpable. I'm overwhelmed. The San Agustin Church is breathtaking. The Fort Santiago is… well, sobering. I'm glad I came.

  • 12:00 PM: Lunch in Intramuros. Found a cute little cafe. Had a pretty good meal. The heat is starting to get to me.

  • 1:00 PM: Back to the hotel. I'm exhausted.

  • 2:00 PM: The Coffee Crisis. This is a true crisis. I need coffee. Desperately. The hotel's coffee isn't cutting it. I embark on a quest to find decent caffeine. I wander, I search, I stumble upon a local coffee shop. Life is good again.

  • 3:00 PM: Relaxing at the pool. The pool is small but refreshing. I spend an hour just floating, letting the sun bake my worries away. The bliss.

  • 4:00 PM: The "Eco-Friendly" Part. I attend a workshop on sustainable living. It’s actually fascinating. I'm not sure I'll become a full-blown eco-warrior overnight, but it's definitely made me think.

  • 6:00 PM: Dinner. This time, I'm brave enough to try a different restaurant. It's a bit of a trek, but the food is worth it.

  • 7:00 PM: Evening. I'm starting to feel a real connection with the place.

  • 9:00 PM: Sleep.

Day 3: Departure, Reflections, and the Promise of AC

  • 8:00 AM: Breakfast. One last hurrah with the pastries!

  • 9:00 AM: Pack. Sigh.

  • 10:00 AM: Check out. Saying goodbye to the friendly staff.

  • 11:00 AM: Head back to reality.

  • 12:00 PM: Reflecting on the trip. It wasn't perfect. It was sweaty, sometimes frustrating, and definitely not the picture-perfect vacation I'd envisioned. But… it was real. It was authentic. And it made me appreciate the small things – the kind smiles of the staff, the delicious adobo, the quiet beauty of the courtyard. And the peace of mind that there's AC waiting for me at home.

  • 1:00 PM: Back home. I feel refreshed, and overwhelmed.

Final Thoughts:

En Casa Orila? A worthwhile experience. It's not a luxury resort, but it's got character, charm, and a whole lot of heart. Would I go back? Absolutely. But next time, I'm bringing industrial-strength bug spray, a portable fan, and maybe a small air conditioner, just in case. And definitely more coffee. Because, let's be honest, a girl's gotta have her caffeine.

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ECO Staycation - En Casa Orila Manila Philippines

ECO Staycation - En Casa Orila Manila Philippines

En Casa Orila: Manila Staycation - Let's Get Messy with the FAQs! (Seriously, I'm still unpacking...)

Okay, So, En Casa Orila... Is it *actually* eco-luxury, or just greenwashing with a fancy price tag? (Asking for a friend... who is me.)

Alright, let's be real. I went in with my cynicism armor on, ready to sniff out the "luxury" that just meant overpriced linen towels. BUT... and this is a big BUT... En Casa Orila actually *feels* like it's trying. I mean, the details are there. Like, actual bamboo toothbrushes? Not just some plastic thing with a bamboo-colored handle. And the refillable toiletries in cute little ceramic bottles? *Chef's kiss.*

However, I did see a tiny, TINY plastic wrapper on one of the welcome treats. Okay, so maybe perfect isn't the word. But the staff was super enthusiastic about their eco-friendly practices, which felt genuine. They talked about sourcing local ingredients, supporting community initiatives... It's not perfect, but it's definitely a step in the right direction. And honestly? The fact that they *tried* made me feel a little less guilty about indulging in the whole "luxury" thing.

Verdict: More eco-than-not. Still room for improvement, but I'm giving them points for actually *caring*. Plus, that bamboo toothbrush was surprisingly effective.

The Pool. Is it Instagram-worthy? Because, let's be honest, that's important.

Oh, the pool. Right. Okay, prepare yourself. The pool is... *stunning*. Seriously. It's not just a rectangular box of chlorine. It's an infinity pool that seems to melt into the surrounding greenery. The water is this gorgeous turquoise, and the whole vibe is just... serene. I spent a solid afternoon just floating around, pretending I was a mermaid. (Don't judge.)

Here's the thing: I wanted to get that perfect Instagram shot. You know, the one where you're gracefully lounging by the pool, looking effortlessly chic. But... I'm not graceful. And let's just say my "effortless chic" usually translates to "flailing wildly while trying not to spill my cocktail." I took, like, a hundred photos, and none of them were remotely flattering. But even my less-than-perfect photos still looked amazing. So, yes. The pool is Instagram-worthy. Even if *you* aren't.

Moral of the story: Go to the pool. Take the pictures. Embrace the awkwardness. And enjoy the view.

What's the food *really* like? I've been burned by "gourmet" before.

Okay, food. This is where things get *interesting*. The breakfast was included, which is always a win in my book. And it was... good. Really good. Fresh fruit, fluffy pastries, and this amazing omelet that I *may* have ordered every single day. They also had a menu with local dishes, which was a nice touch.

But here's where I get a little… opinionated. The dinner menu was a bit… limited. Don’t get me wrong, the food was tasty, well-presented, and all that jazz. But the choices were a bit, dare I say it, *safe*. I wanted something a little more adventurous, a little more… *Filipino*. I ended up ordering the adobo, and it was good, but I’ve had better, you know? It’s like they were playing it safe for the “international” crowd, which is a shame.

My advice: If you’re a foodie, don’t expect Michelin-star dining. But the breakfast is a must-do. And explore the local restaurants nearby for a more authentic experience. The food is decent, but the atmosphere is divine.

Is it actually relaxing? Because, let's be honest, Manila can be a bit... intense.

Oh. My. God. Yes. Absolutely, unequivocally YES. Manila is a chaotic, beautiful, maddening city. And En Casa Orila is like a little oasis of calm. The moment you walk through the gates, you can feel the stress melting away. The sounds of the city fade, replaced by the gentle rustling of leaves and the chirping of birds.

I spent most of my time lounging by the pool, reading, and generally doing absolutely *nothing*. It was glorious. I even took a nap in a hammock, which I haven't done since, like, college. And the staff? They were so incredibly attentive and friendly. They anticipated my needs before I even knew I had them. It was the kind of service that makes you feel like royalty. (Even if you're just wearing a slightly stained t-shirt and haven't showered in a day... which, let's be honest, was probably me.)

The Verdict: If you need to escape the madness of Manila, this is your place. It's pure, unadulterated relaxation. Go. Seriously. Just go.

The Rooms - are they as luxurious as they sound? And are the beds comfy? (This is crucial.)

Alright, the rooms. Yes, they are luxurious. Think: spacious, beautifully decorated, and with all the little details that make you feel pampered. The linens were divine – crisp, clean, and smelled like heaven. The bathroom was huge, with a rainfall shower and those aforementioned refillable toiletries. And the air conditioning? Perfect. I was seriously considering moving in permanently.

And the beds... oh, the beds. This is where En Casa Orila truly shines. I'm not exaggerating when I say it was the most comfortable bed I've ever slept in. Seriously. It was like sleeping on a cloud. I sank into it every night and woke up feeling refreshed and ready to face the day. (Or, you know, to go back to the pool.) I actually considered trying to sneak the mattress out with me. But alas, that would have been a little awkward.

Bottom line: The rooms are fantastic. But the beds? The beds are legendary. Sleep is guaranteed.

Okay, spill the tea. What was the *one* thing that wasn't perfect?

Alright, alright, fine. I'll be honest. There was *one* minor thing. And it's petty, I know, but it bugged me a little. The Wi-Fi. It was a bit... spotty. Not terrible, but not the lightning-fast speed I've come to expect. It was fine for checking emails and scrolling through Instagram (obviously), but trying to stream a movie was a bit of a struggle.

I mean, come on, in this day and age! You can't expect people to completely disconnect, right? I'm not saying it ruined my stay, but it was a slight inconvenience. Especially when I was trying to watch that terrible reality show I'm addicted to.

The verdict: Wi-Fi could be better. But, hey, maybe itBackpacker Hotel Find

ECO Staycation - En Casa Orila Manila Philippines

ECO Staycation - En Casa Orila Manila Philippines

ECO Staycation - En Casa Orila Manila Philippines

ECO Staycation - En Casa Orila Manila Philippines