Hop Inn Hotel North EDSA: Your Manila Oasis Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the Manila jungle and landing smack-dab in the middle of Hop Inn Hotel North EDSA: Your Manila Oasis Awaits! – or at least, that's what they say. Let's see if it actually delivers on that "oasis" promise, shall we? This is gonna be less sterile review, more chaotic, honest, and maybe a little bit… unhinged. Consider yourselves warned.
First Impressions & Accessibility (or the Great Elevator Debacle)
Okay, so North EDSA. It's a vibe. Bustling, chaotic, the very definition of Manila. Getting to Hop Inn is relatively easy, especially if you're taking the MRT (which, let's be honest, is a lifesaver in this city). Accessibility: Now, this is where things get a little… hmmm. They claim to have facilities for disabled guests, and that's fantastic. But I’ve had experiences in Manila hotels that promised the moon but delivered a dusty, inaccessible staircase. I need concrete details, people! Are the elevators wide enough for a wheelchair? Are the rooms truly accessible? I'll be checking that very carefully next time. (And if you, dear reader, have any firsthand experience, spill the tea in the comments!)
The Room: My Tiny, Temporary Fortress
Let's be real, I'm not expecting a palace. Hop Inn's rooms are… compact. Think "efficient," not "spacious." But hey, I'm not complaining. Available in all rooms: You got your Air conditioning, thank God (Manila heat is brutal). 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, 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. So, the basics are covered. The Wi-Fi [free] is a must – gotta stay connected, right? The Blackout curtains? A lifesaver when you're battling jet lag. The Mini bar? Well, let's just say I'm a sucker for a late-night soda. Internet access – wireless is good. I'd prefer it if the Internet access – LAN was faster, but it's okay.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Sanitization Symphony
Okay, COVID times. We're all a bit obsessed with cleanliness now, aren't we? Hop Inn seems to take it seriously, which I appreciate. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. Lots of buzzwords, but I saw the evidence. The common areas were spotless, the staff were masked, and the hand sanitizer was plentiful. I even got a sense of security from the CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms. I'm not saying it was perfect (nothing ever is!), but it felt reassuring.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Culinary Gauntlet
Alright, let’s talk food. And this is where things get… interesting. A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant, The breakfast buffet was your standard fare – the usual suspects. I am not a big fan of the Asian breakfast, but that's a personal preference. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was good. The Poolside bar would have been better if there was a pool. The Room service [24-hour] is a big plus. I tried the Desserts in restaurant, and they were good.
Services and Conveniences: The Supporting Cast
Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center. Okay, so the Contactless check-in/out was a breeze. The Daily housekeeping kept the room shipshape. I appreciated the Elevator, given the Manila heat. The Convenience store was a lifesaver for late-night snacks. The Concierge was helpful. The Meeting/banquet facilities seem well-equipped, but I didn't need them. The Food delivery was also a great option.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: The “Oasis” Test
Now, this is where the "oasis" claim gets a little… optimistic. Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]. There is no pool. No spa. No sauna. No steam room. This is not a resort. There is a small Fitness center, Gym/fitness. It's small, but it's a step up from nothing. The Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage are not available. It's a functional hotel, not a relaxation destination. (Don't get me wrong, a decent massage would have been amazing after a day of navigating Manila traffic!)
For the Kids: Family-Friendly?
Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal. I didn't bring any little ones, but it seemed like they had some kid-friendly options. Always a plus!
Getting Around: The Manila Mobility Maze
Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking. They offer an Airport transfer, which is a godsend. The Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site] are also good. I mostly used taxis, but having those options is great.
The Verdict: Is it an Oasis?
Okay, let's be brutally honest. Hop Inn North EDSA is not a luxurious oasis. It's not a spa resort. It's not going to blow your mind with its amenities. But… it's a solid, reliable, and affordable option in a chaotic city. It's clean, safe, and the staff are friendly. It's well-located for exploring Manila (especially if you're using the MRT). I'm not going to lie, the lack of a pool was a bit of a bummer. But for a quick business trip or a budget-friendly city break? It's a perfectly acceptable choice.
The Quirks & Anecdotes: My Hop Inn Story
One time, I was stuck in traffic for three hours trying to get to the hotel. By the time I checked in, I was a sweaty, grumpy mess. But the friendly staff at the front desk actually made me laugh. They gave me a cold towel and a bottle of water, and suddenly, the whole experience didn't seem so bad. That's the thing about Manila – it can be intense, but the people are incredibly resilient and welcoming.
The Emotional Rollercoaster
Okay, let's be honest, I was stressed. I was exhausted. I was also genuinely happy with my stay. The hotel wasn't perfect, far from it. But it was enough. It was clean, it was safe, it was reasonably priced, and it was a place to rest my weary head.
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Bali Paradise: Your Private Pool & Garden Awaits (Roselyn 1BR)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is… well, this is me, trying to survive a few days in Manila, starting from the glorious (and hopefully, not too horrifying) Hop Inn Hotel North EDSA. Let’s see if I can actually enjoy this.
Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Dread of Traffic
- 1:00 PM: Land at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Okay, breathe. Deep breaths. This is where the "fun" begins. Remember those travel blogs that promised "smooth transitions"? Yeah, those people are lying. Or maybe they’re secretly robots programmed for efficiency. Me? I’m a human. I'm sweating. Already. And I haven't even seen the traffic yet.
- 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Customs, luggage retrieval, the eternal battle against the airport's soul-crushing bureaucracy. Pray to whatever deity you believe in that your luggage actually arrives. I'm already picturing myself wandering Manila in the same slightly-too-small t-shirt for the next three days.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: The journey. From NAIA to Hop Inn North EDSA. This is where the real fun starts. I'm bracing myself for the legendary Manila traffic. Stories of hours spent inching forward in a sweltering car are legendary. I'm considering packing a picnic basket, a good book, and a therapist.
- Anecdote: Last time I was in Manila, I swear I aged a decade in the backseat of a taxi. I saw a whole life unfold outside my window. Relationships bloom and wither. Businesses rise and fall. All while I was stuck behind a jeepney belching black smoke.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Check-in at Hop Inn. Okay, the room's clean (hopefully!). Appreciate the air conditioning. I'm already clinging to it like a lifeline. Briefly consider staying in the room forever. It's a tempting thought, but I'm sure the hotel staff would object.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Quick freshen up. Take a shower to wash off the travel grime and the existential dread.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner at a nearby restaurant. I'm craving something authentic. Maybe a sisig (pork dish) adventure or some adobo (meat stew). But first, I'll need to brave the streets again.
- Quirky Observation: Filipino drivers are a breed apart. They're masters of the "squeeze" and the "honk." It's a symphony of chaos, and somehow, it works. Mostly.
- Emotional Reaction: I'm simultaneously terrified and exhilarated. This is it. I'm actually here.
- 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Walk around the area and explore the surroundings.
- 10:00 PM: Sleep. Pray for a peaceful night's rest, free from traffic-induced nightmares.
Day 2: The Mall and the Madness
- 8:00 AM: Wake up, hopefully not feeling like I've been run over by a jeepney. Breakfast at the hotel or a nearby cafe. Coffee is essential. I repeat, ESSENTIAL.
- 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM: SM North EDSA. The mother of all malls. This is where the real culture shock begins. Prepare for sensory overload. Prepare for crowds. Prepare for… everything.
- Rambling: Seriously, this mall is HUGE. I'm talking, "lose your sense of direction" huge. "Accidentally buy a yakitori grill" huge. "Contemplate starting a second life as a professional mall navigator" huge.
- Opinionated Language: It's a microcosm of Manila life. The hustle, the bustle, the sheer volume of people. It's overwhelming, but also strangely captivating. You can literally find anything in this mall!
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch at the food court. This is a crucial survival skill. Learn to navigate the chaos, find a decent meal, and secure a table before someone else snatches it.
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: More mall exploration. Shopping, people-watching, trying to understand the local fashion trends. This is where I'll embrace my inner tourist.
- Messy Structure: Okay, I'm going to be honest. I'm not a huge shopper. But I'm going to force myself to at least look at some stuff. Maybe find a souvenir. Or a life-sized cardboard cutout of a celebrity. (Don't judge me.)
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Head back to the hotel to take a break and freshen up.
- 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner and drinks at a local restaurant.
- 9:00 PM: Sleep. More sleep. I'm going to need it.
Day 3: Quiapo Church, Chinatown, and a Potential Breakdown
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. Coffee. You know the drill.
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Take a taxi or Grab to Quiapo Church and Chinatown. This is going to be intense.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: Oh. My. God. I've heard stories about Quiapo. The crowds, the vendors, the everything. It's supposed to be an assault on the senses in the best way possible. I'm both excited and terrified.
- Doubling Down on a Single Experience: I'm planning to spend a good chunk of time just soaking it in. Wandering through the crowded streets, taking pictures, and (hopefully) not getting lost. I’m going to try and find a good spot to watch the chaos unfold.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch in Chinatown. Dumplings, noodles, all the delicious things.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Explore Chinatown. The temples, the shops, the general atmosphere of organized chaos.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Head back to the hotel.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Take a relaxing shower and relax.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner.
- 9:00 PM: Pack my bags and get ready for my flight.
- 10:00 PM: Sleep.
Day 4: Departure and the Aftermath
- 6:00 AM: Check out of the hotel.
- 6:30 AM - 8:00 AM: Head to the airport.
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Check-in, go through security.
- 9:00 AM: Flight.
Post-Trip Assessment:
- Did I survive?
- Did I get lost?
- Did I eat something questionable?
- Did I have a meltdown?
- Did I actually enjoy myself?
Only time will tell. Wish me luck. I’m going to need it. This is Manila, after all. And honestly, the anticipation is a big part of the fun. Or, maybe, the impending doom. Either way, it's going to be an experience.
Queenstown's Dream Villa: Lake Views, BBQ, Fireplace & AC!
Hop Inn Hotel North EDSA: Manila, You Beautiful Mess! My FAQ (and Rant... Maybe?)
Okay, so, *is* Hop Inn North EDSA actually a decent place to crash after you've braved the Manila traffic?
Alright, look, let's be honest. Manila is... intense. And Hop Inn? Well, it's *fine*. It's not the Ritz, okay? Don't go expecting fluffy robes and a butler. But after a day of dodging jeepneys and sweating buckets in the EDSA heat? Yeah, it's a welcome sight. Clean, functional, and air-conditioned. That's the holy trinity, right there. My first time? I was so wrecked from a meeting, I practically *collapsed* onto the bed. Didn't even check the sheets properly (which, by the way, were clean). Just... bliss. So, yeah, "decent" is a good word. Like a good, solid, reliable friend who won't judge you for your Manila-induced grumpiness.
What's the deal with the rooms? Are they shoeboxes?
Okay, yeah, the rooms *are* compact. Let's call them "efficiently designed." Think less sprawling suite, more... well, think of a really well-organized, modern dorm room. But, you know what? I actually *like* that. I'm not there to live in the room. I'm there to sleep, shower, and maybe, just maybe, watch some terrible Filipino reality TV before I pass out. And for that, it's perfect. Plus, the minimalist design is kinda calming, especially after the sensory overload that is Manila. I once stayed in a room where the aircon was... a little *too* efficient. I woke up shivering! But hey, better than sweating, right? (Though I will say, the blanket situation could be better. Bring an extra scarf, just in case.)
Is the location actually convenient, or just a marketing gimmick?
Okay, this is the *real* selling point. North EDSA? It's a beast. But the hotel's literally *right there* by the mall. That's a lifesaver. You can grab a bite, do some shopping (or window shopping, like I usually do), and escape the chaos. And the MRT station? Close enough to walk, even in the heat (though I usually grab a Grab, because, Manila). I remember one time, I was stranded in traffic for *hours* trying to get back to the hotel. Absolute nightmare. But knowing I was so close to a cold shower and a comfy bed? That kept me sane. So, yeah, location = gold. Seriously, if you're in Manila, being close to *anything* is a win.
What's the internet like? Because, you know, work...
Ugh, the internet. Manila internet. It's a love-hate relationship. The Hop Inn's Wi-Fi? It's... adequate. Let's put it that way. It works. Sometimes. I've had calls drop, I've had to tether to my phone (which, let's be honest, isn't ideal), and I've definitely wanted to scream at the router more than once. But it *usually* gets the job done. Don't expect lightning speed. Don't expect to stream HD movies. But for checking emails and doing some basic work? It's... manageable. Just have a backup plan. And maybe a strong dose of patience. Because, Manila. Everything is a test of your patience.
Is there a restaurant/food nearby? I'm always hungry.
Oh, honey, yes. You're in Manila! Food is *everywhere*. The mall's practically next door, remember? Fast food, fancy restaurants, local eats... you name it, it's there. My personal weakness? The *sisig* at that hole-in-the-wall place across the street. (Don't judge me.) It's greasy, it's spicy, and it's everything I crave after a long day. Just... be careful with the street food. Your stomach will thank you. (Mine has not always thanked me, I'll admit. Let's just say I've spent a few mornings curled up in bed regretting my impulsive food choices.) But yeah, food is not a problem. You'll never starve. Maybe you'll gain a few pounds, but you won't starve.
Okay, so, any *real* downsides? Be honest.
Alright, alright, let's get real. The noise. Manila is *loud*. Even with the windows closed, you'll hear the honking, the traffic, the karaoke blasting from somewhere... It's just part of the experience. I'm a light sleeper, and I usually have to wear earplugs. The other thing? The elevators can be a bit... slow. Especially during peak hours. Prepare to wait. And, okay, the "amenities" are pretty basic. No pool, no gym, nothing fancy. But hey, you're in Manila. You're not there to lounge around the hotel. You're there to experience the chaos, the beauty, and the madness. And Hop Inn? It's a decent base camp for that adventure. And, okay, here's my *biggest* gripe: The lack of a real, proper breakfast. They offer a limited, grab-and-go option. Think instant coffee and a sad little pastry. I'm a breakfast person! I need a proper meal to start the day! This is a serious flaw in my book. I always end up wandering the mall searching for something edible before my brain fully wakes up. Seriously, Hop Inn, up your breakfast game! Please. My stomach (and my sanity) will thank you.
Would you stay there again? The final verdict?
Look, despite the noise, the sometimes-dodgy internet, and the breakfast (grumble, grumble), I probably *would* stay there again. Because, honestly, for the price and the location, it's hard to beat. It's clean, it's convenient, and it's a safe haven in the middle of Manila madness. It's not perfect. Far from it. But it's a reliable friend in a city that can sometimes feel like your worst enemy. And sometimes, that's all you need. Just don't forget the earplugs. And maybe a stash of your own breakfast snacks. You've been warned. And, if you see me there, say hi. I'll probably be complaining about the traffic. Or the lack of good coffee. Or both.
