Luxury Manila Living: HII's KL Serviced Residences Await!
Luxury Manila Living: HII's KL Serviced Residences - My Brain Dump Review (Prepare for Rambling!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your average, dry-as-toast hotel review. I'm talking real talk, the kind that spills out after you've spent a week swimming in the lap of luxury (or, you know, trying to). We're diving headfirst into the HII's KL Serviced Residences in Manila, and I'm here to give you the lowdown, the high-up, and everything in between. Prepare for a messy, honest, and hopefully hilarious journey. Because, let's be honest, life's too short for boring reviews.
First Impressions (and the Elevator Ride of Doom)
Right, accessibility. Important, right? And HII seems to have thought about it. They've got an elevator, thank god (because my knees are not fans of stairs), and it's supposed to be accessible. But here's the thing: elevators are a gamble. You're stuck in a metal box with strangers, hoping it doesn't break down between floors. And honestly, the one at HII felt a little… old. Let's just say I held my breath a few times, praying I wouldn't be the one to trigger the "stuck in the elevator" headline. Once I got to my room, the hallways were wide enough for a wheelchair, which is definitely a plus.
Check-in Blues (and a Glimmer of Hope)
Check-in? Well, they claim to have "contactless check-in/out." Sounds fancy, right? Like something out of a sci-fi movie. In reality, it was… a little clunky. The staff was friendly, bless their hearts, but there were some… technical difficulties. Let's just say I spent a bit longer than I wanted fiddling with a tablet. But hey, the front desk is 24-hour, so at least you’re not stranded. And private check-in is an option if you want to avoid the chaos.
My Room: A Sanctuary… Mostly
My room? Ah, now we’re talking. It was… nice. Really nice. Air conditioning was a godsend (Manila heat is no joke). Blackout curtains? Essential for this sleep-deprived traveler. Free Wi-Fi in every room? A must. And the internet, even with the occasional hiccup, was pretty decent (more on that later). The bed was huge, with extra-long options (because, apparently, I'm extra-long). I’m a sucker for a fluffy bathrobe, and yep, they had those. The bathroom? Clean, modern, with a separate shower and bathtub. The mini-bar was… well, let's just say I made good use of it. And the complimentary tea and coffee maker? My morning savior. I also appreciated the reading light and the socket near the bed. Small things, but they matter.
The Wi-Fi Saga: A Love-Hate Relationship
Okay, let's get real. The internet. It's the backbone of modern life, the thing that keeps us connected, the thing that makes us scream when it fails. HII offered Wi-Fi in all rooms (bless them!), but it was occasionally… capricious. I'd be in the middle of a crucial video call (okay, maybe it was a cat video compilation, don't judge), and poof! Gone. Vanished. Luckily, they also had Internet [LAN] (remember those?), which was a bit more reliable. But seriously, HII, upgrade your Wi-Fi! It's 2024! We need the internet! (Deep breaths.)
Things to Do (and Ways to Avoid Doing Them)
Okay, so HII is packed with amenities. Let’s be honest: I’m not the most active person on the planet. But I did check out the pool with a view. And, wow. The view was actually pretty spectacular. It's one of those pools that makes you feel like you're floating above the city. I even splashed around a little, which is a big deal for me. They also had a fitness center, a gym/fitness, a spa, a sauna, and a steam room. All fancy things I intended to use but, let’s be real, I mostly spent my time eating and napping. But hey, the option was there! And for those of you who are into that kind of thing, you’re in luck.
Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Food-Related Mishap)
The dining options? Oh, mama mia. They've got restaurants, a coffee shop, a bar, and a snack bar. Room service is 24-hour (hallelujah!). They offer Asian, International, and Vegetarian cuisine. Breakfast is buffet, which is my love language. I’m talking everything you could possibly want. Even a Western breakfast! And the coffee? Actually pretty good. They had a poolside bar, too, which was perfect for a late afternoon cocktail. I may or may not have indulged in happy hour a few times. (Don't judge.)
But here’s a funny story: I tried to order a salad from room service one night. Sounded healthy, right? Well, it arrived, and it was… underwhelming. Let's just say the lettuce was a little… wilted. And the dressing? Not exactly what I was expecting. I ended up ordering a pizza instead. (No regrets.) But hey, you win some, you lose some, and the pizza was delicious.
Cleanliness and Safety: A Reassuring Presence
Okay, this is important, especially in today's world. HII seems to take cleanliness seriously. They had hand sanitizer everywhere, and they were constantly disinfecting common areas. They boast "anti-viral cleaning products" and even offer "room sanitization opt-out." They also have a doctor/nurse on call, a first aid kit, and staff trained in safety protocol. It's reassuring to know they're taking things seriously. I felt safe and secure the entire time. And the rooms were definitely sanitized between stays.
The Little Things That Matter
They have a convenience store! (Perfect for late-night snack runs.) They offer laundry service, ironing service, and dry cleaning. They have luggage storage. They offer car park [free of charge] and car park [on-site]. They have an elevator! (I already mentioned my elevator anxieties, but it's worth repeating.) They're family-friendly (babysitting service!). They have a gift shop! (Because, souvenirs!)
The Quirks and Imperfections (Because Life Isn't Perfect)
Let's be real, no place is perfect. My biggest gripe? The Wi-Fi. Seriously, HII, get it together! Also, I wish the staff had been a little more proactive with recommendations. They were friendly, but I felt like I had to do a lot of the research on my own. And, yes, the elevator. But overall, these are minor quibbles.
The Verdict: Worth It? Absolutely!
Look, HII's KL Serviced Residences isn't perfect. But it's pretty darn close. It's comfortable, clean, well-located, and packed with amenities. The staff is friendly, the food is good, and the pool with a view is to die for. Despite the occasional Wi-Fi hiccup and the slightly creaky elevator, I had a fantastic stay. Would I go back? Absolutely. In fact, I’m already planning my next trip.
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Escape to the Cotswolds: Charming Cherry Bungalow Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup! Because this KL Serviced Residences itinerary in Manila? Well, it's gonna be less "perfectly planned" and more "me trying to keep it together while wrestling with jet lag and a questionable craving for balut." Here we go…
KL Serviced Residences, Manila: A Hot Mess Itinerary (with a sprinkle of hope)
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Laundry Debacle
Morning (or what feels like morning, thanks to the time difference): Land at NAIA. Okay, let's be real, the airport itself is…an experience. Finding a taxi is a contact sport. Finally, after much frantic waving and what I think was a convincing "KL Residences, please!" I'm in. The drive? A chaotic ballet of jeepneys, scooters, and what I swear were chickens crossing the road. Manila, you are already overwhelming me.
Mid-day: Arrive at KL Serviced Residences. Whew! The lobby is actually pretty swanky. Check-in is smooth, thank god. My room is… spacious. And thankfully, the air conditioning is blasting. The humidity is no joke. I collapse on the bed, fully clothed. Jet lag is a beast.
Afternoon: Laundry. This is where the wheels fall off. I found the in-house laundry service. I carefully fill out the form, feeling like a responsible adult. I hand over a bag of clothes and a prayer for a clean start. Fast forward to the evening, I go to collect my laundry, and I find the laundry is missing. My clothes are gone. The staff does everything to help, but I am feeling very annoyed and frustrated. This is not the start I was hoping for.
- Anecdote: Okay, so after a frantic hour of searching, and a small meltdown in the lobby (blame the jet lag!), they found my missing laundry. Apparently, someone had mistakenly taken it. Crisis averted! Mostly. My favorite t-shirt, however, smells suspiciously of… well, let's just say it wasn't the fresh scent I was hoping for.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. I venture out, armed with Google Maps and a healthy dose of trepidation. I choose a place nearby that looks promising. The food is… different. Spicy. Deliciously so. I order way too much and end up feeling like I could explode. But hey, at least I'm alive and fueled. I walk back to the residences, feeling a mix of exhaustion and a strange sense of accomplishment.
Day 2: Intramuros & The Emotional Rollercoaster of History
Morning: Breakfast at the residence. They have a decent buffet. I load up on eggs and fruit, trying to convince myself I’m being healthy. Then, it's off to Intramuros! I decide to take a Grab (thank you, technology!).
Mid-day: Intramuros. Oh. My. God. This place is stunning. The architecture is breathtaking. I wander around, completely captivated. I take way too many photos of the walls, the churches, everything. I feel the history seeping into my bones. I go to Fort Santiago. It's a heavy experience. A really heavy one. I stand there, staring at the cells, imagining the lives of those who were imprisoned. I feel a pang of sadness. A deep, almost overwhelming sense of empathy. I leave the fort feeling strangely…changed. This is the moment that makes the whole trip.
- Quirky Observation: The horse-drawn carriages! So charming, but also… a little bit sad. The horses look tired, and I can't help but wonder if they get enough breaks.
Afternoon: Lunch in Intramuros. I find a little cafe. I order adobo, the national dish. It's fantastic. I sit and watch the people go by. I'm feeling a little overwhelmed by the history, so I take a moment to just breathe.
Evening: Back at the residence. I decide to take it easy. I order room service and watch a movie. I'm exhausted, but also strangely energized. The experience in Intramuros really hit me. I'm glad I went.
Day 3: Shopping, Karaoke, and a Near-Disaster with a Street Vendor
Morning: Shopping! I head to a mall. I’m not really a shopper, but I figure I should experience it. It's enormous. Overwhelming. I get lost. I buy a t-shirt. I retreat.
- Opinionated Rant: Why are there so many malls in Manila?! It's like a competition to see who can build the biggest one. It's mind-boggling.
Afternoon: Karaoke. Yes, you read that right. I decide to embrace the Filipino spirit and try karaoke. I find a karaoke bar. The place is dimly lit, loud, and full of people who are way more talented than me. I choose a song. I sing. I butcher it. But I have fun.
Evening: Street food adventure. I decide to be adventurous. I venture out to a street food stall. I’m staring at the food, trying to work up the courage to order something. Then, Disaster strikes. A vendor gets too close and spills something on my shirt. I am irritated, but the vendor is apologetic. I brush it off, but I am a little bit mad, and I wonder if it's on purpose. I decide to call it a night and head back to the residences.
- Emotional Reaction: I'm kind of a mess, to be honest. I'm tired, I'm slightly traumatized by the karaoke, and the street food incident has left me feeling a little defeated. But I also know this trip is about the experience. The good, the bad, and the downright messy.
Day 4: Relaxation & Goodbye (ish)
Morning: Sleep in! Finally. I enjoy a leisurely breakfast. I spend some time at the pool. It’s a nice break from the chaos.
Mid-day: I head back to the mall to get some souvenirs. I try to find a nice place to eat lunch, but I am feeling a bit wary of the street food.
Afternoon: I am preparing for my flight. I am a little bit sad to leave. I pack my bags, reflecting on the adventure I had.
Evening: Departure. The airport is even more chaotic this time. I navigate the crowds, feeling a mix of relief and a strange sense of longing. I board the plane, exhausted but exhilarated. Manila, you were a wild ride. I’ll be back. Eventually.
Overall Assessment:
This trip was… a lot. Overwhelming, exhausting, sometimes frustrating, but also incredibly rewarding. The KL Serviced Residences were a comfortable haven in the middle of the Manila madness. The laundry debacle, the karaoke, the street food incident - they were all part of the experience. And Intramuros? That will stay with me forever. Manila, you are a beautiful, chaotic, and unforgettable city. I can't wait to go back and do it all over again. (Maybe with better laundry luck next time!)
Bali Family Getaway: 1BR Villa Sleeps 4 Adults (Legian/Kuta)
Luxury Manila Living: HII's KL Serviced Residences Await! (…Or Do They?) - A Messy, Honest, and Slightly Traumatized FAQ
Okay, so…KL Serviced Residences. Sounds fancy. What *actually* is it like? Is it all champagne wishes and caviar dreams?
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. "Luxury" is a word tossed around like confetti these days. KL Residences? Well, it *tries* to be luxurious. Picture this: you walk in, and the lobby is all gleaming marble and bored-looking security guards. You get that initial *whoa* moment, you know? Like, "Wow, I’m important!" Then you hit your actual room… and the reality check hits you harder than a Manila traffic jam.
My first impression? Pretty good. The view from the window, if you get a good one, *is* stunning. Think glittering city lights, maybe a glimpse of the bay. I remember the first time I saw it, I literally gasped. I even took a picture (which I’ve since deleted because the memory is now tainted). But then… the details. The slightly worn furniture. The *very* slow Wi-Fi. The occasional (and I mean *occasional*) cockroach sighting. Yeah. Champagne dreams… with a side of reality. And maybe a Raid can of bug spray.
What are the amenities *really* like? The brochure promised a pool, gym, and… a butler?
Okay, the amenities. Let's break this down. The pool? Yes, it exists. It’s… fine. Usually crowded. And the towels? Well, let's just say they've seen better days. The gym? Functional. Think basic treadmills, a few weights that look like they’ve been through a war, and a general air of "meh." Don't go expecting a state-of-the-art fitness center. And the butler? (Deep breath). I’m still trying to figure out if I actually *had* a butler.
They *said* there was butler service. But the only time I ever saw a butler was when I accidentally ordered room service at 3 AM (don’t judge, jet lag is a beast) and he looked like he wanted to be *anywhere* else. He brought my noodles and then vanished, never to be seen again. Maybe he was a figment of my sleep-deprived imagination. Honestly, I’m still not sure. So, butler? Potentially mythical. Pool and gym? Present, but with a healthy dose of expectations management required.
Is it actually *livable*? Or is it just… a fancy hotel room masquerading as a residence?
This is the big one, isn’t it? Livability. Can you *actually* live there? Well, it depends. If you're a minimalist who thrives on instant noodles and doesn't mind the occasional power outage (which, let's be honest, is a Manila rite of passage), then maybe.
I tried to make it work. I *really* did. I even put up some photos, bought a plant (which promptly died, proving my lack of green thumb is a universal truth), and tried to personalize the space. But it always felt… transient. Like I was just passing through. And the kitchenette? Tiny. The fridge? Barely held enough food for a single person. Cooking a proper meal? Forget about it. It's more like, "Can I microwave this, and will I survive the aftermath?"
So, livable? Yes, technically. But it's not a home. It's a… well, it's a very expensive, slightly underwhelming hotel room with a slightly dodgy kitchen. And, let’s not forget, the ever-present potential for a power outage to ruin your carefully planned evening. That happened to me, by the way. Right in the middle of a crucial work presentation. Mortifying.
What about the location? Is it actually convenient? Traffic is a nightmare in Manila!
Location, location, location! This is crucial in Manila. And KL Residences… well, it depends *where* you are. Some are in decent spots, close to malls and restaurants. Others? Not so much. My experience? I ended up in a place that, while *technically* close to things, was a nightmare to get *to* those things.
Traffic. Oh, the traffic. It's a character in the Manila story. A very grumpy, persistent, and often unpredictable character. I spent hours, *hours*, stuck in traffic. I learned to become a master of the "nap-in-a-jeepney" technique. I developed a deep, abiding hatred for all things red. And I seriously considered learning to fly a helicopter just to get to work on time.
So, convenient? Maybe, if you're a saintly person who enjoys spending half their life in a car. For me? It was a constant, grinding source of frustration. I'm still recovering from the stress. Seriously, the traffic alone might have shaved years off my life. And the worst part? Knowing that even if you *did* arrive on time, the Wi-Fi probably wouldn’t work. It's a cruel, cruel world.
Okay, so what’s the *worst* thing about living there? Be honest!
The worst thing? The *expectation*. The expectation that you're living this glamorous, jet-setting life. The reality is usually far, far removed. The constant feeling of being judged. The pressure to maintain a certain image. And the… the sheer *loneliness*.
I remember one night, I was sitting in my (slightly depressing) apartment, staring out the window at the city lights, feeling utterly and completely alone. I'd tried to make friends, but everyone seemed to be busy with their own… well, their own glamorous lives, I guess. I ordered room service (again), but this time, there was no butler. Just a sad, soggy sandwich and a feeling of profound isolation.
And then the power went out. Again. And I just… I just started laughing. It was a hysterical, slightly manic laugh. Because that's the thing about Manila "luxury." It’s all a façade. A shimmering illusion. And sometimes, the cracks in that illusion are so wide you could drive a bus through them. So yeah, the worst thing? The disconnect between the glossy brochure and the gritty reality. And the loneliness. Definitely the loneliness. Don’t go there expecting a fairytale. Go there with a healthy dose of skepticism, a good book, and maybe a flashlight. You’ll need it.
Would you recommend it? Honestly?
Ugh. This is the million-dollar question, isn't it? Would I recommend KL Serviced Residences? Honestly?
<Cozy Stay Spot
