RedDoorz Plus EDSA Congressional: Manila's BEST Budget Hotel? (Shocking Review Inside!)
RedDoorz Plus EDSA Congressional: Manila's BEST Budget Hotel? (Shocking Review Inside!) - Buckle Up, Buttercups!
Okay, folks, let's get real. I've stayed in more budget hotels than I've had hot dinners (and that’s saying something, considering my affinity for instant noodles!). And I'm here to give you the lowdown, the honest-to-goodness truth, on RedDoorz Plus EDSA Congressional in Manila. Is it the best? Well… that depends. Prepare for a review that's less sterile hotel brochure and more caffeinated, slightly neurotic travel companion.
First Impressions (and My Immediate Panic About the Manila Traffic)
Landing in Manila is an experience. It's vibrant, chaotic, and the traffic? Let's just say it’s a cardiovascular workout before you even get to the gym. Finding RedDoorz Plus was a breeze, actually. Right off EDSA (notorious but convenient!), it was easy to spot. The exterior? Clean, modern enough. Not the Ritz, but hey, we're talking budget here. My initial thought? Okay, this looks… promising. (Translation: I wasn't terrified.)
Accessibility & Getting Around (Can We ALL Get Around?)
Now, this is crucial. I’m a big fan of accessible travel, and RedDoorz tries. Elevator? Check. That’s a win right off the bat, because, you know, stairs are the enemy. Facilities for disabled guests? Listed, but I didn't get a chance to thoroughly check it out, but I saw some handrails and the place looked a little better than I did in the morning, so that's a plus.
Getting around the hotel itself was pretty straightforward. The location is brilliant for navigating the city, with easy access to public transportation. Airport transfer is available, which I HIGHLY RECOMMEND after enduring a Manila airport experience. Car park is available, Free of charge!
The Room: My Sanctuary (or, The Place I Dumped My Suitcase)
Okay, let's dive into the heart of things. The rooms. My room, a standard double, was… compact. Very compact. But honestly? For the price, I wasn't expecting a ballroom. Air conditioning? Blasting! Thank goodness. Manila humidity is a beast. Free Wi-Fi? Hallelujah! And it actually worked! (This is a bigger deal than you think in the budget hotel game.) Internet Access - Wireless YES! Desk? Yupp! Free bottled water? Always a win! The bed? Comfy enough for a decent night's sleep after a day of exploring. The Blackout Curtains were a lifesaver after my red-eye flight!.
Here’s where it got interesting. The soundproofing? Not exactly Fort Knox. I could hear the faint thrum of the city. And the occasional cough from the next room. But I did have a private bathroom, clean and relatively modern. The shower? Adequate. (Let's just say I wouldn't recommend lingering for a spa-like experience.)
The Hotel's "Extras" (AKA: Where Things Got Interesting)
- Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: This is where RedDoorz really surprised me. They have a coffee shop, a bar and offer room service, and a la carte options! I got a coffee and a snack at the coffee shop, and it was a decent experience.
- Services and Conveniences The front desk was 24-hour, the staff was helpful and friendly and the concierge were nice!
- For the Kids: I didn't have kids with me, but I saw signs for babysitting service, which is a plus for families!
Cleanliness and Safety: My Inner Germaphobe Calmed Down (Mostly)
Okay, I'm a bit of a neat freak. Always have been. Hand Sanitizer? Present! I'm not sure I saw any Anti-viral cleaning products, but from what I saw the place was clean. Rooms sanitized between stays? I'd like to think so.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (Or, How to Escape the Concrete Jungle)
- Fitness Center?? Woah! I saw a gym, but I'm not sure I saw the fitness center. I'm pretty sure I was too tired to look.
- Swimming Pool? Didn't see one.
- Spa? Nope. This isn't a resort, people! LOL!
The Shocking Experience (And My Actual, Honest Opinion)
So, is RedDoorz Plus EDSA Congressional Manila's best budget hotel? The answer is a very emphatic… MAYBE.
It's not perfect. There were a few bumps. But for the price, the location, the cleanliness, and the overall vibe, it’s a solid choice. And frankly, sometimes you just need a clean, comfortable place to crash after a sweaty day of exploring Manila.
Here's the Breakdown:
- Pros: Good value. Decent location. Clean enough. Reliable Wi-Fi. Convenient amenities.
- Cons: Rooms can be a bit small and noise levels might be annoying. No pool or spa.
The Verdict:
I rate RedDoorz Plus EDSA Congressional a solid 7.5/10. It's not going to win any awards for luxury, but it's a practical, affordable, and surprisingly decent option for exploring Manila. And hey, sometimes decent is all you need!
The "Shocking" Conclusion: I wasn't shocked in a bad way. I was pleasantly surprised. And for the price, that's a HUGE win.
Compelling Offer: Your Manila Adventure Starts Here!
Tired of overpriced hotels and cramped hostels? Crave a clean, comfortable, and conveniently located base for your Manila exploration?
RedDoorz Plus EDSA Congressional is waiting!
Book your stay NOW and enjoy:
- FREE Wi-Fi in all rooms! Stay connected and share your Manila adventures.
- Comfortable, air-conditioned rooms to escape the Manila heat.
- Prime location: Easy access to public transport, shops, restaurants, and all the sights!
- Safe and clean environment, with daily disinfection in common areas, safe dining set-up, and staff trained in safety protocols.
- 24-hour front desk and friendly staff ready to help you with anything you need.
Book Now and Get:
- A SPECIAL DISCOUNT on your first stay! (Use code [Insert Promo Code Here] at checkout!)
- FREE breakfast! (While supplies last!)
- Early check-in/late check-out! (Subject to availability)
Don't wait! Manila is calling, and RedDoorz Plus EDSA Congressional is your gateway to an unforgettable adventure. Book your stay today and experience the best budget hotel in Manila!
Click Here to Book Now! [Link to Booking Website]
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your pristine, perfectly-planned Pinterest itinerary. This is MY trip to RedDoorz Plus @ EDSA Congressional Manila, and believe me, it's gonna be a ride.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Manila Humidity Assault
- 1:00 PM: Arrived at NAIA (probably spent way too long in the tax-free area convincing myself I needed that ridiculously oversized Toblerone. I don't, I know, but… chocolate!). The air conditioning hit me like a wall – sweet, sweet relief. Then, BAM! The outside world. Manila humidity. It's like a warm, sticky hug you didn't ask for. Instantly regretted not packing that third t-shirt.
- 1:30 PM: Grabbed a Grab (that's how we roll, right?) to RedDoorz. Traffic was, predictably, a beast. Saw a guy riding a tricycle with a goat in the back. Manila life, folks. Never a dull moment. My driver, bless his soul, kept apologising for the delay. He was probably used to it.
- 2:30 PM: Finally, arrived at RedDoorz. The lobby… well, it was a lobby. Functional. The receptionist was friendly, though, which is always a good sign. Check-in was painless. Room? Let's just say it wasn't the Ritz, but it was clean enough, and the aircon worked. Hallelujah.
- 3:00 PM: Unpacked. (Or rather, threw my stuff somewhat-organized-like on the bed.) Immediately collapsed onto the mattress. The travel fatigue was really catching up to me. Took a quick shower to wash off the sticky, sweaty remains of the journey.
- 4:00 PM: Attempted to find some local food. Google Maps suggested a nearby karinderia (small, local eatery). Walked out of the RedDoorz with big plans. Got disoriented in the first 5 minutes. Ended up wandering for 20 more and found some street food. I got a kwek-kwek (deep-fried quail eggs in orange batter) which, truthfully, was surprisingly pretty great. The street vendor was super chatty, offering a running commentary on the traffic jam we were both watching.
- 5:30 PM: Back to the room, defeated by the heat and the mild chaos. The internet was spotty, which was annoying, but also kind of liberating. Watched some random Filipino TV show on the local channels and tried to decipher what was happening with my limited Tagalog. Felt like I was eavesdropping on someone else's life.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner: The same kwek-kwek from the streets. Really hungry and craving something familiar. Ate it in the room while scrolling through the internet. Realized I'd been online for 4 hours. I was becoming one of those people.
- 8:30 PM: Slept. Honestly, I think I slept for the entire world.
Day 2: Malls, More Malls, and Questionable Decisions
- 9:00 AM: Woke up, feeling marginally less like a wilted lettuce leaf. Breakfast: instant coffee and the lingering guilt of the Toblerone.
- 10:00 AM: Decided to brave the mall. Manila is famous for its malls, and I felt like I should pay homage. Got a Grab to a huge mall (I think it was SM City North EDSA.) Holy Cow! this thing was gigantic. Like, you could get lost in there for a week.
- 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM: The mall experience. This needs its own bullet point. It was a swirling vortex of people, shops, and air conditioning that felt like a polar blast compared to the outside. Browsed through shops, tried on clothes I didn't need, and got completely overwhelmed by the food court. The choices were endless. I was torn between traditional Filipino food and the western chains. So I decided to eat… well, I'll skip that. I did discover a store selling ube-flavored everything.
- 2:00 PM: Feeling a little drained. The sheer size of the mall had me on the verge of a panic attack. Decided to head back.
- 3:00 PM: Back at the RedDoorz. Took a solid two-hour nap. Needed it.
- 5:00 PM: Remembered there was a local restaurant nearby. Wandered down the street, found it, and ordered adobo (chicken or pork braised in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and peppercorns). It was heaven in a bowl. The woman running the place gave me extra rice. Bless her.
- 6:30 PM: Walked back to the hotel, stuffed and happy.
- 8:00 PM: Messed around with the internet. Got into a deep Wikipedia dive about the history of the Philippines. (Yeah, I know, sounds thrilling. It actually was.)
- 9:30 PM: Bed.
Day 3: The Search for the Perfect Halo-Halo, and Saying Goodbye (at Least for Now)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast: the last of that coffee, plus a packet of instant noodles I'd stashed in my bag.
- 10:00 AM: The Halo-Halo Quest. Okay, so halo-halo is a must-try Filipino dessert – crushed ice, sweet beans, fruits, and sometimes ice cream. I was on a mission to find the BEST one in the area. Researched places online, got overwhelmed by the options. Ultimately, I asked the RedDoorz receptionist who gave me what seemed like a truly thoughtful answer.
- 11:00 AM: Went wherever the person recommended. Found a little hole-in-the-wall place. The halo-halo? Divine. Worth all the effort. Every spoonful was a tiny celebration. It was a perfect, messy, delicious mix of textures and flavors. This may well have been the highlight of my trip.
- 12:00 PM: Back to the RedDoorz. Packed. Slowly, reluctantly.
- 1:00 PM: Checking out was quick and easy. Said goodbye to the friendly receptionist.
- 1:30 PM: Grab to the airport. Traffic was… well, you know.
- 3:00 PM: Security, waiting, last-minute duty-free purchases (yes, yet another Toblerone - for a "friend," of course).
- 4:00 PM: Flight home.
Quirky Observations and Imperfections:
- The constant honking. Seriously, the horn is a language in Manila. You'll learn the different meanings by the end of your trip.
- The number of stray dogs. Always sad to see, but they seem to have a life there.
- The jeepneys (colorful public transport vehicles). Truly unique and something you'd never see anywhere else. I didn't dare to try riding one (too much human traffic!) but I'd definitely admire them.
- The aircon battles. It's either freezing or not working. There's no in-between.
- My constant, low-level anxiety when crossing the street. Especially during traffic.
Emotional Reactions:
- Good: The food. All of it. (Especially the halo-halo.) The friendliness of the people. The sheer energy of the city.
- Bad: The humidity. The traffic. The constant feeling of being slightly lost and overwhelmed. The internet, or lack thereof.
- Mixed: The malls. They were amazing, but exhausting.
The Verdict:
Manila is messy. It's chaotic. It's challenging. But it's also vibrant, delicious, and full of heart. Would I go back? Absolutely. I'd just pack more t-shirts. And map out a better internet solution. And definitely learn a few more Tagalog phrases. And maybe, just maybe, finally learn to handle the Manila traffic.
This itinerary isn't perfect. It's not a "perfect" trip. It's real. And it was mine. And that's enough.
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Villa Awaits in Hua Hin!
Is RedDoorz Plus EDSA Congressional REALLY the "BEST" budget hotel in Manila?! (Spoiler: Probably not.)
The Room: What's the vibe? (Pro Tip: Bring your own air purifier... maybe?)
The Bed: Can I actually sleep? (Answer: Pray for a good night.)
The Bathroom: A Tale of Two Showers (And Possibly a Plumbing God).
Amenities: What, exactly, am I getting? (Hint: Not the Ritz.)
The Staff: Are they human? (Spoiler: Probably.)
The Location: Is it convenient? (Yes, but let's talk about the traffic.)
Would I stay again? (And that all encompassing answer!)
