Manila's Uptown BGC Paradise: Luxe 1BR w/ Balcony & Pool!
UPTOWN BGC PARADISE: Luxe 1BR – My Honest (and Messy) Review!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on Manila's Uptown BGC Paradise: Luxe 1BR w/ Balcony & Pool! I'm not your polished travel blogger, I'm just… well, me. And I've got opinions. And a serious caffeine addiction. So let's dive in, shall we?
First Impressions: Arrival & Accessibility (and My Stumble!)
Getting there felt easy. Airport transfer? Tick. Valet parking? Tick. Free parking? HUGE tick! (seriously, parking in BGC is a NIGHTMARE). The building itself? Slick. Modern. Grew up in a province where that was a dream, but let's get to the nitty gritty: Accessibility. Now, I don't have mobility issues, but I was watching for it. The elevators are fast, the corridors surprisingly wide. Seemed pretty good for wheelchair users, although I didn't see any specific signage mentioning things like ramp access to the pool or the fitness center. Something to look into if you need that level of detail. (Update: the internet DOES offer good detail, including an elevator and accessible rooms. I did like that I don't have to walk over a hundred meters for a room).
COVID Considerations (Because, You Know, The World…)
Alright, let's be real. We're all thinking about safety. Uptown BGC seemed to take it seriously. Hand sanitizer everywhere, staff masked up, and the whole shebang. I saw daily disinfection happening in the common areas, and the staff was super diligent. They also offer room sanitization opt-out, which I thought was cool. (I get it, some people are OTT about cleaning. Others, like me, are just lazy). I definitely saw professional-grade sanitizing services as advertised. Physical distancing was mostly observed, which is good, although sometimes in the elevator it's kind of a free-for-all. And while I didn’t need it, knowing there was a Doctor/nurse on call made me feel a little more secure.
The one thing that made me nervous was that the hotel's kitchen was always busy, and that makes it harder to observe, so it feels that the Safe dining setup might be a little tricky.
My Room: The Luxe Life (Mostly)
Okay, the Luxe part? Nailed it. This 1BR was gorgeous. I mean, seriously. The décor? Modern, sleek, with just enough personality. Blackout curtains? YES! Extra-long bed? Thank you, heavens! The bathroom was spacious, the bathtub inviting, and the bathrobes… well, let’s just say I didn’t leave mine. The balcony was a game-changer. Views for DAYS. Coffee in the morning, wine at night, what's not to like?
But here's where the messy comes in.
- The internet! Free Wi-Fi. Great! Except it was a little spotty at times. Enough to get my work done, but not for streaming without the occasional buffering. (And, let's be honest, I like to binge-watch sometimes.) There's also the option of Internet access – LAN. I may have been old enough to realize what LAN is but not to have it in my vocabulary.
- The TV: Satellite/cable channels were plentiful. But the On-demand movies? They weren't always working. Annoying when you're stuck in the room and wanting to just chill.
- The "Complimentary Tea" was decent, but I missed my pour-over. This is an individual gripe, though. (First-world problems, I get it.)
- Room Service: 24-hour? Fantastic! The menu? Varied. The food? Hit or miss, on occasion. (More on that later.)
The Balcony: My Sanity Saver!
Honestly? That balcony was worth the price of admission. I spent hours out there, just… breathing. The city view was incredible, especially at night. It became my little sanctuary, my escape from the hustle and bustle. That balcony also helped me make sure I could smoke, and so I did. In doing so, it's great that the hotel offered Smoke alarms and Non-smoking rooms.
Poolside Paradise (Kinda) & Spa Shenanigans
The pool itself is glorious. Pool with view? Absolutely. And let me tell you, after a long day of meetings, that water felt divine. (That said, I had a bit of a panic when I realized that Swimming pool [outdoor] requires you to know HOW to swim!. Luckily, I did).
Now, the Spa. This is where things get interesting. I, being me, decided to splurge on a massage. (Don’t judge! I'm a sucker for a good massage). It was…okay. Not the best I’ve ever had, not the worst. The décor was lovely, the atmosphere relaxing… but it felt a little rushed. I didn't get to try any Body scrub or Body wrap. They had a sauna (the Spa/sauna). I'm a sauna person, so I was in heaven. They also offered a Steamroom, which I didn't try. So, let's just say the spa experience overall could be improved.
Food Glorious Food! (Mostly)
Okay, the food situation is a mixed bag.
- Breakfast: The Breakfast [buffet] was… fine. Standard hotel fare. The Asian breakfast was a win. The Western breakfast was passable. The Coffee shop had decent coffee. But it lacked that WOW factor.
- Restaurants: There are several Restaurants, with both Asian cuisine in restaurant and International cuisine in restaurant. I only ate at one (the name escapes me, I ate so much), and service was a little slow but the food was decent.
- In-Room Dining: 24-hour service! 🙌 Perfect for late-night cravings. The menu offered a reasonable variety. Tried the pasta. It was…okay. Not exactly gourmet.
- Other Dining: Oh yeah, there's a Snack bar so you won't get hungry! And they offer a Desserts in restaurant!
- Poolside Bar: Drinks were good, but the food was a bit overpriced for what it was. Happy hour brought a little more fun and affordability to the table.
Things to Do (Besides Bask in Luxury)
Beyond the obvious (pool, gym, spa), there’s a lot in BGC.
- Fitness Center: Well-equipped. Looked decent.. Didn't use it. (Judge me all you want, I had a good time).
- Things to do: Lots! Shopping, restaurants, cultural experiences. Everything's within reach.
- Shops & Conveniences: They have a Convenience store for those midnight snack runs.
The Services and Conveniences (The Good, the Bad, and the Forgotten)
- The Concierge was super helpful.
- Daily housekeeping was efficient and quick.
- Laundry service was a godsend.
- Dry cleaning available.
- Facilities for disabled guests exist, but I would have liked more signage.
- Safety/security feature were on point.
- Elevator, check!
The Annoyances (Because Nothing is Perfect)
- The Wi-Fi sometimes. (I know, I’m harping on it, but it's important!)
- The occasional food miss.
- It would feel better if they have Babysitting service and Family/child friendly options.
Final Verdict & My Offer to YOU!
Uptown BGC Paradise: Luxe 1BR w/ Balcony & Pool! is a solid choice. It’s stylish, comfortable, and well-located. The pool and the balcony alone are worth the price. My biggest takeaway is that you're paying for experience, and it's a good one.
Here’s My Exclusive Offer to YOU (and why you should book NOW!)
Book your stay at Uptown BGC Paradise: Luxe 1BR w/ Balcony & Pool! through my link (which is, alas, not real right now, but pretend!):
Book your stay with me AND get:
- A Complimentary Bottle of Wine: (because we all deserve a little extra luxury!) (Note: Not real, but you get the idea.)
- A Free Upgrade (Based on Availability): From me! (Even if this part is a lie, it will still make your day!)
- Early Check-In/Late Check-Out: (So you can soak up every last minute of that balcony bliss!)
Why book NOW? Because this offer is only available for a limited time! Don’t miss out on the chance to experience the luxury and convenience of Uptown BGC Paradise. **Click that link (that doesn
Gapyeong Glamping: Pet-Friendly Paradise! Unbeatable Views & Luxurious Stays
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-curated itinerary. This is ME in Manila, or at least the version of me that's trying to be effortlessly cool in a Luxe 1BR with a Balcony & Pool in, you guessed it, Uptown BGC. Let's see how well that actually goes down…
Day 1: Arrival, Jet Lag, and the Quest for Proper Coffee (and Maybe Avoiding a Full-Blown Breakdown)
- 10:00 AM (Manila Time - after a godawful red-eye): Landed! Holy moly, the humidity hit me like a wet, warm flannel. Passport control was surprisingly smooth. But the taxi ride… well, let's just say my internal monologue was a symphony of "OMG, are we there yet?" and "Please, let me live through this."
- 11:30 AM: Checked into the Luxe 1BR. Honestly? It is luxe. The balcony, the pool view… I’m already mentally picturing myself lounging with a pineapple smoothie, living my best life. Except… the jet lag is a monster. My eyelids feel like they’re made of lead.
- 12:00 PM: The quest for decent coffee begins. Found a Starbucks. Okay, okay, judge me, but a girl needs caffeine. The barista, bless him, was ridiculously cheerful. I suspect I looked like a walking zombie, desperately trying to communicate in broken English. Managed to order a latte, though it took approximately five minutes and a lot of pointing.
- 1:00 PM: Back at the apartment, collapse on the couch. Seriously considering simply existing in a fetal position until dinner. The pool is calling, but my energy levels are currently in the negative.
- 3:00 PM: Forced myself to step onto that lovely balcony. Beautiful view… but mostly I'm just focused on the fact I can't actually feel my toes. The jet lag is seriously kicking my butt.
- 4:00 PM: Gave in. A brief dip in the infinity pool was a must. The water was delightfully cool. Then I sat on the edge and stared. Just stared. Maybe tried to get some sun. Successfully burned the tops of my feet! A triumph.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a "trendy" restaurant I read about – Wildflour. It was… fine. Overpriced avocado toast (shocking, I know) and a burger that was okay. The people-watching was far more entertaining. Observing a couple aggressively making out at the next table. Truly a cultural experience.
- 8:00 PM: Back at the apartment. Exhausted. Absolutely zonked. Attempted to watch a movie. Passed out approximately 15 minutes in.
Day 2: City Exploration (and the Ongoing Search for a Decent Cup of Jo)
- 7:00 AM: Woke up! Surprisingly refreshed (thanks to the jet lag, probably). Coffee is still the absolute necessity, though.
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at the apartment. Stumbled upon a little street food market. Didn't dare to try anything, but I'll admit, the aroma of sizzling something-or-other that I didn't recognise, got me thinking of how the day will evolve.
- 9:00 AM: Hit the streets, exploring BGC. So, so much construction. Manila seems to be eternally under construction. The buildings are shiny and the streets are clean-ish, which is a plus.
- 10:00 AM: Found a local coffee shop! YES! Not a chain, a local gem. I ordered a brewed coffee and it was, dare I say it, almost good. Okay it was good. I drank it and felt the world start to come into focus.
- 11:00 AM: Wandering. Just wandering. Took a lot of random photos (mostly of street art and buildings) and just watched the world go by. The heat is relentless. I think I'm sweating from places I didn't know I had.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a ramen place. Phenomenal! Comfort food is exactly what I need to stay awake.
- 1:00 PM: More wandering, more sweating. Decided to check out the "high street". It was a sensory overload of shops and people. Managed to resist the urge to buy everything (mostly).
- 3:00 PM: Back to the apartment. Pool time! Must avoid burning more parts of my body today.
- 5:00 PM: Attempted to learn a few basic Tagalog phrases. Utterly failed. My pronunciation is atrocious. “Salamat” is about the extent of my linguistic abilities.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant in BGC. Had a grilled fish that was… surprisingly bland. But the people-watching was top-notch once again.
Day 3: The Intramuros Adventure (and a Possible Meltdown)
- 9:00 AM: Took a cab to Intramuros. Okay, cab rides are a whole other level of chaos. The traffic! The horn-honking! It's a symphony of madness.
- 10:00 AM: Arrived at Intramuros, the walled city. Immediately, I'm transported back in time. The architecture is stunning, the history is palpable. Feeling a sense of "wow, this is actually really cool!".
- 10:30 AM: Took a bamboo bike tour. It was hot. So. Freaking. Hot. Seriously, I'm starting to think I should just live permanently in the pool. The guide was informative (though his English was a bit tricky to follow), and the sights were incredible. Fort Santiago, the churches… just beautiful.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a cafe in Intramuros. Ordered something Filipino (can't remember what, but I saw it!) and it was… interesting. Let's just say my taste buds were experiencing something new.
- 1:00 PM: Wandering the streets, more sweating. The heat is truly oppressive. Starting to feel a bit overwhelmed. I'm starting to think I can't handle the humidity.
- 2:00 PM: The inevitable happened. A full-blown, sweaty, slightly hysterical moment of pure "I can't do this anymore!". I needed air conditioning. And a drink. Immediately.
- 2:30 PM: Found a cafe with AC. Sat in blessed, glorious coolness and drank a cold drink. Slowly started to recover.
- 3:30 PM: Back at Intramuros, feeling slightly more human. Finished exploring, despite the existential dread.
- 5:00 PM: Took a cab back to BGC. The traffic was even worse than the morning ride. Managed to survive.
- 6:00 PM: Back at the apartment. Collapsed on the couch. Must. Rest.
- 7:00 PM: Ordered takeout. Can't face going out again. Ate my dinner (which, of course, was only okay) while watching a movie.
Day 4: Relaxation and Possibly (Maybe) Cultural Immersion
- 9:00 AM: Woke up. No immediate urge to burst into tears! Victory!
- 10:00 AM: Spent a glorious hour by the pool. Finally feeling somewhat relaxed. Reading my book and trying not to think about how much laundry I have to do when I'm back home.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a restaurant in BGC. This time, I ordered something vaguely familiar. A win!
- 1:00 PM: Attempted some serious souvenir shopping. Ended up just wandering aimlessly and getting distracted by shiny things.
- 3:00 PM: Decided to go to a museum. Didn't go to the right museum. Ended up at a museum with some interesting things but nothing I could truly appreciate.
- 5:00 PM: Stood in the apartment, stared at the balcony and remembered that there was a pool and ran for my life.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant. The service was a disaster. They forgot my order, brought the wrong dish, and made me wait for an eternity. Finally got my food (which was, predictably, just okay.)
- 8:00 PM: Collapsed on the couch. Started packing. It's almost time to leave, and I'm still not sure how I feel about Manila. (Aside from the overwhelming heat, and the jet lag.)
Day 5: Departure (and a Final, Hopeful Glance)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. Feel surprisingly okay. Maybe I'm finally acclimatizing?
- 9:00 AM: One last swim in the pool. It's still beautiful.
- 10:00 AM: Prepare to leave apartment. The room is a mess. I blame the jet lag.
- 11:00 AM: Taxi to the airport. The driver, bless his heart,
What Even *Is* This "Thing" We're Talking About? Like, Seriously?
Alright, let's be brutally honest. I'm still figuring that out, too. It’s the ethereal, the frustrating nebulous concept, that "something." It’s that itch you can't quite scratch, the feeling of… well, you know the feeling. It's probably *not* what you think it is, but also, maybe it *could* be. It's a chameleon. It's… (deep sigh) …it’s complicated. Like, more complicated than trying to assemble IKEA furniture without the instructions (I *still* have a spare dowel… and a mounting rage).
Okay, But *Why* Me? Why Am I Dealing With This Headache?
Oh, honey, welcome to the club. I wish I had a magic answer, a cosmic decoder ring that spelled out why *anyone* has to deal with *it*. Sometimes I think it's just... random. A cosmic lottery where you drew the short (or, let's be honest, the *long and painful*) straw. Maybe you're just sensitive. Maybe you're… *too* sensitive. Maybe you deserve it (kidding! Mostly kidding...) Look, I’ve spent sleepless nights – *literally*, with the insomnia fueled by this whole mess – trying to solve this. I got nothing but the faint scent of desperation in the air and a slightly-too-familiar taste of coffee.
Is This... Permanent? Because If So, I'm Gonna Need a Bigger Wine Rack.
Ugh, the million-dollar question! The one that keeps me up at night – right after the "why me?" question. The truth is, I don't know. *Nobody* really knows. Some days it feels like I'm drowning in it, like it’s a permanent fixture, a damn barnacle on my soul. Other days, there’s a glimmer of hope, a tiny spark of… maybe? Maybe not? I’ve learned to embrace the uncertainty. And, yes, I've invested in a slightly oversized wine rack. Just in case. And some cheese. And chocolate… Because, you know, research.
So, What *Can* I Do? Besides Eat All the Chocolate?
Alright, let's get practical (as if!). Chocolate is a perfectly acceptable (and, frankly, *necessary*) coping mechanism. But, assuming you want to, you know, *function*… Here’s what *I* have tried, with varying degrees of success. Therapy helped. A lot. It was like… finally getting the instruction manual for my brain. Even with that, let me tell you, there were days I wanted to chuck that manual out the window! Breathing exercises are… fine. Meditation? Yeah, about that… I can’t sit still long enough to meditate without getting distracted by my own rambling thoughts. The dog gets more out of it! And good friends. Never underestimate the power of a good friend who will listen, or at least, nod sympathetically while you rant. Oh, and be kind to yourself. Seriously. This is hard. Give yourself a damn break.
Tell Me a Story. A Really Messy, Specific Story About *It*. Please.
Fine. Here’s a doozy. Last summer, I decided I was going to *finally* try to get into landscape painting. I thought it'd be all Monet in the sunshine, right? Wrong. It turned into a battle of wills, between me and my brain. I was painting this scene of a… a field, with some trees. Simple, shouldn't be too hard. But I couldn't *see* it. My mind kept going off on these tangents. "Oh, the light! It's not *right*!" (Even though I had *no* idea what "right" even meant.) "The grass is too green! The sky is too… sky-like!" (What even IS that critique??!) I started throwing brushes down. Screaming, silently. The canvas became a battlefield of frustration. I actually *cried*. In the paint. I mixed in a little tear. A genuine, authentic, frustrated artist's tear. It all ended with the canvas in the bin, me curled up on the couch, and a whole carton of ice cream. And the next day? I tried again. And it happened again. The cycle never ends, does it? It's a damn curse, I tell you!
What Didn't Work? Let's be Brutal.
Oh, where do I start? Alright, let’s be blunt. “Positive affirmations” – a load of baloney! I repeated them in the mirror, convinced I'd magically will *it* away, only to stare back at a slightly manic individual. Mindfulness apps. They’re great… until the voice starts prattling on about my "inner child" and I'm instantly transported back to that time I ate a whole birthday cake in the pantry. Then there's the "just think happy thoughts" approach. Easier said than done when you're convinced the world is simultaneously falling apart and on fire. And lastly, that "self-help guru" with the perfectly-smooth skin and dazzling smile... yeah, he just wanted my money. Don’t waste your time.
Are There Any… *Good* Sides? Seriously?
Okay, here's where I have to get real with myself. Yeah, it sucks. Totally. But… Sometimes, in the quiet moments (and believe me, they're rare), I think… I think it makes you… more *real*. More… human. You see the world differently. The "small stuff" feels less small. And I’ve become incredibly, *incredibly* resilient. I’ve also learned I can eat an entire tub of ice cream without guilt… maybe. And I'm a better friend, because I know everyone struggles. I'm more empathetic, more willing to listen. And, let's be honest, it makes for *amazing* story fodder. So… silver linings, right? Tiny, barely-there silver linings clinging to the massive, swirling cloud of… well, you know.
What's the *Worst* Thing About This Whole Thing?
The worst? The absolute, gut-wrenching worst is the *isolation*. The feeling that you're the only one. ThatCity Stay Finder
