RedDoorz Philippines Blog Review + RedDoorz Poblacion & Katipunan

Posted on November 5, 2018November 6, 2018by One Armed Wanderer

RedDoorz Philippines is the newest platform offering budget accommodation for travelers. In 2015, the brand RedDoorz opened its very first property in Jakarta, Indonesia. It has then expanded in Singapore and Philippines in 2017 and 2018 respectively.

What is RedDoorz?

Note that RedDoorz is not a hotel chain but a platform offering budget accommodation. RedDoorz acts as a middle man between hotels and travelers. They help hotels and property owners by handling distribution, pricing, sales & marketing. To date, RedDoorz can be found in more than 500 properties across Indonesia, Singapore and the Philippines. Meaning, there are more than 500 properties with RedDoorz rooms.

RedDoorz Service Guarantee

Unlike other budget accommodations, guests get to enjoy standardized services provided by RedDoorz. When you book a room at any RedDoorz property, they guarantee the following:

Free WiFi
Satellite Television
Mineral water
Spotless linen
Clean washrooms
Toiletries

RedDoorz Philippines Budget Friendly Accommodations

RedDoorz Philippines rooms are currently available in Manila, Cebu, Pampanga and Cavite. Here’s the complete list of properties with RedDoorz accommodations:

Manila

Tayuman, Manila
San Antonio, Makati
Banawe, Quezon City
near Capitol Commons
Bel Air, Makati
near Mckinley Hill, Taguig City
near Quirino Station, Manila
South Triangle, Quezon City
Project 6, Quezon City
Poblacion, Makati
EDSA Pasay
EDSA Congressional
near UST Hospital
near Arca South, Taguig City
EDSA shaw
near Trinoma

Cebu

V Rama, Cebu
Bonifacio St., Cebu
near JY Square Mall, Cebu
AS Fortuna, Cebu
Wireless Mandaue, Cebu
Hernan Cortes Cebu
Fuente Osmena, Cebu
Mabolo, Cebu

Pampanga

Balibago, Angeles City
Fields Avenue, Angeles City
Malabanias, Angeles City
Hensonville, Angeles City
near Angeles University Foundation
near McArthur Highway
Josefa Subdivision, Angeles City
Kore Town Angeles City

Cavite

The Ridge, Tagaytay
Sta. Rosa Tagaytay Road

RedDoorz Poblacion Makati Review (Nest Nano Suites Makati)

Our first time experience with RedDoorz Philippines was at Poblacion, Makati. We booked a room at Nest Nano Suites in Poblacion Makati via Agoda. We were clueless that the room we booked was actually a RedDoorz room.

Tip: I’m giving you a discounted room rate at RedDoorz Poblacion (Nest Nano Suites) by booking HERE.

Upon entering the room, we were surprised that the bed has the signature RedDoorz bed runner and RedDoorz pillow. There were also complimentary bottled water, WiFi and toiletries. The room is quite small. Nonetheless, it was very neat and clean. The room also comes with an airconditioning unit, LCD cable TV, service telephone, microwave oven, electric kettle and a mini refrigerator. If you are bringing work at Nest Nano Suites, there is also a mini work area for your convenience. Surprisingly, the toilet and bath is spacious. There is hot and cold shower with strong water pressure. Basic toiletries, liquid bath soap and shampoo are also provided.

The only downside is the parking. There is a limited parking on the basement of hotel and they charge 200 Php for it.

You would not get superb customer service at Nest Nano Suites. Receptionists were helpful but they need to more friendly and accommodating to get at par with other hotels in Poblacion, Makati. Nonetheless, we enjoyed our staycation at RedDoorz Poblacion (Nest Nano Suites).

RedDoorz Katipunan Review (The Studio 89 Residences)

Since RedDoorz Philippines’ cheap room rates are promising, we were convinced to book another RedDoorz room. We chose RedDoorz near Katipunan as we wanted to visit Maginhawa street and UP Diliman.

Here’s my VLOG of our RedDoorz Katipunan staycation plus UP Diliman and Maginhawa visit.

Located in Esteban Abada St, Quezon City, RedDoorz Katipunan rooms are in The Studio 89 Residences.

Upon arrival, we were immediately greeted by the security guard on duty. He even assisted us to secure a parking. The check-in was fast and the receptionists were very welcoming and accommodating.

I personally did not expect anything grand as we booked it at only 1,300 Php for two nights. However, we were surprised and couldn’t believe that we booked a spacious room with an executive vibe. Our room reminded me of F1 Hotel in BGC.

The double bed and the pillows are very comfortable. The room comes with a single sofa chair, mini refrigerator, electric kettle, LCD cable TV, cabinet, service telephone and safe deposit box. Just like any other RedDoorz room, 2 complimentary bottled water with 2 sachets of instant coffee are provided as well. The toilet and bath come with toiletries, liquid bath soap and shampoo. I love the glass partition separating the shower from the toilet. Apart from the executive feels in the room, what I liked the most is the strong WiFi and fast internet connection!

Overall, we enjoyed our stay at RedDoorz Katipunan. All the staff, from security guard, receptionists and housekeepers are very courteous, friendly and accommodating. The rooms are truly value for your money!

Recommended for Budget Travelers & Backpackers

If you are a budget traveler, a backpacker or simply on a tight budget, I would recommend booking a room with RedDoorz Philippines. Their rates are very affordable compared to other hotels and accommodations. Staying in a RedDoorz room is like staying in a 3-star hotel. You experience comfort and security at an affordable price!

RedDoorz Philippines Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/reddoorzph/

accommodation
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U HOTELS Makati Philippines + BLOG & VIDEO Review, Discounted Room Rates

Posted on September 23, 2018October 30, 2018by One Armed Wanderer

U Hotels Makati is the newest addition to Makati’s wide array of hotels and accommodation. Pegged as the very first art hotel in Poblacion, U Hotels opened its doors in April 2018. The “U” in U Hotels stands for the last name of the owner – Alfredo Yu.

Good Location

Located in P. Burgos St. corner San Mateo St. in Poblacion, Makati, U Hotels is near from various establishments in Makati. If you are a food adventurer, U Hotels Makati is just walking distance from interesting local restaurants and cafes. It is also walking distance from malls such as A Venue and Century City mall. If you are into night life, U Hotels is also near to various bars and bistros.

U Hotels Makati – Budget Friendly Art Hotel

Being the very first art hotel Poblacion, Makati, U Hotels showcases unique and artistically designed rooms and common areas. Each room in U Hotels features a wall art painted a local Filipino artist.

U Hotels Makati Budget-Friendly Room Rates

Standard Double – 3,000 Php (58 USD)
Superior Twin – 3,400 Php (65 USD)
Deluxe King – 4,200 Php (81 USD)
Deluxe Triple – 4,500 Php (86 USD)

Tip: We booked our Standard Double room at U Hotels for less than 2,000 Php. Like us, you too can enjoy huge discount if you book your U Hotels room HERE.

Lobby Lounge

Upon entering U Hotels Makati, a classy yet modern vibe will welcome you in its lobby lounge. There is an area showing “Welcome” in various languages designed by a local artist and calligrapher Arvin del Rosario. Being a budget hotel, it was surprising to see its lobby lounge filled with high-end fixtures and furnitures.

The entire lobby lounge is available for guests who want hang-out, eat or even work! There’s actually an abundance of electrical sockets in U Hotels Lobby Lounge!

Free Snacks and Coffee 24/7

If you are a checked-in guest, U Hotels Makati provides free snacks, juices and coffee 24/7! This perk for U Hotels guests are available on its lobby lounge.

When we visited U Hotels, free snacks were unlimited animal shaped cookies and a biscocho. Available drinks were unlimited coffee, Pandan Iced tea and fruits and vegetables infused water.

Complimentary Breakfast

Budget hotels do not usually offer complimentary breakfast buffet but not in U Hotels Makati! This art hotel serves buffet breakfast daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

U Hotels Makati’s complimentary breakfast did not disappoint! The overflowing coffee, scrambled egg and fried rice made our morning! I first experienced having options for bacon (regularly cooked or crispy) at Hennan Prime Beach Resort in Boracay and U Hotels also offers such options on their breakfast buffet!

Apart from their crispy bacon, another must try on U Hotel Makati’s buffet breakfast is their waffles. Note though that waffles are served upon request. So, make sure to ask one of the friendly waitresses if you want to add waffles on your breakfast.

Great Customer Service

Being a budget-friendly hotel, I should say that I did not expect on U Hotels’ customer service. To my surprise, U Hotels staff are very welcoming and accommodating! We felt very special right the moment we arrived in U Hotel’s vicinity. The guard immediately helped us securing a parking in front of the hotel. When we entered the lobby, U Hotel’s pleasing receptionists greeted and immediately accommodated us for check-in. There was even a staff who helped us carry our backpacks to our room. The waitresses in the hotel’s dining area are also very accommodating. With the superb customer service, we felt we were staying in a 4 star hotel.

Tip: If you are bringing a car, note that U Hotels has a limited parking space. Make sure to arrive before check-in to secure a parking.

Standard Double Room

We booked our U Hotels Makati room via Agoda and we had the Standard Double room for less than 2000 Php (38 USD). I was excited to see our room as the wall art in each U Hotels room is unique. I was wondering what would be the design on our room’s wall.

Standard Room at U Hotels — Standard Double Room at U Hotels

All U Hotels rooms have modern minimalist interiors with fusion of industrial design. Our room has an uneven cut and I like the fact that furnitures and fixtures were carefully and strategically arranged throughout the room. There is an open cabinet and beneath it is a personal refrigerator and a space for luggage. I personally love the modern and industrial design of the cabinet and would definitely love to have one at home!

The room also comes with a vanity area that can also be used as a work area. If you have valuables, there is also a safety deposit box. If you need something, front desk is just a call away as the room also has a telephone.

Across the work area is sofa bed, side table and the double bed. The bed is very comfortable and is at par with the ones you get to experience in high-end hotels. The linens and pillows are good too! I just wish that they would provide more than two pillows given that it is a double bed.

Across the sofa bed and the bed is an LCD cable TV. When we visited U Hotels, there was a notice inside the elevator that both cable TV and WiFi connection are currently being improved. So we only had few channels on the TV and weak internet connection. I’m pretty sure that U Hotels now has improved cable TV channels and strong internet connection.

Another surprise at U Hotels is its toilet and bath. Just like other high-end hotels, basic toiletries are provided. The spacious toilet and bath are separated by a glass partition. There is a hot and cold shower and a generous volume of liquid soap and shampoo. The water pressure is great too!

Best Budget Hotel in Poblacion, Makati?

As of this writing, I’ve tried 3 hotels in Poblacion, Makati and I should say that my favorite is U Hotels! It is strategically located and is near to restaurants, bars and malls. The entire hotel and its rooms are very clean and well maintained. And of course the customer service is good! Not to mention their free snacks 24/7 plus and their yummy complimentary breakfast!

U Hotels Makati

Address: 5091 P. Burgos Street Corner San Mateo Street, Poblacion, Makati City, Philippines
Contact Numbers: +632 820 1000
E-mail: [email protected]
Discounted Room Rates HERE.

Food
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- Metro Manila

Where to eat Authentic Japanese Food in Makati? Little Tokyo

Posted on December 3, 2017December 4, 2017by One Armed Wanderer

If you are a food adventurer, you must have tried a number of food places and food parks in the metro. If you particularly love Japanese food, there is a compound packed with authentic Japanese restaurants right in the middle of the busy and bustling Makati City – Little Tokyo.

Little Tokyo Makati Location

This must visit food place is located in Chino Roces corner Fernando street in Makati City. Being in the central business district, Little Tokyo is very accessible and is near to various offices and malls.

Tip: Being in Makati, parking can be a bit difficult. You can comfortably visit Little Tokyo by Uber. I am giving you 50 Pesos off on your first 2 trips with uber. Details here.

Japanese Feels

As expected, once you enter Little Tokyo, you will feel like you are on a different place. The restaurant’s facade along tables and chairs in the al fresco area give Japanese feels to visitors and diners.

Little Tokyo Restaurants

Oishinbo
Nodasho
Riozen
Hana
Kagura
Urameshiya
Oishinbo
Yamazaki
Bunchum
Shinjuku Ramen
Kikufuji
Chotto Stop
Sekitori

Jen and I arrived a bit late for dinner. We were clueless where to eat as all restaurants seem to offer same menu of authentic Japanese food. We initially checked-out 2 restaurants and ended up dining at Oishinbo.

Dinner at Oishinbo Restaurant

Among all restaurants in Little Tokyo, Oishinbo has the most eye-catching facade. I must admit that it’s facade was our deciding factor in choosing Oishinbo for our first Little Tokyo visit.

To me, the restaurant’s interiors look a bit old. Oishinbo has this feel you get when you visit old restaurants in Manila’s China Town. Nonetheless, the restaurant is air-conditioned and very clean. As for the restaurant’s set-up, there are a couple of tables for groups. There is also a bar table for solo diners.

Oishinbo Menu

On their menu are Chuhai, Toriaezu, Yakitori, Nabemono, Kuysikatu, Sashimi, Sushi and Yakimono. If you drink, they offer Japanese beers such as Kirin beer and Asahibeer.

For the complete Oishinobo Menu, visit the links below:

Since it was our first time dining in Little Tokyo particularly in Oishinbo, we tried Japanese dishes that are familiar to us. We ordered Yakisoba and Pork Tonkatsu.

I was surprised the moment pork tonkatsu was served! I should say that the serving was good for two. The cut of pork tonkatsu is thick. Not the typical cut you get when dining in other Japanese restaurants. Along with the miso soup, rice, vegetables and Japanese potato salad, I should say that the serving is generous!

I personally loved the Japanese potato salad. As for the Yakisoba, it was a bit salty for our taste. Nonetheless, it was good.

Overall, our Little Tokyo experience was good. Oishinbo’s serving was generous and just right for the price. We will definitely return to search for the best Ramen in Little Tokyo. If you love Japanese food, Little Tokyo in Makati is worth a try!

Schedule: Little Tokyo Makati is open everyday from 11 AM and closes at 10 PM.
Contact Number: 02 8195008

Food
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- Metro Manila
- Travels

2 Hidden Budget Food Places in Poblacion Makati, Gabs & Tsabs

Posted on July 8, 2016July 16, 2016by One Armed Wanderer

During our budget staycation in Makati, Jen and I were determined to find cheap eats in the area. We left BRBlock Boutique and Residences for dinner and started driving in search for cheap food places in the country’s most expensive city.

Here are the 2 hidden eateries we discovered in Poblacion Makati that will surely satisfy your taste buds while not emptying your pocket:

Gabs Good Grabs

Located along Mabini street and is just few meters away from Makati Museum, Gabs Good Grabs is truly a hidden gem for budget conscious food lovers. This 24 hour diner offers a wide array of delicious and affordable food on their menu, from starters (starts at 30 Php), all day heavy breakfast (starts at 60 Php), rice meals (starts at 70 Php) to burgers and pastas (starts at 75 Php).

With its limited real estate, Gabs Good Grubs can accommodate approximately 20 diners at a time. We visited this hidden gem in Poblacion at around 10 PM and we had to wait several minutes as the place was fully occupied. As we entered the open air dining area of Gabs Good Grubs, we were greeted by the courteous waitress while handling us their menu.

Gabs Good Grub Menu

We ordered Seafood Ysabella, Supreme Salpicao and their signature Iced tea slush.

Seafood Yssabella (85 Php), mixed seafood in creamy sauce topped with Parmesan cheese served with rice and sides.

If you love seafoods and white sauce, you would never go wrong with Seafood Ysabela. The chopped fresh squids, shrimps and fish in creamy sauce is truly a must try! We super loved Seafood Ysabella! We even ordered a second plate of this yummy Gabs Good Grubs dish.

Supreme Salpicao (85 Php), combination of beef, shrimp and squid sauteed in soy garlic concoction served with rice and sides.

Given the affordability of Gabs Good Grubs rice meals, their generous serving (especially the rice) and plating/food presentation will make you think that you are not dining in an affordable food place in Makati.

Iced Tea slush (35 Php)

Location: 3273 A. Mabini St. cor. Doña Epifania St., Poblacion
Delivery contact Number: +63 2 6684340
Operating Hours: open 24 hours

Tsabs Sandwich Bar

This must visit food place is Poblacion is also located in A. Mabini street and is also few meters away from Makati museum.

Tsabs Poblacion Makati — Tsabs Sandwich Bar

If you are a burger lover, Tsabs Sandwich Bar has a pretty good selection of burgers. Choose among the 8 burgers on their menu, from the cheapest sulit Burger (50 Php) to their signature Tsabi Tsabs burger (145 Php).

Tsabs Sandwich Bar Menu

Unlike Gabs, Tsabs only has 2 small tables set-up in the street that can roughly accommodate 8 guests at a time.

We ordered cheeseburger (60 Php) and Bacon Mushroom Melt (120 Php).

Location 3259 A. Mabini Street, Poblacion, Makati City
Tsabs Contact Number: +63 9077725732
Operating Hours: 4 PM to 12 AM

Tip: I highly recommend to visit these places late night at there is only limited parking space in the area. Parking is at the front of Makati Museum.

Overall, we enjoyed the budget dining experience in Gabs Good Grub and Tsabs Sandwich Bar. If you are visiting Poblacion in Makati, forget Makati’s expensive restaurants and give these two budget-friendly food places a try!

Visiting Makati City? Book your hotel HERE.

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Hotel
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- hotel review
- Metro Manila

BRBlock Boutique and Residences Makati Review

Posted on July 3, 2016July 9, 2016by One Armed Wanderer

BRbock Boutique and Residences is one among the few affordable boutique hotels in Makati City. Situated in the Philippine’s central business district, BRBlock hotel is strategically located as it is just few minute taxi ride away from various shopping malls, bars, restaurants and offices. What sets BRblock apart from other Makati boutique hotels is that it is located in the heart of Santiago village, a peaceful and quiet Makati neighborhood.

Distance of BRblock Boutique & Residences from various landmarks:

SM Jazz Mall – 650 m
Century Mall – 750 m
Glorietta Mall – 2.9 km
Bonifacio High Street – 3.6 km
Ninoy Aquino International Airport- 7 km

Unique and Remarkable Minimalist Boutique Hotel in Makati

Opened in June 2015, BRbock Boutique and Residences building is fairly new. Not like any other boutique hotels in Makati, its facade is gray and humble but its architecture is carefully designed and truly remarkable. It is in fact one of the best boutique hotel facade I’ve seen in Makati.

This 4-storey Makati boutique hotel has an elevator. Each floor has a foyer where guests can hang-out and simply relax. The open-air industrial minimalist themed hallways are very clean and spacious for such a small hotel. From BRblock’s entrance up to the room, everything is unique and pleasing to the eye.

Deluxe Room at BRblock Boutique & Residences

The rooms are simple and very spacious. I love the minimalist but practical design of almost everything. Right after the room entrance, on the left is a mini bar with a couple of items and snacks for sale at a minimum price. Yes you heard it right! Minimum price! Unlike other boutique hotels, it was such a surprise that their snacks are quite cheap for an upscale boutique hotel.

The minibar also comes with an electric kettle, 2 coffee cups, sachets of coffee, creamer and sugar. If you are a coffee lover, BRblock Boutique & Residences offers unlimited coffee! Just call the reception and coffee sachets will be delivered right in front of your hotel room. Below the minibar is a personal refrigerator with 2 complimentary water bottles and sodas in can for sale. There is also an open closet with a vault to secure your money or valuable items. If you are bringing work to your BRblock hotel room, there is a long shelf with a mirror and a stylish lampshade that serves as the room’s work space.

Clean and stylish white linens and pillow cases cover the very comfortable bed and 4 pillows in BRblock hotel rooms. I should say that the quality of the bed and pillows can match that of expensive 5 star hotels in Makati. There is a huge cable LCD screen TV facing the bed. All rooms also come with a free Wifi.

Unlike a typical hotel, the curtain in BRblock are white roller blinds. This is perfect for the floor to ceiling sliding glass door which separates the room from the balcony. If you are a cigarette smoker, the balcony serves as the smoking area.

The simple and practical toilet and bath is very clean. The overall design complements to the minimalist theme of the hotel. Fixtures are stylish and look new. The hot and cold shower works perfectly and there are no issues with the water pressure. The toilet and bath come with toiletries such as soap, 2 toothbrush with toothpaste, cotton buds, bath shower and gel. I personally love the small soap wrapped with a BRblock branding.

BRBlock Boutique and Residences Room Rates

Compared to other Makati boutique hotels, room rates at BRblock are more affordable.

Deluxe Room for 2 persons- 1,989 Php (approx. $43)
Family room for 3 persons – 2,574 Php (approx. $55)

Tip: Room rates are cheaper if you book HERE (Agoda).

Security and Safety

As for the security, there is a security guard on duty 24/7. The entire BRBlock building is also equipped with cameras. Being in a peaceful and quiet environment, we felt very safe during our stay at BRblock.
Due to its limited real estate, BRblock boutique and residences can accommodate maximum of 6 cars and its parking space at the ground floor.

Exemplary Customer Service

Customer service is exemplary! The security guards, concierge and the rest of the staff are very welcoming, friendly and courteous. Steph, the front desk personnel welcomed us with a huge smile and even assisted us to our room upon check-in.

Other Services

24-hour front desk
luggage storage
laundry
fax/photocopying

If you are visiting Makati for a vacation or business, I would highly recommend BRblock Boutique and Residences. With its exemplary customer service, simple yet upscale atmosphere, minimalist and clean rooms, security and safety and most especially its affordability, BRblock is the best boutique hotel there is Makati.

How to Get to BRblock Boutique & Residences

Since BRblock is relatively new, most of the taxi drivers are not aware of the place yet. So make sure to have your Google map or Waze ready or just simply tell the below directions to the taxi driver.

From Kalayaan Avenue in Makati, turn left to Pililla Street. After a block, turn left to Baler Street and turn right on Penafrancia St.

BRblock Boutique & Residences Map

BRBlock Boutique and Residences Address, Contact Number and Online Booking

Address: 1631 Penafrancia St., Baranggay Valenzuela, Makati City
Contact Number: +63 2 8335121
Online Booking and Reservation: Unfortunatey, BRblock Makati does not have an official website. Alternatively, you may book your room HERE.

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