**BGC's BEST 1BR w/ Balcony, Venice Mall View & FREE Pool!**
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into the "BGC's BEST 1BR w/ Balcony, Venice Mall View & FREE Pool!" experience. And trust me, after this, you'll feel like you've actually been there, not just read a dry review. Let’s get real.
First Impressions: The Hype vs. The Reality (and My Inner Drama Queen)
Right off the bat, the name is… optimistic. "BEST 1BR!" Bold claim, honey. I mean, Manila traffic alone could convince you the "best" is a myth. BUT, the Venice Mall view? FREE pool? My weary traveler soul perked up. I booked it.
Arrival & Accessibility: Smoothish Sailing (and the Elevator's Mood)
Okay, so accessibility. This is important, and I’m going to delve in. I rely on a wheelchair and this is where things get… interesting. The listing itself wasn’t SUPER clear initially; I had to email the host for specific details, which, let’s be honest, ALWAYS makes me raise an eyebrow. But, and this is a big but, the host was fantastic. Super responsive, and they clarified everything. So, Accessibility: YES. The lobby and elevator: YES (thank god, because lugging luggage and me up stairs… not a pretty picture). The apartment itself was spacious enough to maneuver, thank goodness. Now, the elevator…oh, the elevator. It was like a moody teenager. Sometimes it was there, sometimes it wasn't. I had a moment of sheer panic waiting for the down button on a particularly busy day, imagining myself trapped forever, which is a bit melodramatic I know, but the thought of being forever stuck in a building is enough to make my heart pound.
Cleanliness and COVID Concerns: The Sanitization Symphony (and My OCD Tendencies)
Let's be real, the world is a germ factory these days. So, I was thrilled to see the level of cleanliness being advertised. The listing promised a full orchestra of sanitization: Anti-viral cleaning products, room sanitization between stays, daily disinfection in common areas (bless!), and even… (deep breath) professional-grade sanitizing services?! I got the giggles. I’m a bit of a germaphobe, so this made me a very happy camper. Okay, maybe a slightly more relaxed camper. I especially appreciated the hand sanitizer everywhere and the individually-wrapped food options when they were available. The staff seemed genuinely trained in safety protocols. Very reassuring.
The Room: Cozy Haven or Cramped Concrete Jungle? (It Depends!)
The "1BR" was accurate. The balcony, overlooking the Mall… that was the star. The view was indeed spectacular, especially at night all lit up. Imagine: The soft glow of the mall, the lights glistening on the water, the subtle hustle and bustle far below. (I almost forgot I was still in Manila!) Inside, well, it was a little tight, fine. It had everything I needed: comfortable bed, a decent desk (essential for me), a mini-fridge for my emergency snacks, a coffee maker, and the holy grail - Wi-Fi that actually worked! (More on that later).
In-Room Amenities – The Good, The Bad, and the Bizarre
- Internet – WiFi Everywhere! YES! Free WiFi. And again, IT WORKED. Glorious, reliable internet. I could finish my work, video chat with my family, and even stream a movie (which, let’s be honest, is a high priority for me).
- Coffee and Tea – Complimentary Tea: I’m a tea person, so that's a win.
- Bathroom Bliss: The shower was decent, the water hot (a Manila miracle!), and the toiletries… well, they were there.
- The Bed: Comfortable, yes. Extra-long bed? Probably not for me (I'm short!).
- What’s missing? Maybe some more power outlets near the bed. I am a gadget-using human, and I need all the plugs!
The Pool: A Refreshing Dive (and the Murmurs of Gossip)
The free pool was definitely a highlight. The view from the pool was just as promised, overlooking the Venice Mall, creating a sort of illusion. The water was clean, and it was just bliss to relax and soak in the heat. The pool was a lovely escape from the city. I did manage to overhear some snippets of gossip, which, I have to admit, is part of the fun of being around people.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Foodie's Field Day (or a Diet's Demise)
- The Restaurant: I didn't try the main restaurant, but boy, there were options. A la carte! International cuisines! I saw Asian cuisine being touted.
- The Snack Bar and Convenience Store: Quick snacks at the ready. It was a lifesaver.
- Food Delivery: They had the option. Yay!
- Mini-Bar: Oh, and a mini-bar with the important stuff.
Services and Conveniences – Smooth Sailing… Mostly
- 24-Hour Front Desk: Always appreciated.
- Luggage Storage: Yes.
- Concierge: Helpful.
- Doorman: There.
- Elevator: Mentioned before. The most important.
- Laundry Service: I needed it. They provided it. Perfect.
- Daily Housekeeping: Yay!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: From Spa to Stress-Free (Almost)
- The Spa: I didn't get a chance to visit the spa, but the thought was lovely!
- The Fitness Center: Yes for those so inclined.
- For the Kids: There was a babysitting service available, for those with kids.
Getting Around – Navigating the Manila Mayhem
- Car Park (on-site, free!): Hallelujah! Free parking in Manila is a rare and beautiful thing.
- Airport Transfer: Available! Important.
- Taxi Service & Valet Parking: Present, which is very helpful.
Things That Could've Been Better (The Honest Truth)
- Some Wear and Tear: The apartment wasn't exactly pristine. Some minor scuffs, but nothing major.
- The Elevator's Moodiness: Seriously, get that thing sorted!
- The Lack of Coffee: I'm a big stickler for good coffee, so that might be me.
Overall Impression: Would I recommend it?
Yes. Absolutely. For the price, the view, the free pool, the cleanliness, and the super helpful host, it's a winner. It's not perfect, but it's a great base for exploring BGC and a comfortable place to unwind after a long day. It's a solid choice.
Hammett's Hotel: Your Dream US Getaway Awaits!Okay, buckle up buttercup, because here's my chaotic, honest, and hopefully hilarious itinerary for Morgan Suite BGC – and not just any suite, but the one with the balcony, Venice Mall access, and promise of a free pool! Prepare for a bumpy ride through my brain…
The Chaotic Philippines Adventure: Morgan Suite & Beyond (Or, How I Almost Died of Deliciousness)
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Venetian Panic (Or, “Where’s My San Miguel?”)
- 1:00 PM (ish): Landed in Manila. Heat. Humidity. My hair instantly went full frizz-monster. Already regretting the decision to pack a cardigan. Manila traffic… it's an experience. Let's just say I've learned the value of pre-booking an airport transfer. More than once.
- 2:30 PM: Finally, FINALLY, arrived at the Morgan Suite. The building looked impressive. The lobby? Swanky. The room… oh, the room! One bedroom, balcony, everything advertised. Score! Except… the balcony faces… another building. Cue a minor internal moan of disappointment. But hey, free pool, right? Gotta keep the "glass half full" vibe happening, especially considering the drive.
- 3:00 PM: Unpacked (mostly). Tried to figure out the TV situation. Gave up. The WiFi works, which is the important part, I guess. Started exploring the suite. The kitchen looked well-appointed, but is there even a proper coffee maker? This could be a dealbreaker.
- 4:00 PM: The Venice Grand Canal Mall Debacle: "Oh no, the Venice Grand Canal Mall is just across the street!" I thought. "This is going to be the best trip ever!" Wrong. So, so wrong.
- Phase 1: The Boat Ride of Doom (And Joy): The gondolas. Yes, I did it. For the Instagram. Okay, for the experience. It was… quaint. A little cheesy. The gondolier sang, which was charming, until he hit a note that made me fear for the structural integrity of the plastic gondola. He asked for a tip so I fumbled for the pesos I had. The boats were actually on a long river that has tons of shops and restaurants.
- Phase 2: The "How Much Is This?" Food Fight: Okay, the mall is a sensory overload. So many restaurants, so many smells. Started craving all of them. This is where things went south for my wallet. I wandered around, gaping at the prices. I got "hangry" real fast.
- The Food Court Frenzy: I ended up in the food court. The sheer variety was overwhelming. I saw this one small restaurant that had an interesting menu. Ordered a bowl of something I couldn't quite pronounce (but smelled amazing) and a plate of something that was suspiciously like fried chicken. Holy. Mother. Of. Flavor. The chicken was seasoned perfectly. I inhaled the first bite. I wanted to cry. I had to eat until my stomach wanted to burst.
- The Panic: Realization: I overspent. I got carried away. I forgot I had to budget. I wanted to just live in the dream of fried chicken and savory bowls of goodness. Panic.
- The Rescue: The San Miguel finally showed up, and it was glorious! Sitting at a small table, watching the throngs of people wander by. Everything was good again.
- 7:00 PM: Back at the suite. The balcony view doesn't improve. But… the exhaustion hits. I'm going to bed early.
Day 2: Pool Dreams and the Great Coffee Quest
- 7:00 AM (ish): Woke up. This time, the sun is making its way through. The thought of having morning coffee is a strong motivator to find a coffee maker.
- 8:00 AM: Coffee situation: Success! A cute little French press! Found some coffee. Made coffee. Coffee achieved. Momentary bliss.
- 9:00 AM: The Pool! The moment of truth. Dragged myself down to the pool. It's as advertised: Free, clean, and… relatively empty! Okay, this is living. I park myself at a poolside lounger. Sunkissed skin, cool water. Life is good. For about an hour.
- 10:00 AM: The sun is getting intense. Time for a break. Back to the room. Sunburn alert!
- 11:00 AM: "Let's venture on a culinary quest!" I thought. "For the best tasting Filipino food ever!"
- Trying to Find the Best Filipino Food: I did my research. I asked around. I consulted the internet. The results? Overwhelming.
- The Adventures of the Best Filipino Food: I decided I needed a plan. This would be my mission.
- Visit 1: Got a recommendation for a place nearby. I walked there. The restaurant was more crowded than I expected. The menu was long. I was intimidated.
- Visit 2: Found a place in the Venice Grand Canal mall. The food was okay. But I felt something was missing.
- Visit 3: I decided to try a restaurant that had rave reviews. When I got there I was told that it was closed for renovations.
- 2:00 PM: Give up. I'll try again, I tell myself.
- 3:00 PM: Netflix and Chill.
- 7:00 PM: Back to the mall for dinner. Maybe the fried chicken place again? Tempting…
Day 3: The Departure Day (Or, The Final Attempt at Order)
- 7:00 AM: Coffee, again. Maybe I can sneak in another hour at the pool. The balcony view still sucks, but I'm used to it now.
- 8:00 AM: Check-out time.
- 9:00 AM: The taxi! I hope this one doesn't take me the wrong way.
- 9:15 AM: Traffic. Of course.
- 9:30 AM: Finally on the way to the airport.
- 10:00 AM: More traffic. Trying to stay calm.
- 11:00 AM: Made it!
- 12:00 PM: Flight.
Final Thoughts:
Manila, you are a glorious, chaotic, delicious, and mildly infuriating mess. The Morgan Suite? Pretty darn great. The pool? A lifesaver. The food? I need to go back just for that fried chicken. And the Venice Grand Canal Mall? I'll be back… eventually. Next time, I'm bringing a bigger wallet and maybe some earplugs. Until then, Philippines, Salamat! This trip was a beautiful mess.
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Okay, so, REAL TALK: Is the view *really* Venice Mall-worthy? I'm talking Instagram-able, because let's be honest, that's important these days...
Alright, alright, settle down, Insta-influencer wannabes. The view? It's...good. Like, *really* good. It's the Venice Mall, so you get the gondolas, the (slightly) cheesy architecture, and the general vibe of "pretending you're in Italy while sweating in the Manila heat." Now, is it the Eiffel Tower? Nope. But from the balcony, especially as the sun sets and those little lights twinkle on the gondolas...yeah, it's pretty damn nice. I remember the first time I saw it. I actually *gasped*. Then I spent, like, a solid hour just staring, contemplating life and how I’d ended up with a view *this* nice. It’s definitely a conversation starter. And yes, I've taken plenty of pictures. Probably too many. Don't judge me! Okay, maybe you can judge a little.
The "FREE Pool" - is it a bathtub or an actual swimming pool of glory? And are the kids always hogging it?
Alright, so, the pool. "FREE Pool!" It sounds promising, right? And it *is* a proper swimming pool! Not some sad, shrunken thing. It’s a decent size, a reasonable depth. The water is usually clean. BUT... the kids. Oh, the *kids*. They're like, tiny, screaming, water-balloon-wielding, energy-fueled tornadoes of joy. I love kids, really I do. But sometimes, you just want to float in peace, you know? My first time, I went down all excited, ready to channel my inner mermaid, and I swear there were at least 20 kids in there, practicing their dives and screaming "Marco!" It was less Zen-like and more...splash zone. I eventually found a quiet corner, but after that, my pool sessions became highly strategic. Going super early or in the late evening is your best bet. Or, you know, befriending a kid and blackmailing them with snacks. Totally kidding... mostly.
The *balcony*! Spill the tea – is it actually usable, or just a glorified, mosquito-infested fire escape? I need my morning coffee spot sorted!
Ohhh, the balcony. The glorious balcony. It's one of the main reasons I fell in love with the place! Yes, it's *completely* usable. Totally worth it. It's big enough for a small table and chair (or two if you're feeling social), and the view – we've already discussed the view! Morning coffee? Absolutely divine. Afternoon cocktails? Game changer. Evenings spent watching the city lights twinkle? Pure bliss. I've spent countless hours out there just...existing. There was the occasional mosquito attack, yes. I bought a citronella candle and it was all good. The breeze is usually pretty good, which helps. But yeah, balcony is a winner. 10/10, would sip coffee there again. In fact, I'm tempted to go out there RIGHT NOW. BRB…
1BR – tiny living or just right? Can I actually, you know, *live* in this thing?
Okay, 1BR. Let's be honest, space is at a premium in BGC. It's not a mansion, that's for sure. But it *is* surprisingly well-designed. I initially thought, “1BR? Am I going to be bumping into walls constantly?” Nope. It feels…cozy, not cramped. It’s cleverly laid out. The living area is separate enough from the bedroom for some semblance of privacy. And honestly? It made me realize how much stuff I *didn't* need. I’ve lived in bigger places and felt more claustrophobic. It's perfect for a single person or a couple. You can definitely *live* in this thing. It forces you to be a bit more minimalist, which, in my neurotic opinion, is a good thing. (Says the person who still managed to acquire a small mountain of stuff…)
Venice Mall View: Beyond the Insta-potential, is it noisy? Do I have to listen to gondola serenades at 3 AM?
Noise, ah yes, the bane of modern living. Okay, so, the noise. It's BGC, so it's not dead silent. You can hear some general city hum. The gondolas? Surprisingly, less noisy than you'd think. They're not blasting music 24/7. Their little singers start sometimes, it's not annoying, it's romantic. Now, what *is* noisy is construction. BGC is constantly building something. ALWAYS. On a scale of annoying, it's a 6. But it's not a deal-breaker, at least to me. I got used to it pretty quickly. You might hear some car traffic and the occasional reveler. But, overall, pretty good, especially considering the location is prime. If you're super sensitive to noise, maybe bring earplugs. Or, you know, embrace the urban symphony. It's part of the experience!
What about the kitchen situation? Can I ACTUALLY cook, or is it a hotplate and microwave situation?
The kitchen is *functional*. Not a chef's dream kitchen, but it works. You get the basics: a stove, a refrigerator, a sink. Counter space is…adequate. I managed to make spaghetti with garlic and olive oil in there, so, you know, high praise. Enough to actually cook. It also depends on your personal cooking habits. I’m a pretty simple cook, which made the layout perfect. If you're into gourmet meals, you might find it a tad challenging. Again, no pressure to be Heston Blumenthal here. I once tried to bake a cake in that kitchen. Disaster. Utter, hilarious, flour-everywhere disaster. So, yeah, stick to simpler recipes.
Location, location, location! How's the accessibility? Can I *walk* to things, or am I forever stuck in traffic?
The location is a huge win. It's BGC! You can walk to the Venice Mall (hello, restaurants and shops!), and it's relatively easy to get a taxi or Grab. Traffic in BGC is generally better than in other parts of Manila (though "better" is a relative term). When I first moved in, I was SO thrilled; I could finally *walk* to things. I could hit the grocery store easily. The coffee shops were a quick stroll away. It's convenient, no doubt. The bus stops are also readily available. But always remember the traffic can still get you from place A to B.
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