Escape to Paradise: Fersal Hotel Neptune Makati Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Fersal Hotel Neptune Makati - Or, My Glorious, Messy, and Ultimately Surprisingly Pleasant Philippine Getaway!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill ALL the tea (and maybe a little bit of pancit) on my recent stay at the Fersal Hotel Neptune Makati. Let's be real: planning a trip, especially to a place you've never been, is a minefield. You're bombarded with slick marketing, filtered photos, and promises of paradise. So, here's a completely unfiltered, rambling, and hopefully helpful review, warts and all. Consider this your anti-marketing guide to the Neptune.
First Impressions (and a slight near-disaster involving the ATM):
Getting there was…an experience. Let's chalk it up to "Manila traffic." The hotel's website promises "easy access" via airport transfer. I took them up on that, and the driver was… well, he got us there. He drove like a seasoned veteran of the Manila Highway Derby. The helpfulness of the concierge was a welcome change when we got there. The lobby itself is…fine. Clean enough, with that generic "hotel smell" – a mix of cleaning products and artificial happiness. Then, disaster struck. I needed cash. The ATM outside the hotel? Ate my card. Cue heart palpitations and a frantic search for a local bank. Thankfully, the front desk staff were absolute rockstars. They helped me navigate the local bank, and even offered to lend me some cash while I sorted things out. Grade: A for recovery from a near financial meltdown!
Accessibility - Can You Actually Get Around?
Alright, this is important. I’m not a wheelchair user, so I can't speak from direct experience. But, based on what I saw, Fersal Hotel Neptune Makati offers Facilities for disabled guests. There is also an elevator - a lifesaver, considering some of the rooms are on higher floors and It seems to be Wheelchair accessible. It looks like the Facilities for disabled guests are there.
The Room - My Cozy Little Fortress (and the Great Blackout Curtain Debate):
We booked a "non-smoking" room, which was crucial, given my sensitive nose and the inevitable cigarette smoke wafting through the air in Manila. The room was smaller than I'd imagined (and I'd seen the pictures!), but perfectly adequate. It had Air conditioning (essential!), a desk for laptop work (I'm forever working on the road), a mini bar – populated, thankfully, with cold drinks. The bathroom was clean, the shower had good pressure, and the slippers and bathrobes were a nice touch. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver - no, truly, a lifesaver! Sleep is precious, especially after a long flight and fighting through traffic. My only real complaint? The lighting was a bit dim. I needed a flashlight to find the TV remote sometimes. Grade: B+ - Comfortable, clean, and crucially, dark enough to sleep!
Internet Access - Will You Be Connected?
Okay, this is another make-or-break category, especially if you, like me, are glued to your devices. The good news: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Internet access is available, and Internet access – wireless is available. I'm almost certain it also have Internet [LAN]. The Wi-Fi was generally reliable, which is a HUGE plus. I managed to video call the family, catch up on work emails, and generally stay connected to the world. There's also Wi-Fi in public areas, in case you want to Instagram your breakfast buffet. Grade: A - Connected and happy!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Food, Glorious Food (and the Quest for Coffee):
Let's be real, a hotel's dining options can make or break your stay. The Fersal Hotel Neptune doesn't disappoint, though there's a few things that could be better. It comes with a Breakfast [buffet] and Asian breakfast options. The Western breakfast is well prepared. But let's get to the star of the show: the coffee. Finding decent coffee in the Philippines can be a quest. The coffee in the hotel restaurant ranged from passable to “wake me up!” strong. The Coffee shop was a godsend with Coffee/tea in restaurant. There's a Poolside bar for chilling and having a bottle of water, and the Room service [24-hour] menu was a godsend for those late-night cravings. They offer A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, and Western cuisine in restaurant. I'll be honest, some of the food was typical "hotel food" – perfectly edible, but not necessarily mind-blowing. But the staff! Always smiling, always accommodating. My personal favorite was the staff in the coffee shop. My friend even went back day after day, asking them for coffee. Grade: B+ - Good options, friendly service, and strong coffee (eventually!).
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Beyond the Room:
Alright, let's talk about the "escape" part! The Fersal boasts the following: Fitness center, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, and Swimming pool [outdoor]. I found the Swimming pool [outdoor] was lovely, with enough sun loungers for a peaceful afternoon. The swimming pool has a lovely, relaxing vibe. I didn't get a chance to use the other amenities.
Cleanliness and Safety - Peace of Mind (and Hand Sanitizer Galore):
This is HUGE, especially in this post-pandemic world. The hotel seemed genuinely committed to keeping things clean. They clearly have **Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol. And they also carry *Hand sanitizer*. *Grade: A+ - Clean and reassuring.* Seriously, I felt safe.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter:
The Fersal offers a ton of services: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center. The concierge was incredibly helpful. I loved the fact that they have a convenience store on site – perfect for snacks and forgotten essentials. The daily housekeeping was thorough and efficient. And the luggage storage came in handy upon check out.
For the Kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, and Kids meal.
Final Thoughts and the "Escape to Paradise" Offer (Because You Deserve a Break!):
Look, the Fersal Hotel Neptune Makati isn't perfect. It's not the Four Seasons. But it's a solid, comfortable, well-run hotel, especially considering the price. It's safe, it's clean, the staff are lovely, and it's well situated in Makati. It's the perfect base for exploring Manila or just getting away from the daily grind. It has CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Proposal spot, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms.
Here's my honest verdict: I'd go back! For the price, the location, and the overall experience, I'd confidently recommend the Fersal Hotel Neptune Makati to anyone looking for a comfortable and convenient stay in Manila.
And now, the Escape to Paradise Offer (Because You've Earned It!):
Escape to Paradise: Your Makati Getaway Awaits!
- Book your stay at Fersal Hotel Neptune Makati within the next 30 days and receive:
- 20% off your room rate
- Complimentary daily breakfast for two (because you deserve to start your day with a delicious spread!)
- A free welcome drink (to toast to your escape!)
- **Free Wi
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This isn't your sanitized, perfectly-planned travel itinerary. This is me, wrestling with a stay at Fersal Hotel Neptune in Makati, Philippines. Get ready for the glorious mess.
The "Fersal Fiasco" - Makati Mayhem (or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the…well, everything)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Pillow Predicament
- 1:00 PM: Landed at NAIA. The air? Humid, like a giant, sweaty hug. Taxi ride to Fersal Neptune. Traffic was a total clusterf*ck, taking almost an hour. My internal monologue at this point: "Seriously, is this the apocalypse? Is this what they mean by 'immersion'?"
- 2:00 PM: Check-in. The lobby? Kind of…blah. Beige. Functional. The receptionist, a woman named Maria with smile that could melt glaciers, was an absolute godsend, however. She seemed to anticipate my weary traveler woes.
- 2:30 PM: Room reveal! Small but clean. The AC's already blasting, which is a must in this heat. First impression: "Meh." Second impression: "Wait, are those…pillows? They look like they've been loved (and possibly fought with) by a small army." One was practically deflated. My inner Goldilocks was screaming. I promptly called Maria (again, angel!) and got them swapped. Success! Though I still think it was a bit much.
- 3:00 PM: Quick shower (bliss!) Then, I attempted to unpack. But I only managed to stare at my suitcase feeling a strange mix of exhaustion and awe. It's really the start of the trip.
- 3:30 PM: Okay, time for a snack. They have a cafe downstairs, right? I’m craving a bit of pastry.
- 4:00 PM: Cafe adventure! It had the air of a place that's seen a lot of early mornings and a lot of weary travelers. I ordered a coffee and this weird, delicious pastry with a sugary coating.
- 5:00 PM: Attempted to watch some TV. English channels were mostly news (stressful) or some really bad American sitcoms. Gave up and stared out the window. The street below buzzed with life. Jeepneys, vendors, people. It was sensory overload, in the best way.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a nearby restaurant. Found a little place that served adobo. It was the best, ever. The savory pork, the tangy, sweet sauce. My taste buds were having a party.
- 7:30 PM: Walked around the neighborhood. Makati is a whole vibe! Skyscrapers, street food, vibrant energy. I felt slightly overwhelmed, and slightly enthralled.
- 9:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Exhausted. But the pillows held up. Bonus!
- 9:30 PM: Attempted to sleep. Failed. Jet lag. The street noise. My own brain. Toss and turn.
- 11:00 PM: Gave up on sleep. Looked at the ceiling. Realized how much I loved this trip, even with the flaws.
Day 2: Exploring the Chaos & The Great Spa Escape (or, I Almost Died…of Relaxation)
- 7:00 AM: Wake up (finally!) Feeling surprisingly perky. Had one of those "I'm really here!" moments.
- 7:30 AM: Breakfast at the hotel cafe. Mostly basic stuff, but the coffee was STRONG. Needed it.
- 8:30 AM: Hit the streets. Walked to the Ayala Museum. It was super interesting, and I was really impressed with the historical artifacts.
- 10:30 AM: A short walk. Needed to sit down. Found a bench and watched the city.
- 11:00 AM: Lunch. Found a small restaurant and was completely lost with the menu. But the waiter was nice and helped me, and I wound up with some kind of noodle dish that was amazing!
- 12:30 PM: The Great Spa Escape! Okay, so Fersal Neptune has a spa? Apparently. I booked a massage, mostly because my shoulders were starting to resemble granite.
- 1:00 PM: The Spa was…interesting. Small, dimly lit, and smelling vaguely of incense and…something else I couldn’t quite place. The masseuse, a tiny woman named Elena, greeted me with a wide, confident smile. Which I appreciated.
- 1:15 PM: The massage began. Initially, I was tense. Elena worked on my knots (which were plentiful). Then, slowly, my muscles started to melt. It was like being gently squeezed from the burdens of the world.
- 1:45 PM: Near-death experience. Of relaxation. I was so zen, so blissful, I think I borderline blacked out. I swear, I was close to a full-blown out-of-body experience.
- 2:30 PM: The massage was over. I was a puddle of human bliss. Elena gave me a cup of herbal tea and I managed to get myself back to the room
- 3:00 PM: Walked around the hotel.
- 4:00 PM: Attempted to relax at the hotel pool. It was small, but clean, and the sun felt incredible. Found a shady spot and just…existed for a while.
- 5:00 PM: Went to a local bar nearby. Amazing.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner with new friends.
- 7:00 PM: Back to the room. Tired but happy.
Day 3: Manila Moments and the Final Farewell (or, Saying Goodbye to Chaos & Hello to Nostalgia)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. The pastries are still awesome.
- 9:00 AM: Check out. Another hug from Marie.
- 9:30 AM: Taxi to NAIA. Traffic!
- 10:30 AM: Attempted to rest at the airport.
- 11:00 AM: Fly.
- 12:00 PM: It's done.
Final Thoughts:
Fersal Hotel Neptune? Not perfect. A little rough around the edges. But it was my base camp. The staff was wonderful. The location was great. It was real. It was the Philippines. And that's what I came for. I'd go back. And I probably will. Because it was real. And sometimes, real is all you need.
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Escape to Paradise: Fersal Hotel Neptune Makati - The Unfiltered Truth (FAQ Edition!)
Okay, spill it! Is Fersal Hotel Neptune *actually* paradise? 'Cause, you know, hotel marketing...
Alright, alright, settle down. "Paradise" is a strong word, let's be honest. Look, it's Makati, so expect hustle and bustle. I went in with *low* expectations, let me tell you. The pictures? They're usually a lie, right? But it wasn't a complete disaster. Think more... a surprisingly decent escape hatch. It's not Tahiti, but after a week of battling traffic and deadlines, the pool, I swear, whispers sweet nothings that almost make you forget you're surrounded by concrete. Almost.
The rooms! What's the lowdown on the rooms? Cozy? Cramped? Nightmare fuel?
Rooms... um, okay. Let's just say they're... functional. I booked a "Deluxe" room, which I’m pretty sure just means "slightly less cramped." Don't expect sprawling luxury. My first impression was, "Huh, well, it *looks* clean." (Always a good start). The bed was... comfy enough. Actually, I slept like a log, which is saying something because I usually toss and turn. The aircon worked a charm which I really appreciated, the window was probably where the biggest lie told me, it faces some other building, but that's okay. Bonus points for the surprisingly powerful shower. Seriously, sometimes a good shower is all you need in life. Minus points for the slightly… dated decor. Think "slightly worn but loved for a very long time." But hey, it wasn't *ugly*. It just wasn't Instagram-ready.
The pool! Is the pool as good as it looks in the pictures? Because that really makes or breaks a stay, doesn't it?
Okay, the pool. *This* is where Fersal Neptune redeems itself, somewhat. The pictures aren't *entirely* lying. It's a decent size, clean (thank goodness!), and actually a pretty chill place to hang out. I spent a good afternoon just floating, staring at the sky, and pretending I was a million miles away. The best part? There’s an almost-hidden corner with sun loungers, that really did make me feel like I was in a tropical paradise. But, and there's always a "but," sometimes it gets a little… crowded. Makati crowds, you know? It’s not the secluded oasis of your dreams. But all in all: the most refreshing thing about the stay.
Let's talk food! Is the in-house restaurant decent, or should I just order GrabFood?
The food… okay, here's the brutal truth: it's… fine. Not gourmet, not life-changing, but edible and gets the job done. I had breakfast there one morning (included with my room, thank goodness!). The buffet was… a buffet. It had the usual suspects: eggs (cooked to order, which was a plus), some sad-looking pastries, and rice. Lots of rice. Honestly? Probably wouldn't eat there every meal. GrabFood, definitely a solid backup plan. In fact, I probably ordered GrabFood more than I ate at the hotel.
The location! How easy is it to get around? And is it noisy?
Location, location, location! It's in Makati, so you know what you're signing up for. It's near the main streets, which is convenient for getting around. Taxis are easy to hail, Grab is your best friend, and you can walk to some shops and restaurants if you're feeling brave (and can handle the heat). Noise? Yeah, it's noisy. Traffic, honking, the usual city symphony. Bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper! I'm not, so it didn't bother me too much, but it’s definitely not the quietest place on earth.
Staff? Are they friendly and helpful? Because a rude staff can REALLY ruin a vacay.
The staff! Okay, this is a mixed bag. The front desk people were always super-friendly and helpful. Check-in was a breeze. They were always willing to help with directions and recommendations. The housekeeping was efficient, and the pool staff were very attentive. Nothing to complain about there. But some of the restaurant staff seemed a little… less enthusiastic. Nothing *bad*, just… not exactly sparkling with joy. Overall, the staff was good, though.
Anything *really* bad? Any dealbreakers?
Hmmm... dealbreakers. Honestly, not really. It's not the Ritz-Carlton, and you shouldn't expect it to be. The biggest potential drawback is the noise, if you're sensitive to that. The dated decor, if you care about that, can be a turnoff. But, for the price, and for a quick escape, it's a pretty good value. I actually *liked* the fact it wasn't pretentious. The biggest issue was the internet speed. It was occasionally a crawl. I guess that’s a *minor* inconvenience, but it could be a problem if you need to work.
So, would you go back? Be honest!
Yeah, probably. For a short, no-frills escape when you need it most. For the pool. For the chance to just switch off for a weekend and *not* deal with the real world’s issues for a brief spell. It's a convenient, affordable place to relax. It’s not paradise, but it's a decent escape. I’d definitely recommend it if you’re on a budget and need some downtime. Just don't expect miracles. And bring earplugs. And maybe order GrabFood.
Okay, one more thing: Any hidden gems or insider tips? Spill the tea!
Okay, here’s the secret: Ask for a room on a higher floor. Supposedly, the noise is less… insane. Also, the pool bar has happy hour. Use it. And, seriously, the shower. It’s a surprisingly good shower. And you can’t beat a good shower. Remember that.
