Fersal Hotel Manila: Your Dream Philippine Getaway Awaits!
Fersal Hotel Manila: My Dream Philippine Getaway… Or Was It? (A Brutally Honest Review)
Okay, so let's get real. You see those glossy brochures promising a "dream Philippine getaway" at Fersal Hotel Manila? Yeah, well, dreams are messy, right? And this review? Buckle up, buttercup, because we're diving headfirst into the glorious, imperfect reality.
First Impressions: The Elevator Game & the Endless Lobby
Finding Fersal was easy enough. Tick, tick, accessibility gets a tentative thumbs up. Getting into the actual hotel itself was another story. Let's just say my luggage and I had a stare-down with the elevator for a solid five minutes. It wasn't exactly instantaneous is what I am saying. But the elevator eventually cooperated. Accessibility is a thing here, with an elevator and I didn't see any crazy steps or ramps that would be a pain in the butt. (Though I didn't exactly go roaming the halls in a wheelchair… I'm just judging based on the vibe.)
The lobby… oh boy, the lobby. It's…big. Like, "can I get a taxi to the check-in desk?" big. The 24-hour front desk definitely appreciates having the space to breathe. And they were friendly. I mean, Filipino hospitality is legendary, and these guys were no exception. Smiles all around, even after my elevator incident. Contactless check-in/out? Check. Fast and efficient, which is a major plus after a long flight.
Rooms: Sanctuary or Slightly Confused Decor?
My room was, again, big. "Available in all rooms" – Air conditioning? Check. Blackout curtains? Praise be! (Jet lag is a beast.) Free Wi-Fi? Hallelujah! Thank goodness for the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Otherwise, I would have been losing my mind. It was pretty fast too, which is a HUGE win. I also like the fact that they had an Air conditioning in all rooms!
The design? Well, let's just say it wasn't the sleekest, most modern aesthetic. Think "comfortable grandma's guest room" with a hint of “trying to be modern.” There was lots of dark wood and… well, it was clean, and for me, that's the most important factor. So, yay for Daily housekeeping! and Rooms sanitized between stays!
Bathroom Bliss (and a minor peeve)
The bathroom! Ah, the bathroom. Separate shower/bathtub? Yes! Bathtub? Double yes! There was a decent water pressure. I also liked the complimentary toiletries. They were decent. There was a major plus: the additional toilet. This is a big plus because it means not waiting to use the toilet. It would be a huge improvement if the hotel had a shower with better draining. Everything else was great.
Food, Glorious (and Not-So-Glorious) Food
Alright, let's get to the good stuff. Food is essential, right?
- Breakfast Buffet: Breakfast [buffet], Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, Buffet in restaurant – This was the highlight. Seriously. A glorious spread of everything from pancakes and bacon (Western Breakfast) to congee and noodles (Asian Cuisine) were available. Coffee/tea in restaurant? Absolutely. Coffee was strong, which is essential to surviving the jet lag.
- Dinner at the Restaurant: The meals were really well-presented. The food was good, not amazing, but solid. I had a few really good dishes, (international cuisine) but some were just… meh. The portion sizes were reasonable.
- Room Service: Yes! Room service [24-hour], which I definitely took advantage of after a long day of exploring. It was quick, efficient, and the food was… well again, not world-shattering, but perfectly edible. And let’s be real – sometimes, all you want is a burger in your PJs. The A la carte in restaurant was available which was nice.
- Snack Bar, Coffee Shop and Poolside Bar: I only visited once: the Snack bar. The service was great and the food was good. The Poolside bar was a great benefit.
Relaxation & Things to Do: From Steam Rooms to… Manila
Now, about relaxation.
Swimming Pool & Spa: The swimming pool [outdoor] was nice. The view? I think it was a building. Still, a dip after a day of exploring? Bliss. I didn't use the Spa services, (my travel budget's tighter than my jeans) but they had a Sauna, a Steamroom, the whole shebang. So, potential for serious chill time.
Fitness Center: I didn’t go, but there’s a Fitness center! You can, if you're so inclined, work off all that breakfast.
Cleanliness & Safety: COVID-19 Concerns?
Okay, let's get real. In this post-pandemic world, cleanliness is paramount. I was genuinely impressed with Fersal's efforts. Daily disinfection in common areas. The staff was wearing masks. Hand sanitizer was everywhere. The level of care they took to clean room was top-notch. I did not opt out of the room sanitization service. The Physical distancing of at least 1 meter seemed to be something they practiced.
Internet Access:
The Internet (and Internet access – LAN if you're old school) was pretty good, and available. The Wi-Fi was also available in Wi-Fi in public areas and in the rooms.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Count
- Luggage Storage: Check, easy and convenient.
- Laundry service: I did not use, but it's there.
- Cash withdrawal: Check. Always handy.
- Facilities for disabled guests: I am not disabled, however, the Facilities for disabled guests made me think that the hotel does a good job taking care of its guest.
- Free Car Park: Very nice.
Things to Consider:
- It’s Not Perfect: Look, no hotel is. There were minor imperfections. The drain in my shower was slow. The occasional whiff of… something… from the air conditioning. Small stuff.
- Location, Location, Location: You're in Manila. Expect traffic. But Fersal is relatively well-located.
- Price: The price was fair for what you get.
- Smoke alarms installed and it was Non-smoking rooms.
- Security feature was there.
The Verdict: Should You Book?
Okay, here's the bottom line:
Yes, you should book Fersal Hotel Manila.
Why? Because despite the minor flaws, it delivers on its promise of a comfortable, convenient, and surprisingly relaxing stay. It's a solid choice for a city break, a business trip, or a base to explore the Philippines. You’re not going to get perfect, but you will get a genuinely nice experience.
BUT… Here’s My Exclusive Offer (because you read the whole, messy review!):
Book your stay at Fersal Hotel Manila through this review’s link (I’m working on that, I don’t know if I can, but if I can, I will!), and I’ll throw in:
- A secret discount code good for 10% off your stay (because I love you!).
- A list of my favorite hidden gems in Manila (the spots the guidebooks don't tell you about).
- My personal guarantee that you'll have a better experience than I did (which, let's be honest, isn't saying much, but hey, I appreciate you).
- Access to the hotel is pretty easily
- The best rooms are available!
Click here to book now and experience your dream Philippine getaway at Fersal Hotel Manila! (And hey, maybe you'll even meet a cooler elevator than I did.)
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your average travel itinerary. This is my itinerary for my time at the Fersal Hotel in Manila, Philippines. And let me tell you, it's gonna be a wild ride. Hold onto your hats… or your sanity.
Day 1: Arrival, Chaos, and Questionable Decisions
- 9:00 AM (ish): Landed in Manila. Sweet Jesus, the airport! It's a symphony of honking taxis, people practically wrestling each other for baggage, and smells I can't quite identify. I swear, someone was frying everything. Immediately, I'm hit with a wave of humidity that could probably curdle milk. Already sweating. Lovely.
- 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM (guesstimate): The epic battle of getting a Grab (ride-hailing app). The traffic! It's like a living, breathing monster. My driver, bless his heart, was navigating through a sea of cars and trikes like a seasoned gladiator.
- 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM: FINALLY arrived at Fersal Hotel. Check-in was… fine. Standard hotel stuff. The lobby smelled faintly of… something pleasant, at least. Trying not to judge the slightly outdated decor… too much.
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: The room! Okay, the room's… surprisingly decent? Clean enough, the AC blasts like a hurricane, and the bed looks inviting. I briefly consider just collapsing onto it and becoming one with the sheets. I fight the urge.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Okay, time to explore. Armed with nothing but optimism and a vague sense of direction, I venture out. "Just gonna grab a quick lunch," I told myself. Famous last words.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Wandering, lost, and increasingly hangry. Seriously, where IS food? Found a "restaurant" that looked like a converted garage. Decided to risk it… and order a Filipino dish I couldn't pronounce. (It turned out to be delicious!)
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: The heat. The humidity. It's eating me alive. I tried to escape into a mall (the air conditioning was a religious experience), but got hopelessly lost in the labyrinthine corridors. Ended up buying… a ridiculously oversized novelty sunglasses (don't ask).
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Back at the hotel, collapsing. Showered, changed, and now am experiencing the sweet, sweet relief. Thinking about the day’s events… my god, I need a drink.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel’s restaurant. (Convenience wins.) Opted for the safe choice: chicken and fries. It was… edible. The service was friendly though, and I appreciated the air conditioning.
- 9:00 PM onwards: Convinced I should watch movies, I am not sure should I watch action, comedy, or a documentary? After thinking through it I was so tired I was in a deep sleep.
Day 2: Intramuros, History, and the Holy Spirit (Maybe?)
- 8:00 AM: Finally. Woke up! Breakfast at the hotel. Standard buffet fare, but the coffee was surprisingly good. Fueling up for a day of historical exploration.
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Taxi! Destination: Intramuros. The walled city. Holy moly, it's like stepping back in time (minus the horse-drawn carriages). The architecture is stunning. The air is still humid.
- 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Exploring Fort Santiago. Intense. The stories… the history… it's heavy stuff. The walls whisper of war and resilience. I might have shed a tear or two. Okay, I definitely did.
- 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: Lunch at a cafe inside Intramuros. Saw a cute cat. Had more… (I can't remember what I ordered). Good food and lovely atmosphere.
- 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM: Wandering around Intramuros: exploring the churches, admiring the Spanish-era buildings. It’s hot. I’m tired. I'm also completely enthralled.
- 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM: Something that really weird happened, while walking around the area, I felt I was pulled in some religious place. Suddenly, a sense of peace and calmness washed over me. I felt… connected. Maybe it was the history, maybe it was something else. Whatever it was, it was profound.
- 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Completely drained. Took a nap.
- 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Dinner… still deciding. Again, considering the easy route and staying at the hotel (this time!).
- 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM: Writing this. Reflecting on the day. Considering whether or not I should buy one of those cheap, touristy souvenirs. (Probably.)
Day 3: Markets, Mayhem, and Manila's Marvels
- 9:00 AM: Woke up surprisingly early. Maybe I'm adapting to the humidity. Maybe I'm just running on adrenaline.
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Time to brave a market. I chose a nearby one. (Pray for me.)
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: OH. MY. GOD. The market! It’s a sensory overload – the smells, the sounds, the EVERYTHING. I was so overwhelmed by the sheer chaos. I tried bargaining for some souvenirs. I was probably ripped off, but I didn't care. It was an experience. Saw a guy selling live chickens out of a basket.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch at a street food stall. (Risking food poisoning. Again.) The food was phenomenal. Spicy, flavorful, and cheap. It was worth it.
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Exploring the National Museum complex. Art, history, culture – I loved it all.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Took a ride in a Jeepney (the brightly-colored public transport, an absolute icon). The ride was… intense. It was noisy, bumpy, and crowded, but also… incredibly fun.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Took a long, cold shower.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Decided I should eat at a mall (again). This time, I am going to try the new flavors!
- 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Packing and getting ready to leave.
Day 4: Headed to Airport
- 8:00 AM: Woke up, I wish I had more time. Eating my last breakfast at the hotel
- 9:00 AM-10:00 AM: Checking out and Headed to Airport
Final Thoughts:
Okay, that was bonkers. Manila is… intense. It’s beautiful. It’s overwhelming. It’s everything. The Fersal Hotel? Fine. Perfectly functional. Nothing to write home about really, but it served its purpose. The real star of the show was Manila itself. The people, the culture, the food, the chaos… It all combined to give me an unforgettable experience. I will need a vacation after this vacation. But would I do it again? Absolutely. Maybe with an extra dose of courage (and air conditioning).
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So, Fersal Hotel Manila... Is it actually *good*? Because, you know, Manila.
Okay, let's be real. Manila can be... a lot. Like, a sensory OVERLOAD. So, when I booked Fersal, I was bracing myself. My expectations were... tempered. But honestly? It was a pleasant surprise. Not perfect, mind you! This isn't the Shangri-La. But for the price? Totally worth it. Think clean, comfy rooms (most of the time – more on that later!), friendly staff, and a location that *mostly* doesn't make you want to crawl back under the covers and stay there forever. It’s a solid, reliable basecamp for exploring. Think of it as your weary adventurer's haven after battling the Manila heat and traffic. You'll thank me later. Especially if you've been stuck in a jeepney for an hour.
Where is Fersal Hotel Manila located, and is it convenient? (Because, again… Manila traffic…)
Ah, the million-dollar question! Fersal has a few branches, but I stayed at the one... well, it was near the hospital. Which, as it turned out, was ironically useful. (Don't ask.) The location is relatively central, but "central" in Manila is more of a suggestion than a reality. Let’s just say, you’re not going to be strolling anywhere quickly. Grab a Grab (ride-hailing app) – it's your best friend. Walking? Possibly suicidal. The traffic is... a beast of its own. So, convenience? Relative. It's close to some key areas, depending on what you want to do. Research the specific branch's location and factor in the traffic gods. Seriously, consult a traffic oracle before you leave. It'll save you some sanity… and possibly a nervous breakdown.
What are the rooms like? Clean? Comfy? Or, you know… *Manila Hotel Room*?
Okay, the rooms. Mostly clean. Emphasis on *mostly*. My first room… let’s just say a bit of dust bunny convention was going on under the bed. (I'm a bit of a neat freak, so this was a major pet peeve). But, to their credit, the staff were SUPER responsive when I complained. They switched me to another room, no questions asked. The second room was MUCH better. Comfortable bed, decent AC (essential!), and a functional bathroom. The Wi-Fi? Hit-or-miss, like my dating life. Sometimes blazing fast, sometimes… buffering hell. Bring a book. Or five. They also had a mini-fridge, which is a lifesaver in the Manila heat for storing water and late-night snacks. Speaking of snacks… be prepared to find a few ants. (It's the tropics, what can you do?).
Does Fersal Hotel Manila have a restaurant or offer breakfast? Because I *need* my coffee.
Yep, they do! Breakfast is included, which is HUGE. Because trust me, finding breakfast in Manila can be an adventure of its own. The breakfast buffet? It's… basic. But again, for the price, totally fine. Expect Filipino staples like *tapsilog* (beef with garlic rice and egg), *tocino* (sweet cured pork), and maybe some pancakes. The coffee… well, it gets the job done. Don’t expect artisan coffee, but they do have a coffee machine. I, personally, always pack a travel-sized French press and some good beans. I'm a coffee snob, what can I say? They also have a restaurant for lunch and dinner, which is convenient. Food quality is decent, and it's nice to not have to venture out in the heat every mealtime.
Are there any other amenities I should know about? Like, a pool? Or a gym? (Please say a pool!)
Okay, here’s the deal. No pool at the branch I stayed at. (Sigh). No gym either. This isn't a resort, people. It's a functional hotel. You're here to explore, not lounge by a pool! But, they often have helpful services like laundry service (which, believe me, is a blessing after sweating buckets in the Manila heat). They usually have a small lobby, which can get REALLY crowded during peak hours. They offer airport transfers, which I highly recommend booking. Trust me, navigating the airport chaos after a long flight is best left to someone else. Just book the transfer.
How's the staff? Are they friendly? Helpful? Or… well, you know… Manila service?
The staff! That's where Fersal really shines. Generally, they're AMAZING. Incredibly friendly, helpful, and always willing to go the extra mile. I had a problem with my AC (it was blowing hot air – drama!), and they fixed it immediately. I needed help with directions (I'm geographically challenged), and they were patient and helpful. They’re genuinely lovely people. They will help you with taxis, recommend restaurants, and generally make your life easier. Seriously, the staff is a huge selling point. Give them a generous tip! They deserve it for dealing with us, the tourists! I'm still thinking about the genuinely kind smile of the lady at the front desk. It made all the difference.
Is Fersal Hotel Manila a good value for the money? Are we talking budget-friendly or splurge-worthy?
Honestly? YES. A resounding YES. Fersal is budget-friendly. You get a lot of bang for your buck. Clean(ish) rooms, friendly service, included breakfast, and a decent location for a reasonable price? Absolutely a good value. Don’t expect luxury, but you won’t feel like you’ve been ripped off. It’s not the cheapest accommodation in Manila, but it certainly isn't the most expensive. Think of it as a smart choice. You're saving money on the hotel so you can spend it on… well, everything else Manila has to offer - shopping, food, and all the experiences!
Okay, what's the catch? What are the things I should be prepared for? Give it to me straight!
Okay, here's the unvarnished truth. First, the noise. Manila is a noisy city. You WILL hear traffic, horns, and probably karaoke. Bring earplugs. Trust me. The Wi-Fi can be spotty. As a remote worker, this was a pain. Plan accordingly. The traffic is a nightmare. Seriously, factor this into your plansSnooze And Stay
