Hotel Jen Manila

Staycation at Hotel Jen Manila

It was another weekend when I decided to visit Manila, and booked my overnight stay at Hotel Jen Manila.

You see, I was feeling so bored recently and I need another place to visit that doesn’t need me to go out of the city. Having this affair with the city is such a fantastic affair, however, there are times that I need some flavor.

Thus, the occasional staycation happens.

Bringing my laptop, and camera with me, along with my overnighter, I booked my car and drove me to Hotel Jen Manila. And thanks for my Expedia mobile app for easy online booking.

Located at the heart of Manila, along Roxas Boulevard, the former Traders Hotel is one of the accessible hotels within the area. And as I was browsing my Expedia app, I chose Hotel Jen Manila because I have high regard for the Shangri-la Group of Hotels.

Most hotels under this group are exquisite, so I was expecting the same for Hotel Jen Manila.


The Lobby

Staycation at Hotel Jen Manila

Entering their humble hotel is quite an experience. Aside from a well-equipped security scanner for all the luggage and bags, you will be greeted with a smile with all their staff and guards wearing that iconic green polo shirt – something that is different from another 4-star hotel.

The lobby is well maintained and looks like this hotel houses most of the events and conventions within the area. I saw that there was a registration booth on the left side of the lobby for ongoing training.


Staycation at Hotel Jen Manila
On the left side, next to this comfortable receiving area, is the Japanese restaurant called Ikitsho – however, I didn’t visit that place because I wasn’t in the mood for Japanese food.


Staycation at Hotel Jen Manila
In the lobby, you’ll also see this place in the middle where many local delicacies are displayed for sale. Locally made candies, dried fruits, etc., you name it! Perfect as take-home gifts.


The Room

Staycation at Hotel Jen Manila
I opt for this deluxe room for myself on the 12th floor, with a view overlooking the bay. It was one of the amazing views, especially in the morning.


Staycation at Hotel Jen Manila
Such a beautiful view isn’t it?

However, except for my glass window. It is quite dirty actually full of black dust on the outside. On the right side of my room is a residential condominium which is not a pretty sight. I could see an occasional wave from someone on the other side, and even a couple’s making-out while in the middle of a passionate moment, while their window is wide open.

I have to stay away from my window in the morning. And when I saw them again after my dinner, in the same passionate moment, I've opened my bottle of Bordeaux and enjoyed live entertainment in the next building.

It isn’t my fault. It's not my fault that this couple is quite adventurous, LOL.

I was just there sipping my favorite wine, and enjoying the show, Hahahahaha


Staycation at Hotel Jen Manila
Aside from the next building’s entertainment, I'm glad that Hotel Jen Manila has fast wifi connection that can be accessed by any device. Some hotels can only give access to one device, unlike in Hotel Jen Manila, it doesn’t matter how many. The internet connection is good from my room down to the lobby.


Staycation at Hotel Jen Manila
I also like that they have a comfy couch. I also like that they have this full-sized mirror, which is easy for me to take some of my full-sized selfies.


Staycation at Hotel Jen Manila
My room has complimentary drinks and bottled water, bedroom slippers and bathrobe, a decent closet for my clothes, plus a safety deposit box for my valuable items. There's also a mini-refrigerator, iron, and ironing board.


Staycation at Hotel Jen Manila

Staycation at Hotel Jen Manila
Glad that my bathroom had enough bath towels, robe and toiletries, and a nice vanity mirror.


Staycation at Hotel Jen Manila
And I was relieved realizing that my room has a bathtub! I might not able to enjoy the pool, however, I enjoyed my time in a deep soaking bubble bath.

But despite my enjoyment, I noticed another flaw in my bathroom.


Staycation at Hotel Jen Manila
See those black marks? It seems like they haven’t cleaned it thoroughly that the corners are already growing some molds! YUCK!!!!

What the fuck??!!!

This is a huge no-no in my home, which is why I always make sure my bathroom is thoroughly clean and am using DOMEX cleaner.

It seems Hotel Jen Manila needs to check the quality of cleanliness in all their bathrooms and the entire room.


At the Latitude Buffet

Staycation at Hotel Jen Manila
I felt so relaxed and felt stress-free after a long soak in the tub.


Then I invited my bestie to spend dinner at Latitude, the restaurant on the ground floor of Hotel Jen Manila. Latitude offers buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner and I think this is one of the restaurants I would like to add to my recommended list.


Staycation at Hotel Jen Manila
I don’t know how many tables they have, but I believe it is spacious enough. We’ve been so lucky to dine with only three tables are occupied and not too noisy.


Staycation at Hotel Jen Manila
Well except for the customers from the table next to ours. It seems they are having a dinner/job interview.

And the foods?

I have nothing to complain about it!

In fact, I enjoyed eating, as well as my bestie :D


Staycation at Hotel Jen Manila

Staycation at Hotel Jen Manila
We had a little feast while chatting nonstop. Anyway, that’s what friends do, right?!


Staycation at Hotel Jen Manila

Staycation at Hotel Jen Manila
They also have many choices of bread!

Staycation at Hotel Jen Manila
Happy lady enjoying her meal.

However, I don’t like their iced tea. Too sweet it’s hard to swallow!


The Lobby Lounge

Staycation at Hotel Jen Manila
After our heavy meal, we visited the Lobby Lounge for some cocktails. There is a regular band every night, and it’s a perfect place to chill because it isn’t crowded.


Staycation at Hotel Jen Manila
After our cocktail hour and bid goodbyes to my bestie, I decided to visit the ongoing exhibit of paintings at the Club Lounge (19th Floor Hotel Jen Manila).

It was also a relaxing place to hang out, plus enjoying the beautiful view of Manila Bay during nighttime. Quite romantic in my opinion.


Staycation at Hotel Jen Manila
I enjoyed my overnight stay at Hotel Jen Manila. Although there are some flaws that need urgent attention, I think this hotel has lots of potentials.

Staffs are very courteous and I haven’t got any issues with them.

But needs many improvements, especially on their rooms.


Staycation at Hotel Jen Manila
For now, I need to get back to my slumber and don’t want to gain more fine lines.

Because SK-II is quite expensive, LOL


Staycation at Hotel Jen Manila

Oops!

I felt so hungry in the middle of the night, so I ordered this little feast as room service, which I ordered from Lobby Lounge.

I’m glad that they have accommodated my simple request.


With a glass of wine :)




Hotel Jen Manila
3001 Roxas Boulevard
Pasay City, Manila

*Disclaimer: This is a #NotSponsored post

xoxo, Blair




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113 comments :

  1. I have never been to Philipine anymore their Manila city seems to have been beautiful looking at the hotel as well as luxury.

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    1. Oh you must visit the Philippines and experience our hospitality industry.

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  2. OMG! The molds in the bathroom.. I can't! But the food looks good though!

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    1. LOL I know! I just hate my Huawei P9, coz it can visibly captured these small details, lol.

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  3. I never been in Philippines, But Philippines is on my Bucket list. I would love to try their foods in LATITUDE BUFFET so interesting place.

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  4. Besides the toilet, luckily still have good food to chill you down...
    I like the buffet spread!!

    racheal_foodilifecious

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    1. There are some few tiles with molds, but the bathtub per se is quite nice. I just have to close my eyes and relax, not minding that mold. LOL

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  5. The hotel looks chic. The view overlooking the bay is splendid. Yeah, Domex does a good job and I hope the hotel takes a note of it!

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    1. LOL I always have gallon of DOMEX at home. It is a must.

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  6. I like this hotel jen manila is look overall sastifed just the little stain in the bathroom corner

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  7. Yes TRADERS hotel, that's why it is very familiar. They only changed the name but I think they didn't fully renovated all the rooms. It still looked dated and those molds, very disgusting! There are still other hotels in the area better than this one. Thanks for sharing your experience.

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    1. I agree, but since this is another branded hotels under Shangri-La Group, it doesn't hurt to try. :)

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  8. You've made me miss Manila and the Philippines in general. That buffet table, btw, was enticing!

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  9. What a lovely hotel this is. There is also a Hotel Jen in Malaysia. I wonder if it is the same chain. Dind't realise they are this big.

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    1. Yes they are under the same chain, a much affordable hotel-chain brand under Shangri-La Group.

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  10. Haha, i love the idea of staycation :D Need to try that!

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  11. This hotel looks really comfy. I think there is a Hotel Jen in Johor, Malaysia.

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  12. Adventurous couple ahahaha! :D This was hilarious! The hotel looks modern and elegant! Green polo shirts for a 4 star staff is unique:) Loved the buffet spread!

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  13. The buffet spread looks absolutely delicious. I understand how you would have felt about the bathroom. Otherwise the hotel looks great.

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    1. Yeah, so I just ignore it for a while but so far I enjoyed my bubble bath :D

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  14. I will record the action if I were you hahaha... adventurous couple eh? I wonder what they were doing and how.

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    1. LOL nooooo!!! LOL
      I was just lucky to witness a live show, and I think that's enough, hahaaha
      It made my wine drinking more enjoyable.

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  15. Haven't had the chance to visit Manila. Speaking of huawei p9, how did you find it?

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    1. Oh it was a game-changer for me.
      First I rarely bring my Nikon DSLR during events and I use my Huawei P9.
      The photo quality is so good. I know I haven't explored it much, and I believe that there is still something amazing on it.

      The latest is Huawei Mate 10, with AI which is kicking ass too!

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  16. Hotel Jen Manila seems to be ok place to stay but I do agree about the mold in the bath room. It can be quite dangerous to breath in for some who are sensitiv on that. Other than I hope you will be the one having a fun adventurous makeout next time for some else to enjoy!😂😘

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  17. It looks like a nice hotel. The breakfast buffet is quite impressive, I live all the mirrors.

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    1. I agree. I love their food and their restaurant. Overall rating its 4.5

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  18. Oh, wow. What a beautiful view. The place looked amazing, except for the black mold in the bathroom. Yikes!

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    1. Hahaha I agree with you Heidi. Overall it was a lovely experience, way better than my last staycation disaster.

      Yeah with those molds, they need thorough cleaning... or many renovation.

      Delete
  19. this hotel looks beautiful and comfortable, later to manila can use this info .. tq sharing

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    1. You're welcome Iffah!
      They're services are so good and staffs are very courteous.

      I have additional comment with their in-house guard dog... he's getting fatter!

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  20. The bed in the room is so large and looks really comfy. Also the buffet in the restaurants looks really tasty with lots of choice, shame about the cleanliness in the room!

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    1. Hahaha the bedroom is clean, only the molds in the bathtub area. I assume they are in need of a great cleaner!

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  21. I can't really stand the stain too inside toilet!! The view from your hotel is really beautiful too, comfortable bed and nice food! Overall seems like a quite good staycation here at Hotel Jen.

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    1. LOL I know right Sharon!

      My Huawei P9 saw it vividly!

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  22. It looks like it was super nice from lobby and restaurant to the room. Except for that nasty mold!

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    1. Thank you Joanna for visiting.
      Yeah it was a lovely hotel and I enjoyed my stay. I was just lucky enough to be welcomed by these molds. Talk about a weird welcome, LOL

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  23. Manila is definitely on my bucket list! Hopefully next year we'll be able to get out there.

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  24. YIKES! It looks like an overall great experience however the Mold in the bathroom would be a buzz kill for me. I would not be very happy about that.

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    1. Hahaha I know Jennifer :D

      I have to close my eyes and tried my best to ignore that molds but of course, its hard to ignored it!

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  25. Staycations are the best aren't they?! So the mold in the shower really grossed me out just like it did you (lol!), but the hotel itself looks phenomenal! I love that you get free wine when you indulge in the buffet they offer--I'd have to have several plates just because of that!

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    1. So true! Gosh how I wish I have a huge stomach so I could feast a lot, and almost partied with wine. The experience and stay is amazing. And hope the next time I visit, the molds are gone for good.

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  26. I love how modern this hotel is. However, they could do better in the bathroom with how clean it is. It's really the little details that will turn guest off.

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    1. I agree. NO matter how brand new or old the hotel is, the important is spotless cleanliness.

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  27. Everything looks great except for the bathrooms! The food looks like its the high point for the hotel! It all looked really delicious!

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    1. Yeah, am looking forward to visit the Latitude restaurant soon. I miss their foods.

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  28. This looks like a gorgeous hotel, minus that mold. That would gross me out too.

    But the food looks amazing! Yum!

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    1. Hahaha i'm glad that you ladies also felt grossed with molds.. OMG its not a good excuse for hotels. Every corners of the hotel must be spotless.

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  29. I was sold on the room pictures until I saw what looked like mold or mildew in the bathroom. I can't do that either. I'm super picky about hotel rooms. Everything else looked amazing.

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    1. I agree. I paid a thousand pesos for a good room, and I deserve a super clean bathroom.

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  30. What a modern and clean hotel it is! It looks comfy to stay. I’m not fond of hotel buffet but this hotel have very clean buffet that I would love to give it a shot!

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    1. Oh you should enjoy the buffet once in a while. it is worth it!

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  31. A full size mirror is so understated but let's be real, it'a huge selling point am I right? Lovely hotel, you are sooo lucky Blair!

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  32. Wow! It looks awesome...but mold? yuck!

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  33. Wow the Hotel Jen Manila looks like a fantastic place to stay. I love the decor of your room. I will have to check it out if I am in the area.

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    1. That will be great! You will enjoy Manila for use :D

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  34. This hotel looks absolutely lovely! If I'm ever in Manila I know where I'd stay!

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  35. I love Hotel Jen! It used to be Traders Hotel Manila. I love their food in the restaurant. Funny story regarding the couple. Haha. I always enjoy your honest feedback.

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    1. LOL yeah those couples are quite interesting. They make my staycation more fun.

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  36. Love the views and club loving on the 19th floor. However the Hotel Jen Manila needs to sort that bathroom mould out x

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    1. I know right?! Hope they would came across of my review and make action about their oldie bathrooms.

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  37. How could you relax in the bathtub after witnessing such filth in the tiles? I wouldn't go near it.

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    1. LOL
      I tried to ignored them by closing my eyes and imagine it wasn't there. After I got so relaxed and done with my bubble bath, the reality is still there. MOLDS!

      Delete
  38. Overall, I think the hotel experience is good but I am also disappointed with the dirts in the bathroom! They should have seen it because they were always changing the shampoos in that place. But good thing they accommodate your midnight food request.

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    1. Hahaha yeah!
      I don't know. Maybe they lack the proper cleaner solution, or maybe the cleaning staff got so lazy, LOL

      Delete
  39. When I say your photo of the view from the room, I decided that needs to go on my list of things to look for in any hotel I stay at. Restaurants not so much as I like to explore beyond my hotel ...

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    1. That will be fantastic! That view is the Manila Bay, and its a lovely place :)

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  40. Everything looks like it is so luxurious. That bed looks like it was super comfy.

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  41. Wow the view from your room at the Jen Manila hotel is amazing! I would stay there if visiting!

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  42. That hotel looks absolutely amazing! It looks like you had a great time! Thanks for sharing your experience. ~Joy

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    1. Yes I did Joy. I will share many hotel reviews soon!

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  43. Sounds like a good hotel, though somewhat lacking in the cleanliness. Thanks for sharing the review.
    Do drop by my blog as well : http://styleovercoffee.com :)

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    1. Thank you dear for visiting. But their foods are also lovely.

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  44. Never been to Philippines.. It looks like a awesome place.. Wish I could visit there too sometime..

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    1. Hello dear!
      Oh please visit the Philippines, you will like it. I heard that the next Miss Universe 2018 will be host here, so it means the team loves the Philippines experience.

      Delete
  45. The food looks amazing but the view is even better! I've been wanting to go to there. It looks so spacious but the mold is a definite no.

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    1. hahhaa I agree. Well home the other rooms are not like this.

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  46. IT does look like such an amazing experience. I would definitely love all the rooms, and the buffet looks too delicious for words. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Thanks you for visiting David.
      Yeah the buffet is phenomenal, plus the free wine!

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  47. Glad to read your Manilla hotel guide.It's a luxurious hotel and your room, bathroom- have all modern amenities. I hope the foods are really delicious there. Enjoy!

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    1. Oh it is! If only I have a bigger stomach, I have eat a lot, lol

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  48. What a great looking place! I would love to visit!

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    1. That will be awesome Kim! I bet you will enjoy this Hotel Jen, and also the city of Manila.

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  49. Your deluxe room looks very big wow. Nice photos u took in Manila... Great :) I never go to Manila, so my family and I will check with tourism Manila :)

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    1. Oh thank you Selina. Please visit Manila during the summer, I bet you will enjoy it here.

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  50. What a gorgeous hotel and lounge! I like how you are able to just go on a vacation whenever you want, just because you are bored! Seems like so much fun :)

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    1. Yeah it is. When am feeling bored that the best time for me to find a new place to refresh.

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  51. It looks beautiful! I would love to visit one day. It's so nice to stay at a hotel close to the water. Everything looked so comfy.

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  52. I love how you were able to convey your whole experience in this Hotel. I also love how comforting the name of the Hotel. The intricate design of the Hotel is really beautiful. The food seems to be very luscious. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.

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    1. Oh you're welcome and thank you for reading my blog. I am so touched!

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  53. I always enjoy your hotel reviews. Always honest and fair.

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  54. I do agree with the facts that hygiene is very important in our life. The hotel room kinda makes me wow, but then the mold, wew.

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    1. I agree. Well hope when I visit Hotel Jen Manila, there will be no molds.

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  55. This looks like a gorgeous hotel to stay in. I hope you had a great time during your staycation. everyone deserves a break to destress :)

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    1. Thank you Aliza! I'm actually thinking of going back soon :)

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  56. Spacious, clean and neat, I would also like to stay at this hotel :)

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  57. I haven't tried checking in at this hotel yet, looks like a nice place except for the molds at the bathroom.

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    1. It needs thorough cleaning. It makes me realized that not all rooms are being checked. Hope it is there an improvement na.

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