Review: Zen Rooms x Knightsbridge Residence Staycation

Review: Zen Rooms x Knightsbridge Residence Staycation

Whoever invented the term staycation is such a genius!

Today I will share you my experience during my staycation at Knightsbridge Residence courtesy of ZEN Rooms Philippines. This team gifted me an overnight stay at one of the exclusive residences in the city, and of course as a huge fan of traveleisure lifestyle this is something that pleases me most.

So one weekend of July 2018 (was the start of the rainy season), I packed my overnighter bag and booked my car to Knightsbridge Residences. Located inside the Century City, it is one of the exclusive residences built and owned by Century Properties, inside the exclusive mini city. Its neighbour is the famous Trump Tower which I wrote a featured article for an international luxury magazine called Essential Macau, about 4-years ago.



Though I’ve been in-and-out of Knightsbridge Residence courtesy of my friends when I visit them, this is the first time that I actually stayed for an overnight and enjoy my alone-time.

I may say that this is one of the convenient place to reside. Just a few steps in the mall, and hospitals, clinics, and very accessible for cabs and public transport, also a few walks away to the entertainment district – no wonder many expats and business travellers. And some even says that they don’t feel they are in the Philippines when they stayed here – the building per se is far for having that Filipino-vibe.

Knightsbridge Residence is one of the many properties that ZEN Rooms handles. ZEN Rooms is one of the new hospitality chain that handles many hotels and condominium units available for guests for short term overnighter or even a long-term basis (weeks or months).

As one of the recent partner of ZEN Rooms, they gifted me an overnight stay here and to experience what Knightsbridge Residence has to offer.

The building per se had an impressive reception lounge area, and you wouldn’t think that his is only a condominium building. However, the reception area of ZEN Rooms is not in the ground floor with the main reception. The receptionist needs to phone the ZEN Rooms assistant and who have to wait a bit on the lounge area, where you will assisted by the ZEN Rooms staff.

Review: Zen Rooms x Knightsbridge Residence Staycation
After few minutes of waiting, I was assisted to my floor and assigned room. Ohh, btw if you are going to book your stay here through their ZEN Rooms app, make sure that you have an extra cash with you upon arrival, since they will ask for a deposit fee (Php3,000) for any incidental charges. I didn’t know that, and don’t have cash with me only my credit cards, so they skipped that deposit fee but asked for my valid ID as a deposit. I gave my other government issued ID and not my passport (coz my passport is more valuable!).




After giving me my set of keys and got his contact number in case I needed anything, I started to make myself comfortable inside my overnight place.


Dining / Living Area

Review: Zen Rooms x Knightsbridge Residence Staycation
It is a studio unit (approx. 36 sqm) with a kitchenette inside, a humble sofa set and a dining set. The room has air-conditioner and have this sliding glass door that separates the bedroom to the living room/dining area.

Review: Zen Rooms x Knightsbridge Residence Staycation
At the dining table shows the password to connect to its free wifi, there’s a fridge were you can stock your own bottled water and foods, etc., microwave and electric stove for your own consumption.

Review: Zen Rooms x Knightsbridge Residence Staycation
Inside their cupboards are some kitchen and dining utensils that you can use for free. However, since I am just staying for overnight, and I don’t cook – these amenities are not useful for me.




Bathroom Area

Review: Zen Rooms x Knightsbridge Residence Staycation
Since it is a studio unit, it only have this small bathroom with a separate glass-door for the hot-and-cold shower. This place is very straight-forward, no charm at all.


Bedroom Area

Review: Zen Rooms x Knightsbridge Residence Staycation
And here’s my humble bed – unlike in many hotels that I’ve been, this bed is good for single occupant only (IMHO) unless both of you are slim enough to fit to this bed. (My boyfriend wouldn’t fit here, he will hate this bed!). Though the bed is humble enough for my overnight, I didn’t expect it would be grand. It was thoughtful enough that they provided me towels and overnight kit for my consumption.

Review: Zen Rooms x Knightsbridge Residence Staycation
My overnight kit contains one toothbrush, two soaps, a mini notepad (but no pen?), and two shampoo/conditioner. I think they provide one overnight kit per person, and since they know I will stay alone, they only provided one kit.

Review: Zen Rooms x Knightsbridge Residence Staycation
I got my wifi access with a good speed, and a television set + cable channel! I was so thrilled that I can watch my favorite television channels again. Also have this spacious closet with many hangers. You may wonder what’s going on inside the closet – I found this duvet stored inside and folded untidy. I phoned the ZEN Rooms Staff and inquired if this duvet is dirty or clean, and says it is clean and I can use it.



Hhhmmmm.. I am very particular with beddings and sheets so I had hesitation on using it.

However, since it will be cold at night and I don’t sleep without duvet, I decided to use it after my further discussion with the ZEN Rooms staff.

So I took a note of what I’ve noted in my room, and I admit this give a minus points to ZEN Rooms.

My pillows and bed? Well it was humble enough to use overnight but not as fluffy and luxurious unlike those of some hotels I’ve stayed.

However, I decided to not think a lot about its flaws and just enjoy my time.

**************

Knightsbridge Residences has an impressive facilities inside the building that most residents could enjoy.

The Library

Review: Zen Rooms x Knightsbridge Residence Staycation
They have this gorgeous fully carpeted library area where you can enjoy reading your books and use their computer. They also have small collection of books, and lots of back issue magazines.

Review: Zen Rooms x Knightsbridge Residence Staycation
This place is also good for conducting meeting with your guests, but you need to book it in-advance by calling their admin office. I also managed to film my book review here!


The Arcade Room

Review: Zen Rooms x Knightsbridge Residence Staycation
Next to the library is their impressive arcade/gaming area. You can play any video games available for free!


The Entertainment / Movie Room

Review: Zen Rooms x Knightsbridge Residence Staycation
And this is their entertainment room – quite better be called as a boy’s room (IMHO) because of its aesthetics and designs. They have billiard table, backgammon, chess boards, books, etc. and in the next room is their own movie room. All of these are free for use but needs an advance booking. I didn’t go inside the movie room, because someone is using it.



Other facilities they have are the gym, separate men and women’s locker rooms, spa, kids room, and swimming pool.


Review: Zen Rooms x Knightsbridge Residence Staycation
During my staycation, I still brought some of my work because it is my chance to write some articles having a good wifi access.

The following day, I went to the ground floor adjacent to the building for my breakfast. My stay includes free breakfast for two at Helping Hands Café, a popular café known for its strong social-responsibility mantra for hiring incapable and challenged staffs.

Review: Zen Rooms x Knightsbridge Residence Staycation

Review: Zen Rooms x Knightsbridge Residence Staycation
I like this humble café because it wasn’t crowded and the ambiance is so nice. The foods are also humble and good as well, and enjoyed my full breakfast while watching the show on their television.

Review: Zen Rooms x Knightsbridge Residence Staycation

Review: Zen Rooms x Knightsbridge Residence Staycation
After my hearty breakfast, I decided to spend my mornings at the pool!

I have a mixed emotion with this area. I mean I like that Knightsbridge Residence have the outdoor pool, and separating the kid’s pool to adult pool, however the water is still shallow in the adult pool (just up to my waist). It is spacious and open, but I can’t enjoy the morning sunshine here if I want to have my tan back. Also having the ongoing construction on both side of the building, this is not the best place to relax while hearing those mixed noise of steels, and others, including some occasional viewers (construction workers) of these two unfinished buildings.



Also includes the occasional pieces of cements that I’ve encountered while swimming, and those smokes and dusts coming from the construction – is you have allergies, you should stay away.


Verdict:


If you are looking for a place in Makati for a long term basis (a month or so) especially for business travellers, Knightsbridge Residence is ideal for you. I know some units here available for rent for about Php30 to 45,000 per month (all inclusive), and good for expats who wants to have an initial vibe of Makati before fully deciding if they will moved here or not. The Knightsbridge Staffs are very accommodating and polite, and got no issue with them.

You will also appreciate their strict security policies, for your own good as well.

Overall my stay in Knightsbridge Residence is quite good, even with few flaws I’ve encountered. But that’s just being me.


(map)


If you are not too OC (and spoiled) with any accommodation, I recommend that you try staying at Knightsbridge Residence. And having these facilities are already cheap for overnight stay.

Review: Zen Rooms x Knightsbridge Residence Staycation

Review: Zen Rooms x Knightsbridge Residence Staycation

download ZEN Rooms app now!

You can book your stay using ZENROOM App and use my exclusive discount code ZENBLAIRVto enjoy 20% off your total costs. And when you book your stay for 10-nights, you will receive 1-free night stay!

Review: Zen Rooms x Knightsbridge Residence Staycation
https://www.zenrooms.com/country/philippines



Watch my staycation vlog here!


Awesome right?!

Thank you for ZEN Rooms Philippines for spoiling me last July, and I did enjoyed it!


xoxo, Blair



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120 comments :

  1. Small, cozy and comfortable. Looks good enough for a short stay in the city. I like the library..wouldn't have expected one.

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  2. I have never been to Manila before. Would love to visit some day. Will keep this property in mind. Looks amazing!

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    1. and don't forget to use ZEN ROOMS and my exclusive discount :D

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  3. Now calling them zen rooms which sounds relaxing. Looks very comfortable and roomy

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    1. Yes it is, although it isn't perfect still I enjoyed my stay.

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  4. Omg! I can seriously see why you would want to have a staycation. That place looks so amazing!

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  5. Aren’t staycations at a hotel the best? I’ve just tried it myself this summer. So are the Knightsbridge Residences owned ny individuals and managed by Zen? A central location is key and so it does sound great for an extended stay with the kitchen area. Isn’t it frustrating when there’s construction while you’re trying to relax? Still glad you enjoyed your night away!

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    1. Aside form number of hotels, there are any condominium owners who let ZEN ROOMS managed their unit and rented it to guests (ala-Airbnb) but with a hotel services.

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  6. Good, honest review. I, too, would have been a bit suspicious about the messy duvet in the wardrobe but the entertainment rooms look cool and I love the concept behind the Helping Hands restaurant.

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    1. Yeah, there is a good and bad part, however I am surprised that I managed to handle it.

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  7. Thanks for sharing this! I’ll be visiting the Philippines next year and I love the idea of staycations too! Hopefully I have the great experience as you. :)

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    1. Oh you will enjoy the Philippines. Use ZEN ROOMS app for your hotel bookings.

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  8. What a lovely hotel. Looks like you had an excellent staycation.

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  9. We love staycations, no surprise as we live in London and there's so much to see, do and eat! I love the look of Zen Rooms living accommodation, this kind of spaciousness is what I look for when choosing a hotel or apartment for anything more than a couple of nights. Fun touch to have an entertainment room!

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    1. The entertainment room is a life saver especially if you have guests.

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  10. Those rooms are beautiful and looks so calm and relaxing. I need to go for something like this and just enjoy myself.

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  11. we're contemplating Philippines for our honeymoon and this is a great read for our planning process!

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    Replies
    1. Yeah, Philippines is composed of many island and you just have to pick which island you want to spend your honeymoon!

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  12. Everything looks so amazing! I would love to spend some days there. It would be really relaxing!

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    Replies
    1. I agree. The entertainment room and movie room is a sweet treat!

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  13. I think residences have become a global trend now. India is also home to some good ones. I like your honest expression of things which were uncomfortable also.

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  14. The hotel looks great and has lovely amenities. I would love to check myself in there. Your captures are great and the detailed review along with that is lovely.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Monidipa :D You should try it or the other properties available at ZEN ROOMS.

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  15. You had a nice moment at Zen! I love the night kit they offered you and for someone who treasures reading, I'd spend a lot of time at that beautiful library.

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    Replies
    1. That's right. Very comfy and good for my shoot as well.

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  16. This looks like such a lovely place to stay! The room is beautiful and I bet it would be a great place to stay if I make it over that way one day!

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  17. Haven't tried Zenrooms before but it looks like a nice app! Thanks for sharing

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    Replies
    1. Try it and avail good priced accommodation here in Asia.

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  18. A Staycation sounds lovely right about now. I could really use one! The room looked lovely. Small and quaint with a bit of a modern touch.

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    1. That is true, and if you love to cook, am sure these kitchenette would be very useful! If my boyfriend was with me, this will be his domain.

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  19. It looks like you had a relaxing staycation at Zen Rooms! It's an interesting concept, as it's more aparthotel I guess. I'm exactly the same with some beddings, I never know whether to trust it or not!

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  20. This looks like a cozy place to stay! I would be relaxing by the water too, that's for sure.

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  21. Staycations are the best and my favorite! It's been awhile since I've been back to the Philippines but I have a brother still living there! I'll have to tell him about this place! It looks so nice!

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    1. Thanks Katriza. ZEN ROOMS also have bunkbeds for as low as 400pesos per night. Perfect for backpackers.

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  22. I love how unique this is! And I really need to take the time to have a staycation. It sounds like such a wonderful concept!

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  23. Great review. The hotel looks fabulous! I'd love to visit the Philippines and stay there.

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  24. What a thorough and detailed review of knightsbridge! I love the minimalistic feel and the arcade is my fave!

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    Replies
    1. If only I know how to play them! I should have invited my friends to use them.

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  25. such a lovely place to stay in.. comfy and cosy... relaxing for a great short staycation... lovely one..

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  26. I like how neatly compartmentalised everything is..looks great!

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    Replies
    1. I agree. Except that duvet, that scares me a lot and give me quite a stress.

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  27. Bakit walang presyo for 1 night, 1 month lang lng presyo?

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    1. Well I didn't put the price co it was a gift :D
      But if you check the ZEN ROOMS this could be 2,800 to 3000pesos depends on the day of the week.

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  28. I've been to Knightsbridge but only booked through Airbnb. Didn't know that Zen rooms are available in this building too. I'm also particular with beddings and what they have looks plain ? perhaps it's good for a short stay :) Thanks for the review.

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    1. Yeah, beddings are very important to me even when I visit luxury hotels.

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  29. You are right! Staycations are the best!!! But only good kind staycations will make it worth it! Like this one

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    Replies
    1. You got it right! It's kinda addicting sometimes but worth it. :D

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  30. I can see why this place could be great for an expat or someone who is looking for a short term accommodation but doesn't want a hotel. Shame though that they don't pay a lot of attention to details, like that duvet for example.

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    Replies
    1. Yeah, and I know many short-term expats likes this place. They can enjoy the bespoke lifestyle that they can't get when they are back.

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  31. Perfect place for a staycation. Zen rooms looks amazing the interior and the decoration looks perfect.

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  32. It's refreshing to read an honest review. :) Looks ok, though like you I'd prefer a bigger bed especially if it's meant for two and hopefully softer/fluffier than the ones they have here. Hope they can improve on the points you mentioned!

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  33. Looks like a great place to stay. Love all the details and pictures.

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  34. I am a books lover so I like the library. Thanks for sharing.

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    Replies
    1. They jut need to update their book collection. Currently, it is more of a magazine collection.

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  35. Lovely staycation, the dining room with fridge gives such a homely feeling. oved that you worked here too and wifi was good .

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    1. The kitchen area will be more utilized if I was with my boyfriend. He likes to cook at home.

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  36. What a beautiful place to stay! It seems like they made it very comfortable for you - the overnight kit looks great!

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  37. THat looks like a nice one and totally worth the money!

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    Replies
    1. I agree! This place is also recommended for a long-term stay.

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  38. Looks like a nice place for a staycation. It's simple and practical, but has great amenities.

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  39. I would love to relax there for a few nights. It looks very comfortable and relaxing.

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    Replies
    1. Please consider this place when you are here in Manila.

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  40. I really dig this place! I need a good place to stay when I am not at home.

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  41. I really appreciate how straightforward your review is. It's nice to be provided with a complimentary overnight stay, but they definitely have a few kinks that need to be worked out. I, too, would be giving side eye to the duvet but would ultimately use it if I was cold. :)

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Laurie!
      I have to be very careful not to use the duvet that easy, hahaha

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  42. That looks like such amazing fun. That shower!!! I have never been in a shower so large - that would be amazing.

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    1. Thank you Athena. Their shower is actually small :D

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  43. looks very charming place to get much rest I love it when I can relax in comfort thanks sharing

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    1. That's true. And nice for a weekend with the family, and kids can enjoy the movie room and the pool.

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  44. I have never know about Zen Rooms before and I guess this is a good platform to check good deals when it comes to checking out accomodations. I guess I would love this too.

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    1. Oh please do Anosa! You can find many affordable accommodation at ZEN ROOMS.

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  45. I have never been there but it looks like a nice place to stay, it so clean and it looks like you feel like home if you are there.

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  46. Ohhh I'm just near the area but I did not know about this hotel until you shared it. Thank you for sharing it, whenever I need a hotel, I'll book it.

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    Replies
    1. Oh this isn't a hotel but a private residences/condominium that is managed by ZEN ROOMS.

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  47. I think Knightsbridge is really ideal for business travelers who are meant to stay long in the city or expats. It is spacey, with kitchen and swimming pool, too! And plus is in the middle of the city!

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    1. yeah that is right. This is perfect for business travelers.

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  48. I have been to Knightsbridge, including the activity areas pictured in this post. It's a really nice, cozy place. As for Zen Rooms, it's such a novel concept in hospitality. We can try different properties at a rate that is more attractive.

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    Replies
    1. Yeah and I like that it is easy to use, and now I have other options.

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  49. I love the honesty in this review. I can totally relate when you mentioned about bringing your work. I often bring products to be blogged during staycations. I think that's the best time to have photoshoots!

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    1. Yeah, so technically it wasn't 100% no-work-relaxation, lol
      Unless I am with my boyfriend, because I tend to not bring my work when with him. Couple-time first.

      Delete
  50. I think it is a brilliant way to get away without doing all the prep work for a typical vacation. Great looking place.

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    1. Thank you Eliz! Am thinking of trying the other units from ZEN ROOMS soon.

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  51. I think this looks great. Love that there is an arcade and library rooms.

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    Replies
    1. Oh that arcade room was awesome. I wish I brought my friends!

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  52. I can see why it is a zen hotel. The room is just very simple and at the same time elegant and beautiful. It would be a very peaceful room to stay in.

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  53. Nice that you were able to escape for a bit, I hope you left feeling refreshed and re-energized!

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    1. Not so much, because I brought my work with me, and I ended up working for my blog's content :D

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  54. This looks like such a lovely place for a staycation. I am glad that you were able to highlight these rooms for us to see and share your experience.

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    1. Well, hope when you visit Manila you can try this place for a week.

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  55. Oh girl, you always stay in such a beautiful places! This one looks so elegant and profestional, if I would want to organise a conference I would like my quests staying there.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Anita :D
      Yeah this place will save you a lot of bucks.

      Delete
  56. I have dreams to go to the Phillipines. I love this post and your recap at ZEN it looked like a relaxing stay!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Kiwi, and you can always visit the Philippines, anytime.

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  57. This looks like it would be such an amazing place to stay. It looks absolutely beautiful!

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  58. I love that they provided overnight kits for guests. I don't think I have come across a hotel that does so, unless I take home their toiletries. HAHAHA

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  59. A really cool place for a short staycation. The arcade is quite lovely and I really like the interior decor of the the rooms.

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  60. Looks like you had a wonderful stay there. It's noted so whenever I visit this place, I will go to Zen Rooms

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  61. Even the name screams a good time. I can't wait to visit the island.

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    Replies
    1. You'll gonna like the island and bring your family!

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