Nothing makes more me happier than a staycation to a different place here in the metro.
Because sometimes, spending the whole long weekend at home is kind of boring.
So when my Amore ask me if I want another staycation treat, since he thought I’m a little exhausted already at home, and I agreed. This time I don’t know where he will make a reservation because he thought every staycation should also be a surprised to me, so that I have something to write about for my blog.
Such a romantic partner, IMHO.
Few minutes ago, he sent me a confirmation ticket saying that I will be staying at Astoria Greenbelt in Makati.(BOOK NOW HERE)
I am honestly puzzled why he picked that placed for me. He thought I need something new and I should check it out. So I agreed (anyway, there is no way we can have a refund or cancellation just case, because he already paid it via his account in Expedia).
So then, I was packing my luggage together with my computer, booked my car via GRAB and head to Astoria Greenbelt.
I’ve heard some reviews about this hotel, however I need to find it myself.
At around 6pm I arrived to Astoria Greenbelt for a 3-nights staycation. Now I’ve feeling like a certified tai-tai wife for receiving this king of treat :D
For full disclosure, my Amore paid Php14,198 for my whole stay just to regain my spirit!
After checked-in, I proceed to my room because I’m excited to see it.
But turns out I’m quite disappointed.
Because my room screams BOOORRRIIINNGGG!
Yeah I said that loud!
But am not blaming him for this, because he is only after for my welfare and too busy to check the details of the hotel.
I showed him my room and even he got disappointed. He felt ripped off, LOL
I told him that at this cost, I could get a better place in City Garden Grand Hotel with a nice pool and bathtub.
So we agreed that no more surprise staycation – that I should pick where would I want to go.
Lessons learned.
Anyway speaking of bathtub, there is NO BATHTUB in my room!
And who still uses Crabtree & Evelyn for hotel bath products? I’ve read one review about Astoria Greenbelt which says it is luxurious, but just what…
A hotel who uses Crabtree & Evelyn isn’t LUXURIOUS at all!
I have this little desk so I could work, but not spacious enough. And that little side oil scent they have isn’t scented at all.
My room have small functional flat screen television that is mounted on wall, and makes me wonder when will they ever changed this television unit. I mean bigger screens are cheap nowadays.
So if I will mentioned all the small detailed I find out about this hotel, am telling you that it will only ruined again my day. However, that time I decided to charge it to experience and just burst it out here in my blog.
Okay I’m yet done….. My sheets and pillows aren’t good enough. Too stiff and not impressive at all.
What made me smile like this? It’s because of my Amore who also says he will make-it up next time, and because my room’s television somehow have my favorite cable channel, and functional air-conditioning.
Well that’s enough for me to calm down.
But still contemplating for not having a bathtub… or even a pool!
Gggrrrhhhh
So for the next three-nights, I’ve stayed here and tried to relax while I’m writing for my articles.
Surprisingly, I made over 20 articles during my staycation, which is good for a month long of scheduled posts.
Yippie! I made myself very productive.
Another thing that gives me quite a consolation, is their food.
Honestly, I’m quite impressed with their food selection and their dining area. And since breakfast is included to what we’ve paid for, here I am pigging out like a bitch, LOL.
Yeah staycation means no diet for me!
I have to enjoy the bright side, and about to gain more wrinkles for this very interesting staycation. Gladly, their dining area was spacious and having a good light for my photographs.
Another downside that I’ve noticed is how their lady chef bad-mouthing their clients.
I’m having a lovely breakfast with CNN in front of me, then I could loudly hear their lady chef bad-mouthing their guests from the previous night. She speaks so loud that it was so awful!
Geezz first time that I heard a very loud chef outside the kitchen.
Well at least she knows how to make a decent omelets for me.
I spent my lunches and dinner at Greenbelt Mall so I could enjoy new scenes and gain more ideas for my blog.
I sometimes miss my long hair, however I think you won’t see me wearing this for a while, hahaha.
Here’s my verdict:
Astoria Greenbelt is a place in CBD Makati that is accessible for entertainment places and shopping. This place is perfect for those busy business traveler who doesn’t care less about hotel aesthetics and only aims to have a place to sleep and have a rest after a long busy day.
But if you are aiming for a relaxing staycation, I wouldn’t recommend this for you.
You can try other hotels that offers the similar costs with better services and amenities, and bathtubs.
Yeah bathtubs are important for me.
And stay away from tactless chefs…. You wouldn’t know what they will gonna serve you.
Ratings: 2.5 stars
Disclaimer: This is #Notsponsored post
xoxo, Blair
This place looks amazing, Blair! I'll be visiting Manila later this year and will sure keep it in mind. Thanks for the lovely recommendation
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome! Hope you'll enjoy this hotel :D
DeleteThis is nice, I'm always looking for place to stay around Metro Manila for a night, Makati is a nice place though. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.itsbeyondimaginations.com/
You're welcome Ann!
DeleteThanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteThis will definitely help travellers visiting the city and looking for a hotel.
Thanks Nabanita for dropping by!
DeleteOuch, sorry to hear about your bad experience. How many stars did this hotel have? You can see that they put effort into their lobby decor, but not in the rooms. It looks so dark in there!
ReplyDeleteThat's true, I think in TripAdvisor they are 4-stars, but honestly the room is too boring. Maybe not for my taste.
DeleteIf I ever am able to get there and visit... I would most definitely want to stay here! Love the pics and everything about the place looks fabulous ... the food pics look delicious! I hope you enjoyed every moment of it as it looks spectacular :)
ReplyDeleteYeah hope you can also enjoy it. Every traveler have different preferences.
DeleteWhat a cool place to stay! It looks relaxing. The food looks good too. But yeah, that chef should not be bad-mouthing people.
ReplyDeleteThat's true.
DeleteThat room is rather small. I like that it includes a delicious breakfast but where is the hot tub?
ReplyDeleteNO hot tub dear, I was disappointed.
DeleteThanks for the article Blair. Sorry that you were disappointed with the room. As you say for a business hotel it does seem the ideal fit for business travellers. The food did look good though.
ReplyDeleteYeah, this is perfect for business travelers who doesn't mind too much of the aesthetics. But I like to combine both bleisure - business + leisure.
DeleteI'm just sitting over here drooling at all these photos. That staircase made me squeal. What an amazing place!
ReplyDeleteI agree, that staircase is a drama :D
DeleteI understand how you feel, totally. The place still looks very nice and neat though, and at least they had a very nice dining area, which is so important for me because food is life haha Nice post, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHahaha yes I agree with you at least I enjoyed their food.
DeleteI love the idea of a staycation to get writing done. I might need to try that! The food looked amazing there- I’m sorry the room didn’t match that!
ReplyDeleteOh you should try it sometime!
DeleteThis is really helpful review. I agree, the room is a bit too dark which means boring :)
ReplyDeleteThere's a window but have no good view.
DeleteI definitely lol'ed at this. I too am very picky about sheets and pillow cases. The food looked great, so hopefully it made up for the rest of what was lacking.
ReplyDeleteYeah good thing the food is good :D
DeleteWell that's okay, just charge it to experience. You made 20 articles and eat well,considered silver linings. Love your honest opinions btw. ����
ReplyDeleteYeah you are right! Sometimes unexpected situation happen, and its up to us to brush it off and charge to experience :D
DeleteI agree. The place does look good but a little cold and business like. Not bad but just not memorable
ReplyDeleteThant's true. I'm just glad I finished 20 articles and enjoyed their good. But not for relaxation weekend.
DeleteGosh! This is what we call an amazing staycation Blair! I love massive the rooms are and the colors are so laid back...that's my choice of room always. And also, the food girl! I love it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting Dalene!
DeleteLooks like a pretty cozy place to stay. I've heard many good things about the spot actually. This is a nice hotel to consider.
ReplyDeleteThanks Princess!
DeleteOh dear, so sorry to hear about your experience at the hotel. However, I am so glad that you got to write 20 articles. That's so impressive. Note to self, if you want to be super productive stay at the Astoria Greenbelt. Then make your way to another fun hotel with a bath for a reward.
ReplyDeleteLOL That's actually a great idea Alvern :D
DeleteI totally agree with the wide variety of choice for the food. I don't think anyone will still go for diet looking at these delicious food. What a great place to stay and relax. The best thing is it is very accessible to the shopping and entertaining center.
ReplyDeleteIdeal place for business travelers!
DeleteMy first impression of the place was good but after reading all of your rants (which are so awesome), I got the real feel of the place. It's good you at least got good food and undivided attention to write!!
ReplyDeleteThank you dear! :D
DeleteThe hotel seems to pay attention to their external aesthetics for it seems that the reception area and that stairs was carefully thought out. I can understand then how the room ended up being a disappointment. You are absolutely right - for people not spending a lot of time in the room , this would be a great place.
ReplyDeleteThat's true, this is just a traveler's hotel and not for relaxation.
DeleteSo sorry to hear about your experience. When I first read the title I thought this would be a luxury hotel, but you are right that it's more of a business hotel. At least it was clean. I'm actually jealous that you managed 20 articles in 3 days. That's WOW! I've only recently started spending money on staycations, but after reading this, I will make sure I read up in detail about all the local hotels I stay in.
ReplyDeleteThank you Raghav!
DeleteAll of my staycations are paid with my own costs, so I wouldn't feel that I owe them something. And I tend to be very detailed like a hawk because I want to make sure that every penny I spent counts :D
Looks like a great property, I have never been to the Philippians but it is on my list. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYeah you should try! Their wifi is also good.
DeleteI work in Makati and I always see Astoria, but I've never been there. It looks like a good place to stay. I'll try it sometimes
ReplyDeleteYeah you should. Foods are good too.
DeleteIt's a shame that the rooms weren't up to scratch, but the food looks great! Hope your next staycation is better!
ReplyDeleteYes, and I would be very kin in searching for my next staycation. This coming weekend I might be going to Grand Hyatt!
DeleteSounds very disappointing and for that price I think no, I know there are better places to stay at. Very sweet of your boyfriend though to give you a staycation like that. I'm sure you came out relaxed and renewed.
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting Louisa! Yeah the following weekend I went to a better place (still my review on a draft mode).
DeleteOh dear, it sounds like this place didn't live up to the expectations at all! I think it's so good you were honest however. It's not everywhere we stay that the rooms are stunning and it makes a memorable visit. Hopefully the next one!
ReplyDeleteYes, well at least I tried it. I've read some rave reviews about it from some local bloggers, and they have similar super awesome reviews... turns out its spon. lol.
DeleteWhat a beautiful hotel! I love all the yummy food.
ReplyDeleteThank Shomapat!
DeleteI mean, give me all the food! Food is always a great indicator of whether i will like a place. sorry the experience was not the best even though you were very productive
ReplyDeleteHahahaha if the food wasn't great, it will be an effin disaster.
DeleteGirl, I hate being bored on the weekends. A place like this would definitely make the weekend feel successful!
ReplyDeletehigh five on that!
DeleteI love staying in hotels for a change. This hotel looks very nice. I love the look of the room.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting dear!
DeleteThis place looks amazing! I would love to stay in a place like this, the food looks amazing :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Latte! Yes this is suitable for business travelers who are all day out of the hotel and just staying to sleep and nothing at all.
DeleteThanks for being so transparent and honest in this review. The cost really was so expensive for the amenities you presented.
ReplyDeleteThank you Mother Ant for visiting!
DeleteEspecially recently, there are many hotels that offers lower cost accommodation with awesome facilities. Maybe this hotel will be good for many short term business travelers who only cares a good bed to sleep after a long tiring day from meetings, and doesn't notice any room aesthetics, coz the company will pay it after all. LOL
I was scrolling down while reading and saw the pic of the room and thought, "boring" only to read your next line, BOOORRRIIINNGGG! lol
ReplyDeleteLOL you noticed!
DeleteAwww, if you pay much, you would really expect a nice place to stay. As for the tub though, I have stayed in some luxurious hotels, one with a business class, and still no tub. It's really disappointing, especially for the kids. pfft.
ReplyDeleteI agree, a bathtub is also a heaven sent for Momma's with kids.
DeleteI am sorry you had a mediocre excperience. The food looks lovely and the room is nice!
ReplyDeleteYeah at least the food is good :D
DeleteWhat incredible photos! I've never been to that hotel, but it looks great!
ReplyDeleteYou can consider this when you visit Manila :D
DeleteEverything looks really nice and clean.Even the food looks super yummy !
ReplyDeleteThe breakfast is good, Elena :D
DeleteThe Astoria looks so luxurious! I could really use a staycation to unwind from the stress without leaving town. Glad you enjoyed!
ReplyDeleteYou can consider this when you visit Manila soon.
DeleteGreat to know about Astoria Greenbelt. The rooms look very clean to me and the hotel seems to be decent. I would not mind staying here for a couple of days when I am in Makati. It is good to know that they have such good food options in the hotel, makes my stay easy.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting Shreya :D
DeleteAww sorry for a not having a very nice staycation. I enjoyed reading your blog though. So straight forward! 😂
ReplyDeleteOh I'm glad I entertained you :D
DeleteThe rooms looks very disappointing nga for its price. Huhu. Charged to experience na nga lang talaga. Buti na lang masarap ang food.
ReplyDeleteyes, charge to experience. Can't helped to vent my frustration especially we paid for it.
DeleteLoveeee staycations!! And love that stay up on the wall! Nice place!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting Mamicam!
DeleteThe hotel looks so great. Such great captures I must say that and your description is lovely
ReplyDeleteThank you dear! All those images are captured using my Huawei P9
DeleteWoW! I should try this soon. Looks so splendid and yung buffet <3 <3
ReplyDeleteThe buffet is good too. Yeah try it soon!
DeleteLOVE your honesty! You read so many hotel reviews that are so glowingly positive and uninspiring, but not this one. Sorry it wasn't a better staycation.
ReplyDeleteThanks Valentina!
DeleteActually, hotels with super high unbelievable positive reviews makes me wonder if its true, lol. So I have to test it myself.
Always look at the bright side of life! The hotel wasn't good for relaxation, but in your case it was good for work. You were productive and made over 20 articles. congrats on that.
ReplyDeleteI know right! This is TRULY A HOTEL FOR WORK! Well, I am glad I was so productive then :D
DeleteThe room looks boring indeed. I totally agree that City Garden Grand Hotel is better.
ReplyDeleteWhere's the picture of your Amore? Hahaha!
That's the best of it - I never post his photo because he is camera-shy (and he's very private person).
DeleteAww it sucks that you did not get a good hotel experience. I totally get every word you're saying. Which hotel does not have a pool? I mean, c'mon! That's just sad. However, on the positive note, congratulations on having a great guy in your life. Very few guys are good at being spontaneous and even fewer in giving great surprises.
ReplyDeleteYeah, my boyfriend is a kind of person who loves spoiling me, and very spontaneous which I love very much.
DeleteIt's been a while since the last time I had a staycation. Anyway, the hotel looks really beautiful and very organized. The food also looks luscious, which I guess would make me excited to try. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
ReplyDeleteWhen you visit Makati, you can opt Astoria for your short stay.
DeleteFor that price I had an amazing 3 nights in a beachfront resort in Bataan! Ughhh! The room looks like an upgraded motel.
ReplyDeleteHahaha I should visit Bataan then :D
DeleteAt least you pulled off an honest review. I hope the management get to read this to consider points for improvement. I'd rather spend it in a 5-star hotel for the same amount if that was the case. Anyway, I hope you find a better deal next time :)
ReplyDeleteThat's true, well I'm not sure if I will come back coz this kind of hotel isn't fit to my travel lifestyle.
Deletei read the whole article (of course!) and I read the comments, lol.... some obviously just looked at the photos without bothering to read about your experience.. anyway, kudos to your amore for trying to give you a cozy staycation... sorry for the amount you paid, though. good luck on the next staycation choice and may you truly enjoy the room and facilities next time!
ReplyDeleteThank you Wendy. Yeah I had some good and fabulous staycation that are still pending for reviews! I will finished them very soon :D
DeleteOn the bright side, the boring room did seem to inspire you to write quite a few articles. So a small victory there? Next time check out the Shangri la at the Fort ;)
ReplyDeleteOh I did stayed recently at Shangri-La The Fort! It was OKAY but Marco Polo Ortigas is superb more!
DeleteWow! The hotel facilities are amazing! Everything looks really nice and clean.
ReplyDeleteyes it is and just walking distance to business centers
DeleteOops, the room looks so dull. Rooms do really play important role in staycation and something like this can be disappointing :/
ReplyDeleteAlso if this is for business travelers, that wall print looks awkward.
DeleteThis is the second hotel review I've read on your blog and I'm really liking them! I'm glad the food here was good, the buffet certainly looks delicious! That is so crazy the chef was bad-mouthing guests though!! :(
ReplyDeleteThanks Kevin! Yeah that turns me OFF!
DeleteWowwwwweeee! This place sounds amazing - I would love to eat here, I just wish it was closer x
ReplyDeleteYes, you can consider this place when you visit Manila.
Delete