"Give credit where credit is due." This is what I'm doing here.
My last trip to Manila was a very last-minute, ill-planned trip, so I was not expecting our hotel accommodations to be anything more than average. We definitely received more than was expected from our stay. My first impression of the hotel was that it was average, nice enough, but definitely not on the level of the previous hotel we had stayed at in Makati, New World Resort.
From the moment we arrived, there were friendly bell staff available to greet us and assist with the unloading of our luggage. The front desk staff were also very welcoming. We had to wait a bit (about 20 minutes) for our room to be ready, but we realized this was out of the control of the hotel staff, so we weren't bothered by the situation at all. When our room was ready, we had hotel staff assist us once again with our luggage. The entire check-in process was very friendly and for the most part, went smoothly. We definitely felt welcomed, which to me, is always most important in hospitality.
Our room was beyond what I had imagined it to be. Not only did we have a perfect view of Mall of Asia, the second largest mall in all of Asia, but our beds were extremely comfortable, the room temperature was perfect, and the bathroom was very private- none of this see-through walls crap, which I strongly despise, especially when it isn't a romantic get-away. The room was equipped with a mini bar, which we didn't care much for.
The location of the hotel is very convenient for the business traveler, or even just for a weekend get-away. It is located in a seemingly safe part of Pasay, Manila. Also located all around the hotel are banks where currency can be exchanged, 24-hour convenience stores, a few bars, a 24-hour restaurant with delicious fried chicken, a top-notch massage spa (Nuit Thai Massage), and the Mall of Asia. MOA is only about a 5-minute walk away. If you need to go somewhere far, taxis are always available right outside the hotel, or front desk staff can always arrange a shuttle service to wherever you're headed. Many nightclubs (gay-friendly ones included) and tourist attractions are just a short drive away.
Throughout the remainder of our short stay at this hotel, we became more and more pleased with all the friendly service and accommodations provided to us. The hotel staff were always willing to go out of their way to help us (ask for Twinkle at front desk), the housekeepers were always friendly and professional, the breakfast in the only restaurant in the hotel was exquisite, and the VERY attractive bell staff were always very friendly and pleasant (also very receptive to flirting, might I add). LOL.
The average price per night is about $67 US dollars, so it is definitely affordable, considering the level of professionalism and excellent ambiance provided.
Would I recommend this hotel to anyone? ABSOLUTELY. Pasay isn't the best part of Manila to stay at during your visit to the Philippines, but if you must, definitely consider staying at Golden Phoenix. You won't regret it, I'm almost certain. MABUHAYYYYYY read more