Manila's BEST 1BR View: Grass Residences SM North Dream Apartment!
Manila's BEST 1BR View: Grass Residences SM North Dream Apartment! - A Chaotic, Honest Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to drown you in a sea of words about the Grass Residences SM North "Dream Apartment." Don't let the name fool you, it's not always a dream. But the view? Oh. My. God. The view. That's where the magic, and the potential for sheer, unadulterated chill really kicks in.
First Impressions (and a Mild Panic Attack):
Getting there is already a small adventure. Accessibility? Technically, yes. The complex is pretty good. Elevators? Check. Ramps? Present and accounted for. But navigating the sheer scale of SM North EDSA… whoa. It's a city within a city, and my sense of direction is… well, let's just say I once got lost in a McDonald's. Eventually, I found it, thankfully. The check-in was… um… let's call it "efficient." Contactless? Sure. Friendly? Eh, that's a toss-up. Let’s just say the staff, while competent, weren’t exactly beaming sunshine.
Accessibility - The Nitty Gritty:
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes, thankfully. Elevators everywhere. The apartment itself was decent, though some of the hallways felt a little tight.
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: Present, but I didn’t delve deep as I wasn’t travelling with someone with mobility issues.
- Other Accessibility Points: The sheer noise of the place—the mall, the traffic—can be overwhelming. Earplugs are a must if you’re sensitive.
The View (and Why I Probably Won't Leave):
Okay, let's cut to the chase. The view. My apartment was high up – I think the high floor designation on the listing was accurate – and it was jaw-dropping. The sprawling city, twinkling lights, the hint of mountains in the distance… It's cliché, I know, but it genuinely took my breath away. I mean, I'm writing this from the apartment, staring out the window, and I’m still mesmerized. It's the kind of view that makes you want to just… be. Pure, unadulterated peace. It really is the best 1BR view in Manila, the promise holds true.
In-Room Goodies & Creature Comforts:
- Wi-Fi [Free] in All Rooms! Praise be! Decent speed. Worked well for streaming and work.
- Internet Access – Wireless: Yep. Same as above.
- Internet Access – LAN: Didn't use it, but it's there if you're old-school.
- Air Conditioning: Crucial. Absolutely crucial.
- Refrigerator: Essential for storing those midnight snack cravings!
- Coffee/Tea Maker: Always a win.
- Complimentary Tea & Free Bottled Water: Nice touches. Made me feel slightly less like a total grub.
- Blackout Curtains: Because sunlight is the enemy of a good lie-in.
- Alarm Clock: Duh.
- In-Room Safe Box: Probably used it, can’t remember.
- Additional Toilet: Nope. Just the one.
- Bathrobes & Slippers: Felt kinda fancy in those.
- Satellite/Cable Channels: Standard. Nothing to write home about, but the TV’s there.
- Desk & Laptop Workspace: Yep, good for working if you HAVE to. Though the view is very distracting.
- Non-Smoking: Which is a good thing as I am one of those.
- Private Bathroom: Of course.
- Private Balcony: Ah, bliss! This is where I spend most of my time, soaking up the view and pretending I’m a sophisticated, world-traveling… well, whatever.
- Shower: Yep.
- Hair Dryer: Definitely, especially when the humidity hits.
- Towels & Toiletries: Standard hotel-y stuff. Nothing fancy.
- Wake-up Service: Never used it. I’m a creature of habit, and I set my own alarm.
- Mirror: Essential. Though I confess my primary use is preening and existential reflection.
Cleanliness & Safety (The Slightly Stressful Stuff):
- Room Sanitization Opt-out Available: Good to know, but I didn't need to opt out.
- Rooms Sanitized Between Stays: Hopefully. I didn’t see them doing it, but I assume they did.
- Anti-viral Cleaning Products: Fingers crossed!
- Hygiene Certification: No idea.
- Hand Sanitizer: Plenty.
- Staff Trained in Safety Protocol: I hope so.
- CCTV in Common Areas & Outside Property: Comforting, or a little Big Brother-y, depending on your mood.
- Fire Extinguisher & Smoke Detector: Yay for not bursting into flames!
- Safe dining setup: Felt safe enough, though I did eat most of my meals in my room.
- Safety/Security Feature: See above.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Because Food is Life):
Okay, this is where things get interesting.
- Breakfast in room: Yes, they can send it. Although I never ordered it, I am too early to get out.
- Room service [24-hour]: Yes. The menu is extensive, but the quality is… variable. Think instant noodles and overpriced pizza.
- Breakfast takeaway service: Sure
- Coffee shop & Bar: There are a bunch of these around the complex, in the mall, not in the apartment.
- Restaurants, Snack bar & Poolside bar: Same deal, SM North is filled with options.
- Bottle of water: It is in the room.
- Safe dining setup: Again, the apartment felt safe enough.
My Biggest Complaint (and a Rant About the Kitchen):
The kitchenette… or, rather, the lack of one. It’s barely equipped. Barely. A microwave, a fridge, a kettle. That's it. No proper cooking facilities. This is a serious letdown, as I love to cook and the idea of a long-stay makes it very unappealing if I can’t cook. I’m seriously considering attempting to order a portable induction cooktop and a few basic pots and pans just to survive. The "Dream Apartment" loses a point on this alone.
Things to Do (Beyond Staring at the View):
- Swimming pool & Pool with View: Yep, the pool is nice. Pretty standard, though.
- Fitness Center & Gym/fitness: Didn't use. I'm more of a "walk around the mall" kind of exerciser.
- Spa/sauna: No, I didn't partake. Maybe next time.
Services and Conveniences (The Fine Print):
- Elevator: Essential.
- Cash withdrawal & Currency exchange: Convenient.
- Convenience store: There are a few in the complex.
- Doorman: Present.
- Daily housekeeping: Yup.
- Laundry service & Ironing service: A lifesaver.
- Luggage storage: Useful.
- Car park [on-site] & Car park [free of charge]: Yep.
For the Kids (If You Actually HAVE Kids):
- Family/child friendly: Sure.
- Babysitting service: I didn’t check into this
Getting Around (Pray for Your Sanity):
- Taxi service: Readily available.
- Airport transfer: Available, though I didn't use it.
Overall Verdict (The Messy Conclusion):
The Grass Residences SM North "Dream Apartment" is a mixed bag. It's not perfect. It has quirks and imperfections. It’s kinda loud, the kitchenette is awful, and the staff may not be winning any hospitality awards. BUT… that view. The view is worth it. It redeems everything. It genuinely lifts my spirits and makes me want to linger. It is the best 1BR view in Manila, is it the best value? That's a tricky question. But for the view alone, I'd say… almost. The lack of cooking facilities is a real downer. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars (because of the view). Potential for 5 if they upgrade the kitchen! And maybe inject some actual warmth into the staff.
Unbelievable Tagaytay Villa: 3BR, Private Pool, Highland Views!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your slick, perfectly-planned travel brochure. This is me, Sarah, unraveling a stay at that Grass Residences in SM North, Manila – a 1-bedroom with a "scenic city view," which, let's be honest, could mean anything from a shimmering skyline to a perpetually-blinking neon sign for a 24-hour carinderia.
Day 1: Arrival, Anarchy, and the Quest for Caffeine
- 6:00 AM - 7:00 AM: The "alarm" (read: my brain screaming) goes off. Packing. Last-minute panic. Did I grab my charger? My sanity? Nope, to both. Taxi ride to the airport. Traffic. Manila traffic. It's a character in itself. You spend more time with it than some relatives.
- 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Flight from… well, wherever I was. It was a blur of stale airplane air, questionable coffee, and trying to pretend I'm not terrified of turbulence. Landed at Manila, feeling like a washed-up sock.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Getting to the Grass Residences… a journey. The Grab app (bless you, Grab!) and navigating the chaotic streets. The driver was a chatty guy who kept gesturing wildly while weaving through traffic. I'm pretty sure he hadn't fully grasped the concept of "blinkers." But hey, we arrived!
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Checked in to the apartment. The "scenic city view" turned out to be… okay. Buildings. But the sun-drenched streets and traffic below was a good distraction. The apartment itself was nice, clean, modern, and… I suddenly realized I desperately needed coffee. Like, now.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: The Caffeine Crusade! SM North. That giant mall. It’s a city in itself, a labyrinth of shops. Found a Starbucks, finally, and inhaled a latte like it was oxygen. Survival mode engaged.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Settling in the apartment. Checking out the amenities. The pool looked great. Will I actually use it? Probably not. I'm more of a "sunburn and regret" kinda gal. Then I noticed the little things… the remote control buttons with no labels! The slightly suspect-looking stain on the sofa. And the distant sound of karaoke. Oh, Manila. You're a delight.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Exploring the mall. Got lost. Found a bakery. Ate too many pastries. The sugar rush and the jet lag… a dangerous combination.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner at a… let's call it a "random" Filipino restaurant. Adobo and rice. Delicious, but the karaoke in the background was LOUD. So loud. I felt like I was inside a karaoke machine. Also, I'm pretty sure the waiter was judging my eating habits.
- 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Wound down at the apartment. Watched the city lights twinkle. Tried to mentally prepare for the next day. Slept like a log (or at least as much as you can with the karaoke echo faintly audible).
Day 2: The Mall-tification of my Soul and the Deep Dive into Local Taste
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Woke up feeling surprisingly alive. Coffee, again! (Important). Ate leftovers from the previous night. The stain on the sofa was still there. I've made peace.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Back to SM North. Because where else do you go in Manila? This time I was on a mission, a deeply personal quest for… Okay, I don't remember. Probably clothes. Maybe souvenirs. Lost myself in the shops, lured by shiny things. It's a disease.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch in the food court. I tried… something I’d never tried before. It was… interesting. Let's just leave it at that. The experience highlighted the beauty of trying new things, and the importance of having easy-to-find comfort food on hand, just in case.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: More mall. I really need to get out of the mall. But the AC is so nice. And there's a movie theater! Maybe I'll just…
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Okay, I actually did leave the mall! Finally braved the streets. Ended up in a neighborhood I can't pronounce. Found a small local market. The smells. The colors. The sheer energy of it all… it was overwhelming, in the best way possible. I bought a bag of something I think was fruit. I have no idea what it is, but it's delicious. And the people! So friendly. So welcoming. A delightful moment of real Manila.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner with a local. He taught me a bit of Filipino. I still don't understand a word. But the evening was great and he recommended a nearby hidden restaurant.
- 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: The restaurant! Some of the best food I've ever eaten. True, it wasn't pretty. The neighborhood was a bit rough around the edges. But the food! The atmosphere! A perfect Manila night.
- 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Back to the apartment. Exhausted but happy. The city lights now felt more like a friend, not just a view.
Day 3: Reflections, Goodbyes, & the Promise of Return
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Packing. Dealing with the existential dread that comes with leaving paradise (or, you know, a nice apartment in Manila). Did I buy enough souvenirs? Did I experience enough? Of course not. The traveler's curse.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Last-minute attempts to soak up the city. Another coffee (duh). Some final souvenir shopping. The mall called again. I resisted. Mostly.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Quick lunch and farewells.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Taxi to the airport. Manila traffic, giving one last, lingering hug. This time the driver wasn't as chatty. Maybe he was exhausted, too?
- 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Departure. Reflections. Manila, you beautiful, chaotic mess. You were hard, yes. Loud, yes. But utterly, undeniably you. I'll be back. The karaoke, the traffic, the food… it's all part of the charm. The imperfections, the moments of brilliance, the sheer intensity… that's Manila. And it's a city that gets under your skin. I'll be back.
- 6:00 PM onwards: Flight home. I don't particularly remember. Just sleep and the vague feeling of missing Manila already.
So, that's my messy, slightly insane, and hopefully entertaining chronicle of my stay at Grass Residences. It wasn't always perfect. It wasn't always pretty. But it was real. And that, my friends, is the best kind of travel. Now, where's the coffee?
Gold Coast Paradise: Stunning 2 Bed, 2 Bath, 43rd Floor Oasis!
Grass Residences SM North: Dream Apartment? Let's Dig In! (Spoiler Alert: It's Complicated!)
Okay, spill the tea! Is the view from Grass Residences *really* as amazing as everyone says?
Alright, alright, buckle up buttercups because this is a loaded question. The view... is... *good*. From the right unit, on the right day, at the right time. Let me tell you, when the sun is setting, painting the sky in these crazy oranges and purples, and you're up high, overlooking the city... Yeah. It's Instagram-worthy. I've actually *spent* hours staring out the window. I swear I saw a rainbow form over the Ortigas skyline once. But then again, the *other* times? It's smog. Just...smog. Grey, depressing smog. And if you're facing the wrong direction? You're looking at... well, let's just say you're looking at a whole *lot* of other buildings. So, amazing? Potentially. Consistently amazing? Eh, let's say "subjective". It’s like dating. Sometimes it’s fireworks, sometimes it's… a lukewarm cup of instant coffee.
The "Dream Apartment" bit... What's the reality check on this?
"Dream Apartment"... oh honey, marketing got to you, didn't it? Listen, don't go expecting a fairytale. It's a condo. In Manila. Things *happen*. The elevators? Can be a nightmare. Seriously, I once waited for like, half an hour, and I was already running late for a date! (He probably thought I'd stood him up. I didn't! Blame the lift!) And the common areas? Nice, sure, but also, crowded. Especially on weekends when the pools are basically splash zones for tiny humans. And noise? Oh boy. Sirens, traffic, the occasional karaoke war erupting from a nearby unit... It's Manila. You get used to it. Or you go absolutely bonkers. I oscillate between the two on a daily basis. Still, in my unit? A quiet haven. (Except for the occasional cockroach… let’s not talk about that. My sanity can’t handle the detail…)
What's the ONE thing you absolutely LOVE about living there?
Okay, here's the thing. I'm going to get all mushy on you for a sec. The location! Right beside SM North EDSA. Okay, it *sounds* like a logistical nightmare (and sometimes it is), but hear me out. Food? Endless. Shopping? Same thing. Need a new phone charger at 11 pm? No problem! (Well, *usually* no problem, unless it's a power outage. Manila, am I right?). I once ran out of milk at midnight. Literally, midnight. And a 5-minute walk and *boom* I was swimming in dairy deliciousness. It's just… *convenient*. Like, ridiculously, fantastically convenient. Which, for this perpetually-running-late, often-forgetful human, is a total lifesaver. And I think the proximity of transportation is pretty good too, as long as you time it right and not at rush hours.
And the ONE thing you absolutely HATE?
OMG, the *parking*. The Parking! Firstly, it's expensive. Secondly, it's a maze! Thirdly, Good luck finding a slot, am I right? I've spent more time circling the parking garage than I have actually, you know, *parked* the car. It's like a Hunger Games situation. You gotta be quick, aggressive, and pray to the car gods. I've seriously considered taking up parkour just to get around this parking predicament. I've almost lost my mind. My patience has crumbled. The parking... it is the bane of my existence.. And I wish, I really wish, that it was better managed.
How's the internet situation? Because Manila internet is...well, you know.
Ugh. Let's be real. The internet is... Manila internet. I've had days where it's lightning-fast, allowing me to binge-watch entire seasons of something on Netflix in a single sitting. Then there are the other days. The days of buffering hell. The days where the connection drops mid-Zoom meeting. The days when I question my life choices while staring at a spinning wheel of death. It's… unpredictable. I've learned to keep a hotspot as a backup. Because survival in Manila requires it. And to accept that sometimes, you're just going to be out of the loop until the internet gods smile upon you again. It's like a romantic relationship: sometimes it's great, sometimes it's… complicated.
Okay, be honest. Would you recommend living in Grass Residences?
Look, it depends. If you're looking for absolute peace and quiet, if you are extremely sensitive to noise, if a spotless elevator (and parking) situation is a MUST, maybe it's not for you. If you want a taste of convenient city living, a pretty view (sometimes), and are willing to embrace the Manila chaos, then… yeah, maybe. Despite the flaws, despite the parking, despite the occasional elevator drama and the sometimes unreliable internet, I *do* like it. I've made it my home. And, honestly? There's something about it. I can't quite put my finger on it, but it's… grown on me. So, dream apartment? Not exactly. "Home"? Yeah. Definitely home. Bring your patience. And maybe some earplugs. And a really, really good data plan. You'll survive. You’ll probably even thrive. Maybe.
