Manila's BEST 1BR View: Grass Residences SM North Luxury!
Manila's BEST 1BR View: Grass Residences SM North Luxury! - Yeah, Maybe… Let’s Talk Honestly.
Okay, alright, let's be real. This ain’t just a hotel review. This is me, your weary traveler/internet surfer/professional procrastinator, giving you the UNDILUTED truth about Manila's BEST 1BR View: Grass Residences SM North Luxury! (cue the dramatic music). They’re calling it "luxury," and… well, we’ll get to that. But first, coffee. And maybe another scroll through those photos.
Accessibility & Getting There: Okay, Mostly, With A Little Grumbling
Right off the bat, the accessibility gets a mixed bag rating. Accessibility is a thing, and Grass Residences tries. There are facilities for disabled guests, and an elevator, which is a massive win. But getting to the place? Ugh. Manila traffic. Enough said. Airport transfer is available (thank heavens, that's a MUST). Getting in is easy with contactless check-in/out - score one for humanity. Car park [on-site] is also available.
Restaurants & Lounges (On-Site): Not Just A Restaurant, But An Experience (Hopefully Good One, Really)
Now, the food. Okay, this where things get interesting. The restaurants! There's a bunch. A coffee shop is a necessity, right? They have it. The poolside bar is pretty tempting (especially after a long day of dodging jeepneys). They have different cuisines (**Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant…), and a *bar*. And for late-night cravings? *Room service [24-hour]*, my friends. That’s a game-changer. I'm picturing myself, half-asleep, wolfing down a burger at 3 AM. Bliss. But hey, you have a *Breakfast [buffet],* and all the fixings. Even an A la carte in restaurant to satisfy those weird cravings. They even have desserts in restaurant.
Cleanliness & Safety – The OCD Traveler's Dream (Maybe)
Alright, safety. This is HUGE, especially now. Grass Residences touts some impressive stuff: Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, Professional-grade sanitizing services. They’ve also got hand sanitizer everywhere (phew!). They even have individually-wrapped food options. Seriously, they’re taking it seriously. I felt fairly safe, tbh. But, and this is a big but, I still carried my own wipes and sprayed everything down. You know, just in case. Don’t judge me.
Things To Do: Swim, Sweat, and Get Your Scrub On (Maybe Overpriced)
Now, the good stuff! The amenities! They've got a swimming pool (Swimming pool [outdoor] and Pool with view), a fitness center (Gym/fitness), and a spa (Spa/sauna and Steamroom). They even have a Body scrub and Body wrap (fancy!). I went for the sauna. The only thing is, the prices are a little… premium.
Internet & Tech: Wi-Fi! But Don’t Expect Fiber-Optic Speeds.
Wi-Fi [free] in rooms, and Wi-Fi in public areas. THANK GOD. No one wants to pay for slow, clunky wifi. There is Internet access – LAN. And if you have special event needs, there's Wi-Fi for special events.
Rooms: Views, and (Hopefully) a Sense of Peace
Here's what really matters: the 1BR View. They don't lie, the view is pretty damn good. The high floor aspect is a definite plus. The blackout curtains are a godsend for sleeping in (which I did. Repeatedly). The air conditioning works, the refrigerator is useful, and the coffee/tea maker is crucial. The desk could be bigger for actual work, but whatever. Other things: hair dryer, bathtub, air conditioning.
Now, The Honest Stuff – The Little Annoyances (Every Hotel Has Them)
- The "Luxury" Factor: Look, it's Manila. "Luxury" is relative. The lobby is nice, but the hallways… well, let's say they could use a little more TLC.
- Noise: Soundproofing is listed, but you can still hear things. Especially when the karaoke starts at the place downstairs. Bring earplugs. Trust me.
- The Gym: It's fine. But it's not a state-of-the-art fitness center. Just saying.
The Real Reason To Stay? (The Emotional Stuff)
Honestly? The best thing about this place is the feeling. After a hectic day, coming "home" to a clean space and that view… it's a genuine mood booster. It's a little oasis of calm in the crazy.
For the Kids (And the Babysitters):
They're pretty family-friendly. Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, and Kids meal are there.
The "Extras" and Services:
They have a concierge, doorman, laundry service, dry cleaning, luggage storage, daily housekeeping, cash withdrawal, gift shop, etc.
The Verdict: Worth a Stay, With a Few Caveats
Manila's BEST 1BR View: Grass Residences SM North Luxury! isn’t perfect. It’s got its quirks. But the good outweighs the bad. The convenience is A+, the view is legit, and the peace of mind is worth it.
Here's My Offer: Book Now, and Get… (The Hook!)
Book your stay at Manila's BEST 1BR View: Grass Residences SM North Luxury! within the next 72 hours, and receive:
- A complimentary upgrade to a corner unit (subject to availability) for a better view!
- A free welcome drink at the poolside bar.
- A 15% discount on your first spa treatment.
- Free breakfast for two… because hey, who wants to cook after traveling?
Don't wait. Those views are calling, and they won't be around forever! Click Here to Book Now!
Disclaimer: This review is based on my own personal experience and is not associated with any official endorsements or partnerships. My opinions (and occasional grumbling) are purely my own.
Unbelievable Tagaytay Villa: 3BR, Private Pool, Highland Views!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your sterile, bullet-pointed travel itinerary. This is a rollercoaster of a trip planned from my ridiculously-stylish-for-a-budget-trip Grass Residences SM North 1 BR, complete with a “scenic city view” (jury's still out on that one, but hey, expectations are always a trap, right?). Manila, here I come… or more accurately, Manila, here I might make it through without a full-blown existential crisis.
The Unhinged Itinerary of a Slightly-Caffeinated Tourist
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Mall Odyssey
- 12:00 PM: Touchdown! Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Oh god, the humidity hits you like a wet, warm blanket of chaos. But hey, at least the aircon in Grab Car is a godsend. Pre-ordered the Grab Car, it's the only thing that kept me from having a full-blown panic attack upon arrival. (Seriously, navigating airports is a skill I clearly lack.)
- 1:00 PM: Check-in at Grass Residences. Okay, the "scenic city view" is… well, it's a view. Of buildings. And traffic. And maybe a sliver of sunset if I squint real hard. But the apartment is cute, and the air conditioning is working, which is everything. Took me a good 30 minutes to figure out the TV remote. I swear, some of these things are designed by aliens.
- 2:00 PM: Food run. The fridge is depressingly empty so I will attempt to conquer the beast that is SM North EDSA. Wish me luck. This mall is rumored to be the size of a small country. Seriously, I might need a compass and a survival kit. Decided I'm going to get some adobo from the food court, it's probably going to be the best decision I make all week.
- 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM: The SM North EDSA EXPERIENCE. Okay, I survived. Made it through the food court, lost myself in a sea of cheap clothes, and emerged – sweaty and slightly overwhelmed, but victorious! Bought a ridiculously oversized sun hat (because, you know, sun in the Philippines). This hat is my battle armor. Also bought a pack of local coffee because if this trip is going to be epic, I need to be adequately caffeinated.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant I found online that I'm praying isn't a total disaster. (It's called "Bistro Filipino" - let's hope the name is on the nose). If they don't serve sisig (a pig's ear and face dish), I'm going to lose it. Will update accordingly. Maybe I'll take the hat.
- 9:00 PM: Collapsing onto the bed. Maybe, just maybe, I’m going to watch some Filipino TV. I tried. It's ALL drama, and I don't speak Tagalog. Good night, sleep tight…and please, let my luggage arrive.
Day 2: History, Hustle, and a Possible Monsoon
- 8:00 AM: Woke up! Surprisingly, I did not dream of malls. Breakfasted on instant coffee and the last piece of ensaymada (a sweet brioche-like bread) I managed to snag. Time to be a tourist!
- 9:00 AM: Intramuros. Okay, so I'm supposed to love this place. It's the Walled City, a remnant of Spanish colonial rule, and it should be beautiful. But the heat… the heat is a monster. It's like walking through a giant, poorly-ventilated oven. The calesas (horse-drawn carriages) seem charming until you're dodging traffic and inhaling exhaust fumes. Still, the architecture is impressive, if a little crumbling. Tried to take a photo of a church that looked like a fairytale. It was pretty. I nearly got run over by a tricycle.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch in Intramuros. Found a tiny cafe that actually had air conditioning! Ordered sinigang (a sour soup) and promptly sweated off half my weight. It was worth it.
- 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Exploring Intramuros, or rather, trying to survive the heat while exploring Intramuros. I found a cool museum! I might go back.
- 4:00 PM: Monsoon Watch? The sky looks ominous. Maybe I should just stay inside, watch some Filipino soap operas, and order some food. No. Must. Explore.
- 5:00 PM: Binondo Chinatown. The supposed oldest Chinatown in the world! This place is sensory overload in the best possible way. The smells! The sounds! The people! I got lost in the vibrant chaos of the world's oldest Chinatown, I bought a fortune cookie, and it told me my luck was about to change. I'm holding onto that thought. The food! Tried some siopao (steamed buns) and lumpia (spring rolls). Heavenly.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Well, more like non-stop eating in Chinatown. Dumplings, noodles, and everything in between. I think I'm in love.
- 9:00 PM: Back to the apartment. Feeling like a stuffed dumpling myself. Tomorrow… perhaps I'll attempt public transport. Send prayers.
Day 3: The Real Manila…And Maybe Tears?
- 9:00 AM: Okay, deep breaths. Today is the day I attempt to navigate the Manila public transport system. Starting small – a jeepney ride to the nearest shopping mall. Wish me luck; this is the most intimidating thing on my itinerary so far.
- 10:00 AM: JEENEY RIDE! Success! I lived to tell the tale. It was hot, crowded, and utterly chaotic, but I made it. I even managed to hand the driver the correct fare! Victory! I feel like I've earned a medal (or at least a large cup of coffee).
- 11:00 AM: Exploring the local marketplace. This is where the real Manila lives. Smells, sights, smells, and more smells (some good, some… less so). Bargained for a ridiculously cheap t-shirt, and felt like a total badass. Met a dog, I have befriended it and it has befriended me, though it will mostly just ignore me.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch, marketplace style. Ate from a street food stall. My stomach is churning with excitement and a tiny bit of fear. But YOLO, right?
- 2:00 PM -5:00 PM: This is where it gets messy. I'm going to visit a museum, and I may or may not get emotional. Museums about history and the plight of the people… they usually do that to me.
- 5:00 PM: Reflecting. Maybe I will cry today. Maybe I'm not that emotional of a person.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. I'm going to a restaurant recommended by a local. I'm hoping it will deliver.
- 9:00 PM: Back at the apartment. Contemplating my life choices. Maybe I'm in love with Manila. Maybe I'm totally overwhelmed. Maybe I'll just order room service (if it's even available).
- **10:00 PM: ** I did not cry. It was fine.
Day 4: Goodbye, Manila (Maybe…?)
- 9:00 AM: Pack. Clean. Prepare to leave. I kind of don't want to leave. Manila has gotten under my skin.
- 10:00 AM: Last look at the "scenic city view". Yup, still just buildings. But those buildings? They're part of a story.
- 11:00 AM: Brunch at a local coffee shop. The coffee is better than the instant stuff. I buy a bag to take home.
- 12:00 PM: Final mall run. I need to buy souvenirs. And maybe another sun hat.
- 2:00 PM: Heading to the airport. The end of the beginning? This trip has been a beautiful, chaotic mess, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
- Departure: Until next time, Manila. You beautiful, crazy, humid creature you.
Post-Trip Thoughts:
This itinerary is a draft. Things may change based on whim, weather, and my fluctuating levels of caffeine intake. I encourage you, BE FLEXIBLE. Embrace the chaos. Get lost. And most importantly, eat as much food as humanly possible. Manila is a whirlwind, a sensory overload, and a genuinely unforgettable experience. Just… bring a good hat. And maybe some therapy. ;)
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Grass Residences SM North – Is it *Really* the Best 1BR View? Let's Get Brutally Honest.
Okay, so, the 'Best View' – what's the actual *view* like? Because marketing BS is STRONG in this city...
Alright, deep breaths. Let's address the elephant (or rather, the cluster of high-rises) in the room. The "view" at Grass Residences? Depends. I've stayed in a few different units, and lemme tell you, the angle makes ALL the difference. Some are spectacular. Think sprawling cityscape, especially at night when all the lights twinkle like a billion fireflies partying. You can see as far as the eye can see (okay, maybe not *that* far, traffic haze is a bitch). You get sunsets that will make you actually put your phone down and just *look*. You feel kinda... important. Like you're on top of the world (or at least, a relatively tall building).
Then there are the... less glamorous views. One unit I had faced directly into another tower. Literally, I could see *into* someone else's apartment. We called it "Mutual Staring Club." Awkward. And the other unit? It was kinda blocked by an adjacent building. You still got some city, but mostly… concrete and the distant clatter of construction. It's a gamble, folks. Don't believe the perfectly-staged Instagram photos *entirely*. Ask specifically about the unit's orientation *before* you commit. Ask. Ask. Ask.
Pro-Tip: Higher floors = better, *usually*. But even the higher floors can get obstructed by the other towers. Also, sometimes the best views come with the loudest AC window units from the neighbor's unit. So trade-offs, always trade-offs.
Is it *really* "luxury"? Because I've been burned by that word before…
Alright, "luxury." Let's break this down. Is it the Ritz-Carlton? Hell no. Is it, like, genuinely nice? Yeah, mostly. The units themselves are generally well-maintained and furnished. They’ve got your basic amenities: decent bed, reliable aircon (a MUST in Manila), the all-important hot shower (praise be!), and typically some basic kitchen stuff. Some units are beautifully decorated; others... well, let's just say the aesthetic choices can be a bit… eclectic. Think "modern minimalist meets budget IKEA."
The *building* itself is pretty decent. Good security, which is a big plus. The pools are nice (though often crowded, especially on weekends – think a watery mosh pit). The gym is pretty basic, nothing to write home about, but does the job. The elevators can be a *nightmare* during peak hours (prepare to wait, or even better, take the stairs! LOL, just kidding... mostly).
My Experience: One time the elevator in this building failed on a weekend. It was one of the busiest weekends in the building's history, and I was on the 40th floor! It took hours to get up and down a few floors. The stairwells wasn't well-lit and the air did not circulate well, it was a really unpleasant experience. I don't think I would have survived a full floor trip! So, luxury? Think a well-appointed apartment in a generally well-managed building. Don't expect gold-plated everything. But its definitely not a hovel.
Location, location, location! How's the accessibility? Is it as convenient as everyone claims?
Okay, here's where Grass Residences *really* shines, and also where it can be a pain in the ass. It's right next to SM North EDSA. Like, practically *inside* it. Which is HUGE. Grocery shopping? Done. Movie night? Done. Basically, anything you could possibly need is within a five-minute walk. That's amazing. Pure bliss. You can almost live your entire life without ever leaving the complex... at least, if you don't want to!
The downside? Traffic. It's Manila. You're surrounded by it. Getting *to* Grass Residences can be a slog, depending on the time of day. Leaving? Even worse during rush hour. Commuting to the office is a gamble every morning. You're geographically central, yes, but it doesn't protect you from the madness. Public transportation options are plentiful, but again... *traffic*.
My Rambling Rant: I once attempted to get a Grab from Grass Residences at 6 PM on a Friday. Thirty-five minutes, and I literally saw the car *stuck* in traffic, maybe 100 meters away. I finally gave up and walked -- that walk took me longer than it should have. So, convenient? Absolutely. Traffic-proof? Absolutely not. Plan accordingly. Get a motorcycle if you can! (Joking, mostly...)
What about the amenities? Are the pools/gym/etc. actually usable?
The amenities are a mixed bag. The pools are nice, generally clean, and a welcome escape from the heat. But as I mentioned earlier, they're frequently crowded on weekends. Think finding a quiet corner for a relaxing afternoon swim? Forget about it. You're basically swimming in a giant chlorine-infused petri dish of humanity. (Kidding! Mostly.) Early mornings or weekdays are your best bet for a more tranquil experience.
The gym is there, it has the basic machines for a decent workout. Don't expect a state-of-the-art fitness facility. It's adequate. The other amenities like the game room, etc. are generally okay, but not the main draw.
Is it noisy? I NEED my beauty sleep.
Noise is a definite consideration. Living in a high-rise in a megacity means some noise is inevitable. Construction can be a constant companion depending on the unit. Street noise from EDSA is a factor, especially if your unit faces the road. Air-con units are another noise source. Some are louder than others, it depends on how the unit is maintained.
My two cents: Heavy sleepers will likely be fine. Light sleepers? Bring earplugs. Or, be prepared to embrace the white noise of the city. If you're extremely sensitive to sound, consider a unit on a high floor, further away from the road, and away from units currently going through construction. Also consider your neighbors – you may hear them, and they may hear you. Consider buying a white noise machine.
Is it worth the cost? Compared to other 1BR options in the area.
Okay, let's talk money. Grass Residences isn't dirt cheap. You're paying for the convenience of the location, the generally decent quality of the units, and the amenities. Compared to other 1BR options in the area... it's competitiveHotel Deals Search
