Sunday, May 19, 2013

F1 Hotel Manila

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F1 Hotel is the first hotel to open in Bonifacio Global City which puts them in a prime position.  I initially thought that it's part of the Best Western chain of hotels but I didn't see any branding when we stayed there.

Check-In:

Check in was smooth but take note that the hotel lobby is at the fifth floor.  The ground floor lobby serves as a reception area for the residential side of the hotel.  The lobby looked very modern and neat.
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Everything actually looks modern and appealing, the only thing that I didn't like is the elevator buttons as they confused me.
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Room:

We booked a City Suite room and liked it.  It is not designed like your usual one bedroom suite where the living room is separate but it worked.
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There's a workspace, an ironing board, a safe, an iPhone alarm clock dock, and two TVs.  The two TVs weirded me out a bit as you won't be able to use both TVs without distracting yourself. 
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Toilet: 

The toilet is simple and clean.  Water pressure is not as strong though and their heater is a bit wonky.  It takes a bit of time to get the temp that you want and even then, it doesn't stay that way.  The provided toiletry is also too simple.
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Breakfast: 

The restaurant where they serve breakfast is a bit small.  Good thing the hotel was not fully booked so there was no fuss but my friend had to wait half an hour before being seated when she was there. 
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The food is okay, good enough to fill you up.
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We have had no problems with the hotel staff except during breakfast.  We requested to be seated at a small square table like the one below but we were denied given an excuse that it's for four people.  I reckon they have tables half the size of that with only two chairs.  We were then seated at the very back of the restaurant and when we stood up to get our food, we noticed that they sat two foreigners on the very same table that we requested. 
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Other Amenities: 

They have an interesting looking lap pool and a couple other pools.  There is also a gym, quite small, but should serve you fine if you're just looking to exercise a little.  There is also a steam room and a jacuzzi which were still under maintenance.  Do note also that not all elevators serve the floor to which the gym is located.  I had to wait for one particular elevator just to get to it as I wasn't sure if it was fine to use the stairs.
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Location:

Located at 32nd street, it is right in front of S & R and one of the more nicely designed Starbucks store, there are a few restaurants for your late night cravings and High Street is just a few strides away.  I find it a little odd though that the hotel entrance is not along the main road but is at the back in front of the parking lot.  
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Transportation:

Transportation is not that easy as it is not really as accessible.  Cabs pass by the main road instead of the entrance which would pose a problem if you are heading to the airport with all your luggages as you have to walk around the hotel.

Overall, I would stay back at the hotel.  I love a leisurely stroll at night and the area is perfect for that.  The hotel and the rooms still smell new and the staff are generally very friendly.




F1 Hotel Manila
32nd Street
Bonifacio Global City
Taguig, Metro Manila