Manila's BEST City View Studio? Geri's Malate Gem!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into Geri's Malate Gem – Manila's BEST City View Studio (supposedly, let's see!). I'm gonna lay it all out, the good, the gloriously messy, and the things that made me raise an eyebrow (or two). Prepare for a review that's less "corporate brochure" and more "tipsy late-night chat with your bestie."
SEO-tastic Title: Geri's Malate Gem: Manila City View Studio Review – Your Honest Take (Accessibility, Amenities, and ALL the Quirks!)
Let's start the chaos, shall we?
Accessibility: The Elevator Saga (and a Prayer)
- Wheelchair Accessible: Okay, let's be real, good accessibility in Manila is a struggle bus. The website says wheelchair accessible – key word HERE is "said". I’m hoping, but I can’t confirm, as I didn’t bring a wheelchair to test it out. If you rely on one, call ahead, speak to Geri herself (or someone who seems to know what's up) and BE SURE. I repeat, BE SURE. They might say it's fine, but the Manila "accessible" can be… well, Manila. Elevators are mentioned and hopefully, they are functional!
- Elevator: Definitely check if the elevator is actually working the day you arrive. I heard whispers of it being a bit temperamental. That's a BIG deal. If you're on a high floor and the elevator's down… well, say a prayer and start stretching those calves.
- Facilities for disabled guests: This is one thing that requires real checking into due to the sometimes-misleading descriptions I find on this site.
Internet Access (and the Battle for Wi-Fi Supremacy)
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: YES! Thank the tech gods! This is a HUGE win. Because let's face it, in this day and age, a decent Wi-Fi signal is as essential as air.
- Internet: We have it, praise the internet gods.
- Internet [LAN]: Also potentially an option. Nice to have options, especially if you are a geek like me who likes to set up a more secure, stable connection with a LAN.
- Internet services: Well, ya know, it's there.
- Wi-Fi in public areas: Again, it’s there.
Right, so the important thing here is: WAKE UP! You’ll be able to scroll on your phone, and that’s really all that matters!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Or, How NOT to Achieve Zen in Manila)
- Fitness Center, Gym/fitness: Okay, let's be honest, I'm more of a "Netflix and chill" kind of girl, but it's nice to know there's a gym. If you're the type that actually uses these things, knock yourself out. Hope it's not too crowded, though!
- Pool with view, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: The photos look amazing. A rooftop pool in Manila? DREAMY. If it delivers on the views, it’s a major selling point. Just check the weather forecast, because swimming in the rain… not so much. And the view? Gotta be good. Don't be disappointed if it's just a view of other rooftops!
- Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Sauna: Now this is where it gets interesting. A spa in the hustle and bustle of Manila? Might be the escape you need. The sauna and steam room? Yes, please. Just… make sure they’re clean. (More on that later.)
- Massage: A must after a long flight! Fingers crossed they're good.
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath: Full pampering? I AM IN.
Cleanliness and Safety: My Inner Germaphobe Is On High Alert
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Good! In this day and age, this is a HUGE relief.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Excellent. Keeping those germs at bay!
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere, please, and functioning hand sanitizer. This is crucial folks.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: Essential.
- Hygiene certification: Important. Actually, CRITICAL.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Phew. They’re taking it seriously!
- Rooms sanitized between stays: YES.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Fantastic. Gotta have those staff educated and acting accordingly!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Manila Adventure
- Restaurants: Well, the description says there are restaurants. Details, people! What kind of food? Price range? Hours? Tell me things!
- A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant: Again, DETAILS!
- Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: Yes, variety! Breakfast is a must, people. Need my fuel.
- Bar, Poolside bar: Happy hour, please! A rooftop bar with a view is ALWAYS a good time.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: Coffee. Essential. Especially after those late nights exploring.
- Room service [24-hour]: YES! Hungover? Too tired to go out? Room service is a godsend.
- Snack bar: For those late-night munchies.
- Bottle of water, Free bottled water: Hydration is KEY.
- Alternative meal arrangement: A real plus.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a BIG Difference
- Air conditioning in public area: Absolutely crucial! Manila is HOT, people. HOT.
- Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange: Super handy.
- Concierge: Always a plus for advice and help.
- Contactless check-in/out: Thank the heavens! No more awkward waiting in line.
- Daily housekeeping: Yessss.
- Doorman, Front desk [24-hour], Security [24-hour]: Safety first!
- Elevator: Essential!
- Facilities for disabled guests: Again, CHECK, CHECK, CHECK.
- Internet access – wireless: Okay, so let me check if it really is fast.
- Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Ironing service: For those of us who travel and need to look presentable.
- Luggage storage: Always a life saver.
- Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Seminars: Hmm, not sure if I'd be holding a business meeting here, but good to know the options are available.
- Safety deposit boxes: Always use them.
- Smoking area: Please have a designated smoking area.
- Taxi service: Gotta get around.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Valet parking: If you have a car, these are crucial.
For the Kids:
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids meal, Kids facilities: If I was traveling with kids, I'd be looking for these things. (Not the case for me!)
Available in All Rooms (The Nitty Gritty)
- Air conditioning: Essential.
- Alarm clock: Helpful.
- Bathrobes, Slippers: Comfort is key.
- Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea: Bless. Can get coffee anytime.
- Daily housekeeping: Thank you, cleaning gods!
- Desk: Sometimes you need to do some work.
- Free bottled water: Keep hydrated.
- Hair dryer: A godsend.
- In-room safe box: MUST USE IT.
- Internet access – wireless: See above.
- Ironing facilities: Because wrinkles are the enemy.
- Mini bar, Refrigerator: For those late night drinks, and snacks.
- Private bathroom, Separate shower/bathtub: Personal space is a must.
- Seating area: Appreciated.
- Smoke detector: Safety first!
- Telephone: Although, who uses a phone these days.
- Toiletries: Important.
- Wake-up service: Always helpful.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Amen to that.
- Window that opens: FRESH AIR! (Maybe. Manila air… well, let’s see.)
Rooms: Let's Get Specific!
- Non-smoking rooms: Good!
- Room decorations: Curious about this! Are we talking minimalist chic, or… grandma's attic?
- Soundproof rooms: Praying for this! Manila can be noisy
Alright, buckle up Buttercups. This isn't your perfectly polished travel blog itinerary. This is my diary, my survival guide, my chaotic love letter to Geri's in Malate, Korean Town, Manila. Prepare for some detours, some meltdowns, and a whole lotta kimchi.
Geri's Malate: Operation Get My Head Straight & Stuff My Face (Day 1-3…ish)
Pre-Trip Anxiety: The Existential Dread
Okay, so I booked this thing, right? Geri's. Looks gorgeous in the photos. City view studio. Korean Town. But the pre-trip jitters hit me hard. What if the city is a concrete jungle of heartbreak? What if the kimchi is, like, bad kimchi? What if my luggage gets lost and I have to spend the next week wearing the same questionable travel outfit? These are the questions that plague a traveler like me.
Day 1: Arrival & Kimchi Revelation
- 1:00 PM: Landed at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Let's just say, navigating that airport feels like a contact sport. Smelly, crowded, and the taxi drivers… well, let's just say they know how to haggle. (Haggling is my weakness, I'm useless at it).
- 2:30 PM: Finally, triumphantly, arrived at Geri's! The city view? Stunning. Seriously, the photos don't do it justice. My studio? Tiny, but perfectly formed. And the air conditioning? Sweet, blessed relief.
- 3:00 PM: Ugh, unpacking. The absolute worst. But gotta do it. Must organize. Otherwise, my brain feels like a tangled ball of yarn.
- 4:00 PM: Korean Grocery Store Quest: I'm on a mission. Find authentic kimchi. I stumble into a Korean grocery store tucked around the corner. The smell of fermented everything nearly knocks me over! But it's glorious. I buy three different types of kimchi. (I had to. Research, you know?).
- 6:00 PM: The Kimchi Massacre! Back at the studio. Cracking open the kimchi. The spicy funk hits me like a delightful punch to the face. The perfect kimchi. Tears streamed down my face. Not from sadness. From pure fermented joy. Life is beautiful.
Day 2: Karaoke Catastrophe & Street Food Shenanigans
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast! My second batch of kimchi and a sad instant noodle packet I found in the cupboard. Gotta live like a local, right?
- 10:00 AM: Decide I will be adventurous today. Must explore! Stumble (literally) on the streets. Manila is one big sensory overload. The noise, the smells, the sheer vivacity of it all… it’s a lot to take in.
- 11:00 AM: Karaoke time! Found a karaoke place in the basement of a bar. Sounded fun, until my voice cracked halfway through a rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody." The locals were either horrified or strangely amused. I ran out mortified.
- 12:00 PM: Street food rescue mission! I saw all the locals getting some street food. Had to join in; must taste. The food was delicious, a little bit risky, and I still think I got a mild case of the 'Delhi belly' from a particularly sketchy-looking sausage.
- 3:00 PM: Back to the studio, for a well-deserved nap. Exhausted.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner! I go to a Korean restaurant and order everything. Bibimbap, bulgogi… the works. My stomach is happy. My wallet is whimpering slightly.
Day 3: Trying To Be a Tourist & Failing Spectacularly
- 9:00 AM: Decided to be a grown up, and go on a walking tour.
- 10:00 AM: The tour. It was a history tour. I tried to be a history buff, but the heat was murderous. Everything started to blur. Then, I started to get confused by the history of the area. I got distracted. The tour guide was talking about some ancient church, and I was just staring at a cat. A very photogenic cat.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a market. Had some street food. The food was so good, it made up for the disastrous tour.
- 2:00 PM: Back at the studio. I just want to chill and watch some Korean dramas. The city, the chaos… I needed a break.
- 6:00 PM: Found an awesome Korean BBQ place. Decided to go solo. The grilling, the meat… was amazing. I realized I have been smiling the whole time.
- 7:00 PM: I met some locals who were super friendly and asked me to join for a beer. The best experience of my trip.
Day 4-7: (The Blur) More Kimchi, More Laughs, More Manila
(Okay, this is where things get hazy. Days melted into each other. More kimchi consumption happened. A lot more. And the city?… Became less overwhelming, more… familiar. I still got lost. A lot. But I also found a few hidden gems.)
- Random Highlights:
- The "Lost & Found" Cafe: Found this cute little spot, the coffee was great. Made a friend who also got lost.
- The Sunset on the Rooftop Bar at Geri's: Unbelievable. Just sit there, sip a drink, watch the chaos of Manila fade into a beautiful golden glow. Perfect.
- The Constant Sound of Life : Incessant honking, boisterous conversations, laughing kids. It drove me mad. But I also learned to love it. It's what makes Manila, Manila.
The Realization (And the Departure)
Slowly, the city began to loosen its grip on me. Sure, I still got lost. I still had the occasional existential moment about the price of a decent pair of jeans. But something shifted. I stopped fighting Manila and started living it.
Departure:
- Leaving Geri's: It's not easy. This place is magical, I had so many beautiful moments from this place.
- The Airport Again: The airport. Ugh. But this time, I know the score. I haggle with the taxi driver (badly). I navigate the crowds semi-confidently.
- The Verdict: Manila is messy. It's chaotic. It's heartbreakingly beautiful. And yes, the kimchi is divine. Would I go back to Geri's? In a heartbeat.
This isn't a perfect itinerary. It's not particularly well-organized. It’s messy. It’s me. And if you follow it, you might feel something too. So go, get lost, and eat all the kimchi your heart desires. Just… be prepared. Manila bites back. But it also embraces.
Escape to Paradise: Lavande Hotel's Luxury Awaits in Guang'an!
Geri's Malate Gem: Your Questions Answered... and My Ramblings!
Okay, spill the tea! Is this "Geri's Malate Gem" really THAT good? I'm seeing a lot of shiny pictures...
Alright, let's be real. Yes... mostly. Look, those pictures? They're good. But let's not pretend everything is perfectly Instagrammable 24/7. First of all, the view? Spectacular. Seriously, at night? Manila is twinkling, and you feel like you're in a movie. And you know what? I almost messed up the whole check-in! I'm terrible with directions. I spent a good 20 minutes circling the block, convinced it was a scam (which, let's be honest, happens in Manila).
But the studio itself... it's cozy. Not palatial. Think 'charming tiny apartment where you can *actually* relax and breathe' cosy. And the bed? Comfortable enough that I almost missed my flight. That's always the test, isn't it? Can you get out of bed? I almost couldn't... twice! I needed to add extra time for sleeping because it’s so comfy
Now, imperfections? (Because nothing's perfect, right?) The Wi-Fi was a little spotty at times – hello, 2024, we need reliable internet! And the hot water? Took a while. But honestly, for the price and that view? Totally worth the minor inconveniences. It felt like I was in a mini-vacation without leaving the country.
What's the deal with the location? Malate feels... a vibe. Is it safe? Is it convenient?
Malate. Ah, Malate. It’s got that... *Manila* energy, shall we say? It's vibrant. It's chaotic. It's got a certain… grit. And yes, it's generally safe, especially around that area. Always be aware of your surroundings, of course! Like, when I was walking that first night, I was on high alert!
Convenience-wise? Pretty good. Tons of restaurants, bars - you name it. You're in the heart of things. Just… brace yourself for the traffic. Getting a Grab (taxi app) is your best friend. Walking is *possible*, but depending on the weather (and your tolerance for Manila heat), maybe not always advisable. I walked for a little while, and I was drenched even though it was 8 in the evening
And now, a personal anecdote: I spent ages trying to decipher the local jeepney routes, mostly because I'd heard it was a "must do". Let me tell you I was getting *nowhere.* I gave up after about 30 minutes and just ordered a Grab. My advice? Embrace the app. Save yourself the stress (and maybe a near-miss with a speeding jeepney driver!)
What amenities/perks come with the studio? Does it have a kitchen/balcony/etc.?
Okay, so, what are we working with? The essentials are definitely covered. I'm a fan of a good coffee machine, so I was stoked about that! I was so tired after I got there. The most important thing was my coffee and I was able to get it!
There's a small kitchenette – enough to whip up some basic meals. Don't picture Michelin-star chef territory, but you can definitely make breakfast or heat up leftovers. I, being the lazy traveler that I am, mostly used it for reheating the amazing street food I got. So, yay for that.
No balcony, unfortunately. Which is a shame, because imagine that view with a morning coffee. But you can't have everything! I’ll call it a trade-off. But the view from the actual window? Still fantastic. And the air-conditioning? A lifesaver in that Manila heat. I was prepared to sacrifice all the fancy extras for good AC. Seriously.
Is it easy to get around from the studio? Public transport options?
Alright, travel time? You are in the heart of things. But let's address the elephant in the room: Manila traffic. It's legendary.
Grabs are your best friend. Seriously. They're readily available and relatively inexpensive. If you’re feeling adventurous and you have *hours* to kill, you can try the jeepneys. I did not. The bus system? Could be another level of adventure. And I’d advise against it unless you're a seasoned public transport warrior. And I’m not sure I classify myself as that.
So, yes, it's *easy* to get around if you're prepared to either wait or pay for a ride. Factor in travel time, and don't schedule any appointment’s too close together. You have been warned!
What's the best thing about the studio? And the worst? Be honest!
The BEST thing? That VIEW. Hands down. Watching the city lights come alive at night... *chef's kiss*. It’s almost worth the price of admission alone. I spent hours just staring out the window, feeling less stressed and more at peace. It gave me this great sense of wonder! Something I’d forgotten I had.
The WORST? The Wi-Fi. It was a bit... temperamental. I needed to work a bit, and it was a frustrating start to my morning. Plus, the hot water situation wasn't ideal. But I’d do it all over again. Also, there was a light switch that I couldn’t figure out for, like, a day. I'm pretty sure I just didn't understand it. (Don't judge me, tech is hard!) It was probably user error though. I’ll take the blame for that.
Should I book it? Seriously, should I?
Okay, look. If you're looking for a budget-friendly, centrally located studio with an *amazing* view, then yes! Absolutely. Just go in with realistic expectations. It is not a 5-star hotel. It's a charming, slightly imperfect, and perfectly positioned base for exploring Manila. And for the price? A steal.
Would I go back? In a heartbeat. I'm actually already looking at dates! The view alone made it worth it. So, yeah. Book it. But don't steal my dates, okay? I NEED that view again!
