I made a very quick trip to Manila last week so I could be with my fiancé for the final visa interview at the US Embassy. I booked a room here for 2 nights, breakfast buffet included.
LOCATION: In Ermita, a few blocks away (walking distance) from the US Embassy. Not the worst neighborhood in Manila, but far from the best. In walking to/from the hotel we encountered lots of locals on the dirty streets, a number of homeless people and randomly, some rather unpleasant smells.
Fortunately they have some large signage so it's easy to spot the hotel from a block or more away in most any direction. This is the front of the hotel and entrance.
https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/city-garden-suites-manila?select=ohJS_LhAOrVkiASHcdftxQ
https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/city-garden-suites-manila?select=2iulNQy4yH0iyoDPe6qWPA
SERVICE: Front desk staff was very pleasant and helpful. Checking in and out was quick and easy. FYI, they ask for a 1000 PHP deposit to cover any items used from the in-room mini-bar.
https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/city-garden-suites-manila?select=dP2gLU55KMB9C86JrhlaYw
There's a full bar in the lobby.
https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/city-garden-suites-manila?select=4Uew28Na0C_bl-ULI3gXPw
My deluxe room was on the small side, but the décor was very nice and had amenities like a small fridge, mini-bar with snacks, two complementary bottles of water, an electric kettle for hot water/tea, free Wi-Fi, in room safe and A/C with a remote control.
https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/city-garden-suites-manila?select=FruqJ8Te85ilj9BDBdfEWw
https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/city-garden-suites-manila?select=tvKOetAWvXzL_NSUV71jow
The bathroom was small, efficient and included bar soap, shampoo, hand lotion and a hair dryer. A tooth brush / tooth paste is available on request if your forgot yours.
https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/city-garden-suites-manila?select=bcVjTwM3eLoRBSR-rXJ7tQ
Cafe Miranda Restaurant, off the lobby, has an upscale feel and appearance, comfortable seating etc. This is where the breakfast buffet was served (6 to 10 am). They had a good variety of items to choose from and everything was fresh and delicious. They also have an "egg station" for made to order omelets, fried eggs, etc.
https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/city-garden-suites-manila?select=tFZaqAJeBYThZ6J2E4ht3g
https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/city-garden-suites-manila?select=v_i3mvgN_0Af0rk7twwScw
https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/city-garden-suites-manila?select=1vic258Sp6Dw44No_xDk3g
OVERALL: For $48+ US (2380 PHP) per night, I was quite pleased with the room, service, breakfast buffet, etc. It's a nice hotel for the price, but IF I ever go back to Manila again, I'd stay in the Makati area instead. read more