“Convenience and Simplicity at Your Best”
My sister and I really enjoyed our stay at this hotel. The staff speak English well enough and they work efficiently. There are only two elevators and elevator 2 is a little scary. The rooms are simple but are clean. My sister and I left our most valuable items in the safe however, the staff never touch nor took anything in the drawers. The staff really work hard to meet the requests of the guests. From utensils to a weight scale, they met our requests. The breakfast buffet provides a diverse enough menu and you can request for special orders at no cost. The only thing that really irked my sister and me is that we could access the Wi-Fi in the Wi-Fi zone. By and by, there is Starbucks connected to the hotel (cheaper than any other Starbucks I've been to). Take a few more steps and cross the road and you find yourself at Yellow Cab for some pizza and pasta. Laundry services are expensive because they charge by the garment. Take a two-minute walk to Del Pilar Street and you will find a Launder service. Two large loads cost my sister and me only $6.19 and it was ready the next day.
Area recommendations
Divisoria - bargain galore district (do not go here unless you have a guide/driver with you)
Capo - handicrafts that are dirt cheap and there is a night market. Careful - if you are not from this district or you do not have a guide familiar of the place, they may jump you.
Greenhills - Bargain place but pales compared to my first two recommendations.
Getting around
If you stay at Bayview Park Hotel and you are staying for a week, the hotel taxis will charge 300 pesos for the week. However, I highly recommend you get a private driver who will follow you and bargain for you. Rumors of the traffic and driving in Philippines are no exaggeration - it is crazy and very daunting when you first arrive.
What to pack
If you are planning to shop, just bring enough clothes for your stay and bring commodities (shampoo, conditioner, floss, etc) that you are willing to leave behind. Calculator - this is going to be your best friend while you shop. Bring a credit card for back up but before you leave, withdraw the amount of cash you intend to spend. The best places to bargain and shop are "cash only" places.
