Cherry Blossom Hotel Manila

By Lovettatall, January 24th 2010 in Manila Travel Guide Comments (0)

About Cherry Blossom Hotel, Manila

Staying in Cherry Blossom Hotel you simply cannot get any closer to the heart of Manila. The 145-room standard hotel sits right next to the U.S. Embassy, rubs shoulders with the Robinsons Place (a giant, high-end shopping mall), and it's just a stone's throw to a host of Manila's worthwhile spots, including the bustling Manila Bay promenade, historical Intramuros, and the family oriented Rizal Park. Surprisingly, superior location need not necessarily strain your budget, and you will find the hotel an exceptional value for money. Of course, as with anything, there are as many opinions as there are guests, and while a bunch of satisfied customers reminisce their stay as a great overall experience, others will tell you to keep clear. Go figure!

Rates & Facilities

Rates at Cherry Blossom Hotel start at US$20-30 per night for a standard room and can go up to US$80 for a suite. Each room comes with AC, cable TV, little fridge, mini-bar, and video-on-demand. The hotel boasts efficient housekeeping and laundry services, as well as a considerable choice of breakfast menu included in the price. There's also a safety deposit box and ample parking lot at your disposal. If you want to dine on the hotel grounds, a cozy Cherry Cafe offers freshly baked pastries and a gourmet restaurant serves anything from authentic Philipino to Spanish cuisine. Entertainment wise, there's a music lounge in the basement, where exotic drinks pour well into the night and karaoke parties heat up the atmosphere.

 

Pros

Among the undeniable advantages is the close proximity to the center of the city. Rooms are well-fitted with all the amenities one would expect. The recently refurbished interior makes an overall neat impression and the staff rarely fails to be all smiles and attentive.

Cons

Most of the rooms overlook the taxi terminal and catch quite a lot of noise throughout the day. Prices at the hotel bar tend to be rather inflated (check before you order) and - horror of horrors- wi-fi.is not free of charge. Insects have been seen in the older section of the hotel, if reviews can be trusted.

Tips

Bear in mind the hotel combines newer and older sections, with options available in various price ranges. Always have at least a brief look at the room before you sign anything at the reception desk, and rather opt for the newer building as the second floor suites tend to show their "older" condition. Also, avoid paying for more than one night in advance in case you change your mind and don't want to stay longer than necessary. Problems have been reported with cash refunds and overcharging.

To conclude...

Let's face it... as a budget accommodation, bed of roses it is not, and fastidious travelers will certainly find shortcomings, if not gross cases of neglect. Fortunately, there are myriad 5-star hotels in the city to cater for sophisticated needs. Those who are simply expecting decent conditions for a bargain price will without doubt enjoy their stay in Cherry Blossom Hotel while in Manila.

 

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  1. Name: Mar 17, 2010 2:57 AM

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