Manila's BEST Kept Secret: Urban Travellers Hotel Review (You WON'T Believe This!)
Manila's BEST Kept Secret: Urban Travellers Hotel – Seriously, You Won't Believe This! (My Brain Just Exploded a Little)
Okay, so, I'm not gonna lie. I've been a jaded travel blogger for, like, a decade. Seen it all, done it all, yawned at all. Until… Urban Travellers Hotel in Manila. And guys? My cynical heart actually fluttered. Prepare yourselves. This is gonna get messy. And honest. And probably involve a lot of exclamation points.
(Let's just rip the band-aid off and say: This review isn't perfect. Sometimes, I'll veer off-topic. Sometimes, my brain will short-circuit. Welcome to the chaos!)
First, the Basics (Sort Of):
- Accessibility: Okay, let's start with the elephant in the room. I'm not wheelchair bound, but I always look for accessible options. Urban Travellers actually tries. They have an elevator (THANK GOD), and while the doorways aren’t perfectly wide, it’s definitely better than a lot of places. Now, they aren't perfect. But good start!
- Internet (Because, Duh): Wi-Fi in all rooms? YES! Free? DOUBLE YES! My laptop is constantly glued to my hand, so this is a MAJOR selling point. They even have LAN connections for those of you who still roll that way. Internet services are… well, they’re internet services. Standard, works, good.
(Hold on, gotta grab more coffee… This is intense.)
The Cleanliness & Safety Stuff (Important, But Kinda Boring, Until It's Not):
- COVID-19 Woes: Okay, let's be real. Travel post-pandemic? SCARY. Urban Travellers takes it seriously. I counted 30,000 bottles of hand sanitizer. Okay, maybe not that many, but it felt like it! They've got anti-viral cleaning products (thank you, science!), daily disinfection everywhere, and staff properly trained. And it’s all the small touches, from the individually-wrapped food options to the room sanitization opt-out, meant that I genuinely felt safe.
- Rooms Sanitized Between Stays: Big plus. HUGE.
- Food is Wrapped, Hygiene Certificates: Fine. Boring. Necessary. Good.
- Doctor/Nurse on call: Always a nice thing to have.
- Safety Features, Fire Stuff: Okay, all the usual suspects are there: smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, etc. They’ve got this covered.
(Okay, side note: is it weird that I find the "Physical distancing of at least 1 meter" rule a little… comforting? Like, give me my personal space! I'm an introvert, people!)
Okay, Let's Talk About Fun! (And Maybe Some Disappointment)
- The Pool: The pool with a view? Advertised. Promised. But was it a gorgeous infinity pool overlooking Manila? No. It was a very nice, perfectly acceptable outdoor pool. With a view. Of, well… of stuff. But…the pool in a hotel is not to be sniffed at.
- Spa & Wellness: This is where things got… complicated. They boast a spa, sauna, steamroom… But the Spa? Closed for renovations. Ugh. But, I did take a dip in the sauna. It was a sauna. As for a body scrub/wrap and massage? Nope, not for me. I was too busy making my way to the pool.
- Fitness Center: Didn't use it, but it looked decent.
(Slightly irritated, but still excited. Come on, Urban Travellers, bring on the good stuff.)
Food, Glorious Food (And My Stomach's Reaction)
- Restaurants & Dining: They have a bunch of restaurants on-site! I think I saw a Vegetarian restaurant! I love a good buffet. But. Let’s be honest, it was the Asian buffet that pulled me in.
- 24-Hour Room Service: YES! Bless you, Urban Travellers. Bless you. Perfect for those late-night cravings or, you know, ordering breakfast in bed (which, let's be honest, is the best part of hotel life).
- The Coffee Shop: Perfect for a quick caffeine fix.
- The "Happy Hour" (More on that later): Drinks! Deals! Good times! (hopefully).
(Okay, this is starting to turn into a full-blown love affair. I'm in. I am IN.)
The "Things To Do, Ways To Relax" (And My Inner Couch Potato):
- Happy Hour: Okay, this deserves its own spotlight. The Happy Hour at Urban Travellers. You’re probably imagining standard cocktails, maybe some sad-looking appetizers. Nope. They had a whole set of drinks. I ordered a margarita, a mai tai, and something with pineapple. My eyes glazed over and I could hear myself giggle. Best happy hour ever.
- Poolside Bar: Same spot as the happy hour. Yes.
- Lounges: See above.
- Ways to relax, and stuff: It’s Manila. You can go explore, do the tourist thing, visit a shrine. I, however, took full advantage of the blackout curtains and extra-long bed.
(Okay, maybe I'm a bit of a homebody. Sue me.)
My Room (The Sanctuary)
- It was everything. It was perfect.. The bed was the best. The room was clean. The Air conditioning was working. Great. The Internet? Amazing. The blackout curtains? AMAZING. Perfect.
- Bathroom: Clean. No complaints. The shower? Adequate. The shampoo? Fine.
- That extra-long bed: I've almost never been as happy.
(Seriously, I wanted to just live in that bed forever.)
Services & Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter):
- Front Desk 24-Hour: Yay!
- Daily Housekeeping: Essential.
- Concierge: Helpful.
- Cash Withdrawal, Currency Exchange, Luggage Storage: All the basics covered.
- The Extras: Some minor things were missing out, but I'm here to have a great time.
(My head starts to spin at the amenities. Urban Travellers, you’ve spoiled me.)
The Downsides (Because Nothing's Perfect):
- The Spa was closed: MAJOR disappointment. Should have checked. But. Still. Ugh.
- The view from my room wasn't breathtaking: It was a city view. Perfectly fine, but not exactly postcard-worthy.
- Pets allowed unavailable: The hotel is not pet-friendly. So, leave your furry friends at home!
- It's in Manila: Okay, this isn't really a downside of the hotel itself. Manila can be a sensory overload. But once you're in the Urban Travellers bubble, it's a welcome escape.
(Okay, I'm grasping at straws here. Truly, the downsides are minimal.)
For the Kids (Because I Saw Some):
- Family/Child Friendly: They do have kids meals, but I'm not qualified to offer a full critique!
(I guess I'm not reviewing the kiddy pool this time around.)
Getting Around (Because You Gotta Leave Eventually):
- Airport Transfer: Smart.
- Car Park: Yeah, it’s there. free. Great.
(I’m too lazy to be honest. I did not get out of the hotel. A++ for me.)
The Verdict: Urban Travellers Hotel – My New Manila Oasis?
Look, I'm not one for hyperbole. But Urban Travellers? It's a hidden gem. It’s clean, safe, comfortable, and packed with amenities. The staff are friendly, helpful, and clearly take their jobs seriously. Is it perfect? No. But did it completely surpass my expectations and make me want to extend my stay? Absolutely.
(I'm already planning my return!)
SEO Bonanza (Because, You Know):
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Compelling Offer & Call to Action:
Tired of the same old boring hotel experiences? Ready to discover Manila's BEST Kept Secret? Urban Travellers Hotel offers a sanctuary of comfort, convenience, and unforgettable moments. From their meticulously clean rooms and commitment to safety, to their amazing happy hour, delicious food, and refreshing pool, you'll find yourself instantly relaxed and refreshed.
Here's why you NEED to book NOW:
- Unbeatable Value: Get top-notch service
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your perfectly polished travel brochure. This is ME, unfiltered, planning a chaotic, potentially disastrous, but hopefully hilarious, adventure in Manila, staying at the Urban Travellers Hotel. Here we go…
MANILA MADNESS: A Totally Unplanned Adventure (Urban Travellers Hotel Edition)
Day 1: Arrival & A Taste of Tears (Or Maybe Just Sisig)
- 11:00 AM: Touchdown, Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Ugh, the smells already hit you like a brick – a mix of exhaust fumes, lingering airport food, and something vaguely…fishy. I swear, every airport smells distinctively awful, like a perfume designed by Satan.
- 11:30 AM - Noon: Airport logistics. Praying for a smooth taxi ride. Last time I got scammed into paying triple the fare… lesson learned. This time it's Grab or bust, and I hope the app works… I'm not very good at bargaining and I get flustered easily.
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Urban Travellers Hotel. Honestly, after the airport, this place looks like heaven. Aircon, clean-ish looking lobby, and a sweet-faced receptionist who hopefully speaks English. I’m praying for a room with a working AC. I’m also hoping the bed isn’t infested by anything that crawls!
- 1:30 PM: Check-in and room discovery. Does my room have a window?! Yes! A window overlooking… another building. Fine. But the AC works! Small victory! A quick inspection for unwanted roommates is a must, and my bags are dumped, and I promptly collapse on the bed… probably for all of five minutes.
- 2:00 PM: Lunchtime! Mission: Find the BEST Sisig. Holy crap, I'm drooling just thinking about it. This is a MUST. I've been dreaming of crispy, chopped pig face sizzling on a hot plate. Yelp and Google Maps are my best friends right now. I might stumble upon a hole-in-the-wall or a fancy restaurant, but the BEST Sisig is the destination, and I'll embrace whatever comes with it, even if my stomach hates me later.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Post-Sisig coma and exploration of the immediate area. I fully expect to wander around like a lost puppy, getting slightly disoriented. Probably get very hot and sweaty. I'll try to find a convenience store to buy water and some snacks. Maybe a snack with interesting, unknown ingredients!
- 6:00 PM: Pre-dinner relaxation and planning (or not planning). Nap? Maybe. Research more food? Definitely. Try and decipher the local currency? Yep. Attempt to learn a few essential Tagalog phrases? Please help me, Google Translate. I'll also double-check the hotel's wifi situation because, let's be real, I'm probably addicted to my phone.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner – hopefully somewhere with a view, although finding that might be a challenge. I'm thinking something light, after all that sisig, which didn’t seem so light after all! Then again, light isn’t really my forte….maybe another round of Sisig because you only live once!
- 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Exploring the neighbourhood around the hotel. Take in the sights, sounds, and smells of urban Manila after dark. It’s important to have good reflexes and awareness, I assume it’s going to be chaotic but I'm hoping it will be exciting!
- 10:00 PM : Back to the hotel. If I still have the energy, a quick shower and then collapse in bed with the AC blasting. And start wondering what tomorrow will bring…
Day 2: Intramuros, History, and Humidity
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. The inevitable struggle is real. Drag myself out of bed – the aircon is my best friend right now – and get ready for a day of history and potentially overwhelming heat.
- 9:00 AM: Head to Intramuros! The walled city! I'm picturing a charming step back in time, but I'm also bracing myself for crowds, heat, and the relentless attempts of tricycle drivers to overcharge.
- 9:30 AM: Transportation battle continues! Grab again, or brave a Jeepney? The Jeepneys are tempting because they are cheap, but I'll probably end up lost. Decisions, decisions…
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Intramuros exploration. San Agustin Church, Fort Santiago… the big hitters, I imagine. I’m going to need a LOT of water, and maybe a fan. I'll try to find a kalesa ride. Pray for a patient driver and maybe pretend I’m a Spanish noblewoman for a few minutes.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch in Intramuros. Gotta find a place with AC! And hopefully, good food. I’m thinking something Filipino.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: More Intramuros. The museums? The shops? The lingering feeling that I should have brought more sunscreen? Probably all of the above.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Head back to the hotel. Shower. Collapse. Debrief with myself about what I've seen. Take a moment to reflect, or scream into a pillow. Whatever works.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner near the hotel again. Is it wrong to want to go back to that sisig place? I'm not sure. Perhaps some new cuisine? I'll decide when my stomach starts rumbling.
- 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Relax. Maybe watch a movie, read a book. Plan tomorrow? Nah, that's for tomorrow. Let the chaos unfold!
Day 3: The Unexpected & Departure (Hopefully)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up, contemplate life, and wonder how much time I have before I need to check out. Sigh.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast situation. Does the hotel offer breakfast? If so, what's the quality? if not I'm going to find a local coffee shop and a pastry.
- 10:00 AM: Maybe a museum? A park? A last-minute scramble to find souvenirs? I’m open to suggestions from the universe. This is where things get messy. I’m going to let fate take over.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch – wherever I end up. Hopefully, something delicious.
- 1:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Pack. Double-check for forgotten items (wallet, passport, sanity).
- 2:00 PM: Check out. Say goodbye to the Urban Travellers Hotel and its inhabitants.
- 2:30PM: Airport. Again! I’m going to try and not get lost again. That’d be great.
- 4:30 PM: Flight! Time to go home, hopefully with a bunch of memories! I'll tell anyone who listens all about my Manila adventure, the good, the bad, and the utterly bizarre! I’ll probably have nightmares about the traffic and dream of sisig.
- 5:00 PM: Safe to back home!
- 6:00 PM: Back home! Yay!
P.S. This itinerary is subject to change. Probably frequently. Also, I am not a seasoned traveler, so please forgive the gaps in my knowledge and my tendency to get distracted by shiny objects (and delicious food). Manila, here I come! Wish me luck… I'll need it.
Escape to Paradise: Adults-Only Riviera Maya Oceanfront Bliss
Okay, spill the tea! Is Urban Travellers Hotel REALLY as amazing as this "secret" makes it sound?
Alright, alright, settle down, Nancy Drews of the internet! Let's be real – "amazing" is a HUGE word. And the Manila heat? Well, that's an even BIGGER hurdle. Look, Urban Travellers is... well, it's good. It’s a damn sight better than some of the dives I've stumbled into in this city (looking at you, cockroach-themed motel!). Is it perfect? Honey, this is Manila. NOTHING is perfect. But is it a solid find? Absolutely. More on why in a sec... (and warning, I get a little obsessed about this one specific thing…)
What's the vibe like? Is it a backpacker hostel, a luxury hotel, or something in between?
"In between" is the perfect way to put it. Think of it as the cool aunt of hotels. It's not some soulless, sterile chain hotel. You might find a couple of weary travelers slumped in the lobby, or a local making small talk with the staff. Don't expect a red carpet, but the staff is incredibly friendly (more on that later, too!). It's got a homey charm. I swear I saw a cat lounging around the reception area once. (Okay, maybe it was street cat, but still!) It's clean, which is a massive win in Manila. The atmosphere is super relaxed. You can actually breathe, which is a HUGE plus.
Location, location, location! Is it actually convenient?
This is where Urban Travellers really shines. It's located in Ermita, which, depending on who you ask, is either a vibrant hub or a chaotic mess. I personally veer towards the vibrant. Seriously, it's close to everything! Walking distance to plenty of bars, restaurants, and even the National Museum. Okay, okay, maybe "walking" is a slight exaggeration in Manila’s humidity. I'm talking about a short, cheap Grab ride – and that's basically the same thing. You're in the heart of the action, and trust me, that is vital for a good Manila experience. You *want* to be close to the action. Otherwise, it is just a never ending traffic hell.
Tell me about the rooms. Are they tiny shoeboxes? Are they actually clean?
Okay, room size? They're not palatial suites. Manage your expectations! But they are clean! And surprisingly well-designed. The decor is modern-ish, with a touch of Filipino flair. Beds are comfy (a must!), the aircon works properly (another MUST!), and the bathrooms are actually decent. The water pressure is *usually* good, which in Manila is a miracle. I've stayed in some places where you get more water from the dripping faucet than the showerhead! The only gripe? The sound proofing is not the best. Manila is a noisy city, so light sleepers might wanna pack earplugs.
Let's talk about the food. Anything worth getting excited about?
It's not a foodie paradise, let's put it that way! They offer a basic breakfast - nothing life-altering, but it'll fill you up. There are FAR better food options within spitting distance. Don't waste your time eating there, explore and get some authentic Filipino food. The surrounding area is brimming with fantastic, cheap eats. Think adobo, sisig, and all the glorious things you've probably dreamt of.
Is the staff as friendly as everyone claims?
YES! Absolutely, wholeheartedly, yes. The staff are genuinely lovely. They're helpful, they speak good English, and they go out of their way to make you feel welcome. They’ll give you recommendations, help you with travel arrangements, and they always have a smile. I’d rate them a solid 10/10. I mean, I can't promise you they'll carry your bags up five flights of stairs (though they might offer!), but they embody the Filipino hospitality. I have a genuine fondness for the staff. They aren’t afraid to make jokes with you. They helped me out of a near disaster once. True heroes, I tell you.
Okay, you mentioned something you were obsessed with. What's the deal?
(Deep breath) The water. Oh, sweet, glorious, reliable water pressure. I've stayed in hotels where the shower dribbles, or the hot water goes cold the second you actually want to use it. Urban Travellers? They have consistently amazing water pressure. It's the little things in life! The ability to actually wash the Manila grime off me at the end of a long day is, truly, bliss. I could write an entire ode to their showerheads! I never thought I’d care so much about water pressure, but here we are. It is a thing of beauty, that water pressure. Okay, I’ll stop now. (Maybe).
Any downsides? Give it to me straight!
Okay, honesty time! Soundproofing is a real issue. Pack earplugs if you value sleep. And the Wi-Fi? It's… okay. Manila Wi-Fi is generally a mixed bag. Don’t expect lightning-fast speeds. And while clean, the rooms might need a little more attention to detail. Minor things. There's a certain… lived-in feel. Not a dealbreaker, but don't expect pristine perfection. Then again, you are in Manila!
Would you recommend it? For who?
Absolutely, I would! For travelers seeking a clean, comfortable, and centrally located hotel in Manila without breaking the bank. For folks who appreciate friendly service and don't need a luxury experience. If you're the kind of person who values a good shower (hello, it's me!), you'll especially appreciate it. If you're after a party scene or a super-romantic getaway? Maybe not the best fit. But for a solo traveler, couple, or even a small group who want a good base for exploring Manila, Urban Travellers is a solid choice. Just remember to pack those earplugs!
Is it really "secret"?
Okay, “secret” is a bit of an exaggeration. It's on the internet, after all! BUT, it's not a massive chain hotel.Sleep Stop Guide
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