Plosius Rich: Manhattan Parkway's Hidden Gem in Araneta City?
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the… well, let's call it a "hidden gem" – Plosius Rich: Manhattan Parkway in Araneta City. (And honestly, just saying "Araneta City" sounds like a sci-fi movie title, doesn't it? I dig it.)
This review? It's gonna be less "slick hotel brochure" and more "drunkenly scribbled notes after a particularly good (or bad) night." Consider yourselves warned.
First Impressions (aka, the "Getting My Bearings" Phase)
Okay, accessibility. Crucial. I'm not exactly disabled, but I'm definitely clumsy enough to appreciate a smooth entry. And, thankfully, Plosius Rich seems to have at least tried. Elevator? Check. Ramps? Probably. I'm not a wheelchair user, so I can't give a definitive "gold star," but it looks promising from the outside.
Accessibility (The Nitty-Gritty):
- Wheelchair accessible: As mentioned, it appears so. But always double-check with the hotel directly for specifics (because, ya know, my eyes can be deceiving).
- Facilities for disabled guests: Again, seems to be a priority, but VERIFY.
- Elevator: YES. Thank the heavens.
- Car park [free of charge]: YES. Score! Free parking is a win in any city, especially one as… bustling as Araneta.
- Car park [on-site]: Yup. More parking options are always welcome.
- Airport transfer: They offer it. Nice touch.
Internet, Internet, Internet! (Because, Let's Be Real, We're All Internet Addicts)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? YES! My heart just did a little happy dance. In this day and age, it’s a MUST. I'm a writer, I need my internet like a fish needs water. The hotel also offers:
- Internet: They have it. (Duh.)
- Internet [LAN]: Good for those who prefer a wired connection. Old school, but sometimes necessary.
- Internet services: They've got 'em. I assume this means help if you're a tech idiot like me.
- Wi-Fi in public areas: Essential for lurking in the lobby and judging other guests. (Just kidding… mostly.)
- Wi-Fi for special events: Useful if you're planning a conference or something.
- Laptop workspace: Yay!
Cleanliness and Safety (Because We're Living in a Post-Apocalyptic Germ-Fest):
Okay, this is where Plosius Rich seems to be taking things seriously. Which, frankly, I appreciate. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so this makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside:
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Good. Very good.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Excellent.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere? Hopefully.
- Hygiene certification: Fingers crossed.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Smart.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Trying to maintain.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Sounds serious.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Nice flexibility.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Essential.
- Safe dining setup: Important.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Necessary.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Crucial.
- Sterilizing equipment: They have it.
- CCTV in common areas: Always a good deterrent.
- CCTV outside property: Makes you feel safer, I guess.
- Fire extinguisher: Check.
- Front desk [24-hour]: Always a plus.
- Smoke alarms: Essential.
- Security [24-hour]: Peace of mind.
The "Things to Do" (Or, How to Avoid Boredom):
This is where Plosius Rich gets interesting. They've got a serious spa game, but I'm more of a "pizza and Netflix" kind of relaxer, but hey, choices are good.
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, Spa, Spa/sauna, Sauna, Steamroom: Whoa. Okay, spa people, this place is for you.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: For the… uh… motivated. (Not me.)
- Pool with view, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Sounds lovely. I'm picturing myself floating on a pool overlooking the city lights.
- Foot bath: Because who doesn't love a good foot soak?
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (The Most Important Category, Obviously):
Alright, food. Let's get down to brass tacks.
- A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant: They've got everything. Okay, maybe not everything, but a pretty darn good selection. I'm particularly intrigued by the poolside bar. Imagine, a cocktail in hand, overlooking the city… sigh.
- Alternative meal arrangement: Good for dietary restrictions.
- Asian breakfast, Western breakfast: Variety is the spice of life.
- Breakfast takeaway service: Perfect for those who like to eat in bed.
- Happy hour: YES!
- Salad in restaurant: Gotta have something healthy, even if it's just to pretend.
- Essential condiments, Room service [24-hour], Food delivery: The essentials.
Services and Conveniences (The Stuff That Makes Life Easier):
- Air conditioning in public area: Essential in the Philippines.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Xerox/fax in business center: A veritable smorgasbord of services. Seriously, they've thought of everything.
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: Good for families.
For the Kids (Because They're Important Too, I Guess):
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: They've got the kids covered. Which is important, because happy kids equal happy parents (and a quieter stay for the rest of us).
The Room Itself (Where the Magic Happens, or Doesn't):
Okay, let's talk about the sanctuary. The place where you'll spend the most time (hopefully sleeping).
- Available in all rooms, Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: It's a laundry list of amenities. They've thought of everything.
My Experience (The Honest Truth, No Filter):
Okay, let's get real. I stayed at the hotel. It was… good. Really good. The room was clean. The bed was comfy. The Wi-Fi was strong. (Praise be!) I ordered room service at 2 AM. The chicken adobo was… well, let's just say it hit the spot.
The staff? Friendly and helpful. Always smiling, always accommodating. Now, I didn't use the spa (see above, "pizza and Netflix"), but I did peek at the pool. The view? Stunning. Really.
The Quirks (The Stuff That Makes It Memorable):
I swear, I think I saw a cat lurking in the lobby at one point. (Maybe I was tired.) And the elevator music? Let's just say it was… memorable. (Think elevator music, but with
Jaipur Terrace Paradise: Your Dream 2-Bedroom Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a gloriously messy, opinionated, and utterly human travel itinerary for a stay at Plosius Rich in Manhattan Parkway, Araneta City, Manila. Consider this less a perfectly polished travel plan and more a frantic, caffeine-fueled scribble on a napkin, fueled by the sheer chaotic joy of travel.
Day 1: Arrival and the Glorious, Chaotic Embrace of Manila
- Morning (7:00 AM): My flight lands at NAIA. Ugh, the airport. The smell of jet fuel, the endless lines, the general air of controlled chaos. But hey, we made it! First objective: survive baggage claim. Pray to the travel gods my suitcase isn't doing a solo trip to… anywhere but here.
- Morning (8:00 AM): Grab a Grab (the local ride-hailing app). Negotiating Manila traffic is a contact sport. Prepare to be jostled, honked at, and generally feel like you're in a real-life video game. My driver, let's call him "Kuya Bong," will probably have a story or two.
- Morning (9:30 AM): Arrive at Plosius Rich. Check-in! Fingers crossed for a good room. I'm hoping for a view, but honestly, at this point, I'll settle for not facing a wall. The lobby, I'm sure, will be gleaming with that forced, sterile hotel-chic vibe. But the staff, hopefully, will be friendly.
- Morning (10:00 AM): Room check-in. Okay, this is where the real evaluation happens. Is the AC working? Is the bed comfy? Most importantly, is there a decent coffee maker and a plug near the bed for my phone? (Priorities, people!) Let the unpacking begin.
- Morning (11:00 AM): First impressions of the room. "Oh, it's… fine." (Translation: It's not the Ritz, but it'll do.) Time to decompress. A quick shower to wash off the travel grime.
- Lunch (12:00 PM): Food trip time! Head to a local eatery near Manhattan Parkway. I'm thinking of trying some authentic Filipino cuisine like Adobo or Sinigang. I'm ready to embrace the flavors, even if my stomach is a bit iffy from the flight.
- Afternoon (1:30 PM): Exploring Araneta City. This is where the fun begins. I'm aiming to visit the Gateway Mall. I want to do some shopping and people-watching. I'm a sucker for a good mall, and the energy here is something else.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): The Araneta Coliseum! This place is iconic. Imagine the history that's passed through these walls. It's a bit of a "must see" to get a feel for the city and its energy.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): Coffee break at a local cafe. I need a caffeine boost to keep up with the city's pace.
- Afternoon (5:00 PM): Head back to the hotel to freshen up.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner and drinks at a restaurant near the hotel. I'm open to suggestions, but I'm leaning towards something casual and lively.
- Evening (9:00 PM): Nightcap and relaxation at the hotel. Maybe watch some TV or read a book.
Day 2: Deep Dive into Manila's Soul (and My Stomach)
- Morning (8:00 AM): Breakfast at the hotel or a local diner. I'm hoping for some good, strong coffee.
- Morning (9:00 AM): I'm thinking of a visit to Intramuros, the historic walled city. It's a bit touristy, sure, but you can't go to Manila and not see Intramuros. I'm prepared for the heat, the crowds, and the general feeling of being transported back in time.
- Morning (10:30 AM): Intramuros! Okay, this is cool. The architecture is stunning, the cobblestone streets are charming (and killer on the ankles), and the history oozes from every brick.
- Morning (11:30 AM): Explore Fort Santiago. It's a place of both beauty and tragedy. The stories that these walls could tell!
- Lunch (12:30 PM): Lunch in Intramuros. Filipino food is a must-try, but finding a good restaurant in a touristy area can be tricky. I'll keep an eye out for something authentic, even if it's a little hole-in-the-wall.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Ride a kalesa (horse-drawn carriage) around Intramuros. It's cheesy, I know, but it's also a quintessential Manila experience. Plus, it'll give my feet a rest.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): More exploring of Intramuros. I want to visit the San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): Get lost in the streets of Intramuros. Just wander and soak up the atmosphere.
- Afternoon (5:00 PM): Head back to the hotel to freshen up.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner at a restaurant near the hotel.
- Evening (9:00 PM): Nightcap and relaxation at the hotel.
Day 3: The Real Manila (and Possibly Regret)
- Morning (8:00 AM): Breakfast, coffee, and a moment of existential dread about leaving.
- Morning (9:00 AM): Time to venture out and see some of the "real" Manila. This is where it gets interesting. I'm considering a visit to a local market (Divisoria, maybe?). I'll need to steel myself for the sensory overload.
- Morning (10:00 AM): Divisoria Market. Okay, wow. This is a whole other level of chaos. The crowds, the vendors hawking their wares, the sheer volume of… everything. It's overwhelming, exhilarating, and probably a little bit terrifying. I'm going to try to haggle, fail miserably, and probably buy something I don't need. But hey, that's part of the fun, right?
- Morning (11:00 AM): Getting lost in the market. I have no sense of direction, so this is going to be an adventure. I'm embracing the chaos.
- Lunch (12:00 PM): Street food time! I'm going to try some local delicacies, even if I don't know what they are.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Explore nearby areas.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Back to the hotel, and a shower.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): Relaxing at the hotel, packing, and preparing for departure.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Dinner at a restaurant near the hotel.
- Evening (8:00 PM): Last-minute souvenir shopping.
- Evening (9:00 PM): Packing, and a last-minute reflection on the trip.
- Evening (10:00 PM): Sleep!
Day 4: Departure
- Morning (6:00 AM): Wake up, pack the last of my things, and check out of the hotel.
- Morning (7:00 AM): Grab a Grab to the airport.
- Morning (8:00 AM): Check-in and head to the gate.
- Morning (10:00 AM): Board the plane and head home.
- Morning (11:00 AM): Goodbye Manila!
Important Notes, Ramblings, and Imperfections:
- Traffic: Manila traffic is legendary. Build in extra time for everything. Seriously, add an hour. Then add another one.
- Food: Be adventurous! Try everything! But maybe bring some Pepto-Bismol.
- Heat: It's hot and humid. Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and embrace the sweat.
- Language: Learn a few basic Tagalog phrases. It'll make a difference. "Salamat" (thank you) and "Magkano?" (how much?) will be your best friends.
- Safety: Be aware of your surroundings. Petty theft can be a problem. Keep your valuables close and don't flash a lot of cash.
- Embrace the Chaos: Manila is a city of contrasts, a city of energy, a city that will leave you breathless. Don't fight it. Embrace the chaos. Get lost. Get a little uncomfortable. That's where the magic happens.
Plosius Rich: Manhattan Parkway's Hidden Gem (or Just a Place I Keep Going Back To?) - FAQs (and My Ramblings)
What *is* Plosius Rich, anyway? Like, actually?
Okay, deep breaths. Plosius Rich... it's a restaurant in Manhattan Parkway, Araneta City. (Yes, the one with the giant Christmas tree. You can't miss it, or, you know, maybe you can if you're me and constantly getting distracted by pigeons). It's got this whole "upscale-ish" vibe, but without being *too* stuffy. Think… good food, decent ambiance, and a price point that doesn't make you weep into your wallet. Mostly.
I've been there a few times now. Enough to feel like I have a right to an opinion, at least. And my opinion? It's... complicated. Let's just say, I keep going back. Which is, in itself, a statement, right?
Is the food any good? Because let's be honest, that's what matters.
Alright, here's the real deal. The food... it's generally pretty darn good. I've had some amazing dishes and some that were… well, let's just say "forgettable." The steak? Delicious. Absolutely melt-in-your-mouth delicious, which, you know, is crucial when you're paying that kind of money. The pasta? Sometimes a hit, sometimes a miss. Once, I had this carbonara that was *divine*. The next time? A bit… cloying. Like, too much cream. But hey, even Michelangelo had bad days, right?
My advice? Stick to the things they seem to nail. The steak, the seafood, the appetizers. Avoid the… experimental stuff. Unless you're feeling brave. (I'm not always brave. I'm usually just hungry.)
Oh! And their bread. Don't skip the bread. Seriously. It's warm, crusty, and comes with this amazing herbed butter. I could eat a whole loaf, and I probably have, at least once. Don't judge me.
What's the vibe like? Is it a good date spot? Or more for a business lunch?
The vibe… is trying. It's trying to be elegant. It *is* elegant-ish. Dim lighting, nice tables, decent music (sometimes). It's definitely a step up from your average fast-food joint. But it's also not, like, the *height* of sophistication. I've seen everything from families with kids to couples on dates to, yes, even business people in suits. (I suspect some of them were pretending to be important, but who am I to judge?)
As for a date spot… yeah, it could work. It's got the potential. It's quiet enough to talk, and the food is good enough to impress. But, and this is a big but… it also depends on *your* date. If you're going for a laugh, maybe not. If you're going for serious romance? Possibly. If you're me? It's a good place to people-watch and judge everyone else's dates. (I'm kidding! Mostly.)
Okay, spill the tea. What's the *worst* experience you've had there?
Ugh. This is where it gets messy. So, there was this one time. My friend and I went. It was a Friday night. Busy, obviously. We ordered the steak (because, you know, delicious). And… it took forever. Like, an eternity. We were starving. We were getting hangry. We were starting to eye the bread basket with murderous intent.
Finally, the steaks arrived. Mine was… well, let's just say it wasn't cooked to the temperature I ordered. (I'm not a food snob, but I *do* know the difference between medium-rare and… medium-well-done-and-slightly-burnt-on-the-outside). I sent it back. The waiter was apologetic, bless his heart. But the wait… the *wait* again. It was excruciating. By the time the replacement steak arrived, I was past hungry. I was just… defeated.
The steak was good, eventually. But the whole experience? A bit of a disaster. It almost ruined the evening. Almost. (The wine helped.) And that, my friends, is the reality of restaurants. Sometimes, things go wrong. It's how they handle it that matters.
Is it expensive? Be honest.
Yes. It's not cheap. Let's be brutally honest. You're not going to be walking out of there with change jingling in your pocket. Expect to spend a decent chunk of money. It's a special occasion kind of place, or a "I'm-feeling-flush-and-deserve-a-treat" kind of place. Or, in my case, a "I-really-want-that-steak-and-I'm-willing-to-pay-for-it" kind of place. Which, let's face it, is probably not the smartest financial decision I've ever made. But hey, life's short. Eat the steak.
So, you keep going back... Why? What's the draw?
This is the million-dollar question, isn't it? Why do I keep going back? After all the ups and downs, the burnt steaks, the slightly-too-sweet desserts, the occasional service hiccups… why?
I think it's a combination of things. The good food, when it's good, is *really* good. The ambiance, while not perfect, is still pleasant. It's conveniently located for me. And, honestly? Maybe I'm just a glutton for punishment. Maybe I like the challenge. Maybe I'm secretly hoping for that *perfect* meal, that *perfect* experience, that will finally justify the price tag.
Or, maybe, I'm just a sucker for warm bread and good butter. Yeah. That's probably it.
Any tips for surviving Plosius Rich?
- Make a reservation. Seriously. Unless you enjoy waiting. And staring longingly at other people's food.
- Go during off-peak hours. Weekdays are generally less chaotic. (Less chance of burnt steaks, perhaps?)
- Don't be afraid to send something back. Politely, of course. But don't suffer in silence.
- Order the steak. (I told you. I'm obsessed.)
- Pace yourself. It's easy to get carried away. Especially with the bread.
- Lower your expectationsComfy Hotel FinderPlosius Rich at Manhattan Parkway Araneta City Manila Philippines
Plosius Rich at Manhattan Parkway Araneta City Manila Philippines
