Makati Haven - Century Mall - Knightsbridge Residences

The queue at the management office was so disorganized that I waited over 30 minutes despite only two people seeming to be ahead of me. More than eight people who arrived after me got served first. I still don’t understand why people skip queues and why managers who set the rules follow them selectively. This was my first time in the Philippines, and it was one of my most frustrating experiences. I don’t blame the receptionists or security guards. My problem was with the management office on the 4th floor, where I went to renew an access card that had suddenly stopped working. The sign said only two people could be inside at a time, so I waited in the seating area outside. People kept jumping the queue, and at one point there were six people in the small room. When I tried to go in and ask how the process worked, the manager told me to “wait in line,” even though I had been waiting the whole time. Other people were behind me, so I didn’t think I was in the wrong place. Residents bring concerns and requests to that office, and I didn’t expect much accountability, but the lack of organization was disappointing. I can’t say whether bias played a part, and I don’t want to assume. My English is fluent, the staff knew what was happening outside, and no one tried to manage the queue fairly. The whole process felt disorganized, unfair, and extremely frustrating. Were they being xenophobic? Who knows?

The building administration is catastrophic. Communication is inconsistent, they issue “Disconnection Notices” over a 100 Pesos water bill, less than 2 US Dollars, if it’s overdue by more than a month, and the building engineering charges a complete rip-off for simple repairs like a faucet. Access cards are delayed, there’s no guest parking, and the side entrance has been “Temporarily closed” for two years. Apparently “temporarily” can mean a long time. For a short Airbnb stay, it’s quite okay, with a central location, decent gym, and pool. The first impression is clean, spacious, and secure, but it fades when you have to deal with the administration. If you’re thinking of buying or renting here, expect things to get inconvenient with the arrogant, nitpicking, sluggish building admin. Don’t blame or argue with the receptionists, security staff, or other workers. They’re constrained by management’s orders. Take problems directly to the general manager, or all you’ll get is “Sorry Sir” and “We’ll call you back, Sir,” which of course never happens. Not the worst place, but definitely not one of the good ones.

The noise has left me mentally exhausted, and after staying here for a few months, I’m not looking forward to coming back. The lobby is often full of people sitting on the couches for hours, shouting over one another or making loudspeaker calls. Security and reception have plenty of rules but don’t step in. In the gym, the music is very loud and coaching sessions turn into shouting contests. The tower itself is tall and well built, with ten fast elevators and pretty good amenities. The units are nice, with large windows and balconies. But the doors are poor quality and noisy. Careless residents and short-term guests come to poblscion to party, then return in the middle of the night and slam their doors, waking me up. The metal doors to the trash room are loud even from a distance, and the stairwell doors used by maintenance staff are deafening.

The staff are top notch, friendly, courteous, and always ready to help. Check-in was smooth, even though I arrived at 7am and left my luggage at the counter. I asked the male receptionist to handle my handbag carefully, and he unexpectedly put masking tape on it with a “Fragile” label. I spent 19 days at Knightsbridge, booked online through Airbnb. The room was elegant, the bed was comfy, and the balcony view was superb. The condo is wonderfully located near medical centers, malls, restaurants, convenience stores, and coffee shops, and the lobby is beautifully decorated. I have no complaints. I just wish I could’ve stayed longer to enjoy all the amenities. I’d absolutely recommend this room and condo, and I’ll be back soon.