Sapphire Seaview Park

I liked the room, which was spacious and comfortable, and the view was good. But we had a couple of frustrating issues. My family was staying until checkout while I needed to leave early for a flight. I told the parking guard that our luggage had already been scanned at check-in and asked if he could confirm that, since I had to get to the airport. Security staff seemed unsure of the policy and asked us to scan it again. At the lobby, another security staff member said a scan wasn’t needed. It didn’t make sense to keep scanning our things when they would check the room at checkout anyway. They also tried to charge my family over a tiny ketchup stain. Ketchup and blood stains aren’t the same, and charging the full amount for a little dot seemed excessive. We had signed for a HEAVY STAIN at checkout, but a small spot isn’t a heavy stain. Luckily, they checked how large the mark was.

We picked this hotel for a one-night stop in Manila because it allows pets, and we were travelling with our two cats. It made the import process easier and gave us time before our flight the next day. The cats settled in and could rest after the long journey. The rooms are clean and feel more like small suites than regular hotel rooms. We booked a bay-view room and enjoyed the view. The price was reasonable for what you get, though this isn’t a luxury property and there are things that could be improved. The location isn’t especially interesting, but being near the airport was useful. There’s little to walk to besides a few Chinese restaurants. The area seems mostly Chinese populated, which might appeal to some travellers, but it wasn’t a highlight for us. We took a taxi to the nearby Okada resort and casino for some entertainment. One warning for anyone travelling with pets: the balcony isn’t safe for them. There are lots of openings and gaps, which could be dangerous for curious cats or small dogs, especially many floors above the ground. Keep pets away from it. Breakfast was the main letdown. There’s a cafe and a few small food outlets on the second floor. The coffee was fine, but the food was disappointing. If you just want coffee, that should be okay. For a proper breakfast, you may want to go somewhere else.

The reception staff and security guards really did try their best, and the view toward Okada was nice. Everything else about the stay felt like a nightmare. The online photos bore no resemblance to reality. The place felt less like a hotel, or even a hostel, and more like a run-down apartment building. It was old, dirty, broken, and seemed to be falling apart. The TV remote barely worked, the doors felt as if they might collapse, and the property looked neglected and almost abandoned. The atmosphere was depressing, and the cleanliness and overall condition were unacceptable. Save your money and nerves and stay away. This sounds sharper, more professional, and more “real” to Booking/Google readers.

The room had a smell, which was my only concern, but I really appreciated the great service and lovely view. All the staff were nice, accommodating, and quick to respond to my questions and concerns. They deserve appreciation and an incentive, from the front security to the housekeepers and everyone else working here. God bless these beautiful people. Thank you so much! 🙏