Withus Condotel at Shell Residences

Getting checked in at 2 a.m. was a nightmare after a four-hour flight. There was maintenance overhead, with workers hammering tiles and using a vibration tool, even though guests are asked to be quiet and considerate. The pool isn’t included and costs an extra 150 peso, and the attendants were rude about it. The main advantage is being within walking distance of Mall of Asia. But you have to put up with cockroaches everywhere, and I was very disappointed. I won’t stay here again.

I was around the area for a few days and walked past the shops facing EDSA each day. Most seemed closed, almost as if they’d gone out of business. I didn’t stay here, so this is only about those shops.

Shell Residence is very close to MOA Mall of Asia, so for nearby places you can walk instead of taking a taxi or jeep. Downstairs there are convenience stores, restaurants, ATMs, a nail and hair salon, Thai massage parlors with in-room service, and purified water deliveries. Some stores offer free delivery for purchases of 300 pesos or more. The pools, gyms, and lobby are free to use depending on how you booked through trip advisor or Airbnb. Uber, Grab, and taxis can drop you at the lobby. At night or in heavy traffic, some taxi drivers ask for a fixed price. A usual five-minute trip can take 30 minutes in traffic, so be courteous, since that delay costs them time and income even if the fare seems inexpensive to us. Shell Residence was among the first condo staycations near MOA. Shore residence, its sister condo, is being built nearby. I think buying here is worthwhile if you can afford it. I heard a Chinese investor bought 88 units early on and is now very rich because the units increased in value by 1,000%. Whew!

Guests have to pay 150 php per person to use the pool, and eating poolside isn’t allowed. They don’t provide towels either, so it’s pretty useless if you’ve already checked out.