Orange Nest Hotel Manila Philippines

Manila's Orange Nest: Your Dream Getaway Awaits!

Manila's Orange Nest: Your Dream Getaway (…Or Is It?) - A Brutally Honest Review

Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to dive headfirst into the technicolor world of Manila's Orange Nest. "Your Dream Getaway Awaits!" their tagline screams, and honestly? My dream getaway always involves a bottomless pit of pizza and a complete lack of responsibility. So, let's see if the Orange Nest can deliver on my dreams, even if it doesn't involve actual pizza. (Side note: I’m already suspecting this place is going to try and sell me on a "wellness journey" – I'm more of a "wine and whine" kind of traveler, just putting that out there.)

First Impressions & Accessibility: The Rollercoaster Begins

Alright, stepping into the Orange Nest is… well, it’s orange. Seriously, a LOT of orange. The lobby? Orange. The welcome drink? Hopefully, not orange-flavored. (Spoiler: it wasn't. It was something vaguely tropical, thankfully.)

Accessibility: Now, here's where we get down to brass tacks. I'm always keen on accessibility, and from what I could see, they've made a decent effort with facilities for disabled guests and an elevator. That's a HUGE win. I didn't get a deep dive into the specifics (I'm writing this review, not conducting an official audit), but the presence of these things already puts them ahead of a lot of places in this part of the world. CCTV in common areas & outside property are good for safety, but I still feel a nagging worry…

Check-in & the "Orange-y" Experience:

Check-in/out [express], thank goodness, because I'm impatient. Also, Contactless check-in/out is a huge win in pandemic times. It’s the little things! BUT: I somehow ended up standing in line, because apparently, my reservation wasn't as "express" as advertised? Annoying! I finally got to my room, which was a relatively smooth process with a doorman who actually seemed happy to see me.

Room Rundown: A Mix of Good & "Meh"

Let's get down to the nitty-gritty of the rooms. Mine seemed to have a window that opens, which is a huge plus because stuffy rooms are my nemesis. It also had blackout curtains, a godsend for sleeping in, and air conditioning that actually WORKED. Score! Air conditioning in public area gave us another relief. As for the details…

The Good: Free Wi-Fi [free] (duh), a coffee/tea maker (essential), a mini bar (a must), a private bathroom, bathrobes, slippers (luxury!), and a desk so I could pretend to be productive. Daily housekeeping felt like a small miracle. Got a Free bottled water.
The Meh: The decor was a bit… orange. And while there was a safe box, I'm always suspicious. The In-room safe box offers security features, but really, it's more to store your valuables so you don't lose them than keep them safe from theft. And honestly, the soundproofing could be better; I could hear a LOT of people.
The "Huh?": The extra long bed was nice, and there’s a seating area, but who needs those in a cramped room?

Internet Access:

Okay, let's be real, in today's world, a hotel's internet is a huge deal. The Orange Nest promises a lot. They have internet access – LAN, internet access – wireless, and free Wi-Fi in all rooms! I did a quick speed test, and it wasn't terrible, which is a win, but the internet did cut out on me once or twice. Wi-Fi for special events is also there for special occasions.

Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food (Maybe)

Here's where things get interesting, and potentially delicious.

Restaurants: They offer restaurants, duh! A Coffee shop, a bar, and poolside bar all sound tempting. A Vegetarian restaurant is available too – good for the herbivores! Some Asian cuisine in restaurant options, and Western cuisine in restaurant too.
Breakfast: They offer Breakfast service, with a Breakfast [buffet]. And now my heart rate quickens, a Breakfast takeaway service! I may have jumped the gun, but I was excited to be getting a good meal in the morning. It also appears they have Asian breakfast and Western breakfast options, which is great if you are on the fence. They also have Coffee/tea in restaurant for us addicts.
Other Food Goodies: They offer A la carte in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant along with a Bottle of water. A little bit of everything.
Room Service: They boast Room service [24-hour], which is HUGE. This is a total lifesaver for those late-night snack attacks.

The most important part: Was the food any good?

Well… ish. The breakfast buffet had the usual suspects – eggs, bacon, pastries. Nothing to write home about. I ordered room service one night (because, again, impatient) and the burger was… edible. I'd recommend trying the local stuff at the Happy hour, and hope that I could find something good there. I’m still dreaming of that pizza.

Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Days & Gym Rats (Maybe Not For Me)

Alright, now for the fun stuff: Relaxation and fitness.

The Spa: This is where the “dream getaway” promise really gets tested. They have a Spa/sauna, Sauna, Steamroom! This is great for relaxation and detoxification. Also the Massage option is hard to pass down. I wanted the Body scrub and Body wrap but decided against it.
Fitness: They have a Fitness center and a Gym/fitness. I, personally, am allergic to gyms, but good for those who aren't.
The Pool: A Swimming pool, and even a Pool with view! Major points for that. I spent a solid afternoon lounging by the pool. The water was refreshing, the view was… okay.
Other Stuff: There’s a Terrace. I enjoyed that with a bottle of water.

Cleanliness & Safety: A Necessary Worry

This is a big one, especially these days. They're pushing a lot of COVID-19 protocols, which is a good thing. They have Hand sanitizer, Staff trained in safety protocol, Daily disinfection in common areas (fingers crossed!), and Rooms sanitized between stays. Anti-viral cleaning products. They also offer Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, and Safe dining setup, and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. They have a Doctor/nurse on call. They even offer Room sanitization opt-out available, if you’re feeling brave! It all sounds reassuring.

Services and Conveniences: The Little Things Matter

This is where the hotel either shines or falls flat.

Conveniences: They have a Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Cashless payment service! Also a Concierge, Doorman, Elevator, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, and Safety deposit boxes.
For the Business Traveler: There are also Business facilities, and Meeting/banquet facilities for you busy bees.
Other Goodies: Air conditioning in public area, Dry cleaning, Food delivery, and a Gift/souvenir shop.
The Quirks: They have a Shrine! Very interesting choice for a hotel. There is also a Smoking area.

For the Kids: Family-Friendly or Family-Frustrating?

This is a tough one for me, as I'm a solo traveler with a distinct lack of children.

They offer: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, and a Kids meal.

Getting Around: What About The Airport, Baby?

Getting Around: They offer Airport transfer and Taxi service. I took a taxi, because the airport transfer seemed a bit expensive. There’s also Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site].

The Verdict: The Orange Nest - Worth It or Not?

Okay, so, "Your Dream Getaway Awaits"? It's a strong claim. The Orange Nest isn't quite a dream, but it's a solid, comfortable place. It has its quirks (the orange!), some definite benefits (pools, a reasonable internet), and areas where it could improve (the food).

Final Score: Let's say a solid 7/10. It's not the best

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Orange Nest Hotel Manila Philippines

Alright, buckle up buttercups! This isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is my messy, opinionated tumble through the Orange Nest Hotel in Manila, Philippines. Be warned: there will be tangents, there will be feelings (probably of frustration, let's be honest), and there will most likely be a questionable amount of karaoke. Here we go…

Day 1: Arrival and the Glorious (and Slightly Grimy) Embrace of Manila

08:00 AM: Ugh, the flight. Let's just say airplane food is a crime against humanity, and the guy next to me definitely weaponized his snoring. Landed in Manila. Humidity hits you like a damp, warm hug. A sweaty, slightly clingy hug.
09:00 AM: Airport chaos. Oh, the joy. Navigating the endless lines, the touts trying to sell me everything from fake Rolexes to… well, I'm not entirely sure what some of them were selling. Found my pre-booked Grab (thank the heavens!) and prayed it wouldn’t get stuck in the legendary Manila traffic.
10:30 AM: Arrived at Orange Nest. Honestly? The lobby is… surprisingly bright. A little kitsch, a little… "tropical modern meets your grandma's floral wallpaper." But hey, the AC is blasting and the staff seem genuinely nice, so I'm already in a better mood. (After a cold shower, naturally.)
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: The Room Debacle. Okay, honest moment: the room wasn't exactly what the pictures promised. Let's just say the promised "city view" was more like a "slightly-less-grim-alley-view." And the shower pressure? Weaker than my willpower to avoid the buffet later. But, I'm not one to dwell. (Mostly.)
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch – Found a carinderia (local eatery) nearby for some authentic Filipino food. Lechon (roasted pig) was calling my name. It was an explosion of flavors and I somehow managed to not make a complete fool of myself with the chopsticks.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Exhausted. I'm taking a nap. Don't judge me. This humidity is a beast.
4:00 PM: Manila City Tour (attempted): Hired a tricycle driver to take me around Intramuros. He spoke about as much English as I speak Tagalog (which is basically zero). Got lost. Saw some beautiful churches, dodged traffic, and decided I'd come back tomorrow with a proper guide.
7:00 PM: Dinner: Found a restaurant in a mall (air con!) that served adobo (chicken or pork braised in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, peppercorns, and bay leaves) followed by some people watching. Did I mention I love to people watch? The mall is a show in itself, everyone is stylish and cool.
9:00 PM: Karaoke! (Because when in the Philippines…) Found a karaoke bar near the hotel. Let's just say my rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody" was… enthusiastic. The locals were very… patient.
11:00 PM: Bed. Exhausted and slightly mortified. Tomorrow, I conquer Manila! (Maybe).

Day 2: Temples, Markets, and the Art of Haggling (and Failing)

8:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel – Surprisingly decent. The coffee was strong, which I desperately needed after last night.
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Intramuros 2.0 (with a guide this time!). So much history, so many beautiful buildings. The guide was amazing! Learned about the Spanish influence, the American occupation, and the resilience of the Filipino people. Truly moving.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch: Ate in Intramuros. Delicious and cheap, I am absolutely loving food
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Divisoria Market. Oh. My. God. The chaos! The noise! The deals! I attempted to haggle for a silk scarf. I failed miserably. I'm pretty sure I paid twice what it was worth, but the vendor gave me a huge smile, and honestly, the scarf is gorgeous.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Needed a break from the chaos after Divisoria, Went to the National Museum. Found the art exhibitions beautiful and refreshing.
6:00 PM: Dinner and the Great Seafood Swindle (Maybe). Found a "seafood restaurant" (more like a shack) on the coast. The grilled fish was amazing, the view of the sunset was breathtaking, but I swear the bill was a bit inflated. Did I get scammed? Maybe. Did I care? Mostly not. The fish was worth it.
8:00 PM: Another karaoke attempt. Decided to stick to songs I actually knew. My confidence has grown.
10:00 PM: Bed. Exhausted again. Manila, you are a whirlwind!

Day 3: Leaving, but Still Dreaming of Adobo

8:00 AM: Last breakfast. Seriously considering packing some of the adobo in my suitcase.
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Attempted to explore a local park. Lost myself in the greenery, and felt a little bit less overwhelmed.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Packing, packing, packing. Found a stray cockroach in my room (the real horror of travel). Swatted it.
12:00 PM: Check out. Said goodbye to the lovely staff at Orange Nest. (They're saints, honestly.)
1:00 PM: Airport. Pray to the travel gods that the flight isn’t delayed. Again.
2:00 PM: Flight!
3:00 PM: Flight is delayed. Damn.
5:00 PM: Finally take off, and I can say goodbye to Orange Nest and Manila. I loved the messiness; the adventure, the chaos. I'll be back.

Things I Learned:

Manila is a city of contrasts: beauty and grime, chaos and charm.
Haggling is an art form. I am not an artist.
Filipino food is the best kind of comfort food.
Karaoke is universally loved. Even if you're terrible.
Always carry tissues. You'll need them. (For the humidity, the dust, and the sheer absurdity of it all.)

So, there you have it. My imperfect, messy, and absolutely real adventure in Manila. Would I go back? Absolutely. Would I stay at the Orange Nest again? Probably. Just maybe in a different room next time. And definitely with more adobo to go.

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Orange Nest Hotel Manila Philippines

Manila's Orange Nest: Your Dream Getaway Awaits! (Or Does It?) - FAQs That Might Save Your Sanity

What exactly is the Orange Nest? Is it... a bird nest?

Okay, so the name is a bit… eccentric, right? Don't worry, you're not going to be sleeping in a giant woven structure and dodging indignant avian parents. The "Orange Nest" is basically a hotel. A boutique hotel, they like to call it. Think stylish-ish rooms, a rooftop pool (more on that later), and a vibe that *tries* to be artsy. Tried to be chic. I spent like, five minutes debating whether to take my own pillow after reading some of the reviews online. Thank god I didn't. It's just... a hotel. With a somewhat confusing name. And orange accents, obviously. Seriously, SO much orange. Like, I think I saw an orange-colored toothbrush. Probably just my imagination, though. Or maybe the lingering effects of that mango shake.

Is the location good? Is it safe? (Please tell me it's safe!)

Alright, location. This is where things get… complicated. It’s smack dab in the middle of Manila. Which means… it's Manila-y. Let's be honest. Walking out at night, I probably wouldn't, wouldn't trust the local jeepney drivers... and that takes some balls, because they're nuts. I think it's... relatively safe, but keep your wits about you, for sure. I mean, I didn’t get mugged. But I did see a rather intense argument over a parking spot that erupted into some serious shouting. And the security guard looked… unimpressed. So, yes, it's generally okay, but keep your valuables close and your eyes peeled. It's certainly not some quiet, serene retreat. The noise! Oh, the noise... constant traffic, the occasional karaoke session from a nearby bar (bless their hearts, they try), and the relentless buzz of... well, Manila. It's the real deal, I'll give it that.

The Rooftop Pool! Everyone raves about the rooftop pool! Is it as amazing as it sounds?

Okay, the pool. The *infamous* rooftop pool. This is where my experience went… off the rails a little. The pictures online? Gorgeous. Lush greenery, sparkling water, breathtaking city views. The reality? Well… the view *was* pretty good, I'll grant you that. But let me paint you a picture: a tiny, crowded, lukewarm pool, surrounded by what felt like 50 screaming children (on a Tuesday!), and three people fighting for space to, I swear, take selfies. Seriously, selfie sticks were everywhere. And the water… let's just say it wasn't exactly crystal clear. There was a distinct "chlorine-meets-sweaty-feet" aroma hanging in the air. I lasted maybe ten minutes. I felt like I was in a contest for space! And the "breathtaking city views" were partially obscured by… a construction site. Okay, it wasn't *terrible*, I exaggerate. The view was still cool. But amazing? Let's just say my expectations were, ahem, adjusted. Maybe go early. Way early. Or skip it entirely and opt for a nice cold shower in your room. Seriously, that's what I did the second day.

Are the rooms nice? I mean, do they look like the pictures?

The rooms are… fine. They are. They definitely *try* to look like the pictures. Minus the professional lighting and expert Instagram filters, of course. They're modern-ish, with that whole minimalist aesthetic. Some rooms, I hear, can be noisy. I requested a quiet room, and got one (thank goodness). The beds were comfy enough (important!). The air conditioning worked. And the shower… well, the water came out, which is always a plus. They're not the Ritz, but they're not dives either. Think… Ikea meets slightly tired hotel. And yes, there is, unsurprisingly, a touch of orange in the decor. I'm not sure I saw an orange throw pillow, though... or maybe it was all a blur by then.

What about the food? Breakfast, lunch, dinner? Is the breakfast buffet legendary?

Okay, so breakfast. I'm a breakfast guy. I *love* breakfast. And… the Orange Nest breakfast is… serviceable. They offer a buffet. Which is good. But "legendary"? Not even close. There's a decent selection of Filipino dishes (silog, longganisa, the works). There are eggs (cooked to order, which is always a win). There's fruit. There's the usual Western-style breakfast stuff (toast, cereal, etc.). The coffee… needed a serious dose of something. The buffet lines can get a bit… chaotic. People tend to hoard stuff. And the atmosphere is a little… frenzy-ish. Again, it's fine. It'll fill you up. But it's not the kind of breakfast that makes you want to write poetry. It's… adequate. I did find a decent amount of mango on the buffet table, and that always gets a star in my book!

Are there any cool things to do nearby? Must-see sights?

Okay, this is where things get interesting. The Orange Nest is… centrally located. Which, in Manila, can mean a lot of things. There are some tourist attractions nearby. You can take a taxi. Or, if you're brave, a jeepney (definitely bring your Google translate). Intramuros, the historic walled city, is within reach (a must-see, in my opinion – SO much history). There's also shopping malls GALORE. Seriously, shopping is a major pastime in Manila. Just… be prepared for the traffic. And the crowds. And the heat. But the good news is, there's always something to do. Just plan your route carefully. And maybe pack a fan. I'm telling you. You'll be grateful.

What kind of people stay at the Orange Nest? Am I going to feel out of place?

A pretty diverse bunch, actually. You get tourists, business travelers, the occasional family on vacation... it's a mixed bag. You probably won't feel out of place unless you're, like, a visiting Martian. The staff is generally friendly and helpful (although their English skills can vary). So… relax. Be yourself. And maybe bring a good pair of noise-canceling headphones. Trust me on this one. You'll need them. The hotel feels generally welcoming, even if it does seem understaffed at times when you really, really need a drink.

Is there Wi-Fi? (Do I even need to ask?)

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Orange Nest Hotel Manila Philippines

Manila's Orange Nest: Your Dream Getaway Awaits!