Manila's Hidden Gem: Hotel Juliano's Unbelievable Luxury!
Hotel Juliano's: Is This Manila's Hidden Gem… or Just a Shiny Bauble? (A Bloody Honest Review)
Okay, buckle up buttercups. This isn’t your boring, sanitized travel blog. This is real talk. I’ve just hauled my weary, caffeine-deprived self out of Hotel Juliano’s in Manila, and I'm here to spill the beans. Is it the "Unbelievable Luxury" they promise? Well, let's just say my bank account and I have a complicated relationship right now.
First Impressions: Glimmer and Glitch
Stepping into the lobby of Hotel Juliano's is like… well, it's something. Marble floors, maybe a chandelier or two (I wasn't really counting, the jet lag was hitting hard), and a general air of… attempted opulence. Check-in was surprisingly swift, thanks to the "Contactless check-in/out" thingy. Thank God for that, because after a twelve-hour flight, the thought of paperwork felt like torture. The "Doorman" looked bored, which, honestly, made me feel slightly less intimidated. (I am not a fancy person.)
The Room: A Kingdom… of Comfort (Mostly)
Let's get the good stuff out of the way first. My room? Freakin' HUGE. "Extra long bed" – yep, they weren't kidding. And the "Blackout curtains"? Bliss. Pure, unadulterated bliss. I'd kill for those things in my own place. "Free Wi-Fi," thank you, sweet baby Jesus! My laptop practically vibrated with joy. Another plus: the "Coffee/tea maker." Essential for a caffeine addict like myself. And a mini-bar! Okay, I'm in some kind of trouble for the bill, but I am loving the free bottled water offered.
Now for the less sparkly bits. While the "Bathroom phone" seemed a little… extra (who’s even calling in the bathroom?), the "Shower" was a bit weak. Like, "I'm-trying-my-best-but-I'm-just-a-trickle-of-water" weak. And the "Air conditioning" was… well, it was there. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't. I'm a bit of a sweaty person, and some days it felt like a sauna. The "Slippers" were nice though!
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Sadly
Okay, this is where things get a little more serious. Hotel Juliano’s attempts to cater to guests with disabilities, but it's not perfect. "Facilities for disabled guests" are listed, but I only noticed an "Elevator", which is essential, but not a guarantee I can navigate other areas. I didn't get the impression this was the most accessible hotel. This is an area where Hotel Juliano's needs to do a lot of work.
Food, Glorious Food (Kind Of): Dining, Drinking, and Snacking
The "Asian breakfast" was… adventurous. Let’s just say I’m more of a toast-and-coffee kind of gal. The "Buffet in restaurant" was impressive, but also a bit overwhelming in the morning. So much food! So little room in my stomach. I'm sure the "A la carte in restaurant" is better.
The "Poolside bar" was a definite highlight, especially during "Happy hour". Cocktails while overlooking the "Swimming pool [outdoor]"? Yes, please! The "Snack bar" was a lifesaver for those 3 AM munchies (blame the jet lag). Overall, the dining experience was decent, but nothing mind-blowing. I had a decent amount of "Coffee/tea in restaurant" for a pick-me-up, and the 'Bottle of water' was useful for my parched throat.
Relaxation & Recreation: Spa Day…ish
Okay, I am a sucker for a good spa. And the "Spa" at Hotel Juliano's promised… everything. And the "Pool with view" was stunning. But the reality? Well, it was okay-to-good. I tried the "Foot bath" and it was honestly pretty relaxing. The "Sauna" was a nice little steam room, but the "Steamroom" wasn't top-notch. They offered the "Massage" which was good, and the "Body scrub" was pretty great. The "Fitness center", however, seemed a little… neglected. I didn't try the 'Gym/fitness' because there was only one sad treadmill. The "Body wrap" was enjoyable though.
Cleanliness and Safety: Pandemic Protocols
Hotel Juliano’s tried hard on this front, and they deserve some major kudos here. "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Hand sanitizer" everywhere, and staff clearly trained in "Staff trained in safety protocol." They even offer "Room sanitization opt-out available" (which I didn't use). The "Daily disinfection in common areas" made me feel a little safer, but I was still a bit paranoid about my safety. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items are a must, and the individually wrapped food options were nice. I didn't notice the "first aid kit" but I'm sure they have one.
Services and Conveniences: Ups and Downs
The "Concierge" was helpful, but sometimes a bit… overwhelmed. The "Laundry service" was a lifesaver, and the "Dry cleaning" got my slightly-wrinkled clothes looking presentable again. The "Cash withdrawal" was convenient, and I made use of the "Currency exchange" at the front desk. I didn't even bother with the "Business facilities" as I'm on holiday. The "Gift/souvenir shop" was overpriced, but hey, I bought a shirt. I didn't experience the "Food delivery" but I wish I had.
Things to Do: Outside the Hotel
I was too lazy to use the "Bicycle parking", and the "Car park [free of charge]" was a great feature!
The Verdict: Worth the Trip, with a Few Caveats.
So, is Hotel Juliano’s a “hidden gem”? Well… not exactly. It's more like a polished pebble. It's got some serious potential, particularly in the room department. The location is decent, the staff (mostly) friendly, and the amenities are convenient. However, it’s not perfect. Especially in terms of accessibility. If you're looking for pure, unadulterated luxury without major imperfections, you might be disappointed. But if you're okay with a few quirks and are willing to trade some perfection for a unique experience, then Hotel Juliano's… might be worth a shot.
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Here's My Honest-to-God Recommendation:
Here's the Deal:
Escape to Unbelievable Luxury: Book Your Getaway at Hotel Juliano's!
Tired of the mundane? Craving a Manila experience that’s a cut above the rest? Look no further than Hotel Juliano’s, where luxury meets comfort and adventure awaits!
Why Choose Hotel Juliano's?
- Unrivaled Comfort: Sink into our "Extra long beds" and enjoy the blissful darkness provided by "Blackout curtains" for an unforgettable sleep experience, and always stay connected with our "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!"
- Pamper Yourself: Indulge in our rejuvenating "Spa," take a dip in our "Pool with view," or simply unwind with a delicious cocktail at the "Poolside bar".
- Culinary Delights: From hearty "Asian breakfast" to international cuisine, our restaurants offer a diverse menu to satisfy every palate.
- Unbeatable Value: Experience luxury without breaking the bank! We offer competitive rates and special packages to make your stay even more rewarding.
- Safety First: Rest assured with our commitment to cleanliness and safety, including "Anti-viral cleaning products", "Hand sanitizer", and staff trained in safety protocols.
But Wait, There's More!
- Seamless Check-in/out: Enjoy the convenience of "Contactless check-in/out" to save you time and hassle.
- Stay Connected: Enjoy "Internet access," "Wi-Fi in public areas," and "Internet – wireless."
- Convenient Amenities: Take advantage of our "Laundry service", "Dry cleaning", and other services to make your stay hassle-free.
Ready to experience the Hotel Juliano difference?
Click here to book now and unlock exclusive deals! [Link to booking page]
Don't miss out on this unforgettable Manila experience! Book your stay at Hotel Juliano's today!
Escape to Paradise: Zacatecas' Hacienda Baruk Hotel & Spa Awaits
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is my trip, to the Hotel Juliano in Manila, and I'm prepared for anything (except maybe a cockroach, those things give me the heebie-jeebies). Let's see if I can survive this… and maybe, just maybe, love it.
Hotel Juliano: Manila - The Chaotic Beauty, My Brain's Playground (and Hopefully My Stomach's Delight)
Day 1: Arrival, Existential Dread, and Karaoke Dreams (Possibly Nightmares)
- 1:00 PM: Touchdown Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Okay, deep breaths. From the plane, I'm already sweating, and I haven't even exited the airport. Manila, you're a beast. I'm praying the baggage claim is painless. Remember that time in Thailand when my luggage went to… well, somewhere other than Thailand? Yeah, let's not repeat that.
- 2:00 PM: Arrive at Hotel Juliano. Oh, cool, pretty basic, not what I imagined. Check-in, the usual dance with the hotel staff, the key card… and then the room. Okay, it's… functional. The aircon is chugging like a weary old dragon, but hey, maybe it'll roar to life later. The view? Let's just say it's a good reminder that I need to start appreciating the small things in life. Like air conditioning.
- 3:30 PM: EXPLORATION, part one. The first place to make a mark on my tastebuds. Headed for Binondo Chinatown, a short taxi ride. The smells are already overwhelming. It's a symphony of exotic spices and… oh god, is that durian? I'll pass. Now, I had this glorious plan to conquer a mountain of siopao and a river of… uh, something. I don't know, I'm just following the food.
- 5:30 PM: The food-coma is real. Walking around in this humidity feels like swimming through lukewarm gravy. Stumbled into a tiny, and I mean TINY, shop. The kind where you're pretty sure the owner has been making the same dish for fifteen generations. I ordered something called "pancit." It was… amazing. The noodles were slick, the broth had depth, and I nearly licked the bowl clean. This is why you travel, people. For moments like these.
- 7:00 PM: Karaoke adventure. The hotel has a karaoke lounge. My pre-flight research indicated it was the place to be. The first few people who entered and disappeared made a quick U-turn, leaving me a moment of hesitation. This is the part where I either become a karaoke legend… or a cautionary tale. Chugging water, choosing the song… Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" is a safe bet, right?
- 7:30-9:00 PM: Karaoke. My singing is like a wounded walrus trying to hit high notes. I think I'm getting better at avoiding the camera's eye. I’m pretty sure the locals were getting a kick out of my rendition. I have NO idea where I went with the notes. I am pretty sure I'm going to embarrass myself, and I hope there is video footage.
Day 2: Intramuros, Spanish Ghosts, and the Battle for a Decent Cup of Coffee
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. The buffet is a… mixed bag. I'm aiming for the fried rice, no idea what it is. Let's hope that the rice is the highlight of the morning.
- 10:30 AM: Intramuros city tour. This is what I came for. I'm hoping to get a feel for the history while I walk. I'm hoping to see the beauty and feel it. The jeepneys are mental. Seriously, how do these things navigate? I can't even walk across the street.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a cafe within Intramuros. This looks nice, but it's crazy hot. So glad I packed this old fan. I got a chicken dish of some kind. The chicken was dry, the sauce… weird. My stomach churns, my tastebuds weep. But hey, the ambiance is Instagrammable. (Is that a word?)
- 2:30 PM: Coffee Quest. I need coffee. The hotel coffee was an insult to the bean. I've been searching for a decent cup since I landed. I stopped at a local cafe. It was, to put it mildly, meh. I really need coffee.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the hotel. I'm getting sleepy. I'm just going to take a nap. I don't want to see anything else. I'm going to eat. I'm going to sleep. Then maybe I'll wake up ready to do it again.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner… another quest for good food. I really need a good meal. I don't want to eat in the hotel.
Day 3: The Art of People-Watching, Manila Mall Mania, and Goodbye, Manila! (For Now…)
- 9:00 AM: Last day. Breakfast… again.
- 10:00 AM: The shops. I'm getting bored. Are you getting bored reading this? I've spent way too much on souvenirs. This is a really nice mall, a lot of stuff.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at the mall. I don't even know. I'm exhausted.
- 3:00 PM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. I have no idea what to get.
- 5:00 PM: Heading to the airport… I don't want to go. I already miss it.
- 7:00 PM: Final goodbyes.
Final Thoughts:
Manila, you're a whirlwind. You’re exhausting, but you are BEAUTIFUL. I loved it, I hated it, I was confused and delighted constantly. I’ve never experienced anything like it. I'm already planning my return. Maybe with a better handle on the karaoke… and a stronger stomach… and maybe, just MAYBE, a slightly better understanding of how to navigate the jeepneys of chaos. Until next time, Manila. You magnificent, messy, maddening place.
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Hotel Juliano's: Unbelievable Luxury? (Or Just a REALLY Good Story?)
Okay, so you've heard about Hotel Juliano's, huh? "Unbelievable Luxury," they call it. Well, let me tell you, *unbelievable* is an understatement, or maybe it's a flat-out lie. But it's definitely a story. And boy, do I have a story (or ten) to tell you about this place. Let’s get this mess of questions answered. Buckle up, buttercups.
1. Is Hotel Juliano's REALLY as luxurious as everyone says?
Alright, here's the deal. LUXURY is subjective, right? Like, for some people, luxury is a freshly laundered towel. For others, it's a private jet. Hotel Juliano's... well, it *aims* high. The lobby? Jaw-dropping. Crystal chandeliers like you wouldn't believe. Marble floors so polished you could eat off them (though I wouldn't recommend it). But then… there's the tiny, almost-unnoticeable stain on one of the velvet armchairs in the corner. And the elevator that kinda judders a little bit, like it's seen things… Things it probably shouldn't have. So, yes. And no. It’s a glorious, slightly flawed ambition. Think of it as a film set for a very glamorous movie, that maybe didn't quite land the budget for the special effects.
2. The food, though… tell me about the food! Is the in-house restaurant, "The Golden Spoon," worth the hype?
Oh, the Golden Spoon. Prepare yourself, because this is where things get REAL. The food... it's an experience. Michelin-star worthy? Probably not. Delicious? Absolutely, if you're in the right mood. I went there once, expecting a culinary masterpiece. Got a plate of something called 'Deconstructed Adobo' (I still don't know what that means), which was… interesting. And the plating? Forget "art on a plate." It was more like "art, threw up on the plate, and then the chef went, 'Yeah, that's good.'" But… and here's the kicker… the ambiance! Live piano music. Waiters with impossibly perfect posture (until they accidentally dropped a bread roll on my lap, bless their souls). The service is phenomenal, the staff is trying their best, and the feeling makes up for a lot. It’s not perfection, but it’s memorable. And sometimes, memorable is better than perfect, right?
Oh! And the waiter I was serving me, he looked so, so tired... Poor guy, but he always was friendly and attentive. I really hope he gets a raise.
3. Let's talk rooms. What's the deal with the suites? Are they truly "palatial" as described?
Palatial? Okay, let's rein in the hyperbole, shall we? 'Palatial' implies vast marble halls, unseen armies of servants, and maybe a pet unicorn. Hotel Juliano's suites are… spacious. They're definitely big. My room, the "Presidential Suite" (which, honestly, made me feel like I'd accidentally stumbled into a James Bond movie), had a living room bigger than my entire apartment. Marble bathroom (again with the marble!), a jacuzzi tub (perfect for soaking away the stress… of the city), and a balcony overlooking… well, other buildings. But the details… ah, the details. The slightly-worn furniture, the slightly-too-bright lighting, the questionable artwork. There was this one painting of a very unhappy-looking woman in a red dress. I’m pretty sure it watched me sleep. Creepy. I swear, it’s like they spent a fortune on the bones but forgot the soul. Still, it's a decent place to get away from it all.
4. What about the spa? Does "Serenity Springs" live up to its name? And the gym?
Serenity Springs… Honestly, it's hit and miss. The massage was amazing! (I swear, the therapist was practically psychic and sorted out the tension I didn't even know I had). The steam room, however… it's a bit… small and the tiles were a bit grubby. There was a slightly off-putting smell. Maybe essential oils mixed with… something less pleasant. But hey, I didn't get sick! The gym, on the other hand? Perfectly functional, but small. Like, real small. At one point, I had to awkwardly step over a guy lifting weights to get to the treadmill. He gave me the stink eye. I think he thought I was judging his form. (I may have been.) So, serenity? Sometimes. Springs? Yes. Perfect harmony? Nope.
5. Is Hotel Juliano's a good location for exploring Manila? Is it accessible?
Location? It's... Manila. (Shrugs). Traffic is a nightmare. Be prepared to spend an hour (or three) just getting anywhere. The hotel itself is centrally located, which is a double-edged sword. You're close to everything, and also close to the noise, the crowds, the general chaotic energy of the city. Accessibility? It's got ramps, elevators, and all the things it *should* have. However, given the age and style of the place, the elevators don’t always work perfectly. Sometimes you must wait an extra long time.
6. Any hidden costs to watch out for? Hidden fees?
Always. Luxury often comes with a hefty price tag and a few sneaky additions. Make sure you read the fine print. Mini-bar? Extortion. The laundry service? Bring your own washing machine. Those gorgeous cocktails by the pool? Prepare to weep when the bill arrives. Also, it's Manila. Tipping is expected everywhere. Don't be surprised if everyone has their hand out, including the elevator operator. (Yes, really.) I forgot to consider the “incidentals” and nearly had to beg a friend to help me pay the bill. Lesson learned: Budget extra. A LOT extra.
7. What was the most memorable thing that happened during your stay?
Okay, buckle in, because this is the story I'll be telling for the rest of my life. I was in the Presidential Suite (again, feeling like a movie star). I thought I was completely alone. I was wearing, let's say, *questionable attire* (think fluffy animal slippers, and a hotel robe that had seen better days). I was attempting to navigate a particularly difficult yoga pose when… *BAM*… the door burst open. It was the hotel manager, in full formal wear, accompanied by a team of staff holding… a cake. A massive, elaborate, "Welcome Back!" cake. They thought I was someone else. Turns out, the *real* VIP guest wasn’Infinity Inns
