Manila's Hidden Gem: RedDoorz @ Riches Holiday Hotel Avenida!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the glorious, chaotic, and surprisingly decent world of RedDoorz @ Riches Holiday Hotel Avenida in Manila! Forget those sterile, cookie-cutter hotel reviews. This is real. This is honest. This is… well, let's just say it's a ride.
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Entering the Labyrinth (Accessibility and First Impressions)
Okay, so Avenida… let's just say it's Manila, alright? The traffic is legendary, the chaos is… well, charming in a masochistic way. Finding the hotel was an adventure in itself (more on that later, involving a tricycle, a very confused driver, and me clinging on for dear life – pure Manila).
Accessibility: Now, here's the thing. I didn't personally test the wheelchair accessibility. The information from the hotel and online is… a little vague. There is an elevator, which is a HUGE plus in Manila, and the reviews suggest it is accessible but double check! If you have specific needs, contact them directly and be very, very specific. Don't just assume. That's Manila lesson number one.
First Impressions: The lobby… let's call it "functional." It's not the Ritz, folks. Think clean, efficient, and a little… well, RedDoorz-y. You know the vibe. Check-in was reasonably fast. They had hand sanitizer everywhere, which, in the COVID era, is a very good sign. The front desk staff were… well, they were there. Not overly friendly, not particularly chatty, but got the job done. Manila service can be like that. Don't take it personally.
Rooms: My Little Fortress (and the Wi-Fi Fight)
My room? Okay, this is where things get interesting. It was… small. (I expected that.) But clean! And that's gold in Manila. The air conditioning blasted which was a blessing. The blackout curtains were a godsend (Manila sun is unforgiving). Free bottled water? Check! Free Wi-Fi? Oh, the tangled web of the internet.
Internet Access
The official line – and the banners are promising this much, "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" - but the reality, my friends, was a little more… Marilyn Monroe. Sometimes she was there. Sometimes she was a ghost. The Wi-Fi in my room was incredibly spotty. So, I grabbed my laptop and tried to work in the room. The signal came and went. I ended up going downstairs to the lobby and trying to work on a laptop. The signal came and went. I was able to get a little done. Then off again.
I ended up paying for a subscription for an international Sim card, so I was able to work. The Internet access [LAN]? I don't remember seeing a LAN port. This wasn't a big deal for me, but for hardcore travelers, it might be of interest.
Rooms available:
- Additional toilet: Yes, to the extent of what constitutes a toilet, it works, and it is there.
- Air conditioning: Yes, and a welcome change
- Alarm clock: Yes
- Bathrobes: No
- Bathroom phone: This, no.
- Bathtub: You wish! Sometimes there is.
- Blackout curtains: Yes
- Carpeting: Yes
- Closet: Yes
- Coffee/tea maker: Yes, and a welcome change.
- Complimentary tea: Yes, and it is what it is.
- Daily housekeeping: Yes
- Desk: Yes
- Extra long bed: Yes, though you might not want to be there
- Free bottled water: Yes
- Hair dryer: Yes
- High floor: Yes, if you get lucky.
- In-room safe box: Yes
- Interconnecting room(s) available: No idea.
- Internet access – LAN: Don't recall.
- Internet access – wireless: Spotty.
- Ironing facilities: A table, an iron, its all there
- Laptop workspace: Yes
- Linens: Acceptable.
- Mini bar: No
- Mirror: Yes, and needed,
- Non-smoking: Yes
- On-demand movies: Who has time for that?
- Private bathroom: Yes
- Reading light: Yes
- Refrigerator: No
- Safety/security feature: Yes
- Satellite/cable channels: Yes
- Scale: No
- Seating area: No
- Separate shower/bathtub: No
- Shower: Yes
- Slippers: No
- Smoke detector: Yes
- Socket near the bed: Yes
- Sofa: No
- Soundproofing: Alright.
- Telephone: Yes
- Toiletries: Adequate.
- Towels: Adequate.
- Umbrella: No
- Visual alarm: No
- Wake-up service: Yes
- Wi-Fi [free]: See above.
- Window that opens: Yes
The "Things to Do" (and How to Survive Manila)
Okay, let's be honest. You're not coming to the RedDoorz for the "things to do." You're coming to explore Manila. The hotel is a basecamp.
Things to Do:
- Manila adventure.
- Airport transfer: Yes, for additional fees
- Bicycle parking: No
- Car park [free of charge]: Yes, but parking in this part of town can be a pain. Come on a scooter if you can.
- Car park [on-site]: Yes, with limited space
- Car power charging station: I doubt it.
- Taxi service: The hotel can arrange
- Valet parking: Highly doubt it.
The Spa (or Lack Thereof)
No spa. No pool with a view. No sauna. Nada. Don't come here expecting pampering. Come here expecting a clean room, a decent (albeit flawed) Wi-Fi connection, and a starting point to explore Manila..
Cleanliness and Safety: The Big Question (and the Surprising Answer!)
This is where RedDoorz surprisingly shines.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Probably – they seemed serious about hygiene.
- Breakfast takeaway service: No, but there are all kinds of food options close by.
- Cashless payment service: Yes
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Yes.
- Doctor/nurse on call: Probably, let's hope you won't need one.
- First aid kit: Assume so.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere. Seriously.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: Yes
- Hygiene certification: Likely, they were trying.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Yes.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: They tried.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Unsure, but it felt like it.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Unlikely.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Yes
- Safe dining setup: This is more up to the restaurants near by
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Unsure
- Shared stationery removed: Thank goodness.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: The signs were there…
- Sterilizing equipment: Probably.
The Food Scene (and My Stomach's Survival)
- A la carte in restaurant: No restaurant in the hotel.
- Alternative meal arrangement: This is up to you. It's Manila.
- Asian breakfast: Some options available nearby.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: No restaurant, it's Manila!
- Bar: No
- Bottle of water: Provided (yay!)
- Breakfast [buffet]: No
- Breakfast service: Limited
- Buffet in restaurant: No
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Nope
- Coffee shop: No
- Desserts in restaurant: Not here.
- Happy hour: No
- International cuisine in restaurant: Nope
- Poolside bar: No.
- Restaurants: Nope.
- Room service [24-hour]: Yes
- **Salad
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my Manila adventure, specifically, my stay at the… ahem… "Riches Holiday Hotel" on Avenida. Let's just call it "The Riches," for the sake of my sanity. Remember: this is not a travel brochure. This is the unfiltered, slightly chaotic reality of a solo traveler attempting to navigate Manila.
Day 1: Arrival & The Glorious (and Sweaty) Transition
- 10:00 AM - Manila Arrival (Ninoy Aquino International Airport, NAIA): Okay, first impressions: Manila airport is a vibe. A slightly panicked, air-conditioning-struggling vibe, but a vibe nonetheless. The immigration line was… well, let’s just say I brushed up on my Tagalog ("Magandang araw!" and "Salamat po!" – basically, all I know) out of sheer boredom. Pro Tip: pack a portable fan; you WILL need it.
- 11:00 AM - Taxis and Trepidation: Found a taxi. Negotiated the fare (a delicate dance, I've learned). The traffic? Oh, the traffic. It’s a living, breathing, honking beast. My emotional state? A swirling vortex of excitement, mild terror, and the beginnings of a sweat-induced existential crisis.
- 12:30 PM - The Epic Quest for The Riches: Finally arrive at Avenida. The Riches… well, let's just say it's… compact. "Quaint" might be too generous a descriptor. My room? Smells faintly of bleach and… something else. Unidentifiable. But hey, it has air conditioning, and after the taxi ride, that's a win.
- 1:00 PM - Settling In (and Regret): Okay, deep breath. Unpack. Survey the surroundings. Decide that maybe, just maybe, I should have sprung for the slightly-more-expensive hotel. But hey, adventure, right? Besides, the price was right, and my bank account is weeping silently.
- 2:00 PM - Lunch – A Culinary Leap of Faith: Okay, I'm hungry. Very hungry. Armed with Google Maps and a healthy dose of naivete, venturing out to find some street food. Found a little carinderia (local eatery). Ordered something. Couldn't tell you what it was, but it tasted vaguely of deliciousness. And cost me, like, three dollars. Score!
- 3:00 PM - Trying to be a Tourist - Intramuros: Okay, let's be a tourist, shall we? Took a jeepney ride (another adventure in itself!) to Intramuros, the historic walled city. The cobblestone streets and Spanish-era buildings are pretty damn cool. I think. I was also battling the sun, the crowds, and the distinct feeling that I was getting thoroughly lost. Took way too many pictures of the San Augustin Church.
- 5:00 PM - The San Agustin Church: Beautiful inside. Was so inspired, I decided to randomly buy a rosary, hoping to look as if I was also a believer. Maybe it'll increase my luck in this trip
- 6:00 PM - Dinner and the realization Ate some more street food. Pretty good, despite the questionable circumstances of most of the places, especially the flies at the next table. I'm starting to feel a little beat up.
- 7:00 PM - Back to The Riches: back to the hotel, still trying to stay optimistic
Day 2: Manila's Melting Pot and a Deep Dive into Chaos
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast (and Existential Dread): The Riches doesn't exactly scream "continental breakfast." So, I grabbed some instant noodles from the 7-Eleven across the street. It's not gourmet, but filling. And allows me to contemplate the meaning of life, the universe, and the best way to avoid the swarms of people on the streets.
- 10:00 AM: Trying Public Transportation: Decided to bravely conquer the Manila Metro Rail Transit System (MRTS). It was hot, crowded, and a sensory overload. I survived. Barely. I had to keep my eyes peeled for pickpockets. A friendly local helped. I'm starting to love the people!
- 12:00 PM: Chinatown: Headed to Chinatown, the world's oldest Chinatown, I heard. It's a riot of color, smells, and frenzied activity. I got completely lost in the alleys and stalls, but in a good way. Tried some questionable (but delicious) dumplings. I'm pretty sure I don't know what was in them, but I decided not to ask.
- 2:00 PM: National Museum Complex: Attempted a cultural immersion. The National Museum is big and informative. I got lost in the art and history. Got a little existential contemplating mankind.
- 5:00 PM: A Moment of Calm (and a Banana Cue): Found a park, a rare oasis of peace. Sat on a bench, watched families, and ate a banana cue (banana coated in caramelized sugar). Heaven!
- 6:00 PM: Finding a Dinner and a friend, finally: After wandering around for a while, I met an expat here that's been living here for 5 years, he knows the best places to eat and got me to try some things. We went to a restaurant and had a few drinks, and I was actually able to relax!
- 8:00 PM: Contemplating my life: Time to hit the sheets…
Day 3: Trying to Get Out!
- 9:00 AM: The Morning… Nightmare: My alarm, didn't work, and I woke up late. I overslept. I had planned to start early. Whatever, this is how it is!
- 10:00 AM: The Airport - a good ride!: A super nice ride in the airport. I was talking to the driver and he gave me some tips for next time.
- 11:00 AM - Departure: Goodbye Manila! (And please, let me sleep on the plane…)
Final Thoughts:
The Riches Holiday Hotel? Not the Ritz. Manila? An assault on the senses. My trip? A glorious mess. Would I do it again? Absolutely. Would I book The Riches again? Probably not. But hey, it's all part of the adventure. Manila is a city that challenges you, frustrates you, and then, somehow, charms you. It's chaotic, beautiful, and unforgettable. And that, my friends, is the truth of it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a long shower and a serious nap. And maybe some therapy.
Escape to Paradise: Sunsets & Sunflowers Await in Corfu!
RedDoorz @ Riches Holiday Hotel Avenida: The Real Deal (Or Maybe Not?) - FAQs!
Okay, spill the tea. Is this place REALLY a "hidden gem"?
Ugh, "hidden gem." That phrase gets thrown around like confetti at a fiesta, right? Okay, so, realistically...it's partially a hidden gem. Think of it more like...a slightly-less-obvious-than-a-giant-neon-sign-saying-HOTEL-right-in-your-face kind of place. Avenida is... well, it IS Avenida. You're in the heart of the beast, traffic, the sounds, you're in it.
Honestly? It depends on your definition of "gem." If your gem is a sparkling diamond-encrusted tiara, then no. If your gem is a slightly tarnished, but still perfectly function, slightly underpriced, and centrally located accommodation... then maybe, just maybe, it fits the bill. I’m talking more of a vintage locket kind of gem, okay? Charming in its own, slightly grimy kind of way.
The photos online... are they *entirely* accurate? Because we've all been burned before.
Right? The pictures. The eternal struggle. Okay, I’ll be brutally honest. They are… enhanced. Think Instagram filters, but for hotel rooms. The rooms *look* cleaner in the photos. The furniture *looks* less… worn. The light *looks* less fluorescent. But hey, it's the Philippines! Things age fast due to the heat and humidity. Don’t go expecting a pristine, minimalist paradise. Manage your expectations. That said, the rooms are generally clean – or at least, clean-ish. I mean, I haven't contracted any weird diseases. Yet. (Knock on wood!) I saw a tiny, tiny ant once, but it could be the humidity.
Location, location, location! Why Avenida? Is it safe? (And can I get to Intramuros easily?)
Avenida is… central. That's the main selling point. You're near everything (and by "near," I mean, it'll take a jeepney ride or Grab to get there). Intramuros is actually pretty accessible! A short-ish ride away, traffic permitting (which, let's be real, in Manila… good luck with that). You're also near the historic Quiapo Church - a must-see (and a must-experience-the-crowds).
Safety? Well, it's Manila. Be smart, be aware of your surroundings. Don't flash your expensive phone. Stick to well-lit areas at night. Don’t act like a lost tourist, even if you ARE a lost tourist… okay? I've walked around at night, but always with a friend. Take the same precautions you would anywhere in a busy city. Honestly, I feel safer *inside* the hotel than I do sometimes on the street. And the security guards seem to know what they're doing.
What about the noise? I need my beauty sleep!
Oh, honey. Sweet, naive honey. Avenida is alive. There's always something happening. Jeepneys honking, vendors shouting, neighbors singing karaoke at 3 AM… It's part of the "Manila experience." Earplugs are your best friend. Seriously. Pack them. Or, better yet, develop some serious noise immunity. I'm thinking about getting them permanently surgically implanted. Don't go expecting silence, but the hotel itself is surprisingly quiet. They do a good job of soundproofing (or maybe I've just gotten used to the symphony of chaos).
The staff? Are they friendly? Efficient? Reliable?
The staff are generally lovely! They're super friendly, helpful, and they try their best. English isn't perfect, but they're always willing to help. Efficiency? Let's just say, "Filipino time" applies. Don’t expect things to happen *immediately*. Be patient. Be polite. A little chit-chat goes a long way. They’re genuinely nice people, and they work HARD. The cleaning staff left me a cute little towel animal once. It made my whole day. I think it was a swan. Or maybe a dog. Anyway...it was adorable. I was a mess and it made me smile, good stuff.
Okay, let's talk about the room. Cleanliness? Amenities? Is the wifi decent?
Alright, room specifics! Cleanliness – already touched on, but to reiterate: Generally clean. Check the corners. The bathroom *can* have some "character" – especially regarding water pressure (bring patience and a toothbrush). Amenities? Okay. The basics. Air conditioning. Hot water. A TV (though the channels can be a bit… limited). The wifi? It's… wifi. It exists! But it can be a bit spotty. Don’t rely on it for serious work. For emails and social media, it works fine. Download your shows beforehand, that's my advice. Oh! There's often a free bottle of water, which is always appreciated, and sometimes a toothbrush. Small things, but hey, it's something.
Breakfast? What's the deal?
Breakfast… is included. Generally, it's a simple, but filling, Filipino breakfast. Typically, it's eggs (fried, often), rice, and a meat dish (maybe longganisa, or a slice of ham). It's not gourmet, but it gets the job done. Don't expect a giant Western-style buffet. It's a basic, budget-friendly start to the day. Sometimes you get lucky and there's fruit. Other times, it's just the rice. But hey, you're in the Philippines! Embrace the simple things! Also, the coffee may be… strong. Or weak. Or both. In turns. Like life.
Okay, but really, any deal-breakers? Things to watch out for?
Alright, real talk. A couple of things to be aware of: The noise (mentioned, but worth reiterating). The water pressure (can be a challenge). And the air conditioning… sometimes it’s *too* effective. Bring a sweater. And sometimes, well, the elevator might take a while. They got a lift, which is very helpful. I waited for a while the first time. So now I just use the stairs. Oh! Another thing: The surroundings. Avenida is… not glamorous. Trending Hotels Now
