Manila Airport's BEST Kept Secret? This 1 Palm Tree Condo Will SHOCK You!
Manila Airport's Wild Card: This 1 Palm Tree Condo? Yeah, It SHOCKED Me. (Honest Review)
Okay, let's just say I stumbled upon this place – the "secret," the "hidden gem" – while stuck in a Manila layover. That glorious, chaotic, traffic-jammed pitstop before freedom. And this "1 Palm Tree Condo"? Honestly, I went in expecting the usual airport-adjacent purgatory. You know, the bland, overpriced box with questionable Wi-Fi and a hint of stale desperation. Boy, was I wrong.
First off, the name? "1 Palm Tree Condo." It's…cute? A bit cheesy? I don't know, it works. And the "shocking" part? Honestly, yeah, it kinda shocked me. Not in the way they probably intend – like, "OMG, luxury!" – but in a "Huh. This is…surprisingly decent" way.
Accessibility - Navigating the Maze:
Getting there was a bit of a drama. Manila traffic is the stuff of legends, and even the "airport transfer" (which, thankfully, they do offer) felt like an extreme sport. But once I got there, the lobby seemed okay for wheelchair users - I didn't personally need it, but it was clear the place does cater to those with mobility issues. Elevator access? Check. Good to know.
Cleanliness and Safety - My Anxiety's Best Friend:
Let's be real, post-pandemic travel has me permanently on edge. So, I was thrilled to see the measures they'd taken. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and stuff like individually-wrapped food options. They SERIOUSLY take this seriously. Plus, hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE. They also had that high-tech sterilizing equipment thing going on, which, as a germophobe, made me feel a little less like I’d wandered into a biohazard zone. And the fact that you could opt-out of room sanitization? Brilliant. Gives you some control, even in a chaotic place like this. The fact that they have CCTV in common areas and outside property helps too.
Services and Conveniences - They Thought of Everything (Almost):
Okay, so here's where things get interesting. They've got the basics covered: Daily housekeeping, laundry service, dry cleaning, and that oh-so-crucial cash withdrawal. A convenience store is a lifesaver for forgotten essentials. But here's the kicker: Room service [24-hour]. And I mean, actual room service, not just overpriced instant noodles. I ordered, and it actually arrived in a reasonable time. I was desperate. And they delivered. They also provide an invoice.
Internet Access - The Modern Traveler's Survival Kit:
Wi-Fi? Yes. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Double yes! And…brace yourselves…Internet [LAN] access too! I was able to connect work! Praise the internet gods!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Fueling the Layover:
The on-site restaurant was…surprisingly good. Let's be honest, I'd set my expectations low. But they had Asian cuisine (essential, for a solid Filipino experience), Western cuisine (for the comfort-food cravings), and a vegetarian restaurant. I went with the Asian buffet, and it was surprisingly good. A few things were a bit dried out, yes, but I was able to find a soup I liked. They also had a Poolside Bar which was great for a quiet drink.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax - The Escape:
Okay, so this is where it gets a little… extra. They have a swimming pool [outdoor] (small, but hey, a pool), a fitness center (didn't use it, but it existed!), and a Spa/sauna. I'm talking Body scrub, Body wrap, the whole shebang. And, a massage! I actually spent some time there. Ways to relax - I actually used it!! I needed to destress. It was actually pretty good. The pool with a view was not bad, but I did not see a great view.
For the Kids – Family Fun? (Sort Of):
While the place isn't exactly a kid's paradise, they do have family/child-friendly options. They offer babysitting service which is an awesome touch.
Rooms – My Personal Oasis (Sort Of):
The rooms! They’re not palatial, but they are well-appointed. Air conditioning? Check. Blackout curtains? Praise be! (Jet lag is real.) In-room safe box? Always a good thing. The coffee/tea maker was essential for a caffeine addict like me. And the complimentary tea? A nice touch. Also, the desk was perfect, so I could make a little work. I also had a refrigerator, which was nice. Yes to this. The room was quiet.
Getting Around – The Airport Shuffle:
They offer Airport transfer, which, again, is a godsend in Manila. Car park [on-site] is available. I just stayed in my room.
What's NOT Perfect (Because Let's Be Real):
- The "View": Let's just say, it wasn't exactly breathtaking. You're near the airport, so expect a few…interesting vistas.
- The Price: While not exorbitant, it's not cheap. But considering the amenities and the location, it's a decent value.
- The "Shrine": I'm not sure what that means.
Final Verdict – Would I Go Back?
Absolutely. For a layover, or even a short stay near the airport, this "1 Palm Tree Condo" is a surprisingly good choice. It's clean, safe, convenient, and offers enough amenities to make your time there bearable, if not actually enjoyable. It definitely raised the bar for airport hotels, at least in my book. Manila can be a whirlwind, but this place? It's a tiny, well-sanitized oasis in the eye of the storm.
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Mediterraneo, Spain Awaits!Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your grandma's perfectly-formatted itinerary. We're going deep into the heart of Manila airport chaos, from the supposed "luxury" of a condo to the existential dread of international travel. Consider this less a schedule, and more a… a messy, beautiful, slightly unhinged chronicle. Welcome to my Manila T3 adventure, courtesy of One Palm Tree Condo. Buckle up.
Day 0: The Pre-Game & Panic
- 10:00 PM (ish): Departure from… well, somewhere. Let's just say it involves a chaotic scramble for a cab, a near-miss with a rogue tricycle (seriously, they're like tiny, terrifying, motorized wasps) and the sudden, soul-crushing realization that I forgot my noise-canceling headphones. My favorite! Oh, the humanity!
- 11:30 PM: Arrival at Manila Airport Terminal 3. Already feeling the humidity. It's like being enveloped in a warm, wet hug from a giant, sweaty armadillo. Check-in for One Palm Tree Condo is… well, it’s an adventure in itself. Finding the damn place is like navigating a maze designed by M.C. Escher. Seriously. Signage? Non-existent. I swear I saw a guy in a banana suit trying to direct people into a wall.
- 12:00 AM: FINALLY! I find it. The lobby smells faintly of old air conditioning and… hope? The condo itself, while “modern” in a vaguely IKEA-esque way, is mostly… beige. Beige everywhere. Still, the air conditioning is a blessing. Collapse into bed, contemplating my (lack of) luggage and the epic journey to come.
- 12:30 AM - 2:00 AM: Insomnia, thanks to the general anxiety of starting an overseas trip. Scrolling social media. Seeing everyone's highlight reels. Feeling like my life is more beige than the condo. Eating a bag of chips. Wondering if I should have packed differently.
Day 1: The Manila Rumble
- 7:00 AM: Wake up slightly-hungover (from sheer anticipation, I swear!). The view from the window… well, it's not the Maldives. It's a concrete jungle. But hey, at least there's sunlight! And the promise of a very long cup of instant coffee.
- 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM: Scramble for breakfast. The condo’s kitchen features the most basic of basics. Found some instant noodles. The kind that, no matter what you do, end up tasting vaguely of sadness.
- 8:30 AM: The grand airport exploration. Objective: Find the ATM, figure out how to get some local currency, and buy a decent coffee. This turns out to be a trial by fire. ATMs are hidden like secret portals. The coffee situation is dire. Everything here is much more expensive than I expected.
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: THE REALIZATION. The time difference is really messing with me. I feel like I'm living inside a bad dream. The airport itself is a symphony of beeping luggage carts, overly enthusiastic security guards, and the constant, low hum of a thousand conversations.
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 Noon: Lunch: Trying to find a good place to eat is like trying to spot a polar bear in a snowstorm. Finally give up and settle for a sad, overpriced sandwich.
- 12:00 NOON - 3:00 PM: Shopping time at the airport. This is kind of the best part: I can find gifts! I find that I can buy some snacks and find some souvenirs and some clothing from local shops. This is a fun experience.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Check-in time. All the stress and anxiety disappears when I finally get to check in. Ahh, sweet relief.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Sit around, feeling anxious, waiting for the flight.
- 5:00 PM: Flight time. Goodbye Manila! I can't wait to come back, I'm sure.
Quirky Observations & Rants:
- The Airport Smells: A melange of diesel fumes, duty-free perfume, and… something indescribably Filipino. It’s… well, it’s Manila.
- Filipino Hospitality (Even in Chaos): Despite the general mayhem, the people are lovely. Seriously, smiles and genuine helpfulness are everywhere. It’s the only thing keeping me sane.
- The Currency: A constant source of confusion. I keep vastly over-estimating and under-estimating everything. My bank account is silently weeping.
- The Humidity: Yeah, I mentioned that. It’s like having a warm, damp blanket wrapped around you… except the blanket also weighs ten tons.
- My Emotional Reaction: A rollercoaster. Excitement! Anxiety! Joy! Despair! Did I pack enough underwear? The eternal question. And a whole lot of questioning my life choices in general.
Imperfections & Stream-of-Consciousness Rambles:
- I forgot to pack my passport in the right place. Idiot.
- Was I ready for the flight? No.
- I saw the most incredible looking mango smoothie. Regret that I didn't get it.
- There's a weird guy in a Hawaiian shirt staring at me. Probably just jet lag, though.
- My brain is currently running on fumes and caffeine.
- Did I actually bring clean clothes?
- This is turning into such a fun trip.
The Verdict (So Far):
Manila Terminal 3 is… an experience. The One Palm Tree Condo is… a place. I'm exhausted, disoriented and slightly overwhelmed. But also… excited. This journey, whatever it brings, will be my own. Now, onward! Let's see what delicious, chaotic, and slightly-terrifying adventures await! And maybe, just maybe, tomorrow I'll actually find a decent cup of coffee. Wish me luck. And send chocolate. LOTS of chocolate. I'm going to need it.
Aonang Pop-In: Your Secret Thai Paradise Awaits!
