**Newport Blvd. Jewel: Unbelievable Manila Condo Near Terminal 3!**
**Newport Blvd. Jewel: Unbelievable Manila Condo Near Terminal 3!**
Newport Blvd. Jewel: Unbelievable Manila Condo Near Terminal 3! - A Rambling Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, sterile hotel review. I'm coming at you live from… well, I just left Newport Blvd. Jewel, that Manila condo-hotel monstrosity (in a mostly good way) near Terminal 3. And let me tell you, I've got feelings. This place is a rollercoaster, a kaleidoscope, a… well, you get the picture. Let’s dive, shall we?
Accessibility: The Stairway to Heaven (and Maybe Hell, Depending on Your Legs)
Okay, first things first: Accessibility. They say it’s accessible. And they try. There's an elevator, phew. But the ramps? Let's just say navigating them with a suitcase felt like a mini-marathon. And I'm pretty fit! I saw a few folks in wheelchairs, bless their hearts. It might be a challenge. (Accessibility: 7/10. They try, but things could be smoother.)
Cleanliness and Safety: Obsessive, in the Best Way (Mostly!)
Okay, BIG props for cleanliness and safety. They are serious. I'm talking Anti-viral cleaning products everywhere. Daily disinfection in common areas, which I definitely saw. Rooms sanitized between stays. They even gave you the option to opt out of room sanitization (hello, germophobes like me!). Hand sanitizers like they're going out of style and definitely trained staff. Hygiene certification? Yep. They were practically begging to be hygienic. Felt pretty secure, even during my late-night ramen run. Now, I didn't see the sterilizing equipment but I trust they did what they said. Safe dining set up? Absolutely. And the doctor/nurse on call made me feel extra safe, especially after my questionable street food adventure. (Cleanliness & Safety: 9.5/10 – Seriously, I felt like I could eat off the floor… after they’d cleaned it, obviously!)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Snag)
Alright, the food. This is where things get… interesting. The restaurants? Plural! They had a bunch. Asian breakfast and buffet in restaurant? Check. Western breakfast? Yep. They even had a vegetarian restaurant which I appreciate. The coffee shop was my go-to for a much-needed caffeine fix (jet lag, ugh). The poolside bar? Looked tempting, but I didn't actually get to enjoy it. I think I fell asleep in my room instead. The coffee/tea in restaurant? Of course.
Now, here's the hiccup. I tried the room service [24-hour]. Ordered some soup at 3 AM (desperate times, folks, desperate times). Took forever. By the time it arrived, I'd eaten two bags of chips. Okay, maybe it wasn't that long, but longer than I would have wanted. The A la carte in restaurant was good, I tried it for lunch one day and the Asian cuisine in restaurant was good, I think I need to go back and explore a bit more. (Dining & Drinking: 7/10 – Great options, room service could improve its speed.)
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: So. Many. Choices!
Okay, now we're talking! This place is a full-blown resort. Swimming pool [outdoor]? Yes, and a Pool with view, which overlooked the city skyline. Stunning. I spent a good chunk of time there, trying to understand the complexities of the underwater world. I thought I even saw a fish. Gym/fitness? Yep, but, I skipped that, the bed was calling my name. Sauna and spa/sauna? Check and check. Massage? Oh yeah, I spent the entire next day recovering from too much pampering. Body scrub and body wrap? The works! (Things to Do/Relax: 9/10 – Seriously, you could spend a week here and not leave the property.)
Services and Conveniences: A Swiss Army Knife of Hospitality
Wow. Where do I even begin? Concierge? Helpful, but also a little… overzealous. They kept calling to make sure I was "having a wonderful time." It was sweet, but also kinda… intrusive. I appreciated the daily housekeeping and the fact that they provided essential condiments in the room. They even had a convenience store! So clutch. They had a meeting/banquet facilities. I feel I saw a Shrine, a nice touch. But most importantly, they had Wi-Fi [free] because I can't survive without my internet. (Services & Conveniences: 9/10 – They've thought of pretty much everything.)
For the Kids: Happy Families, or Just a Happy Babysitter?
I didn't travel with kids but I saw a few families. The kids facilities look promising and the babysitting service is available, which is always a plus. (For the Kids: Not applicable to me, but seems well-equipped.)
Getting Around: Taxi, Taxi Everywhere!
Airport transfer? Yes, and it was efficient. Car park [free of charge]? Plenty of spots. Taxi service? Easy to hail. Getting around was a breeze. (Getting Around: 8/10 – Convenient location, easy transport.)
*Available in All Rooms: The Nitty-Gritty (and the Nice-to-Haves)
Okay, here's what you really want to know. Air conditioning? Mandatory in Manila. Free bottled water? Essential for staying hydrated. Wi-Fi [free]? A lifesaver. Alarm clock? Got it. Bathrobes and slippers? Luxurious touch. Coffee/tea maker? Crucial for morning sanity. Desk? Perfect for pretending to work. Hair dryer? Yes! Refrigerator? Cold drinks, all day, every day. Satellite/cable channels? Yup. Separate shower/bathtub? Nice. The window that opens? Well, I tried to open it. But I am not sure if I ever succeeded. (Rooms: 9/10 – Pretty much everything you need, and some things you didn't know you needed.)
Now For the Rambling, Stream-of-Consciousness Stuff…
Okay, so here’s the thing. I love a good hotel, and Newport Blvd. Jewel… it's almost great. It's like they threw every possible amenity at it and hoped something would stick. And a lot of it did. The outdoor swimming pool - absolutely epic. The view? Breathtaking. Literally. I actually choked on some pool water because I was staring at the view and forgot to breathe. Embarrassing.
I had the most incredible massage. So heavenly, I almost floated. They actually had a couple's room. I mean, I was flying solo, but the thought of going back with someone next time? Very tempting.
Oh! The breakfast [buffet]. The first day, I was overwhelmed. So many choices! I think I tried everything. Eggs, noodles, fruits I’d never seen before… It was a feast. The second day… I was a bit less hungry. By the third day, I just wanted a decent cup of coffee. A minor quibble, but still…
The room itself was nice, sure. But… (and this is really nitpicky)… the blackout curtains didn’t quite block out all the light. So, if you are a light sleeper like me, you might want to bring a sleeping mask, or maybe just become nocturnal.
The overall vibe? Busy, but energetic. A bit overwhelming, but also incredibly convenient. (Overall: 8.5/10 – Go! Just pack earplugs and maybe a sleeping mask.)
SEO/Metadata Stuff (Let's Get Practical):
- Title: Newport Blvd. Jewel: Unbelievable Manila Condo Near Terminal 3! (A Rambling Review)
- Keywords: Manila, Newport, Terminal 3, Condo, Hotel Review, Philippines, Accessible, Spa, Swimming pool, Dining, Free Wi-Fi, Cleanliness, Safety, Luxury, Travel, Review
- Meta Description: My brutally honest review of Newport Blvd. Jewel, the Manila condo-hotel near Terminal 3! From epic pools to room service woes and everything in between, I'm sharing my unfiltered experience. Is it worth it? Read on!
- Categories: Hotel Reviews, Manila, Philippines Travel.
- Long Tail Keywords: "Newport Blvd. Jewel review," "Manila condo near Terminal 3," "Accessible hotels Manila," "Hotels with spas Manila," "Best hotels near NAIA Terminal 3."
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- URL Slug: newport-blvd-
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. We're diving headfirst into my absolutely chaotic, possibly ill-advised, and definitely unfiltered trip starting at C2-9B 81 Newport Boulevard near Terminal 3 Manila, Philippines. Hold onto your hats… and your sanity.
The "I-Think-I-Know-What-I'm-Doing" Manila Meander (or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Traffic)
(Disclaimer: This is my itinerary. Yours might be… different. And probably smarter.)
Day 1: The Arrival & The Embrace (of Humidity)
- Time: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Land at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3. Ugh. The airport. Don't even get me started. The air conditioning is perpetually battling the elements, the lines snake like pythons that haven't eaten in weeks, and the sheer exhaustion of just existing after a long flight. Okay, deep breaths. Let's find our luggage and the pre-booked Grab car (because, frankly, I'm terrified of haggling).
- Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: The Grab Car ride. The streets of Manila are a beast. Prepare for a chaotic ballet of jeepneys, buses belching smoke, and the occasional kamikaze motorcyclist. My emotions? A mix of wide-eyed terror, morbid fascination, and a grudging respect for the collective driving skill (or lack thereof). I'm pretty sure my driver did a U-turn over a median. I swear, he just looked at the traffic and willed it to move.
- Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM: Arrive at C2-9B 81 Newport Boulevard. Ah, the temporary home base. Check-in. This is where the pre-trip optimism usually starts to crumble under the weight of reality. Is the AC working? Are there enough towels? Did I pack the right kind of bug spray (because, oh boy, the mosquitos…). Let the unpacking begin.
- Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch – the desperate hunt. Okay, I'm starving. The hotel restaurant smells vaguely of old fries and despair. Time to venture out. Maybe a quick bite at the Newport Mall? Or do I have to wait for 10 more hours for a real dinner. The first meal selection is a gamble, but who cares? It’s my first time visiting this place. Anything sounds good!
- Time: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM: The "Acclimatization" Nap. Let's be honest. Jet lag will take root. I am going to nap after a long trip. The humidity hits you in the face like a soggy towel. I’m going to need a good sleep to start.
- Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner – the 'I'm-Not-Sure-What-to-Eat-But-I'm-Ordering-Everything' phase. Okay, I'm awake, but still fuzzy. Tonight I’ll let the hotel restaurant or the Newport Mall lead me to the right place. As long as I survive this day, it’s all that matters.
- Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Explore Newport Boulevard. Maybe have a drink at a bar. Try not to get lost. People watching is critical. Filipino people are warm people. I might make new friends!
- Time: 9:00 PM: Crash. Sleep, sweet sleep. Pray the jet lag doesn't win and that I wake up tomorrow feeling even slightly human.
Day 2: Intramuros & The History Hangover
- Time: 8:00 AM: Wake up. Coffee is a must. Strong, black coffee that will hopefully kickstart my brain and get me ready for a day of historical immersion.
- Time: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Head to Intramuros. Oh, the walled city. The historical heart of Manila. I'm picturing romantic scenes, old architecture, carriages, and maybe a charming café. Reality? Probably a whole lot of heat, crowds, and the ever-present smell of exhaust fumes. Still, it's Intramuros!
- Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Explore Intramuros. This is where I'll embrace the past. I'll try to soak in the stories of the fortresses, the churches, and the cobblestone streets, but I'm not going to lie: I'm easily distractible. I’ll probably spend way too long taking photos of every single building. I’ll also spend probably a good 30 minutes just sitting and watching the people, wondering about their lives.
- Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch – Intramuros edition. I desperately need to find a restaurant that isn't a total tourist trap. The goal is to eat something delicious and escape the sun for a while.
- Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: The Fort Santiago Debrief. So, Fort Santiago… a major historical site. More pictures. I learn something. I definitely get a slight heatstroke.
- Time: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Back to Newport Boulevard. I need a shower and a nap.
- Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner. Back to trying out more new places.
- Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Relax. I'm exhausted. Maybe watch some TV.
Day 3: Manila's Metropolitan Museum and The Chaotic Charm of Binondo Chinatown (The "Holy Crap, This is Amazing" Day)
- Time: 9:00 AM: Breakfast, finally out the door.
- Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM: The Metropolitan Museum of Manila. This one is an absolute must. I'm a sucker for art, and I figure it's a good way to escape the heat for a few hours.
- Time: 12:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Lunch, and I'm not wasting time on this.
- Time: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Binondo Chinatown. Okay, this is where it is going to get real. This is going to be a sensory overload, a total immersion in deliciousness and the sheer energy of the oldest Chinatown in the world. My plan? Wander. Get lost. Eat everything that looks interesting. The goal? To embrace the chaos. I'm talking dim sum, noodles, maybe some mysterious street food that could be my culinary salvation or a food poisoning nightmare. Who knows? I'm ready to find out.
- Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Getting back to Newport Boulevard. I will be hungry.
- Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner. More exploring around Newport Boulevard.
- Time: 9:00 PM: Sleep.
Day 4: Departure (The "Goodbye, Manila, You Crazy Place")
- Time: 8:00 AM: Last Breakfast. Trying to enjoy a final cup of coffee and mentally prepare for the departure chaos.
- Time: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Pack. Pack everything.
- Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Last minute souvenir shopping. More panic.
- Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Check out. The hotel staff are probably used to dealing with my chaotic energy by now.
- Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Grab car to airport.
- Time: 2:00 PM: Departure
- Time: 2:00 PM: Remember to always have a Plan B.
Final Thoughts:
This is just a loose framework. It's messy. It's subject to change. The best laid plans of mice and men, and all that jazz. Embrace the chaos. Go with the flow. And remember: the best travel stories are usually the ones that go sideways. I'll see you on the other side. Wish me luck. I'll need it.
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Newport Blvd. Jewel: Manila Condo Life... Or, My Sanity's Guide to Surviving (and Maybe Loving It?)
Okay, so, "Unbelievable Manila Condo Near Terminal 3"... Is it *really* unbelievable? Like, are we talking unicorn-level amazing?
Look, let's be brutally honest. "Unbelievable" is marketing speak. Is it *good*? Yeah, mostly. Is it going to solve all your problems and suddenly make you graceful and composed? Absolutely not. I once tripped over a rogue slipper *right* in front of the beautifully manicured lobby plants. Embarrassing. So, adjust your expectations. It's a condo. It's in Manila. Expectation number one: traffic. Expectation number two: the occasional questionable smell wafting from the hallway (I'm not even going to *speculate*). Expectation number three: you *will* probably find yourself staring out the window, contemplating the meaning of life, because you're stuck in traffic again. But... the views *can* be stunning sunsets. And the convenience... it's actually kind of, you know, convenient. Especially if you fly a lot. So, unbelievable? Depends on your definition of "believable." I, for one, have learned to live with it, slipper-trips and all.
Is it REALLY near Terminal 3? Because I've heard that before, and then you end up walking through Mordor.
Okay, this one is actually *mostly* true. It's close. Like, taxi-ride-that-doesn't-require-a-passport-or-a-lifetime-of-negotiating close. You can *see* Terminal 3. You practically *smell* the airport food court sometimes. (I have a weakness for those awful, delicious airport noodles, by the way. Don't judge.) Walking? Uhhh, on a sunny day, with luggage? Maybe not. Grab a Grab, a taxi, or one of those weird little shuttle buses. Walking isn't *impossible* (and honestly, I sometimes do it when I'm late and the traffic is a literal parking lot on legs), but it’s less "leisurely stroll" and more "light cardio interspersed with dodging speeding vehicles and existential dread." Trust me. Take a ride.
What's the actual condo like? Are we talking gleaming marble and a butler named Jeeves?
Gleaming marble? Maybe in the lobby. Jeeves? Highly unlikely. My reality? Slightly less glamorous. My place has... okay furniture. Definitely practical. I am not an interior designer, let's be clear. It’s comfortable enough, though I'd kill for a proper sofa that I can melt into after a 10-hour flight. (Seriously, if anyone has a recommendation, please drop it in the comments. I'm desperate.) The kitchen is... functional. I burn toast. Regularly. The pool? Lovely, when it's not overrun with screaming kids (which, let's be honest, is most of the time). My biggest complaint? The wifi. It's Manila wifi. Enough said. Prepare for lag. And frustration-fueled coffee consumption. Lots of coffee. But the view... the *view*. When the smog clears, it's magic. Totally worth a blurry Netflix night.
Let's talk about the neighbors. Are they all, you know, cosmopolitan jet-setters? Or... something else entirely?
Okay, the neighbors. A mixed bag, to put it politely. You get the whole spectrum. Young professionals, families with kids, the occasional eccentric expat (I'm looking at you, Mr. Henderson, and your love of wearing a full safari suit to the grocery store). It's Manila. There are a lot of people. The good? You can always find someone to commiserate with about the traffic. The bad? The singing karaoke at 3 AM. It happens. A lot. I swear, sometimes, the walls of my condo vibrate with the soul-crushing power ballads. I've learned to make peace with it. (Earplugs. Lots and lots of earplugs.)
Okay, the food. What's the food *really* like around there? Beyond the airport noodles?
Right, the food. This is where Newport Blvd. actually *shines*. There's everything. You can get Michelin-starred meals, if you're feeling fancy (and flush). You can get delicious, authentic Filipino street food (go for the isaw. Trust me, just try it). There are coffee shops on every corner (bless the coffee gods!). There are fast food joints, of course. And casinos. A LOT of casino restaurants, whether you like it or not. The sheer variety is overwhelming. It's enough to drive a food blogger mad, in a good way. My biggest weakness? The 24-hour "silog" place that I stumble into after a long flight. Rice, eggs, meat... it's the ultimate comfort food. The perfect antidote to whatever life throws at you. Seriously. Go.
Is it noisy? Like, seriously noisy? Because I need my sleep.
Oh boy. Noise. Where do I begin? Yes. It's noisy. Manila is a noisy city. Planes taking off, the aforementioned karaoke, cars honking, construction... it's a symphony of chaos. My first night there, I swear I thought a demolition crew had pitched up right outside my window. (Turns out, just the usual traffic jam.) You’ll need noise-canceling headphones. Essential. Possibly earplugs. Maybe even a white noise machine. I've invested in all three. I'm a light sleeper. It's a battle, honestly. But with enough sleep aids, you *can* survive. You just have to *fight* for it. And sometimes, give up and embrace the chaos. It's character-building, I suppose.
Tell me about the traffic. Is it truly as horrendous as everyone says? Because, I'm already stressed.
Okay, buckle up. Traffic. This is a life choice. A commitment. A relationship. A constant, frustrating, soul-crushing *thing*. I’ve spent more time in traffic than I care to admit. I've learned to read books. Listen to podcasts. Have deep philosophical conversations with myself about the meaninglessness of existence (while inching forward at 1 kilometer per hour). It’s brutal. It tests your patience. It makes you question your life choices. It’ll make you fantasize about teleportation. Just… accept it. Plan for it. Add at *least* an hour to any travel time. Download offline entertainment. Bring snacks. And maybe, just maybe, develop a Zen-like approach to the whole experience. It’s either that, or you'll go mad. (I'Unbelievable Horstman House: Whistler's Premier Luxury Escape!
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