Unbelievable Ocean Views! SMDC Coast Residence – Your Dream Manila Beachfront Condo Awaits!
Unbelievable Ocean Views! SMDC Coast Residence – Is This Manila Beachfront Bliss… Or Just a Pretty Facade? (A REALLY Honest Review)
Okay, let’s be real. Manila beachfront condos…they sound dreamy, right? Sun, sand, and… well, a whole lot of potential headaches. That's why I took the plunge and spent a few days at Unbelievable Ocean Views! SMDC Coast Residence. And honestly? "Unbelievable" is probably overselling it, but there's definitely some serious potential here. Get ready for a messy, honest, and totally unvarnished review. Buckle up, buttercups, because this is gonna be a bumpy ride!
First Impressions & The Arrival Gauntlet
The promise of "Unbelievable Ocean Views!" is certainly on point… once you get to the ocean, that is. Getting to the SMDC Coast Residence is its own adventure. Traffic in Manila is, let's just say, "enthusiastic." (Pro tip: Airport transfer is a MUST. Save your sanity.) They do have car parking [free of charge] and car park [on-site], which is a lifesaver, but maneuvering through the entrance… let's just say it's a test of patience. They offer valet parking too, which is tempting just to skip the chaos.
Once past the initial traffic frenzy, the doorman gives a welcoming impression, and finally, you’re in. The lobby is… well, it's clean. I honestly can't recall much of the interior design itself, but it was clean and bright enough – a good start. Check-in/out [express] and Contactless check-in/out are offered; I went with the latter, which was a breeze. (Thank GOD. After that drive, I was done with talking.)
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag
This is where things get a little… muddled. They mention "Facilities for disabled guests," but how extensive is that? I didn’t specifically require them, so I didn’t test it, but a more detailed breakdown would be reassuring. Elevator access is a given (Elevator), so that's a plus. The general vibe seemed… okay, not perfect.
Rooms: Style Over Substance?
Alright, the money shot. The Available in all rooms list is pretty extensive, and includes Air conditioning, Free Wi-Fi, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathroom phone, Blackout curtains, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, etc. It felt luxurious. Everything looked shiny and new. I had a high-floor room - one of the High floor units - which gave some truly stunning views. The window that opens was a nice touch – I love fresh air! Being able to crack open the window and hear (and smell) the sea was what I needed.
BUT… and you knew there was a "but" coming, didn’t you? The bed… the bed was not as comfy as it looked. I'm not just talking about mattress firmness (though that was a little firm for my liking). It's like the designers prioritized style over actual comfort. Now, maybe I'm just getting old, or maybe my expectations have been inflated by too much Instagram, but I wanted more snuggle.
The bathrobes were a nice perk, though! And the slippers were a lifesaver (especially after walking on the… shall we call it "interesting" floor tiles in the bathroom?). Additional toilet? (Double score for late-night emergencies!). Interconnecting room(s) available, which is great for families.
The Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN (for the tech-savvy among us, bless your souls) worked GREAT. Fast, reliable, and crucial when battling a deadline by the coast.
Cleanliness & Safety: Prioritizing Hygiene
COVID-19 has changed the game, hasn't it? SMDC seems to be taking things seriously. They highlight Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer readily available, Rooms sanitized between stays, and Professional-grade sanitizing services. They even have Room sanitization opt-out available, which I appreciated. Hygiene certification is mentioned, too – always a good sign. You felt safe.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: So Many Choices… Is It Any Good?
This is where SMDC Coast Residence really shines. The options are diverse, but quality varies. There's everything from Asian cuisine in restaurant and Western cuisine in restaurant.
Restaurants: There are multiple options! I wish I could remember all the names, but the excitement got the better of me.
Poolside Bar: Perfect for a quick drink or snack while chilling by the pool (which, by the way, offers fantastic Pool with view).
Room service [24-hour]: A life-saver when you just want to veg in bed.
Breakfast [buffet] and Buffet in restaurant: Loads of options! The Asian breakfast was pretty basic, but there were also Western breakfast options.
Coffee shop: Perfect for your morning caffeine fix.
Snack bar: Quick bites at the bar.
Happy hour: Always a winner.
I wish I could remember all the restaurant names. But hey, what's a vacation without a little forgetting, huh?
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa & Beyond!
Okay, the question that really matters: Can you actually relax here? The answer is a resounding YES, with some caveats.
Swimming pool [outdoor] and Pool with view: Gorgeous. The main draw of the accommodation.
Fitness center: A solid gym to work off all those buffet calories.
Spa: The real treat. Massage, Body scrub, and Body wrap are all on offer. I treated myself to a massage, and it was… bliss. Pure, unadulterated bliss. After a particularly stressful day, it was exactly what I needed.
Sauna, Spa/sauna, and Steamroom: Sadly didn't have enough time to try all of it.
Services & Conveniences: Making Life Easier
This is where SMDC Coast Residence really gets it right. They understand those little things that make a stay less stressful.
- Concierge: Wonderfully helpful, from booking taxis to answering random questions.
- Cash withdrawal: Super convenient.
- Laundry service and Dry cleaning: Perfect for longer stays.
- Luggage storage: Essential.
- Daily housekeeping: The rooms were spotless.
- Convenience store: For those late-night snacks (or forgotten toiletries).
- Food delivery: A lifesaver if you want something from outside
- Invoice provided.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly…ish
I didn't travel with kids, so I can't attest to the full experience, but the presence of Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, and Kids meal options is definitely a plus.
Getting Around: Navigating Manila’s Madness
As mentioned (and I can't stress this enough), Airport transfer is a MUST. Consider Taxi service too, unless you're feeling brave. Car park [free of charge] is a huge plus, and I appreciated them, while the Car park [on-site] was decent.
The Bottom Line: Book It? Maybe… With Some Reservations!
Unbelievable Ocean Views! SMDC Coast Residence has a lot going for it. The views are stunning, the pool is gorgeous, and the service is generally excellent. The convenience factor is a major win. However, it's not without its quirks, like the so-so comfort and slightly unreliable accessibility ratings.
Who should book it? Couples looking for a romantic getaway, families wanting a fun vacation, or business travelers. The overall score is 4/5 stars.
My biggest recommendation: Book directly and check for deals. If you’re looking for something in the budget, it is worth checking it out. The pool, the proximity to the beach, and the services available are enough to warrant your stay. Overall, I would book again!
Ready to Book? Here's Why You Should (and a Little Reminder of What to Expect):
Here's the Pitch - Buckle Up!
Tired of the daily grind? Craving a dose of Vitamin Sea with a side of luxurious comfort? Then say YES to Unbelievable Ocean Views! SMDC Coast Residence. This isn’t just a hotel; it's your escape to Manila beachfront bliss!
Here’s what awaits you:
- Unforgettable Ocean Views: Wake up to breathtaking sunrises over the shimmering waters.
- Poolside Paradise: Spend your days lounging by the crystal-clear outdoor pool.
- Gourmet Delights at Your Fingertips: Ind
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your average, sterile itinerary. This is me, navigating the glorious chaos that is a week in SMDC Coast Residences, Roxas Boulevard, Manila. Prepare for some real talk, questionable decisions, and a whole lot of "OMG, what have I gotten myself into?" vibes.
The SMDC Coast Chronicles: A Manila Meander (with a side of existential dread)
Day 1: Arrival & Immediate Regret (Kidding!…Mostly)
- 1:00 PM: Landed at NAIA. Already sweating. My "travel light" packing strategy disintegrated somewhere over the Pacific. Currently lugging a suitcase that weighs more than I do. Pray for my spine.
- 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM: The epic battle with Manila traffic. Taxi driver is a Zen master, weaving through a labyrinth of jeepneys and questionable lane markings. I suspect he’s secretly auditioning for a Fast & Furious movie.
- 2:30 PM: Arrival at SMDC Coast Residences: The lobby is…glamorous. Crystal chandeliers, polished floors, even the security guards are impeccably dressed. Feeling suddenly underdressed in my crumpled linen shirt. Okay, maybe I’ve leveled up? Maybe I’m not a total disaster?
- 3:00 PM: Apartment Check-in. Holy moly, the view! Ocean stretching as far as the eye can see. Roxas Boulevard glitters below. For a moment, I forgot about the suitcase. This is what dreams are made of. (Note: Dreams that cost a small fortune.)
- 3:30 PM: Panic sets in as I realize there's no coffee. THE END IS NIGH.
- 4:00 PM: Coffee crisis averted! Found a little café downstairs. Sipping a surprisingly decent latte, feeling marginally less like a dehydrated zombie.
- 4:30-6:00PM: Settling in, unpacking a little. Staring at the ocean. Feeling a blend of excitement and paralyzing indecision. Maybe a nap?
- 6:00 PM Dinner at Restaurant 101 in Malate - I love this place, the atmosphere in Malate is just something else, I really enjoyed the food, I ordered the Seafood Paella and it was delicious
Day 2: Cultural Immersion (and a near-miss with a tricycle)
- 9:00 AM: Wake up. Regret not going to bed earlier. Blame the jet lag and the relentless ocean view.
- 10:00 AM: Intramuros! Attempted to navigate public transport. Failed miserably. Eventually succumbed to the lure of a Grab car. The driver informed me I was experiencing my first Manila baptism.
- 11:00AM - 2:00 PM: Intramuros. The walled city. Cobblestone streets, Spanish colonial architecture. It's gorgeous, but man, the heat! Seriously, I'm pretty sure my makeup is currently melting off my face and down my neck. Managed to get lost (surprise!) and nearly mowed down by a rogue tricycle. Adventure!
- 2:30 PM: Lunch at Barbara's Heritage Restaurant in Intramuros, Beautiful restaurant. The food wasn't mind-blowing, but the ambiance and the sheer fact that I survived the tricycle incident made it worth it.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: San Agustin Church. Absolutely stunning architecture. The sheer scale of it makes you feel tiny, but also incredibly grounded. A moment of genuine awe.
- 5:30 PM: Back to SMDC. Need a shower. My clothes are clinging to me as if they’re afraid to let go.
- 7:00 PM Dinner at Manam Comfort Filipino - Really enjoyed the food here in Net Park, great atmosphere and great food.
Day 3: Beaches and Blowouts (literally and figuratively)
- 9:00 AM: The ocean calls! Decided to embrace the coastal vibes.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Beach time at Manila Baywalk. It's not the pristine white sand of Boracay, but the atmosphere is…electric. Street vendors offering everything from grilled corn to questionable souvenirs. Found some interesting trinkets and haggled like a pro (or at least, I thought I did).
- 12:00 PM: Lunch - Seafood place at the Manila baywalk. Really enjoyed the atmosphere.
- 1:30PM: Found this little park nearby, just sat, relaxing, and enjoying the sunset, I thought it was a real pleasure
- 6:00 PM: Back to the apartment. Decided to treat myself. Found a place to have a massage. I think I passed out from the amazingness.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner at Harbor View Restaurant. Had to be there again, it feels like home.
Day 4: Retail Therapy and Regretfully Expensive Souvenirs
- 10:00 AM: Shopping at SM Mall of Asia. This place is a monster. I mean, seriously, it's like a city within a city. Got lost (again). Found a decent pair of shoes.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at the Mall. Food court experience. Mediocre food. Impulsive purchase of a giant inflatable flamingo. No regrets (yet).
- 2:00 PM: More wandering. More spending. Bought way too many "souvenirs" I'll probably never use. The cashier gave me a knowing look. We both get it.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the apartment. Realized I need to start packing. Internal panic mode activated.
- 6:00 PM Found a place to have dinner at Hokkaido Ramen Santouka
Day 5: The Art of "Doing Nothing" (and Failing Spectacularly)
- 10:00 AM: Attempting a day of rest. The intention was to lounge by the pool, read a book, and be profoundly Zen.
- 10:15 AM: Got distracted by the construction noise.
- 11:00 AM: Poolside. Attempting to read. Distracted by the screaming children and the sheer impossibility of relaxing with a book.
- 12:00 PM Lunch at a local fast-food chain. This is the real Manila.
- 1:00 PM: Back to the apartment. Stared at the ocean. Got the urge to explore.
- 2:00 PM: The National Museum of the Philippines. So many beautiful artworks!
- 5:00 PM Back to the apartment, I was so hungry and tired I just ordered Pizza and watched a movie.
Day 6: Farewell Feast (and a Tearful Goodbye to the Ocean)
- 10:00 AM : Brunch at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf - Enjoyed a great time and food here, it's one of my favorite places.
- 1:00 PM: Packing commences. Realizing I've accumulated way too much stuff. The suitcase is fighting back.
- 2:00 PM: Final stroll along Roxas Boulevard. One last breath of the salty air. A moment of quiet appreciation for the view. I'm going to miss this.
- 6:00 PM: Farewell dinner at Ilustrado Restaurant - Last meal, ordered a lot of great dishes, I enjoyed it.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Packing. Finalizing and saying goodbye.
- 10:00 PM: I'm ready to go home.
Day 7: Departure (and the lingering scent of Manila)
- 7:00 AM: Last-minute panic. Did I forget anything? Yes, probably everything.
- 8:00 AM: Checking out. Saying goodbye to the friendly staff. Feeling a pang of sadness.
- 9:00 AM: Taxi to NAIA. The airport chaos is real.
- 12:00 AM: Flight takes off. Contemplating what just happened. Manila, you beautiful, chaotic, exhausting, exhilarating beast. You've changed me. Now, where's the next adventure?
This is far from the polished perfection of a travel brochure. It's the messy, real, and sometimes ridiculous truth of what it's like to experience Manila, and the SMDC Coast Residences. And you know what? I wouldn't trade it for anything. Except maybe a longer trip. And a better pre-trip packing strategy. And a personal masseuse. Okay, maybe a lot of things. But still…Manila, I’ll be back. Eventually. Maybe.
Jungle Adventure: Kampong Leav's Hidden Wonders (Cambodia)
Okay, Seriously, are the *Ocean Views* actually... unbelievable? Like, did someone lie?
Alright, look. Let's be real. "Unbelievable Ocean Views" is right up there with "World's Best Coffee." You're skeptical, I get it. I was *totally* skeptical. Then I went. My first reaction? Actually, I swore. Loudly. Because it *is* unbelievable. Picture this: I’m a total city rat, born and bred in the concrete jungle. Beaches? Meh. Then, bam! Coast Residence. And...the ocean? It’s *right freakin' there*. Like, you can practically taste the salt. So, yeah. Believe the hype. Don't expect some perfectly filtered Instagram shot, though you *could* probably get one. It’s more…a constant, breathing panorama. It's *that* good. I'm already thinking of ways to save up.
What's the deal with "Dream Manila Beachfront Condo"? Manila isn't exactly known for postcard beaches...
Okay, okay, you got me. Manila's beach scene has, shall we say, *room for improvement*. But let me tell you, this isn't your average Manila beach. It's…a pocket of paradise. Think more "coastal oasis" than "Cebu City cousin." I'm not saying it's the Maldives, folks, but it's *damn* close to being your little slice of escape. Plus, you get the convenience of Manila – the restaurants, the nightlife (if that's your jam). It's a sweet spot, a balancing act. I actually overheard someone complaining about *too much* beach access. Seriously. (They were probably just looking to complain, though).
Is it actually a *good* investment? Like, a *smart* investment? Besides looking pretty?
Look, I'm no financial advisor. My expertise? Ordering pizza and binge-watching true crime documentaries. But, I did *some* research…okay, my friend who *is* smart about money, explained it to me. From what I gather, beachfront property *generally* holds its value. And, um... "demand is high." (He used lots of fancy words, but that's what I understood). I *think* it's a good investment. But honestly? I'd buy it even if it wasn't. The potential for blissful mornings and epic sunsets? That's a pretty powerful ROI, in my book. And heck, maybe I can rent it out and make enough money to finally eat something other than instant noodles!
What kind of amenities are we talking about? Because I'm picturing a sad, shared pool.
Shared pool? Honey, no. This isn’t some cramped, afterthought-of-a-pool. This is…well, details are fuzzy, and I was distracted by the view, but it's GOOD. They *mentioned* a gym (I might actually go, if only to gaze at the ocean while I'm regretting that extra slice of cake). Also, they seemed to have everything a resort has, which is good for the guest, but not so great for the wallet. My friend had a blast though. I hope he takes me next time.
Okay, *real* talk: What are the downsides? There *have* to be some.
Okay, fine. Here's the truth. Everything has a catch, right? My main gripe? I spent way too much time just staring at the ocean. Like, I forgot to eat lunch. The only other issue… well, I can't afford it *yet*. Stupid bills! Other than that… the building is probably crowded in the mornings. You'll have to wait your turn for the elevator… I'm just reaching now, I'm desperate to find a problem! I'm guessing getting there might be a pain with Manila traffic, but that's pretty much everywhere in Manila. The price, for me. Yikes. But, even the "downsides" are kind of...minor? The good *vastly* outweighs the bad. Okay, fine, one more. I suspect I'll become ridiculously lazy. But hey, lazy with an unbelievable ocean view? Sign me up.
Who is this place *really* for?
Honestly? Anyone who needs a break from the usual grind. Anyone who deserves a little slice of awesome. Anyone who appreciates a truly epic view. If you're the type who dreams of waking up to the sound of waves and sipping coffee on a balcony (or in my case, instant coffee while staring in awe), this might be your happy place. I just hope it doesn't become too popular (selfish, I know!). But, yeah. Anyone who appreciates a little slice of paradise in a city that can sometimes feel like, well, a city.
What's the food scene like nearby? Any good eats?
Ok, so I didn't *specifically* dedicate my time to the culinary exploration (I was too busy staring at the water!), but I did catch glimpses of…well, the usual suspects. You know, the kind of restaurants near tourist spots. But honestly, the food scene could be a total letdown and I still wouldn't care. Because, ocean, people. **The ocean**. However, I did spot a cute little café a block away… I’d have to scout the area to find those hidden gems (research, I know!).
