Manila Travel Forum

Hi

Does anyone know if Best Western Astor Hotel is within walking distance to Ayala mall? How many minutes would that be? Any feedback on the hotel itself?

Anyone can suggest hotels in Makati that are good for a couple for 3 nights stay? Budget around 60usd. Hope to be walking distance to Ayala mall, my fav.

Can anyone please tell me what's the most cost efficient and fastest way to travel between Manila and Makati? Are most cabs metered? I would like to go to Chinatown, Mall of Asia.

Many thanks. :)

Astor Hotel is about 2 kms. from Ayala Mall. It may not sound far but I would not recommend that you walk, as the heat and vehicular fumes can be unbearable. Do take a cab and insist that the meter be used, fare should not exceed 100 pesos in the absence of traffic.

Given your budget, you might want to check out the Prince Plaza hotel link below. It's nearer than Astor to Ayala mall and hence more "walkable".
http://www.princeplaza-makati.com/

To go to Manila from Makati, I suggest you take the MRT at the Ayala station (near the SM department store), going south to Pasay/Taft which is the end of the line then transfer to the LRT station which will take you to Manila; there are many stops depending on where you specifically wish to go. However, Chinatown and Mall of Asia (MOA) are not along its route. To get to MOA, go down to the street level at the MRT station at Pasay/Taft then take a cab, MOA is just 5 mins. away. As for Chinatown, get down at Carriedo station and also take a cab.

Thanks for your reply.

Do you know if it's true Prince Plaza II has lots of cockroaches? I read in several reviews about this.

What about City Garden Hotel?

City Garden is in the same area as Astor so it would also entail taking a cab to Ayala.

As to cockroaches, well...a family friend of ours from the US stayed there for 3 days last year and didn't see any. As long you don't leave food out on the table or sink overnight then that shouldn't be a problem.

Just because you do not see cockroaches it doesn't mean they are not there! Closer to the kitchen facilities the greater chance of having roaches!

When I return to N. America I leave my bags outside in the cold to kill any tropical pests. In the summer I go over my clothes and bags pretty thoroughly and wash the dirty stuff right away to avoid giving some bugs a new place to live.

There are places in Asia where you can actually buy cooked cockroaches (the big ones) where they are eaten like popcorn.

Hal

I didn't say that there aren't any, but as long as one keeps his place clean then these vermin aren't likely to show up even if they may be lurking in the shadows.

Okay, enough information on the roaches. it's beginning to sound a little gross. :)

Anyone can recommend me a clean nice accommodation near Ayala mall? 60 usd budget.

Arigatou!

Here's another option: http://www.elcielito-makati.com/