RedDoorz Plus Tambo, Paranaque: Manila's BEST Budget Hotel? (Near Airport!)
RedDoorz Plus Tambo, Paranaque: My Rollercoaster Ride Through Manila's "BEST" Budget Stay (Near the Airport, They Say…)
Okay, alright, let's get real. I’m writing this still buzzing from a whirlwind trip to Manila, and the memory of RedDoorz Plus Tambo, Paranaque, is still kinda… fresh. You see, the airport-adjacent promise of this place was golden after a brutal red-eye. "Best Budget Hotel?" They boldly claim. Let's unpack that, shall we? Because, trust me, I've got opinions.
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- Keywords: RedDoorz Plus Tambo, Paranaque, Manila Hotel Review, Budget Hotel, Airport Hotel, Philippines, Travel, Accommodation, Near Airport, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wi-Fi, Swimming Pool, Restaurant, Cleanliness, Safety, Value, Accessibility, Family-Friendly, Near NAIA
- Meta Description: Honest review of RedDoorz Plus Tambo, Paranaque, Manila. Is it really the "best budget hotel" near the airport? Read about my experience, from the potential pitfalls to the unexpected gems. Includes detailed insights on accessibility, cleanliness, dining, amenities, and value for money!
- Title: RedDoorz Plus Tambo Review: My Verdict on Manila's Airport Budget Hotel (Good, Bad, and the Airport Noise)
(Let's Plunge Headfirst!)
First impressions? Well, approaching the hotel around 2 AM after a delayed flight, it was… dark. Like, slightly shady-looking dark. Okay, I'm being dramatic. But the exterior, while functional, isn’t exactly glamorous. Think practical, not picturesque. The immediate need for a coffee and a shower superseded any aesthetic concerns, thankfully.
(Accessibility: The Good, the …Okay?)
They do claim wheelchair accessibility. And yes, there's an elevator (thank the heavens!) and ramps where needed. They even list "Facilities for disabled guests." But, and this is a BIG but, I didn't personally experience it, and I’m always wary of claims like that without firsthand accounts. So, while they're listing it, double-check, ask specific questions, and maybe call ahead. Don’t take my word for it on this one, folks!
(Internet: Wi-Fi Everywhere! (Maybe))
Okay, let's talk internet. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hooray! In theory. In practice… it was a bit patchy. I found myself constantly reconnecting, and the speed wasn’t exactly lightning-fast. I mean, I managed to upload a few grainy photos, but don’t expect to stream 4K movies. They also list Internet [LAN] and Internet services, but I honestly didn’t even bother trying. I'd hoped to work while I was there, but… well, let's just say I ended up doing a lot more people-watching.
(Cleanliness and Safety: The Worry-Meter!)
Here's where things got interesting. And by "interesting," I mean I spent a lot of time scrutinizing. "Rooms sanitized between stays!" That's a BIG tick in my book. They also advertise "Daily disinfection in common areas," "Anti-viral cleaning products," and "Staff trained in safety protocol." Now, I'm not a germaphobe, per se, but after a long flight, the thought of a clean room is pure gold. The room felt clean, I'll give them that. And the hand sanitizer stations were plentiful. But, look, there were a few… "character marks." Nothing major, just a little wear and tear, a scuff here and there. The worry-meter hovered around a hesitant 7/10.
(Dining: Fueling Up or Fumbling Through?)
Alright, food! This is where things get… mixed. They have "Restaurants," "Coffee shop," "Snack bar," "Room service [24-hour]," and even "Breakfast [buffet]." Sounds promising, right? Well, the buffet was there, offering a standard Asian/Western breakfast mix. It was… adequate. Edible. Let’s leave it at that. The coffee, though, was terrible. I’m an addict, so this left a mark. The "Happy hour" looked tempting, but after the coffee disappointment, I played it safe and stuck to water. I did order the "Breakfast in room" one morning. It came with the usual. This was fine, but nothing to sing about.
(Things To Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Dreams & Poolside Realities)
"Swimming pool [outdoor]!" Yes! A beacon of hope! And the pool was there. It looked… cleanish. The view, however, wasn’t exactly breathtaking. More a view of other buildings, and a bit of sky. And it was tiny. I'd envisioned myself lounging poolside with a cocktail, escaping the Manila heat. Instead, I cooled myself off with a water bottle. They even say Pool with view, it's an interesting take on the reality. They do advertise a "Spa," and list: "Body scrub," "Body wrap," "Foot bath," "Massage," "Sauna," and "Steamroom." Honestly, after the coffee, and the pool, I didn't have the heart, or the trust, to try any of those.
(Services & Conveniences: The Helpful & the… Questionable)
They boast a long list of "Services and conveniences". "Air conditioning in public area," "Cash withdrawal," "Concierge," "Currency exchange," "Daily housekeeping," "Elevator," "Food delivery," "Laundry service," "Luggage storage," "Meeting/banquet facilities," "Safety deposit boxes," and the list goes on. Most of these were functional. The daily housekeeping was a godsend. The elevator works. The currency exchange was convenient. But the "Meetings" and "Seminars" felt a little… out of place in a budget airport hotel setting, if I'm being brutally honest.
(Rooms: Functional (For the Most Part))
"Available in all rooms" are "Air conditioning, Desk, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Mini bar, Private bathroom, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free]." The room itself? Functional. The air conditioning was a lifesaver. The bed was… okay. The free bottled water was appreciated (dehydration is a real thing!). The bathroom was small, but clean enough. The décor? Basic. Utilitarian. No real character. But hey, it’s not the Ritz. The "Additional toilet" was a plus, especially with the "Small bathroom". The "Blackout curtains" were crucial for shutting out the airport lights. The "Socket near the bed" was a minor victory.
**(For the Kids: Not Really) ** They list "Babysitting service," and "Family/child friendly," and "Kids meal." But really, I wouldn't say this is a family-friendly hotel. It's more geared towards travelers.
(Getting Around: Airport Proximity & Beyond)
"Airport transfer" is HUGE. Especially after a long flight. They offer it at a cost. The taxi service is also available from the reception. While they list "Car park [free of charge]" and "Car park [on-site]", I didn't use them, as I was using the airport transfer.
(The Verdict: Budget-Friendly with a Pinch of Patience)
So, is RedDoorz Plus Tambo the "BEST" budget hotel near the airport? Hmm… that's a tough one. It’s certainly convenient if you need a place to crash before or after a flight. It’s definitely budget-friendly. The safety measures are reassuring. But it's not a luxury experience. Don’t expect bells and whistles. Think of it as a functional, reliable choice. You get what you pay for. It's perfectly adequate, just don’t expect a dream vacation. My advice? Manage your expectations, pack your own coffee, and you might just be pleasantly surprised. Overall Rating: 3 out of 5 stars (with a strong emphasis on the "convenient" factor).
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't gonna be some pristine, Pinterest-perfect itinerary. We're talking real travel, the messy, the glorious, the "did-I-even-pack-underwear?" kind. And the starting point? RedDoorz Plus near Tambo Paranaque, Manila. God bless those budget hotels, they've seen some things, and so have I…
Manila Muddle-Through: A Highly Subjective Itinerary (and a plea for mercy)
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (aka, That Manila Traffic)
- Morning (6:00 AM - 8:00 AM): Arrive at NAIA. Pray to whatever deity you believe in that your luggage isn't currently vacationing in Dubai. Anecdote:* Once, my suitcase went to Tokyo on a solo trip. I had to buy everything again. Lesson learned? Put a tracking device in your suitcase. Or, you know, just pack less stuff.*
- Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Taxi! Or Grab if you're a millennial. Quirky observation: The sheer variety of vehicles vying for road space in Manila is astounding. You got jeepneys belching smoke, scooters seemingly defying gravity, and SUVs the size of small houses. It's a beautiful chaos, really… if you're not stuck in it.
- Morning (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Arrive, finally, at RedDoorz near Tambo. Check-in. Assess the room. Emotional reaction: Relief! Small, probably windowless, but hey, a bed! And hopefully, a working AC. I'm praying for a working AC.
- (10:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Unpack, shower (fingers crossed the water's hot), and contemplate the meaning of life while battling jet lag.
- Afternoon (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Lunch. Opinionated Language: Don't even think about McDonald's. You're in Manila! Go find some real food. Seek out a local carinderia (small eatery) and try the lechon kawali. Or whatever the smell that’s wafting through the air is.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Explore the immediate area. I'm talking a casual wander. Just to kind of get your bearings. I'm not saying I know where I'm going at this point. Messier Structure: Uh… maybe a quick walk to the nearest convenience store? Buy some snacks? Maybe a six-pack? Okay, scratch that, maybe a bottle of water first. Dehydration is a killer.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Nap. You need it. Trust me. The humidity will suck the life out of you faster than you can say “Sinigang.”
- Evening (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Dinner. Find a restaurant, any restaurant. Emotional Reaction: I'm starting to feel the "travel buzz!" The initial shock is wearing off, and I might actually start enjoying this. Maybe.
- Evening (8:00 PM onwards): Drinks, maybe. Or just collapse into bed. It’s a coin flip.
Day 2: The Manila Maze & A Deep Dive into… Jollibee?
- Morning (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Breakfast! If the RedDoorz offers one, then grab it. It's included in the budget, am I right? Otherwise, seek out a bakery and get something. Some kind of carb is the fuel to survive the day.
- Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Public Transport Adventure. Okay, this is where it gets real. Anecdote: I once tried to navigate a jeepney. Let's just say I ended up in a completely different province than intended. But hey, an experience, right? Today, I'm trying a bus, or maybe the LRT. Pray for me.
- Morning/Afternoon (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Opinionated Language: Lunch Time! Jollibee. Don't judge me. You have to. It's a rite of passage. Try the Chickenjoy. Or, if you're feeling adventurous Spaghetti? Don't know why that's in the menu, but, when in Rome, or Manila…
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Explore Intramuros. The old walled city. Take the kalesa (horse-drawn carriage). It's touristy, yes, but also charming. Quirky Observation: The contrast between the Spanish colonial architecture and the modern city is beautiful, in a chaotic, Manila kind of way.
- Afternoon (5:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Messier Structure: I think I'll pick up some souvenirs. Or maybe just go back to the hotel and have a nap.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Dinner. Find a cool restaurant.
- Evening (8:00 PM onwards): Relax! Maybe watch the sunset… if you can find a good view… and if the smog isn't too bad.
Day 3: Shopping Spree & Departure (or, More Existential Dread)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Breakfast. You know the drill.
- Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Shopping. SM Mall of Asia? Greenhills? I'll probably get lost. Maybe try buying something. Emotional Reaction: Shopping is nice.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Some more snacks. Maybe some street food. I'm not entirely sure what that is, but I'm willing to try it!
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Pack. Pray your suitcase is still there. It's an emotional rollercoaster.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Head to the airport. Traffic, traffic, always traffic. More Opinionated Language: The traffic is a level up of pure, unadulterated misery.
- Evening (6:00 PM onwards): The Single Experience Doubled Down: Airport. Check-in. Security. More waiting. Pray that they don't lose your passport. My personal emotional reaction: That I want to leave. That I want to come back. That I want to go somewhere else, anywhere else, with a working AC and no traffic. But, mostly, that I managed to survive another trip.
Important Notes (aka, Survival Tips):
- Embrace the Chaos: Manila isn't perfect. It's loud, crowded, and sometimes overwhelming. But it's also incredibly vibrant and full of life. Go with the flow.
- Stay Hydrated: Seriously, the humidity is a beast.
- Learn a Few Basic Filipino Phrases: "Magandang araw" (good day), "Salamat" (thank you). It goes a long way.
- Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help: Filipinos are generally friendly and helpful.
- Bargain (politely): Especially at markets.
- Bring Earplugs and a Sleep Mask: Those RedDoorz rooms ain't exactly soundproof.
- Be Prepared for Anything: Things don't always go as planned. That's the fun part!
Final Thoughts:
So there you have it. A messy, imperfect, and probably entirely useless itinerary. But hey, at least it's honest. Now, go forth, embrace the chaos, and have an adventure! And good luck, you'll need it…
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Okay, spill the tea! Is RedDoorz Tambo actually 'near the airport' or is that just marketing BS?
So, comfort-wise, what should I *really* expect from a budget hotel? Any surprises?
The *biggest* surprise (or, you know, not... because it's budget) is the noise. The walls aren't exactly soundproof. You'll hear pretty much everything – the karaoke from the neighboring establishment, the rooster that clearly has a grudge against sunrise, the occasional, "Ooh, baby!" from the room next door. It's a symphony of sorts. A slightly chaotic symphony.
Okay, okay, BUT is it CLEAN? Cleanliness is important!
What about the staff? Are they friendly? Helpful?
The Wi-Fi? Tell me about the internet! Is it usable?
Food options? Is there anything nearby to eat?
Is it safe? I'm a solo traveler, and I'm little nervous.
Okay, so, is RedDoorz Plus Tambo, Paranaque Manila's **BEST** Budget Hotel?
