One Uptown Residences BGC: Your Dream 1BR Awaits! (7D1-S)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the glitzy, glamorous…and potentially slightly overwhelming…world of One Uptown Residences BGC: Your Dream 1BR Awaits! (7D1-S). The name alone is a mouthful! Let’s see if this place can live up to the hype, shall we? I’m gonna be brutally honest, because let's face it, nobody likes sugarcoating when you're dropping serious cash on a stay.
First Impressions & Accessibility – The Hustle & Bustle
Finding the place? Easy peasy. BGC is, thankfully, pretty well-laid out. Accessibility: Now, this is something I actually care about. I hate places that are a pain to get around, especially when you're lugging luggage. Elevator access? Check. I didn't see any obvious glaring issues for someone with mobility concerns. Good start. The whole area is a buzz - you’re literally in the heart of the action. That means, if you hate noise, maybe this isn’t your gig. But for me? I thrive on the energy! Makes you feel like you're living.
The Room – Let's Get Personal (and a little dramatic…)
The 1BR (7D1-S), the star of the show? (You know I'm all about getting the DRAMA here). Well, it's… fine. Solid. Not jaw-dropping, but definitely pleasant. Clean, modern. Available in all rooms: Okay, let's reel these features out.
Air conditioning: Duh. You're in Manila.
Alarm clock: For the early birds…or, you know, those of us who need gentle prodding to avoid missing breakfast.
Bathrobes/Slippers: Score! That's the luxurious touch I crave.
Bathroom phone: Because emergencies happen even in paradise?
Bathtub/Separate shower/bathtub: Okay, now we're talking. I'm a sucker for a long soak. Did I use it? Maybe. (See: later in the review when I'm talking about the spa.)
Blackout curtains: Seriously essential, especially when jetlag hits.
Closet/Linens: Check.
Coffee/tea maker/Complimentary tea/Free bottled water: YES! And the coffee was decent. Not stellar, but definitely drinkable.
Desk/Laptop workspace: Perfect for pretending I'm working, when really, I'm just Instagramming.
Extra long bed: Bless. You know, for those stretched-out moments, or just because the bed is just that comfy.
Hair dryer/Ironing facilities: A must. (Don't judge my wrinkles.)
In-room safe box/Mirror/Reading light/Refrigerator: Standard stuff.
Non-smoking: Awesome. Smelly hallways are a pet peeve.
On-demand movies/Satellite/cable channels: So you can Netflix and chill in your boujee room.
Private bathroom/Toiletries/Towels/Umbrella: All the essentials.
Wake-up service: Didn't use it, but good to know it's there.
Wi-Fi [free]: Amen!
Window that opens: Fresh air, glorious fresh air.
Internet access – LAN/Internet access – wireless: Good to have options.
Smoke detector/Socket near the bed/Sofa/Soundproofing: Safety first, and comfy lounging.
Telephone/Additional toilet: Okay, I didn't use this one, but good to know it's there.
The Bad. The Ugly. And the Surprisingly Good.
Honestly? The room was…safe. Clean, functional. Did it wow me? Not particularly. Could it have been a bit more…personality? Perhaps. Like, a cool piece of art, or a potted plant, or… something. But it's a solid base, and for a place like BGC, that's often enough.
Cleanliness and Safety – My OCD is Pleased (mostly!)
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Good.
- Daily disinfection in common areas/Rooms sanitized between stays/Room sanitization opt-out available: Reassuring in these times.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Hygiene certification/Sterilizing equipment: Good to hear they're taking things seriously.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Fine.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Yeah, they tried.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Good.
- Safe dining setup/Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Sounds good.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Hopefully!
- CCTV in common areas/CCTV outside property/Fire extinguisher/Front desk [24-hour]/Non-smoking rooms/Safety/security feature/Security [24-hour]/Smoke alarms: Again, a solid base of… well, safety.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – The Good, the Bad, and the Hungry
Let's be real. I am a foodie. I need good food.
- A la carte in restaurant/Asian breakfast/Asian cuisine in restaurant/Breakfast [buffet]/Breakfast service/Buffet in restaurant/Coffee/tea in restaurant/Coffee shop/Desserts in restaurant/International cuisine in restaurant/Poolside bar/Restaurants/Room service [24-hour]/Salad in restaurant/Snack bar/Soup in restaurant/Vegetarian restaurant/Western breakfast/Western cuisine in restaurant: Holy moly, a TON of options!
- Alternative meal arrangement/Bottle of water/Breakfast takeaway service: Good for the picky eaters.
- Happy hour: YES, please.
- Cashless payment service/Dining, drinking, and snacking/Essential condiments/Individually-wrapped food options/Safe dining setup/Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Practical, but not terribly memorable.
The restaurants were decent enough. The buffet? Okay, standard hotel fare. The poolside bar was a win for me; it felt like vacation. I enjoyed a particularly good happy hour martini. The 24-hour room service was a lifesaver after a late night – and the burger was surprisingly good, especially after the martini. I think I ordered a dessert - it was a blur of chocolate and bliss.
Ways to Relax – My Inner Child Screams “SPA TIME!”
And now…
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: This is where One Uptown shines (and where I almost lost my mind in sheer, unadulterated bliss).
The spa! Oh, the spa. I booked a massage, and it was heavenly. I mean, truly, truly heavenly. The masseuse found literal knots I didn't even know I had! Seriously. Following the massage, I hit the sauna, the steam room. And then…the pool with a view. The outdoor pool! I’m telling you, it's stunning! The perfect spot to unwind and watch the world go by. This is what I came here for. This is where the dream truly becomes a reality.
Services and Conveniences – The Perks of Being a…well, a Hotel Guest
- Air conditioning in public area/Airport transfer/Audio-visual equipment for special events/Babysitting service/Bar/Bicycle parking/Business facilities/Car park [free of charge]/Car park [on-site]/Car power charging station/Cash withdrawal/Check-in/out [express]/Check-in/out [private]/Concierge/Contactless check-in/out/Convenience store/Currency exchange/Daily housekeeping/Doorman/Dry cleaning/Elevator/Facilities for disabled guests/Family/child friendly/Food delivery/For the kids/Front desk [24-hour]/Gift/souvenir shop/Hotel chain/Indoor venue for special events/Invoice provided/Ironing service/Kids facilities/Kids meal/Laundry service/Luggage storage/Meeting/banquet facilities/Meetings/Meeting stationery/On-site event hosting/Outdoor venue for special events/Pets allowed unavailable/Projector/LED display/Proposal spot/Room decorations/Safety deposit boxes/Seminars/Shared stationery removed/Smoking area/Soundproof rooms/Taxi service/Terrace/Valet parking/Wi-Fi for special events/Xerox/fax in business center: All the things you expect – and some you might not even think you need! The concierge was super helpful with recommendations. They even helped me arrange a food delivery from a place I was craving. Convenience store was handy for grabbing a snack at 3 AM.
- Doctor/nurse on call/First aid kit: Peace of mind stuff.
Getting Around – Location, Location, Location
- **Car park [free of charge]/Car park [on-site]/
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! We're about to dive headfirst into the chaotic, glorious, and potentially pizza-stained adventure that is a trip to One Uptown Residences BGC, in a 1BR Cozy (7D1-S) – or as I've lovingly nicknamed it, "The Cozy Cage of Bliss". Get ready for my utterly unfiltered, probably over-the-top itinerary. This isn't your Pinterest-perfect planner; this is real-life, baby.
Pre-Trip – The Anxiety Spark!
- Days Leading Up: Okay, so I’m supposed to be organized. I love the idea of being organized. But… I’m a procrastinator of Olympic proportions. Packing? Last-minute scramble. Flight confirmation? Triple-check the freaking thing. My brain is a squirrel on Red Bull, and the anxiety is already building. Is my passport valid? Did I forget to pay the electric bill? Did I even remember to book the Grab from the airport? Ugh, deep breaths. Visualize the fluffy pillows of the "Cozy Cage"…
Day 1 – Arrival & "Oh My God, This is Beautiful!"
- Morning (aka, "The Airport Gauntlet"): Manila traffic. Need I say more? Pray to the gods of punctual taxis that my Grab arrives on time. Pray harder that Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) isn’t a living hell today. (Let's be real, sometimes it is.)
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon (The Cozy Cage Reveal): Finally! If the photos lived up to their promise, I am expecting a sanctuary, a haven, a sparkly-clean, air-conditioned dream. The key handover. The elevator ride. The door swings open… YES! It's even better than the photos. Okay, maybe I’m being dramatic. But that view from the window! Squeal. This is the good life, folks.
- Afternoon (Unpacking and Exploration… or, Napping?): Okay, I should unpack. But the bed beckons. Seriously, that mattress looks like it’s made of clouds. Quick power nap while deciding what I want from a nearby coffee shop. I'll say a prayer for the local coffee, please be good. This is a marathon, not a sprint, people.
- Evening (Dinner Debacle and Glorious People Watching): Okay, time to get out there and explore BGC. Finding a good restaurant? Tricky. There are so many choices! Maybe I'll wander around, soak in the neon lights, and people-watch. I am going to get delightfully lost and end up eating something I'm not sure about. Maybe I'll start a diary of every meal I try and review it.
- Side anecdote time: One time in a similar situation in Tokyo, I ate something that looked like a giant, glistening sea slug. Turns out, it was… Well, let’s just say it was an experience. I survived. Learned to embrace the unknown!
Day 2 – Culture Shock and Deliciousness
- Morning (The Quest for Coffee and Possibly Pancakes): Gotta start the day right! Walkable cafes? I'm in heaven. The search is on for that perfect cup and maybe some pancakes.
- Late Morning (Art Walk/Museum): Time to sprinkle in some culture. The Mind Museum! Art galleries. My brain might need a sensory vacation after the airport fiasco, but I'm still excited.
- Afternoon (Retail Therapy… or, More Like, Window Shopping): Ah, the temptation. BGC is a shopper's paradise. But I'm trying to be good. Window shopping it is. Maybe a small treat for myself.
- Evening (Sunset Drinks and Rooftop Views): Finding a rooftop bar with a view. The setting sun, the city lights… the potential for a perfectly Instagrammable moment. Fingers crossed the cocktails are strong.
Day 3 – Local Immersion and Food Coma
- Morning (Breakfast Mishap and Taxi Tussle): The promise of a great breakfast is not always a guarantee! I will probably end up at a 7- Eleven. I'm predicting some sort of taxi argument, a slight detour, and an overall feeling of being thoroughly unprepared.
- Late morning (A Stroll towards Old Manila): A quick stop by the historical Intramuros and San Sebastian, maybe take some pictures. Quick, fast, and hopefully a bit of insight into the local scene!
- Afternoon (Street Food Adventure – or, The Great Food Coma): Holy moly, street food! Is there such a thing as too much isaw? (Questionable). I'm aiming for a full-blown food coma. Bring on the lumpia, adobo, and whatever looks (and smells!) delicious. No regrets! We move with the rhythm, not against it.
- Side anecdote: I remember one time, in a night market in Thailand, I saw something that looked like a deep-fried… cricket. My friends dared me to try it. It wasn’t awful… but it wasn't something I'd order again. Learn from my mistakes, people, start small.
- Evening (The Day's Aftermath): Exhaustion. Sweet, delicious exhaustion. Probably a Netflix binge back in the "Cozy Cage," ordering room service, and passing out from exhaustion.
Day 4 – The Spa Day!
- Morning (Lie in and Plan the Most Relaxing Day): The plan: a day of pure bliss. No worries, no hassles. Just me, a massage table, and the promise of serenity. Maybe a facial too.
- Late Morning and Afternoon (Spa-mazing!): Massages, facials, and whatever else the spa offers. I'm going to melt into a puddle of relaxation.
- Evening (Dinner and Drinks, Possibly): A light, refreshing dinner to celebrate the blissful day. Maybe a nice glass of wine!
Day 5 – A Local Day Trip
- Morning (Getting Out): Time to break out of BGC. Time to move around a little bit. I like to be a bit free-wheeling, so I can't predict where. Maybe a day trip.
- Afternoon (Exploring the Chosen Destination): It is likely going to be a bit chaotic. Hopefully, the weather will be kind.
- Evening (Bargain Hunting): We're looking for a good bargain today. Time to look for the best deals.
Day 6 – More Adventure!
- The BGC day: Time for a run! The park! The fitness center!
- Afternoon (Exploring the Chosen Destination): What's nearby? What's popular? This might be a real "Local" discovery experience.
- Evening (Dinner and Drinks, Possibly): We're looking for a good experience. Time to find that perfect place.
Day 7 – Farewell and a Tearful Good Bye
- Morning (The Packing Panic… Again): Seriously, how did I accumulate so much stuff? Where did all these souvenirs come from? The packing stress is real.
- Afternoon (Last Brunch and Last Bites): One final delicious meal. Savoring every moment. Trying not to think about the long flight home.
- Evening (Departure and The Sweet Sadness): Airport again. Check-in. Security. The dreaded gate wait. The bittersweet feeling of leaving. But, hey, at least I have memories… and hopefully, a suitcase full of souvenirs!
Post-Trip – The Melancholy… and the Photos!
Ah, the post-vacation blues. But also, the joy of reliving the trip through photos and stories. I'll be raving about the "Cozy Cage" to everyone who will listen.
And as always, I'll probably already be planning my next adventure. Because the world is too big, too beautiful, and too delicious to stay in one place for too long. This trip will be a blast. Can't wait! Wish me luck y'all!
Escape to Heaven: Luxury Awaits at Hotel Ostfriesen Hof, Germany
One Uptown Residences BGC: So, About That 1BR...
Okay, let's be honest: Is a 1BR at One Uptown Residences truly "dream" material?
Dream… that's a loaded word, right? Let's just say, after slogging through the Manila condo market for MONTHS (seriously, the *paperwork*!), One Uptown felt… different. Not perfect, mind you. I tripped over a rogue construction worker's toolbox during my first visit. But the *vibe*? It was there. That sleek lobby with the ridiculously oversized chandelier… I swear, it made me feel like I could afford a diamond tiara, even if my bank account screamed otherwise. The amenities? They're impressive. The gym is decent (though I’m more of a “walk to the fridge” kind of exerciser). The pool? Beautiful. I almost drowned my phone taking a selfie there. So, dream? Close. Very close. It depends on your definition of “dream” – for me, it needs to have a good view (check!), a decent coffee machine within walking distance (double check!), and ideally, not require me to sell a kidney.
What's the deal with the location? Is it *really* as convenient as they claim?
Convenient? BGC is basically convenience on steroids. I mean, walking distance to everything? That’s pretty much the selling point. Shops, restaurants, bars (very important!), all there. I've walked in heels! (Okay, maybe a few blocks... and yes, I almost face-planted once). The traffic around it, though... Ugh. That's the Manila tax, isn't it? But UBER? Easy peasy. And the MRT? (Eventually coming to BGC, people! Eventually...). Public transport is still a dream, but the overall location is a win. My biggest gripe? Finding parking. Seriously! It's a nightmare. So, convenient? Yes. Perfectly convenient? Almost. But the trade-off for living in a vibrant, happening place is absolutely worth it. (Also, there’s a Starbucks downstairs. Need I say more?)
The unit itself – what are the finishes like? Should I expect luxury or just "nice"?
Luxury? Mmm, bordering on it. Definitely not "budget" friendly. The finishes are definitely a step up from my previous shoebox of an apartment. Think sleek, modern aesthetics. You know, the kind of place that looks great in Instagram photos (yes, I'm guilty). I loved the built-in kitchen cabinets and the gorgeous bathroom tiles. One thing that really stood out was the smart home features. Being able to control the lights and air-conditioning from my phone? Pure lazy-girl goals. It's definitely more "aspirational" than "luxury," I mean, if you’re used to a minimalist lifestyle with the finest materials, you might find some corners cut – but honestly, It’s probably better than most of what else I have seen in Manila, in my humble opinion.
Cost, cost, cost! Is it worth the price tag for a 1BR?
Alright, let's talk about the elephant in the room: the money. Look, this is BGC. Prices are… elevated. It's a factor that is keeping me up most of the time! Now, is it "worth it"? That's a deeply personal question. If you're looking for budget-friendly, this ain't it. But if you prioritize location, lifestyle, and relative peace of mind (relatively – there's always construction noise!), then maybe. Consider your priorities. Is it saving you hours of commute a day? Can the convenience of living right in the heart of the action improve your work-life balance? Does that Starbucks downstairs make you happy? REALLY think about that. Be realistic about your lifestyle. I took the leap, and honestly… sometimes I kind of regret it, and sometimes I really don’t. Weigh the pros and cons, compare it to other options (and trust me, I did!), and see if your budget can stomach it. Honestly, after a bottle of wine, it’s easier to swallow!
What's the deal with the building's security? Is it safe?
Security? It's taken seriously, which is a HUGE plus. 24/7 security guards, CCTV cameras everywhere, keycard access... you feel pretty secure, even when stumbling home from a late night out (don't judge!). There's this one guard, Manong Berting, who always greets me with a smile and knows everyone in the building. He's seen it all. I've accidentally locked myself out (more than once...), and he's always been there to help. He probably knows my entire life story by now, lol. The building management seems to keep things tidy and well-maintained. I like the peace of mind it gives me to be in such a protected place (considering I'm a single lady). So, yes, I feel safe.
Okay, let's get personal. What's ONE thing you *love* and ONE thing you *hate* about living there? Spill the tea!
Okay, spill the tea, you say? Here goes… One thing I *love*? The VIEWS! My unit has an amazing view of the city, especially at sunset. It's breathtaking. After a tough day, just looking out the window to all the city lights is the best therapy. It's worth the price of admission alone! One thing I *hate*? The noise from the construction. It's a constant backdrop to everything, even on weekends. I swear, I've memorized the construction crew's daily routines. It's a necessary evil, I guess, but... ugh. Also, this is a small one, but I HATE the elevators at rush hour. People squeezing in, the wait times.. it's a pain!. Other than those, can't complain!
Any tips or advice for someone considering a 1BR at One Uptown?
My biggest tip? Visit the unit. Multiple times. At different times of day. Feel the space, see the light, listen to the sounds (and try to ignore the construction!). Talk to current residents (if you can) and be honest with yourself about your lifestyle. Do you *really* need that second bedroom? Is the convenience of BGC worth the price premium? Also, be prepared to haggle! Just kidding… (kinda). But seriously, do your research, compare prices, and make sure it's a good fit *for you*. Don't let the shiny marketing get to you. Then, when you're ready to move in... ENJOY!
Okay, *really* last question: Would you do it again?
Honestly? Probably yes. Despite the noise, the expense and the elevator woes, the convenience, the views, and the overall feeling of being in a cool, vibrant place areStay By City
