EDSA Shangri-La, Metro Manila, Philippines
Hotel URL
Last Stayed On: Mar 2008
Constructed 1992 / Renovated 2003 Published Internet Rate: $250 / Expedia Rate $160
| Cleanness and Comfort |  |
| Location and Parking | |
| Noise and Privacy | |
| Service and Attitude | |
| Amenities and Facilities | |
GENERAL
To some travelers, convenience is everything; however, I can't really just describe EDSA Shangri-La as a "conveniently-located hotel" because heck, how do you describe a hotel next to several malls - one of which is one of the world's top-ten in shopping floor space - and accessible on foot to 100+ restaurants? Besides this fantastic location, the hotel is really not very impressive, much less so than its elder brother in Makati.
PRO
LOCATION! - With Shang Plaza and SM Megamall (world's 9th mall in floor space) wthin an easy walk and a few more shopping centers around, plus having downtown Ortigas next door and the EDSA auto artery in front, you CANNOT have a better location. Once you check in, everything you'd possibly need (except the airport) is within minutes reach.
Comfortable (but not luxurious) Room - It's a bit small and looks worn out, but overall very clean and comfortable. The staff did a good job maintaining the room and everything felt fresh. Well, not surprising considering it's a SHANG!
CON
Strange Layout - They probably did me a favor by making me walk and walk to my room..... It's a long walk - at least 5 min - from reception to the elevator and my room is on the other end of the hallway.... And even more strange is that I was forced to see displays for condos they're selling a few times a day, kind of defeats the whole idea of having a home away from home!
Even More Strange Spa - First of all, I spent like 15 min to find out exactly how to get into the spa. Considering that I'm a fairly experienced traveler and I do read English, it's kind odd. Then there's a hours - mostly afternoon and evening - that is downright weird given it's in a town with 1/2 million night-shift workers. Even more strange - I called everyday and they NEVER have any opening for same-day booking. It's like "no thanks, we don't want your money."
Staff Don't Really "Get It" - You would expect a hotel like this has staff that really knows how to treat a foreigner right. Well, maybe they think I'm a Chinese Filipino from overseas, but some of them were downright rude to me, like looking around when they talk, murmuring in Tagalog, etc.
LOCATION! [from a diff perspective of course] - If you want some peace and quiet, this hotel is NOT where you should be. It's like placing you right on Time Square NYC and you wonder why people are honking at 3am. Also, this hotel seems to have endless events - every night there are thousands of people in and out, making sure you won't feel lonely.....
OVERALL
I wouldn't spend my own $250 to stay at this hotel because it's not that impressive, but if you want to be in the center of action and the place you are visiting is in Ortigas, then you can't go wrong with this hotel. Just the restaurant selection alone will keep you busy for days! OH, did I mention that it's 15 min from Greenhills, or Heaven on Earth for bargain shoppers??
Family-Friendliness Rating: (out of 5) Pro - Again, thanks for the location, and the SUPER children-friendly malls in the Philippines, there's plenty to do for kids around the hotel, but not IN the hotel.
Con - Too much traffic inside the hotel, feeling somewhat insecure; too much noisy most of the time, not good for smaller kids; very worn out and boring pool.
