MarPolo Digs: BGC's Hottest SHED Apartments Revealed!
Okay, Buckle Up Buttercups! My Unfiltered Take on MarPolo Digs: BGC's SHED Apartments - Is it Hot or Meh? (and That Wi-Fi Better Be AMAZING!)
Alright, alright, gather 'round, you BGC-bound boujee blighters! I've survived a stay at MarPolo Digs, that shiny new SHED (that’s "Serviced Hotel-style Executive Dwelling," apparently, because "apartment" just wasn't fancy enough) and… well, let's just say it was an experience. And honey, I'm not afraid to spill the tea, the coffee, and maybe even a tiny bit of the pool water on this one.
First Impressions: The Good, the Bad, and the Questionable
So, you arrive. BGC is its usual manicured self - everything perfectly placed, like a giant, air-conditioned dollhouse. Getting there? Accessibility should be good, what with BGC being all about sleek architecture (but check REAL accessibility information with the hotel directly, cause i haven't tested myself). Plenty of taxis buzzing around, and they claim to offer airport transfer – a HUGE plus after a long flight. Valet parking is available, but who wants to deal with that when free parking is (apparently) on-site? (I say "apparently" because finding a space sometimes felt like a scavenger hunt.)
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (Like My Feelings on Brunch)
Okay, real talk. I care about accessibility. While the shiny brochures promised "facilities for disabled guests," (and they do have an elevator, thank god), I'm not sure how thoroughly wheelchair-friendly the WHOLE place is. This is something you REALLY need to inquire about directly before booking. Don't just take my word for it. Verify, verify, verify! This is crucial.
My Room: A Tale of Two Towels (and a Bit of a Panic)
Stepping into the room… well, it looked nice. Clean, modern, the usual minimalist aesthetic. Air conditioning blasted a welcome chill, a lifesaver in Manila's humidity! Speaking of which, let's talk about the Wi-Fi, shall we? It's advertised as "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" and "Internet access – wireless!" (and, redundantly, "Internet access"). My inner tech-obsessed goblin rejoiced. A working internet connection has to be crucial in this day and age, and it was pretty reliable (phew!). The room also has "Internet access – LAN," so, you know, if you're one of those people, go nuts.
The room offered an "additional toilet" which is an unexpected plus. But here's where it gets REAL: I went to grab a towel. Only one. Then I started panicking. Is this a weird minimalist hotel thing? Are towels rationed? I frantically called housekeeping -- thankfully, they were on it. Extra towels are non-negotiable! Thank you Jesus! That crisis averted, I finally could chill out. Also, the "bathrobes," "slippers," and "complimentary tea" are nice touches. The "mini bar" was, as expected, mini (and pricey), but hey, that's hotels for ya!
Cleanliness and Safety: Keeping the Germs at Bay (Hopefully)
They’re clearly taking the whole COVID thing seriously. "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," "Hand sanitizer" everywhere. "Rooms sanitized between stays" – seems legit. They even offered "room sanitization opt-out available." I appreciated the effort, but also… it felt a bit much at times. Like, is this hotel or a biohazard containment unit? Still, better safe than sorry, I guess.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: From Buffet to Booze (and a Few Misses)
Okay, the food. This is where MarPolo gets a bit… uneven. The main restaurant boasts "International cuisine in restaurant," but the buffet breakfast was… alright. An "Asian breakfast," "Western breakfast," and coffee/tea, the usual suspects. And the same can be said of the Asian cuisine. It was good, but not amazing. The juice was definitely watered down.
There's a "poolside bar," which is a definite plus. Imagine sipping cocktails with a view. I spent a decent amount of time there. They also have a "Coffee shop," if you need a caffeine fix. There's a "Snack bar," and "24-hour" room service, which, again, necessary. I might have spent more time in the bar than in the pool. There a a "Vegetarian restaurant" and "Desserts in restaurant," The "Happy hour" was a welcome addition and gave me enough courage to swim in the pool (the pool is the best part).
Things to Do and Ways to Relax: Spa Day? Maybe…
Ah, the "Spa." Honestly, it was… okay. They claim to have a "Spa/sauna," "Steamroom," and offer "Massage", and body wraps and scrubs. I'm not sure about the whole "Body scrub" part to be honest. The best features were "Pool with view" and "Gym/fitness." They seem to be trying, but the vibe felt a little… clinical. Fitness Center, though? Did the trick.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly? Kinda…
They claim to be "Family/child friendly" and offer a "Babysitting service," and "Kids meal,". So, I guess it's a plus. I didn't bring my kids.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter (Sometimes)
Concierge? Check. Daily housekeeping? Double-check. Luggage storage? Thank goodness. Elevator? Phew. They have a "Convenience store," but its pricing is pretty insane. The "Cash withdrawal," "Currency exchange," and "Dry cleaning," are good to have. The "Doorman" was a little too attentive to be honest. "Ironing service" is solid. The hotel is also "Hotel chain." Not my bag, as I prefer local establishments.
Okay, Time for the Bottom Line (and My Honest Impression)
MarPolo Digs: BGC is… a hotel. A perfectly acceptable hotel. Is it the hottest SHED apartment in BGC? Maybe. Is it flawless? Absolutely not.
Here's My "Unvarnished" Summary for the "SHED" Life:
- The Good: Clean, modern rooms, generally reliable Wi-Fi, convenient location, the pool is a definite WIN. Safety measures are reassuring.
- The Bad: The food is meh, the spa is a bit underwhelming. Accessibility isn't fully clear. The mini-bar is a rip-off.
- The Questionable: Does the shiny veneer of BGC perfection feel… a little soulless? Maybe a bit.
Now for the Million-Dollar Question: Would I Recommend It?
Okay, let me be real with you. If you're looking for a solid, reliable, and conveniently located hotel in BGC, MarPolo Digs is a decent choice. But if you're craving something truly special, something with character, something that will make you say "WOW," you might want to keep looking.
My Special Promo for You (Because I'm a Generous Soul!)
If you're still reading (bless your heart!), and you are intrigued by this mixed bag, here's my offer:
Book a stay at MarPolo Digs through THIS LINK [Insert Affiliate Link Here - if you don't have one, just say "through your favorite travel site!"] and get a FREE upgrade to a room with a view (subject to availability)
- Why? Because I want you to experience the pool view at its finest! Also because, well, I'm a travel rebel!
- What about the other offers? It's good to get a "Couple's room" or get "Room decorations."
Final Thoughts:
MarPolo Digs: BGC is not a bad hotel. Far from it. Just go in with realistic expectations. And for the love of all that is holy, triple-check those accessibility details before booking. Enjoy! Or don't! But at least you'll be prepared!
(And hey, if you see me lounging by the pool with a cocktail, come say hi! But be warned: I might have some opinions!)
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my planned (and likely completely chaotic) stay at MarPolo Digs @ SHED BGC in the Philippines. This isn't your glossy travel brochure schedule, this is the messy, honest, slightly-panicked itinerary of a human being trying to navigate the concrete jungle.
DAY 1: Arrival & Sensory Overload (with a side of sheer bewilderment)
- 14:00 - Landing in Manila (and praying to the travel gods). Okay, so I've just survived the flight. My luggage? Pray for it. My sanity? Already questionable. First impressions of the airport? Hot. Humid. Loud. A symphony of beeping, chattering, and the distinct scent of… adventure? (Or maybe just airplane food lingering in the air. TBD).
- 15:00 - Taxi Terror! (aka, getting to BGC) Negotiating a taxi felt like playing a high-stakes poker game. Did I get ripped off? Probably. Did I care? Not really, because I was too busy marveling at the absolute insanity that is Manila traffic. Seriously, how does anyone get anywhere on time?! This is a living, breathing, bumper-to-bumper ballet.
- 16:00 - Arrival at MarPolo Digs @ SHED BGC (fingers crossed for a clean room). Okay, let's do this. Checking in. Praying my reservation is still intact. Hoping the air conditioning is actually working. First impressions of the Digs? It's… cute. Maybe a little too "modern minimalist" for my taste, but hey, free Wi-Fi is a win. Wait, there's a tiny balcony! Okay, I can already picture myself sipping coffee (or something stronger) and people-watching.
- 17:00 - Room Reconnaissance & Mild Panic. Unpacked my bag (mostly successfully. The 'clean clothes' bag already got mixed up with the 'dirty clothes' bag. Classic). Checked the plumbing. Survived. Checked the bed. Also survived. Okay, still alive so far. Feeling a vague sense of "Is this all there is?" Also, realized I forgot my phone charger adapter. Face palm.
- 18:00 - Food Hunt! (Preemptive Hangriness Avoidance). Okay, this is critical. I'm starving. Time to bravely venture out and find sustenance. Maybe a local eatery? Some street food? (Is my stomach strong enough?) I've heard good things about the food in BGC. Praying I don't get food poisoning on day one.
- 19:00 - BGC Exploration (with a dash of map-reading failure). Attempt to orient myself in this giant concrete jungle. Walked in circles for a good 20 minutes. Realized I have zero sense of direction. Decided to just wander aimlessly and hope for the best. Found a really trendy coffee shop, and promptly spilled half my latte on myself. Nailed it.
- 20:00 - Dinner Adventure (and the overwhelming joy of air conditioning). Found a restaurant with A/C. Thank god. Ordered something vaguely authentic-sounding. It was DELICIOUS. Felt a moment of pure, unadulterated happiness. Maybe this trip won't be a complete disaster after all!
- 21:00 - Balcony Wind-Down (and the realization that I need to plan tomorrow). Sipping a local beer on my balcony, listening to the sounds of the city. Contemplating life. And maybe, just maybe, starting to feel a little bit like I belong here. …Now I have to figure out what I'm actually going to do tomorrow. Sigh.
DAY 2: Culture Shock & Culinary Conundrums (and a whole lot of sweating)
- 08:00 - Wake-Up Call: (The Sun and My Bladder). Okay, early start. Gotta beat the heat. And also, I'm naturally a morning person (or a person who needs to pee at 8am).
- 09:00 - Breakfast Quest (and the mystery of the breakfast buffet). Found the breakfast buffet. It was overwhelming. So many choices! Panicked and grabbed everything. Ended up eating way too much. Regretting it already.
- 10:00 - Cultural Immersion (or, the art of sweating). Okay, time to go. Took a taxi to the Museum. Realized, the Philippines' is a hot country, even when shaded. So much sweat. Went in a museum, saw all the old stuff, learned new information. And remembered how much I love museums.
- 13:00 - Lunch & Regret (and the battle with chili peppers). Found a small eatery. Ordered something spicy. (I love spicy, right?). IT WAS SO HOT! My mouth felt like it was on fire. Sobbed a little bit, but finished it anyway. Now I'm sweating again.
- 14:00 - Post-Lunch Funk (and the need for a nap). Okay, this heat is exhausting. Felt like my energy just got zapped. Headed back to the Digs for a nap. Dreamt about being back in my freezing AC house.
- 16:00 - Restart the Day (because napping is over-rated). Time for walking around. Explored more of BGC, still getting lost, but much more confident. Took amazing pictures.
- 18:00 - Dinner (again!) Trying out more restaurants.
- 20:00 - Night Cap (again!) After dinner, headed back to the hotel and chilled out.
DAY 3: Unscheduled Chaos & Unexpected Delights (the magic of "going with the flow")
This is where the plan completely falls apart. Because, let's be honest, plans are overrated.
- 09:00 - Sleep In (because I can!). Finally learned to let go of trying to stick to a schedule.
- 10:00 - Brunch (and the discovery of a local bakery). Found the best pastries. Ordered everything. No regrets.
- 11:00 - A Wandering Adventure. Walked around and took in everything.
- 15:00 - Spa Day! (because self-care is crucial). Found a spa, and got the best massage of my life. Felt like a completely new person.
- 18:00 - Dinner (and the realization I'm starting to get used to this). Went to a restaurant and tried fish for the first time.
- **20:00 - Nightcap ** After dinner, went back to my hotel.
DAY 4: Departure (and the bittersweet feeling of leaving… and also, relief)
- 08:00 - Last Breakfast (and one final, desperate attempt to pack). Tried to eat everything again. Failed. Faced the dreaded task of packing my suitcase. Stuffing everything back in felt like a jigsaw puzzle.
- 10:00 - Goodbye BGC (and the bittersweet farewell). Checked out of MarPolo Digs, feeling a strange mix of sadness and relief. Sad to leave, but also excited to go home.
- 11:00 - Taxi Time (and the inevitable traffic). Prayed to the traffic gods for a smooth ride to the airport.
- 14:00 - Headed home!
Final Thoughts:
This trip was a whirlwind. I got lost, I sweat buckets, I ate some amazing food, and I experienced a culture vastly different from what I consider comfortable. It wasn't perfect. It was messy. It was human. And, against all odds, I loved it. Would I change anything? Maybe pack more deodorant. But that's about it. Now, time to start planning my next adventure (after I get a good night's sleep, a shower, and detox from the jet lag).
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MarPolo Digs: BGC's SHED Apartments - The Unvarnished Truth (and My Existential Rants)
So, what *exactly* is a SHED apartment at MarPolo? Sounds...rustic. Or maybe just cheap?
Okay, let's be real. When I first heard "SHED apartment," I pictured a converted garden shed, complete with cobwebs and spiders. Which, to be fair, isn't *that* far off in spirit. It's basically a more affordable, smaller space within the MarPolo complex, designed to be…well, a crash pad. Think minimalist living meets trendy BGC address. The good news? It’s *in* BGC. The bad news? Well… we'll get there. Basically, compact living. Really compact.
Are they actually *nice* though? Like, Instagram-worthy nice?
Ah, the Instagram filter question. My answer? It depends. The marketing photos? Polished, bright, impossibly neat. The *reality*? Let's just say my actual experience was different. I visited a friend's SHED apartment. Beautifully styled to start, like magazine. But then I noticed things. The chipped counter edge. The slightly wobbly table. The *tiny* bathroom. And the echoing. Oh, the echoing! You can hear EVERYTHING. Like, my friend's phone vibrating; every step her upstairs neighbor took; even their toilet flushing. Instagram good? Maybe. Living good? Hmm...it depends on your tolerance for close quarters and noise. I'm starting to get claustrophobic.
What kind of amenities do you get with a SHED apartment? Surely *some* perks, right?
Okay, this is where it gets interesting. You *do* get some amenities. The MarPolo complex itself offers a gym (small but functional – I've seen worse), a pool (ditto), and maybe a co-working space. The *problem* is, everyone else in the bigger buildings also has access. So, peak hours? Forget it. The gym looks like a sardine can. The pool…well, let's just say finding a decent spot around the pool is a competitive sport. The co-working space is usually filled with people like me, who maybe work there. But I prefer working in my own room, which brings me back to my point about noise. I’m still deciding if the amenities are worth the trade-off of the cramped lifestyle.
What's the deal with the size? Are we talking shoebox-sized living here?
Honey, that's putting it mildly. We're talking *cozy*. Like, "can't swing a cat" cozy. I’m a person who needs, like, space. I'm a big fan of stretching my arms out without hitting anything. I feel like this kind of living situation challenges that, and I don't love that. I saw one that was a mere 20-something square meters. (That’s maybe, *maybe* the size of a decent walk-in closet.) The upside? Forces you to be ruthless about decluttering. The *downside*? Well, you're constantly bumping into things. And don't even *think* about having guests over. Unless you *really* like being up close and personal. On the plus side, the minimal space forces you to become creative with storage solutions! I'm starting to get a little excited.
How's the noise level? I need my beauty sleep!
Oh god, the noise. Prepare yourself. As I mentioned before, the walls are…thin. *Very* thin. You'll hear your neighbors' conversations, their music, their…well, let's leave it at that. And the construction! BGC is a construction zone. Forever. So be prepared for jackhammers, drills, and the constant hum of progress. The upside? You'll become an expert at tuning things out. The downside? Uh, you might go crazy. I'm not exaggerating here. Earplugs, white noise machines, noise-canceling headphones – all essential survival tools. This will be my second time buying a white noise machine. You can tell I'm not exactly enjoying this.
Is it *actually* cheaper? Or is it a "bargain" that ends up costing more in the long run?
Okay, the *price*. Yes, it's *generally* cheaper than a regular apartment in a prime BGC location. But! You need to factor in hidden costs. Extra storage (because you *will* need it). The aforementioned noise-canceling gear (another investment!). And the *constant desire* to eat out because your tiny kitchen makes cooking anything beyond instant noodles feel like a Herculean task. And the *temptation* of constantly buying something because your apartment is tiny. I’m not kidding when I say that this can easily turn into a budget trap. The "bargain" can quickly become a lifestyle. A lifestyle of eating instant noodles and buying expensive things. So, do your research, factor in *everything,* and then decide. Maybe it's just me, but I have some serious questions about whether the reduced rent is worth the impact on my sanity.
So, would *you* live in a SHED apartment? The ultimate question!
Honestly? Right now? Probably not. I'm a creature of comfort (and space!). I’ve lived a few different types of lives, and I can’t help but compare. However, if I was just starting out, or if I was a minimalist who thrives on constant activity and the *energy* of BGC, maybe. Maybe. Or maybe I'd become an expert at escaping. Weekend trips? Always. But for me, at my current life stage, I'd probably end up having a nervous breakdown and spending all my savings on a slightly larger apartment. But hey, maybe you're tougher than me! Do the research. Visit the actual units (don't just stare at the marketing photos!). And ask yourself: Can you handle the…coziness? Can you handle the noise? And most importantly, can you handle the constant reminder that you *really* need to declutter?
(Bonus Question) What about the parking situation? Because BGC is a nightmare for cars.
Oh, the parking. Another delightful topic. It's tricky, it's expensive, and it’s often a complete free-for-all. Expect to pay extra for parking. Expect the parking areas to be crowded. Expect to circle around for what feels like an eternity before you find a spot. (And if you are a visitor… well, good luck.) I’ve heard of people having to park several blocks away and walk…in the heat! It's a real test of your patience. So, if you have a car, factor this into your equation. Maybe invest in a scooter. Or just embrace the walk. See it as aTrip Hotel Hub
