SM SEA RESIDENCES Condotel Staycation

Thanks to the sharing economy, staycations in the Philippines especially Metro Manila, has gotten more exciting. Now, not only hotels are available for staycations but condo properties as well.

One can book via AirBnb, and yes, via Booking.com. I was eyeing for Azure Urban Residences, the one designed by Paris Hilton herself as I saw one at around 2,500 php per night but it requires 2 nights minimum stay so I opted for SM Sea Residences instead in Mall of Asia area in Pasay. This one I got for only 1,800 pesos via Booking.com

I know it was a tall order because that Saturday we stayed at Novotel Manila Araneta Center and we got a V.I.P treatment there so when we stayed here on Sunday, it was more of a simple extension of our hotel staycation.

I have been wanting to try SM Sea Residences as I was attracted by their pools, all four (4) big ones at the center of four buildings. Talk about urban resort living. I was expecting too much though so I was a bit disappointed that the place fell below what I imagined. The lobby and amenities already show signs of strain as the condominium opened a few years already. The hallways I find a bit sad with simple configuration and lack of accent and thr pools were always full of people that the edges already show discoloration due to soiling.

I originally booked for a room with a pool view but the folks who were staying there decided to extend another night and the owner couldn't say no so we were given another one with the city view (Makati side)  which I find a bit boring. The interior is basic and our furniture in the condo we are renting are far superior than the ones here. But the owner was kind enough to give us discount to 1,500 instead of 1,800 for failing to provide the room we requested.

The unit is equipped with all necessities of condo living including fridge, stove, a/c, hot and cold shower, dining table, closet and a comfortable slash soft double bed. What more to ask for given the price ayt?

One can cook but we opted to eat out. There are a few restaurants at the ground floor as the property is massive. For snack, we went to this diner where we had nachos and stuff. Good enough although nothing to wow for really. For dinner we found this carenderya-style resto on the side facing Phoenix Hotel. We were actually on the look for more food choices but we could't find any at comfortable walking distance we settled there.

We were so lazy we didn't bring any food nor attempted to cook. It would have been perfect since the unit has cooking materials and stove as I mentioned. We also felt too lazy to go for a swim. Our bad.

We ended up in the unit shortly after dinner. We dropped by Nuat Thai ( yes, there is Nuat Thai Sea Residence branch) to ask for a massage therapist for room service.

I noticed many travelers checking in af SM Sea Residences. One can tell due to their backpacks and luggage. It's proximity to the airport and lower rate compared to hotels in the area makes it a practical choice for an overnight stay if you are to take a flight the next day or in a few hours.


While it turned out to be an ordinary space for us since we are also condo dwellers and as I mentioned due to our awesome experience ag Novotel Manila the day before but I would still recommend the place for those who want a change of environment. Also perfect for small families looking for staycation and for a small group of friends who want to chill-out in an urban resort setting.

__________________________