Shore 1 Residences: Your Luxurious NJ Escape in Manila!
Shore 1 Residences: Your Luxurious NJ Escape in Manila!
Shore 1 Residences: Manila's Sparkly Facade… Is the Luxury Real or Just an Insta-Filter? (A Messy, Honest Review)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to unravel my experience at Shore 1 Residences. They tout themselves as a "Luxurious NJ Escape in Manila." And let's be real, after the insanity of Manila, "escape" is a word that sings to my soul. But does Shore 1 deliver? Spoiler alert: It’s complicated. Think of this less as a perfectly polished travel review and more like me, bleary-eyed after a killer jet lag nap, spilling the tea (or, you know, coffee thanks to the in-room maker! Bless!).
First Impressions: Getting There & The "Accessibility" Game
Okay, so getting to Shore 1 is… well, Manila. That means traffic. A LOT of traffic. I’m not faulting the hotel, but brace yourselves for the ride. They do offer Airport transfer, which is a lifesaver, especially after a long flight. Valet parking is available, thank goodness, because finding a spot in Manila… forget about it. They also have Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site], so you're covered if you prefer to self-park (which, frankly, in Manila, might be a white-knuckle experience!).
Now, the "accessibility" section. They claim to have Facilities for disabled guests, which is good… but the devil is in the details. I didn’t specifically check for full wheelchair accessibility this trip, but I noticed an Elevator, which is a great start. However, I’d recommend contacting them directly for specifics if accessibility is a major concern. Also, CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property are reassuring. And the Doorman? Always a welcome face in a bustling city.
Rooms: The Promise of Luxury… and the Reality, Somewhere in the Middle
My room? Well, it was… pretty. (Here's a moment of REAL TALK: I'm a sucker for a pretty room.) I had a non-smoking room (THANK GOODNESS, because Manila air is already… substantial), and it came with all the usual suspects: Air conditioning, thank god, because sweating buckets is NOT my idea of a vacation. Air conditioning in public area keeps the entire place, and I'm not afraid of the heat. Alarm clock, Bathrobes (yes!), Bathtub (double yes!), Blackout curtains (triple yes for jet lag!), Coffee/tea maker (THANK. GOD.) a Desk for that last-minute email check.
The Internet access – wireless, also free Wi-Fi [free] was a godsend, because, let's be honest, I needed to check my Instagram constantly. And while they list Internet access – LAN, I didn't even bother with the cable. Who does that anymore?! They also offer Internet, **Internet [LAN], and *Internet services*.
What was less luxurious? The lighting. It felt… slightly sterile. A little too perfect. Like it hadn’t actually been lived in. But hey, I'm probably being too picky! I'm just saying, warm up the lighting a little, Shore 1! Also, for the price point, a few more high-end touches wouldn't go amiss. For what it costs, I needed to be in heaven!
The bed was comfy enough, but I didn’t exactly melt into it. More like… politely rested on it. The **bedding was clean and the linens fresh – and you know, really, in this world, that’s all that matters! *Daily housekeeping* was efficient and kept things tidy, but I wasn’t exactly bowled over by the service. But hey, it was good to have a safe room and safety/security feature.
But now for what was GOOD: All room comes with Free bottled water, which made the experience, I could drink as much as I wanted without feeling guilty!
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: A Feast for the Eyes… and Sometimes the Stomach
Okay, so the food. This is where Shore 1 gets… interesting. They have the usual suspects: Restaurants, a Bar, a Coffee shop, and a Poolside bar. There's Room service [24-hour], which is always a win for a midnight fried-food craving.
The Breakfast [buffet] was… vast. An Asian breakfast was tempting with the array of options. There's also Western breakfast. Also, on-site, there's restaurants, Asian cuisine in restaurant, and International cuisine in restaurant.
BUT. Let me tell you about the coffee. (I'm a coffee snob. Don't judge.) It was… okay. Certainly not the best cup I've had, but it gets the job done, which is good because there's always coffee shops.
The happy hour was decent, drinks were nicely priced! The bottle of water and coffee/tea in restaurant were very important.
Relaxation & Recreation: Spa Day Dreams & Gym Fears
Here’s where Shore 1 really shines, at least on paper. They boast a Spa, a Fitness center, and a Swimming pool [outdoor]. They also have a pool with a view and Sauna, Spa/sauna, and a Steamroom.
I hit the spa. And let me tell you, the massage was divine. I was stressed. I walked in a tight, tense, mess, and walked out practically floating. They offer Body scrub and Body wrap, and those sound tempting, but I was too busy enjoying my massage. So, if you're looking for a good massage, which, let's be honest if you're reading this article, you DESERVE, go for it.
I attempted the fitness center. Emphasis on "attempted." I’m more of a “wine and Netflix” kind of gal when I’m on vacation. It looked well-equipped, though. They also offer a Gym/fitness and they have a Foot bath, but I wasn’t really able to touch it.
Cleanliness & Safety: Peace of Mind in a Pandemic-Weary World
Okay, this is CRUCIAL right now. Shore 1 takes their hygiene seriously, which is HUGE. They offer Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and Rooms sanitized between stays. They even have Sterilizing equipment. They have Hygiene certification, which is reassuring. The staff is trained in safety protocol as well.
For the Kids:
They have Babysitting service, and they are also Family/child friendly.
Overall, I never felt unsafe, which is golden. Definitely a plus in the craziness that is Manila.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference
Shore 1 offers a ton of conveniences. Air conditioning in public area, 24-hour Front desk [24-hour], Concierge, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Dry cleaning, Elevator,Ironing service, and even Luggage storage.
Things to Do/ Ways to Relax
We've already covered a few, like the swimming pool and spa. They also offer a Terrace.
The Bottom Line: Should You Stay at Shore 1?
Honestly? It depends. If you're looking for a truly luxurious, over-the-top experience, prepare to temper your expectations slightly. It's not quite the level of luxury you might expect for the price. But if you want a comfortable, clean, safe, and well-located hotel with fantastic potential for relaxation (especially if you love a spa day), then YES. Shore 1 offers a solid option with a lot to recommend it. It's a solid choice for business and leisure, and the staff is generally pretty helpful and friendly.
My Final Verdict: It delivers on many promises. Just don’t go expecting a perfect escape. Expect Manila. Expect good food and good people. And expect a very, very good massage.
And now, the call to action, because what's a review without a little persuasion? (and maybe a bit of a bonus!)
Book Your Manila Escape NOW and UNLOCK a FREE Upgrade!
Tired of the Manila hustle? Craving some serious R&R? Then Shore 1 Residences is calling your name! We're offering a special deal just for you:
- Book your stay at Shore 1 now and receive a FREE UPGRADE to a room with a BALCONY and even MORE spectacular views! (Subject to availability, of course, but we'll do our best for you!)
- PLUS, we’ll throw in a complimentary welcome drink at our poolside bar. Sip on a refreshing cocktail while you soak in the Manila skyline!
Why Book Now?
Batam's BEST Kept Secret? Urbanview Hotel R House Review (You WON'T Believe This!)
Okay, buckle up Buttercups, because you're about to get a travel itinerary for NJ's Place at Shore 1 Residences, MOA, Pasay City Manila, Philippines… but not your grandma's travel itinerary. This is the real deal. The unfiltered, probably-slightly-chaotic, and definitely-opinionated experience.
NJ's Place at Shore 1: My Manila Mishap (and Maybe Magic?)
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Mall of Asia Gauntlet
- 7:00 AM: Wake up way too early thanks to the jet lag monster doing the Macarena on my brain. Groan, curse the pre-dawn sun, and then remember… Manila! Okay, maybe it's gonna be okay.
- 7:30 AM: Attempt (and fail miserably) at making coffee using the tiny, almost-vintage-looking-but-probably-new coffee maker in the apartment. Settle for instant coffee that tastes suspiciously like burnt regret. Is there even a decent coffee shop nearby? Mental note: investigate.
- 8:00 AM: Shower. The water pressure is surprisingly good! Minor victory in a city that could be…anything.
- 9:00 AM: Head to the airport for my flight. Get stuck in traffic. Briefly consider hiring a helicopter. Maybe next time.
- 12:00 PM: Land at NAIA. Oh, the glorious chaos! The humidity hits you like a warm, wet hug. Or maybe a slap. Depends on your mood. Grab a taxi. Negotiate the price – apparently, I'm terrible at this. End up paying a few extra pesos, but the driver's smile is worth it.
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at NJ's Place. It's… well, the pictures weren’t lying. Clean-ish, a small balcony (yay!), and the air conditioning is working. This is already a vast improvement.
- 1:30 PM: Check-in. The lovely (and patient) staff are super accommodating and friendly, despite my general disorientation.
- 2:00 PM: The Great Mall of Asia (MOA) adventure. I, fool that I am, thought I could "pop in" to MOA. HA! This place is a city. It's a maze. It's a shopping black hole. I'm quickly overwhelmed. And hungry. Must find food. (Priorities, people!)
- 3:00 PM: EAT! Found a Jollibee. Okay, I know it's a tourist cliché, but the Chickenjoy slaps. And the peach mango pie? Pure, sugary, fried bliss. Fuelled up and ready to… get overwhelmed again.
- 4:00 PM: Spend an hour wandering the mall’s endless aisles. Get distracted by everything. Shoes? Check. A tiny, incredibly cute dog figurine? Yes, definitely. Find a decent bookstore and consider spending my entire life there.
- 5:00 PM: Panic about not seeing anything "important" yet.
- 6:00 PM: Decide to watch sunset at the sea. Find a table, order halo-halo. The sunset is beautiful, all fiery oranges and purples. But here's a truth bomb: the constant blaring of music coming from somewhere, anything but peaceful.
- 7:00 PM: Get back to NJ's Place, exhausted from my first day journey.
- 8:00 PM: Order some local noodles, and crash. Manila, you're something else.
Day 2: Culture Shock & Craving Coffee
- 7:00 AM: Wake up, feeling a mix of excitement and mild panic. I need coffee. Real coffee. The instant stuff just isn't cutting it.
- 8:00 AM: Search for a coffee shop near the apartment. Discover that Google Maps is, at best, a suggestion. Wander around, getting slightly lost, until I finally find a Starbucks. Victory!
- 9:00 AM: Sip delicious, overpriced coffee while people-watching. (A national pastime, I'm convinced.) Observe the incredible mix of styles, ages, and attitudes. Manila's a visual feast.
- 10:00 AM: Decide to explore Pasay. Take a jeepney. It's a true adventure. The music is blasting, the driver is blasting his horn continuously, and I am slightly terrified but also exhilarated.
- 11:00 AM: Visit a local market. The smells, the colors, the sheer bustle… it’s sensory overload in the best way possible. Buy some ridiculously cheap fruit. Regret being completely unprepared to haggle.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Try a very local restaurant. My stomach is doing a nervous dance, but the food is amazing. And cheap! Win-win.
- 1:00 PM: Back to NJ's Place to rest and escape the heat.
- 2:00 PM: Consider a massage. (Just thinking about it makes me feel more relaxed.)
- 3:00 PM: Decide to try a local massage parlor. The masseuse could break a brick with her hands, but my muscles are so grateful. Best. Massage. Ever.
- 4:00 PM: A stroll at the complex pool area. The perfect opportunity to unwind, I could stay here all day.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant near the shore. The food is good. We get to the sunset. But something is missing.
- 7:00 PM: Back to the hotel for a second attempt to catch the sunset.
- 9:00 PM: Write in journal and organize the photos I took. And then sleep.
Day 3: A Day Trip (Maybe, Eventually)
- 8:00 AM: Decide to think about doing a day trip to Intramuros. Then get distracted by the enticing swimming pool.
- 9:00 AM: Swimming pool. The pool is small, but it’s clean and refreshing. Spend an hour basking in the sun, wondering why I don't do this more often.
- 10:00 AM: Back to the apartment. Change and decide to start preparing for the trip to Intramuros.
- 11:00 AM: Ask the host with a message for the schedule, and direction.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a cafe nearby.
- 1:00 PM: Start the trip to Intramuros.
- 2:00 PM: Intramuros. Cobblestone streets, old buildings… it's like stepping back in time. The history is fascinating, if a little depressing (colonialism, ugh). Rent a kalesa (horse-drawn carriage) because, why not? It’s touristy, but the ride is lovely, and the horse is, well, a horse.
- 3:00 PM: Visit San Agustin Church. Stunning architecture. The history and stories are incredible.
- 4:00 PM: Walk along the walls of Intramuros. The views are great, but the heat is… real.
- 5:00 PM: Find a restaurant within the area. The food is good.
- 6:00 PM: Take a taxi back to NJ's Place for dinner and rest.
- 7:00 PM: Back to the hotel to relax.
- 9:00 PM: Prepare for the next day and sleep.
Day 4: Departure & The Manila Melancholy
- 7:00 AM: Wake up, filled with that weird mix of relief at going home and pangs of regret at leaving.
- 8:00 AM: Coffee (the good stuff this time) and mourn the end of my Manila adventure.
- 9:00 AM: Pack. Realize I've accumulated far too many trinkets and treats. How do I squeeze it all in my luggage?
- 10:00 AM: Check out of NJ's Place. Say goodbye to the friendly staff. Thank you for the stay!
- 11:00 AM: Taxi to the airport. Traffic is a beast, as always, but I'm oddly used to it.
- 12:00 PM: Airport chaos. The lines are long, the process is confusing, but I manage to make it through (mostly) unscathed.
- 2:00 PM: Board the plane. Look out the window at Manila, its crazy skyline, the people, the noise, the chaos – everything that makes it so unique.
- 3:00 PM: The plane takes off. The last glimpse of Manila.
- 4:00 PM: Arrive at home. I have jet lag, I am tired, but a part of me already misses the madness of Manila.
Important Notes & Random Thoughts:
- Food: Eat everything! Be adventurous! Don't be afraid of street food.
- Transportation: Jeepneys are an
So, is Shore 1 *really* as luxurious as they say? I’m skeptical, and have trust issues.
Is there a gym? And is it any good? Because I need my gains, bro.
What's the deal with the traffic getting there? Am I going to spend my life stuck in a car?
Are there any restaurants or stores nearby? I don't want to have to trek across the city for milk.
Tell me about the pools. Are they as Instagrammable as the photos?
What’s the overall vibe of the community? Is it friendly, or is it all a bunch of stuck-up snobs?
Is it worth the money? Be brutally honest.
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