
Graceysplace: Mandaluyong's BEST Urban Deca Edsa Shaw Gem!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on Graceysplace in Mandaluyong, that "BEST Urban Deca Edsa Shaw Gem!" They call it. And let me tell you, after a stay? Okay, yeah, it's pretty good.
First off, the accessibility. Now, I'm not a super mobility-challenged person, but I was really impressed. Elevators? Check. Ramps? Double-check. Honestly, it made me think about accessibility in a way I hadn't before - and it's a BIG plus. They've got "Facilities for disabled guests," and I saw them in action. Bravo.
Internet – The Real Tea on Wi-Fi
Listen, in this day and age, a hotel’s Wi-Fi is practically a human right. And Graceysplace? Whew, they deliver. "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" And internet [LAN], too, if you're old school like me. The "Internet services" were A-OK. Now, did I get blazing speeds for downloading a terabyte of…research? No. But for streaming Netflix while I was desperately trying to unwind after navigating EDSA? Totally workable. "Wi-Fi in public areas"? Yep. Think a lot of scrolling during breakfast.
The Cozy Nest: Room Revelations
My room? Oh man, let's dissect this. "Air conditioning"? Thank goodness. "Blackout curtains"? A lifesaver after those late-night escapades. "Free bottled water"? Always appreciated. The "desk" was actually usable, unlike some places where you're crammed against a wall. "Alarm clock"? Classic. "Hair dryer"? You know it.
Now, the "In-room safe box" – I knew I should have used it, but did I? Nope. And of course, I kept my valuables at the bottom of my bag. Always something. "Internet access – wireless"? Seamless. "Internet access – LAN"? It's there if you crave the cable.
The Food Follies: Dining, Drinking, and Snacking
Okay, the food situation. "Restaurants"? Plural! "Asian cuisine in restaurant"? Yes. "Western cuisine in restaurant"? You betcha. "Coffee/tea in restaurant"? Essential for me. I mean, a "Breakfast [buffet]" is a must for me since I sleep in until the last minute.
I tried the "Asian breakfast" one morning, and it was… well, let's just say I'm not a congee connoisseur. But the "Western breakfast", that omelette with the perfectly cooked bacon… chef's kiss. They have a "Poolside bar," too, which is dangerous. "Happy hour"? Oh, yes. Let's be honest, I spent more time there than I’d care to admit. The "Snack bar" saved me from certain hanger-related doom.
Cleanliness and Safety – Can We Talk About That?
"Cleanliness and safety"? Absolutely top-notch. The "Anti-viral cleaning products" and "Daily disinfection in common areas" gave me a solid sense of security. "Hand sanitizer" everywhere. I saw staff members, "trained in safety protocol" doing their thing.
Relaxation Station: Spa & Pool Adventures
Okay, so, remember that "Pool with a view" I mentioned at the start? It was amazing. I spent an afternoon just flopping in the pool and staring at the hazy city skyline. "Swimming pool [outdoor]" is right. They also have a "Spa," which I'd love to experience. "Sauna", "Steamroom", a "Massage"? I could just imagine it. Although, I didn't end up trying any of those things because I was too busy…well, you know. Next time!
Getting Around – EDSA is EDSA, Let's Be Real
"Airport transfer"? Yes, glorious yes. "Car park [free of charge]? A lifesaver. "Taxi service"? Readily available. Now, EDSA. It’s EDSA. Traffic is a beast. Plan accordingly. The hotel is in a good location, so you're close to everything.
The "Things to do" Dilemma
Honestly? I spent most of my time either in my room, by the pool, or… well, let’s just say I got very well acquainted with the local karaoke scene. But there's tons of malls nearby (shopping!), and business offices. They have a "Concierge"! Services and Conveniences: "Daily housekeeping"? So good! "Laundry service"? Essential. The "Elevator" was a big help, that I was able to go to my room without taking the stairs, especially after a long day of walking.
For the Kids (and the Kid in All of Us)
Family-friendly. "Babysitting service" if you have kids.
My Honest (and Slightly Chaotic) Verdict
Look, Graceysplace isn't perfect. No place is. But it's got a fantastic balance of comfort, convenience, and a genuinely good vibe.
Here's The Offer, Darlings: The "Graceysplace Escape: EDSA Shaw Bliss!" Book your stay at Graceysplace in the next 72 hours and get:
- A complimentary upgrade to the highest available room.
- 15% Off at the restaurant.
- Free late check-out (subject to availability).
- A welcome drink at the poolside bar.
Why Graceysplace?
Because you deserve a break. A place to recharge. A place that gets it. Book now, because life's too short for boring hotels. Trust me.
Book Now and rediscover your peace!
Rochester's HOTTEST Casino? Lucky Eagle's HUGE Surprise!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your sterile, perfectly-planned travel brochure. This is me, wrestling with reality, in the heart of Manila at Urban Deca Edsa Shaw, specifically around Gracey's Place. And let me tell you, it's gonna be a ride. (Also, I'm already sweating. The humidity is a beast.)
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Room Hunt (and Existential Dread)
- 1:00 PM: Arrival at NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport). Okay, so picture this: me, after a 14-hour flight, smelling faintly of airplane pretzels and sheer desperation. Finding a taxi felt like a Hunger Games situation. Haggling is officially not my forte, by the way. I almost lost it when the driver started chatting up my nonexistent luggage. The entire taxi ride was a symphony of horns, exhaust fumes, and the vague feeling that I was being judged by everyone.
- 2:30 PM: Arrive at Urban Deca Edsa Shaw (near Gracey's Place, or as I affectionately started calling it, "The Concrete Jungle"). My initial thought: "Wow, this place is… tall." Finding the actual apartment, even with GPS, was a mini-adventure. Let's just say the elevators are… personality-filled. Think: a rickety, slow, and potentially haunted contraption. I half expected to see a ghost tap dancing.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Check-in, Unpack (Or Try To). Okay, the room. It's small. REALLY small. I'm pretty sure I could touch all four walls with my arms outstretched. But hey, it's clean (mostly). And who am I kidding, I'm a travel minimalist, I'm basically camping, right? Immediately regretting packing those five pairs of shoes. I swear they multiplied in my suitcase.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: The Search for Food & Sanity. This is where things get REAL. I ventured out into the unknown, a single, slightly sweaty tourist armed with Google Maps and the unwavering belief that I would find something edible. Anything. The first ten minutes were a chaotic mix of scooters, vendors hawking things I couldn't even pronounce, and the overwhelming aroma of… everything. I eventually stumbled upon a local carinderia (small local eatery) and ordered something that resembled chicken adobo. Verdict: Delicious. And cheap. My stomach and my wallet were both happy.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Sunset at the Barangay Hall… Seriously? My plan was a sunset walk. Ended up wandering into the local barangay hall. Who knew municipal activities were so interesting?
- 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner & Recovery. Went back to the carinderia. Ordered the adobo again. Comfort food is my spirit animal. Watched the Filipino version of Netflix. Fell asleep before the opening credits could finish.
Day 2: Edsa Adventures & Culinary Catastrophes
- 8:00 AM: Wake up… and the humidity is still a jerk. Seriously, does it ever end?!
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast is important. I made a pathetic attempt at making instant noodles in the kitchen. This may be my future.
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Edsa Exploration (Attempted). Okay, taking public transport in Manila is an experience. The jeepneys are like rolling art projects, and the buses are packed tighter than a sausage casing. I managed to get on the bus and get to a nearby mall. A few attempts to buy food and just do window shopping.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Culinary Disaster. I'm generally adventurous. But, I also have limits. I ordered something from a food stall in the mall. It was bright blue. It tasted like sadness. I could barely eat the whole portion.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: A Mall Sanctuary (and People-Watching Heaven). Found a quiet coffee shop in the mall. People-watching is a national sport here, and I’m an enthusiastic participant. The sheer variety of humanity on display is endlessly fascinating. And the air conditioning was heavenly.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Laundry Blues. Found a laundry shop that promised same-day service. The lady was super friendly. Fingers crossed my smelly clothes come back smelling clean.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner with the locals. The laundry shop owner recommended a local restaurant. The food? DELICIOUS!
- 8:00 PM: Trying to sleep, but the roosters. The noise continues into the night. Why do roosters have to be so loud?
Day 3: Back to Reality (and Possibly, Another Adobo)
- 9:00 AM: More food, more life lessons.
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Re-examining the meaning of life. Considering the humidity, the noise, and my inability to navigate the jeepneys, I'm beginning to question all my life choices. Yet, there is a certain magic to this city. It's chaotic, it's loud, it's messy, but it's undeniably alive.
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: The Goodbye. Saying goodbye to Manila.
- 1 PM: Taxi to the airport. The driver kept telling me about his family.
- 3 PM: Goodbye Manila.
This wasn't the perfectly planned trip. It was messy, imperfect, and occasionally a bit of a disaster. But it was also real. And that, my friends, is the best kind of travel. I'm exhausted, slightly sunburnt, and smelling faintly of adobo. But I wouldn't trade the experience for anything. Now… where's that plane, and can I get a really, really strong coffee?
Escape to Cincinnati: Luxurious Hampton Inn Blue Ash Awaits!
Graceysplace: Mandaluyong's BEST Urban Deca Edsa Shaw Gem! – FAQs (and My Crazy Thoughts)
So, what *is* Graceysplace, anyway? Is it just another condo? Gross...
Okay, okay, deep breaths. Yes, it's in Urban Deca Homes Edsa. And yes, that immediately conjures images of...well, let's just say "budget-friendly living." But Graceysplace, darling, is different. Think of it as the meticulously curated, Instagram-worthy corner of a slightly chaotic (but hey, *affordable!*) building. It's basically a beautifully decorated unit that someone actually *cares* about. We're talking cozy vibes, not cold, sterile boxes. It's like finding a diamond in the rough... except the rough is a bustling, slightly gritty part of Mandaluyong. And honestly? I kind of love that contrast.
It's actually pretty central to everything, which is clutch. You've got MRT, malls... everything. Perfect if you're a workaholic like me, just trying to survive the EDC days.
Are the photos real? Because let's be honest, half the online listings are lies.
I get it. I, too, am scarred by the horrors of deceptively-angled photos. But with Graceysplace? Surprisingly, yes! The photos are pretty accurate. It's all well-lit, clean, and thoughtfully decorated... *most of the time.* Let's be real, I snuck a peek recently when I was supposed to be decluttering (oops). And the tiny details are perfect - the little fairy lights wrapped around the bedpost, the cute plant on the windowsill... Honestly, the place makes *me* feel like more organized than I let on (until it's 2 am and I'm scrounging for a snack).
Is it actually *clean*? I have... standards.
Okay, this is a *huge* deal for me. I'm a bit of a neat freak (don't judge!). And based on my highly scientific (read: nose-twitching, inspecting of every corner) observations...YES! It's clean. Spotless, even. I checked the bathrooms (you know you do it too!). The bedsheets always smell fresh. (Side note: the bed is unbelievably comfy. I actually considered *never* leaving it.) Look, I can't vouch for *every* single speck of dust 24/7. But it's evident that the place is maintained with actual care. This is crucial for those late-night work sessions.
What about the location? Everything's always a pain in the butt in Mandaluyong, right?
Okay, here's the honest truth. Mandaluyong *is* a chaotic beautiful mess. But Graceysplace is actually really well-situated. It's incredibly close to the MRT station and the big malls (Shangri-La, Megamall... where my wallet always suffers!). Traffic, yes, is the bane of my existence. But the convenience *mostly* outweighs the commute-related meltdowns. Especially for deliveries, I get my groceries delivered straight to the doorstep. It's a lifesaver! I have to confess, I’m not a huge fan of the Edsa scene -- but Graceysplace is an oasis. It is easy to get around using transport. This location is really practical for my daily life!
How about the amenities? Pool? Gym? Are we talking about the basics or does this place have a *vibe*?
Okay, the amenities are decent. Not super fancy, but sufficient. There's a pool (haven't plunged yet, but it looks clean-ish), a gym (I *think* I saw a treadmill once), and a bit of a playground. The building isn't exactly a resort, but it has what you need as a convenient living space. I tend to get by with the basic amenities. So, the location is much more important. It's a good trade off.
What's the Wi-Fi situation? I need to be online *all the time*. (Don't judge.)
The Wi-Fi is generally reliable. It's not *blazing* fast, but it's good enough for streaming and (importantly) video calls. Occasionally, it gets a little wonky during peak hours. But honestly, it's generally reliable. Good enough for a work from home setup (I am here right now, and still online!).
Is it good for couples? Or is it more of a solo-traveler/workaholic type of place?
Okay, this one's a bit tricky. It certainly *works* for couples, and is generally well-suited for that. The decor is certainly more romantic, and the space is not too crowded, which is a plus. I have a friend who stays there often with his partner. However, for *me*...well, I really like having a good space to focus on work here. It really fits my needs, but not necessarily for larger groups. It can work, but you might need to be flexible in terms of personal space!
Anything bad about Graceysplace? Lay it on me!
Alright, let's get real. Perfection doesn't exist. The noise from Edsa, sometimes, is a little... noticeable, especially at night. I am used to it already. There's the occasional elevator wait (it's a building, after all). Parking can be a pain. And look, it's not a five-star hotel. I wish it had a balcony. But those are minor annoyances. Those aren't dealbreakers! Let's be honest, the most significant flaw is that it makes me want to stay in all day... which isn't always great for productivity. (Oh, the dilemma!).
What's the *vibe*? Give me a feeling, not just facts.
The vibe is… peaceful, surprisingly. I know, I know, in the middle of Mandaluyong? Inside Graceysplace, it's calm. It's like stepping into a cozy little sanctuary from the madness. I once had a particularly stressful week. The moment I walked in, I instantly relaxed... the soft lighting made me feel better. It's a space that encourages you to unwind, recharge, and maybe even get a little bit of work done. It's homey without being overstuffed, and stylish without feeling pretentious. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to grab a book, a cup of coffee (or, let’s be real, a glass of wine), and just *be*. I love it.

