Rizal Park Hotel

The hotel, a meticulously restored historic building that once served as the Army and Navy Club, offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern comfort, making it a memorable destination. Its signature feature is its rich heritage and grand architecture, which transports guests to a bygone era. This makes it particularly appealing to history enthusiasts and architecture lovers seeking a distinctive experience. The hotel's prime location near key landmarks also attracts sightseers and business travelers visiting the US Embassy. Guests consistently commend the attentive staff and the overall cleanliness of the premises. While many appreciate the hotel's character, some note ongoing maintenance needs. For an enhanced stay, guests are advised to inquire about the operational status of all facilities upon arrival and to consider rooms away from street-facing areas to minimize potential noise from nearby establishments.

Facilities & Amenities
Guest feedback on the hotel's facilities is varied. The gym is frequently praised as well-equipped and a great amenity for staying active. However, the pool receives mixed reviews; while its rooftop location offers nice views, many guests report it being closed for maintenance, having missing or broken tiles, or lacking essential features like sunbeds and service. Some guests also experienced issues with non-functioning elevators and escalators, leading to inconvenience. In-room amenities like fridges and electric kettles are sometimes reported as not working, and safes are occasionally found to be unbolted or non-operational. While Wi-Fi is generally available, some guests found it to be slow or unreliable. The hotel offers ample parking, which is a significant convenience for those with vehicles.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel generally receives high marks for its cleanliness, with many guests noting the well-maintained rooms and common areas. The beds are consistently described as exceptionally comfortable, featuring fluffy pillows and high-quality linens that contribute to a restful sleep. Rooms are often found to be spacious, providing ample living area. However, some guests have reported signs of wear and tear, including peeling wallpaper and worn furniture, indicating a need for updates in certain areas. A significant concern raised by several guests is the presence of mold in some rooms and hallways, which impacts the overall comfort and air quality. Noise levels can also be an issue, with reports of street noise from nearby establishments and sound transference from hallways affecting the tranquility of the rooms.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback on dining experiences, particularly the breakfast buffet, is largely mixed to negative. Many guests express disappointment with the limited options and the frequent complaint that food items are served cold. The quality of the food is often criticized, with mentions of stale bread, bland coffee, and unappetizing dishes. While some appreciate the focus on Asian cuisine, Western guests often find the selection insufficient. A serious concern highlighted by multiple reviews is the presence of roaches in the dining area, raising hygiene questions. The on-site restaurant and rooftop bar also receive varied comments, with some finding them expensive or experiencing slow service and limited menu availability, especially for room service. Some guests also note that restaurants within the hotel operate on a cash-only basis, which can be inconvenient.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a significant draw, offering easy walking distance to popular attractions such as Rizal Park, Intramuros, and the US Embassy, making it convenient for both tourists and business travelers. Manila Ocean Park is also nearby. However, accessibility is often challenged by the surrounding environment; many guests note the difficulty of crossing busy streets with heavy traffic to reach other areas or find alternative dining options. The immediate vicinity of the hotel is frequently described as rough, with reports of homeless people and beggars, which can make some guests feel unsafe or uncomfortable when venturing outside. Despite these external challenges, the hotel itself is generally considered secure. Parking is available and often praised for its ample space.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives overwhelming praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently highlight their professionalism and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay, from assisting with luggage to providing local information. The housekeeping team is commended for maintaining clean rooms. While the overall service is highly regarded, some guests have noted that the check-in process can be slow at times. A point of contention for some is the hotel's practice of conducting a room check before allowing guests to complete their check-out, which can cause delays and make guests feel distrusted. Despite these minor procedural issues, the staff's commitment to providing excellent service is a recurring positive theme.

Additional Information
Several important details, not fitting into other categories, impact the guest experience. The hotel's no refund policy for accidental bookings or early departures, even when contacted promptly, has caused significant frustration for some guests. Furthermore, the cash-only payment requirement for on-site restaurants and certain services is a recurring inconvenience, as guests are often unprepared to carry large amounts of local currency. The property also faces ongoing maintenance issues, with reports of typhoon damage affecting ceilings and other areas, and a general sense of wear and tear in corridors and facilities like the pool. Some guests also noted an uneven platform at room entrances, which could pose a minor safety concern. These aspects, while not central to the main amenities, contribute to the overall perception of the hotel.