717 Cesar Place: Your Dream Philippine Getaway Awaits!
717 Cesar Place: Your Dream Philippine Getaway Awaits! (Or Does it Really?) A Messy, Honest Review.
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this is not your average fluffy hotel review. I'm gonna get real with you about 717 Cesar Place, that supposed Philippine paradise, complete with all the bells and whistles. And trust me, it's a rollercoaster. Prepare for some serious ups and downs, because after all, real life, and travel, are a messy, unpredictable experience! But let's dive in, shall we?
First Impressions & Accessibility: The Good, the Confusing, and the Slightly Disappointing
So, 717 Cesar Place. The website, as always, paints a picture of shimmering perfection. And when you google it, you're met with the classic "photoshopped-to-death" images of impossibly tanned people lounging by an infinity pool. Let's be real, folks.
Accessibility: Now, I'm not in a wheelchair myself, but I always look out for those who are. Their website claims "facilities for disabled guests," which is promising. However, finding specific details about ramps, elevators, and accessible rooms? Let's just say it takes some serious digging. Important tip: Contact them directly and be very specific about your accessibility needs before booking. Don't trust the generic "accessible" tag blindly. It's a gamble.
Getting There: I am thrilled about the Airport Transfer! Whew, was there a lot of traffic getting there!
Check-In: They claim Contactless Check-in/out, so I did it. It was fine, but I prefer the human touch for a warm welcome.
Rooms: The non-smoking rooms are a must. No smell of stale cigarettes is always a plus! I am picky about the soundproofing because I can't sleep.
Internet, Glorious Internet (or the Lack Thereof?)
Okay, so the modern traveler needs internet like they need air. 717 Cesar Place promises the world:
Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms: YES! This is the baseline. God forbid you have to shell out extra for that.
Internet Access - LAN: Okay, a LAN? That sounds… ancient! Like, remember dial-up? Is this hotel stuck in the early 2000s? My laptop almost broke out in a cold sweat just hearing those words! Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating. I just would never use LAN, I got all excited for nothing.
Internet Services Wi-Fi in Public Areas: Well, at least they're trying. Though, I’m convinced that the Wi-Fi in any hotel is about as reliable as a politician’s promise. I remember being at the pool and having to switch between the different Wi-Fi networks just to barely load a picture. Ah, the joys of travel, right?
The Spa & Relaxation: Bubble Baths and… Body Wraps?
This is where things got interesting. I am a sucker for a good pampering session! The Spa is a HUGE selling point for me. I found myself drawn to the possibility of blissful relaxation. Let's break it down:
**The Pool with a View: **The website photos DO NOT disappoint. The pool design is phenomenal, and the views are *stunning*.
The Spa/Sauna/Steamroom: I went for the Spa. YES. YES. YES.
Massage: This is what grabbed me. I literally spent an entire afternoon communing with a masseuse. A complete de-stress.
Fitness Center: I did not find the gym at all. I was too busy at the Spa!
Body Scrub/Body Wrap: Eh, not my thing. I'm a simple girl. Give me a massage and a good view, and I'm happy.
The Food Scene: Buffet Battles and the Curious Case of the Vegetarian Restaurant
Ah, food. The heart (and stomach) of any vacation. 717 Cesar Place boasts options galore:
Restaurants/Bar/Poolside bar: There are many. And they're scattered, as they should be.
Buffet in Restaurant: Ok, here comes the good stuff. The buffet was an explosion of flavors and international delights. The buffet had the best Asian breakfast in terms of presentation.
Asian/International/Western Cuisine: This is what I expected, to be honest.
Vegetarian Restaurant: I have a friend who is vegetarian, so I asked the hotel. They have one! (I think.)
Room Service [24-hour]: This is essential for any good hotel.
Happy Hour: Score! Gotta love that.
Desserts/Coffee/Tea: Very important. The coffee shop was delicious.
Bottle of Water: This is important!
Cleanliness & Safety: Sanitization Station?
Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room: safety.
Hygiene Certification: That is a must these days.
Anti-viral cleaning products/Daily disinfection in common areas/Room sanitization: Essential. Again, it's reassuring, but you still have to be vigilant yourself.
Staff trained in safety protocol: The staff, from what I could tell, seemed genuinely dedicated to keeping things clean and safe. Again, trust but verify, as they say.
Hand sanitizer: Essential!
For the Kids, and the Impatient
Babysitting service/Kids facilities: Again, ideal for families, but I'm a solo traveler,
Family/child friendly: This is a yes!
Access/CCTV in common areas/CCTV outside property: It's good, security is essential.
Check-in/out [express]: Cool, good for time.
Front desk [24-hour]: Good.
Safety/security features: Good.
Security [24-hour]: Good.
Smoke alarms/Fire extinguisher: Fantastic.
The Rooms: A Mixed Bag of Comfort and… Details
Now, to the heart of the matter: the rooms themselves.
Air conditioning: Essential in the Philippine heat!
Coffee/tea maker: A must for me. I rely on coffee.
Bathroom details: Good. Private bathroom + Separate shower/bathtub = Very good.
Desk: This is important.
In-room safe box: Good.
Services and Conveniences: The Good & The… Not-So-Good
Daily housekeeping: A godsend.
Convenience store: Very handy for late-night snacks!
Cash withdrawal: Also important!
Laundry service/Dry cleaning: Needed.
Concierge/Doorman: A great touch.
Things To Do… Beyond the Hotel (and, Frankly, Most of the Review!)
- Things to do: This is a huge part of the experience!
- Ways to relax: Now, my kind of vacation!
The Verdict: Would I Recommend 717 Cesar Place?
So, the million-dollar question: would I go back? It's complicated.
The Upsides: The stunning views, the spa, the pool, the food (especially the buffet!), and the genuinely friendly staff. The location itself is a real winner.
The Downsides: It's not perfect and could be better!
The Offer: Book Your Island Escape Now!
Here's the deal: Book your stay at 717 Cesar Place today and receive:
- A complimentary upgrade to a room with a balcony and ocean view! (Because who doesn't want to wake up to that?)
- A free welcome cocktail hour at the poolside bar!
- Exclusive access to our couples suite!
Don't miss out on the chance to experience the magic of the Philippines. 717 Cesar Place awaits, ready to welcome you to a dream escape. Book now, and let the adventures begin!
Unbeatable Luxury Awaits: Discover Paddington Resorts, India's Hidden Gem
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're heading to the 717 Cesar Place Hotel in the Philippines, and trust me, it's gonna be more "survive and thrive" than "perfectly curated Instagram feed." This is a real trip, people.
Day 1: Arrival, Jet Lag, and the Questionable Charm of a Shower Head.
- 5:00 AM (Manila Time - UGH): Touchdown in Manila. The air… well, it's a humid, spicy hug. Immigration? Let's just say my attempt at speaking Tagalog was met with a polite (and slightly amused) stare. Score: 0/10 for charm.
- 7:00 AM: Transfer to 717 Cesar Place. The pre-booked shuttle… well, it had a working air conditioner. That's a win, right? The drive? A glorious, chaotic ballet of scooters, jeepneys, and fearless pedestrians. I swear, I saw a chicken riding on top of a jeepney. Philippines already.
- 8:30 AM: Check-in. The lobby is… "eclectic." Let's go with "eclectic." Think faded grandeur meets slightly-too-bright lighting. My room? Surprisingly spacious! Except… the shower head. Oh, the shower head. It's like a tiny, disappointed sprinkler system. Low pressure, uneven spray. It’s an existential crisis in chrome. I almost asked for a bucket. That's my first emotional reaction, people: DESPAIRING SHOWER HEAD.
- 9:30 AM: Attempt at a nap. Jet lag is a beast. Woke up two hours later, convinced I'd slept through the apocalypse. Nope, just hungry.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a local "carinderia" (small, local eatery). Tried adobo. It was perfection. Sticky, savory, and the rice… oh, the rice. Went down faster than my dignity in a karaoke bar.
- 2:00 PM: Power walk to a park. The sun is a hammer. Found a park, sat under a tree, and watched the world go by. Kids laughing, old men playing chess… this is why I travel. This is hope.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Another nap. Jet lag, you are relentless.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Found a local restaurant. Tried the sizzling sisig. OMG. Crunchy, flavorful, and a little bit too spicy. But I powered through. Victory.
- 8:00 PM: Attempt at watching a Filipino movie on TV. Got distracted by the questionable dubbing and promptly fell asleep. Welcome to the Philippines.
Day 2: Intramuros, a Horse-Drawn Carriage, and the Soul-Crushing Heat (and the Great Mango Shake Quest)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. The breakfast, I have to say, was… serviceable. Cereal, some vaguely familiar pastries, and coffee that tasted like it had been brewed in a rusty pipe.
- 9:00 AM: Headed to Intramuros, the walled city. History is calling, or should I say… history is sweating. It's HOT. Like, "melt-your-eyeliner-off" HOT.
- 9:30 AM: Roamed Intramuros. Beautiful architecture, ancient churches, the whole shebang. But the heat was a relentless enemy. Found a horse-drawn carriage. Decided to indulge. Let me tell you, that carriage ride was… charming. Until a particularly aggressive mosquito started buzzing around my head. I slapped myself so hard I almost fell off the damn carriage.
- 11:00 AM: The real challenge… the Great Mango Shake Quest. I'd heard whispers, legends, tales of the perfect mango shake. A creamy, dreamy elixir to combat the heat. So, I went to every single vendor I could find around Intramuros. First shake? Thin and watery. Second? Too sweet. Third? Meh. Starting to lose hope.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a restaurant inside Intramuros. More adobo. Yes, I have a problem.
- 1:00 PM Still searching for that perfect Mango Shake. I’m walking the pavement. The sun is beating down. I am determined. I will find the perfect Mango Shake. I will.
- 2:00 PM: The Great Mango Shake Quest (continued). I was losing hope. Every Mango Shake vendor was disappointing. I wasn’t sure it was even possible to find The Shake. I am near defeat. But! I must persevere.
- 3:00 PM: Just as I was about to give up… I found it. The Holy Grail. A mango shake so good, it brought tears (of joy) to my eyes. Thick, creamy, perfectly balanced sweet and tang. Literally life-changing. It made the oppressive heat and the mosquito bites all worthwhile. That shake… was divine. The Great Mango Shake Quest… COMPLETE.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Sunburned. Happy. Exhausted.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a Filipino restaurant near the hotel.
- 8:00 PM: Attempted to watch another Filipino movie, complete with subtitles. Fell asleep halfway through, again. Maybe I'll improve my movie watching game tomorrow.
Day 3: The Day I Learned to Love the Chaos
- 9:00 AM: Woke up feeling a little more human. Shower head still a disappointment, but manageable.
- 10:00 AM: Wandered around finding more mango shakes. I've become accustomed. They are my new favorite.
- 12:00 PM: Hit a local market. So many colors, smells, and sights! I bought some (probably overpriced) souvenirs and haggled with a vendor who was trying to sell me a rooster's hat. I swear, I think he was genuinely confused when I told him no.
- 2:00 PM: I took a tour of a local neighborhood, and I was invited to eat with a family. Even if I didn't understand a word, I felt comfortable.
- 4:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Realizing the real charm of the 717 Cesar Place Hotel is the location is good. And the staff is incredibly friendly.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. I was so tired, I just wanted something familiar. Pizza. I found a local pizza place.
- 8:00 PM: Reflecting on the trip. The heat, the jet lag, the dodgy shower head… none of it mattered. I was starting to fall in love with the chaos of the Philippines. It's messy, it's loud, it's sometimes frustrating, but it's also full of life, warmth, and the best damn mango shakes on Earth.
Day 4: Departure (and a lingering mango shake craving)
- 6:00 AM: Wake up. One last sad look at the shower head.
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast (still serviceable).
- 8:00 AM: Check-out.
- 9:00 AM: Head to the airport.
- 10:00 AM: One last attempt at a mango shake. Just in case.
- 11:00 AM: Board the plane. Dreaming of mango shakes and questionable shower heads. Until next time, Philippines!
- 12:00 PM: Departure.
This itinerary is a work in progress, subject to change based on whims, weather, and the availability of mango shakes. Embrace the mess. Embrace the chaos. Just… pack extra sunscreen. And maybe a different shower head (kidding… mostly).
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717 Cesar Place: Your Dream Philippine Getaway - ...Or Is It? A FAQ, Basically
Okay, So What *IS* 717 Cesar Place, Exactly? Is It a Hotel? A Villa? My Grandma's House?
Alright, settle in, 'cause this is where things get... vaguely defined. 717 Cesar Place – and I SWEAR I'm not making this up – is this "rental property" in the Philippines. Think of it as a *vaguely* advertised escape. They call it a "villa," which, let's be real, covers a multitude of sins. My expectations ran high (blame the Instagram ads!), and let's just say they weren't *always* met. More on that later. Actually, scratch that. I'll loop back.
How’s the Location? Beaches? Nightlife? Is It Remote? Did I Pack Enough Bug Spray?
Okay, location. Crucial. The website promised... Paradise. Lush greenery, pristine beaches... What I found *was* a decent beach... but not quite the "Instagram-worthy" version. Nightlife? Ha! Unless you count crickets as your DJ, you're outta luck. It IS remote, which has its pros (total disconnection, blissful quiet...) and cons (the nearest decent ice cream shop is a 40-minute tricycle ride away - and trust me, I know). Bug spray? PACK TONS. Seriously. I got eaten alive. The ants, the mosquitoes... they have *no* mercy. And, as for how remote, well, expect zero delivery options. Learn to love cooking! (Or learn to love VERY local food.)
The Villa Itself: What's It *Actually* Like? Is it Clean? Do the Doors Lock?
Here's where things get… interesting. The villa *looks* nice in the photos. Trust me, I'm a sucker for a well-curated interior shot. In reality? Let's just say there's a certain *je ne sais quoi* of "rustic charm." Translation: It's a bit rough around the edges. Cleanliness? Okay-ish. I'm not a germaphobe, but I definitely did a quick wipe-down of the kitchen counter. Do the doors lock? Mostly. But the lock on my bedroom door? Yeah, that was more of a suggestion. I ended up shoving a chair under the handle for psychological security. It felt... safer. Plus, the wi-fi was a total joke unless you stood right next to the router.
What About the Food? Do They Offer Meals? Where Do I Even *BUY* Groceries?
Okay, food. This is where I almost lost it. Meals? Nope. Nada. Zilch. Unless you count the mangoes that literally *fell* off the trees (score!), you're on your own. Groceries? There's a tiny, dusty *sari-sari* store down the road that stocks the very basics. Think instant noodles, a brand of soda I'd never heard of, and maybe... *maybe*... some questionable-looking eggs. If you're planning on eating anything remotely resembling actual food, you'll need to go to the town. And again, bring a translator (just kidding, but I did wish I spoke Tagalog at times). I spent a whole afternoon figuring out how to grill a single fish. It was glorious, and a total mess, but glorious!
Okay, Let's Talk About the "Dream" Part. Was It Actually a Dream? What Were the Highlights?
Dream? That's a BIG word, my friend. It wasn't a *nightmare*, but it definitely wasn't a walk in a rose garden. The highlights? Oh, the sunsets. Unbelievable. Every single evening, the sky just exploded with colors. Worth the trip alone, honestly. Also, the sheer peace and quiet. No traffic, no city noise, just the sound of the waves. And the people! The locals were incredibly friendly and welcoming, even when I butchered their language. I'm still thinking about that beach. Sand as white, water as blue, but not Instagrammed, because... it's a secret. Kinda made it better.
And the Lowlights? What Went Wrong? Spill the Tea! (Or, You Know, the Rum.)
Okay, the tea. Buckle up. The lowlights? Where do I *start*? The wi-fi. I already mentioned it. Terribad. The hot water? Intermittent, at best. And the bugs... dear God, the bugs. But you know what *really* got to me? The implied ease. The ad copy made it sound like it would be a breeze. A total tropical escape. It wasn't. It took work. Lots of driving, lots of learning to be resilient. It wasn't *perfect*, but it was… real. Not some made-up paradise. I found myself making friends with the housekeeper, trying to get her to show me how to cook things. You get to understand the country more that way.
Would You Recommend 717 Cesar Place? Honestly?
Honestly? It depends. If you're looking for a perfectly polished, all-inclusive resort experience, absolutely not. Run, don't walk, to the nearest five-star hotel. BUT... if you're up for an adventure, if you're willing to embrace the imperfections, if you want a truly authentic experience, then maybe. Maybe. It's not for everyone. You have to be okay with a little bit of… chaos. But if you go in with the right expectations, you might just have an unforgettable trip. Just, you know... pack extra bug spray. And maybe learn a few basic Tagalog phrases. Oh, and bring a fully-charged portable charger, you will need it for photos, since the wifi won't be your friend.
Me? Would I go back? ...Maybe. After a LOT more bug spray and a serious conversation with myself about low-key expectations. And maybe I'd take a translator. Just in case. Let's see how the new locks are. And if the ice cream shop delivery service somehow comes to fruition.
