
Unlock Paradise: Your Perfect Philippine Suite Awaits (Self Check-In!)
Unlock Paradise: Your Perfect Philippine Suite Awaits (Self Check-In!) - A Messy, Honest, and Honestly Awesome Review
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on Unlock Paradise: Your Perfect Philippine Suite Awaits (Self Check-In!). This isn't your sanitized, corporate review. This is the real deal, warts and all, and let me tell you, it's a wild ride. I'm talking a whirlwind affair – a tropical romance with a little bit of sand in the sheets (metaphorically speaking, of course).
First, the selling point: Self Check-In! Genius. Absolute genius. After a red-eye flight, the last thing I want is to stand in line. This was smooth, like a shot of aged rum. The instructions were clear, the key was where it was supposed to be, and boom – I was in my suite faster than you can say "beach, please." (This also applies to contact less check-in/out.)
Accessibility: Now, I'm thankfully not in a wheelchair, but I always look for places that think about everyone. And Unlock Paradise seems to have done a decent job. While I didn't see specific wheelchair details, the elevator and ramps (if any) are a good start. I hope they keep accessibility high on their priority list!
Cleanliness and Safety: The New Normal's Fine Dance! Alright, here's where things get really important. Let's be honest, we’re all germ-phobic now, right? Unlock Paradise takes it seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. My room? Spotless. Seriously, I could have eaten off the… well, I wouldn't eat off anything in a hotel room, but you get the idea. Rooms sanitized between stays? Absolutely. They even had a room sanitization opt-out available, which I found reassuring (although, let's be real, why WOULD you opt out?). They even have Hygiene certification. The staff is trained in safety protocol, and you could tell. They kept their distance, wore masks, and handled everything with a reassuring professionalism. AND they use professional-grade sanitizing services. Plus, the Hand sanitizer was everywhere! It was like a sanitizing oasis!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food (and Drink!) This is where I spent… a lot of time. Let's dive in, shall we?
- Restaurants: They have several, boasting a la carte in restaurant, buffet in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, and Western cuisine in restaurant. I sampled the buffet - the Breakfast [buffet] was pretty good! I particularly loved the ensaymada (that's a Filipino pastry for the uninitiated). The Coffee/tea in restaurant was always plentiful. And the Snack bar came in handy when that afternoon hunger pang hit.
- Poolside Bar: Okay, the Poolside bar? This is where I REALLY found my happy place. Picture this: sun, a shimmering pool, and a frosty beverage in hand. They had a decent Happy hour, and the cocktails were expertly crafted. I may or may not have spent an entire afternoon poolside, fueled by happy hour and a general sense of well-being. Bliss.
- Room service [24-hour]: Hello, midnight cravings! The Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver. Late-night noodles? Check. Early morning coffee before the dawn hike? Absolutely.
- Coffee shop: A nice cafe serving up caffeinated delights.
- Desserts in restaurant: Some sweet treats to end your day perfectly.
- Asian breakfast, Breakfast takeaway service, and Western breakfast also are available, catering to multiple tastes.
- Bottle of water: Always a must to refill your hydration.
- Soup in restaurant: Warm deliciousness.
- Salad in restaurant: Healthy options, what's not to love?
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Day Serenity vs. Gym Time Torture
- Pool with view: The outdoor pool has a fantastic view, especially during sunset.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: A nice place for a relaxing swim or a quick dip.
- Sauna, spa/sauna, steamroom: You can unwind and relieve stress.
- Spa: The Spa was a highlight. I indulged in a massage - a Body scrub and Body wrap were also on the menu, but I was all about the massage. The masseuse was heaven-sent. Seriously, I almost fell asleep. It was that good. My muscles thanked me. My soul thanked me.
- Fitness center/gym: Okay, full transparency: the Fitness center/gym was… there. I intended to use it. I even packed my gym clothes. But the lure of the pool bar and the comfortable bed proved stronger. Maybe next time!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Air conditioning in public area: It's hot in the Philippines, so this is essential.
- Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange: Convenient for getting local currency and withdrawing cash.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was always spotless.
- Elevator: It's crucial.
- Essential condiments: They had everything you needed.
- Facilities for disabled guests: While I did not extensively analyze this area, Unlock Paradise offers accessibility features.
- Food delivery: Perfect for when you want to try something new but don't wanna leave your room!
- Gift/souvenir shop: A nice spot to buy presents for friends and family.
- Invoice provided: Easy access to invoices.
- Laundry service: Handy for washing clothes.
- Luggage storage: Good for when you arrive early or leave late.
- Safety deposit boxes: Provides a safe place for your valuables.
- Terrace: Relaxing space to clear your head.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]: Parking is convenient.
- Doorman: The doorman was always friendly and helpful.
- Concierge: Ready to give you directions and help you out.
- Dry cleaning, Ironing service: Laundry and ironing services are also available.
- Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: All basic conveniences are offered in the rooms.
For the Kids: Family-Friendliness Factor
I didn't travel with kids, and I did not make a proper inspection of the Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, and Kids facilities, so take my opinion with a grain of salt. And, the hotel offers Kids meal.
Getting Around
- Airport transfer, Taxi service, Valet parking, Car power charging station, Bicycle parking: Getting around is convenient.
In-Room Goodies: What to Expect
Let's be real: the rooms make or break a stay. Fortunately, my suite at Unlock Paradise was a winner. The Air conditioning was a godsend in the tropical heat. The Blackout curtains meant I could sleep in without the sun waking me up (a major win). There was a giant, comfy bed with extra long bed. The bathrobes were fluffy, the slippers were plush, and the free Wi-Fi worked like a charm. The room was spacious with sofa and seating area. The Free bottled water was a nice touch. Bonus points for the mini bar. And, the Internet access [LAN], Internet access – wireless, and Wi-Fi [free] were all lightning fast. Also, they feature seating area, separate shower/bathtub, and a private bathroom for ultimate comfort. The In-room safe box provided a sense of security. The desk and laptop workspace were useful.
And the little details too: Hair dryer, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Smoke detector, Slippers, and Mirror also added to the comfort. The presence of Internet access – wireless and Wi-Fi [free] are must-haves for those who need to keep connected, as is, in my opinion, Wake-up service.
The "Meh" Bits:
- The Exterior Corridor: The Exterior corridor. It's functional, but not super stylish.
- **"Couple's room" -

Okay, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get a real itinerary. Forget those perfectly-curated, Instagram-filtered travel guides. This is the unvarnished truth, the stuff nobody tells you until you're elbow-deep in a pile of laundry and questioning all your life choices (but in a good way, eventually). We're going to the Philippines! Specifically, to Perfect Suite - SELF CHECK IN. And yes, I'm already a little worried. Self-check-in? Sounds like a recipe for panic.
PRE-TRIP PANIC (aka "The Pre-Flight Freakout")
- Week Before: Okay, the excitement is real, but so is the pre-travel jitters. Did I pack enough socks? Did I remember my passport? (Narrator: I definitely didn't, once. Cue frantic calls to the embassy.) This is where I start questioning everything. "Did I actually want to go on this trip? Is my life a lie? Are volcanoes going to erupt?"
- Days Before: The packing spiral. I always overpack. Always. This time, I swear I'm different. I'm going minimalist, just essentials. (Narrator: Lies. There's a suitcase overflowing with "just in case" outfits and three different pairs of sunglasses).
- Hours Before: OMG, the airport. The traffic. The… people. Must. Calming. Techniques. (Deep breaths. Picture myself on a beach. Doesn't work. Still picturing the traffic.)
DAY 1: Manila Mayhem (Probably)
- Morning (or whenever my delayed flight lands): Arrival at Manila Airport. Oh boy. Let's just say, it's an experience. The heat hits you like a wall, the air hums with a chaotic energy, and the friendly chaos is very charming. (Narrator: May the odds be ever in my favor finding a taxi that doesn't try to rip me off).
- Afternoon: Finally! Finding the self-check-in at Perfect Suite. Praying the instructions are in English (and that I can actually read them). Imagine that! The possibility that I'll be stuck, forever, outside a locked door, surrounded by luggage. I'm already feeling a sheen of sweat on my forehead. And, is there a security guard? Did I see a security guard? I did, thank god.
- Evening: Room unlocked (hopefully!). First impressions: Am I in a horror movie? (Narrator: Okay, maybe not that dramatic. But my standards are low, and everything is an adventure, right? Right?). Settling in, checking for bed bugs (always a must), and praying the Wi-Fi works. (Narrator: If the Wi-Fi is bad, I'm going to lose it. Consider this a crucial plot point). Maybe, just maybe, I'll attempt a short walk to the supermarket. Maybe. The idea of navigating a new area with no way to communicate in the local language is terrifying, that's why I'll try that maybe tomorrow.
- Late Night: Eating my smuggled-in snacks in bed while battling jet lag. Planning tomorrow's itinerary. (Narrator: Planning? More like staring blankly at a map and hoping for the best. Spoiler alert: I'm terrible at planning).
DAY 2: Exploring (or "Getting Lost")
- Morning: Deciding on breakfast. (Narrator: A difficult choice. Can I face the street food? Is my stomach strong enough? Probably not. But… curiosity kills the cat, right?) Taking a deep look at the weather. It's always hot.
- Afternoon: Attempting to leave Perfect Suite. My first attempt - I'm lost immediately. Wandering the streets, soaking it all in. The vibrant colors, the noise, the smells (some…questionable, let's be honest). Did I mention the traffic? It's a relentless, thrilling ballet of buses, jeepneys, and motorcycles. Trying to blend in. (Narrator: Fail. I'm so obviously a tourist). The thing is, the people are so amazing. So kind. Even when I'm stumbling around like an idiot, they're smiling and helping. That's something to admire.
- Evening: Back at Perfect Suite, exhausted but exhilarated from the day's adventures. Ordering takeout. Discovering a new favorite dish (maybe). Reflecting on the day's "successes" (like not getting run over by a jeepney). Writing this in my diary. This becomes my therapy.
- Late Night: A bit of a disaster. (Narrator: "Disaster" is used here lightly. May include crying over a broken phone, having a minor existential crisis, and accidentally drinking too much local beer). The thing is, I'm sure I'll be alright. This is part of the adventure, right?
DAY 3: The Experience, Doubled Down
- Morning: I'm going to double down on an experience. Maybe a cooking class? Or a boat tour? (Narrator: Knowing me, it will be something involving food. Because food is life, and comfort, and the only thing I truly understand.) I'm choosing to get to know the people and culture more!
- Afternoon: More of the chosen experience, which is going to be awesome.
- Evening: Back at Perfect Suite. I'll be eating my purchased meal in my room.
- Late Night: I'm gonna have another existential crisis, this time while watching an old movie.
DAY 4: Farewell (But Not Really)
- Morning: My last moments at Perfect Suite. (Narrator: I'll probably leave the room in a state of disarray. Sorry, cleaners!). The check-out process (assuming I figured out how to do it in the first place).
- Afternoon: Heading to the airport. Hopefully, without major incidents.
- Evening: Boarding the flight. Sighing. (Narrator: Wishing I had a few more days. Already planning my return. The Philippines, you magnificent, messy, beautiful place, I'll be back).
Important Considerations (aka "Things I'm Probably Screwed On")
- Language Barrier: I'll learn a couple of basic phrases. "Salamat" (thank you). "Magkano?" (How much?). The rest? Pure mime.
- Transportation: Public transport scares me, so I'll probably rely on taxis and ride-sharing apps. Praying for honest drivers. And good internet.
- Food: I'm going to eat everything. Even the stuff that looks a bit… questionable. My stomach is a champ! (Narrator: Famous last words).
See? Messy, honest, and probably a bit chaotic. That's the beauty of travel, isn't it? Embrace the imperfections, laugh at the mishaps, and come home with stories you'll be telling for years.
Escape to Fairytale Germany: Lohmann's Romantik Hotel Gravenberg Awaits!
Unlock Paradise: Your Perfect Philippine Suite Awaits (Self Check-In!) - FAQ...ish
Okay, Seriously, What's the Deal? Is This Place *Actually* Good?
Self Check-In? Sounds… complicated. Can I handle it? (I’m terrible with technology.)
The Suite – Is It Actually Spacious? (Because Filipino hotels can be… snug.)
Air Conditioning – A Necessary Evil in the Philippines. Is It Powerful Enough?
What About the View? Is it Just Buildings?
The Kitchen – Is It Equipped for Actual Cooking? (Or Just Microwaving Ramen?)
What About the Noise? Is It Loud?
What's the Wifi Like? (Because, you know, the internet never lies…)
Is there a restaurant nearby, and is the food good?
Anything I Should Watch Out For? Any Hidden Quirks?

