AVIDA Tower 2: Esplanade Views, Smallville Perks, SM Convenience – Your Dream Condo Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, because this won't be your typical, sterile hotel review. We're diving head-first into AVIDA Tower 2: Esplanade Views – the dream condo, the Smallville Perks, the SM Convenience… let’s see if it actually is the dream! (And, spoiler alert: I’m bringing a lot of coffee. Because let's be honest, reviewing anything sober is just… unnatural.)
The Buzz, the Hype, and My Initial Skepticism (and Caffeine Intake):
Right, so the marketing is slick. "Esplanade Views!" "Smallville Perks!" "SM Convenience!" It's practically a triple shot of promises! My inner critic, a grumpy old barista named Mildred, instantly started yelling about over-hyped luxury. But hey, I needed a stay. Needed to escape. And frankly, the "Smallville Perks" thing intrigued me. (I'm a sucker for anything that sounds vaguely provincial and adorable.)
Getting There: Accessibility, or the Dance of the Clumsy Tourist?
Okay, so my review gets off to a messy start. I booked a taxi, got stuck in a traffic jam, and barely made it in time. This is my own fault. BUT! The real test is how friendly the building is.
Accessibility Check! Okay, good marks! The entrance felt completely accessible. Elevators were easy to locate. The staff were helpful.
Parking & Getting Around: Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking, Airport transfer, Bicycle parking. This is excellent. Seriously. Finding parking in the city can be a nightmare.
The check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Contactless check-in/out: was smooth!
First Impressions: Shiny, But Does It Have Soul?
The lobby is… impressive. Think modern minimalist meets "I have money." Lots of glass, gleaming surfaces, and a faint scent of… expensive air freshener? The staff were genuinely nice, and the check-in process was quick after the taxi fiasco. They even offered me a bottle of water (bless them).
Room Sweet Room: Did My Dream Condo Arrive?
My first impression was "Oh, that's nice!" The room itself wasn't giant, but it was extremely liveable.
The Good Stuff: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Mini bar, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. The bed? Sublime. Seriously, I sunk into it like I hadn't slept in a week.
The "Meh" Zone: They kept the Bathrobes a secret… I only spotted them on day 2 of my stay. The TV was fine, but the channel selection was a bit… pedestrian. More travel documentaries, please!
My Emotional Reaction: Honestly? Exhaustion. My world got a break.
The Perks! The Smallville Perks! (And The SM Convenience):
Location, location, location: AVIDA Tower 2 is strategically perched. The "Esplanade Views" definitely delivered. Plus, being this close to an SM mall?? Pure genius. Need essentials? BAM! Food cravings? BAM! Retail therapy emergency? You guessed it… BAM!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Food, Glorious Food! A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant. The range of food options was impressive. The Breakfast [buffet] was a glorious thing – a symphony of pastries, eggs, and enough coffee to fuel a small army. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was great. The Poolside bar was perfect for early evening.
For Relaxation and "Me Time": The Spa! The Pool! The… Sauna?
Okay, I'm not exactly a spa person, but I did hit the pool.
- Ways to Relax: Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]. The Pool with view was amazing. I spent a full afternoon just floating and staring at the sky. Bliss.
- The Sauna? I dipped my toe in only!
Cleanliness and Safety: Because, You Know, 2024:
- Cleanliness and Safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol. Felt secure. The staff seemed genuinely concerned about hygiene, which is massively reassuring.
Amenities: Beyond the Basics
- Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center, Facilities for disabled guests.
- Excellent. The concierge was unbelievably helpful (especially when I locked myself out of the room… more on that later). The laundry service saved my sanity.
The "For the Kids" Section (Because, Why Not? Even If I Don't Have Any):
- For the kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal. It seemed like they catered well for families.
Internet, or My Digital Lifeline:
- Internet access, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas. The Wi-Fi? Fast, reliable, and thankfully, everywhere. I could stream movies with no problems.
The Minor Mishaps (Because, Life):
Okay, here's where it gets real.
- The Lock-out Incident: As mentioned. I was half-asleep, fumbled with the keycard, and BAM! Locked out. The concierge fixed it quickly, but it was a moment.
- The Unruly Towel: Okay, minor. But one of the towels seemed to have a life of its own. It kept falling off its rack, like it was staging a rebellion.
Bottom Line: Should You Book?
Yes, absolutely. AVIDA Tower 2 ticks a lot of boxes. It's convenient, comfortable, and the "Smallville Perks" thing? Turns out, it's spot-on. Even with the minor hiccups, I had a fantastic stay.
My Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars. Would definitely return. (And maybe invest in a better keycard game.)
Compelling Offer: Escape to Serenity with Spectacular Views at AVIDA Tower 2!
Ready to trade the everyday hustle for a slice of paradise? Book your stay at AVIDA Tower 2: Esplanade Views and experience the ultimate blend of luxury, convenience, and relaxation!
Here's what awaits you:
- Breathtaking Esplanade Views: Wake up to stunning vistas that will leave you breathless. Imagine sipping your coffee on your private balcony, watching the city come alive.
- Smallville Serenity, Big City Convenience: Enjoy the charm of a tranquil retreat while being steps away from everything you need. Indulge in world-class dining, shopping, and entertainment – all within easy reach!
- Ultimate Comfort and Relaxation: Dive into plush beds, unwind in our luxurious spa (massage, anyone?), or take a refreshing dip in our sparkling pool.
- Unforgettable Amenities: From our fully equipped fitness center to our convenient on-site dining options, we've got everything you need for an exceptional experience.
- Hassle-Free Stay: Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping, and a dedicated team ready to cater to your every need. Our contactless check-in/out and stringent hygiene protocols ensure a safe and stress-free stay.
**But wait, there's more
Escape to Paradise: Private Island Hotel Near Airport & Kokusai Street! BBQ Included!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into chaos. This isn't your perfectly curated Instagram travel reel; this is the real, unvarnished, maybe-a-little-too-honest truth about a whirlwind tour of Avida Tower 2, Shortwalk Esplanade, Smallville, and SM Philippines. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, questionable decisions, and the kind of awkward encounters that make you want to disappear into a black hole (but also, secretly, make the trip memorable).
Day 1: Avida Tower 2 - The Honeymoon Phase (Kinda)
9:00 AM - Arrival & Initial Impression (and Slight Panic): Landed at the airport, finally! Got a Grab to the hotel. Avida Tower 2 looks… well, it looks like an apartment building. Pretty basic. A little bit of a letdown after the pictures, honestly. My luggage is overflowing, which is already making me stress. This is the first trip with "the boyfriend", and the pressure is on. Ugh.
10:00 AM - Check-in and Room Reveal: Okay, the room is surprisingly decent. The balcony is tiny, like, "can barely fit two people" tiny. But the view is… alright. I can see the pool. Maybe I should have sprung for the upgrade? Ugh, I’m already second-guessing. The boyfriend's grinning. He’s easygoing. I'm the one with the panic attack brewing.
11:00 AM - Dipping a Toe (or Rather, a Hand) in the Pool: The pool looks inviting. Surprisingly large, actually. It’s a little crowded, mostly families. Tried to be elegant while lowering myself in, but I think I just splashed everyone within five feet. Awesome start.
12:00 PM - Lunch Disaster (and a Revelation): Okay, so the hotel restaurant is… not great. Bland, overpriced pasta. The boyfriend, bless his heart, is trying to stay positive. I'm simmering. But then, something amazing happened. We started talking, really talking, about us and why we wanted to travel. And it was actually… nice. So maybe, just maybe, this trip won't be a complete disaster.
1:00 PM - Siesta (and an Argument brewing): After lunch, we decided to take a quick nap. I woke up an hour later. Boyfriend is still sleeping. I don't. I start to silently seethe. Why can't I sleep? I'm the one who planned this whole trip! Then, he woke up, and we bickered about dinner plans. This is going to be a long trip, isn't it?
1:45 PM I'm Hungry. He's still sleeping: The boyfriend woke and we ended up deciding to eat. But I'm still secretly mad he slept so long. He's probably not going to survive my side-eye for another week.
2:00 PM - Shortwalk Esplanade: I am never a fan of tourist traps: Decided to walk around Shortwalk Esplanade. Not great. Overpriced trinkets, pushy vendors. Felt a bit like a cattle call. Boyfriend keeps telling me to chill out, but I can't. I feel like I’m being hustled everywhere I go. Tried to get a photo with one of those cheesy street performers. The guy wanted a ridiculously large tip. I gave the smallest coin I had and ran.
3:00 PM - Coffee and a Conversation: Found a small cafe. Coffee was decent. Started to feel better. This trip is supposed to be relaxation, right? So, I took a deep breath, and we talked about our days. We talked a lot. We're learning.
4:00 PM - Back at the Hotel: Back to the hotel. I started to plan dinner. Boyfriend suggested we go and eat. I resisted.
5:00 PM - Dinner: We ate, and it was delicious.
6:00 PM - Evening Walk: We took a walk at the pool and had a great time. My mood is really getting better now.
7:00 PM - Bedtime: It's bedtime.
Day 2: Smallville - The Food Coma & the Karaoke Debacle
9:00 AM - Rise and Sunshine (Actually, It's Just Humidity): Woke up feeling semi-okay, despite everything. The humidity here is a beast, though. My hair is already frizzy.
10:00 AM - Breakfast - and an Attempt at Being a Tourist: Breakfast at a local place. Ate adobo and lumpia. It was decent. Tried to strike up a conversation with a local, but my Tagalog is atrocious.
11:00 AM - Smallville's "Vibe": Headed to Smallville. It's a bit of a hipster haven, or at least, trying to be. Lots of restaurants and bars. The boyfriend gets a craving for Pizza.
12:00 PM - Pizza: Pizza was great. Ate 3 slices.
1:00 PM - Food Coma: I can barely move. I am full.
2:00 PM - Karaoke Nightmares: Oh, dear Lord. The boyfriend, in his boundless enthusiasm, suggested karaoke. I hate karaoke. I'm tone-deaf. I'm shy. I protested but was outvoted. The bar was loud, the drinks were strong, and my voice… well, let's just say it’s a sound that could curdle milk. I'm pretty sure I butchered a well-loved song. People were laughing. I wanted the floor to swallow me whole.
3:00 PM - Karaoke Nightmares - Part 2: Boyfriend has to come over and sing with me. So we sang horribly together.
4:00 PM - Karaoke Nightmares - Part 3: The locals, the staff, even the karaoke machine. They all laughed at me.
5:00 PM - Aftermath and Regret: We escaped and returned to the hotel. I just want to erase the entire experience from memory. Still, the boyfriend is happy. He even complimented me. This is the man I'm going to marry. Right?
6:00 PM - Dinner: We ate, and it was delicious.
7:00 PM - Bedtime: It's bedtime.
Day 3: SM City Philippines - The Shopping Frenzy (and a Touch of Existential Dread)
9:00 AM - Mall Time: Decided to go to SM City Philippines. I am so excited. Shopping is always a thrill.
10:00 AM - Shopping: We shopped for hours. It's been a long time since I've felt this thrilled.
11:00 AM - More Shopping: The boyfriend got tired. But I pushed him to continue. He did.
12:00 PM - Lunch: We ate. And then continued to shop.
1:00 PM - More Shopping: I went to watch a movie.
2:00 PM - Shopping: We shopped.
3:00 PM - Back to Hotel: We went back to the hotel. I was tired. But still wanted to go out.
4:00 PM - Dinner: Ate dinner. We didn't plan anything.
5:00 PM - Bedtime: It's bedtime.
Day 4: Departure - Epilogue (and a Hint of Hope)
- 9:00 AM - Packing & Pondering: Packing up the luggage, now it's worse. Everything is disorganized.
- 10:00 AM - Final thoughts: The trip wasn't perfect, far from it. I second-guessed a lot of things, and my anxiety got the best of me. But, amidst the chaos, there were moments. Laughing with "the boyfriend" at karaoke, discovering new and exciting flavors, and having a moment to talk… Those were the moments that made this trip worthwhile.
- 12:00 PM - Departure: Airport time. So many memories and lessons. I'd do it again. Maybe. Eventually.
Final Thoughts: This trip was a messy, beautiful, and hilariously imperfect adventure. I survived. "The boyfriend" survived. And in the end, isn't that all that really matters? (And yes, I'm already starting to plan the next one, with less karaoke and more… well, who knows? The element of surprise is definitely part of the fun, right?)
(P.S. I'm pretty sure I gained five pounds. And my bank account is screaming. But hey, at least I have stories!)
Indonesian Paradise: Your Private Pool Villa Awaits!
AVIDA Tower 2: Esplanade Views, Smallville Perks, SM Convenience - Your Dream Condo... Maybe? Let's See! FAQs - Honestly, This Thing's a Rollercoaster.
(Prepare for a few tangents. I'm just being real here.)
Okay, so, "Esplanade Views"? Is it REALLY a view to die for? Because I'm picky.
Alright, look, depends what you mean by "die for." I mean, yes, it's the Esplanade. You *should* get a decent view. When I first saw the mock-up, my jaw dropped. Seriously, Instagram-worthy sunsets, the whole shebang. Then I remembered I live in the real world.
So, the *actual* view? It varies. Lower floors? Prepare for the occasional building blocking your view (trust me, I've seen it). Higher floors? Probably pretty darn gorgeous. I heard a story (from a slightly obsessed gossip in the coffee shop) that someone on the 20th floor said it felt like they were flying. Flying! Me? I'm more of a "can I see my laundry?" kind of person.
And a word of caution: "Esplanade Views" *might* mean "partial view and a whole lot of other buildings." Ask for specifics, check the floor plans, and demand a clear picture of *exactly* what you're getting. Don't get bamboozled by the glossy brochure! I almost was, and that's a story for another day... involving a crying phone call and a very understanding real estate lady. Okay, I'm good now.
"Smallville Perks"? What IS that, exactly? Sounds... quaint.
"Smallville Perks" is marketing speak for... well, I'm not entirely sure. Honestly. I think it's supposed to convey a sense of community, of a slightly slower pace of life. The *hope* is it'll be like living in a friendly neighborhood where everyone knows your name (and maybe judges your takeout choices).
I spent hours researching what amenities were available (because Google hates me and has a different answer for everything). Some things are good, like the "community center" idea. Other points? Not sure. The gym looked tiny. (I need a HUGE gym. My therapist told me). The pool seemed nice enough -- depending on how packed it gets on the weekends. One friend, who's super positive, said "It's gonna be a great place to raise our families." I almost choked on my coffee.
My advice: Investigate deeper. Ask the hard questions about what's *really* happening. Talk to future neighbors. Try to get a feel for the place BEFORE you sign on the dotted line. Don’t just trust the pretty pictures and the smooth-talking sales people (they are excellent at smooth talking, just saying). My gut says it's what you make it.
SM Convenience. Alright. How *convenient* are we talking here? Can I basically live inside SM City?
SM Convenience is the big selling point, right? And it's a *huge* one. I mean, being near SM City is… well, it's life-changing. You forget your toothbrush? BAM. SM has it. Need groceries at midnight? BAM. 24-hour supermarket. Want to drown your sorrows in a bucket of fried chicken after a really bad day? BAM. Food court.
The sheer proximity is mind-blowing. You can practically roll out of bed and into a clothing store. And let's be honest, that's a MAJOR appeal. No more agonizing traffic to get to the grocery store. Late night ice cream cravings? Sorted. It’s dangerously convenient, though. I have a feeling my bank account will hate me.
However, there's a downside. Crowds. Lots and lots of crowds. Especially on weekends or holidays. So, consider yourself warned. You *will* face the wrath of the masses. But hey, at least you can drown your sorrows in a shopping spree, right? This is a very big pro, in my books.
What kind of person is this condo *really* for? Young professionals? Families? Golden retrievers who like shopping?
That is the million-dollar question, isn't it? I'd say it's targeting… everyone, which is never a good sign, because it means it's for no one, really. But let's break it down.
* **Young Professionals:** Definitely. The convenience factor is huge for them. Busy schedules, need quick access to essentials? Done. Also, decent nightlife options in the area.
* **Families:** Potentially. But the "Smallville Perks" need to be *really* good. Is there a good school nearby? Are there safe play areas? The proximity to everything is a big plus, though.
* **Empty Nesters:** Possible, if they like being in the thick of things. The convenience is GREAT. But if they are looking for quiet and solitude, stay far, far away.
* **Golden Retrievers Who Like Shopping:** Maybe? (I'm kidding... mostly.) But seriously, pet policies are important so clarify, clarify, clarify.
Honestly? It comes down to your personality and what you're looking for in life. It's a place to consider, a place to investigate to the nth degree, but whether it's YOUR place is a question only *you* can answer. I'm still on the fence, myself.
What about the headaches? The parking, the building fees, the... the potential for noise?
Buckle up, buttercup. Every condo has its share of headaches.
* **Parking:** This is where the real fun begins. Limited parking? Get ready for a daily battle. Get a parking spot IN THE BUILDING. Trust me on this one. I’ve heard horror stories (again, from the coffee shop gossip...)
* **Building Fees:** These things add up FAST. Ask for a detailed breakdown *before* you commit. What's covered? What's not? Read the fine print. Twice.
* **Noise:** Are the walls paper-thin? I have a neighbor with a dog who likes to yodel at 3 AM. (Not fun). Ask about soundproofing. Check if you can visit *during* a "noisy" hour (like rush hour or a weekend afternoon).
* **Construction:** Is there construction happening nearby? If so, prepare for noise, dust, and delays. Very bad news.
Look, I’m a natural worrier. These things are *important* to think about! Always do your research. Talk to potential neighbors. Don't blindly trust the salespeople. Get everything in writing. And for the love of all that is holy, think about parking.
Okay, so, the mood lighting? Included? Because that's non-negotiable.
(Deep sigh.) Okay, this is where I start to ramble because mood lighting is... well, *essentialHotel Whisperer
