City Garden Suites Manila

For the price of 48 USD stabdard room: a) a hearty breakfast-food was great but suggest that they switch to brewing coffee-Philippnes has one of the best arabica's from Batangas) rather than the tasteless instant variety;b) Free english newspaper;c) Relatively reliable and fast free wifi connection;d) friendly and super helpful staff;e) room large enough for a couple and possibly a kid or 2 without feeling cramped and with its own bathroom facilities (also suggest a more powerful lamp for reading as an extra) and e) Walking distance to a large swanky mall-Robinson's--all for USD 48 ! None-I got more than I paid for. In the earlier reviews, guest noted the location and its seediness. In my opinion, nothing short term can be done with poverty and its daily manifestations in Manila. The hotel is located in an older section of Manila once renowned as a red light district in the hey day of US military visiting Manila for its R and R break. Do I feel unsafe? No but using common sense anywhere one is traveling to is always a good rule be it in Baltimore, USA or in Manila, Philippines.