Armada Hotel Manila

This hotel is often chosen for its spacious rooms and perceived value, appealing to short-stay travelers and those seeking an affordable base. However, many guests find the property to be significantly dated and in need of substantial renovation, which impacts the overall experience. While some appreciate the friendly staff, recurring issues with Wi-Fi connectivity and the presence of pests or unpleasant odors in rooms are frequently highlighted. The hotel's location, though convenient for accessing certain areas, is often described as being in a rough neighborhood with ongoing construction. To ensure a more comfortable stay, guests are advised to manage their expectations regarding the hotel's age and the surrounding environment, and to confirm specific amenities are functional upon arrival.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently report significant issues with the hotel's facilities. The Wi-Fi is a major point of contention, consistently described as spotty, slow, or non-functional in rooms, making it difficult for guests to work or stay connected. The swimming pool, while present, receives mixed reviews; some find it nice, but many describe it as murky, dirty, or shadowed by surrounding buildings, limiting sun exposure. The gym is largely unusable, with most cardio equipment reported as broken or under maintenance. Many guests also experience a lack of hot water in their rooms, with water often being lukewarm at best. Additionally, the spa facilities are frequently noted as being closed or unavailable, despite being advertised. The air conditioning in rooms is sometimes described as weak or emitting unpleasant smells, further detracting from comfort.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
While many guests praise the spaciousness and comfort of the beds, the overall cleanliness and condition of the rooms receive considerable negative feedback. A significant number of reviews mention the presence of bugs, cockroaches, flies, or even mice in rooms and bathrooms, which is highly off-putting. Mold is frequently reported in bathrooms, particularly in showers and on ceilings, contributing to a pervasive musty or unpleasant smell throughout the rooms. Some bathrooms lack proper enclosures, leading to water splashing everywhere, and guests often find a limited supply of towels or no bathmat. The rooms are described as dark, with creaky floors and shabby curtains, indicating a lack of maintenance. Noise is also a common complaint, with street noise, construction noise, and sounds from adjacent rooms easily audible due to poor soundproofing.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback on the hotel's dining options, particularly breakfast, is mixed but often leans negative. Many guests describe the breakfast buffet as basic, simple, or a "joke," citing a limited variety of dishes and food that is frequently cold. While some find the breakfast acceptable for the price, others are disappointed by the quality and selection, especially for non-local options. The restaurant food generally receives some positive comments regarding taste, but a few guests find it overpriced. Some appreciate the offer of welcome drinks upon arrival, but this positive note is often overshadowed by the overall dissatisfaction with the main meal offerings.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is a point of mixed sentiment. Many guests appreciate its proximity to key attractions such as Mall of Asia, Robinson Mall, Intramuros, and Rizal Park, as well as its relative closeness to the airport. However, the surrounding area receives overwhelmingly negative comments. It is frequently described as dark, unsafe, and dirty, with ongoing construction, derelict buildings, and the presence of begging individuals. Guests often note a strong, unpleasant smell in the vicinity. Parking is a significant issue, with limited or no available slots at the hotel, forcing guests to use pay parking lots nearby, which can be expensive. The street leading to the hotel is often in poor condition, making access challenging.

Staff & Service
The staff generally receive positive remarks for their friendliness, helpfulness, and courteous demeanor, with many guests highlighting the positive interactions with door staff and restaurant personnel. However, the front desk service is a frequent source of frustration. Guests report slow check-in and check-out processes, with long waiting times. The front desk staff are often described as unhelpful, inattentive, rude, or inflexible when addressing guest concerns or requests. Issues with housekeeping are also noted, with some guests experiencing slow service or rooms not being cleaned as expected. Furthermore, several reviews mention a lack of responsiveness from management when serious problems are raised, leading to unresolved issues.

Additional Information
A recurring theme in guest reviews is the hotel's deposit policy, which often causes frustration. Guests are typically required to pay a significant cash deposit upon check-in, and many report difficulties or outright failure in getting their deposit refunded upon check-out, with some feeling it is a deliberate scam. The hotel is also noted for its strict rules, including limitations on visitors and bringing outside food into rooms, which some guests find overly restrictive. There are also complaints about additional charges for basic amenities like extra towels or for early check-in. Some guests have experienced issues with no refunds being issued for early departures, even when due to unacceptable room conditions.