Time Travel Awaits: Philippines' Most Mystical Hotel!
Time Travel Awaits: Philippines' Most Mystical Hotel! - A Review That's Actually Honest (And Maybe a Little Crazy)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the swirling vortex of… Time Travel Awaits! Philippines' Most Mystical Hotel. And let me tell you, the name alone sets the bar pretty damn high, doesn’t it? Prepare for a review that's less sterile brochure and more chaotic diary entry. Because let's be real, travel is never a perfectly curated Instagram feed, is it?
First Impressions & Accessibility: The Unexpected Hurdles (and Triumphs!)
Okay, so getting there? Well, let's just say my GPS really hates scenic routes. Which, ironically, is exactly what you get – a stunning, slightly terrifying, winding road that feels like it's actively trying to fling you into a ravine. But hey, the views? Unforgettable. Absolutely breathtaking. And… worth it. (Mostly.)
Accessibility: Now, I need to be honest, while the website claims facilities for disabled guests, the reality is a little… hazy. Elevators are present, which is a huge plus. But navigating some common areas, particularly the paths to the pool, felt a little… challenging. I wouldn't say it's completely inaccessible, but definitely call ahead and ask specific questions about your needs. (And maybe bring a friend who's good with hills!)
Checking In/Out: The Contactless check-in/out option was smooth sailing, thankfully, especially after the stressful drive! They also offer Express check-in/out, which is a godsend when you’re desperate for a cocktail (more on this later). The 24-hour Front desk is also a huge comfort.
My Room: A Portal to… Coziness (and the Occasional Mystery)
My room? Oh, my room. Non-smoking rooms are a given, thankfully, because the mystical vibe is intense. The air conditioning was a lifesaver; trust me, you’ll need it. The blackout curtains, my god, the blackout curtains! Perfect for those days when you just want to vanish and pretend the world doesn't exist.
What was good: Loved the free Wi-Fi (available everywhere!), and that the Internet access - LAN was also available! My love for a Laptop workspace is unmatched. The desk, satellite/cable channels, and even the alarm clock worked flawlessly.
What was… less good: The Internet access – LAN and Internet access – wireless was a bit patchy at times, but honestly, who am I to judge when you're supposedly time traveling? Oh, and the bathtub, magnificent as it looked, took a lifetime to fill. I definitely spent more time staring at the faucet waiting for the water to reach my knees than actually enjoying the soak. The mirror, however, was perfect for contemplating the meaning of life (and whether I had a stray piece of seaweed stuck in my hair).
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Journey for the Taste Buds (and the Wallet)
Okay, let’s talk food. This section is messy, grab a napkin.
Restaurants: The restaurants… well, they exist! I went to the Asian restaurant on the first night. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was… fine. Passable. Predictable. The buffet options were plentiful, but I wouldn’t write home about the flavors. (Sorry, I'm being honest!) But the coffee shop deserves a special shout-out! The coffee/tea in restaurant was actually amazing and the desserts in restaurant were a sweet, sweet reward after that winding drive.
Bars & Beverages: The Poolside bar was my jam. The Happy hour specials, thank the heavens, were worth writing home about. Especially after a dip in the (breathtaking) swimming pool [outdoor] (with a Pool with a view!). Sipping a cocktail while overlooking that panorama? Priceless. And the bottle of water, bless them for offering those for free, you'll need them!
Room Service & Snacks: The 24-hour room service was a lifesaver for those midnight snack cravings. I even tried the Breakfast in room once! The Breakfast takeaway service was convenient.
Food & Drink Safety: All in all, the Safe dining setup and the precautions against the current challenges gave me a peace of mind.
Things To Do & Ways To Relax: From Spa Shenanigans to Fitness Fiascos
Now, this is where Time Travel Awaits really shines.
The Spa: The spa itself? Pure bliss. The Body scrub left me feeling like a newborn baby, and the massage was so good, I may or may not have drooled on the table.
The Sauna: The sauna and steamroom really made me appreciate the hotel. It was like stepping into a portal of relaxation after an incredible foot bath.
Fitness Center: The Gym/Fitness center! Well, let’s just say I took one look, decided "exercise" was best left to the professional time travelers, and opted for another dip in the pool.
Other Amenities: I also loved the terrace. The Shrine was cool, a nice place to relax, and the outdoor venue for special events looked stunning (though no special events were on while I was there).
For the Kids: They have Babysitting service, which is a huge plus for families. I did see lots of Family/child friendly amenities in a lot of spots.
Cleanliness and Safety: Breathe Easy (Mostly)
The hotel clearly takes cleanliness seriously. I spotted the Daily disinfection in common areas and the staff were always cleaning something. They also use Anti-viral cleaning products. The staff were well-versed in hygiene protocols. From a hand sanitizer station in every corner to the Sterilizing equipment, they are taking the extra steps to protect you.
They really tried to follow modern safety precautions, which included Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, and even opting to provide a Cashless payment service.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter (and Sometimes Annoy)
Services and Conveniences: The concierge was incredibly helpful, always ready with a smile and a suggestion. The Laundry service, and ironing service, were much needed after the hiking adventures. There’s a convenience store for those last-minute essentials. And the gift/souvenir shop is perfect for grabbing something to commemorate your journey…even if you’re not time traveling.
The Annoyances: Okay, honesty time again. While most things worked seamlessly, the dry cleaning/laundry service were a bit pricey. And the elevator, while present, got a little crowded during peak times.
Getting Around: Airport transfer is an option but those winding roads? I'd definitely recommend a reliable taxi.
The Quirky Bits:
- I swear the fire extinguisher doubled as a disco ball at night.
- Don't underestimate the power of a mirror reflection after a few cocktails.
- The shrine? Absolutely stunning, and a great spot for quiet contemplation… or, you know, taking selfies.
My Verdict: Is Time Travel Awaits Truly Mystical?
Look, "mystical" is a big word. Is it perfect? No. Is it the most accessible hotel in the world? Probably not. But… it's unique. It's quirky. It's got a charm that's hard to resist. It’s the kind of place where the imperfections add to the character.
My final thoughts? YES. Book it! It’s an experience!
Here's the deal:
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Time Travel Awaits: Your Enchanting Escape Awaits!
Here's my offer :
Book your stay at Time Travel Awaits and receive:
- A complimentary bottle of local spirits (because, why not?)
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- Free daily breakfast (because you'll need your energy to explore!)
But that's not all!
For a limited time, reserve your mystical adventure and get a free upgrade to a room with a view!
Why Time Travel Awaits?
Escape the ordinary. Dive into a world of wonder, where the air hums with a sense of possibility. Time Travel Awaits isn't just a hotel; it's an experience. A place to reset, recharge, and maybe, just maybe, discover a little magic along the way.
**Don't just dream it. Live it. Book your Time Travel
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Okay, buckle up buttercups! Here's a gloriously messy, opinionated, and probably slightly hysterical itinerary for a stay at the Time Travellers Hotel in the Philippines. Let's see if we can make it through this, shall we?
Time Travellers Hotel: Philippines - A Chaotic Adventure
Day 1: Arrival & Mild Panic (aka, "Where's my damn beach bag?")
- 6:00 AM: Alarm SCREAMS. Seriously, who decided that was an acceptable sound? Coffee. NEED COFFEE. Before I can even THINK about time travel, I need caffeine.
- 7:00 AM: Airport chaos. Manila's airport is beautiful, but the crowd is a bit much, It's like everyone decided to fly today. Lost my beach bag already. In a panic, I ask a flight attendant for help; she gives me a reassuring smile and directs me to the baggage claim area. I think she secretly enjoys watching people panic.
- 8:30 AM: Finally, the time machine (aka a ridiculously comfortable, but secretly ancient, SUV) arrives to whisk me away to the hotel. The driver, let's call him Manny (because, of course), is a gem. He’s blasting AC/DC, and I secretly want to hug him right now.
- 10:00 AM: Arrive at Time Travellers Hotel. Cue: Dramatic entrance! It’s… well, it’s something. The architecture is a bizarre, yet delightful, blend of pre-colonial, Spanish colonial, and a dash of "futuristic tiki bar." I love it. Check-in is swift, the staff are charming, and my room… ooh-la-la! It has a four-poster bed with mosquito netting and a balcony overlooking a pristine beach. The ocean is calling!
- 11:00 AM: Beach time! I finally locate my bag… tucked away in a forgotten compartment of the SUV. Relief washes over me. Sunscreen, swim trunks, and a book are all waiting. The water is the color of sapphires, and I just want to dive in.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at the hotel restaurant. I sample some local cuisine, which is amazing. Adobo is the life-giver. The sheer amount of deliciousness is dangerous; I may fall.
- 2:00 PM: A tour of the secret time-traveling hub. I’m shown the place where they perform the time travel, It is so fascinating. I am left stunned but I cannot say anything that could give away any details about it.
- 4:00 PM: Nap time. Jet lag is a cruel mistress.
- 6:00 PM: Sunset drinks. The hotel bar, "The Chronos Club," is serving up some seriously potent cocktails. My first one, a "Temporal Twist," almost knocks me out. Maybe this time-traveling thing isn't such a bad thing after all.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner. The hotel restaurant is doing it all over again, this time with a live band that's a little too loud for my liking. I can barely hear myself think. I go for the grilled fish with garlic rice. It's delicious and I'm feeling slightly loopy.
Day 2: History, Heartbreak, and a Hilarious Disaster (aka "That Time I Accidentally Talked to a Spanish Conquistador")
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast buffet. I piled my plate with everything. I could easily eat three plates. And probably will.
- 9:00 AM: The schedule says "Historical Excursion." This is it! The real reason I've come. I want to meet Jose Rizal, but I'm aware that I must be very careful! The hotel offers a tour to the early era. The guide, let’s call him Pedro, is telling us about the Spanish rule. I swear, I have a crush.
- 10:00 AM: Time-travel! I get to experience my first go-to of time-travel, what a thrill.
- 11:00 AM: Oops! It turns out you can't just waltz around in the past without a chaperone. I am in a panic. The guide seems a little too familiar with this scenario.
- 12:00 PM: After the disastrous time-travel, I was scolded. I am given a stern lecture by the hotel manager. Then, I spend the rest of the day in a mood.
- 2:00 PM: Feeling a little silly, I go to the beach. I spend hours swimming in the sea. This is what I needed, and for all the issues I've experienced, I will never trade these moments.
- 6:00 PM: Another cocktail at the Chronos Club. I need to wash out today's fiasco.
- 7:00 PM: I decide to take a cooking class. It turns out I am not very good at it. The class is supposed to be fun, but I spent most of it feeling clumsy and inept. But I don't really care. I am just happy to be here.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner. And a whole of wine.
Day 3: Reflection, Relaxation, and a Promising Future (aka "This Time, I'm Prepared")
- 9:00 AM: I decide to take a break from the past and explore the present. The hotel offers excursions to nearby islands, so I take a boat to a deserted beach.
- 10:00 AM: Pure bliss! The sand is like powdered sugar, the water is crystal clear, and there’s not a single soul around. I spend the morning swimming, sunbathing, and reading.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch on the beach. Again, the hotel does not disappoint. The food is fresh, the portions are generous, and the view is breathtaking.
- 3:00 PM: I check out the hotel spa. It is heaven. A full-body massage is a lifesaver. I feel like a new person.
- 6:00 PM: One last cocktail at the Chronos Club. This time, I go with a "Time Weaver," a concoction that’s both sweet and spicy.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. I decide to go all-out with a four-course meal. Tonight, I plan on being completely alone with my thoughts. I reflect on the trip that has been absolutely all over the place.
- 8:00 PM: I go to my room to journal. I feel a sense of satisfaction. I know I have changed, and in some ways, I'm grateful. Even with all the mishaps.
- 9:00 PM: Sleep is all I want.
Day 4: Departure (aka, "Goodbye, Sweet Philippines…")
- 7:00 AM: Coffee and a final look at that gorgeous view. I have to leave. I don't want to leave.
- 8:00 AM: Farewell breakfast. I am going to miss this food.
- 9:00 AM: Check-out… a bittersweet moment. I’m ready to return to the present, but I'm also sad to leave.
- 10:00 AM: Manny and his AC/DC are waiting to whisk me away. He's got a knowing look on his face, which I think means he's seen it all.
- 12:00 PM: Goodbye Manila. Goodbye, Time Travellers Hotel. Goodbye, Philippines. This trip has changed me, I know it.
This is just a starting point. Feel free to inject your own crazy stories, emotional outbursts, and hilariously bad decisions into this itinerary. Just remember, embrace the chaos – because that’s where the best travel memories are made! And who knows, maybe you'll meet a Spanish conquistador! (Just… maybe bring a phrasebook.)
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Time Travel Awaits: Philippines' Most Mystical Hotel - FAQs (Because, Honestly, You'll Need Them!)
1. So...time travel? Seriously? Is this a scam, a hallucination-inducing fever dream, or like... a really REALLY good themed hotel?
Okay, let's rip the band-aid off first. Yes, time travel *is* the advertised experience. Is it legitimate, scientifically proven, and can you get me a meeting with my teenage self to tell him NOT to buy that god-awful band t-shirt? Hard no. But! Is it an incredibly immersive and surprisingly moving experience? Absolutely. Think less "Back to the Future" and more "Lost in Translation meets a Filipino Fiesta." The "science" is... well, it's mystical. They have these 'Transit Rooms' designed to transport you, it's all hazy and a little off. Don't expect a DeLorean, expect a very convincingly detailed *illusion*.
2. The website mentions "historical eras." Which ones? And can I, like, punch Hitler (just kidding... mostly)?
The era options are... diverse and, frankly, depend on the "Transit Room" availability at the time. I experienced the Spanish Colonial period (complete with a guy who looked suspiciously like my *abuelo*, and a very persistent woman trying to sell me a comb – which, even in that era, seemed excessive) and a bustling pre-WWII Manila. You'd think the hotel would have a curated list, right? Nope! It's more of a 'what's brewing in our time-bending pot today' kind of situation. As for punching historical figures... well, let's just say they emphasize "observation" and "gentle interaction." You're there to *witness*, not rewrite history. Which...is probably for the best. Think of the paradoxes! Plus, the security guards in the "Transit Rooms" are surprisingly buff.
3. Is the food any good? Because let's be honest, a bad meal can ruin a whole trip.
Okay, the food. This is where things get...complicated. In the "present" – meaning, the hotel's central dining area – it’s surprisingly good. They do a phenomenal *lechon* and their *halo-halo* is legendary. The problem? Each "Transit Room" has its own culinary experience. The Spanish colonial era had some truly...authentic (read: heavy on the lard) dishes. Let's just say I developed a new appreciation for modern medicine after that one. The pre-War Manila food was *amazing* though; so much fresh seafood and the *kare-kare* was just... *chef's kiss*. It's a gamble, but the hits are worth the misses. Bring antacids.
4. What should I pack? I mean, besides my passport.
This is where it gets tricky. The hotel *suggests* you pack clothing appropriate for whatever era you're "visiting." So, if you're planning on pre-war Manila, a crisp *barong tagalog* or a chic flapper dress wouldn't go amiss. If going to the Spanish Colonial period, prepare to look very out of place. Honestly? Pack layers. The hotel is air-conditioned, but some of the "Transit Rooms" can get... stuffy. Comfortable shoes are a MUST. A small notebook and pen for jotting down observations (I wish I'd done this!) a sense of humor, and an open mind are essential. And definitely pack your phone, you'll definitely want to take notes and record your thoughts.
5. Can I bring my kids/pets/significant other?
Kids: Yes, but with restrictions. There are some "Transit Rooms" deemed unsuitable for younger children. Check with the hotel beforehand. Pets: Nope. Your furry friend will have to stay at home. Sorry, Fido. Significant other: YES! Though, be warned: the experience has tested more than one couples' patience (all that *waiting*!).
6. Speaking of 'waiting', what's the reservation process like? Is it as chaotic as my last trip to the DMV?
Reservations are... a *journey*. The website is cryptic, the phone lines get busy (predictably), and there’s a distinct lack of information. Booking through a travel agent that specializes in "the unusual" is highly recommended. Prepare for delays, confusion, and a general sense of "what is going on?". I made my reservation six months in advance, only to be told upon arrival that the Spanish Colonial "Transit Room" was experiencing "technical difficulties" (the guy was still selling combs, so who knows!) and instead I was shuttled into the pre-WWII Manila one. Try not to get too invested in a specific era; flexibility is key.
7. Okay, so the time travel is…an experience. What’s the "hotel" part like? Is it actually comfortable?
The hotel itself is... a delightful paradox. It's this elegant, slightly faded grand dame. Think colonial architecture with a healthy dose of Filipino artistry. The rooms are spacious, clean, and well-appointed. Service is friendly (though a bit slow at times – this is the Philippines, after all). The pool is heavenly, the spa is divine, and the bar makes a killer margarita. The only real complaint I have is the weirdly-placed portrait of a stern-looking woman in every single room. It's a little unnerving at 3 am, but I got used to it. Overall, it's a really lovely place to, well, *wait* for your next time-bending adventure.
8. What's the most *memorable* thing you experienced? Give me the juicy details!
Alright, buckle up. The pre-WWII Manila experience. This wasn't just a "Transit Room"; this was *living*. The smells of street food, the rumble of the calesas, the music, the *feeling* of a city on the cusp of something… I felt truly transported. The air crackled with energy. I had the distinct pleasure of stumbling into a small, bustling *carinderia* (a local eatery). The food? Beyond description, but the *sinigang* was one of the best I've *ever* tasted. I spent hours laughing and conversing with the people there (in rudimentary Tagalog, I admit – thanks Duolingo!). This seemed real, and even thought I went there alone, it was the exact opposite, my heart felt full. It's funny, or maybe not, but the small things made a big impression. The way the sunlight filtered through the capiz windows, the way the women laughed as they gossBoutique Inns
