The Oasis Paco Park Hotel

From the outside, the property is just an average mid-range hotel, with a nondescript  concrete façade and a small entrance. The lobby is nothing special either, with a single wicker couch, and a wooden front desk. However, polished black stone floors are attractive, and big windows let in lots of light on three sides of the room. Right off the lobby is a small cafe with outdoor seating overlooking the pool. Rooms are a little bit more boutique-y -- with a few unique details in each, such as four-poster beds, or different artwork on walls -- but mostly generic. Families and couples on a budget can choose from a wide range of room types here, from basic standard rooms to family-friendly units with a queen and two twins.

The hotel is located on Belen, a small street adjacent to historic Paco Park, a quaint garden that offers a quiet respite from busy Manila. There are a couple of small stores and restaurants an easy walk away, as well as an LRT and bus station down General Luna Street. Famous Rizal Park is a 15-minute walk away, but some guests may not feel safe walking there due to the lack of paved sidewalks in some areas. Intramuros, Makati, and the Mall of Asia are all a short drive away, and the airport can be reached in 20 minutes in normal driving conditions -- but note that Manila is known for its heavy traffic, and it usually takes much longer.

The hotel offers 50 rooms with different layouts and capacities, including smaller Standard Rooms with one queen bed, and large Family Rooms for up to four guests. Decor is generic, but most rooms have a funky mix of old and new, with contemporary lamps, antique-style chests of drawers, and older generic armchairs. Also, some rooms look newer than others, with older ones featuring somewhat dated furniture showing some wear and tear. Each unit has a couple of unique details, including artwork and furniture, but rooms are not quite boutique-y. Bathrooms are wet-room-style and basic, with simple showers and generic toiletries. Only a few selected “business” rooms have Wi-Fi connection; the rest of the guests have free Wi-Fi in the lobby.

The hotel is known among locals for My Kitchen, an outstanding Italian restaurant serving pasta, antipasti, a few international dishes, and Chef Chris’ famous panizza, with a thin, crisp crust and a selection of healthy ingredients. Breakfast is served here every morning, but it is a little pricey. The Deli is a lobby bar offering snacks, an Internet corner, and poolside seating, and Barolo Bar offers a decent selection of international wines. Aside from My Kitchen, the other highlight here is the pool, which is big enough for laps. There are a handful of tables and chairs around it, but no loungers.