Lancaster Suites: the good and the bad

We stayed at Lancaster Suites when we were in Manila for nine days. Will I recommend this place? Hmm...I think I just have to enumerate what I like and didn't like, and let the person decide.

Let's get the bad stuff out of the way first. What I didn't like:

1) Despite the numerous requests to fix the AC leak, it wasn't fixed. I am not sure if somebody went and try to fix it though. But when we checked out, there was still water dripping from the AC.

2) We have to ask for the breakfast coupon every morning. It's fine. The front office people tell us they'd just give it to waiters. Still fine. But what irked me was when we sat down, the waiters still asked for our coupons. Like duh? It really made us feel like we were gatecrashers inside a party and not guests. Obviously, their F&B and FO need to solve some communication problem.

3) Most of the inclusions on the package that we availed were not available. The reason why I booked with them is the free 2-hour babysitting service and the free internet in the room. But when I checked with their front office, an unapologetic girl said, "It's just not available" referring to the free babysitting service. There was no internet on the room too. But at least they have free wifi access on the lobby. Now, I worked in a front office before and I know that's not how you answer. She should have checked my voucher, but she didn't (unfortunately I didn't have the voucher with me that time) or ask their reservations for clarifications. Enough with the ill-trained staff. That's another story. Anyway, granted we booked the cheapest room rate and some of the inclusions weren't really important to us (ie welcome drink, fruit platter, butler service, complimentary water) but that doesn't mean it shouldn't be available, right?

4) It's hard to take a nap in the afternoon because it's noisy. Since, they're still finishing some parts of the building, you can hear the drillings going on. Some contruction people were also milling around. And from the room, we can hear their conversations.

5) I paid Php75 for a an hour's use of iron and ironing board. Okay, this is really no biggie because it's only Php75. But still, shouldn't it be free?


So what made us stay at Lancaster until check out day? They do have some redeeming factors:

1) Their location. It is very accesible. It's just along Shaw boulevard and just a walking distance to Shangrila and Megamall, where we were frequent visitors.

2) While some staff needed more training, others deserve a gold medal. Especially their driver (forgot the name) and the bellman/concierge (Dennis). They were so polite, extremely helpful and made us feel welcome in the hotel.

3) The room is exactly the same on the website's pictures. So I wasn't disappointed. And the pillows and towels were still soft and fluffy.

So there. Just read through and you can decide if you want to stay. I wrote them my feedbacks. Maybe, they will work on their problem areas.