South of Market Private Residences

Place was awesome. Wish I had rented the room on my first week stay. Roma was very friendly, courteous and helpful. I’d recommend for my friends to stay there. Nearby malls.

I was in Manila for a conference. Unfortunately, the conference hotel was booked up, so I stayed at the South of Market Private Residences. As other have noted, it was difficult to check in. I went to the wrong tower, was directed to the right tower, and then had to wait for a substantial period of time because the front desk was not set up to check in people. My real problem, however, was with the room and the facility. The room was clean and functional -- but there were only 3 small packets of shampoo and a bar of soap, even though I had a 4-day stay. In addition, I purposely booked the Residences because it had a fitness center. When I asked about it, however, I learned "the equipment had not arrived." Thus, there was no fitness center -- and the Residences and Hotels.com had clearly made a misrepresentation on which I had relied. There was another significant problem. I soon discovered there was no hot water. I called the number I was given and told the problem would be fixed -- but it was not fixed until my last day there and only after I had made another call. Evidently, the last person who stayed there "blew out" the water heating system, and the proprietor had never checked (which raises questions as to how well the apartment was cleaned). In any case, I spent my week taking cold showers.

the room was okay but service of the caretaker Roma is exceptional

I rated this a 4.8. I usually stay in some condo in Global city. This trip I could find no condo from private owners. The only BIG problem with the condo was that the "staff" of SOMA, "South of Market" had no idea what I was talking about for check-in. You see their are TWO buildings and I was in the wrong building. The "staff" is not a hotel staff, but rather security for the condo. Thus, there is not really anyone to "check you in". I was afraid that I would have to find a different hotel in Manila. This would not be good. Finally, one security man made the extra effort to find out how to check in. BE AWARE OF THE TWO LOBBIES ONLY METERS APART. One will know what you are talking about the other will not know. And they will make no effort to help you. The bed was American style. It was not 6 inches off the floor as most condos seem to be. The management left 5 gallons of bottled water for us. 7 eleven is steps outside the back door and a coffee house is steps out the back door. I went to that coffee house several times. This is not a hotel, but functions like one. SM Aura is 200 meters from SOMA. Many restaurants and a Starbucks. Market Market is just 300 meters from SM. Unless you have a private condo owner, why stay anywhere else?

Great place! Conveniently located near SM Aura, Market Market, High Street. Walking distance to St. Lukes, Forbes Town Center, Mind Museum.