Even before December started, Jem and I already decided that we should at least do some travelling, no matter how far or near. However, due to the time of the year, we were really tight with both time and budget! Luckily, we stumbled upon this really bang of the buck promo in Metrodeal!
We decided on holding off from purchasing the voucher and looked for other place we can camp for a night. However, because we didn't really have that much time to make for long travels, we finally agreed on going to Bellini instead.
A bit of a background, we were actually quite clueless as to where and what does Bellini Suites really offer; so we probably called 3 times just to check with them HAHA. Of course prior to purchasing any Metrodeal voucher (especially if it's for accommodations), we called them first if they have an available room for our preferred date. Once confirmed, I immediately informed their receptionist that I will be purchasing a voucher to which they quickly agreed with. They informed me to call back once I got the voucher code.
I called back a day after and finally confirmed our booking. I also cleared out some stuff like check-in time and other related "hotel-stuff".
Come December 30, Jem and I once again borrowed his sister's car and headed down to Muntinlupa.
During this time, we used Google Maps instead since Waze kept showing a different address. I'm not quite sure why but when I checked Bellini Suites' Google information, Google Maps showed a more accurate direction.
Bellini Suites is actually a condo-tel building located inside Presidio at Lakefront. If you've ever been to SLEX and notice a big LAKEFRONT sort-off billboard along the way, that's the place! Lakefront is owned by Vista Land and is an exclusive community built around the Laguna de Bay in Sucat, Muntinlupa. To get there, we took SLEX and exited at Bicutan and used the service road to get to Lakefront. For us new comers, it's quite hard to navigate around so we relied heavily on our GPS. Still, we noticed jeepneys going around the area so I think it is quite accessible via public transport.
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Anyway, check-in time is at 2:00 PM and we arrived at the place around 1:15 PM. Before entering Presidio, you'll be passing by Vista Mall. There, you will see what other place you can easily access. The entrance we used was located behind Puregold Supermarket (where we eventually did our last minute shopping hehe).
Parking is of no problem. Bellini offers you 3 options. You can park along the road, at their basement parking, or just across their building.
We decided on parking across the building since it's very accessible. We immediately entered the building and talked to the receptionist.
Since I booked the room under my name, I was the one asked to fill-out their guest information form. We were also asked to hand in PHP 1000 as security deposit (refundable after checking out, except if you break anything inside the unit). I was actually informed that it will be a thousand per head for deposit when I called in but it's actually only PHP 1000 per Studio Room.
After transacting with their receptionist, we were given the key card to our room, the receipt for our deposit, and the agreement form I signed earlier. Jem and I went back to the car and got our stuff out.
For PHP 2399, we were able to book a Studio Room at the second floor. Here's the picture of the room we were able to get (pardon the untidiness, I took this before we checked-out hehe).
View upon entering the door
Their super cozy mini sofa, perfect for the two of us who are not gifted with height HAHA
Cable TV with lots of channels to choose from! You can also connect your flashdrive should you have brought one :)
View from the Balcony (which we didn't use since it's not maintained and quite dirty)
Their mini kitchen complete with cooking stuff, utensils, plates, hood, microwave, coffee and tea maker, refrigerator, and induction cooker! (the vegie oil and dishwashing liquid were two of the stuff we bought from Puregold HAHA)
Although a little cramped, I can still say that I kinda liked their bathrooms haha (shower area is not for the claustrophobic though!) we already took the free bathroom necessities so it's no longer displayed HAHA
We were honestly taken by surprise as to how good the room looks like! I have read numerous reviews about this place talking about how awful it is but for the price we paid, this was definitely a steal! Although you'll really notice some stuff that needs upgrading, it can be forgiven since you can still use it! :))
As what I have said, you can cook your food inside the unit just make sure to use the hood properly so you won't be triggering any alarms. Since both Jem and I are totally inexperienced chefs of our own rights :)) we only brought food that either only needs boiling or frying HAHA!
Aside from trying out the domesticated life, you can also step out to experience Presidio's clubhouse.
Located just across Bellini's building, the clubhouse houses the swimming pool, gym/dance room, function room, club room, and game room.
By late afternoon, we step out to jog around Presidio and have a go at their gym. One thing I have to say about their gym is it's heavily not maintained. Some of the equipment have tattered leather coverings and others are already rusty.
Anyway, since the place doubles as a dance room, they have this huge mirror placed on one side of the wall, giving the illusion of having a larger space.
After tiring ourselves out, we decided to step out and check out their pool. However since the winds are really strong in this area, we decided to postpone our dip.
They also have a basketball court just in front of the main gates, I wasn't able to get a picture of it though :(
We returned to our room to freshen up and prepare our dinner. Jem and I also decided to open our late exchange gifts here so here's some shots of that!
We turned in after realizing we left Jem's hardrive at home so we couldn't really watch something we liked :(
Come next morning, instead of checking out the pool, we decided to bum inside the unit and watch Troy instead HAHA. Since check-out is at 12:00 PM, we immediately cleaned the place up after the movie and walked back to the reception.
I returned the key card and presented the receipt I was provided with the previous day. We waited not more than 10 minutes before I was handed with my deposit and walked out of the building. Jem and I decided to check out the clubhouse again before leaving.
Here are the shots of their other amenities.
On the first floor, aside from the gym, it also houses the function room where you can hold various events. They also placed a lot of sofa where guests can relax. It is also a hotspot for WiFi connection so expect a lot of people flocking this area hehe. The first floor also houses the clubhouse management office.
Stepping outside, you'll be greeted by their swimming pool!
The swimming pool is quite spacious and is beach styled. As what I have encountered commonly on reviews, there are areas on the pool where leaves are left floating about. The pool is also quite dirty at the lower levels. There's a mini kid's playground just beside the pool where they can enjoy themselves.
There's also a grilling area although I don't think it still is useful because it seem to be no longer being maintained.
Swimming pool is accessible from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM only and no life guard is stationed around the area so they suggest a buddy system when swimming :) The good thing about this place is you can also have a drinking sesh with your friends beside the pool!
On to the second floor!
The second floor houses the club and gaming room though I'm not quite sure what's inside the first one. During our stay, we weren't able to access the gaming room since it was locked! We badly wanted to play billiards but alas! I don't know if it was bad timing or what but whenever we drop by, the management office is closed. Although we asked Bellini's receptionist and he informed us that we probably need to pay an additional fee should we wish to use the gaming room.
Anyway, aside from those two room, the second floor also has this balcony which offers a magnificent view of the swimming pool area.
By sometime after 1:00 PM, Jem and I decided to say goodbye to Bellini Suites for the mean time. We're definitely going back to this place!
NOTE: Bellini Suites is a condo-tel so expect actual tenants inside the building. Don't be surprised if you see clothes hanging from some of the balconies of the rooms! Although as guests, you're not allowed to do that.
For the Metrodeal Voucher we purchased, simply click here!!! (update: it's not available as of the moment, but you can always pre-order!)
If you have questions, you can call Bellini Suites at 925-0778 or visit their website at www.bellinisuites.com/
Bellini Suites is located at KM 20 East Service Road Sucat, Muntinlupa, Manila.
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