We Stayed at Two Hotels Near NAIA — Here’s Why Grand Westside Was the Better Choice for Balikbayans

ABBEY: When we returned to Manila, we split our stay between Grand Westside Hotel and Holiday Inn Express.

We first checked in at Grand Westside Hotel, known as the largest hotel in the Philippines by room count, with a total of 1,530 rooms. One big plus is its location, as Ayala Malls Manila Bay is just a short walk away. We booked two rooms and were assigned connecting rooms, which was very convenient. However, it took about six hours before the connecting doors were opened, possibly due to the holiday rush.

The rooms themselves were spacious enough for us to unpack our luggage comfortably. The bed and linens felt clean, and we had a restful night’s sleep before flying to Palawan.

After our Palawan escapade, we stayed at Holiday Inn Express. Aside from the Christmas season, the hotel was also busy hosting delegates for the 2025 Junior World Artistic Gymnastics Championships. Despite this, check-in was quick and only took a few minutes.

Once we reached our floor, we noticed an unpleasant smell, something like urine or a hospice-like scent, which was stronger because the hallway felt warm. We dropped our bags and headed out for dinner. Later that night, we realized our room was directly facing the highway. We ended up sleeping to the constant sound of revving vehicles. By morning, we requested a quieter room at the reception before heading to the breakfast buffet.

The new room still faced the highway, but the noise level was more manageable. For breakfast, I enjoyed the tapa and salabat, which was a nice start to the day. One thing worth noting is the hotel’s convenient location, as it is close to NAIA Terminal 3, making it a practical choice for travelers with early flights.

Grand Westside vs Holiday Inn Express Newport World:
Our Honest Balikbayan Hotel Review Near NAIA

WILL: We are always on the lookout for a good hotel whenever we fly back to Manila. As balikbayans, location and price are always our top priorities—especially when our itinerary revolves around the airport.

For this trip, we narrowed our options down to:
     1. Holiday Inn Express Newport World Resorts, which is literally across NAIA Terminal 3

     2. Grand Westside Hotel Manila in Entertainment City, only 8 minutes from NAIA Terminal 1

We compared both hotels based on:
•Distance to NAIA
•Price per night
•Room quality after long flights
•Family-friendly features
•Suitability for business travelers

These are the things that actually matter to balikbayans coming home.
So here’s my review.
And yes—expect this to be a more blunt review than Abbey’s 😂

Price Per Night (As of Our Stay)
1. Grand Westside Hotel Manila:
₱4,900.00 per night

2. Holiday Inn Express Manila Newport World:
₱4,902.95 per night (with breakfast)
Pricing is almost identical—so value really comes down to room quality and overall comfort.

Room Quality & Comfort (After Long Flights)

1. Grand Westside Hotel Manila — 4/5
The room layout is impressive. It’s well-lit, modern, and spacious enough to open three large suitcases comfortably—a huge plus after an international flight.
 •Bed: Fluffy and comfortable
 •Lighting: Bright and relaxing
 •Space: Excellent for long stays
The only awkward part?
The shower curtain instead of a glass partition. It felt unusual at first, but honestly, it wasn’t a deal-breaker.

We were given a connecting room, and here’s the surprising part—even with the connecting door slightly ajar, we couldn’t hear the TV from the next room at all.
That’s what you call excellent soundproofing. Big win.

2. Holiday Inn Express Manila Newport World — 2/5
Let me be honest—this property is clearly aging.
Our first room was on the 3rd floor, and the moment you walk down the hallway, a strong stench hits you. It smelled like carpet that had been soaked and never properly dried.
At first, we thought: Maybe the room itself will be better?
Wrong.
 •Room cleanliness: Yes, it was clean
 •Noise: Unacceptable
It sounded like the windows were open—revving cars, road noise, nonstop.
 •Bathroom:
There was a strong drainage smell coming from the bathroom that eventually filled the room.
The rubber lining on the glass partition was falling off.

We were staying for three nights, and honestly, that wasn’t acceptable at this price point.
The next day, Abbey was already ready to move hotels if they didn’t relocate us. Thankfully, they moved us to another room. Cleaner, No drainage smell, Better overall condition

However, the road noise was still there.
This hotel seriously needs better soundproofing and renovation.

Family-Friendly Features (Great for Reunions)

1. Grand Westside Hotel Manila
• Interconnected rooms
• Kiddie pool and lap pool
• Sauna
• PWD-accessible rooms
These features make it ideal for balikbayan family reunions, especially when traveling with kids or elderly parents.

2. Holiday Inn Express Manila Newport World
• Free breakfast buffet
• Convenient if you have meetings around Newport
• Works best if you’re mostly outside the hotel
It’s functional, but not suggested for family stays.

Final Verdict
If you’re looking for space, comfort, better soundproofing, family-friendly amenities, and overall value near NAIA, Grand Westside Hotel Manila is the better choice for most balikbayans.

Holiday Inn Express Manila Newport World works for quick business trips, but for actually coming home and resting properly?

Grand Westside Hotel wins—no contest.

***

Grand Westside Hotel Manila

(W) https://www.grandwestsidemanila.com/en

(A) Westside City, Parañaque, Metro Manila, Philippines 1701

Holiday Inn Express Newport World Resorts

(W) https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/pasay/mnlrm/hoteldetail

(A) 1 Jasmine Drive Pasay, 1309 Philippines

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Affordable Hotpot Buffet in Orchard? Happy Lamb Hotpot Is a Must-Try

ABBEY: After our eyes feasted on the spectacular production of Beauty and the Beast: The Musical, it was finally our tummies’ turn to be satisfied. We headed straight to Happy Lamb Hot Pot at Pacific Plaza, conveniently located near Orchard MRT, for a comforting and hearty post-show dinner.

True to its name, Happy Lamb takes its lamb seriously. We ordered two large plates of thinly sliced lamb, and they did not disappoint. The meat had just the right amount of gamey flavour, a subtle milky taste, and a tenderness that cooked perfectly in the pot. For the soup bases, we went with the original and spicy, a classic combination that brought out the best in every ingredient we dipped in.

One standout dish was the fried lamb leg, which immediately reminded me of the Filipino crispy pata. The difference is that Happy Lamb focuses purely on the meat, making it crispy on the outside and juicy inside. The smashed shrimp paste also went into the pot, adding another layer of flavour to the already rich broth.

Beyond lamb, the menu offers a wide variety of hot pot staples. There are leafy vegetables, tofu, dumplings, chicken, luncheon meat, lotus root, seaweed, and more. Among everything we tried, our personal favourites were the sweet corn and the New Zealand sirloin beef, both of which paired beautifully with the soup.

Do note that the condiment and sauce station comes with an additional charge, but it is worth it if you enjoy customising your dips. There are also cooked items available, such as chicken nuggets, fried chicken, fried rice, and braised pork, which are great for sharing or for those who want something alongside the hot pot. 

Service at Happy Lamb Hot Pot was commendable. Orders arrived promptly, and we never felt like we were waiting too long, even during dinner hours. Overall, it was a satisfying and comforting meal, making it a great spot for a casual dinner in Orchard, especially after a night at the theatre.

Looking for an affordable hotpot buffet in Orchard Road? Happy Lamb Hotpot offers unlimited meats, fresh ingredients, and great value under $30!

WILL: Looking for an affordable hotpot buffet in Orchard Road?  Happy Lamb Hotpot at Pacific Plaza might just become your new go-to spot! Known for its unlimited hotpot options, this popular restaurant offers great value without burning a hole in your wallet.

Right in the heart of Orchard Road, it’s super convenient whether you’re shopping or meeting friends. The restaurant is spacious, clean, and well-lit, with a comfortable ambiance that’s perfect for gatherings with family or friends.

One of the biggest highlights at Happy Lamb Hotpot is its tiered pricing, so you can choose a time slot that fits both your schedule and budget: Off-Peak Deal – $20.99++ / Peak Time – $31.99++

The star of the show is definitely the Lamb—fresh, tender, and not overly gamey. Many diners also rave about the beef slices, which cook beautifully in the broth. The grilled lamb ribs is our favorite and a must-try if you’re visiting for the first time.

You’ll also find popular items like prawn paste with crab roe, along with a wide selection of fresh vegetables and sides.

If you’re searching for an Orchard Road hotpot buffet under $30, Happy Lamb Hotpot delivers excellent value. With fresh ingredients, high-quality meats, and a wide variety, it’s easy to see why this spot is so popular.

Just keep in mind that dining time limits apply, and service can get busy during peak hours—so plan ahead!

Ready to dip into some delicious hotpot?

Happy Lamb Hotpot is calling your name! :) Yayyy!!!

***

Happy Lamb Hot Pot

(W) https://www.happylambhotpot.sg/en/

(H) 1130 am to 11 pm

(A) 9 Scotts Road, #02-10 Pacific Plaza, Orchard, Singapore 228210

(T) +6590306897

ScreenX at SM Mall of Asia: Was the ₱700 Ticket Worth It?

ABBEY: I’m familiar with 3D and IMAX, but ScreenX was something new to me. It offers a 270-degree viewing experience, with additional screens on the left and right positioned almost at right angles from the main screen. Since ScreenX was newly launched in the Philippines, we took the chance to experience it by watching Wicked: For Good.

The movie highlights Elphaba’s side of the story and gives a fresh perspective on the much-loved Wizard of Oz tale. Watching it in a ScreenX theater adds another layer to the experience. The side screens extend your peripheral vision, making you feel more immersed in the movie.

That said, don’t expect the side projections to be as sharp as the main screen. ScreenX isn’t designed for detailed visuals on the sides, but more for atmosphere and immersion. I can imagine this format working really well for racing films, or visually rich movies like Jurassic Park and Avatar, where movement and scenery truly benefit from a wider field of view.

ScreenX cinema at SM Mall of Asia showing a 270-degree panoramic movie experience

WILL: We finally got to experience ScreenX at SM Mall of Asia (MOA)—the Philippines’ first 270-degree panoramic cinema, which officially opened in November 2025 at the 2nd Level of the Entertainment Mall in SM MOA, Pasay City.

Unlike a regular movie theater, ScreenX expands selected scenes beyond the main screen and projects them onto both side walls, creating a wraparound, immersive experience. Instead of simply watching the movie, it genuinely feels like you’re placed right in the middle of it—especially during visually intense moments.

ScreenX at SM Mall of Asia: Quick Facts

•Location: 2nd Level, Entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay

•Ticket Price: ₱700 per seat

•Seating: Premium recliner seats

Tickets are priced at ₱700 per seat, and we booked ours through the SM Cinema app, which gave us a hard time to book. That is the main reason we queue for almost an hour and unfortunately just got the left side available seats. 

Our first ScreenX movie was Wicked: For Good, which premiered in the Philippines on November 19, 2025. 

Visually, ScreenX works best during the film’s bigger moments—Emerald City flyovers, wide aerial shots, and musical sequences that spill onto the side walls. The 270-degree effect adds scale and immersion but sometimes feeling gimmicky because the side screens only activate when the scene calls for it.

Is ScreenX Worth ₱700?

For the right movie, yes.

From our experience, ScreenX works best for:

-Action blockbusters

-Musicals

-Fantasy and sci-fi films

-Visually ambitious productions

If the film is mostly dialogue-driven or intimate, the premium price may be harder to justify. ScreenX shines when visuals are an essential part of the storytelling.

ScreenX Tips We’d Share Before You Book

1. Book center seats for the best 270-degree viewing experience

2. Arrive early so you don’t miss the ScreenX technology introduction

3. Choose visually driven films—action, musicals, and fantasy. 

4. Manage expectations: side screens activate only during select scenes

Would We Watch ScreenX Again?

Yes—but selectively and if have center seats. 

ScreenX at SM Mall of Asia is a genuinely unique cinema experience and something we’re glad we tried. At ₱700 per ticket, it’s not an every-movie option for us, but it’s definitely worth it for big, visually spectacular releases.

Bottom line:

✔ Worth trying at least once

✔ Best for blockbusters and special occasions

✔ Book early and sit center

***

SM CINEMA COUNTRY’S FIRST SCREENX THEATER 

(W) https://www.smcinema.com