Pool in Acqua Residences
Philippines

City Staycation at Acqua Private Residences, Mandaluyong

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Have you heard of Acqua Private Residences? This is the newest staycation place in the metro!

Acqua Private Residences is a riverside multi-tower residential property. You can book here via Airbnb. I booked an overnight stay here on a weekend to see what the fuss is about and here you can read about my staycation at Acqua Private Residences.

Staycation at Acqua Private Residences

Hali and I went here in 2019. We booked a 1-bedroom apartment here at Acqua Private Residences. We chose one in the Livingstone Tower because it has its own pool and guests here enjoy free access to the pool area.

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We arrived at past 2PM and proceeded to check in. The check-in process was so smooth. We approached the reception desk and gave an ID and then we were asked to retrieve our room key in the mail room. It was very quick unlike in other residences where you have to wait quite a while in the lounge.

Our room has 1 queen-sized bed, with kitchen/dining area, a balcony facing the Makati skyline and of course high-speed internet. I love that the room is bright and chic, and the lights from the windows give it an uplifting feel. Our host also left towels plus complimentary bath items and coffee packets. This is uncommon in Airbnb listings so it’s appreciated.

Acqua Residences - Airbnb room
Our bedroom via Airbnb!
Acqua Residences - Airbnb room
Acqua Residences - room view
Room view.
Acqua Residences - room view at night
Our room view at night.

After resting for a bit, we decided to explore the rest of the facilities and take pictures. We went down the reception area but while we were taking pictures, the guard approached us and said cameras are not allowed in common areas and we would need to get a business permit. I’m bummed about this because I have a lousy phone camera. Also, it’s a little over the top — in other residences, cameras are allowed in reception area and hallways, except in the pool area which is understandable.

The fact that there’s a lot of do’s and don’ts for guests in condos is also one of the reasons why I prefer to have staycations in private bed-and-breakfasts or resorts, but anyway.

The amenities and decorations in Acqua Private Residences is modern and chic. It actually looks fancier than other condo buildings I’d been to. My friend even commented that the reception area looks like a hotel. There are also couches in hallways with colorful flair.

There’s a playground and garden at the 6th floor. The garden is huge with small lagoons and a zen-like structure along a creek.

Acqua Residences - playground
Playground.
Acqua Residences - garden
Eden Garden.
Acqua Residences - garden

In the 53th floor is the pool area. The pool in Acqua Private Residences looks good in photos, but it’s small. There were only 2 groups in the pool and it already felt cramped if you try to swim. It’s also shallow at 4 feet.

Pool in Acqua Residences
Pool area.

That saying, it’s okay swimming here if you just want to cool off or take pictures or if you happen to visit on a time when there are only a few people in the pool.

By the way, the pool is open until 6PM only. If you’re only on an overnight stay like us, make sure to go here early.

Staycation at Acqua Residences
Kat in pool at Acqua Residences
Pool in Acqua Residences
Empty pool at sunset.

Just above the pool area is the view deck. Here there are seats where you can hang out, especially if you want to chill at night. There’s a lounge room here but it seems closed to guests.

Rooftop in Acqua Residences
Rooftop.

By the time we got back to our unit, it was already dark and the view from our balcony was beautiful. It’s probably the best by far that I’d seen. You can see the Makati skyline and other famous buildings such as Gramercy Residences from there.

Overall, Acqua Private Residences is a decent staycation option in Mandaluyong. The facilities look posh and there are a lot of good rooms you can book especially if you really just plan to stay indoors.

Here are the downsides: pool area in Livingstone Tower is small with limited schedule, no cameras allowed whatsoever in common areas, no nearby restaurants. As of our visit (June 2019), The Pebble and Riverwalk Promenade, which is supposed to feature central amenities such as shops and restaurants, are still under construction.

If you’re bringing a car or just want to add something to your IG feed, then yes this is a good option for a staycation in Manila.

Practical Info: Acqua Private Residences

How to get to Acqua Private Residences

Address: Coronado St., Brgy. Hulo, Mandaluyong City

From Boni (south-side), you can ride a tricycle to Acqua Private Residences (P50-70 per ride).

If bringing a car: Parking is subject to availability and the guard won’t let you in unless there’s free slot available. Parking fee is P50 for the first 3 hours + P10 per additional hour.

Facilities

Guests staying at Acqua Private Residences have access to the following facilities:

  • Gym (6AM  to 9PM)
  • Swimming pool (8AM to 6PM / 53rd floor)
  • Viewing deck (rooftop)
  • Library (8AM to 5PM)
  • Eden Garden (6th floor)
  • Playground (6th floor)

Things to know before you go

  • Make sure to book in the Livingstone Tower to get free access to the pool. Otherwise you have to pay P500 per pax.
  • Mirrorless, DSLR cameras and GoPros are not allowed in common areas.
  • There are no nearby restaurants in the area, so I suggest bringing your own food with you. If you have a car, it’s a short ride to Poblacion where you can find lots of good places to eat. Some recommendations: Seoul Galbi for authentic Korean samgyupsal; Luna for after-dinner drinks.

Book your stay via Airbnb

You can book rooms in Acqua Residences via Airbnb.

Has this post on Acqua Private Residences staycation been helpful to you? Let us know in the comments below!

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