With 21 hours of layover, I thought I should get a hotel room instead of sleeping at the airport from midnight to 7AM and leaving my luggage for a fee at the Airport Travel Agency while I do my day tour before my 9PM flight. I googled and saw Travelodge which was cheaper yet full of bad comments. I saw Dylan Hotel too which was near the train station but the lady on the night duty was so rude. She talks impolitely and she even asked me to get a cab in a very rude tone because the shuttle missed me.. She dropped the phone twice almost shouting at me!
I checked the hotel lists at the free phone booth and saw Millwood Inn & Suites. I googled about it for reviews and with the good feedbacks, I called. The lady who answered was so nice. With her voice, I thought she is Filipina and she told me she is. Since I am a Filipino myself, I decided to take the hotel! After almost 5-10 mins ride from the hotel, I arrived and checked-in. The hotel was filled wih cars parked in front and the room was very nice, quiet and homey. I got room 129 which is on the 2nd floor.
The heater was working and the LCD TV had many channels to choose from. I did not notice any typical hotel smell as normally criticized online and I was impressed with the cleanliness being a frequent traveller with very high standard for hotels. I travelled to more than 21 countries and 36 cities already. What often impresses me most is not just the place but the people. Even if you put money in putting a good brand name, if you have groutchy people like the night-shift lady from Dylan Hotel, you won't get the heart of the guests!
I guess that if I extend my stay, I would still be choosing this hotel though there are other places nearer to the airport and with better brand name and facilities because I am not just after the place but I am also looking onto how guests are treated by hotel staff. Thanks to the hotel receptionist, Ms. Wilma from Pangasinan, Philippines! I will definitely blog about this experience and promote the place for travellers especially Filipinos who want more than nice facilities - good customer service from the heart! I was told that the assistant manager is a Filipina too!
By the way, I got the room for $90++ which is a good bargain for a good night sleep! I guess it's a good karma! I saw a Metro PCS smartphone with MENDOZA on it's screen at the phone booth at Terminal 1 near the Information Desk besides the Baggage Claim area under Gate 8. I initially placed it on the desk but then to ensure that the owner finds it, I asked the airport janitor to take it to the Police Station upstairs. I just hope he did! :-) Cheers!
Ryan of Manila, Philippines
- Millwood Hotel Millbrae
