Lian Holidays

Excellent hotel staff; room needs improvement.

The Diamond is the go-to hotel in Manila.

I stayed for one night as a stopover after arriving, before driving to my destination. It was close to the airport so I took it. It was surprisingly cheap at $54. Then I found out why. First off the presentation was a good experience. Fancy, elegant, clean. The staff looked sharp and professional. The place overall was very clean and nice looking. As I went to check in, there were 4 other people waiting, but only one person at check-in. Nobody came to step in and make check-in faster. It was like watching grass row, so slow, as I watched other employees look at the line and walk by. Red Flag 1. Then after getting my key, I carried my two bags, and no offer for bell boy assistance. Red Flag 2. I unpacked, then wandered back downstairs to check out the breakfast buffet. Supposedly it was one of the best restaurants in Manila. The buffet had maybe 5 items in all, and bread, coffee, and muffins. Not impressive. The waitstaff wouldn't even bring coffee or drinks, unless you were ordering from the menu. Red Flag 3. I had to leave in a hurry to catch an important phone call. I waited for the check that never came, so I left. I gave my room number when I came into the restaurant, so I assumed they would bill my room. Instead they called me in my room, stating that "someone would be right up to your room to collect for the unsettled meal". So basically they thought I was stealing food and not paying, so they literally sent up a guy in person to get the money. Final Red Flag.