Paul Benjamin
May 21, 2025
If you know the Regal in Hong Kong's Causeway Bay, this is comparable. And about the same price, which makes it relatively expensive. The Regal is a bit tattier these days. But it's right in the middle of CWB. The Crimson is... well... next to Festival Walk, a classic Manila mall that's OK. Too noisey. Meh shops. Mediocre restaurants and food court. Horribly dirty riverside walk. Begging children. Still, inside the Crimson building itself: reception on the 8th floor and then a schlep across the lobby (where they always seem to have some kind of birthday party or work do going on). There's no decent bar. Restaurant is overpriced and not great. The poolside bar is ok (they advertised white wine, but didn't have any. The food was brought from the kitchen and very unexciting.
However. the pool's great. A little small, but a nice swimming lane and a great breeze. And if you're happy with overpriced beer, it's a good place to chillax. Good place for a staycation. Can't think why tourists would go to Alabang. Then again, not sure why tourists would go to Manila full stop.
Firehouse pizza place is pretty good (half HK prices); Baker J's is nice (two-thirds HK prices) and Alibi cocktail bar is fun (HK prices!)