Azure Urban Resort - The Paris Hilton Beach Club

YOU MUST READ THIS post first before booking an overnight stay at the most raved about urban beach club in the metro. I stayed at Azure Urban Resort (also known as the Paris Hilton Beach Club) with my friends because of an invite and an encouraging deal. Now, I felt the need to spill out an honest review, so you won't join the others who book just because the place is currently the talk-of-the-town. 

During my quick research, I found out that it was in 2014 when Paris Hilton inaugurated the Paris Beach Club, her first real estate project in the Philippines. It then became the main attraction of the Azure Urban Resort Residences. This beach-themed community houses a man-made beach with fine sand and simulated beach waves.

(source: http://www.rappler.com/entertainment/52547-paris-hilton-back-in-ph-launches-paris-beach-club)

Looking at the pictures, it is indeed a nice place. A quick getaway that won't get you broke, but still offer a first-class experience.

But how's my real Azure experience?  

I will divide this review into different sub-topics, so it will be easier for you to assess if the place is really worth it or not. Let's start!

BOOKING and RATES

It's either you know someone who owns a unit (which will make booking a breeze and cheap) or be extra diligent in searching for good offers over the internet (you can find them on Facebook). It just so happen that we know someone who can give us a good deal, so we booked right away. 

The cost of an overnight stay will depend on the number of head (per pax), the date (weekends require additional fees) and the view (beach view is more expensive than the city view). The room rates range from 2500 to 4500 per night. 

Booking is done thru agents, so the conditions may vary. Some will require you to provide an initial payment before they block your dates. You just have to be careful in dealing with strangers so you won't get scammed.

ACCESSIBILITY

It is located at SLEX West Service road Bicutan, Parañaque City. Less hassle for those with private cars of course, but they will be required to pay 200 php for the parking fee (per night of stay), unless they'll be booking with a unit owner who has a parking slot inside---that'll be for free. 

For those who will be commuting, you need to drop-off at Pasay Rotonda and ride a jeepney with the signage: SM Bicutan. It is just right across the mall. 

POLICIES and PROCEDURES

The standard check-in time is 12 nn to 10 am. Your agent will pick you up at the entrance and you need to surrender your ID at the lobby to be issued with a visitor's pass. 

The pool area is open from 7am to 7pm only. We paid 20 php (per head) for a wristband which will serve as an access pass for the entire day. The access is valid for the day only, so if you wish to swim again on the second day, you need to secure a confirmation message from your agent or the unit owner, and of course pay another twenty pesos.

AMMENITIES

A standard room has the following: air-condition unit, Queen-size bed, sofa bed, dining area, television with cable (or TV plus), internet router, cooking stove, microwave, refrigerator, kitchen and dining utensils, toilet and bathroom. You can cook, bring bottled beverages inside (no corkage fees) and use the internet (some may charge 100 php per head).

They have a White Sand Beach with playground (which is perfect for kids), Big Wave pool, Beach Volleyball court, roof decks, a bar and a restaurant.

COMMENTS:

THUMBS UP because:

• We got our rooms for a pretty good deal 
• Our agent was really accommodating
• We got a free parking slot
• We enjoyed free and unlimited wi-fi access
• Our rooms were clean and comfy

THUMBS DOWN because:

• We only enjoyed the pools for an hour or two
• The area was super crowded
• The line at the concierge was too long (it'll pissed you off)
• Those staff at the lobby, as well as the security personnel, were not accommodating (they don't even smile)
• The pools were heavily chlorinated
• The lap pool can't be accessed by guests
• The elevators were a mess
• The shower areas and wash rooms weren't enough to accommodate large number of people
• We were restricted to visit other rooms (limited to an hour only)

I guess our stay won't be great if not for each other's company. But I've got simple tips here so you can prevent a not-so-happy staycation at Azure:

1. Book on WEEKDAYS. It is less crowded and you can fully enjoy the view and the facilities. Elevators won't be clogged too!

2. Look for a GOOD AGENT. He/She will make your stay easier, more comfortable and affordable. 

3. Arrive ON TIME. Maybe a little earlier than your check-in time, because there will be some papers to be signed first before you can settle inside your room.

4. Wake up EARLY. If you wish to swim in the morning of your second day, be ready to fall in-line at least 30 minutes before 7 am, so you'll be the first to hit the waters!

5. Bring your OWN FOOD. You can prepare your meals and that'll be way cheaper than dining at the cafeteria/restaurant. 

6. Wear appropriate SWIMMING ATTIRE. They are a bit strict on this. No cotton shirts or shorts please, so you won't get kicked out of the pool!

Will I go back there? Maybe not. But it's good to experience the place tho, especially if you are a busy person who can only afford a quick overnight getaway. More so, this place is perfect for those who would love to relax and enjoy fine white sand for a really cheap price. 

By the way, if you are planning to book at Azure, you may contact me and I'll refer you to our very accommodating agent :) 

I'll be happy to answer your questions, just leave them on the comment section below. Thanks for reading!


It is SUMMER TIME indeed!