Staycation by JAR – Condo Unit

Staycation by JAR – Condo Unit Overview

I’ll be honest – when I first heard about Staycation by JAR – Condo Unit, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The name sounds a bit generic, you know? But actually stepping into this place in Sto. Cristo changed my mind completely. This four-star condo setup is tucked away in a quieter part of Manila, which honestly feels like finding a hidden gem in all the urban chaos.

The thing that struck me right away was how much it actually feels like staying in someone’s well-appointed apartment rather than a typical hotel room. I mean, you’ve got a proper kitchen where you can actually cook (not just reheat instant noodles), and the living space has this lived-in comfort that makes you want to kick off your shoes and stay awhile. The 9.3 rating makes total sense once you’re there – it’s those little touches that add up, like having decent water pressure in the shower and blackout curtains that actually block out the Manila streetlights. The air conditioning works properly too, which anyone who’s spent a sweltering night in the Philippines will appreciate.

What I really liked about this spot is how it gives you that local neighborhood vibe without sacrificing comfort. Sto. Cristo isn’t the flashiest area, but that’s actually part of its charm – you’re close enough to the main action without dealing with the constant noise and traffic of the more touristy districts. I found myself walking to nearby local eateries that I probably never would have discovered if I’d stayed in one of those big hotel chains in Makati or BGC. The whole condo building feels secure and well-maintained, and the staff (when you need them) are genuinely helpful rather than just going through the motions. Parking isn’t a nightmare either, which is saying something for Manila. The only minor thing I’d mention is that since it’s a condo unit, don’t expect daily housekeeping like a traditional hotel – but honestly, having that extra privacy and independence more than makes up for it. If you’re looking for something that feels more authentic than your standard hotel experience, this place delivers on that promise.

Staycation by JAR – Condo Unit Accommodations

Reviews of Staycation by JAR – Condo Unit

• Best Condo in the area – Martin from United Kingdom – May 24, 2025 (9/10)

  Very comfortable convenient for malls 4 different malls within less than a mile. Food was everywhere and convenient. Good kitchen and cooking facilities. Washing machine, good hot shower, cable and Internet Very good. Host is great no problems.
  
  What could be improved: No smoking at all outside

• Exceptional – Wayne from United Kingdom – May 13, 2025 (10/10)

  Everything was perfect great communication the host was so helpful and responsive location is perfect for all your needs

• Wonderful – Jeongin from South Korea – February 6, 2025 (9/10)

  샹그릴라와 가까워서 생필품 조달에 용이하고 먹을 거리도 많음.
  리셉션과 가드들을 위시한 콘도 직원들이 전반적으로 친절함.
  호스트는 일정에 따른 안내나 리마인더에 충실함.
  
  What could be improved: 고가도로와 지프니 정류장이 근처에 있어 밤에도 차량 소음이 상당한 편.
  소음에 예민한 편이라면 수면용 이어플러그 등 대처 방법을 생각해 볼 것.

• Cute, conveniently located condo unit – Regin from Philippines – October 19, 2024 (10/10)

  The location is very convenient. It's just a few meters from Shangri La Plaza and Megamall. It's within Greenfield district so lots of food establishments within the vicinity, as well as pubs. The unit itself is cute – typical for small Asian people. The room was clean and tidy. Though it's small, it doesn't feel cramped. I was able to cook and did my laundry. Well equipped unit for short to long term stay.
  
  What could be improved: There are two things that can be improved:
  1) update their address here on Booking.com as well as on Google maps (if that's possible). (Why not put Zitan in the description of the unit?) I booked a transport through Booking, but the address listed is 1km away. It's not a long walk but it can be frustrating when you just landed from a long flight at 2am.
  
  2) put a hanging rod (a rod to hook the hanger) inside the closet; too many hangers but nowhere to hang clothes (other than the one on the balcony which I used for drying clothes).
  
  Also, just a heads up for tall people, your head might hit the ceiling if you're more than 6ft tall 😅

• Comfortable stay – Natalie from Philippines – October 11, 2024 (10/10)

  The owner of JAR Condo and assistant were very courteous. The unit was very clean and had amenities such as toiletries, hot and cold shower, iron for clothes, drinking water from filter, netflix, cleaning and cooking utensils.
  The condo was across edsa shangrila and walking distance to sm megamall
  Walking distance to St Francis Church
  Across Chowking and 7/11
  Nearby Mang Inasal and Wendy's
  
  What could be improved: Receptionist

• Best place to stay in manila – Martin from United Kingdom – May 8, 2024 (10/10)

  Excellent value for money. Excellent facilities for cooking, cupboard stocked with everything needed , just buy food, very clean. All kitchen appliances are there, and fully automatic washing machine. Tv was good, including Netflix. WiFi good. Own balcony and very quiet. Owner was very obliging, and provided everything needed for comfortable stay.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing bad to say.

• Overall, it was a good value for money. Hopefully, I will have a better stay next time. – Cathyinbahrain from Philippines – February 6, 2024 (7/10)

  1. The unit is in excellent condition, it is either brand new or well maintained by the host. You won't find anything broken, everything functions according to purpose.
  2. The host was very responsive and addressed my complaints immediately.
  3. You can wash your clothes, you just have to air dry them after, there is a single rack provided for that.
  4. If you need to cook, there is a single hot plate provided and kitchen essentials/condiments.
  5. Although I used my own shampoo and body wash, there were more than enough provided, so if you are not specific of brands to use, you don't have to bring your own. Also, there was enough liquid detergent.
  6. More than enough trash bags provided and the building has regular timing of garbage collection.
  7. Internet was working properly, appliances are working properly, and they are clean.
  8. The whole unit was clean, except for the toilet.
  9. Location is excellent!
  10. The building and the area is very safe, outsiders cannot just access the building which security is a big deal for me.
  11. Friendly/polite building staff.
  12. You will find police stationed around the area, security guards and K9. You can safely walk to SM Megamall or walk around Greenfield district to get your daily exercise.
  13. Vacuum provided and plenty of disinfectant (alcohol).
  14. Adapters were provided so you will not have problems connecting your foreign devices or electronics.
  15. The sofa was so comfortable more than the bed.
  
  What could be improved: 1. Very poor quality of pillows, bed linens and towels. I was only given one medium sized towel (thin one) and i requested for additional towels but were not able to use them, I tried using one of the spare towels as I washed the first one and I was air drying it since the washing machine has no dryer, I had to rinse myself again as I was coated with lint and dry myself off with paper towels as the new towel was so linty even after 2 washes.
  2. NOT an issue but more of a heads-up, the unit does not provide hand towels and house slippers, so make sure to bring your own.
  2. Toilet bowl was not properly cleaned, I thought the stain was permanent but when I cleaned it myself, it disappeared, so they just did not clean the bottom of it.
  3. I found 4 small cockroaches during my entire 12 night stay, not sure if it is unit or building issue.
  4. Unfortunately, an adjacent unit was doing renovation or maintenance job during my entire stay, so there were hammering noises during the day and I was recovering from a surgery, I had to take rest even during the day. This was beyond the control of the host, I was just unlucky.
  5. You will hear the traffic noise since it is next to a bridge and highway, if you are not particular about noise, then you will be ok.

• Exceptional – John from United Kingdom – January 13, 2024 (10/10)

  Great unit, location, price, very clean and presentable.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing, perfect for me and the missus

• Affordable comfort! – Kimberly from Philippines – December 25, 2023 (10/10)

  The place was spotless! I love it’s location and proximity to malls and restaurants.

• Overall unit is 10/10! – Jean from Philippines – August 28, 2023 (10/10)

  Cleanliness is superb. Cozy place to spend quick getaway. Accessible/walking distance to popular establishments. Complete basic kitchen amenities and toiletries. Same as the photos advertised. Hassle free check in/out. Accommodating host, highly recommended unit. Would definitely come back.
  
  What could be improved: None

Surroundings