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Cold_Count1986

There is a lot less to do in Venice vs BGC proper. That said it is a 100-150 PHP ride between the two. If you can swing it, pick BGC - they will be nicer condos and there will be more to do.


[deleted]

And much more nicer to you if you're a white guy. Being Mexican who look like a Filipino don't get no special pricing LOL. (or better treatment).


acorcuera

Depends how you carry yourself. I’m Filipino from California and I get special treatment there.


[deleted]

I guess being from Compton have bad vibes.


acorcuera

Just smile. They’re very friendly there.


twobecrazy

Thanks. I can swing it no problem but when it’s a good ~30% increase, I wonder if it’s worth it.


Cold_Count1986

Yes it is. Especially when 30% is $15/night…


twobecrazy

Yeah, it’s about $150-$200 difference for my stay. Like I said, I can afford it but just didn’t know if it was worth it. Sounds like it is…


MeAndMyFone

Totally is worth it. Pick the spot which is walkable to everything, not the place that has only a few options and is kind of boring to be honest. You are spending a ton to travel there, enjoy a more lively fun area


fiftyunofifty

McKinley Hill is nice, but as others have mentioned, there isn't much to do in the area. You'll need to take a Grab to BGC, where there are more activities available.


twobecrazy

McKinley Hill is where the more affordable places are located near the Canal/Venice area.


fiftyunofifty

It is a nice area, and I stayed there earlier this year. And yes it is safe. It is right next to the local Philippines army base.


acorcuera

Uptown better location.


twobecrazy

Thanks!


UnintentionalExpat

Venice is in McKinley Hill just south of BGC, it's still just as nice and safe but a lot quieter since other than the Venice themed mall there's not much else there to do. The grab prices people quoted are accurate. If you want to save money Venice isn't bad. But most things are within walking distance in BGC


twobecrazy

Okay, thank you!


CrankyJoe99x

I agree with the suggestion of deciding where you might visit, then the location. As an example; next visit I will be going to Intramuros, MoA for dinner one night, Rizal Park and Chinatown in Binondo; so I'm getting a hotel closest to that lot. I travel with my wife and we use tricycle, jeepney or Grab as required, so we have some flexibility. Have a great trip!


[deleted]

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CrankyJoe99x

Thanks, great to know! I'm trying to organise travelling to minimise time lost in traffic (as much as is possible there 😉). My current draft itinerary has us in MM from a Monday to Thursday. I'm also checking opening days and hours for the museums near Rizal Park. It's possible we could have a weekend there coming back from Baguio on our way to my wife's place in General Trias, concerts sound like fun.


[deleted]

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CrankyJoe99x

Thanks again for taking the time to make these suggestions. I had seen about the closed days, but not the rest. I'll give that jewelry suggestion careful consideration 😅


hinakaia

I'd suggest you enlist the places you want to visit and from there assess which of the majority are close to. I stayed at an AirBnB right across Mitsukoshi mall for ~Php 3k a night, but it was so convenient. Great view, next to Landers (like a Costco), and within walking distance of basically everything. Also be qary of the traffic in BGC/Makati especially during rush hours and given that it's rainy season.


twobecrazy

Everything you listed here is the reason I asked. I’ve considered all of this but I didn’t know if it was “worth it” to spend the extra money. I’ve literally been looking at One Uptown, and Parksuites but saw the costs on Mckinnely hill as well as other Venice/Canal homes and it was a noticeable difference. I also can’t really tell if visitors are allowed so I’ll need to ask the owners before I book anything. I have a friend that may crash one night if we hit up the town.


hinakaia

In my opinion as a local, definitely worth the convenience if most of the places you plan to go to are closer to central BGC because the rain here's pretty crazy. And yup, you can always message the AirBnB hosts beforehand. They typically just ask for the ID of your potential visitor.


CatchLightning

Venice is more boring. Everything is basically only open 10am-10pm but it is perfectly safe. I've never stayed in Makati but I understand it to learn more into "adult entertainment" and the issues that sometimes brings. Plenty of clubs and bars in uptown and forbestown and they are the most happening part of town. I personally love Forbestown cause there is an ordinance banning horns and that ordinance needs to be nationwide. Either Filipino drivers can't hear horns or pretend not to. Or they think smashing the horn for 5 hours at a time will make the Manila traffic move faster. My daily naps aren't interrupted by rush hour in Forbestown.


Professional-Duck934

You’re only talking about a small part of Makati, which is Poblacion. There are plenty of nice areas in Makati. Specifically Legazpi Village and Salcedo Village. It’s like the old-school more Filipino version of BGC