#9 Trees Residences: San Jose del Monte's BEST Kept Secret? (Unbelievable!)
#9 Trees Residences: San Jose del Monte's BEST Kept Secret? (Unbelievable!) - A Completely Honest, (Slightly Messy) Review!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (or maybe the tsaa from their Asian breakfast buffet – more on that later) on #9 Trees Residences. San Jose del Monte's "Best Kept Secret"? Well, after my stay, I'm not so sure it's that secret anymore! And honestly? Good. Because this place deserves some serious attention.
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Let me preface this by saying I'm not a super-polished travel critic. I’m more like your brutally honest friend who's seen things, done things, and eaten way too much buffet food. So, expect some rambles, some raves, and maybe a few gripes. Deal? Deal.
First Impressions: Accessibility and Getting There (The "Ugh, Traffic" Reality)
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room: San Jose del Monte. It's not exactly around the corner from, well, anywhere. Traffic getting there, especially during peak hours, can be a soul-crushing experience. So, plan accordingly! Thank goodness, and I say thank goodness, #9 Trees has its own car park [free of charge]. That’s huge. Also, taxi service is available, if you are willing to pay for it. Now, the good news: they seem to understand the importance of Accessibility. I'll be honest, I didn't personally test every single aspect (I didn’t exactly roll around in a wheelchair, sorry!), but I saw evidence of Facilities for disabled guests, and it looked promising. I’d encourage checking with them directly if it's a critical need. And, the elevator is a lifesaver. Seriously. I'm all about being able to easily get around.
The Fortress of Cleanliness and Safety (My Inner Germaphobe Approved!)
Look, in this post-pandemic world, cleanliness is EVERYTHING. And #9 Trees… they get it. They really get it. I'm not a germaphobe, but I do appreciate a clean room. And their whole thing felt seriously clean. They even note that they use Anti-viral cleaning products and have Professional-grade sanitizing services. I saw Daily disinfection in common areas, and the staff were on it. I felt completely at ease. The presence of Hand sanitizer everywhere was a definite plus. They even offer Room sanitization opt-out available, but honestly, why would you? They seemed to have taken all Hygiene certification guidelines to heart. Furthermore, First aid kit and Doctor/nurse on call is available, which is amazing. I was impressed! And the Staff trained in safety protocol? Yup, noticed that too.
The Room: My Personal Oasis (With Wi-Fi That Actually Works!)
Okay, let's talk about the room. It was… well, it was lovely. My room had Air conditioning, because, Philippines. Air conditioning in public area is available too. Also, Alarm clock (I'm old school; I dig that), Bathrobes (hell yes!), Bathtub (YES!), Blackout curtains (a MUST for lazy mornings), Closet, Coffee/tea maker (essential!), Complimentary tea (nice touch!), Daily housekeeping (thank you, sweet angels!), Desk, Extra long bed (so I could sprawl!), Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available (good for families), Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies (Netflix and chill? You bet!), Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Scale (ugh, but helpful!), Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], and Window that opens. So there might be some things missing that is listed on their website, but the stay was amazing!. Oh yes, and the Wi-Fi [free]? Actually, it actually, really worked! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! This is a big win, people. This is a BIG WIN.
Food, Glorious Food! (And My Asian Breakfast Adventure)
Alright, food. This is where #9 Trees really shines. The Restaurants are seriously good. They offer A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Breakfast [buffet] (HELLO, I’M YOUR BEST FRIEND!), Buffet in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, and Western cuisine in restaurant. They have a Coffee shop too!
But my personal highlight? The Asian breakfast. Omg. Ooommmgggg. Think mountains of perfectly cooked rice, savory dishes I couldn't even name (but inhaled gleefully), and fresh fruit that made me feel like I was in a tropical paradise. I’m not going to lie, I went back for a second helping… and maybe a third. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was excellent. Also the Desserts in restaurant are amazing. The Asian breakfast was amazing. So amazing, that I didn't even try the Soup in restaurant or the Salad in restaurant. I did try the Bottle of water, because hydration, and it was great. They also offer Room service [24-hour], but I was too busy feasting at the buffet and never got around to it.
Relaxation Station: Spa Day and Poolside Bliss
Okay, let's talk about unwinding! #9 Trees knows how to do this. They’ve got a Spa, a Spa/sauna, a Swimming pool, and a Swimming pool [outdoor] including Pool with view. Seriously, the pool is gorgeous and perfect for a lazy afternoon. If you're feeling fancy, they offer Body scrub and Body wrap. But honestly, I was content just lounging by the pool with a cocktail from the Poolside bar. Also, they have a Fitness center and Gym/fitness. I could see it from my room when I saw myself eating those desserts in the restaurant.
I didn’t get to try the Sauna or Steamroom, but I heard good things.
Services and Conveniences (Because Life is Easier When You Have Them)
This is where #9 Trees really shines in terms of the Services and conveniences. They have Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
For the Kids (Family Fun!)
I didn’t bring any kids, but if I had some, I'd totally bring them. They have Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, and Kids meal. This place is set up for families.
The "Things to Do" (What to Do When You Can't Just Lounge)
Okay, the area around #9 Trees is… not exactly buzzing with activity. But honestly, that’s kind of the point. It's peace and quiet! However, I didn't have the time to check out the other places such as, the Proposal spot.
The Little Things That Matter (And a Few Minor Grumbles)
They offer Breakfast in room. The Breakfast takeaway service. They have Cashless payment service. They offer a Doctor/nurse on call, and Hand sanitizer. They also have Hot water linen and laundry washing, and offer Individually-wrapped food options. They have Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, and Shared stationery removed. They have Sterilizing equipment. They offer Couple's room and Exterior corridor. They even offer a Bicycle parking, Car park [on-site], and Car power charging station. Here'
Escape to Paradise: Modern Retreat Awaits in Kuhlungsborn, Germany
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This ain't your grandma's carefully curated itinerary. This is a descent into the gloriously chaotic reality of me trying to navigate #9 Trees Residences in San Jose del Monte, Philippines. (Spoiler alert: I'm probably going to get lost. Maybe a little tipsy. Definitely hungry.)
The #9 Trees Residences Rhapsody: A Trip (and a Half) Planned
Day 1: Arrival and the Initial "Wow, This Is…Green" Moment
Morning (8:00 AM): Dragging myself off the early-morning flight. The air in Manila hits you like a wet, warm blanket. My hair's already sticking to my forehead. Gotta find my ride to San Jose del Monte. Praying the Grab driver understands "9 Trees Residences" because let's face it, "getting lost" seems like a core part of my travel style.
Mid-Morning (10:00 AM - Assuming I'm not hopelessly lost): HOLY MOLY. Okay. We made it. The place looks EXACTLY like the brochure, for once! Lush, green, and like… actually, trees! I am legitimately impressed. But that might be the jet lag talking. The lobby smells faintly of… lemongrass? (Or maybe it's just the humidity. Who can tell?) Check in. Cross my fingers that no hidden fees pop up. The staff are impossibly polite. It’s a little unnerving, honestly.
Lunch (12:00 PM): Food hunting time. My stomach is growling. I’m too tired to do research, so I ask the concierge. "There's a fantastic karinderia (small, local eatery) just a short walk outside the gate," He says. "Excellent sinigang (sour and savory broth)." Sinigang sounds like exactly what I need. Deep breath, get myself out the complex. And. I. AM. LOST. Turns out, "short walk" in the Philippines is a relative term. After 20 minutes, I find the restaurant. I want the "sinigang", but I can only point and make sad noises because my Tagalog extends to 'thank you' and 'I'm sorry, this is my life'.
Afternoon (2:00-4:00 PM): Nap time. All the nap time. The room is nice, the bed is soft. I'm out like a light. Bliss.
Afternoon/Evening (4:00 PM onwards): Re-emerging from the nap haze. Decide to "explore" the complex's amenities. Swimming pool? Check. Gym that I will never use? Check. Find myself wandering, a little dazed, past a playground full of kids. It triggers a weird wave of nostalgia. I almost cry. Suddenly, the sunset hits, the sky is all oranges and purples. It’s genuinely beautiful, and then I get hungry again.
Evening (7:00 PM): Ordering dinner. I chicken out and order room service. Chicken adobo, rice, the works. Honestly, a little bit of comfort food is just what I need. Contemplate writing a scathing review of my own planning skills, realize that I’m the review. Pass out again.
Day 2: Adventures in (and Out of) the Comfort Zone
Morning (9:00 AM): Wake up. Regretting the adobo a little, but mostly feeling refreshed by the good sleep. Deciding to be adventurous. I'm going to visit the "shopping mall" that I keep seeing from the window, the San Jose del Monte Town Center. I grab the Grab car, make sure to triple-check the address. No getting lost this time! (Famous last words).
Mid-Morning (10:30 AM): The mall is… a mall. It's big. It has everything. I feel overwhelmed. I buy a t-shirt ("I survived San Jose del Monte, Philippines!") just to prove I did it. Lunch there, which turns out to be the same kind of food I had on day 1. I feel like I can manage.
Afternoon (2:00 PM): Back at the residence. Seriously considering booking a massage. My shoulders are knotted from, well, everything. But suddenly, I'm seized by an urge to… hike! There are a few hills around. This seems insane. Why? To get some perspective? To feel like I actually did something? Eh, why not.
Afternoon (4:00-6:00 PM): Hiking. I found a path and thought I could make it. I was utterly wrong. The path is so dusty! And the locals smile at me, which makes me feel like a total idiot. But I did eventually make it. It was harder than I thought, my legs felt like jelly, and I'm pretty sure I saw a giant spider. (Probably just my imagination, but still.) The view from the top was… okay. Still, I did it! I can tell you all in the world I did it.
Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner. Back to room service. This time, I'm treating myself to the kinilaw (raw fish marinated in vinegar and onions) and a local beer. The beer is decent. I am a mess, covered in dust, and I can't stop grinning. The small victory of hiking the hills is totally worth it.
Night (8:00 PM - Whenever): I am not even attempting to stay awake. I’m reading a book, something mindless. Before I even get to the second chapter, I've passed out.
Day 3: Farewell (and the Promise of More Chaos)
Morning (9:00 AM): Packing. I am already nostalgic. This time, I'm determined to try breakfast in the hotel.
Mid-Morning (10:00 AM): Breakfast. It’s a buffet. I feel like I’m going to burst. But I'm happy. My heart is very full.
Mid-Day (12:00 PM): The dreaded check-out. Saying goodbye to the impossibly polite staff. I'm starting to feel a little sad.
Afternoon (1:00 PM): Waiting for my ride to the airport. Wondering if I accidentally left a sock somewhere. Realizing that I probably did.
Departure (3:00 PM): Manila airport. The last fleeting glimpse of San Jose del Monte through the car window, and I'm on my way.
Final Thoughts: The #9 Trees Residences was… well, it was an adventure. Messy, chaotic, and utterly unforgettable. I learned that "short walks" are subjective, that I have zero sense of direction, and that sometimes, the imperfections are the best parts of the trip. I already miss the colors, the smells. And, oh God, now I really want to go back. Maybe next time I'll actually learn some Tagalog. Or maybe not. Either way, it will be a disaster. And I wouldn't have it any other way. Adios, PH!
#9 Trees Residences: San Jose del Monte's BEST Kept Secret? (Unbelievable!) - FAQs with a Twist!
Okay, spill the tea. Is #9 Trees Residences REALLY that good? Or just another real estate brochure lie?
Location, Location, Location! What's the deal with San Jose del Monte itself? Is living there a nightmare?
What are the amenities ACTUALLY like? Do they deliver on the "resort-style living" promise?
The "Unbelievable" aspect – what's the real kicker everyone's missing about #9 Trees?
Tell us about the "trees" part. Are they actually surrounded by trees? Or is that just marketing fluff?
What kind of people are buying into #9 Trees? Will I fit in? (Okay, maybe a bit of a personal question...)
Okay, the BIGGEST red flags to look out for before buying? Help a poor soul out.
