Where to Stay In Oslob, Cebu: Bluewater Sumilon

​How to Get There: from Cebu City if you do not have your own Transport, board a Ceres Bus bound for Bato at the South Bus Terminal. Do not take other buses, only Ceres. Fare is exactly P156. Travel time is 3hrs and 30 minutes more or less. We boarded the bus at 652am and just barely made it to the 11am trip to Sumilon. Ask the conductor of the bus that you will be getting down at Bluewater Sumilon. At the Gate a guard will ask you your name. We then walked down to their Pavillion and gave their front desk staff my voucher. We were given a refreshing Lemongrass Welcome drink. The staff member said that if room is not yet ready we can avail of the Resort Amenities. At 11am we boarded the boat and in less than 10 minutes we were at the Island.

Check In: Standard Check In is at 3pm. Our room was not yet available so the Staff Member said that they will do the best they can to have the room ready before 3pm.

The Sandbar: The Highlight of my stay. I enjoyed swimming at the Sandbar A Lot! There were a bunch of people there, mostly daytrippers but it did not dampen my enjoyment of the place. The Sandbar will appear around 3pm so before this time you will not see any sand. Water is very clear and the sand very fine though there are some stones and corals. I went back to the Sandbar at 7am, Sand Is under water and No people in the Sandbar.

Trekking: Enjoyed this too. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as you will walk on a Lot of stones. You will get to see 2 Watchtowers, the Old one and a new one. Not reccomended for Small Children.

The Beach: did not really enjoy the beach as water was a bit cloudy and sand had a lot of Corals.

The Pool and Jacuzzi: located beside the Pavillion. Enjoyed the Jacuzzi and Pool as both will give you a magnificent view.

The Villa: I got the Villa. Just 3 Villas in the entire resort. The Villa is around 100sqms and includes its own mini pool. Garden in front makes the area bigger. Bedroom open to the sea and you will be greeted by trees and sea in the morning. Bed is King Sized and very comfortable. There is a sofa near the entrance. TV is Cable TV, 32″ with Super Clear Channels, there is a DVD also. Coffee Tea Making Kit provided, stocked Mini Ref.Aircon capable of cooling the Room. Clean and Comfy plus beautiful Filipino Design and Touches. 2 Cabinets located along the hallway going to the Bathroom. Mini Safe and dryer also located inside cabinets.

The Villa Bathroom: Huge Bathroom as in huge. Bathtub in the middle plus its own TV, on the right is the enclosed toilet with bidet. Sink located there too, double sink with hot and cold water. On the left is the enclosed shower with hot and cold water. Double cabinets also present which can be opened from both sides.

The Villa Pool: dipping pool located infront of the entrance. Sofa located infront where we ate our dinner.

The Villa Garden: a perfect place to relax. Lounging chairs and table provided plus 2 bean chairs.

The Food: Prices Quite High but this is an Island Resort and naturally they get their supplies from the Mainland. Service must be more attentive otherwise it was good. Sitting outside Pavillion you will not be noticed easily but why hurry you are on a Vacation. Food was Good and servers friendly.

Breakfast: Buffet at 850 a person. Would have wanted A La Carte but Breakfast is all buffet.

Wifi: despite it being an Island, Wifi was fast and reliable. No password needed anymore.

Overall Experience: I just loved my stay in Bluewater Sumilon. Though there were some minor things i noticed (flys during breakfast, etc). It did not affect my giving the resort 5 Stars. The Sandbar was the highlight of my stay plus add to that the Villa and the remoteness of the island.

Where to Stay In Cebu: Summit Circle

​Location: located in Fuente Osmena. Connected to the Robinsons Mall. Near Restaurants and shops. Larsian is just a few minutes walk.

Check In: despite being very early, we were given the room key. They just did not  mention the breakfast and Wifi so i had to call them from the phone room and inquire about it.

The Room: quite big. It had 2 Twin beds. A Sofa. 32″ TV, Mini Ref, Writing Desk, Open Cabinet with Mini Safe. Room was Clean.

The Bathroom: quite big also. Toilet had no bidet. Hair Dryer, hot and cold water. Shampoo, Soap and Lotion provided.

Breakfast: of just average quality. Buffet spread.

Check Out: fast, friendly and efficient.

Overall: Summit Circle is one of Cebu’s old hotels. Even as a kid i would see advertisements for it. The Rooms look they have been renovated but of quality obviously of not really high standard. Acceptable

Wellcome Hotel (Cebu City)

Location: located near Ayala. The hotel is just around 5 minutes walk to Ayala. Nearby are restaurants and convenience stores.

Lobby: the lobby of the Hotel is small. And beside the Reception is the Elevator to the rooms.

Check In: Check in time is at 2pm. If you will check in Early there is a P300 fee. We were early and tired from the early trip so i said okay to the fee. I find this policy better since  you have the option go get inside the room earlier instead of going elsewhere.

Room: the room was quite big. It had tiled floors, a cabinet with Safe, table, mini bar, 32″ TV, queen size bed and single size bed. The beds were comfortable, also the pillows. Room was clean and the aircoon was very cold.

Bathroom: the bathroom was big. The toilet had a bidet. Shower was handheld. Hot and cold water. Toothbrush was provided, soap and shower gel.

Breakfast: not much choices. Choices consisted of 2 kinds of rice, sausage, corned beef, pinakbet (mixed vegetables), pancake, breads, salad, cereal. Drinks available were coffee, orange juice (powdered) and iced tea. Despite the few choices i enjoyed the breakfast, its what i usually eat at home. I particularly liked the Sausages. You can also request for eggs too.

Staff: the staff at the hotel were friendly and helpful.

Overall: a nicely located hotel with spacious rooms and great staff. Highly reccomended.

Hotel Joselina Traveller’s Inn (Tuguegarao)

Location: located Along the High Way. A bit far from downtown Tuguegarao but near the Airport. A Restaurant is located in front of the Hotel Barako Boy) which serves Breakfast, Lunch and dinner. They also have different coffees. At the entrance of the hotel is a convenience store and a Feli-Cita’s Fastfood.

Room: the room is quite spacious. Flooring is Ceramic Tiles. Clean and Cool. It has an enclosed area which is a smoking area. There is a cabinet, mini dining table for 2, 32″ Lcd TV. Beds are okay, 1 pillow only provided.

Bathroom: surprised to find a bidet. It has a hot and cold rainshower. Toiletry kit provided. Inside the kit soap, shampoo sachet, toothpaste and toothbrush.

Breakfast: none provided but you can order room service. Breakfast starts at P75 to P180. Or you can just go to the restaurant in front (Barako Boy) since there is an additional 10% for room service.

Wifi: had a hard time connecting in the afternoon but was able to connect in the evening. Speed not fast, rather slow but was able to upload pictures in WordPress.

Overall: a good place to stay if you do not have much business in the downtown area.

Note: if you want to sleep and are sensitive noise this might not be a good choice as it is beside the highway.

Hotel Tropika (JP Laurel Avenue, Davao City)

Location: the hotel is near the wharf going to Samal. Near the airport also. If you do not have any business in Downtown Davao this is a good place to stay. Also near SM Lanang. Very relaxing.

do not get a ground floor room if you always leave your curtains open as you will be seen by those going to the pool

Hotel Tropika as seen from the Swimming Pool

Check In: there were no problems with check in. It was too early so we were not able to get in the room. They just stored our bags then brought it to the room when everything was okay.

Room: the room size is big enough. And all rooms have a nice view of the pool and gardens. Aircon is cold. Room has an empty mini ref. they do not give bottled waters here but there is a dispenser outside the room where you can get water to your hearts content. The bathroom is quite big. The toilet has a bidet!! Hot and cold water is very reliable. Do not get rooms on the 1st floor if you always leave your curtains open.

Breakfast: not much choices but the food was very good. I liked the bangus. There was bangus, sausages, steamed egg, rice, congee, soup, bread, cereal & fruits. They also have watermelon juice.

Next day breakfast was a plated one. A lot of choices to choose from.

Room Service: very good food and fast service.

Pool: the pool was nice. Temperature was just right. It is a saltwater pool so much better than a Chlorine pool 🙂

Check Out: fast and hassle free.

Staff: fast, friendly & efficient.

Word of Advice: do not book rooms on the 2nd and 3rd floors if you are traveling with seniors, specially those with reduced mobility as the hotel does not have an elevator. Overall the hotel has areas with raised portions. Going to the pool you will go down several steps so not a good hotel for people with reduced mobility.

Casa Leticia Boutique Hotel (J. Camus Street, Davao City)

Location: located in Downtown Davao. Right Smack in the Centre of Davao City. It is the only hotel literally at the doorstep of People’s Park. The other hotel, Apo View is near the Park but not as near as Casa Leticia. Beside Casa Leticia are Stores, money changers, restaurants for different budgets. Everything is walking distance.

Staff: the staff are efficient and friendly.

Ambience: the place has a filipino charm to it. With a beautiful wooden staircase. Artworks by well known Filipino Artists (Serigraphs by Malang, Yonzon, Kiukok, Austria).

Rooms: rooms are comfortable. The room we got was the suite. Bathroom is big with hot & cold shower. Dryer. Though the toilet does not have a bidet it did have a tabo. Toiletries is just limited to soap & shampoo.

Breakfast: it was good with a good range of choices. Taste was very good.

A hotel where everything is within reach. Definitely a good place to stay in Davao. Book directly with the hotel website for a very good deal. Casa Leticia Boutique Hotel Check their promotions page for discounted rates.

Evergreen Place Bangkok (Phayathai Road, Bangkok) – Great Location & Big Rooms

Location: Evergreen Place Bangkok is just around a minute or two from the Ratchathewi BTS. And from there you are just 1 station away from the Airport Link. Nearby are outside food stalls, street food vendors, juice vendors, 7/11, restaurants and a lot more.

 

Check In: was fast & efficient. Very friendly staff.

Lobby: Quite small, the reception area too was small but it was elegantly designed. The Elevator Lobby was small too.

 

  

Room: Was surprised with the room! it was BIG. it was a 1 Bedroom Suite with its own working Kitchen. By working I mean it has a stove, utensils, appliances, sink … Meaning a Complete Working Kitchen. The room had a Mini Living room with a Big TV. It also had a Balcony. Bed was Queen size and very comfortable. Beside the bed is a writing desk. Very clean room and beautifully decorated.

 

  
  
  

Bathroom: the bathroom was neither big or small The size was just right. The important thing is that the toilet had a Bidet. A bathroom for me would not be complete if the toilet had no bidet. It had a Rain Shower plus hand held shower. Hot & Cold Shower.

 

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Amenities: They have a Pool, Sauna, Steam Room, Fitness Centre, Foot Massage Room, Aromatherapy Massage Room, Laundry Room.

Breakfast: It was quite simple. It had the basic choices. The quality was not that high though. Their bacon was as tough as nails. There were empty containers when i went for breakfast, they probably had not cooked for those yet.

Internet: it was sometimes unreliable. Speed was okay.

Go Hotels (Cybergate Plaza Mandaluyong Branch)

Last July 6 i stayed at the Go Hotels Cybergate Plaza Branch. Check In was strict as i only got inside my room at 2pm. The room i got was a Windowless room which i do not really like. I always want my room with a view no matter what kind of view that is.

The room is pretty basic. there was the TV, Bed, No desk or cabinets. The bathroom was okay. It was of decent size. It had a hot and cold rain shower. One thing i did not like here is that they have no eating signs! and that there was a fine of P1,000.00. Instead the guests should eat at the tables outside (Outside the room there are tables and chairs). I find this policy ridiculous as i have never encountered any hotel yet that does not allow eating inside the room.

Anyway for the price you pay for Go Hotels it is okay. Rooms are clean, cool and affordable.

Quest Hotel (Cebu City)

My BFF Anita was the one who reccomended that i try Quest Hotel and she sure gave a Very Good Reccomendation.

Quest Hotel is a modern Hotel located across Ayala Centre Cebu (be careful when crossing the street going to Ayala) Nearby, around and at its back are Restaurants. There is a East West Bank nearby and laundry shops too.
Check In was fast, friendly and efficient. The room was clean, comfy and cool. Their Wifi was surprisingly fast and reliable (though there were times it will slow down but pick up speed again). The room was comparable to a 4 Star Hotel Room.

The Hotel has a pool on the 7th floor.

Breakfast was Extensive. There was such a wide range of food available that i was surprised. More surprised to find Puto Bumbong (forget getting this) and Chocolate Batirol (Get this!) and Taho (their taho just does not taste like the ones bought from the streets). They also had a Maki and Sushi Station.

A bread area with all sorts of breads. Fruits, filipino fare, Egg Station. And everything you can think of.

Service was exemplary. Fast, efficient. From their security to Reception to Housekeeping. Check Out was equally fast, efficient and reliable as the check in. Overall Quest is a Top Place to stay in for business & pleasure.