Cubao's Hidden Cheap Hotel -- Ibis Styles Manila Araneta City

ABBEY: For our staycation before heading to Bulacan, we chose to spend a night at Ibis Styles Araneta City in Cubao. From the moment we entered the hotel, we were welcomed by a giant glove sculpture in the lobby, which added a playful touch to our arrival. Check-in was a breeze—just a couple of minutes, and we were on our way to our room.

The room was immaculate, exuding a cozy ambiance that made us feel instantly relaxed and ready to unwind. The fragrant toiletries added a touch of luxury, and I took full advantage of the hot shower, letting the warm water wash away the day’s fatigue.

One of the perks of staying at Ibis Styles is its direct connection to the nearby malls. We couldn't resist exploring, so we strolled through the shops and grabbed some snacks at Manam. The place was bustling, so for dinner, we opted for a KFC takeaway, bringing our meal back to the comfort of our room.

As we settled in, we tried to catch a bit of the Formula 1 Grand Prix, but the cozy bed quickly lulled us to sleep. Before we knew it, morning had arrived, and it was time to pack up and check out.When it comes to transportation, there's no need to worry—plenty of options are available right outside the hotel, making travel a breeze.

A Modern Hotel in the Heart of Quezon City: Our Ibis Styles Experience

WILL: Cubao, Quezon City, often known for its bustling streets, love hotels, and the infamous pickpocket, isn't the first place you'd expect to find an upscale hotel. Yet, the Accor Group has strategically placed Ibis Styles Manila Araneta City right to Gateway Mall, a move that left me both surprised and impressed.

Initially, I wondered who this Ibis Styles Manila Araneta City would cater to. However, during our stay, we observed a diverse crowd—business travelers, seminar attendees, and international guests. It’s clear that Ibis Styles has tapped into a niche market here, providing a fresh and modern option for those visiting the area on business.

Check-In/Check-Out Experience: As an All Accor Plus member, Abbey and I experienced the perks of priority service. The check-in and check-out process was seamless, reflecting the efficiency that the Accor Group is known for.

Room Experience: The room was charming, with a layout that reminded me of our stay in Danang. However, I noticed one peculiar omission—there was no proper desk, a surprising detail for a hotel branded as business-friendly. Despite this, the room hit all the right marks in terms of cleanliness, making our stay comfortable.

Location and Amenities: One of the major perks of Ibis Styles Manila Araneta City is its location. Being adjacent to Gateway Mall, we had easy access to a variety of dining options, which made exploring the area a delight.

Final Verdict: Will we return? Absolutely! Despite some minor drawbacks, Ibis Styles Manila Araneta City offers a unique and convenient option for those visiting Cubao. It’s a refreshing addition to the area, and we look forward to our next stay. 

Per Night: Php3,206.50

***

Ibis Styles Manila Araneta City

(W) https://all.accor.com/

(A) General Roxas Avenue, Araneta City, Quezon City 0810 Philippines

Acuatico Beach Resort Review -- Is It Worth the Php100,000+ for a Family Getaway?

ABBEY: Our recent family trip to Aquatico Beach Resort in Batangas was filled with fun, relaxation, and plenty of memorable moments. The journey took us almost three hours, but despite arriving before the official check-in time, the resort staff were kind enough to welcome us. They set us up in their playroom, where we could cool off and unwind, keeping us comfortable in the sweltering heat. About half an hour later, we were escorted to our villas, and that’s when our adventure at the resort truly began. The welcome drinks followed shortly after, adding a refreshing touch to our start.

While the resort has its charms, there were a few quirks. Due to space limitations, we found ourselves needing to visit my sibling's room for coffee and access to a fridge. The bathroom, though functional, had no shower door, leading to splashes that were beginning to take a toll on the doorposts. As for the Wi-Fi, it was a bit of a hit-or-miss, with connectivity being intermittent at times. However, these minor inconveniences didn’t stop us from creating some truly happy memories.

Most of our days were spent between the infinity pool and the beach, especially after meals. And speaking of meals, the food at Aquatico did not disappoint. I indulged in a variety of dishes, including beef tapa, roasted pork, pancit, tacos, and chicken. They also offered taho and an assortment of desserts. For drinks, hot chocolate and kapeng barako were on the menu, perfect for a comforting treat. During our two-night stay, my wife and I enjoyed leisurely evenings with servings of margaritas, red sangrias, and mojitos—quality time well spent.

All in all, despite a few minor hitches, our stay at Aquatico Beach Resort was a delightful experience, leaving us with wonderful memories of family bonding and relaxation.

Acuatico Beach Resort Review

Acuatico Beach Resort Review

Acuatico Beach Resort Review

WILL: When choosing a luxury resort like Acuatico, expectations naturally rise, especially when the price tag is steep. After seeing photos and reading rave reviews online, I couldn’t wait to experience Acuatico for myself. So, what is Acuatico really like? Let’s dive into the details—both the highlights and the letdowns.

Rooms and Accommodation

We booked two accommodations for a family reunion and were assigned to the Masters of Casita. The bed was incredibly comfortable and spotlessly clean, which immediately put me at ease. The TV offered a good selection of channels, providing some much-needed entertainment during work breaks. Our room was just three steps away from the beautiful infinity pool and offered a fantastic view of the sea. The staff was attentive, checking in on us and offering to refresh our room on the second day, which added a nice touch to our stay.

But then there was the bathroom. The showerhead was in dire need of replacement, and the faucet’s water pressure was so intense that it turned the bathroom into a splash zone. It’s these small details that make a big difference in a luxury stay.

Dining at the Resort

I have to commend the resort on the food. The ingredients were fresh, and the meals were included in our package, which was a nice touch. However, dining was far from a relaxing experience. The flies were relentless, turning every meal into a battle to protect our plates. It was exhausting and definitely detracted from the overall experience.

The Pool Area

The pool is one of the standout features of Acuatico Beach Resort. It’s divided into three sections, which is ideal for families with young children, as it allows them to play safely in a designated area. The pool area is beautifully designed and offers a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the view.

Is Acuatico Worth the Price?

Despite the luxurious price tag, there were some noticeable lapses in quality that made us question whether the resort is being properly maintained. There’s a sense that it’s starting to show signs of wear and tear, which is disappointing for a place that promises so much.

As for the cost? Our 3-day, 2-night stay in two rooms at Acuatico set us back a hefty Php 117,000++. Given the experience, I’m left wondering if it was really worth it.

***

Acuatico Beach Resort: Resort in Laiya Batangas

(W) https://acuaticoresort.com.ph/

(A) Laiya, San Juan, Batangas, Philippines 4226

Sakura Private Villa - Serene Getaway in Angeles Pampanga

ABBEY: It’s always a good idea to catch up with friends so we did that. Not only did we had dinner but sleepovers, yes with an “s” at Sakura Private Villa Angles for 3 days and 2 night. The private house is at Angeles, Pampanga but you can get there via Waze. There could be a slight hiccup finding it when you’re nearby but with a couple of asks with the locals and intuition you’ll get there. 

We were welcomed warmly by the staff as they began to handover the place to us. The rules are printed and make sure you read and adhere to them. We got five rooms, three toilets and two baths, a large swimming including a bubble jet one. It is clean, spacious and relaxing. We played darts, billiards, and even karaoke’d. You can bring your own food. The utensils and cookwares are provided. Or you can order and cook them for you. Internet connectivity is fast. No problem with the heat as well. Where should our next catch up be?

Sakura Private Villa - Serene Getaway in Angeles Pampanga: Pool

Sakura Private Villa - Serene Getaway in Angeles Pampanga

Sakura Private Villa - Serene Getaway in Angeles Pampanga: Bathroom with Tub

Sakura Private Villa - Serene Getaway in Angeles Pampanga

WILL: During our high school days, we made it a tradition to go on annual out-of-town getaways. Now, with most of us living abroad, our reunions have become rare and typically limited to simple dinners. However, we always felt that a few hours over dinner wasn't enough to make up for the lost time. This year, we were thrilled that almost everyone managed to find the time for a 3-day, 2-night vacation. Our friend Denise, the perennial organizer, chose Sakura Private Villa for our much-anticipated reunion.

The accommodations at Sakura Private Villa are modest; don't expect hotel-like mattresses or pillows. However, the inviting pool, karaoke, dartboard, and billiards table ensure that there's never a dull moment, even without televisions (a welcome change, indeed).

Downsides:

Insects: Expect mosquitoes, ants and flies.

No Basic Things: Toothbrushes and towels are not provided.

Hard to Find: The villa's location can be difficult to locate.

Cost:

We spent Php 28,500 for our stay + Php200 per towel. 

Sakura Private Villa provided us with a perfect backdrop for reconnecting and creating new memories. Despite a few minor inconveniences, the time spent together in such a peaceful setting was priceless.

***

Sakura Private Villa Angeles

(F)https://www.facebook.com/p/Sakura-Private-Villa-Angeles-61557800871581/

(A) Purok 2 Sitio Radar Brgy.Sapang Bato, Angeles City, Philippines

Citadines Roces Quezon City : Have You Stayed in an Apartment Hotel?

ABBEY: Due to appointments left and right we opted to book a hotel for a couple of nights when we landed at Metro Manila. It was at the newly-built Citadines Roces at Quezon City. We got the one-bedroom unit and I can say that made a lot of difference. After all the guests that had come you can still have your clean, pristine and private space to enjoy. 

The unit has larger fridge, microwave, and dishes and utensils. I hope they can look on ways to improve internet connectivity to be faster and to be more thorough in cleaning the pool as we found cockroach at one of the edges. 

There is a complimentary barista coffee but only once in your whole stay and only for one guest; would be better if it’s per day and per hotel guest that is checked in. Front desk staffs Krystle and Vanie really ensure that we are taken care off specially for the rush printing of the document I needed. 

Citadines Roces Quezon City : Living Room

Citadines Roces Quezon City : Bedroom

WILL: Another year and another vacation for us in Philippines. Yay!! To tell you frankly — we do not have a home to live in Manila. My parents’ house have 4 rooms and it were all occupied by my sister and her sons. Abbey’s parents house is way too far and time consuming for us to commute daily for our business affairs. So we make it a point that we budgeted our stays in hotels. For this year our first stay is Citadines Roces Quezon City. 

We chose Citadines One Bedroom Deluxe. Why? Since we are always holding a business meeting, a living room equipped with TV with HDMI is a good fit. After the meeting, we do not need to hail a taxi for a dinner since a lot of restaurant and cafe is around the hotel. 

The comfort? The location is perfect and away of everyday noise of traffic; on that you will be ensuring that you have a good night sleep. Breakfast is included in our room which a good thing that we wonder around the city for a quick bite. They have a covered pool that which I do not get a chance to dip in. 

Overall, this is a hotel that I will be considering to book again. Not only for me and Abbey but also for our next family staycation! 

***

Citadines Roces Quezon City

(W) https://www.discoverasr.com/en/citadines/philippines/citadines-roces-quezon-city

(A) 100 Don A. Roces Ave, Diliman, Quezon City, 1103 Metro Manila, Philippines

Discover Metro Manila: Unforgettable and Affordable Hotels at Quezon City and Mandaluyong City Philippines

ABBEY: As our schedule was packed, we decided to stay in a couple of hotels in Manila to save time and be in close proximity to our destinations.

Privato Quezon City: This hotel is lovely and quiet. It's clean, and we had ample space in our room. They even reheated our 'takeaway' food from our loved ones and provided us with some medicine when we caught the flu. For sustainability, they offer a water refilling station in the lift lobbies. They could improve by ensuring that basic amenities and toiletries are readily available in the room without guests needing to call the front desk.

Privato Ortigas: I wouldn't recommend this one. Despite a warm reception at the front desk, the room did not meet our expectations. This was after we stayed for more than a week at their branch in Quezon City. The mattress and sheets had stains and holes, the air conditioning unit was leaking, the bidet hose was rusty, and there were cockroaches. We thought we would be given another room after providing feedback, but that didn't happen. We even had to call them twice because the refilling station's tank was empty. We stayed there for one night, canceled the rest of our stay, and relocated to another hotel.

Novotel Suites Manila at Acqua: Your name will be checked against the reservation list on the ground floor since the reception is located on the 21st. Our room was spacious and included an office desk, a couch, and even a microwave oven. The bathroom, toilet, and sink were separated in an open concept. Our bed was comfortable and soft, accompanied by fluffy pillows and a cozy blanket. From the viewing deck, you can enjoy a great view of the Pasig River, and the hotel is across from the Rockwell Power Plant Mall. The buffet breakfast had fewer options but came at a discounted price of Php 450 from Php 900. The hotel is also pet-friendly.

Park Inn by Radisson North Edsa: We had a hard time booking our reservation online, and even signing up as a member was difficult at the time. We ended up calling and booking a room. Similar to Novotel Suites, the reception was on an upper floor instead of the ground. The room had a light, clean, and chic ambiance. The hotel is connected to SM the Block, which is a plus for shopping and dining. I highly recommend Mandara Spa; they hit all the right spots, and the ginger tea tasted great.

Unforgettable and Affordable Hotels in Metro Manila Philippines 

WILL: We decided to book hotels for our Philippine vacation in 2023 to save time and maximize our vacation. Here's the list of hotels where we stayed:

Privato Hotels:

I always make it a point that, at the end of the day, Abbey and I have a clean and relaxing place to sleep. I'm proud to say that I chose Privato QC. Their lobby is spacious, the rooms and sheets were clean, and the staff's hospitality is top-notch. I definitely recommend Privato QC, especially if you plan to stay longer than 3 days. They offer special discounts, making it a real value for money. On the other hand, I wouldn't recommend the Ortigas Branch. The lobby is not clean, the rooms have issues, and we even reported cockroaches and an air conditioning leak, but they didn't address our complaints.

Novotel Suites Manila at Acqua:

As members of different hotel chains, we decided to splurge a bit during our vacation and stayed at Novotel for 2 nights. The room was amazing, with a huge bed, two soft pillows, a separate water closet and shower, and aromatic toiletries. Novotel even surprised us with a congratulatory cake! However, I had higher expectations for the breakfast buffet they recommended we purchase at 50% off. The meager selection left me feeling a bit cheated. Nevertheless, we had an overall lovely stay.

Park Inn by Radisson North Edsa:

Radisson became our savior hotel after the discomfort of Privato Ortigas. We chose it for its accessibility to our family and the convenience of being near SM North. The room was decent, with a huge and comfortable bed, although they only provided one pillow per person, which felt a bit awkward for a hotel. I recommend it, but be prepared for the bustling business of Metro Manila life."

These revisions should make your text more readable and clear.

***

Privato Quezon City

(W) https://privatohotels.com/privato-quezon-city/

(A) 82 Scout Castor, Tomas Morato, Quezon City

Novotel Suites Manila at Acqua

(W) https://novotelsuitesmanila.com/

(A) Novotel Tower, Coronado Street, Barangay Hulo, Mandaluyong 1550 Metro Manila

Park Inn by Radisson North EDSA

(W) https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/park-inn-edsa-quezon

(A) SM City North EDSA Complex, EDSA Corner North Avenue, Barangay Bagong Pag-Asa, Metro Manila, Quezon City

LUXURIOUS SANTORINI VIBES BEACH RESORT IN SORSOGON - Recidencia Del Hamor Beach Front in Santa Elena

ABBEY: I was hooked when I saw the blue and white buildings of Residencia del Hamor. It’s like Santorini. This is where we stayed in Sorsogon. 

Welcome drinks were served upon arrival and a few moments later we were led to our rooms. Each room has its own balcony facing the pool and beach. This is a good place to see the sunrise. A big bed is at the center of the room and you have a kind of living room as well. Extra beds can be requested for other guest but of course for a fee. The restaurant served as our dining table. I liked their crispy pata; you can eat all except for the bone. Haha. I had espresso martini at their bar to wrap up the day. 

And in the morning we walked the stretch of the beach which is very therapeutic. It is indeed a relaxing stay.

LUXURIOUS SANTORINI VIBES BEACH RESORT IN SORSOGON - Recidencia Del Hamor Beach Front in Santa Elena - Santorini Vibes

LUXURIOUS SANTORINI VIBES BEACH RESORT IN SORSOGON - Recidencia Del Hamor Beach Front in Santa Elena - Exclusive Pool

LUXURY VACATION IN BICOL REGION PHILIPPINES! Condotel and Beach Resort in Albay and Sorsogon!

LUXURIOUS SANTORINI VIBES BEACH RESORT IN SORSOGON - Recidencia Del Hamor Beach Front in Santa Elena - Restaurant

LUXURIOUS SANTORINI VIBES BEACH RESORT IN SORSOGON - Recidencia Del Hamor Beach Front in Santa Elena - Sunrise

WILL: We are glad that we chose to stay in Recidencia than in beeeep*beepp*. Haha! Recidencia del Hamor Beachfront’s customer care knocks off the competition. It is easier to communicate with them. I mean, it won’t take days for you to to wait on their responds. I sent a mail around midnight and my delight when I checked my email in the morning they had replied me by 2AM. Kuddos to Front Office Associate named Ms Sheena Dig! Just one call and few exchanges of emails, everything was settled. Who wants a stress before their vacation right?

We were picked-up by Recidencia del Hamor van exactly on the time we prefered. The van is roomy and accomodated us comfortably. On our way from Legazpi to Sorsogon our driver gave insights what Sorsogon is known for, what are their primary crops and pointed out the Chiz’s Abode. We have a lovely ride to the beachfront.

Once we arrived, we were welcomed by front office staffs, taken our vaccines cards to get a copy, given a welcome drink and we were assisted by a golf cart to our rooms.

The Junior Suite Room is lovely and spacious, the bed is comfy and the toiletries is fragrance is quite calming. In front of the room is the pool exclusively available for resort guests. 

The beach! The sea! It is calm! Love it! And due to low tide you can walk/swim far and yet the water is still a chest deep. Haha!

We do not have an intention to go out of the resort and glad that they have a restaurant, bar and spa that is highly recommended for guests to try. Don’t forget to order their Crispy Pata and Bangus Belly for breakfast On our way back to Legazpi, our driver gladly dropped us off to some places that sells pasalubong. Abbey got a tablea in Aling Vicky’s store.

So what’s the verdict? Totally recommended! They know how to tale care of their customers, what they want and need. Thank you so much Recidencia del Hamor for this memorable stay in Sorsogon!

***

Recidencia Del Hamor Beach Front 

Php13,000 Junior Suite Room with free breakfast 

Van Transfer from Legazpi to Resort (2-way) Rate: PHP 6,000 

(F) https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...

(A) Brgy. San Sebastian, Sta. Magdalena 4709 Santa Magdalena, Philippines

(T) +63 905 245 1920

(E) reservations@recidenciadelhamorbeachfront.com.ph

LUXURY VACATION IN BICOL - Gloria Tree Mayon & Park View Residences Condotel

ABBEY: This is our stop at Albay; a condotel. They picked us up from the bus terminal and straight to Gloria Tree. A few moments after we were given our rooms (2 storey, 2 rooms, 3 baths, kitchen and living room) they served us breakfast. This is super early checkin at 5AM. We just thought to drop in the bags and come back later but lo and behold, we have the whole house to ourselves. 

The sheets are clean and smooth. They can improve with their amenity kits though; the soap is thin and the toothpaste tube won’t last you a couple of brushes. The place is adjacent to a park so you can jog or have a brisk walk in the morning. You can snap a good view of Mayon at the rooftop. 

Our bill costed us for 2 days/1 night stay and breakfast add-on for our arrival. I must admit that this is not a first choice for our stay but with the service they provided before our trip, we preferred them over a hyped-resort.

LUXURY VACATION IN BICOL  - Gloria Tree Mayon & Park View Residences Condotel - 2nd room

LUXURY VACATION IN BICOL  - Gloria Tree Mayon & Park View Residences Condotel - Receiving Area

LUXURY VACATION IN BICOL  - Gloria Tree Mayon & Park View Residences Condotel

LUXURY VACATION IN BICOL  - Gloria Tree Mayon & Park View Residences Condotel

WILL: We like to have an accommodation that will give us peace of mind and relaxation while we are in vacation, we want that the breakfast should be included, an almost a travel-agency-like that will provide us what we needed during our travels and yet still budget friendly. Gloria Tree Mayon has it all. 

I am a bit skeptic about Gloria Tree Mayon, hard to find an online review on them bit when I called the given phone number and the owner answered my querries, it is the sign for me to book the place.

The two-storey cost Php8,000 with free breakfast and free van transfer from Bus Terminal (Isarog from Manila). The house consisted of 2 airconditioned bedrooms with 1 queen size bed and 1 sofa bed. 1 extra sofa bed on the staircase area, 1 bunk bed, 3 bathrooms and airconditioned living and dining room. We also booked their van for our day tour which is Php500 cheaper than people who organised group tours.

Gloria Tree’s employees always make sure that we were satisfied with our meals and we are well served with our inquiries regarding the place. We really do feel that we are more than welcome in this establishment. Love that feeling so much. We will not forget that. Haha. 

Climb their 4th floor and you’ll be awed by the unobstructed view of Mt. Mayon.

***

Gloria Tree Mayon & Park View Residences 

Php8,000 2 - Bedroom with free breakfast and hotel transfer 

(F) https://www.facebook.com/gloriatreemayonandparkview

(A) Kalayaan Park Purok 1, Barriada Road, Brgy. 38 - Gogon, Legazpi City

(T) +63 922 846 5301