Travel and Hotel Reviews PH

11/12/2025

Summit Ridge Tagaytay
Summit Hotels and Resorts
Address: Km 58 General Emilio Aguinaldo Highway, Maharlika West, Tagaytay City, Philippines / +63 282406888
Date of Stay: 8-9 December 2025
Room Booked: Superior Twin - Lake View
Rating: 7/10
⚠️ Disclaimer:
This review is based on what the reviewer has experienced during her stay. Experiences may vary. This review is conducted mystery-shopping style and is not sponsored.

Summit Ridge Tagaytay offers a comfortable and well-located accommodation option in the heart of Tagaytay City. The property features spacious rooms with balconies that provide unobstructed views of Taal Lake, which many guests consider a highlight of their stay. Service is courteous and consistent, and essential amenities are maintained to a satisfactory standard. Its proximity to dining establishments, retail outlets, and popular attractions adds to its convenience. While the hotel focuses on practicality over luxury, it delivers a calm and pleasant environment suitable for both leisure and business travelers.

📝 The Pros:
- Excellent Taal Lake view, provided that your rooms are place in the upper floors. Our room was in the 3rd floor and it's obstructed by some buildings and trees.
- The rooms are more spacious than typical hotel standards. Plenty of space for extra beds if you will bring in extra people.
- Location is convenient, as it is beside and across restaurants, cafes, tourist spots, etc. like Starbucks in the Robinsons Summit Ridge and Sky Ranch, to name a few.
- The staff are courteous and helpful, and it is easy to request for toiletries, or luggage assistance.
- There are big function rooms fit for events like weddings, seminars, and conferences.
- Toilets in the ground floor are nice.
- Wifi and data are present. Both have good signals as of this writing.
- Fridge and safe are available in the room.
- They have an elevator, albeit the one of two is not working.
- They have a fitness center as well.

📝 The Cons:
- Building and facilities show age. Lobby is nice and looks renovated along with other rooms, but ours show signs of being dated. TV was outdated (although it's already flat screen), the plants in the corridor leading to our room need some TLC.
- Breakfast variety can be limited. While acceptable, the breakfast buffet selection could be improved for the price. This reviewer liked the bibingka and p**o bumbong selection, though. (not free)
- Pool Area can be windy/cold. Because of Tagaytay’s climate and the hotel’s open layout, the pool is often too cold or windy for comfortable swimming. Heated pool might help. This reviewer noticed that the pool was not heated as of this writing.
- Parking Space are available, but they can get full quickly, if there is a big event in the hotel.
- The room is at the edge and near the highway, expect noise from cars at some point.
- While our room did have a balcony, it did not have a small table or chair to lounge around while admiring the Taal lake view. Expect this if you plan to have a drink or two while admiring the scenery.

✏️ Additional Tips & Notes:
1. Request for higher floors. The upper floors offer clearer, more impressive views of the Taal Lake.
2. Choose lake-facing rooms. Not all rooms have the same angle of the lake. If the view is a priority, specify a lake-view room to avoid disappointment.
3. Bring a jacket. Tagaytay’s climate, especially at night and early morning, can be chilly especially during December and January. The hotel corridors and balcony areas are particularly breezy.
4. The breakfast area can get full from 8:00–9:30 AM. Arriving earlier typically offers a quieter and more pleasant dining experience.
5. Check event schedules if possible. The hotel frequently hosts weddings, seminars, and corporate events. On such days, expect higher foot traffic, busier elevators, and full parking. Planning around these can help avoid delays.

❗️The Verdict:
Summit Ridge Tagaytay remains a solid and practical choice for travelers who value spacious rooms, courteous service, and excellent views of Taal Lake. While the property shows signs of age and some amenities could benefit from upgrades, its strategic location and overall comfort make it a dependable option for leisure trips, quick getaways, and small events. It may not offer luxury-level features, but it delivers a consistent and pleasant Tagaytay experience.

For their rates, visit:
https://summithotels.ph/hotels/summit-ridge-tagaytay

04/11/2025

04/11/2025

Avior Hotel Gensan
Avior Hotel
Address: 23 Santiago Blvd, General Santos City, 9500 South Cotabato
Date of Stay: 8-11 September 2025
Room Booked: Premier Room
Rating: 7.5/10

⚠️ Disclaimer:
This review is based on what the reviewer has experienced during her stay. Experiences may vary. This review is conducted mystery-shopping style and is not sponsored.

Tucked in the heart of General Santos City, Avior Hotel offers a refreshing mix of modern comfort and local hospitality. With its stylish interiors, warm service, and convenient location close to the city’s key spots, it’s an ideal stay for both business and leisure travelers looking for a relaxing yet accessible getaway.

📝 The Pros:
- Located at the heart of Gensan. Everything is accessible via walking or tricycle. SM Gensan is walking distance away.
- Lobby is spacious and their restaurant and cafe' are accessible in the second floor, especially if you arrived early and you want to kill time until check-in.
- Room is at the far end of the floor for extra privacy. Bed was comfortable and soft, there are enough pillows, and the room had a sofa and coffee table, aside from the desk and phone. It's easy to binge watch your favorite shows on the TV.
- Wifi and data are present. Both have good signals as of this writing.
- Fridge is available in the room.
- Their toiletries have improved since this reviewer's last visit. They now have Algotherm for their shampoo, conditioner, body wash and boy cream.
- They have an elevator. Great for Seniors, PWDs, and those who have a lot of baggage.
- They have a mini-gym, that is a room converted to a gym. Used their treadmill to get some steps in.
- Courteous staff, Tagalog is not their primary language, but they try their best. When in doubt, communicate in English.

📝 The Cons:
- Since the room is at the edge and near the highway, expect noise (especially at night, when the night market is set up.)
- As Avior Hotel it a business hotel, it does not have a swimming pool.
- It's near a government agency, hence the area around the hotel can be quite crowded. This can be an advantage, though, as there are a lot of tricycles waiting around because of the high traffic in the area.

✏️ Additional Tips & Notes:
1. Airport shuttle service is available to those who will check in for convenience. Notify the staff in advance so they can book you.
2. While QR payments are already popular in Gensan, it would not hurt to have cash especially if you intend to use trikes to get around the city.
3. If you plan to go during Tuna Festival, make sure you book weeks, or even months in advance.
4. Some tuna stores offer styro packaging for airport check-in in case you plan to take home some frozen tuna with you.
5. Grab is already available in Gensan.
6. Gensan is Gensun. Bring your cap and shades, and put on a strong sunblock.
7. Try out the Manny Pacquiao tour as part of your itinerary.

❗️The Verdict:
The Avior Hotel definitely has improved in their customer service and amenities since the last time this reviewer visited way back in 2022. While there are noise issues on the room, it does not discount the fact that the rooms are cool, clean, comfortable, and more than enough. Definitely one of the best business hotels around the city.

For their rates, visit:
https://aviorhotel.com/

02/11/2025

02/11/2025

Grand Hyatt Singapore
Grand Hyatt Singapore
Address: 10 Scotts Road, Singapore
Date of Stay: 24-28 September 2025
Room Booked: 2 Twin Beds
Rating: 8.8/10

⚠️ Disclaimer:
This review is based on what the reviewer has experienced during her stay. Experiences may vary. This review is conducted mystery-shopping style and is not sponsored.

Nestled in the heart of Orchard Road, Grand Hyatt Singapore blends modern sophistication with timeless luxury. From its elegant rooms and world-class dining to its lush, resort-style atmosphere, the hotel offers a relaxing escape right in the city’s bustling center. Whether you’re here for business or leisure, it’s the kind of stay that makes comfort and class feel effortless—setting the tone for an exceptional Singapore experience.

📝 The Pros:
- English-Speaking staff. It was not hard to understand each other at all.
- The room was spacious and luxurious. This reviewer was with a colleague and it did not feel like her space was invaded at all because the room was enough to have areas for each other.
- Toilet has a separate door from the shower, and both fixtures have a common wooden sliding door cover for total bathroom privacy. Toilet is also automated like the ones you see in Japan.
- Twin sinks in the bathroom for the occupants.
- Complete set of amenities, a mini-bar, including flat pods for coffee, different kinds of teas, creamer, sugar, and Splenda for the sugar-conscious. They also have wine glasses in the drawer.
- 2 sets of towels and bathrobes, sturdy slippers, complete set of amenities and good quality of shampoo and body wash. They also have an iron and hair dryer in the room.
- They have an instagrammable bed by the window with a nice view outside (depending where your room is facing).
- Amazing breakfast spread. It reminds this reviewer of Manila Hotel and Sofitel buffets, but with lots of big, fresh fruits.
- They are fast to respond to requests like a bucket of ice, extra utensils or plates, or even hygiene kits.

📝 The Cons:
- Expensive, but you get what you pay for.
- Their lobby seemed cramped for a 5-Star Hotel. It's spacious, but the ceiling is not high, giving the interior a cramped look.
- The hotel can prove to be quite the maze especially if you are to attend an event in their event halls.
- Reception area felt a bit too dark, even for mood lighting.
- There aren't enough couches in the reception area.
- There are no airport shuttle services offered at the hotel.

✏️ Additional Tips & Notes:
1. The Hotel is HUGE. It may take quite a bit of effort to walk to and from your hotel room (for example, you are going to the pool). Make sure to inform the staff to place your room near the elevator if you have children or elderly.
2. At the breakfast area, you can request the barista for Singaporean coffee (not in the menu). and there is also a dispenser for fresh orange juice near the bar (you can literally see the oranges being squeezed).
3. Grand Hyatt is a bit far from the airport and Sentosa, that being it's in the Orchard Road, but it is at the heart of the shopping district. It's also near the MRT train station (Orchard Station), so you can commute easily if you want to.
4. Your credit card is gold. You can even use your credit card directly to tap in the MRT lines and the bus if you don't have an EZ-link card.
5. Singapore is hotter than the Philippines even in the ber-seasons. Dress for warm weather.
6. Although credit cards are widely used by tourists and businesses in Singapore, it is always best to bring SGD with you if you plan to buy in local stores.
7. Have fun and explore around using your feet. You might find it enjoyable to walk, especially at night.

❗️ The Verdict:
Want to travel in style and get instagrammable sosy hotel photos? The Grand Hyatt Hotel Singapore is the place to be. While you may be out most of the day to explore Singapore, you will go home a beautiful hotel and soft linen sheets that will surely give you a good night's sleep. You may dedicate a day to explore and enjoy everything the hotel has to offer aside from touring the city. However, if you are traveling on a budget and still want an Orchard Road hotel, you may want to explore other options as well as this gem of a hotel does not come cheap. Again, you get the quality you pay for.

For their rates, visit:
https://www.hyatt.com/grand-hyatt/en-US/sinrs-grand-hyatt-singapore

02/11/2025

Room Tour

02/11/2025

The Henry Resort Dumaguete
The Henry Resort Dumaguete
Address: Dumaguete City, 6200 Negros Oriental
Date of Stay: 23-26 October 2025
Room Booked: Villa Suite
Rating: 9/10

⚠️Disclaimer:
This review is based on what the reviewer has experienced during her stay. Experiences may vary. This review is conducted mystery-shopping style and is not sponsored.

The Henry Resort Dumaguete — a boutique hideaway that perfectly blends tropical charm with modern comfort. Just a short drive from the airport and Dumaguete’s lively boulevard, the resort feels like a peaceful retreat tucked amid lush greenery.

From the moment you step in, you’re greeted by a relaxed, homey vibe — think warm wood interiors, local art pieces, and open spaces that let in plenty of natural light. The resort’s villa-style buildings and garden pathways give it a laid-back island feel while still offering all the comforts of a contemporary stay.

Whether you’re here for a quick weekend escape, a dive trip, or simply to slow down, The Henry Resort Dumaguete offers an inviting mix of culture, calm, and character — the perfect spot to recharge and enjoy the gentle pace of Negros Oriental.

📝The Pros:
- From the moment you enter the Henry Hotel, it's like going inside your own little resort compound. There's plenty of space to walk in, 7 mini-restaurants to try, a big space for events, and villas and pool are beyond a locked red door for privacy for the ingress and egress of players.
- Friendly and accommodating staff. If you have luggage it can be quite a challenge to bring it on your villa, but the staff are willing to bring it for you.
- The rooms are very spacious and good for families. The bed and pillows are very comfortable to sleep in and very clean.
- Everything is on brand. Special mention to their flip flops that you get to take home after.
- There are enough plugs for many gadgets.
- The pool is heated which make it nice to take a dip at night.
- Big parking space.
- Spacious bathroom. Hairdryer, complete kits, bathroom tissue, facial tissue, towel sets, and even beach towels are available near the pool area. There is also space for you to hang your wet clothes.

📝 The Cons:
- Breakfast is plated, not buffet; but you may choose to dine either in Cafe Sans Rival or Noelle's Brunch Bar for the free morning breakfast.
- Since there is lush greenery around the resort, expect a few bugs and frogs saying hi to you every now and then.
- Globe and Smart signals are a bit intermittent, but hotel has wifi.
- Quite a bit of waiting time for breakfast. You may want to order in advance the day before to lessen waiting time.
- Pay in cash or card only.

✏️ Additional Tips & Notes:
1. Standard check-in time: 2:00 PM. Check-out time: 12:00 NN. They are nice and allowed this reviewer for late check out when she requested.
2. Bring cash. People still prefer cash, and not all establishments have QR payments.
3. You can leave your luggage at the reception if you arrive too early or your departure time is a little later than your checkout time.
4. There is no Grab car in Dumaguete, but there are Grab Trikes to take you around town. You can also request trikes from the hotel receptionist.
5. If you are travelling with a large group, you may opt to ask for airport pick-up or drop off. As if writing its 750/van. It's more convenient if you have lots of luggage as well.
6. Traveling back with Sans Rival products in hand? The main store has insulated boxes which you can purchase at 150/box and they will gladly pack the products for you. It can hold at least 20 Silvanas inside, and you can check it in. Paper bags are only for hand-carry.
7. Flights in the afternoon or at noon and you have Sans Rival products you have pre-ordered? Arrange for them to have it delivered at your hotel. They start delivering at around 9:30 am.

❗️The Verdict:

This reviewer recommends the Henry Hotel for travelers who want the best hotel resort experience in Dumaguete. There's plenty of space to walk and move around, it's far from the hustle and bustle of the streets, and yet it is so near the port, the nightlife, the restaurants, and that big 'I LOVE DUMAGUETE' sign. It's also a convenient place for travel vans to pick you up and wait for you because of the big parking area plus it is near the Dumaguete City Airport. Highly recommended for tourists who want a mix of luxury in their getaway.

For their rates, and virtual tour:
https://dumaguete.thehenryhotel.com/

16/07/2024

Room Tour

16/07/2024

Movenpick Resort & Spa Boracay
Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts
Address: Punta Bunga Rd, Boracay, Malay, 5608 Aklan
Date of Stay: 17-20 May 2024
Room Booked: Classic King
Rating: 9.4/10

⚠️ Disclaimer:
This review is based on what the reviewer has experienced during her stay. Experiences may vary. This review is conducted mystery-shopping style and is not sponsored.

Movenpick Resort & Spa is situated at what the tourists delightfully call "Station 0", a relatively recent addition to the popular Boracay Island in the Philippines. Station 0 is considered a more exclusive area. The beach there is called the Punta Bunga cove. The resort offers an indulgent paradise in the Philippines, situated at the northern tip of the island. The feel of the resort is luxurious, and exclusive, something that is common to Accor Group of Hotels, which it is a part of.

To get to Movenpick from the Caticlan Airport, van arrangements can be made to bring tourists to the boat station. From there, there is a 15-20 minute boat ride to Boracay island. From the station, there are multicabs parked that charge around 300 pesos to get to Movenpick. Travel time can be around a good 20-25 minutes depending on the traffic as it is quite far from Station 3.

📝 The Pros:
- Hotel is giving "quiet vacationer" vibes. It's luxurious and peaceful at the same time. If you have explored the island before and you are looking for a place that is exclusive, there are no peddlers around to try to sell you tours and items, this is the place to be.
- Movenpick has a wide array of restaurants, a beach club (Sol Marina), a spa (Sagay Spa), salon, clinic, fitness center, cafe, activities (including nights with a live band and firedancing), a really big pool, and even a souvenir shop.
- It is well-staffed. The staff are articulate, friendly, and accommodating. They are fun to strike a conversation with, and they can give you general information about the island.
- Signal for Globe and Smart are good on the rooms and they give you access to wifi during your stay.
- Beds are comfortable and big, pillows are fluffy, there is a balcony where you can chill and leave your wet clothes to dry, the bathroom is spacious wih bidet.
- Bathroom amenities are: bathrobes, two sets of towels, slippers, dental kit (bamboo), vanity kit, shaving kit (upon request), hair dryer, hot and cold rainfall shower, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in large refillable containers.
- There are enough sockets in the room for your gadget needs and a table facing the TV if you need to get some fast work done.
- Buffet breakfast is served at The Market Restaurant from 6:00-10:00 am. I have to commend the hotel for their big menu. You really get more than what you pay for and the rates are justifiable in case you need to pay for extra heads. The menu items consist of Filipino, Japanese, Halal, Kiddie Breakfast, Italian, Sausages, and different kinds of bread. There is also champorado, different kinds of pastries, chocolate, fruits, healthy shots, and infused water.
- Perfect venue for beach weddings. Movenpick can accommodate a lot of guests and has the perfect beach view.
- Ther are activities for children.

📝 The Cons:
- Their lobby and corridors are non-airconditioned, but this is forgivable as it adds to the "vacation-y" vibe of the place. Reception area is airconditioned, though.
- Their elevator could use a routine maintenance check.
- As the resort is quite big and there are multiple buildings for guests, you have to allot a few minutes extra to walk to the breakfast venue or to the beach.
- Expensive for the normal vacationer. But you get what you pay for. By that, it means excellent and quality service and stellar room interiors.
- It's a bit far from the hustle and bustle of Stations 1 and 2. If you are the party-goer type, you might find that you need to exert extra effort in transportation.
- It might be a bit of a struggle for multicabs to go up/down to/from Movenpick, so avoid overloading passengers.

✏️ Additional Tips & Notes:
1. Standard check-in time: 2:00 pm. Check-out time: 12:00 nn. Make sure you have cash with you for incidental deposits.
2. Bringing food and beverages into the hotel is allowed.
3. You can pay in cash or digitally i.e. Gcash or card for your transactions.
4. You can leave your luggage at the reception if you arrive too early or your departure time is a little later than your checkout time.
6. Since the resort is a bit far from Stations 1-3, make sure to maximize their free van to Station 2 services. Just book a day or at least 4-6 hours in advance as it tends to get full easily especially during weekends.
7. Schedule too cramped in the morning? You can opt to take-out your breakfast instead and eat it on the way.

Pro tip: If you are an Accor Member, you can get up to 50% off on food and some drinks are complimentary.

❗️The Verdict
This reviewer recommends Movenpick Resort and Spa Boracay for that quiet retreat to the beach vibe. This is the type of place where you can connect to the sand, the beach, and the sunset without the distraction of nightlife and partying. If you do however, miss that, there are events inside the resort that give the same vibe, but it's a lot more exclusive and secure. It's not cheap, but it's worth saving for. Will definitely return a second, or even a third time.

For their rates, kindly visit: https://movenpick.accor.com/en/asia/philippines/boracay/resort-spa-boracay.html

03/11/2023

03/11/2023

Conrad Bali
Conrad Bali
Jl. Pratama No.168, Tanjung, Benoa, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80363, Indonesia
Date of Stay: 19 Oct - 23 Oct 2023
Room Booked: Deluxe Garden Room (2 Twin Beds)
Rating: 9.5/10

⚠️ Disclaimer:
This review is based on what the reviwer has experienced during her stay. Experiences may vary. This review is conducted mystery-shopping style and is not sponsored.

Inspired by the "Island of the Gods" beauty and hospitality, Conrad Bali offers the ultimate tropical beach resort experience on the beautiful coast of Nusa Dua. They offer a lot of spacious rooms amid lush gardens and quite a number of pools. The hotel is also situated in the beachfront so guests can readily take a dip in the beach if they so desired.

The locality of Bali, Indonesia speaks mostly in Indonesian, but they are quite adept at understanding and speaking in English as well. They are nice, straightforward, and they make an effort to understand what foreigners are trying to say. Their main mode of transportation is public buses and mini-buses if you are in a tour. There are also quite a number of motorcycles in the area. Driver's side is right side.

📝 The Pros:
- Hotel is HUGE. well-staffed, articulate, and accommodating. The staff went out of their way to help me purchase an item beyond store hours.
- Signal (Telkomsel) and hotel wifi is strong in the vicinity.
- The room has a small refrigerator equipped with sodas and beer (chargeable upon checkout), a coffee and tea nook, dresser with iron, safety box, bathtubs, and shower room, as well as a balcony. Ours faced a zen garden where you can see people doing yoga in the morning.
- TV is adaptable to our HDMI cable. We brought a console with us.
- The bathroom is huge and the toilet, shower, and bath are separated with enough space to move around.
- Bathroom kits and amenities are: Bathrobes, two sets of bath, face, and hand towels, hairdryer, slippers, vanity kit, shower cap, bar soap, shampoo and conditioner in large refillable containers (Mojave Ghost).
- There are a variety of pools to choose from, different activities for both adult and kids, spas, and other romantic things can be arranged, subject to a fee.
- There is a small chapel for weddings facing the beach and sunset, a perfect instagram-worthy location.
- Hotel photographers can be booked to capture that precious moment with your loved ones or your family
- Buffet Breakfast is served at two locations, the Rin or the Suku restaurant. Suku restaurant opens at 6 am, while Rin opens at 7 am until 10 am. It serves a variety of healthy food and Indonesian viands. It's a bit different from the usual Filipino buffet breakfast.
- You can take away the small stuffed monkey that comes with your room for free. They also have a Conrad Store where you can purchase additional Conrad items such as bags, bottle openers, stuffed monkeys, mugs, etc.
- Bottled water is almost always available for the guests.
- There is an ATM Booth right at the entrance of the hotel if you need extra cash.

📝 The Cons:
- Hotel airconditioning is nice, but be prepared for that Bali heat outside!
- There are enough sockets in the rooms, but if you are coming from the Philippines, make sure you have a travel adapter with you since the pins of the sockets in Indonesia are Type C (two round holes). You may ask the front desk for an adapter, subject to availability.
- The hotel grounds are so vast with at least 3 major buildings that it is easy to get lost. It takes some getting used to the shortcuts on your way back to your room.
- Their lobby and corridors are open and it does tend to get a bit hot especially during noon.
- It is not cheap, but it is well worth the price.

✏️ Additional Tips & Notes:

1. If you are reserving or booking a tour online, make sure you do a legit-check first. There are lots of scams going around for foreigners online.

2. Do not bring loads of cash, you can use your credit cards or ATMS as needed. Just make sure these are from credible places.

3. Always keep your phones in your pocket or away from the street. There are a lot of motorcycles in the area.

4. Avoid using taxis as much as possible. Use either the bus, your hotel's airport transfer service, or a ride-sharing app.

5. Avoid drinking tap water.

6. Do not step on the small offerings on the street called "Canang Sari". They are small offerings put by the locals usually in streets and pretty much everywhere.

7. Do not go out especially to temples improperly dressed. Wear pants just to be safe.

8. This author recommends getting a sim card to use for data. There is a free wifi in the hotel but if you want to be extra safe, go with a personal data plan. We went with Telkomsel at 300k at the airport.

9. Bringing in food and beverage into the hotel is allowed especially for pasalubongs.

❗️The Verdict

If you have cash to burn and you want a peaceful Bali vacation where you can just enjoy without leaving the hotel grounds, then Conrad is the perfect place for you. It is luxurious and peaceful at the same time. The place gives quiet elegance that it is the perfect summer place for you to regain your balance. You can swim, do yoga, massages by the beach, rest, do cooking classes, moon gaze, watch sunrises and sunsets. This hotel is also really good for a quiet wedding. Overall a delightful place to stay and count the blessings in your life.

For their rates and list of things to do:

https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/bpncici-conrad-bali/

09/10/2023

Hue Hotel Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Suite Room Tour