Travel with the WANDER GIRLS: HOTEL REVIEW: TUNE HOTEL

HOTEL REVIEW: TUNE HOTEL – Cebu, Philippines

36 Archbishop Reyes Avenue, Cebu City, Philippines

BY: Ysabel Villaflor

LOCATION: Tune Hotel is located in the commercial district of Cebu. Its location is one of its draws and that is why we decided to book this hotel. It is walking distance to Ayala Mall, right next door is a 7-11 Convenience Store, and public transportation is easily accessible from the main road.

THE COST: The one thing that is unique with this chain of hotels is that: you only pay for what you need like: air-conditioning, cable TV, WIFI connection and toiletries. However, we booked through Agoda.com which had a promo that included 24 hour air-conditioning, Cable TV, toiletries and Free WIFI. Looking back, that promo was a steal: we were able to book twin room (for two people) for Php750 or US$19 per night for EVERYTHING. And since there were two per room, each person’s share would be P375 or US$10) per night.

FEEL: It is new (just opened 2012), clean, basic and modern. It is fuss free and very easy.

PERSONAL: I was in a group of 8 people and we booked 4 rooms in this hotel. We didn't stay long in the rooms since we were always out during the day.

RECEPTION: Reception is located on the 2^nd floor of the hotel. It is no-frills, basic and unpretentious. In colors of red and white.

Wait here while waiting for your turn to check in.

THE ROOMS: The rooms are pretty small. But the space is well-maximized for efficiency. For example, a folding-desk, no cabinets but only a bar to hang your clothes and a LED TV to save space. The safe too is located just under the night desk and the night lights are bolted to the wall. If you are in Cebu and expecting to stay in the hotel for longer periods of time, this is not the hotel for you. But if you want a comfortable place to crash for a couple of nights, this place isn't bad. The bed alone is quality in itself.

the foldable desk

THE SMELL OF THE ROOM: Clean. Fresh.

THE BED: I love the bed in this hotel. Not the kind you find in budget hotels. For the price I paid, the quality is more than what I paid for. Plus, the comforter is also nice. It is clean as white and the pillows are same as those in the “good” hotels. I was completely surprised, I must say.

THE VIEW: A small window from our room shows the Ayala Mall. Not much of a view though. Which we didn’t care much about since we were out for most of the day.

THE BATHROOM: Not your typical budget hotel bathroom. They have a huge shower head which I wish I had at home. And the bathroom is a bit bigger than I anticipated since the room was somewhat a bit cramped. The one beef I had about the about the bathroom: they didn't install shower doors. So when you take a bath, expect the bathroom floors to be wet. I still don’t understand why they won’t install those shower doors! Oh, and the door to the bathroom is semi-transparent: frosty.

This is the bathrom door. Note that it is semi-transparent with frosted tint.

THE FOOD: breakfast is not included. But hotel is right in front of Ayala Mall so getting a meal isn't a problem.

THE SERVICE: Courteous and friendly. Also, willing to answer many questions relating to the hotel. Also, housekeeping cleans the rooms regularly, so I don’t have a problem with that.