Showing posts with label ysabs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ysabs. Show all posts

HOTEL REVIEW: TUNE HOTEL – Cebu, Philippines

Posted by Ysabs on 6:21 PM in , , , , ,

HOTEL REVIEW: TUNE HOTEL – Cebu, Philippines
36 Archbishop Reyes AvenueCebu CityPhilippines
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 2nd 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.

Halls are wide and clean.

OTHER AMENITIES:  Internet access (which can be bought or included in the booking), business center, toiletries which you can purchase.

RATING: 4/5 stars






Our un-made bed. Sorry for the mess!













Thunderbird Resorts, La Union: Luxury in La Union

Posted by Ysabs on 5:47 PM in , , , , , , , ,

THUNDERBIRD RESORT: LUXURY IN LA UNION
BY: Ysabs Villaflor

If you want a quick getaway to just relax and eat good food, Thunderbird Resort may just be your salvo.

LOCATION: Pora Point, La Union, Philippines

FEEL: Mediterranean/Greek-inspired, Modern.











PERSONAL: Tagged along with my folks who were there for a wedding.


RECEPTION: Spacious, airy and welcoming. First thing that greets you is the blue-painted dome and a staff that offers you a welcome drink and cold mini-towels to wipe off the heat of the sun.  It was a nice first impression.





THE ROOMS:  Junior Suite Beach View - The rooms are spacious and good for 4 people. The beds are so comfortable that it would tempt you to stay in than to stay out.  There is a kitchenette with microwave, a mini-bar, and the fastest wi-fi service imaginable.  Yes, it is tempting just to stay in and turn on the 42 inch LED and just doze off.  It is luxurious, spacious and the welcome chocolates surely made for a lasting impression.  There is a dining area out in the balcony over-looking the sea with nice woven seats for nice meals and leisurely reading.







 

   


 


THE BATHROOM:  The bathroom had a tub and separate shower area. The shower area has see-through glass doors with wooden floors and stones. Very modern. The tub however, is a Jacuzzi with turbo jets for a nice massage (and a nice playtime for the kids). It doesn’t feel cramped even when there are 5 people using the bathroom.

The toiletries available are from VMV – a hypo-allergenic brand with a loofah and scrub.



THE COST:  Is a bit pricey but is worth every penny.  A Junior Suite Beach View room  can ring up P8,000+ (US $188+) and the Master Suites can fetch up to Php 17,000+ (US$ 400+). Tip: book for a week day and get a discount of less than Php2,000 on the published rate and sometime, you might even get an upgrade! J


THE FOOD:   The buffet at breakfast is delicious with a variety of continental fare. What is remarkable though- is their Lemongrass Iced Tea, which is brewed fresh daily and the beautiful view overlooking the sea and the pool while digging in your breakfast.

One of the things that one must try is their pizzas and Greek dishes.  The pizzas are thin-crust and homemade.  Something to try while lounging in the pool or reading a book on the balcony.






THE SERVICE:   The service is personal and friendly. The staff is extra helpful when we had a problem with the toilet. A quick call and someone was already at the door ready to assess the problem and ask for the maintenance to fix it.

OTHER AMENITIES:   The resort has its own gold course, a casino and pool and beach area. 

this welcomes you before you take a dip in the pool

going down to the pool


this device shows you all the activities and promos Thunderbird has in store for its guests.



MY RATING: 4/5 stars :) A return trip is not far.



For more information:  http://www.thunderbirdresortsporopoint.com/ppc/index.php






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