|
Kate M.
Couples
Philippines,
January 20, 2013
|
A 3-star resort with 5-star rates
6.3
We were one of the unlucky guests who booked at the time when the resort was undergoing renovations. The Parola Bar and the Maranao restaurant were both closed. Guests can only use the Mandaya pool and jacuzzi (which at the time were both freezing cold) as the infinity pool was under rehab too.
We stayed in our Samal House an awful lot, except for the time we tried out the pool, bought souvenir items at the Butik and ate an early (expensive) dinner at the Mandaya restaurant. It was raining incessantly. Too bad for us.
|
|
Gerly P.
Groups
Philippines,
January 11, 2013
|
Great place to unwind....
Fresh fruits..sweetest pineapples i ever tasted, staff were courteous, beach was clean, clear waters and you can even see the fishes while you swim.
8
we were able to get a good deal through agoda. i suggest, book through agoda.com.
overall, we had a very relaxing stay at the resort. we were able to have the pool and the beach area all to ourselves after the day tour trip has gone.
the place was very nice, well kept. staff were very friendly and would always greet you with a smile.
Travel tip:
book through agoda.com.it would be much cheaper
|
|
Jambert D.
Groups
Philippines,
January 11, 2013
|
Heavenly Stay in a Relaxing Island
Samal Houses, houses on stilts in the sea
8.7
Airport transfers
Booking via Agoda.com would give you free airport transfers and boat transfers. It is very convenient and through a reputable private car company (Eurocar). During our departure, I tried requesting to drop us off in a different location, however, they just do airport transfers.
Boat transfers
This is the only con I can think for the hotel. If you want to maximize your stay in the hotel and time, better plan your arrival carefully and match it with their boat schedule. In our case, we are scheduled at 1:30pm and we arrived at 10:30m. The marina however, was beautiful and relaxing. But one complaint is the pool in the marina was offlimits.
Welcome and Orientation
The boat ride was about 30-45 mins. It was a big boat and very comfortable. They gave out free complimentary cold water during the ride. When we arrived at the Resort, we were greeted by the beautiful site of the Parola and the houses on the stilts (Samal houses and suites). We were also given pineapple juice as welcome drinks. We were then collected and briefed about the amenities of the resort and important guidelines for our stay.
Room
For our trip, we selected the Samal house. It is located on near the water walking towards the Mandaya area. You can take the golf cart if you have trouble walking. The room is basically a small house. It has a balcony facing in the ocean if you want to spend some time looking a the ocean.
The room is clean, smelled nice. However, the room was open when we entered. I hope they double check after cleaning up the room.
The TV was small and we did not bother turning it on.
The main bed is very comfortable. Since we were 3 persons. I was surprised that even the extra bed was so fluffy and comfortable.
Food
We tried the buffet dinner and breakfast. For the buffet dinner, I think they did not offer the full course since an area in the breakfast area was not open during the dinner. The food was great though and varied.
Hotel Feature Tip:
Don't bother going out the resort to tour on your own. They wont allow you for safety. Hagimit Falls and the Bat cave is very near. The resort offers the tour for 7,0000 for 10pax. Too rich if you are less than 10pax.
|
|
Josie T.
Couples
Canada,
January 11, 2013
|
Very nice hotel with excellent staff!
We liked the relaxing setting near the beach. Staff were all very nice and accommodating.
9
If you are looking for peace and quite, this is the resort for you.
|
|
Wael S.
Couples
Lebanon,
January 07, 2013
|
Great hotel but bad service
Good view with a great decoration
6.3
Welcoming wasn't nice, that we even pulled our bags to the shuttle, we passed by to hotel office in city to register our names, then took a 45 mins boat ride to reach hotel, upon arrival, we got pineapple juice, then we had a 10 mins presentation about the hotel. The hotel is far away from the city with no hotel or market near to it. The room isn't big compared to what we payed for. The back of the room is glass with a mini veranda covered with wall, but the toilet & shower us open without a door, & everyday we were seeing people walking above the wall behind our room where they can see us taking bath or in toilet. Mandaya houses has it's own pool, but so far from the front desk & restaurant, that you need shuttle every time to go from/to room. Staff isn't well trained, half of them don't even greet you. Restaurant is so expensive, & half of the food in the menu isn't available. No bar available in the hotel. The pool is always without lifeguard, & the security always away playing billiard. They have boutique related to the hotel with a super expensive prices.
|
|
Enrico D.
Couples
Philippines,
January 06, 2013
|
Serene and quiet; Highly recommended
Impeccable service with great staff
10
we stayed here for our honeymoon. the place was secluded, but very relaxing--just what we needed after the week of stress preceding our wedding. service was impeccable with the staff attending to our every need with genuine smiles and concern.
Hotel Feature Tip:
You must try their spa.
|
|
Olga E.
Solo travelers
Russia,
January 06, 2013
|
A fine hotel for relaxation
10
Hotel is cozy located on the island of Samal and is perfectly suited for family rest. All the staff is polite and attentive to the visitors. The rooms are clean, spacious, equipped with all necessary for living. The beaches are constantly cleaned of debris and leaves, the water is very clear, a lot of colored fish and sea stars. Dishes and drinks in the restaurant fresh and tasty, you can order food to the room at any time of the day. No doubt I will return to this hotel again.
Hotel Feature Tip:
For full relaxation, you can take advantage of the excellent SPA facilities
|
|
Olga E.
Solo travelers
Russia,
January 03, 2013
|
Excellent hotel
Philippine traditional style in the rooms
10
The hotel is a great place for a holiday of full value. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is good. As for me I prefer to eat Filipino cuisine. New year's eve dinner was accompanied by a delicious meal, incendiary dances and music, excellent staff service and final grandiose fireworks. I am going to come back again.
Hotel Feature Tip:
a lot of colorful fish in the water which can be fed with hands
|
|
Dave C.
Families with older children
Philippines,
December 27, 2012
|
Wonderful resort. Would be glad to come back again.
|
|
Mark A.
Couples
Philippines,
December 21, 2012
|
I love the place...
i love the rooms, rustic on the outside very cozy on the inside.
10
I booked the resort few months ahead before our wedding. I was really thrilled because it was my dream to be at pearl farm one day. I love my experienced at the resort, it was one of the happiest days for me and wife, I love the pool, the scenery, the maranao restaurant, and water activities that guest can avail.
The staff were fantastic, the only thing I noticed is that the shuttle took time to drop you off on the certain place you want to be because the resort was pretty huge and the pathway of road was really small. But one thing for sure this hotel is an environment friendly hotel since their shuttle are electric powered vehicle and that amazed me more.
Hotel Feature Tip:
Never forget to drink at parolla at night, it was an amazing feat.
|