Bayfront Hotel Subic

We initially made reservations at the Grand Hoyah Hotel (given the very good net reviews 4/5 it has received) for this unplanned Subic trip. Ordinarily we book trips way ahead of schedule, however, this one was quite a last minute decision (booked on a thursday night for a saturday trip).

We booked via GHH's official website.  Booking via net was a breeze, or so we thought. Grand Hoyah called us friday night to inform us of some airconditioning problems on the room we reserved (although it sounded more as a mix up - double booking perhaps!).

Really traggic, as this is the first time ever, that this happened to us. Normally we would get additional discounts or room upgrades on accommodations! It was really a ngarag moment this time around.

Grand Hoyah did made efforts to transfer us to another hotel.

We were booked at the Bayfront Hotel located facing Subic Waterfront.

As a seasoned traveller, I hurriedly looked up net reviews of this hotel. I was honestly a disappointed to see a 2.5/5 rating.

 

Well I thought it was too late to fuss now.  I just prayed this doesn't ruin our stay.

 

True to the reviews on the internet, the hotel is quite small.  There is a pool, but I don't know if its clean so we did not bother swim.

My son at the hotel lobby

We were biletted in a deluxe room. The room is basic with very little area for my boys to run around.

Our small room

 

The window opens to a terrace with a view of the Seafood by the Bay restaurant (which entirely blocks the view of Subic bay)

 

Despite the room size, pool issues and blocked bayview, we saw the owner's effort to keep the place clean (I  tried hard to smell the old hotel smell some reviewers mentioned, but nada) and homey.

 

We also noticed on-going refurbishing and repainting (I did not see the peeling wall paints and the watermarks on the ceiling that netizens complained about, room aircondition working and almost near freezing). 

 

Breakfast was buffet set up and varied (nothing special really, but we ate well).

 

Staff were attentive and very nice. Service very efficient.

 

We were equally happy with the location and its close proximity to the Waterfront Boardwalk.  We went to the beach twice (quite sad that the beach front was littered with garbage though) due to my kids consistent prodding.  The morning beach stroll was the highlight of this Subic rendevous and was a good bonding moment with the kids!

 

Overall, we were satisfied with our Bayfront Hotel stay (deserving of a second chance).

 

 

 

 

 

Microtel Mall of Asia

It was a decision between the 18th Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta at Clark Pampanga and the 4th Philippine International PyroMusical Competition at the Mall of Asia (MOA) for our family's weekend stress breaker (hmmm...).

 

We haven't been to either event, so it was a rather difficult decision.  However, since we have just been to Clark for a pre-New Year staycation, we finally decided to do MOA. 

 

Our first bet for best view of the fireworks display was Microtel MOA.

 

It is located 5-10 minutes walk to MOA (the hotel also has a shuttle that services guests to and fro the mall) and has a perfect view of Manila Bay.

 

I am an advance planner and booked the hotel months in advance. And it was a good thing, since my sister who made last minute decision to join us, wasn't able to get any vacancy.  I on the other hand have secured a top floor-bay view room for my family.

 

We were welcomed by two uberly comfortable double queen size beds.

 

Bathroom basic but clean.

 



 

My boys excited and ready for the fireworks diplay!

 

My family totally loved our stay at Microtel Mall of Asia! 

 

Microtel MOA is located at

Coral Way Ave. corner Seaside Boulevard

SM Mall of Asia Complex
Phone Numbers: (02) 659 4233 to 39, (02) 659 4243 to 45,
(02) 659 4961 to 63, (0917) 590 5914

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F1 Hotel Pool

 

 

For a small hotel, BEST WESTERN PREMIER F1 Hotel happens to have three swimming pools: a kiddie pool, wading pool and an infinity lap pool - which was perfect for family fun time.

 

A staycation is not complete for my kids, without a dip into the pool right after breakfast. 

My hubby and my youngest son, playing while waiting for kuya to finish his laps.

F1 Hotel at the Fort Taguig

 

 

The first hotel in Global City Taguig, hence its name F1 Hotel is located along the 32nd street BGC across St. Lukes Hospital.

 

My family and I stayed in one of F1 hotel's deluxe room for New Year's Eve 2012. 

 

The hotel was fairly new. The room size was adequate with just enough space for my kids to run around.  The room was also equiped with 32 inch LCD TV and ipod dock, that kept my boys entertained and busy as they wait for Santa to show up.

 

The matress were heavenly.  Good night sleep indeed!

My youngest putting the matress to the sleep test!  I guess this one wont be able to wait for Santa afterall.

 

 

 

The Bath was immaculately clean.

 

 

The room also has a sitting area, my boys tried this one as well.

Comfy,  perfect sitting for some choco and chocolate cake.

 

Would have easily given this hotel a 9, if not for an unattended request. 

Before leaving the hotel for some last Christmas shopping, we requested for tone down and room cleaning service through housekeeping.  However, when we got back we were dismayed to see the room as we left it.  Raised my brows a bit since I was expecting better service from a Best Western Premier hotel.  Oh well canb't have it all.

Location - 8
Food - 9
Room - 9
Service - should improve

Best Western Hotel F1 is located at 32nd Street Bonifacio Global City
Telephone: (63.2) 928.9888
Fax: (63.2) 928.1888
Email: inquiry@bwpf1hotel.com

Las Casas de Acuzar - Paseo de Excolta

 

 

Behind the old building fascade, Paseo de Escolta in Las Casas de Acuzar is actually a modern and comfortable hotel.

 

We stayed in a  Studio deluxe room, which was elegantly decorated,  showing off the owner's good taste in interior decoration.   

 

The bathroom was huge and has a separate shower and tub, with running hot and cold water.

 

It was almost perfect if not for the noisy upstairs guest (and my vivid imagination of ghosts of the original owners of the houses running around the resort, but that is just me).  For more a peaceful night, I suggest that you take an upstairs Studio loft.

 

Overall satisfaction factor is 7.5 out of 10.

 

The room has a balcony that open up to a view of the Plaza.

 

 

View of the Plaza that transforms into a stage to various cultural presentations late afternoon.

 

 

 

Las Casas de Acuzar - Batis inspired pool

The closest my kids will ever get to a batis :P

Las Casas' batis inspired pool is really amazing.  My kids were quite excited to take a dip into the batis-pool from the moment they saw it.

 

It was picture perfect wherever we lay our eyes on.

 

Batya at palo-palo na lang ang kulang

They were equally excited to learn what a batis is and hear stories of how grandma used to wash clothes in a batis.

 

 

 

The view from the pool was just as magnificent!

 

See my other blog post on the beautiful Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar - A step back in time!

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar - A step back in time!

The view across is the infamous Bataan Nuclear Power Plant

It took us about four (4) hours to get here, but it was all worth it.  Las Casas literally transported us back in time.

Las Casas Filipinas in Bagac Bataan is home to centuries old houses restored to their former splendor and glory by the owners of the resort. 

Welcome to Las Casas



View of the Las Casas' Paseo de Escolta's hotel from the Plaza

 

 

Breath taking sunset view from one of the old houses we toured...

 

Lola Basyang Statue

 

Picturesque right?

The Pavillion adored by cute cherubims - want to take home!!!

Our home for the night Paseo de Escolta
 

 

The Las Casas package comes with a one hour historical walk around its cobbled stone streets.  The tour  was both entertaining and educational.  My kiddos were really listening to each of the houses' colorful past, as they run around the huge resort's ground.

 

Tour time!

 

 

 

Want to bring home a chicken!

 

 

I recommend Las Casas, if you are looking for a worthwhile trip where your family can have fun and an appreciation of his heritage and culture.

Las Casas Sales & Reservations Office:
Telephone Nos.: (+63 2) 332.5338, (+632) 355.3032
Fax No.: (+63 2) 332.5286