5 Reasons Why I Love Microtel - General Santos
I really had no plans to travel in the last quarter of this year due to some financial priorities. But Travel Expos happen to have this charm that just seems to attract you into purchasing at least a ticket or two. As for me, I ended up booking a round trip plane ticket that was bound for General Santos via Philippine Airlines. General Santos, which is the southernmost city in the Philippines, is part of the SOCCSKSARGEN region (stands for the region's 4 provinces and one of its cities: South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City). Although governed as an independent city, "GenSan" is geographically located in the province of South Cotabato. It also serves as the gateway to several municipalities such as Maasim, Alabel, and Malungon in Saranggani, as well as Polomolok and T'boli in South Cotabato.
Like everyone else on transit, looking for a place to stay-in is very important. And for a budget traveler like me, I always make it a point to find affordable accommodations that also offer quality spaces. That's when I found Microtel by Wyndham - General Santos.
I loved everything that Microtel General Santos offered us. Everything was impeccable, from the complimentary pick-up at the airport to our smooth hotel checkout. But it doesn't end there. So allow me to count the ways, as to why I loved our accommodations in the "Tuna Capital of the Philippines".
#1: HOMEY AND EARTH-TONE GUESTROOMS
One of the things that I look forward to when staying in a hotel are the sleeping chambers. I love rooms that are homey, especially those that exude earthy tones. I seem to find living spaces that are designed toward this aesthetics very calming. That's probably the reason why I fell in-love with Microtel's Queen Double Room, as they used a lot of wood furniture and accents.
I wanted to jump right on the bed and just grant my sleep-deprived-self some much needed rest. But I needed to take snapshots of the room first before my friend and I messed up the whole arrangement. But once we were done, I hurriedly crawled in the sheets and dozed off a bit. Oh, the Chiropractic-approved mattress just felt so divine on my aching back!
Our Queen Double Room was also complemented with the following:
- 2 Chiropractic-approved mattresses
- Electronic keycard entry system
- Individually controlled air-conditioning
- Full-sized bathroom with hot and cold water (also comes with hair dryer, complimentary towels and toiletries)
- Cozy couch by the window
- Cable-ready TV
- Dresser with chair and wall mirror
- Cabinet with safe deposit box
- Refrigerator
- Glass jar and two drinking glasses (you can get drinking water from the dispenser right down the hall)
- IDD/ NDD phone
*Microtel General Santos also offers full-sized bathrooms that have their own Bathtub, as well as a Coffee and Microwave setup in their Queen Suite Room. They also provide Wheelchair Accessible Rooms.
I also noticed a particular art piece hanging on the wall of our room, as it resembled T'nalak. T'nalak, which is a Philippine indigenous textile, is a handwoven traditional cloth that is made of Abaca fibers (the fibers are dyed with natural elements, and traditionally comes with 3 primary colors). This type of fabric can only be found in Mindanao, and are specifically created by the T'Boli people in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato (also known as the "Dream Weavers"). Lake Sebu is less than 3 hours away by bus from General Santos.
#2: MODERN AND EASY-TO-USE FACILITIES
There are 2 function halls in Microtel GenSan. There's one that could fit around 50 people, and 100-150 in another. All of the rooms are also equipped with the necessary tools, may it be for company presentations, seminars, meetings or even social events. But aside from that, the hotel also has a meeting room. I was specifically pleased with the door signs, as there were a series of raised dots below the signage, which to me looked like Braille. I wasn't able to confirm if it was indeed Braille (tactile writing system). But if it were, then the hotel exuded a more friendly setting, especially for the blind and visually impaired. So, two thumbs up for that!
Other than these function rooms, the hotel is also looking to add another facility that will add interest to both old and new guests --- an outdoor swimming pool! An addition like this to the establishment will greatly complement any guest's stay, as the weather in General Santos can be very hot (even in November!).
#3: CONVENIENCE AND ACCESSIBILITY RIGHT ON OUR DOORSTEP!
Microtel GenSan is also blessed with a great location, as it's just 25-30 minutes away from the airport via car. It is also near several establishments:
- Specialty restaurants, cafes, medical and wellness establishments, which are all nestled inside the Valley High complex (great place for hanging out with friends and family)
- Pharmacy & Banks
- Fast-food eateries (McDonald's and Jollibee)
- Hospital (St. Elizabeth Hospital is right across Microtel)
- Malls (just a short walk to SM City General Santos, and a tricycle ride to Robinsons Mall)
- Bus terminal (Eusebio Bulaong Terminal and Yellow Bus Line Terminal)
*Microtel GenSan is also a short tricycle ride to a few significant attractions in the city such as Plaza Heneral Santos, City Hall, Pacquiao's Wild Card Gym (near SM) and Tiongson Arcade (a long strip of open-air eateries that serve fresh, native cuisine).
#4: IT'S ALWAYS A TASTY TREAT AT MICROTEL GENSAN!
It was always a treat to dine buffet-style at Microtel GenSan. We loved starting our day with a hot cup of brewed coffee (juice for my friend) and a hearty meal on our plates. The viands that were served every day were always different (except for some staples). But I particularly loved the garlic rice that I got to pair with my cheese omelet (freshly cooked by the in-house chef), crispy bacon, fried potatoes, fried bananas, ham and Adobo! I always end up getting full afterwards. It was that satisfyingly good! By the way, their concessionaire now is Mama Paulita's. They have a restaurant by Valley High, which is just a short walk from the hotel.
#5: GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE!
One of the things that I truly commend about Microtel GenSan is their service-oriented team. They've consistently exuded a very professional and accommodating relationship with all of their guests, which made our stay pleasant and stress-free. I actually appreciated the smiles and greetings that we would get from the staff members whenever we'd walk past them, especially after having had a tiring day of touring.
That's why I want to take this opportunity to thank Kuya Chris for picking us up at the airport, and for driving us safely to the hotel. I also would like to thank the lovely receptionists Niez and Joyce for answering all of our inquiries, the 'hello's" that we got from Kuya Eugene of housekeeping, and Kuya Mark for driving us to Eusebio Bulaong Terminal on our last day in the city. I would also like to extend my gratitude to Microtel General Santos' Operation Manager, Sir Luigi for being so helpful (from beginning to end). We felt truly at home because of him and his team's hospitality. Thank you again Luigi and Microtel GenSan! Oh, and thank you for turning on the Christmas Tree on my birthday. :)
Until our next visit there. We look forward to trying out that pool real soon! :)
Explore & Be Free!
Mai
Microtel by Wyndham - General Santos
Valley High, National Highway
General Santos City, 9500 Philippines
Note: This is a sponsored stay with Microtel General Santos. (Budget Biyahera) I do not represent the thoughts, intentions, plans or strategies of the establishment or its owners. All views and opinions shared on this website are solely my own.
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