Anniversary Escape: From Frustration to Fixes at Villas by Eco Hotels
You know that feeling when you're super excited for a special occasion, and you've already pictured how things would turn out? Well, our weekend getaway at Villas by Eco Hotels certainly started with a few unexpected twists and turns!
We arrived at the resort with high hopes, ready to celebrate. However, our initial experience was a bit of a head-scratcher. There was no clear reception area. Instead, we checked in at the Baluk-Baluk restaurant, where a small table was set up for quick registrations. It felt a bit disjointed, especially when we later realized the receptionist had moved to Marahuyo Restaurant, which was quite a distance from our room: Lakeview Room 5.
This particular room had a few quirks that quickly became concerns. Simple necessities like towels and toilet paper were missing, which we had to ask for. Even more concerning were the transparent sliding doors with gaps in the curtains, leaving us feeling exposed, especially with the public entrance and T&B just right beside us. We even had to resort to using tape to try and close the gaps ourselves after our request for clips wasn't provided.
There were also maintenance concerns. The bathroom sink pipe was leaking. And despite a claim that the AC noise was fixed "from the outside," it was still noticeable (though it toned down). Adding to this, the pool didn't look particularly inviting with its cloudy appearance, and a quick dip left us feeling itchy. It wasn't exactly the refreshing swim we hoped for.
Adding to our initial dismay, our room was in a high-traffic area, right next to a public restroom, main gate, and parking. The constant noise of people and cars, plus the banging of the T&B door, wasn't exactly the serene ambiance we yearned for our anniversary. We tried to inquire about a room upgrade, even willing to pay more, but were told everything was booked, despite seeing what appeared to be empty rooms.
We hoped for a relaxing and romantic start to our pre-wedding anniversary celebration. But frankly, it became frustrating and disappointing.
The Turnaround: Finding Our Poolside Sanctuary
We aired our concerns via Eco Hotels FB messenger, and we appreciated that someone from management responded to my messages. Thankfully, the next day brought a much-needed resolution. The resort manager, Sir Bobby, approached us and offered a transfer to a different room with no added cost. This change made a world of difference!
Lakeview Room 7 boasted better views, and a huge plus for me, a lovely balcony where I could finally relax and read my book in peace. The sounds from the event at Baluk-Baluk restaurant are less intrusive, and we no longer hear the banging of doors from the public restroom or the constant hum of cars and people. The curtains also provided much better privacy. No more worries about passers-by looking inside our room!
Lakeview Room 7 boasted better views, and a huge plus for me, a lovely balcony where I could finally relax and read my book in peace. The sounds from the event at Baluk-Baluk restaurant are less intrusive, and we no longer hear the banging of doors from the public restroom or the constant hum of cars and people. The curtains also provided much better privacy. No more worries about passers-by looking inside our room!
While our second room was a definite upgrade, it's worth noting that the property generally could use some upkeep. Lakeview Room 5's T&B had a leaking sink pipe and lacked proper exhaust. In Lakeview Room 7, despite the improved location, the bathroom had some issues, too. There was obvious mold on the shower walls and a distinct stench, likely coming from the drains. We also battled quite a few mosquitoes inside, even with no open windows in the T&B, which was a bit puzzling.
Views to Die For, But Food That Needs Some Love
Marahuyo Restaurant boasts undeniably breathtaking panoramic views. However, while the scenery was a delight, our culinary experience left much to be desired. Considering the prices, the taste and quality of the food didn't quite measure up. The dishes, while presented nicely, often fell short on flavor and temperature..jpg)
The chicken fingers with local fries and the pork tapa were on the drier side and served lukewarm, as was the "Bikers Breakfast" with its dry longganisa (though the hashbrown was a definite highlight!). Our breakfast orders were particularly underwhelming, with eggs that looked pre-cooked and toast that was a bit hard and cold upon serving.
Our last breakfast attempt was a bit of a comedy of errors. My husband ordered a 4-egg omelette with mushrooms and cheese. But after a long wait, it arrived with tomatoes and onions instead. We had to cancel the order, but a kind waiter offered a complimentary bowl of Champorado, saying it was an extra serving (was this a good thing? Maybe?). Unfortunately, we couldn't finish it because it had a sour taste that we couldn't quite pinpoint. Was it the milk? The rice used? I don't know.
On the brighter side, we thoroughly enjoyed the fried lumpia, which was served hot and crispy, and my refreshing frozen mint calamansi drink was a winner.
While the restaurant's ambiance and views are a strong draw, the food definitely needs significant improvement to match the overall experience and pricing.
A Mixed Experience
Our pre-anniversary getaway at Villas by Eco Hotels was a tale of two halves. The initial frustrations with the room and service were certainly disappointing, especially for a special occasion. However, the prompt action and the offer of a room transfer by the manager truly turned things around and salvaged our stay.While the resort grounds and views are undeniably beautiful, some aspects, particularly room maintenance and the restaurant's food quality, need attention. With some improvements in these areas, Villas by Eco Hotels has the potential to be a truly exceptional destination. Despite the initial hiccups, we left with a sense of gratitude for the eventual positive change.
Explore & Be Free!
Mai
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