Cebu - Philippines
I recently stayed 3 nights in Cebu (Mactan) at the Maribago Bluewaters Resort and Spa.
24 – 27 January 2013
Due to our arrival time at 4.30am we arrived well before check-in. We were told that no rooms at our booked level were available and would probably be around 10am before one became so, and that normal check-in was 3pm. I was offered to upgrade to two superior beachfront rooms for an additional 6000PHP. My party felt it not worth it, so we were then offered a bungalow the highest level for just 3000PHP. We were 4 people and this sounded a good deal given that the villa was two separate bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and inter-connected. We took this and were able to check in nice and early. We were a little disappointed at the quality of the accommodation – marketed as 5 star – but the layout suited us. We had a nice sleep and enjoyed the day and the complex facilities. Various pools, restaurants, bars and spa, plus a nice beach were available for guest use.
The rooms given us unfortunately had a very bad odour from the bathroom. We asked for this to be fixed, but they just came with an air freshener. The following day I spoke to the reception and they offered us another of the same type room, and advised they would not charge the additional 3000PHP fee. The new accommodation although of the same standard was much better. The room type booked however – The Deluxe – was definitely better on the website and I think we newer renovated rooms. Overall thought the resort was nice for the value and the staff was helpful and attentive.
We ventured outside the hotel to buy some drinks etc. as the in-room bar prices were high. The reception had advised they had a corkage fee for any drinks brought in, which was very unusual. We found a way around this however. Just be weary if you buy just outside the resorts as we found the prices, although better than the hotel to still be high. We later discovered a supermarket very near buy where we could purchase 6 litre water for 38PHP, whereas the outside vendors had charge us 40PHP for 1 litre. I understand why these vendors do this, but if their prices were better they would receive probably more than just a one off purchase, until guests discover alternatives.