hotels

[Mark33]

I will be going to the Philippines at the end of May for 10 days. I am thinking of staying at the Pan Pacific in Manila the first few days. Has anyone been there? Any good reccomendations of hotels under $75.00? Also, I will be visiting my fiance's parents in Mindanao for a few days. I would like to know if there are any nice hotels or resorts in Mindanoa,and some prices. Thank you

[outwest77]

... in response to hotels, posted by Mark33 on Apr 16, 2003

It is linked below directly to manila hotels sectioned by price, but you can do the same thing with other destinations, by clicking to the left, on sections of the philippines, but i did not see anything on mindanao there.

http://www.hoteltravel.com/philippines/manila/hotels_resorts/index_by_price.htm

[outwest77]

... in response to hotels, posted by Mark33 on Apr 16, 2003

[This message has been edited by outwest77]

I have many receommendations in manila, there is one
by the Roxas blvd in mabini not too far from the airport
Cherry blossom, it is hmmmm 1250p stayed there twice in Jan and February,very nice rooms, clean, nice  hotel, right next to robinsons mall which is why it is a popular location.

Also city garden in mabini, 2000p is nice but mabini you may not like as much as makati

Makati stay in Sunnette tower if you want a decent big place for a good price, its i think hmm 2000p for one night for a suite, with kitchen, balcony, nice ac, living room, bedroom with dresssing room, cant beat that price in makati, but its abotu 35 minutes from the airport i think,
Makati is the nicest part of manila but the hotel rooms are a bit expensive,
I have stayed at sunnette tower for 3 months this year,
I have spent 6 months in manila this year.
if you want to look me up on yahoo i can also hook you up with another broker in manila who knows 1000 times more than i do, i am outwest7177 on yahoo messenger

[Alvin1]

... in response to hotels, posted by Mark33 on Apr 16, 2003

The Executive Plaza in Manila is an excellent choice P1200 for 2 people but P2400 if you stay alone  don't ask the logic but you have to ask for the special price. It is a 2 minute walk to Robinson Mall  

I have stayed at the Bayview Hotel many times.  It is now run down and has high prices.  Bayview has a promo special but is only available to Filipino citizen which you can get if your GF is with you under her citizenship status.

Executive Plaza is excellent  new and clean, only marble on the floor in all the rooms.  

Butuan city is a neat little city.  Dottie's Place is a good choice and it is not far from the new mall which is around the corner.  Butuan City is safe.  Some Americans live there on a permanent basis.

Have fun

Alvin1

[Stephen]

... in response to Re: hotels, posted by Alvin1 on Apr 17, 2003

Yes....Executive Plaza in Manila is a very good place to stay.  But, Alvin, I didn't know about the special.  I'll try that out in a few days.

About a block down Mabini Street from Executive Plaza in HOTEL FRENDY.  They are a very nice place also.  If I didn't stay at Executive Plaza I'd stay there.  There price is 1300 pesos per nite.  

Stephen & Tess

[Alvin1]

... in response to Re: Re: hotels, posted by Stephen on Apr 17, 2003

nt

[Matthew]

... in response to hotels, posted by Mark33 on Apr 16, 2003

Hi Mark,

The Pan Pacific is very nice.Asiatravel.com has some good rates.You might want to look at the Bayview Park Hotel.Across from the US Embassy,near malls and resturants.Price is between 45.00 and 70.00.

My personal favorite and where I always like to stay is the Shangra-La Presidential Suite.I like to check in and then swim a few laps before dinner at the fabulous trendy resturant there.I hope my buddy the Walker can meet me there after I arrive in May.He should be discharged from active duty by then.I hope he doesn't shoot me cause I am staying in his favorite digs in Manila.

I hope you have a great trip,Mark.

tito Matt

[Mark33]

... in response to Re: hotels, posted by Matthew on Apr 16, 2003

Tito Matt,
     Is'nt the Shangra-La very expensive? Thank you for the other reccomendations. I will look up the Bayview Park hotel.

[Matthew]

... in response to Re: Re: hotels, posted by Mark33 on Apr 16, 2003

Mark,

I was just kidding about the Shangra-La.The Walker one time posted he recommended it and I'm sure he never stayed within 10 floors of the Prez Suite.

BTW,if you decide to go the Pan Pacific route, you might want to check the Manila Hotel also.Around the same rate but it's very grand and lots of Fil/Am history around there.If you book on their website they include buffet breakfast and airport pick up in the hotel Mercedes.If it's your first trip it might be nice to be picked up at the airport.It's a little chaotic and overwelming when you leave the customs area.

tito Matt

[Ray]

... in response to hotels, posted by Mark33 on Apr 16, 2003

[This message has been edited by Ray]

Where in Mindanao? It's a big island.

Has your fiancée invited you to stay at her parents home while you are there for a few days? If so, I would highly recommend it. You can learn more about Filipinos and their culture by staying in a Filipino home for a few days than you can in years of hotel/resort visits. Believe me, there is nothing like a cold bucket shower in the morning, fresh dilis and ripe mangoes for breakfast, mosquitoes eating your ass alive, lizards and "Mickey Mice", scurrying about, and all the other sights, sounds, and smells that go with it. Forget about all the comforts of home and go for the adventure!

Don't know about Manila. I haven't spent a night there in over 25 years...

Ray

[Mark33]

... in response to Mindanao?, posted by Ray on Apr 16, 2003

They live in Agusan del Norte Butuan City.  Her parents have invited me to stay. But I was trying to avoid that. Now, she says I HAVE to stay at her parents house. I was just thinking about the batroom situation and other lack of privacy problems.
  We are going to stay at her parents for 2-3 days. Then we will go to Camiguin Island and stay at a nice resort for 2-3 days. I am thinking to have her make reservations because I hear the natives can get better resort rates. Is that true?

[Mark33]

... in response to Re: Mindanao?, posted by Mark33 on Apr 16, 2003

You guys have been so helpful in answering my questions. Thank you so much for taking the time to help me out. Also, thank you for the advice,and the good luck wishes. Best of luck to all here.
           mark

[Ray]

... in response to Re: Mindanao?, posted by Mark33 on Apr 16, 2003

Stay at her folks' house Mark. It won't kill you and they might feel insulted if you turn them down. I think you'll be glad you did after you leave. They will probably be very sensitive to the fact that you are not used to "roughing it". Filipinos love to entertain guests and their hospitality is well-known around the world.

If you absolutely must stay in a resort and you want the best, I can personally recommend the Almont Inland Resort in Butuan. It ain’t cheap, but it's NICE! Ask your fiancee about it.

I'm not really sure that a local can get a better rate, but generally speaking, the better rates seem to be available for those who walk in without reservations and ask about specials.

When I stayed at the Almont Resort on my honeymoon, we were the only guests the last night there. The place was literally empty when we checked out. I think it was around $75/night 3 years ago.

Ray

[Dave H]

... in response to Re: Re: Mindanao?, posted by Ray on Apr 16, 2003

Hey Ray,

I forget...is it the mosquitos that bite during the day that carry Dengue Fever and the ones that bite at night that usually cause Malaria? ;o))) Either way, if staying in the typical barangay house, mosquito netting and repellant are a must...and prepare to sweat! Maybe Mark will get lucky and they have aircon. ;o)))

Dave H.

[Dave H]

... in response to Re: Re: Mindanao?, posted by Ray on Apr 16, 2003

Hi Ray,

Your right about the Almont Inland Resort in Butuan City being very nice, but it "ain’t cheap." The Almont Hotel (Jimbo's hangout - downtown across from Rizal Park) and the Balanghai Hotel (my hangout - near city hall and across from the Regional Museum) are both nice and run around half the price of the Inland Resort on the high end for the best rooms and much less. The Carl Patrick downtown is now closed. I am not familiar with the Gardenville across the bridge from Butuan in Baan, but heard it is very nice also.

Dave H.