Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Life begins where WIFI is weak
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Nice view at Samal Island © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

View over Samal Island, also known as Island Garden City of Samal

Located on Samal Island

The Red Parrot Inn is located on Samal Island, one of the pearls of small islands just outside the city of Davao. To get there you can take the bus from Sasa Wharf in Davao going to Peñaplata on Samal Island. It includes a short ferry trip between the ferry terminals. In Peñaplata you switch to the bus heading for Kaputian. From the busterminal in Kaputian it's only five minutes walk to The Red Parrot Inn.
Going by ferry from Samal Island to Davao City © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Short ferry trip between the islands

Reviews of hotels in Philippines Samal Island The Red Parrot Inn Sea View 3 © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The Red Parrot Inn

The Red Parrot Inn, a wonderful getaway with sea view

Reviews of hotels in Philippines Samal Island The Red Parrot Inn Sea View © Patrik Lord Travel Blog
Reviews of hotels in Philippines Samal Island The Red Parrot Inn View from room © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The view from the room is awesome!

Reviews of hotels in Philippines Samal Island The Red Parrot Inn Sea View 2 © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

This is the strait between Samal Island and Talikud Island

The Red Parrot Inn is beautifully situated by the sea. It has rooms fronting the sea and also four cottages at the back with no sea view. The AC was a little bit old but still possible to adjust the temperature ok. WiFi was only available in the main building. We had one of the cottages in the back and the room was a little bit worn but everything was nice and clean.
Breakfast at The Red Parrot Inn, Samal Island © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The breakfast was not of my taste, it was too sweet!

You could cook your own food

Breakfast was not included in the price for the cottage. But you could order breakfast and other dishes in the little restaurant nicely located with a beautiful sea view. I didn't mind that the breakfast was not included because it was too sweet for my taste anyway. There was a kitchen available so you could cook your own food. We used to buy fresh fish in the market and then let the staff cook it for us for a smaller fee.
The staff at The Red Parrot Inn © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The staff at the reception

Reviews of hotels in Philippines Samal Island The Red Parrot Inn dog © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Can you cuddle me... please!

Reviews of hotels in Philippines Samal Island The Red Parrot Inn Sea View with feet © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

My feet are enjoying the view

​They had parrots here

Everybody in the staff were very friendly and helpful. The beach just outside the main building was clean and perfect for swimming and snorkeling. As a curiosity they actually had parrots here. Two red ones and one white Kakadu with the name Oskar. He was both naughty and funny and he loved to talk!
Reviews of hotels in Philippines Samal Island The Red Parrot Inn Parrots © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The parrots

Having lunch at the local canderia Samal Island © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Lunch at the nearby canderia

Rating: 1-5 where 1 is terrible and 5 is excellent
5 Location
4 Sleep Quality
4 Rooms
5 Service
5 Value for the money
5 Cleanliness 
I stayed here several times early 2015

The Red Parrot Inn
Kaputian, Samal Island, Davao​
Landline: +63 82 286 1658
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​Perfectly located in Toril

Monclair Suites has a very good location in the center of Toril. It's near to everything. Just walking distance to the wet market, G-Mall or the jeepney terminal. The room was small but clean and fresh. AC was the modern style and the temperature was easy adjustable. Free WiFi was available in the room. Breakfast was not included. ​

One highlight of Toril is Eden Nature Park & Resort

Toril is is the 3rd District of the City of Davao, located 40 min by car from city center of Davao. So if you visit Davao it's probably more likely you stay near the city center of Davao instead of staying in Toril. But one highlight of Toril is Eden Nature Park & Resort which is a fantastic getaway beautifully located on the slope of Mount Apo. So Eden Nature Park & Resort might be the reason for you to spend the night in Toril and then you should check out Montclair Suites as an option.

Rating: 1-5 where 1 is terrible and 5 is excellent
5 Location
4 Sleep Quality
4 Rooms
4 Service
5 Value for the money
5 Cleanliness 
I stayed here a couple of times in May 2015

Monclair Suites
RCFI COMPLEX (Infront of Shell Gasoline Station), Agton St., Toril, Davao City
Phone: 09498323034 (smart), 09433045380 (sun)
Review of Montclair Suites, Toril, Davao

Monclair Suites

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​Good priced hotel in Imus, Cavite

Casa Verde Boutique Hotel and Gardens is located around 21 km south of Manila in Imus, Cavite. The area of Imus is surprisingly green as long as you stay away from the R-2 highway. Since this is not really a tourist spot you will probably not end up here unless you have a reason to visit this particular area. 
Nevertheless Casa Verde is good priced hotel, quiet surroundings with breakfast included. WiFi and AC was functioning perfect. The room was very fresh and clean and the staff was friendly and helpful. Only 5 min from Casa Verde with tricycle, you reach the R-2 highway where you have plenty of public buses going back and forth to Manila or Dasmariñas.

Rating: 1-5 where 1 is terrible and 5 is excellent
3 Location
5 Sleep Quality
5 Rooms
5 Service
5 Value for the money
5 Cleanliness 
I stayed here February 2016

Casa Verde Boutique Hotel and Gardens
254 Bayan Luma III, Cavite, 4103 Imus, Philippines
Phone: +63 917 715 0661
Reviews of hotels in Imus, Cavite, Philippines Casa Verde Boutique Hotel and Gardens, Breakfast © LordProduction

Double breakfast was included in the double room

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​New affordable place in Tagbilaran

When I discovered this little hotel it was almost newly opened. Everything was new and fresh. It's located just a 3-5 min from the airport and 10-15 from Tagbilaran City with tricycle. The AC was not the modern silent type but still it was working reasonable well since the unit was brand new. WiFi was only available in the lobby. A simple but still good breakfast was included in the price. It's not a fancy place but still good and definitely worth the money.  

Rating: 1-5 where 1 is terrible and 5 is excellent
3 Location
4 Sleep Quality
4 Rooms
5 Service
5 Value for the money
4 Cleanliness 
I stayed here December 2015

Staylite Park Bed and Breakfast
136 Pamaong Extension Street, Cogon District, Tagbilaran City 6300, Philippines
Phone: +63 38 422 8073
Review of Staylite Park Bed and Breakfast, Philippines, Tagbilaran, My room © LordProduction

My room at Staylite Park B&B

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​Good value for the money

Arabelle Suites is located 5 min with tricycle from Tagbilaran airport and 8-10 min from Tagbilaran city. Big and clean rooms with modern AC which is both silent and easy to adjust the temperature with. Breakfast is included in the little restaurant inside the hotel. You can choose between Filipino and Western style breakfasts. They also have a pool where you can take your swim. Lately when I tried to get a room there they always been fully booked so obviously you should book in advance. The staff is very helpful and friendly although it can be some waiting time in the restaurant for the breakfast. At those occasions there have been trainees working there so at the same time it is understandable. The free WiFi was only available in the common areas.

Rating: 1-5 where 1 is terrible and 5 is excellent
4 Location
5 Sleep Quality
5 Rooms
3 Service
5 Value for the money
4 Cleanliness 
I stayed here 2014

Arabelle Suites
New Calceta Street, Upper Cogon, Tagbilaran City, 6300 Bohol, Philippines
Phone: +63 38 411 0607
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​Amazing place overlooking everything!

CocoHuts Inn has a good location, only 5 min with motorcycle from the pier. The place has the most wonderful view from the resto and some of the cottages. The breakfast was complimentary. Four options available: Fried rice, noodles, pancakes or toast. Tea or coffee and fruits were included. But beware! If you order coffee you will end up with 3 in 1, which is coffee, creamer and sugar mixed with boiling water. If you like that you will be fine. But for me who want black coffee with fresh milk the 3 in 1 is undrinkable.
The room was clean and the staff was very helpful with everything. The AC was the modern silent type. WiFi was only available in the resto and only available when the electricity was on. The electricity was only available in the afternoon and at night time. There was a TV but with no TV-signal, so they provided DVD:s to play in the DVD player instead. There were some interruptions of the power and water. But hey! This is a remote island far out in the Jawa sea after all. If you can't cope with this, then you might consider going to Bali instead.

Wonderful barbecued fresh fish

In the evenings and depending on the catch of the day, they served wonderful barbecued fresh fish in the resto. The environment which is surrounding the CocoHuts Inn and the view from the resto was really something you could die for. So if you ever will come to Karimun, then I recommend this place!

Rating: 1-5 where 1 is terrible and 5 is excellent
5 Location
5 Sleep Quality
5 Rooms
5 Service
5 Value for the money
5 Cleanliness 
I stayed here a week in January 2016

CocoHuts Inn
Jalan Kapuran, Karimunjawa, Central Java, 59455 Indonesia
Phone: +62 812 355 631 36

​Note! Click on images to see slideshow and captions!
CocoHuts Inn comes with a view! The resto I am enjoying the beautiful view Sunset view Breakfast Mie Goreng, fried noodles with chicken and egg Breakfast Nasi Goring, fried rice with chicken and egg The panoramic view from the resto where I ate my breakfast every morning. Related links: Bring the fucking shit back to where it belongs! Days passes, don't waste them... Review of Amore Cafe (Karimun Jawa, Indonesia) Review of Syailendra Hotel (Jepara, Indonesia)
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​Much more than I expected

When I booked the hotel in Jepara I just I went for one with a good price. It also looked good in the pictures at booking.com. But I was really positively surprised! Room was big, nice and clean. The room had a modern and very quiet AC. WiFi was free of charge and was working everywhere in the hotel, even in the room. Nice styling in the room and with additional lamps beside the bed.

The breakfast buffet was really good

A breakfast buffet was included. Nice buffet with Indonesian food and even fresh milk for the coffee! The restaurant had a delicious à la carte restaurant with both western and Indonesian dishes. Even their café latte is recommended. So the conclusion is that Syailendra hotel exceeded my expectations by far and can be recommended to anyone. The location is just a few minutes with motorcycle from the city centre of Jepara.

Rating: 1-5 where 1 is terrible and 5 is excellent
5 Location
5 Sleep Quality
5 Rooms
5 Service
5 Value for the money
5 Cleanliness 
Stayed here two times in January 2016

Syailendra Hotel
Jl. Hos Cokroaminoto no 27, Jepara 59417, Indonesia
+62 291 429 7687
The reception
The room
Comfortable bed with bed lamps
From the breakfast buffet
From the breakfast buffet
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Great value at Pinoy Pamilya

It's a great value hotel. Big clean room with wooden floor and bathroom in light beige marble. The AC is the old style which means a little bit noisy and it can be difficult to adjust the temperature. But still acceptable. Typical Filipino breakfast with coffee is included. Good location near everything here in Pasay. MOA (Mall of Asia) is just a jeepney ride away, 5 min and 8 PHP. Metro Point Mall and LRT/MRT (The metro rail system) in walking distance from the hotel. Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport is 200-300 PHP away with a taxi. WiFi is good even in the room. The downside is the neighborhood which might be a little bit rough at night time. Many karaoke bars and some short time hotels nearby. But I have never experienced any harassment what so ever. 

Rating: 1-5 where 1 is terrible and 5 is excellent
5 Location
4 Sleep Quality
4 Rooms
5 Service
5 Value for the money
5 Cleanliness 
Stayed here several times in December 2015 - February 2016

Pinoy Pamilya Hotel
2897 F.B. Harisson cor. Cuneta Ave., Pasay, Luzon 1300, Philippines
Phone: 00 63 2702 2700
​
Note! Click on images to see slideshow and captions!
The neighborhood, Pinoy Pamilya Hotel is located to the right 50 m in on F. B. Harrison St. The reception The inner yard The breakfast, Filipino style, which is included in the room price A finished breakfast View from room 216 Related links: UCC Good Coffee Smile in Manila​ Where to eat the fiery style in Manila? Visit Intramuros in Manila​ Manila American Cemetery & Memorial​ Visit the Manila Chinese Cemetery​ Review of Jatujak Thai Restaurant, Manila Review of hotel Isabelle Royale in Makati, Manila Review of Kyochon restaurant in Mall of Asia Review of Arya Persian Restaurant in Pasay Hiking trip to Mt Pinatubo Review of Casa Verde Boutique Hotel and Gardens, Imus, Manila Review of Chili's Restaurant in Mall of Asia Review of Burgoo, American Bar and Restaurant in Mall of Asia Review of Pinoy Pamilya Hotel in Pasay Review of 88 Courtyard Hotel in Pasay Video clips Manila Ocean Park​
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​Santa Clara Park Hotel is really a great place, can be recommended!

I stayed here for several nights. My room was spacious with a nice view over the compound. Everything was nice and clean. Friendly and service minded staff. No WiFi in the room but I stayed in the room 5 near the bar so most of the time I could enjoy free WiFi.

The breakfast not recommended though

They had only one type of breakfast 200 PHP, nothing wrong with it but it was an American dull breakfast with nothing special at all. Not recommended. Apart from that no other food was available. But since I had a fridge in the room I had my own stuff and it was ok to eat it in the bar. Coffee was complimentary. Only a few other guests were here under my stay. The location was 5 min by tricycle from the city of Sorsogon.

Rating: 1-5 where 1 is terrible and 5 is excellent
4 Location
5 Sleep Quality
5 Rooms
5 Service
5 Value for the money
5 Cleanliness 
Stayed here in September 2014

Santa Clara Park Hotel
Maharlika Highway Pangpang, Sorsogon, Luzon, Philippines
Santa Clara Park Hotel
The front desk
My room, second floor with the big window. Room nr 5.
View from the room.
You could eat your breakfast here.
Breakfast was not complimentary. 200 PHP for this, not recommended.
Very nice and quiet surroundings.
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My favorite hotel, 88 Courtyard  Hotel in Manila

Good value for the money, fresh and clean, good location. This hotel seems to be newly built or renovated. The only negative is their WiFi, it's supposed to be working in every room but it doesn't. The only place in the hotel you can be reasonable sure that's working is in the lobby area. A minor detail is when your WiFi connected device been idle for just a little while (around 2 minutes) then you need to logg in with user name and password again. So frustrating! Apart from that their Pancit Guisado is one of the best I have tried... and trust me I have tried a lot Pancits allover the Philippines.

Rating: 1-5 where 1 is terrible and 5 is excellent
5 Location
5 Sleep Quality
5 Rooms
5 Service
5 Value for the money
5 Cleanliness 
Stayed here in September 2014

88 Courtyard Hotel
24 Roxas Blvd | Corner of Cuneta Ave, Pasay, Luzon 1300, Philippines
Phone: 00 63 2558 0188
Courtyard Hotel room

My hotel room at 88 Courtyard Hotel, Manila

breakfast kenny rogers manila

Breakfast at Kenny Rogers is included