Private Hot Spring Resort in Laguna: Villa Valentino

There are many private resorts in Pansol, Laguna but I know it can be hard to pick the best ones. My family and I go to Laguna almost every year to ease the summer heat. This year, I personally find the private resort we rented better than the ones we used before. This is the Valentino Private Resort. 

Valentino Private Resort is located in the midst of hot spring resort hub of Laguna- Barangay Pansol. The resort's location is ideal compared to others. It's not in the forefront so there are no street noises but it is not also in the interior part making stores accessible from the resort. 

The pool and space are the best things about Valentino. The pool is creatively-shaped. It's not round, not rectangular or any other thing. I like it because it's not overwhelmingly large or deep. The deepest part is 6 feet while the most shallow 4. There's also a net to shield swimmers from sun's rays during day swimming. There's a jacuzzi cum kiddie pool beside it so kids can also enjoy. The water's temperature is just right- not scalding hot. Also, the water is not heavy with chlorine. The the tiles are clean which is an important thing to consider I think. Some resorts have pool tiles which are full of mildew and molds.

Adult pool at Villa Valentino
photo credit: calamba-city.saintclassifiedphilippines.com

Kiddie Pool at Villa Valentino
photo credit: www.sulit.com.ph

Some resorts in Laguna consists of rooms and pool with limited open space for parking.  At Valentino, there's open space. I think the place is ideal for small parties with 30 to 50 people without being cramped. It is that big. There's also a billiards table, karaoke and kubo. 

kubo house at Villa Valentino
photo credit: www.sulit.com.ph

There are four rooms. Two are air conditioned. All four, the rooms can accommodate 20-25 people. The only issue I have about the rooms is the worn-out furniture. I think the resort should invest on new furniture to eliminate the "old feel" of the rooms. Other than that, the rooms are okay. They are not exceptional but they are acceptable. 

airconditioned room
photo credit: www.sulit.com.ph

Lastly, for a good private resort, Valentino is quite affordable. We rented the place for 8,000 Pesos for 12 hours on a Holy Week (the peakest of the peak season) for 30 people. It's a good deal, I think. 

To reserve the resort, you can contact 0915-7467423. Enjoy the summer!

Note: I forgot to take my own pictures during my stay. I was busy having fun. I'll replace these pictures from the people who were with me. 

Affordable Hotel in Tokyo: Koraku Garden Hotel

Koraku Garden Hotel is an affordable business hotel. Located in Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Koraku Garden Hotel is an ideal hotel for business people looking for a quiet yet an accessible hotel. It's in the center of important business districts and near JR Line Stations. 

For almost a month, I stayed in Koraku Garden Hotel in Tokyo while waiting for a permanent teaching position in Japan. For that entire time, the staff had been very accommodating even if they don't understand me sometimes. (Their understanding of English is quite limited.) They cater to my needs and were generous of their help. Rooms are cleaned thoroughly from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm. It usually takes 20 to 30 minutes for the cleaner to finish my room even if it's not really messy. 

A regular room is ideal for 2 medium-built people. The rooms sizes are mainly ideal for Asian people so Westerners may feel cramped. Even the bed size can be a problem for 2 people if you're largely built. On a personal note, however, I found the bed just tight with enough room for me toss and turn. The hotel only provides a single pillow if they know only one guest is occupying the room. You can request for one more should you want another pillow. The mattress is firm enough without being hard on the back. 

Koraku Garden Hotel Room

The toilet is average. Everything is made of stainless so when you use cold water, it tends to get really cold and the same for hot water. The hotel provides shampoo, body soap, toothbrush, toothpaste and towels. 

There's TV but it's not cabled. All programs are in Japanese and the remote doesn't have English subtitle button. There's also a water heater with daily supply of tea bags. Internet connection is available but you have to borrow an internet cable from the front desk. There's a mini fridge but there's no closet. There's just a small open space with three hangers for your clothes. There's a phone that you can use even for international calls. 

view from my room at Koraku Garden Hotel

Other notable areas are the laundry area on the 6th floor. You can borrow iron from the front desk without charge. Computer stations are also on the lobby but they're not free. Free buffet breakfast are served in the basement from 7:00 to 10:00 am. There's no swimming pool or gym but they have parking areas. 

laundry area at Koraku Garden Hotel

The best thing about this hotel for business people is its accessibility to nearby stations. For more info: http://bitsandpieces-fvitz.blogspot.jp/2012/08/tokyo-hotel-with-ideal-location-koraku.html.

So if you're planning a business trip, try staying at Koraku Garden Hotel. 

Tokyo Hotel with Ideal Location: Koraku Garden Hotel

Looking for an accessible business hotel in Tokyo? Try the Koraku Garden Hotel located in Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo. It's around the Japanese-Chinese Friendship Center just beside the historical Koraku Garden (hence the hotel's name).

Koraku Garden's facade
photo credit:  http://www.travelpod.com/hotel/Hotel_Takebe_No_Mori-Okayama.html

With the price of commuting in Tokyo, it's important to choose a hotel that can be accessed by JR Trains. The JR Lines are the cheapest, next to biking, mode of transportation in Japan.

1. Nearest Train Stations

Iidabashi Station
photo credit:  http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%95%E3%82%A1%E3%82%A4%E3%83%AB:Iidabashi_Station-West_Exit.jpg

Koraku Garden Hotel is about 10 minutes away from JR Iidabashi Station if you walk to the right side. There's also another Iidabashi Station which is a stopping point of the TOEI Subway Line. Walking to the left leads to the Suidobashi Station just in front of Tokyo Dome. 

The good thing about Koraku Garden is that even if the stations are walking-distance, you wouldn't hear the passing trains. It's located behind another building and is not directly on the main street so guests can still quietly rest at night. 

2. Surrounding Areas by Walking

Ramla Pathwalk
http://www.panoramio.com/user/5114571

Iidabashi

photo credit:  http://tokyo.blog.lemonde.fr/2008/05/20/aiguiser-lacuite-du-present/iidabashi1211261632jpg/

a street in Iidabashi, across Ramla
photo credit:  http://www.tokyoluv.com/a-walk-in-iidabashi/

A 10-minute walk to the left from the hotel will lead you to Iidabashi Station. In front of this Station is the Ramla mall or plaza where you can find Daiso, some cafes, shops and restaurants. Across the street where Ramla is are more shops, cafes, convenience stores. You can buy almost anything you need at this area. The street is lovely decorated with hanging red lamps. There's also a Y100 shop up on the street. 

Tokyo Dome rollercoaster

On the other side, a 10-minute walk from the hotel will lead you to Tokyo Dome. It's hard to miss to miss this place since the dome can be seen from the hotel. You can watch baseball games here. There's also an amusement park in this place with a big-looped roller coaster. You can choose from a wide array of shops and restaurants that they have there. 

McDonalds, Starbucks and 7 Eleven can be found on both sides. 

3. Surrounding  Areas by Trains

JR Line Map
http://sleepswithstrangers.tumblr.com/post/29416623180/japan-jr-train-line-map-tokyo-looks 

Koraku Garden Hotel is also near important areas in Tokyo such as Shinjuku,  Tokyo, Shinagawa, Akihabara, Ueno and Ginza. 

Shinjuku is a yuppie-filled business district in Tokyo. It's about 10 minutes  and 2 stations away from Iidabashi Station. Ride the Chuo Line (the yellow one) going to Shinkjuku. 

Akihabara is the anime and electronics center of Tokyo. Hundreds of electronic shops can be found there. It's about 10 minutes from Iidabashi Station. Just get on the Chuo Line. 

Ueno, if I'm not mistaken, is the next stop after Akihabara. Cheap clothes, shoes, bags and accessories can be found here. There's also a park, a zoo and a museum just outside the station. Just ride the Chuo Line then Transfer to Yamanote Line at Akihabara Station. 

Shinagawa is the home of the Immigration Office so it's an important area for foreigners. It's about 30 minutes away from Iidabashi Station. Ride the Chuo Line going to Ueno. Transfer to Yamanote Line (the green one) at Akihabara Station. This will stop at Shinagawa. 

For accessibility coupled with a quiet location, book at Koraku Garden Hotel!

Affordable Resort at Nasugbu, Batangas: Maryland Beach Resort

Nasugbu, Batangas is a well-known weekend spot for families and friends. With its proximity to Manila, resorts along the beachline of Nasugbu are quite overpriced.

Maryland Beach Resort is one of the most affordable resorts along the Nasugbu shoreline.

The sand in Nasugbu is fine black. The water is actually clear although its not obvious due to the sands' color. Waves are soft and ideal for families with small children.

Nasugbu beach

Cheapest room is their economy room worth P1200. The room is meant for two but with the available space, even 6 to 8 people can accommodate the room. The resort management allows additional guests during peak season.

economy room (without TV and private toilet)

Downside of this room is the lack of private toilet and no TV. The common toilet is not very clean.

They have other rooms which, I think, are more comfortable and presentable. Tents can also be rented for about P 500.

beach tents

Maryland Beach Resort also has a medium-sized pool. The water is okay but the pool looks a bit old. The tiles are old-fashioned and there's some molds at the bottom of the pool.

swimming pools at Maryland Beach Resort

An area for beach volleyball is also available.

Sunset is a sight to look forward to.

sunset at Nasugbu

Horse back riding and island hopping are also available from other nearby resorts.

Maryland Beach Resort has a small variety store but they don't have a cafeteria. However, there are a lot of restaurants near the resort where you can order your food. Jolibee and Mang Inasal also deliver food.

I recommend this place if only for the affordability of the place and considering that you'll also swim on the same waters for a cheaper price!

By the way, make sure you place your reservations during weekends and peak seasons since the place is jampacked!

Photo Credits: All pictures were taken from Maryland Beach Resort's multiply website.

Team-Building and Retreat Venue Near Manila: Sierra Madre Resort

Lying along the mountains in Tanay, Rizal, about 2 hours away from Manila is the Sierra Madre Resort. This place is perfect venue for team building, camping & retreat or just a quick weekend family getaway.

The best thing about Sierra Madre Resort is the sweeping view of the Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges. Every corner of the place is filled with the majestic view of mountains- slopes, steeps, peaks & valleys.

Sierre Madre Resort has an overlooking al fresco dining overlooking the mountains. It makes the place a relaxing venue for picnics.

on top of the Sierra Madre

Hanging bridges, ropes and zip lines are also provided for team- building activities.

my sister on the hanging bridge

Along the slope of the resort are camping grounds, obstacle course and a jungle trail.

making an attempt at a web bridge

A spacious Grecian garden makes it a romantic venue for prenuptial shots along with a function hall for events.

posing at the Grecian-themed gardens

Sierra Madre Resort also has three medium-sized pools catering to both children and adults. However,  with the cool water and the cooler weather, summer is the best time to swim in the resort.

taking a dip at the cool pool

Budget rooms are also available for those seeking affordable accomodations.  The cheapest is about P1500 good for 2. There are also rooms overlooking the Sierra Madre mountains.

An attraction of the place, but also a disappointment, is the so-called Sto. Nino waterfalls. There's nothing spectacular about it. Personally, it just looks like an high bathroom shower.

the Sto. Nino waterfalls

The place also has a cafeteria. Food tastes good but you have to place your order at least 30 minutes before you think you'll get hungry.

Also, the common toilets are dirty. I hope the management can do something about them.

So if you're just around the Metro, take time to breathe the air and be inspired at the Sierra Madre Resort.

How to Get There:

The best way to get there is through a private vehicle since there's only a handful of jeepneys that travel along that road.

From Aurora Boulevard, Cubao

1. Drive along the road going to Cogeo.
    You'll pass by SM Mariking, Robinsons Metro East.
    Just drive straight ahead. No left or right turns.

2. Drive straight upon reaching Cogeo Market. The Cogeo Market is on the left side.
    You'll pass by resorts and subdivisions. Just follow the highway.

3. Sierra Madre Resort is on the left side of the highway. The area going to Sierra Madre seems so far because you're literally driving on the mountain tops.

Affordable Team-Building Venue: Rizal Re-Creation Center, Laguna

Rizal Re-Creation Center is located at Rizal Laguna, an hour or two away from Los Banos. Its wide space of rolling terrains and serene atmosphere makes it a perfect place for a retreats, team-building activities and family gatherings. 


Aside from family outings, another event that employees look forward to is team-building events. Rizal Re-Creation Center in Laguna offers an affordable place where you can relax amidst the coconut trees and lush greenery, hold physical/ sports activities on its wide grounds, convene meetings in their function halls and enjoy sumptuous meals plus hear God's refreshing message through Rev. Joe Mauk, the director of the place.

Going with a group of Christian families, we rented a dorm room which can hold 10-12 people. The dorm room has its own basic toilet & bath and veranda. It's not airconditioned but with the abundance of trees, there's actually no need for that. There's also an option to set up tents if you're feeling "campy" but you have to use the common CR which are in poor condition.

Decks at the Center's Dorm Room

The Center's grounds are idea for volleyball, badminton, basketball and other games. They even have a sand area for physical activities. You can borrow sports materials such as balls, nets and rackets form the administration office for free. You can even ask if you need to have a particular set-up.

Sweating for a basketball game

Pushing that big ball around the sand area

For those who are mentally-inclined, Rizal Re-Creation also has an area for chess games.

Trying to play chess

To cap off a tiring day, the place also has a pool where you can wade along its cool waters.

Night swimming at Rizal Re-Creation Center

There's no need to bring meals since the Center offer buffet services at very affordable prices.
We only paid P800 per pax to enjoy the facilities, food and accommodation.

For a refreshing yet serene summer outing, visit Rizal Re-Creation Center.

Beach Resort in San Antonio, Zambales: Pundaquit Luxury Resort

Pundaquit Luxury Resort is a mid-range inn located at Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales. It is one of the resorts that serves as a gateway to the Zambales Coves - Capones, Anawangin and Nagsasa.It is beside the famous Nora's Beach Resort and Canoe Beach Resort. 

facade of Pundaquit Luxury Resory, beach view
photo credit: http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/Philippines/Province_of_Zambales/Pundaquit-1385410/TravelGuide-Pundaquit.html

Originally, my cousins and I planned to camp at Anawangin Cove for the holy week holiday. However, with a baby and some adults in their 50's coming with us, our plans did not push through. Instead, we decided to check in a Pundaquit Luxury Resort. One of the advantages of this resort is that they have a pool- good for kids and adults unlike with other resorts in the area. (Yeah, I'm starting with the background story.)

feeling sexy and macho beside the pool

taking a pose at the garden area

We rented a mountain view room and 4 kubo huts since there were 17 of us. The mountain view room is actually good for 4 people but they only allow up to 3. This is worth P 2300. It has two single beds, cable TV airconditioner and toilet & bath. The beds, tv and aircon are about average. The toilet was a disappointment though. It was small and cramped. For adults who are quite large in body frame, I wouldn't be surprised if you'd be suffocated. Good thing was they have toiletries- soap, shampoo, toothcare kit and tissue. Towels are not free so bring a towel!

mountain view room at Pundaquit Luxury Resort
photo credit: http://www.subic.com/hotels-info/pundaquit_luxury_resort.php

The kubo huts have two types. The first one has two single double decks and the other one has double decks which are double beds. (Haha! I don't know how to describe it) Point is, the nipa huts can accommodate 4 people comfortably. All the nipa huts are fan rooms which really isn't a problem since the air is cool esp. at night. Downside would be we didn't have our own toilets and the location of the huts is about 30 steps from the actual resort compound. If you're a toilet-crazy person, get a room with a CR. Although the common toilets are clean, they are not tiled.

Pundaquit Luxury Resort also offer island hopping services with the same rates of local boatmen.

Boat Rates:

Small Boat (good for 4 people)
P 1500 - Camara, Capones, Anawangin
P 1800 - Camara, Capones, Anawangin and Nagsasa

Big Boat (good for 10 or more people)
P 350/ pax - Capones and Anawangin
P 450/ pax - Capones, Anawangin and Nagsasa

Service is also good. The staff are cordial and prompt. They also have cooking services for a fee.
They have a small garden for outdoor dining and a restaurant on the roof deck for viewing.

garden dining at Pundaquit Luxury Resort
photo credit: ://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1028037-d1644721-Reviews-Pundaquit_Luxury_Resort-Pundaquit_Central_Luzon_Region_Luzon.html l

Pundaquit Luxury Resort may not necessarily live up to its name of "luxury" but the place was clean and comfortable.

How to Get at Pundaquit Luxury Resort:

See my blog on How to Get To Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales

Cheap Hotel in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam: Duc Vuong Hotel

Duc Vuong Hotel is a 2 –star hotel located along the vibrant Bui Vien street in District 1. Compared with other hotels in the area, Duc Voung Hotel is tucked on the edges of the quiet part of the street. Hence, this hotel is ideal for a taste of a Vietnamese night life yet also a place of rest. For discounts and other perks, book directly at Duc Vuong Hotel instead on hotel booking sites.

Duc Vuong Hotel facade

Photo Credit: http://www.ducvuonghotels.com/wp-content/plugins/flash-album-gallery/facebook.php?i=1&f=default_old&h=320

On my first night in the hotel, I stayed in a Junior Suite worth VD840,000 or around USD 40.  I only paid the half day fee since I arrived at the hotel past midnight. The next two days of my stay in the hotel was spent in their Bed and Breakfast rooms which cost about USD 11 per person. If you don’t have anyone to share your room with, you have to pay for 2 people. Both rooms are clean and have the same amenities- hot and cold shower, toiletries, towels, cable TV and WiFi access. The only difference is the size of the room. The Junior Suite is bigger. But then again, who needs a bigger room when you’ll only spend the night in your room.

bed at junior suite room

The beds of both rooms are of the same size. The linens and towels are changed everyday including the toiletries. They also provide free coffee for two. There’s also water dispenser on every floors so you can refill your bottles before going around the city. Comfortable sofas are also scattered on every floor should you want to hang out with other guests. The best place to drink coffee (since I am a coffee lover) is on their rooftop garden. It’s a small patch of land overlooking District 1. It’s soothingly relaxing esp. at night when you just want to look at the bright lights but not necessarily take part on it.

computer area

 Photo Credit: http://www.hotels.com/ho394831/duc-vuong-hotel-ho-chi-minh-city-vietnam/

Aside from the usual hotel amenities, Duc Vuong also has several computers on the ground floor for guests who need to browse the internet. They also have a buffet restaurant that provides free breakfast for all their guests and free dinner for guests in selected rooms. Tropic Tours, one of the cheapest tour packages you can avail in Vietnam, has an office on the basement area of Duc Vuong. Airport transfers are also available but for a cheaper cost, there’s no need to avail them.

reception

Photo Credit: http://realtravel.com/h-86166-ho_chi_minh_city_hotel-redsun_hotel

Lastly but most importantly, Duc Vuong has a very friendly and helpful staff. They were ready to answer all my queries including things to buy for pasalubong. Every time, we return to the hotel, the staff would ask how we were and would cater to our needs whether we give them tips or not.

Credit card is accepted but they don’t change money. If you want to change dollars to dong near the area, there’s Albatross Travel and Tours , a few blocks away from Duc Vuong. They also provide cheap tour services.

The only thing that may stop you from booking in this place is maybe the knowledge that there are other cheaper accommodations around the area. 

Hotel in Quezon City: Maya Residence Inn

Maya Residence Inn is a newly-built hotel around Teacher’s Village in Quezon City. It mainly caters to those who have some personal business to attend to around the area.  Located at Matino St., just a few steps away from Kalayaan Avenue, Maya Residence Inn is an accessible yet quiet place to stay.

Matino St., Kalayaan Avenue, Quezon City

Courtesy of a close friend, I was able to stay at Maya Residence Inn in one of their standard rooms. It costs about P1800 plus a food voucher worth P200 per night. Since it’s a new place, the room smells and looks new too! The room is designed in brown muted tones with an air of simple elegance. It actually feels like a real bedroom in the house- cozy and clean. Space is just enough to move around- not spacious but not cramped either.

Maya Residence Inn's Standard Room

comfy bed with an abstract painting headboard

The standard room has a double bed with a firm mattress. A medium-sized closet with a few hangers is also available at the room. There are two high-backed chairs with a low table. A 24-inch LCD TV is also hanging on the wall across the bed.

sitting place :)

spacious bathroom

The washroom is quite big than the usual. It has hot and cold water and has free toiletries and towels.

Food is available on the ground floor. Maya Residence Inn has an in-house café and a restaurant- M restaurant. Food is of average price and taste.

Service is great and prompt. The reservations agent replies within 24 hours through email.

Maya Residence Inn is near from Trinoma Mall and SM North. It’s also near UP, Katipunan, East Avenue, QC Circle and the Timog Strip. So if planning for a trip around QC area, give Maya Residence Inn a try for an affordable yet restful stay.

Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati: Terribly Luxurious

Location: Dusit Thani Makati is along EDSA just beside SM Makati and near Ayala MRT. It's beside malls and just in the center of about everything. 

Dusit at night
Photo Credit: localyte.com

Thanks to my sister who works at Dusit Thani Hotel Makati, I was able to spend my birthday in their Grand Room. Modesty aside, it is the hotel's third most expensive and expansive room. It is worth a whooping P22,000 a night good for 2 people!

my generous sister posing at Dusit's receiving area

The bathroom that we had was bigger than this but i wasn't  able to take a picture but this is somewhat similar.
Photo Credit: tripadvisor.com.my

The room is about 60 square meters- larger than most studio type condo units. The washroom alone can contain a small kitchen and dining area. It has a tub, a shower area, and  a lengthy wash area. Across the washroom is another washroom minus the tub and bath area. (which I really didn't understand why there's two wash rooms for a room that's good for two). Expectedly, toiletries are available for free including soft fulffy white towels! The only thing missing is a bidet. For some reason, Dusit does not have bidets while hotels with lesser stars have them.

my sisters on the couch at the receiving area

There's also a receiving area with a comfortable couch and a view of the city. During the night, there were 4 people who slept on the carpeted four without being cramped. Added to this, the couch was able to contain 2 people during the night with still some space left. I hope you can imagine how spacious the place is.

my brother and his girlfriend pretending to pose for a stolen shot

The most comfortable part is, of course, the sleeping area. The grand room has two single beds although they also offer a grand room with a queen-sized bed. Actually, even the beds are called single, they're double in size. The sleeping area is more spacious than the receiving area. You can actually dance on the space fronting the bed. Even though it's fronting EDSA and near the MRT, the rooms are sound-proofed with double glass windows.

Other amenities of the room would be the mini bar with goods five times of their prices! There's a mini ref and a water heater. By the way, the only free item in their bar are the coffee, sugar and creamer which really tastes good.

pool area

The hotel has a restaurant offering buffet food. Dinner is offered for about P2000 while breakfast is about P1000. They have a pool which only allows 2 guests per room so we didn't try it anymore. They have valet and shuttle services too.

So I guess, if you;'re really that rich and can spare some cash, it would be nice to spend a night or two in this hotel. As for me, a middle-class worker, I'm just lucky to have a sister connected to the hotel but otherwise, I wouldn't spend my hard-earned money on this hotel. I mean, seriously, there are other hotels which are less pricey with the same luxury. In fairness to Dusit, they really pride themselves of being a luxury hotel that caters mostly to businessmen.