Almont City Hotel Butuan: Your Luxurious Escape in the Heart of the Philippines!
Almont City Hotel Butuan: My Butuan Blunders (and Bliss)! - A Totally Honest Review
Okay, folks, let's talk Almont City Hotel Butuan. You know, that "Luxurious Escape in the Heart of the Philippines" they rave about. I just got back – slightly sunburnt, definitely richer in experience, and ready to spill the tea. Buckle up, 'cause this ain't your sanitized travel brochure. This is real.
First Impressions: Reaching Butuan and Getting to the Hotel – Navigating the Chaos (and Triumph!)
So, picture this: you're in Butuan. Getting there? Relatively easy! Airport transfer was a breeze, thank goodness, because I'm notorious for getting lost. Their car park [on-site] is plentiful (essential!), and even boast a car power charging station (score for the eco-conscious!). The taxi service is readily available if you prefer that route too.
Now, the accessibility aspect… I, thankfully, don't need full wheelchair access (though good for those who do!), but I noticed the place is pretty damn accommodating. Elevators are a godsend when you’re lugging around luggage, and I saw ramps and stuff all over the place. They’ve got facilities for disabled guests, which is a total win in my book, because inclusivity matters!
Checking In: Smooth Sailing or a Bit of a Storm?
Check-in/out [express]? Check. Contactless check-in/out? Check. The front desk, thankfully, felt like a calm oasis. The staff? Super friendly and efficient. I appreciate a good front desk [24-hour] - especially when jet lag hits you hard at 3 AM and you're craving a snack. Cash withdrawal is easy too, with facilities nearby.
The Rooms: My Sanctuary (Mostly)
Alright, let's get real about the rooms. I snagged a non-smoking room (THANK GOD). The Internet access – wireless (and Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! - HUGE!) was a lifesaver. No more panicked searching for a signal! The Internet access – LAN (for those who still roll that way) was also available.
My room was… decent. Clean, which is always the first hurdle cleared. The air conditioning was a glorious, consistent presence (a must in the Butuan heat). Air conditioning in public area? Also good. I had a desk to pretend to work at (failed miserably due to the pool calling my name!). The blackout curtains were a game-changer – perfect for sleeping off the previous night's adventures.
Things I LOVED:
- Free bottled water. Little things, you know? But hydration is key.
- Coffee/tea maker: Necessary fuel.
- Additional toilet - Always a bonus
Things That Could've Been Better (Minor Gripes, Mostly):
- The bed felt slightly firm for me – I'm a softie, what can I say? But the extra-long bed was a plus, accommodating my inevitable starfish sleep style.
- The view from my window? Fine. Not breathtaking. But, hey, I wasn't there for the view.
Now for the details: The room had:
- Additional toilet
- Air conditioning
- Alarm clock
- Bathrobes (fancy!)
- Bathtub
- Blackout curtains
- Carpeting
- Closet
- Coffee/tea maker
- Complimentary tea
- Daily housekeeping
- Desk
- Extra long bed
- Free bottled water
- Hair dryer
- High floor
- In-room safe box
- Internet access – LAN
- Internet access – wireless
- Ironing facilities
- Laptop workspace
- Linens
- Mini bar
- Mirror
- Non-smoking
- On-demand movies
- Private bathroom
- Reading light
- Refrigerator
- Safety/security feature
- Satellite/cable channels
- Scale
- Seating area
- Separate shower/bathtub
- Shower
- Slippers
- Smoke detector
- Socket near the bed
- Sofa
- Soundproofing
- Telephone
- Toiletries
- Towels
- Umbrella
- Visual alarm
- Wake-up service
- Wi-Fi [free]
- Window that opens
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Glorious Food!
Okay, let's talk about the real reason we travel, right? FOOD. Restaurants galore! And the choices… oh, the choices!
Breakfast [buffet]: This was the highlight of my mornings. Asian breakfast (hello, congee!) and Western breakfast (bacon, eggs, the works!) were readily available. The coffee/tea in restaurant was… acceptable. Not the best I've ever had, but totally passable for my caffeine addiction.
Restaurants with various types of food: A la carte, Asian cuisine, International Cuisine, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine
The Poolside Bar: Ah, yes. This is where I spent a considerable amount of time. Happy hour was a godsend, and I’m pretty sure I sampled every cocktail on the menu. The poolside bar itself was a lifesaver!
Coffee shop: They had a decent coffee shop for that caffeine kick.
Desserts in restaurant: I'm a sucker for desserts, and luckily they had plenty!
Snack bar: Perfect for late-night cravings.
Room service [24-hour]: Now this is a real lifesaver for night owls and when you simply don't want to leave the comfortable confines of your room.
Alternative meal arrangement: They accommodated my dietary needs!
Bottle of water: Always available and free of charge!
Things to do & Ways to Relax: Spa Days, Fitness, and Poolside Bliss
Okay, let’s move in the relaxing aspect, as I feel I did my time here.
- Spa/sauna: While I didn't get around to the spa, I did hit the pool with view. Worth it. The swimming pool [outdoor] was perfect for a refreshing dip after a long day of… well, relaxing.
- Body scrub and Body wrap: I can only imagine the level of pampering.
- Foot bath: I'm kicking myself for missing that.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: I'm sure it's well equipped for those that would enjoy a work out.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure
This is where Almont City Hotel REALLY shines. I was genuinely impressed with their commitment to safety.
- Hygiene certification - Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas - Check.
- Anti-viral cleaning products - Check.
- Staff trained in safety protocol - Check.
They really hammered home the whole "safe and secure" vibe, and it made me feel comfortable and protected. I also noticed:
- CCTV in common areas
- CCTV outside property
- Safety/security feature
- Security [24-hour]
- Smoke alarms
- Fire extinguisher
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
Let’s move onto the smaller areas like:
- Air conditioning in public area
- Audio-visual equipment for special events
- Babysitting service
- Bicycle parking
- Business facilities
- Cash withdrawal
- Concierge
- Convenience store
- Currency exchange
Let’s not forget the important ones:
- Doorman
- Dry cleaning
- Elevator
- Essential condiments
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Food delivery
- Gift/souvenir shop
- Indoor venue for special events
- Invoice provided
- Ironing service
- Laundry service
- Luggage storage
- Meeting/banquet facilities
- Meetings
- Meeting stationery
- On-site event hosting
- Outdoor venue for special events
- Projector/LED display
- Safety deposit boxes
- Seminars
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfect travel itinerary. This is a diary of a Butuan bungle, or, as I like to call it, "Adventures in Almont City Hotel (and the General Vicinity)." Prepare for a ride that's less "smooth sailing" and more "slightly seasick but mostly delighted."
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Adobo Crisis
- 1:00 PM: Landed at Butuan Airport. Let's be honest, the airport is… compact. Charming, even, in its own way. Think "shoebox with a surprisingly efficient baggage carousel." Found myself immediately sweating buckets – welcome to the tropics, baby! Taxi to Almont City.
- 1:30 PM: Checked into the Almont City Hotel. The lobby is… well, it's what you'd expect. Clean enough, AC blasting (thank GOD!), and a general air of "we've seen things" from the staff. My room? Standard. Nothing to write home about except maybe the aggressively floral curtains.
- 2:00 PM: Unpacked. Attempted to organize. Failed miserably. My suitcase exploded. I’m basically a chaotic cyclone of clothing and toiletries at this point, and I suspect my room is probably a disaster zone.
- 2:30 PM: Lunch. (Finally!) Headed to the hotel restaurant, because, convenience. The menu promised "authentic Filipino cuisine." I ordered the adobo. It arrived. It looked… different. The chicken was… darker than expected. The sauce… well, let's just say it tasted like it had a serious identity crisis. (Too much soy sauce, maybe? Too little love?) I powered through it anyway. I was starving. It was a defining moment of me embracing adventure and finding the good in the questionable.
- 3:30 PM: Panic-Googling "best adobo in Butuan." Apparently, I should've branched out. Lesson learned. Tomorrow, I'm on a mission for proper adobo. This is my personal quest.
- 4:00 PM: Spent the afternoon wandering around the hotel. Discovered the pool – small but inviting. Briefly considered swimming, but the humidity had already transformed me into a walking, talking, slightly sticky rainforest. Maybe later.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. This time, I'm playing it safe. Fried chicken. Can't really mess up fried chicken, right? (Famous last words.)
- 7:00 PM: Attempted to watch TV. Channels were… interesting. A dubbed American action movie, a religious program, and a soap opera that looked like it was filmed on an actual potato. Gave up.
- 7:30 PM: Decided to catch some air. Walked outside. Saw a bunch of locals chatting and laughing. I think. It might have been the most entertaining viewing of this day.
- 8:00 PM: Early night. Jet lag is a BITCH.
Day 2: The Surigao Adventure and the Great Adobo Redemption
- 6:00 AM: Woke up to the rooster in full force. Loudest rooster in the history of the Philippines. Took a deep breath. Remembered I wasn't going to do anything other than be in the presence of this rooster.
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast. (Still at the hotel. Desperate for the perfect Adobo, I told myself I am not going to give up. The hotel breakfast was alright. The only saving grace was the crispy sausage)
- 8:00 AM: Found a local tour group. Agreed to visit the Surigao region. This meant an early start. But I'm not a morning person.
- 9:00 AM: We start to move. The ride was long. The scenery was breathtaking. The road, however, was a questionable mixture of asphalt and potholes. I found myself clinging to my seat like my life depended on it. Which, at times, it kind of felt like.
- 12:00 PM: Arrived at a natural pool in Surigao. Oh my GOD. CRYSTAL CLEAR WATER. I dove in, instantly washing away all the stress from the bumpy drive. Pure bliss. I spent the next hour just floating and feeling utterly insignificant. In the best way possible. (This memory is worth the shaky jeep ride.)
- 1:00 PM: Back to the local eateries near the pools. They made us lunch (I didn't ask for adobo. NOPE.) Ate the freshest fish I've ever tasted.
- 4:00 PM: Back to Butuan. Exhausted, a little sunburnt, and utterly elated.
- 5:00 PM: The Adobo REVENGE! Okay, so, I found this AMAZING "carinderia" (local eatery) recommended by a local. This time, adobo success! Rich, savory, perfectly balanced. I might have actually cried a little. This day, I learned that searching is one of the best parts of travel. And that real Adobo is worth the effort.
- 6:00 PM: More walking, more locals chat to me. I asked what was good around the city, and they chatted back to me. It might have been the most entertaining viewing of this day.
- 7:00 PM: Early night. The Adobo victory had me exhausted.
Day 3: The Balangay Boat and the Final Farewell
- 7:00 AM: Woke up. So glad I slept.
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast, the hotel. Trying a different thing this time.
- 9:00 AM: Went to the Balangay Boat. (It was a historical, very unique boat that was created by locals.) Realizing that I found the best adventure from the locals around me (yesterday's trip), I started talking to the locals some more, and they taught me about it.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch, local eatery. Got some fish.
- 2:00 PM: Went to the Almont Hotel's pool. Actually swam. (Remember the sticky rainforest phase? No longer.)
- 3:00 PM: Went back to my room.
- 5:00 PM: Dinner. (No more adobo. I realized I have a flight to catch.) The Almont City Hotel, and Butuan City itself, has given me a taste of the true essence of the Philippines.
Final Thoughts:
Butuan isn't "perfect." It's messy, humid, sometimes confusing, and the adobo can be a gamble. But that's the magic, isn't it? It’s the imperfections, the unexpected encounters, and the moment when you realize you’re utterly lost but completely happy. I leave with a full belly, a slightly sunburnt nose, and a heart overflowing with memories. And, yes, I’m already dreaming of my next adventure. Now, where's my passport…?
Kalangan Farms: Alibaug's Spicy Mango Paradise Awaits!
Almont City Hotel Butuan: The Good, The Bad, and the Unexpected – Let's Get Real!
Okay, spill the beans! Is Almont City Hotel *really* as luxurious as everyone says?
Alright, let's be honest, "luxurious" is a loaded word, right? My first impression? *Impressive*, for Butuan. Compared to, say, a five-star hotel in Manila? Nah. But relative to what you find around here? Absolutely. The lobby? Gorgeous. Marble floors, the whole deal. I vividly remember, walking in after a *grueling* bus ride, practically *melting* in the aircon. Heaven!
The room itself... well, it *tried* to be luxurious. Big bed, plushy pillows – I could have happily spent the entire trip just wallowing in them. The bathroom was another story. Clean, yes. But the water pressure? Let's just say I took *multiple* showers to feel truly clean. It wasn't a deal-breaker, mind you, but definitely a "hmm" moment. You know? Like, "Okay, this is nice, but... is the hot water *ever* going to work?" Classic Filipino experience, right there. I guess that added to the "charm."
What about the food? Any culinary disasters waiting to happen? I've heard some horror stories.
Food is a *big* deal, isn't it? Listen, the buffet breakfast was... variable. Honestly. Some days, it was a triumph! Adobo, fresh fruit (mangoes, glorious mangoes!), and maybe a little too much rice. Other days? Well, let's just say the eggs were a bit... rubbery. And the coffee? Hit or miss. I swear, one day it was like liquid gold, the next, it tasted like dishwater. Seriously, the inconsistency drove me *nuts*!
But! The a la carte menu? Definitely a winner. I got the beef steak twice (yes, I have a problem), and it was *delicious* both times. Perfectly cooked, tender, and flavorful. The service in the restaurant was also top-notch. The staff are genuinely kind and always ready with a smile. They even put up with my terrible attempts at speaking Tagalog. That, alone, made the whole experience worth it.
Is the location convenient? (Because walking in a Butuan summer... no thanks.)
Location? Spot-on! Seriously. It’s right in the heart of the city. You can easily get a tricycle or a taxi (or you *can* walk, if you're feeling brave and have *excellent* sun protection. I'm not judging, but I'm also not recommending it.) Everything is nearby – restaurants, shops, the shopping mall. And if you're there for business? Even better. Super accessible.
There's this one thing that I remember, it was almost a deal-breaker. I tried to walk to this one tourist attraction after a long day, it was still hot and bright! The map was deceiving, I was absolutely *glowing.* The traffic was crazy, people were staring, and I was sweating. I swear I looked like I stepped out of a sauna and I was about to *pass out.* That was the only time I hated the location, and that was all my fault.
What kind of vibe does the hotel give off? Is it a party place, or more chill?
Definitely chill, mostly! It's not a party hotel. The pool area is nice, and you can hang out there and relax. I remember, the first time I went, there was this family there, with like, a million kids, all splashing and screaming. Okay, it wasn't *completely* serene. But mostly, it was a calm refuge from the Butuan bustle. I love pools!
I witnessed a small wedding when I was there. It really put me in a state of mind that the hotel could host any kind of mood, with enough charm and class. It’s not exactly the place for drunken revelry, but it’s a great place to de-stress after a long day of, well, whatever you're doing in Butuan. Meeting in the conference, or a nice, cool bath. The hotel can definitely adapt.
The Pool! Seriously, tell me about the pool! Is it Instagram-worthy? (Priorities, people!)
Okay, the pool... It's decent. Clean, refreshing, and the perfect temperature, mostly. Is it Instagram-worthy? Well... that depends. The backdrop isn't breathtaking. It’s a pool. A concrete pool. Surrounded by the hotel... and the sounds of the city, which, let’s be honest, isn't always the most serene. No stunning ocean views here.
But, and this is a big but… it's a total lifesaver. Especially after a blistering day of sightseeing. I spent a solid afternoon lounging by the pool, just reading a book and sipping a San Miguel Light. Bliss! And honestly? Sometimes, you don't need a fancy backdrop. Just a clean, cool pool to soak in. It did the job. Very well.
Are there any hidden costs or surprises? I *hate* that!
Honestly? Not really. The hotel staff is pretty upfront about everything. The prices for food and drinks are what you'd expect. The mini-bar? Well, try to control yourself, because those prices do add up! But no, nothing major. No hidden fees that I recall.
I *think* there might have been some kind of extra charge for things like late check-out, but be mindful of the bill. Always. I remember one time, after I had a lot of beers, I accidentally ordered all the peanuts from the mini-bar.. I was feeling great, and only realized the mistake the next day. So not a "hidden cost", but *stupid*. So, yeah, be careful about that, I don't think they'll blame you for being drunk, but...
Would you recommend Almont City Hotel? The bottom line, please!
Absolutely! With caveats, of course. If you're expecting a five-star experience? Lower your expectations a *little*. If you're looking for a comfortable, convenient, and relatively luxurious place to stay in Butuan, then yes, definitely. I'd go back. I might even go back *soon*. (Thinking about that beef steak... mmm.)
It's not perfect. But it has heart. The staff made the difference. They areHotels Blog Guide
