Unbelievable Bacolod Getaway: URBANSTAY's Hidden Gem!
Unbelievable Bacolod Getaway: URBANSTAY's Hidden Gem! - A Brutally Honest (and Totally Spoiled) Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans (and maybe some calamansi juice, because Bacolod!). This isn't your average, sanitized hotel review. This is about URBANSTAY’s Hidden Gem in Bacolod, and let me tell you, it's an experience. I'm talking honest opinions, messy details, and the kind of truth bombs that make your travel plans come alive. Plus, I'm gonna drop some SEO magic in here, so you can actually FIND this place!
First Impressions and Accessibility: Getting There and Feeling Welcome (or NOT)
Right off the bat, let's talk Accessibility. This is HUGE for me. And I'm happy to report…well, it's a bit mixed. Accessibility within URBANSTAY? Pretty darn good. Elevator, check. Wide hallways? Check. Facilities for disabled guests? They say yes, but I didn't specifically test them, so take that with a grain of salt. Car park [on-site] and Car park [free of charge] are a massive win. No stressing about finding a spot, especially after a long flight.
Getting to the place? Well, Airport transfer is available, praise be! Taxi service is also easy to find, and if you're feeling fancy, Valet parking is there. But the Bacolod airport itself…look, let's just say it's got character. Just prepare yourself.
Rooms: My Sanctuary (and My Random Grumbles)
Let’s get down to business - the rooms. Air conditioning? Essential. And thankfully, present and accounted for. Complimentary tea and Coffee/tea maker? YES! Small things, but they make a world of difference. Free bottled water, always a champion. Bathrobes and Slippers? Oh, you know I'm a sucker for those. Felt like a queen!
Okay, okay, some real talk. My room had Soundproofing, which was a lifesaver, because Bacolod can get lively. But the Window that opens? Slightly rusty. And the Mirror could have been cleaner. The In-room safe box was a little…finicky. I finally got it open, but I kept picturing myself trapped in there, desperately trying to remember the code.
What I REALLY loved: The Blackout curtains. Slept like a baby. Also, the Seating area. Perfect for lounging with a book (or, you know, judging strangers on Instagram). And the Wi-Fi [free] was surprisingly reliable.
Internet and Tech Stuff
Internet access – wireless, baby! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! HUGE win. Internet [LAN] also an option if you’re a purist. Internet services, covered. No laggy video calls ruining your vacation.
Dining: From Asian to Western (And My Calamansi Obsession)
Listen, Bacolod is a FOODIE paradise. And URBANSTAY doesn't disappoint. Breakfast [buffet]? YES! Big fan. Western breakfast with all the usual suspects, and the Asian breakfast was AMAZING. The Asian cuisine in restaurant? Chef's kiss!
I, of course, have to mention the calamansi juice. They had it. Fresh. Endless. I basically drank it all day. Coffee/tea in restaurant? Naturally. Poolside bar for some sundowner drinks and nibblers? Check. Restaurants aplenty, and even a Snack bar. Seriously, you will NOT go hungry. They also offer Room service [24-hour], which is a lifesaver when you're battling jet lag and late-night cravings for Desserts in restaurant.
The food was fresh, and I was happy to see the Safe dining setup, and items, including Sanitized kitchen and tableware items.
Relaxation and Recreation: Spa, Pool, and…More Calamansi?
Okay, the Swimming pool [outdoor] is gorgeous. Seriously. Pool with view, even! It was the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring. They even had a Sauna and Steamroom. I didn't get around to the Spa, but it looked enticing.
They have a Fitness center, just in case you want to work off all those delicious eats. (I didn't, but good for them.)
Cleanliness and Safety: Peace of Mind (and Plenty of Hand Sanitizer!)
This is a big one, especially these days. I was seriously impressed with URBANSTAY’s handling of Cleanliness and safety. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Hand sanitizer, everywhere. Daily disinfection in common areas? Yup. Rooms sanitized between stays? Good sign! They even had Professional-grade sanitizing services. Seeing the Staff trained in safety protocol made me feel more secure. I also appreciated the First aid kit and the Doctor/nurse on call.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Touches That Matter
Daily housekeeping? Absolutely essential. Concierge? Always helpful. Cash withdrawal? Convenient. They also have Laundry service, which is a must after all the eating. Luggage storage? Yep. And a Convenience store for those midnight snack runs. Front desk [24-hour] is a big comfort.
Things to Do: Beyond the Hotel Walls
Bacolod is brimming with things to see and do. The hotel staff are great at suggesting nearby tours, they have an outdoor venue for special events, and you can rent a Bicycle.
For the Kids: It's Family/child friendly.
My Emotional Verdict
Look, URBANSTAY isn't perfect. But it’s got soul. And charm. And those little details that make a stay truly memorable. The staff are beyond lovely, the food is fantastic, and the pool is pure bliss. Did I mention the calamansi juice?
Here's the Deal: My Unforgettable URBANSTAY Offer (Because You Deserve It!)
Okay, are you ready to book a Bacolod getaway that's as awesome as it is affordable? Here's the deal:
Book your stay at URBANSTAY's Hidden Gem NOW, and get:
- A complimentary basket of local goodies upon arrival (hello, more calamansi!)
- A 10% discount on all spa treatments.
- Free breakfast for the duration of your stay.
- Free airport transfer.
Why Book Now?
- Limited Availability: These rooms are in high demand!
- Embrace the Hidden Gem: Experience the real Bacolod, not just the tourist traps.
- Calamansi for Days: Seriously, you need this in your life.
Click the link below to book your Unbelievable Bacolod Getaway NOW! Don't wait, because the best experiences are always the ones you actually book!
(Insert a booking link here, because you can't book a hotel without one, you know?)
#Bacolod #URBANSTAY #HiddenGem #Philippines #Travel #Foodie #Getaway #HotelReview
Luxury St. Petersburg City Center Apartment: Unbeatable Views!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your sanitized, Instagram-filtered itinerary. This is the real, sweaty, lumpia-fueled deal: My URBANSTAY Bacolod adventure, warts and all. Prepare for a rollercoaster… and possibly a sugar rush.
URBANSTAY Bacolod: My Bacolod Brain Dump (A.K.A. Itinerary of Imperfection)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Lumpia Hunt (and the Existential Dread of Filipino Time)
- Morning (Slightly Delayed): Landed in Bacolod. The airport's… well, let's just say it has character. The air conditioning is fighting a losing battle against the humidity. My luggage? Somehow survived. (Praise the luggage gods!) The trike ride to URBANSTAY was a wild ride, zipping through traffic. Made me feel alive…then slightly nauseous.
- Afternoon (Lumpia Emergency): Checked into URBANSTAY. Nice place! Clean, comfy. But my stomach was rumbling a lumpia-seeking symphony. The receptionist gave me a wink and said, "You have to try Manokan Country." My mission was clear.
- Manokan Country: A Love Story (with a side of Charcoal). Okay, picture this: a bustling street filled entirely with grilled chicken stalls. Smoke, chatter, the glorious sizzle of meat. It was sensory overload in the best way possible. I got inasal (holy mother of chicken glory!) and isaw (grilled chicken intestines – don't knock it 'til you try it!). It was pure, unadulterated joy. And messy. God, was it messy. Sauce everywhere. Fingers, face, clothes. Worth it. Every. Single. Bite. I was living my truth, my inasal-fueled truth.
- Evening (The Filipino Time Struggle is Real): I planned to visit the old city hall, but "Filipino Time" took over. The place was already closed and I was a bit exhausted and full. I found a small store and had a coffee and a moment to contemplate my existence. Went back to UrbanStay, where I slept like a log.
Day 2: Churches, Coffee, and a Near-Disaster with my Camera
- Morning (Faith and Coffee): Woke up feeling surprisingly chipper. Decided to embrace the cultural side of Bacolod. First stop: San Sebastian Cathedral. Absolutely stunning. The architecture is just breathtaking. Truly. (I’m not normally a church person, but this place… wow.) Afterwards, I walked around, feeling the sun and enjoying my surroundings.
- Late Morning (Coffee and Camera Shenanigans): Found a little coffee shop. Ahhh, coffee. My lifeline. Ordered a brewed local coffee and sat outside. The coffee was strong, and I felt a little less grumpy. Which was good because I was getting ready to visit The Ruins. As I was setting up my camera (which I'd nearly forgotten), it tumbled… right towards the concrete. Cue the internal screaming. Miraculously, it survived. Lesson learned: always double-check your tripod.
- Afternoon (The Ruins – Beauty and Betrayal): The Ruins. Beautiful. Haunting. The history is tragic – a mansion built as a declaration of love, burned down during the war. I was so engrossed in the place, my eyes were glued to the site. I took a lot of pictures. It's a photographer's dream (apart from my near-death experience).
- Evening (Dinner Dilemmas): I wanted to eat at a really fancy restaurant. I didn't want to be so basic. But the places I wanted to go were closed, or fully booked. So, a friend and I gave up on fancy and tried some new local cuisine.
Day 3: Market Mayhem, Sweet Treats, and the Sadness of Saying Goodbye (to Lumpia?)
- Morning (Market Madness): Visited the local market. Oh. My. God. The smells! The noise! The sheer volume of… everything! It's the real deal. I saw everything from mountains of colorful fruits to the twitching remains of something I couldn't quite identify. (I think I preferred Manokan Country.) I bought some piaya (sweet, flaky flatbread) as a souvenir. And bravely, I tried kangkong (water spinach). It was actually quite delicious.
- Late Morning (Sugar Rush on Steroids): Went to Calea for dessert. Calea is EVERYTHING. This place is the spot! I had a slice of chocolate cake (obvious choice, right?). It was so rich, so decadent, I almost cried. Bliss. Pure, unadulterated, sugary bliss.
- Afternoon (The Packing Panic and Farewell Lumpia): Back to URBANSTAY. Packing. Ugh. The worst part of any trip. I felt a knot of sadness in my chest. Goodbye, Bacolod. Goodbye, delicious food. Goodbye, freedom from real-world responsibilities. And… Oh God, I HAD to have one last order of lumpia. Just one. For the road.
- Evening (Departure - Reflecting on Food): Arrived at the airport. The flight felt as long as the lumpia line. Contemplated my trip, the food of Bacolod and the fun. I felt thankful and ready to go home.
Quirky Observations and Emotional Rambles:
- The humidity in Bacolod is a living entity. It has its own agenda.
- Filipino drivers are either insane geniuses or geniuses of chaos. Or both.
- I developed a serious dependency on inasal and that sweet, sweet Calea cake.
- I need to learn some basic Ilonggo phrases. "Thank you" and "delicious" won't cut it next time.
- I never really felt like a tourist, but a visitor of a place and its people.
The Imperfections (and the Charm):
- I got lost. A lot. But I met some amazing people while trying to navigate.
- My camera almost died. Twice.
- My diet was 90% carbs. I regret nothing.
- I didn't hit every single "must-see" place. And that was okay. I did it my way!
Final Verdict:
Bacolod? Absolutely worth the trip. The food is divine. The people are warm. The experience? Unforgettable. I'm already plotting my return. And next time, I'm bringing two stomachs. And MAYBE a spare camera. Just in case.
Indonesian Paradise Found: Blue Whale Sanctuary Hotel Anyer Awaits!
Unbelievable Bacolod Getaway: URBANSTAY's Hidden Gem! (Honestly, It's a Trip) - FAQs You Actually NEED
Okay, Spill the Tea: What *IS* URBANSTAY? And Why Should I Care?!
Alright, settle down, buttercup. URBANSTAY is basically a cleverly disguised secret. It's a... well, it's this *place*. It's not your cookie-cutter hotel, that's for damn sure. Think less sterile white walls and more… well, more *life*. Think character, charm, and maybe, just maybe, a resident cat that's seen more drama than a daytime soap opera. Why care? Because Bacolod is awesome, and staying in some generic hotel would be a complete waste of an experience. This is supposed to be a hidden gem, right? So, you get to live it. Trust me: You're skipping the experience of a lifetime in the city of smiles.
Is it actually *hidden*? 'Cause I'm not a treasure hunter, and I'm bad at directions.
Haha! Good question. "Hidden-ish" is probably a better description. It's not like you need a decoder ring and a map to El Dorado. It's in a relatively central location, but tucked away enough that you won't be swarmed by tour groups the second you step outside. Finding it felt a bit like a scavenger hunt, which, honestly, added to the excitement. My first time, I swear I walked past it *three times* before I actually saw the sign. Classic. (Pro-Tip: Google Maps is your friend. And maybe ask a local for help; they've definitely heard of it.)
What's the Vibe like? Is it ALL Instagrammable, or is it *actually* cool?
Oh, the Vibe. This is where it gets interesting. It's not all "perfect" and posed, thank God. There's a realness to it. The place feels lived-in, loved-in, you know? Think mismatched furniture (in the BEST way), artwork with personality, and a general sense that you're crashing at a cool friend's house (if that friend had impeccable taste and a staff that actually knows how to make a killer cup of coffee). It's definitely got Instagram potential for sure, but it's more about the *experience* than just the aesthetic. Like, you could totally take photos, but you'll actually be busy *living*. Also... cats. Did I mention the cats?
Okay, So, The Rooms...Are They Decent? No Rats or anything, right? (Asking for a friend...mostly me.)
Alright, let's get real. The rooms are NOT the Ritz-Carlton. But, they are clean, comfortable, and have everything you need. And thankfully, NO, I didn't encounter any unwanted roommates (beyond the aforementioned feline overlords). They're stylishly decorated – again, less "sterile hotel room" and more "eclectic design magazine". Sometimes, there might be a small imperfection – a slightly wonky light fixture, a tiny bit of paint chipping – but honestly? That's part of the charm. It makes it feel less…perfectly plastic, you know? But if you are looking for the Ritz, well, you should just stay at the Ritz. If you're here, it means, you're looking for something else. And that is what you're going to find here.
What's the Food Situation? 'Cause I get hangry. Very, very hangry.
Listen, if you are anything like me, the food is *crucial*. And URBANSTAY? They *deliver*. They have to. They can't bring me to a place and let me starve. Breakfast is included, and it's good! (Think: local dishes, fresh fruit, and amazing coffee.) There's a restaurant nearby that has great options, and the staff are SUPER helpful with suggesting local food haunts. I can't even begin to describe the one time I had the *Chicken Inasal* at the place they suggested... oh sweet heavens! The staff were also very helpful. It was a great stay.
Location, Location, Location! Is it actually close to anything fun? Sugarlandia, anyone?
Oh, YES. The location is FANTASTIC. It's a great base for exploring Bacolod. You can easily access all the main attractions. (Sugarlandia is on the must-see list. It's amazing.) Plus, you're close to shopping, restaurants, and the nightlife. I remember one night, I just decided to wander, and I stumbled upon the best street food stall *ever*. So convenient! Public transportation is also readily available, which is a big bonus.
Alright, the Staff. Are they cool, or do they treat you like an inconvenience?
Alright, let's talk staff. This is a big one. The staff? They're AMAZING. Seriously. They're friendly, helpful, and genuinely seem to care about making your stay awesome. I had a flight cancellation and my flight got delayed, and they helped me out in ways I never expected - even helping me to find a restaurant that was still open at 2am. I felt like I was staying with friends. The staff is the best part of this. They were nice, helpful, and welcoming. And the staff didn't treat me as an inconvenience, instead, I felt like I was part of the family.
Is there anything I should *avoid*? Hidden downsides? Be honest!
Okay, honest time. Here’s the deal: If you're looking for absolute silence and pristine perfection, maybe this isn't the place for you. It's not a loud place, but it's not *silent*. Also, parking can be a bit tight sometimes, but that's Bacolod in general! And, the Wi-Fi, well, it might not be super-speedy all the time. If you NEED to work remotely and download huge files, be prepared. But honestly, those are minor things, in my opinion. The charm, the staff, the overall vibe... it's worth it. Just go with the flow.
So, Would You Actually Recommend URBANSTAY? The Verdict?
