Escape to Paradise: Sky Garden Hotel Roxas City, Philippines
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the swirling, sun-drenched, and sometimes slightly chaotic world of the Escape to Paradise: Sky Garden Hotel Roxas City, Philippines. Forget those sterile, over-polished hotel reviews – I’m here to tell you the REAL story, warts and all (and yes, in the Philippines, there are a lot of warts, but mostly in a charming, "it's part of its character" kind of way).
First Impressions (and the Great Accessibility Debate)
Landing at the Roxas City airport, I was already dreaming of cocktails and a sunset view. The hotel? Well, let's get this accessibility thing out of the way first. It's a mixed bag. The elevator (yay!) is a godsend for anyone with mobility issues. But the nitty-gritty of wheelchair accessibility? It's a bit, let's call it, Filipino-style accessible. Meaning, they try – and are genuinely friendly and helpful – but don't expect perfectly paved ramps everywhere. Think "adventurous" rather than "seamless." The front desk staff are genuinely lovely though, so don't hesitate to ask for help.
Checking In (and Briefly Panicking About the Internet)
The check-in/out is contactless (hallelujah!), which is especially appreciated post-pandemic. And the staff? They are ridiculously friendly. Like, smile-so-wide-your-face-hurts friendly. You'll see. The lobby? Smells faintly of jasmine and hope.
Then comes the moment of truth: Internet. I'm a digital nomad, so this is make-or-break. "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" they declare. Hmph. I've heard that before. Turns out, the Wi-Fi is…functional. Not lightning-fast. Embrace the slowness. You'll have to. Embrace it. There’s Internet [LAN] if you're super keen, but seriously, Wi-Fi is king (or, you know, queen). The hotel is, thankfully, fully connected with Wi-Fi in public areas, which is where real work happens, I suppose (maybe).
My Room: A Sanctuary (and a Minor Bathtub Revelation)
My room? Actually, pretty darn good. The air conditioning blasted cool relief (bless!). The linens were clean, and the blackout curtains were a lifesaver after those boozy sunset sessions. Daily housekeeping kept things shipshape. The seating area was perfect for late-night musings (or, you know, just eating snacks).
Oh, and the bathtub? Glorious. Until, that is, I realized the water pressure was…a trickle. But hey, it's the Philippines! You adapt. Embrace the slower pace! Plus, extra points for the bathrobes and slippers. Little touches, people, little touches.
Let's Talk Food, Glorious Food (And My Near-Death Experience at the Buffet)
Okay, this is where things get interesting. Dining, drinking, and snacking are a BIG deal here. First off, the breakfast buffet is a must-do. And I nearly choked on an egg at the sheer variety. Western breakfast and Asian breakfast, all mingling together in a happy, carb-loaded frenzy. There's a vegetarian restaurant available where you can eat greens. Coffee/tea in restaurants is an easy grab.
The restaurants themselves are decent. You can order A la carte in restaurant. The Asian cuisine in restaurant is particularly delicious. The Poolside bar is where legends are made. The happy hour is… well, it's happy. Enough said. They also have desserts in restaurants available.
And the room service [24-hour]? Amazing! Especially when you're wrestling with jet lag at 3 AM and suddenly need a plate of fries. (Don't judge me.) They even have breakfast in room available.
A word of warning, though: the safe dining setup is taken seriously. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. They provide individually-wrapped food options. Which is reassuring, especially when traveling.
Things to Do (And My Unforgettable Spa Debacle)
Alright, let's get down to the good stuff: relaxation. Ways to relax are plentiful. There's a swimming pool [outdoor] (gorgeous!), a pool with view (even better!), and a spa. Now, about the spa…
I decided on a full-body massage. In my hazy, vacation-brain state, I signed up for the "ultimate relaxation package." It included, among other things, a body wrap, a body scrub and a foot bath. Let me tell you: I became intimately acquainted with every pore on my body. It was a bit like being marinated. The therapist was lovely, but the experience itself? Less blissful, more…intense. But I emerged, at least, feeling…cleaner.
There are also fitness centres if you feel guilty about all the amazing food. Including: fitness center, gym/fitness.
Cleanliness and Safety (Because, You Know, the World)
The hotel takes cleanliness seriously, which I, for one, hugely appreciate. Anti-viral cleaning products are used. There's daily disinfection in common areas. Rooms sanitized between stays. The staff is trained in safety protocol. Hand sanitizer is everywhere. It's comforting knowing that they are doing their best to keep everyone as safe as possible.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter)
Beyond the basics, the hotel offers a ton of conveniences. Air conditioning in public areas (crucial!). Concierge service. Laundry service. Daily housekeeping again – thank you! A convenience store for forgotten essentials. Luggage storage. Even facilities for disabled guests.
For the Kids (Because Families Matter)
The hotel is family/child friendly. There's a babysitting service available which is perfect.
The Verdict (and Why You Should Book)
Look, Escape to Paradise: Sky Garden Hotel Roxas City isn't perfect. It's got its quirks, its moments of delightful chaos. But that's part of its charm. It's a place where you can truly escape. It’s a place where you can, well, actually feel like your on vacation.
But here's the kicker: for the price, it's a steal. It's a comfortable, clean, friendly base for exploring Roxas City and the surrounding area. It's a place to relax, recharge, and embrace the laid-back Filipino vibe.
My Recommendation and Emotional Reaction:
I loved it. I really did. The staff’s genuine care, the comfy beds, the stunning pool, and the general feeling of…well, escaping! It’s the perfect place to unwind from the stresses of life, and the cost of travel in these challenging times.
My Quirky Observation:
There's a shrine in the lobby. I find it comforting, not in a religious way, but in a "this place is taking care of you" way.
The Deal (Because You Deserve It!)
Book now and get a complimentary welcome drink, a free upgrade (based on availability!), and a guaranteed smile from the front desk staff.
So, what are you waiting for? Escape to Paradise and make your own memories. You won't regret it.
Escape to Paradise: Pan Guesthouse, Muang Khong, Laos Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your sterile, perfectly planned travel itinerary. This is a raw, messy, and hopefully hilarious descent into my stay at the Sky Garden Hotel by RedDoorz in Roxas City, Capiz, Philippines. Consider this a travel journal, a therapy session, and a comedic goldmine all rolled into one. Let’s dive in… and pray I don't lose my keys.
(Day 1: Arrival & The Great Mosquito Massacre of Roxas City)
- 1:00 PM: Disembark from the… well, let’s just say the bus ride was memorable. Think "packed sardines with questionable AC." I’m pretty sure I sweated off a pound just finding the Sky Garden Hotel. The heat here? Savage.
- 1:30 PM: Check-in. The lobby? Decent! Not exactly the Ritz, but hey, air conditioning! Which I promptly turned up to Antarctica levels the second I got to my room. Thank God for the small mercies.
- 2:00 PM: The room… okay, it's what you expect. Clean-ish. Bed? Soft enough that I promptly collapsed on it like a beached whale. My initial reaction: Relief! This is the peace, the quiet, the solo traveler's sanctuary.
- 2:30 PM: THE MOSQUITO ASSAULT. They are upon me, I tell you! Swarms of tiny, bloodthirsty vampires. I spent the next hour swatting, cursing, and trying (and failing) to remain graceful. I'm pretty sure I murdered at least six, but they kept coming. My initial, unedited thought: "This is war. I need a weapon." (Spoiler alert: I didn't have one. Just a pathetic little travel-sized bottle of bug spray.)
- 3:30 PM: Gave up on the mosquito battle. Decided to take a shower. The water pressure was questionable. Think a dribble with hope.
- 4:00 PM: Explorating the surrounding area: I decided to venture out for some dinner. This is where Roxas City truly revealed itself. The air thick with the smells of delicious food, the buzz of motorbikes, and the general feeling of life just…happening. It was chaotic, vibrant, and utterly captivating.
- 5:00 PM Dinner at a local eatery (I still don't remember the name. But I promise it was delicious). I feasted on seafood that could make Poseidon weep with jealousy. The prawns? The size of my fist! I'm pretty sure they were fresh out of the sea as I devoured them. And the price? Criminal. In a good way.
- 7:00 PM: Back at the hotel, already feeling the inevitable pull of the bed. Seriously, that thing is like a black hole of comfort.
- 8:00 PM: Attempted to watch TV. The channels were…limited! Ended up watching a Tagalog sitcom with zero understanding of the plot. Still, it was strangely comforting.
- 9:00 PM: The last mosquito of the day… defeated! Hope.
- 10:00 PM: Lights out. Pray for me.
(Day 2: The Baywalk & The Great Seafood Scramble)
- 7:00 AM: Woke up. Surprisingly, no mosquito bites (yet!).
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. The "continental" breakfast was… well, let's just say it wasn't breaking any culinary records. But the coffee was strong, and that's all that matters.
- 9:00 AM: Baywalk Stroll: Headed to the Roxas City Baywalk. It was beautiful! Colorful houses, the sea breeze, and the general feeling of "life is good". I sat and just soaked it all in. Realized how badly I needed this.
- 10:30 AM: The Great Seafood Hunt: Back to the restaurants but with a mission: try all the things. I basically ate my way through a seafood buffet. The scallops, the crabs, The oysters! I had more in a day than I've probably had in my life. I may have overdone it a bit, leading to a minor seafood overload situation later…
- 1:00 PM: Back to the hotel for a nap. Needed to recover from the seafood extravaganza.
- 2:00 PM: Woke up, feeling slightly fuzzy from the aforementioned feast.
- 3:00 PM: Wandered around the streets, soaking in the local life. I saw an old man hand-making fishing nets, kids playing basketball in a dusty alleyway, and a woman selling the most delicious-looking mangoes I'd ever seen.
- 4:00 PM: The mangoes are MINE. And they lived up to the hype. Sweet, juicy, and perfect. I ate like a feral animal, juice running down my chin.
- 5:00 PM: More time strolling and exploring.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at another local restaurant. This time, I focused on something lighter than seafood (though the temptation was strong!). I opted for grilled chicken, which, surprisingly, rivaled.
- 7:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Contemplating another early night. My body is still in seafood-coma mode.
- 8:00 PM: TV time. Found a movie with terrible dubbing. But it was perfect.
- 9:00 PM: Lights out.
(Day 3: Departure & Thoughts on Laundry)
- 8:00 AM: Final breakfast (still not the Ritz, but passable).
- 9:00 AM: Check-out. The staff were lovely. Warm, helpful, and genuinely welcoming.
- 9:30 AM: Said goodbye to Sky Garden Hotel by RedDoorz. It was what I hoped it would be.
- 10:00 AM: Getting on the bus. This time I know what to expect (sweating).
- 10:30 AM: Thinking about laundry. I need to do some washing!
- 11:00 AM: Thinking about the next adventure.
Final Thoughts:
Sky Garden Hotel by RedDoorz? It won't be in any "luxury" travel guides. But it was a perfect place to rest my head. Roxas City? A true gem. It's raw, real, and utterly unforgettable. I wouldn't trade it for a five-star resort. The mosquito bites? Worth it. The seafood coma? Worth it. The whole damn trip? Absolutely worth it. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go find a laundry!
Escape to Paradise: Evershine Resort & Spa, Mahabaleshwar Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Sky Garden Hotel - Ugh, Roxas City Edition (FAQ, with a Side of My Soul)
Okay, so the "Escape to Paradise" part… is that just marketing fluff? Seriously, what's it *actually* like at the Sky Garden Hotel?
Alright, buckle up, 'cause the truth is... it's a mixed bag. Look, "Paradise" is a *strong* word, yeah? Think more like... relaxed, pleasant, with a side of "Philippines-quirky." The Sky Garden itself? Stunning. Seriously. Imagine a rooftop oasis with plants spilling everywhere, and yes, the sunset views are freakin' Instagrammable. I actually *yelped* when I first saw them. You know, a genuine, involuntary yelp. My expectations were admittedly low, I guess, but man, that rooftop bar? Worth the price of admission, even if the cocktails cost more than my breakfast. But, and this is a big but, the rest of the hotel? It's got character, let's put it that way. Think less sleek modern, more… charmingly worn. I'm not gonna lie, my first room was a *tad* musty smelling. Like, grandma’s attic meets humid jungle. But the aircon blasted it away pretty quickly, and honestly, it kind of added to the whole "adventure" vibe. Plus, the staff! Sweetest people ever. Always smiling, always trying to help, even when I was probably being a massive pain in the butt. Which, let's be real, happened more than once.
The Sky Garden itself... what's the vibe? Romantic? Party central? Instagram influencer heaven?
Oh, the Sky Garden is a total chameleon. It can be all of the above, depending on the time of day. Early evening? Romantic. Definitely perfect for a date night. You can probably hear *whispers* floating on the breeze. I mean, that's what I was imagining. Later, by the pool, it becomes party central. There was a group of about ten of us. If you want a night of lively laughter and great food, it's the spot. And yes, there were people taking photos, but honestly, no one was being *too* obnoxious about it. The food is great. I'd come again just to visit this particular spot in the world again. It's the view, the drinks, the people... you can't find a better place in Roxas.
The rooms… give me the real deal. Are they clean? Comfy? Modern? Did you find any weird stuff under the bed?
Okay, room time. Let's get real, shall we? I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so cleanliness is a big deal for me. And honestly? The rooms are generally clean. They aren't, like, hospital-grade sterile, but they're respectable. I didn't find anything *too* horrifying under the bed (phew!). You might find a stray hair or two, or maybe a small stain on the carpet, but nothing that made me want to run screaming back to my own perfectly clean, albeit boring, apartment. They're comfortable enough, I'd say. I slept soundly. The bed was fine - not the best I've ever slept in, but definitely not the worst. The air conditioning worked like an absolute charm (thank goodness). Modern? Nope. Charmingly outdated is a better description. Think, sturdy, well-worn furniture, and a bathroom that's… well, functional. The shower pressure was decent, which is a massive win in the Philippines. One thing to remember is to take all your electronics with you, there's no way you can trust anyone in the Philippines; there are some bad eggs even in paradise.
Food! Tell me about the food. Is it good? Expensive? Do they have decent coffee?! (This is important.)
Okay, food... this is where things get interesting. The Sky Garden Hotel has a restaurant, and the food is, for the most part, pretty good. I had a delicious seafood pasta that I still dream about. The prices are reasonable, especially for hotel food. You're not going to break the bank. Coffee? Okay, here's the harsh truth. The coffee is… passable. It's not the best coffee I've ever had. I wouldn't write home about it. If you're a serious coffee snob like me, bring your own instant or prepare to go on a frantic hunt for a decent café in Roxas City. I did a tour of the city, and I can promise you it's hard to find a single place to get coffee. Luckily, the food I had at the restaurant helped with this particular dilemma. The restaurant did offer other options.
What's the deal with the location? Easy to get around? Is Roxas City worth exploring?
The hotel's location is pretty good, honestly. It's not right in the heart of the chaos, but it's close enough to get around easily. There's always a tricycle hanging around ready to take you wherever. It's cheap and efficient. Roxas City... well, it's not like a bustling metropolis. It’s a little sleepy. But that's actually part of its charm! It's a great place to unwind, and the locals are incredibly friendly. There are markets to explore, some nice churches, and the seafood… oh, the seafood! I went on a seafood-eating rampage. Totally worth it. Just don’t expect a ton of nightlife. Roxas is about relaxing and enjoying the slower pace of life. Which, honestly, was exactly what I needed.
Any real-life disasters or hilarious mishaps that I can learn from?
Oh, you WANT a disaster story? Okay, here’s one. The first night, I went back to my room, exhausted from the travel, and tried to turn on the TV. Nothing. Completely dead. "Ugh," I thought, "can't I at least get a freaking movie?" So, I called the front desk. The sweetest guy, his name was John. He came up, fiddled with the TV, and looked confused. "Um, ma'am," he said, "did you turn it on at the wall?" … I had not. Mortifying. I just stood there turning bright red. John, bless his heart, didn't laugh. He just turned on the wall switch, the TV sprang to life, and I wanted to crawl in a hole. Seriously, lesson learned: ALWAYS check the wall switch. Also, the staff are wonderfully patient with absolute idiots.
Final verdict: Would you recommend the Sky Garden Hotel? Be honest!
Okay, the moment of truth. Would I recommend the Sky Garden Hotel? Yes. But with caveats! If you’re looking for absolute luxury, sleek modernity, and a perfectly curated experience, *this ain’t it*. But if you're looking for a pleasant stay, a stunning view,Boutique Inns
