Plantation Bay - Cebu, Philippines Review

My review of Plantation Bay, Mactan, Cebu Philippines

Price: $$$ (very pricey)
Staff/Service:  5 Star (excellent)
Accommodation:  If you don't mind sharing room with another couple any of their standard rooms can accommodate 2-4 people as there are two (2) Queen size beds in every room.
There are variety of rooms to choose from depending on your budget.  Their website will give you the details.  They have a Quantum Villa that has 4 rooms a big gathering area, your own small lagoon, sitting area - this is very well suited for family reunion.
Cleanliness: 4 Star
Location:  4 Star (if you want seclusion and far from city activities); 2 Star If you are looking for a place close to Cebu City. 

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Independent Review:

I am a traveler, I have stayed to different hotels ranging from No Star to Five (5) Star.  If the establishment claimed that their hotel is a 5 star, I already have formed opinion in my mind as to what to expect.  The first thing I checked is how the hotel is kept then my room.  I checked every corner especially the bathroom.  I literally use my hand to swipe the carpet to test its cleanliness. Cleanliness, ameneties, construction, beddings, art work down to stationery - I checked all of them.  Oh if it's worth mentioning I used to be a mystery shopper for hotels I have a long list to go through, it was a great experience I was able to get some money for something I enjoy doing.

Rooms  I have stayed in Pool Side rooms and 1 Bedroom suite in Plantation Bay.  Both rooms are very spacious and clean.  Again, if you share the room with another couple the price won't be that bad.  But why would you share a room eh?  Choose a pool side room that is close to huge man-made swimming pool, you are just few steps to it and convenient.  All rooms though are just walking distance to pool, lagoons and the beach.  During my stay, I only saw few guests that use the beach.  The beach is near Galapagos, the sand is not buttery soft and I suggest you use sandals.

PB (Plantation Bay) has the following rooms:
Poolside rooms (standard rooms)

Clubroom loft (good for family, it can accommodate up to 8 people)
River Boat House (with 2 rooms, right on the water with a meeting area or somewhat like a living room that is on the water - I personally like this room)

Quantum Villa (4 Rooms, good for reunion)

Ameneties are the same in every room - spacious bathroom, separate tub (marbled floor, marbled tub and marbled sinks).  Slippers are available but you have to pay for it.  Each room has a small fridge, with expensive drinks, coffee maker, free coffee.

Activities:  There are few activities to do that are free.  Billiard (2 Pool Tables), mountain climbing, games, fitness, bicycles.  There's a firing range which we tried but you have to pay about 20 some dollars for number of fires (not by the hours or minute).

Food:  Having been to different 5 star hotels (my favorite is Shangri-La) their food is not a top notch in my opinion.  But if you have no plan on going to the city or nearby 5 star hotel you are stuck on their restaurant food.  There are I think 3 Restaurants (Italian, Savannah Grill, the Buffet Restaurant) all are pricey, for the amount you pay, you expect something great, it was good but not great.

Services:  This is where they excel, everyone that we've met or run into are very courteous and always ready to help with their beautiful smile.  They have a small shuttle that you can ride around the entire area.  It is walking distance but if you have luggage let them take care of it.  No tipping which is great but everything else is expensive.  If you plan your vacation you may be able to pull it off.  We ate late breakfast ordered ala-carte instead of buffett, one order good enough to share then a light dinner.  Maybe 30-50 USD for food which is still hefty. 

Area:  If you are looking for serenity, this is the place to be.  The man made lagoons are the highlights, for those that are afraid of deep water, their lagoons are not deep but there is an area where you can do diving.  Swimming pools are everywhere and in most rooms just few steps away.

I do not like the main entrance though - it looked like a swamp it probably is a fish pond or similar but it surely did not look good.  The lobby is an open lobby so during summer you'll only get air from the big ceiling fans.  They have an annoying parrot, I complained about.  If you are meeting someone at the lobby it is difficult to hold a conversation without being interrupted by the super-loud-abnoxious parrot.  Some kids enjoy them but I heard there are complaints about it.

Over all rating:  3.5 to 4 Stars.