Royal Am Rei Hotel Bacolod: Negros Occidental's BEST Kept Secret?
Royal Am Rei Hotel Bacolod: The Secret's Out (Sort Of) - A Bacolod Breakdown
Okay, so the title says "Best Kept Secret," right? Well, after my stay at Royal Am Rei, I’m not entirely sure how secret it actually is anymore. Seems like the word is getting out, but let me tell you, there's a lot to unpack here. Buckle up, because this review is going to be as delightfully messy and unpredictable as my luggage (which, by the way, never seems to arrive in the same shape I packed it).
First Impressions & Getting There (Accessibility & Getting Around - the Real First Hurdle)
Coming from… well, let’s just say a place where "accessible" means something other than "a slightly ramped sidewalk," I was eager to see what Royal Am Rei had to offer in terms of accessibility. On paper, the hotel ticks a lot of boxes: elevator, facilities for disabled guests (though I didn’t personally use them, so I can't vouch for their efficacy). However, the practical execution? Hmmm… let’s just say it could be a little Smoother. Navigating the property with mobility issues wouldn't be a complete nightmare, but you'd definitely want to scope it out beforehand. The layout is charmingly quirky, which can translate to, well, a bit of a physical puzzle.
The airport transfer was seamless, thank goodness – a total lifesaver, especially after the joy (and chaos) of dealing with baggage claim. Free parking is a huge plus, especially if you're renting a car to explore the city. Valet parking is available, which is perfect if you’re, say, having a total "off" day and can't deal with the mental gymnastic of parking, which is, you know, every other day.
The Room - A Sanctuary (Mostly) (Available in All Rooms, Air Conditioning, and more! – A List That’s a Relief)
My room? Oh, it was a pleasant surprise. Okay, maybe a slightly more than pleasant surprise. I'm a sucker for a well-organized room. And this one delivered. Air conditioning? Check. Blackout curtains (essential for this light sleeper)? Double check! They really nailed the basics. The bed was comfy, the linens crisp. It's the perfect haven after a long trip.
Now, my emotional reaction? Utter relief. After all the travel rigmarole, knowing I could climb into a comfy bed and get some serious shut-eye was the best feeling Ever! And they had an iron and ironing board (thank the maker!), which is basically a requirement for me. Let's not talk about the state of my clothes after an international flight.
My room offered a mini-bar and a refrigerator – which is always good for stashing, you know, late-night snacks (or emergency chocolate). Coffee/tea maker? Yes. Free bottled water? Yes! I can't stress enough how much good it does to already have water ready, especially when you're arriving at the hotel, exhausted and dehydrated.
The bathroom was decent. Basic toiletries, a decent shower, and… well, let's just say the water pressure wasn't amazing. I’m not going to lie, I'm a bit fussy about showers. But, overall, it was clean, functional. It had a bathtub, but I didn’t feel the urge to use it.
Cleanliness & Safety - The Pandemic Edition (Cleanliness and safety, Anti-viral cleaning products, and more – Peace of Mind is Priceless)
I'm traveling in a post-pandemic (sort of) world, so cleanliness and safety are huge priorities. Royal Am Rei gets it. The hotel was spotless. They had all the usual precautions in place: hand sanitizers everywhere, staff wearing masks, and visual cues reminding everyone about social distancing. It felt reassuring without being overwhelming.
I was especially impressed by the fact that they offer room sanitization opt-out. It's a small touch, but it shows they genuinely care about customer preference. And let's be honest, I'm a germaphobe, so the overall hygiene was exactly what I wanted.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking - Food, Glorious Food (Dining, drinking, and snacking, A la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, and more – I’m Getting Hungry)
Okay, this is where Royal Am Rei REALLY shines. The food scene is a highlight. They have a decent selection, and I wasn't expecting such a wide array.
Breakfast was… well, it was a buffet, and I LOVE BUFFETS. Especially after a few drinks the night before. They had all the classics: Western, Asian, and all the delicious, carb-y goodness you could want. The coffee was decent, and the service was extremely friendly.
The a la carte menu at the restaurant was also pretty impressive. I particularly enjoyed their… oh, I’m forgetting the name, but it was some kind of local Filipino dish. Trust me, it was good. They had multiple cuisines, ranging from international dishes to local staples. There was a poolside bar, too, although I didn't get the chance to check it out.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Spa Day, Anyone? (Things to do, ways to relax, Body scrub, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, and more – Ahhh, Relaxation)
Now, this is where I’m gonna tell you about my FAVORITE part: the spa! Okay, maybe not the absolute favorite—that might be the pool—but it was seriously good.
I treated myself to a massage. Heaven. It was exactly what I needed after a long day of exploring. They've got a sauna, too, a steam room, and apparently, a full-blown spa. Consider your relaxing sorted. I didn’t try all their services, but if you're looking for a serious wind-down, this is definitely the place.
The pool? Oh, it's gorgeous. Outdoor, with a view of the city. I spent one blissful afternoon there, just floating and soaking up the sun. It was the perfect antidote to all the city hustle. If there was one thing I would change, it’s that I didn’t stay long enough.
Services & Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter (Services and conveniences, Air conditioning in public area, Concierge, Daily housekeeping, and more – Convenience is Key)
Royal Am Rei clearly understands what makes a hotel experience truly great. The staff were fantastic. Always smiling, helpful, and genuinely eager to assist. The concierge was a lifesaver, providing recommendations for places to see and eat. Daily housekeeping kept my room spotless.
They offer the usual conveniences – dry cleaning, laundry service, luggage storage. Cash withdrawal is available. And the Wi-Fi, thankfully, was free and reliable.
For the Kids
While I didn’t travel with children, the hotel is obviously quite family-friendly. If you need a babysitter, that’s fine; they have kids' meals, too.
The Verdict – Secret's Out, But Worth It?
So, is Royal Am Rei Hotel Bacolod a "best-kept secret"? Perhaps not anymore. It's a popular, well-regarded hotel. But, is it worth the stay? Absolutely.
It's a solid choice. With its convenient location, comfortable rooms, fantastic food, and excellent service, the Royal Am Rei offers a really enjoyable stay. There are a few areas for improvement, like the parking (the signage needs an upgrade) and the accessibility. But overall, the positives far outweigh the negatives. This is a perfectly fine hotel, and I'm glad I stayed there. I'd definitely recommend it, and hey, maybe I'll just go back myself. Now, what was that Filipino dish I enjoyed again..?
Unbelievable Ohrid Luxury: Villa St. Sofija Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, perfectly polished travel itinerary. This is more like… a messy, delicious, slightly-hungover recounting of my Bacolod adventure. And trust me, it involves a lot of sugar and questionable life choices. Let's dive in, shall we?
Hotel: Royal Am Rei Hotel, Bacolod City (Philippines) - Oh, the Aircon!
First off, yes, I'm staying at the Royal Am Rei. Look, perfectly adequate. Seriously, the aircon is a godsend. I'm not used to this humidity (and I swear, my hair is currently plotting my demise). The lobby chandelier? Surprisingly elegant. And the WiFi? Well… let's just say it's a work in progress, much like my ability to stay awake past 10 PM after a long day of eating.
Day 1: Arrival, Sugar Rush, and Existential Dread (Kidding… Mostly!)
- 1:00 PM: Arrived at Bacolod-Silay Airport (I managed to navigate the chaos of baggage claim without losing my mind - a small victory!). Trike ride to the hotel - whew! the traffic. Seriously, the trikes are like tiny, colorful, death-defying rollercoasters dodging jeeps. I felt like a character in a video game.
- 2:00 PM: Checked into the hotel. Room is… fine. Standard hotel room, you know the drill. But the aircon! Praise the Lord!
- 2:30 PM: Okay, first things first: food. I'm talking Chicken Inasal. Of course. Found a place a short walk away (thank goodness for Google Maps, or I'd still be wandering lost). The guy behind the counter looked at me like I was crazy for ordering extra rice (I wasn't). That chicken? Delicious. Perfectly charred, a little spicy, and so, so good it almost made me weep tears of joy. I'm pretty sure I consumed enough rice to feed a small village.
- 4:00 PM: Stumbled back to the hotel, in a sugar-induced daze and feeling oddly content. Sat on the bed, contemplating the meaning of life (or at least the meaning of my very full stomach). Started reading my book… fell asleep.
- 7:00 PM: Woke up, starving again. It's a vicious cycle, this Bacolod thing. Decided against venturing out. Ordered room service. Sigh. The perils of being lazy.
- 8:00 PM: The worst room service ever. Honestly, the food was… subpar. Edible, but only if you were incredibly hungry, and I was. So disappointing.
- 9:00 PM: The aircon is too loud. I can't sleep with this terrible noise! Hotel staff said they can fix it. I don't believe them.
Day 2: Masskara Madness, and the Quest for the Best Piaya
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. Ugh. Aircon (still, but tolerable). Coffee. Need.
- 9:00 AM: Hit the streets! Time for a little exploration. Walking to the local market. Wow - what a sensory overload! The smells, the sights, the sheer vibrancy of everything is almost overwhelming. Met a woman selling some kind of brightly colored, sticky rice cakes. Didn't know what they were, bought one. Ate it. Delicious.
- 11:00 AM: The streets are a hive of energy! Masskara Festival is in full swing and it is so breathtaking. The costumes are incredible, the music is infectious, and the whole city feels electric with excitement.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Somewhere near the plaza. More inasal, because duh. The place was packed, and the service was slow, but who cares? I had my food and was happy.
- 2:00 PM: Piaya hunt! I've been told that Bacolod piaya is legendary, and I must find the best. This is a serious mission. Visited three bakeries. Got overwhelmed by the options (some with cheese, some with ube, some even with chocolate). Bought like, a dozen. Taste-testing commences. The verdict? Still out. They're all good, but the quest continues!
- 4:00 PM: Seriously. I might be addicted to a specific piaya. I keep going back to the same bakery. I might have a problem.
- 7:00 PM: Ate too many piayas. Stomached aches. But it was worth it?
- 9:00 PM: The aircon is still too loud! I can't sleep with this terrible noise!
- 10:00 PM: I gave up and went to the lobby to work from my laptop. Finally.
- 11:00 PM: Back in the room. Still awake.
Day 3: Ruins, Memories, and… More Food
- 9:00 AM: Had to try to relax. Seriously, the first two days have been exhausting!
- 10:00 AM: Took a trike to the ruins. The old mansion is undeniably beautiful, but the story behind it is a heartbreaking one. Made me think about life, love, loss, and… the next meal.
- 11:00 AM: Walked around for an hour.
- 12:00 PM: Went back to the hotel to think about tomorrow.
Day 4: Departure and… the Last Piaya
- 8:00 AM: Sad. Leaving already?
- 9:00 AM: Checked out. Goodbye, Royal Am Rei. You were… adequate, and at least the aircon was there most of the time.
- 10:00 AM: One last piaya run. Gotta get my fix!
- 11:00 AM: Headed to the airport. Goodbye, Bacolod. You gave me a sugar rush, some questionable life choices, and enough Chicken Inasal to last me a lifetime. Until next time, you crazy, delicious place.
- 12:00 PM: Flight home
Observations, Ramblings, and Miscellaneous Musings:
- The People: The Filipinos are incredibly friendly and welcoming. Everyone is patient with my terrible attempts at Tagalog (which mostly involve pointing and smiling).
- The Food (Did I Mention the Food?): Seriously, bring your stretchy pants. You've been warned.
- The Traffic: Embrace the chaos. It's part of the fun.
- The Piaya: I still haven't found the "best" one, but the quest continues.
- Me: I'm pretty sure I need a vacation from this vacation.
So, there you have it. My Bacolod travel diary. It's not perfect, it's a little messy, and it's probably filled with more food-related details than you care to know. But hey, that's life, right? And in Bacolod, life is sticky, sweet, and utterly worth the sugar crash. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to find some advil and a quiet place to reflect.
Fin. (But probably not really. I'm already dreaming of my next trip.)
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