Davao's BEST Luxury Suites? Royal Suites & Residences REVEALED!
Davao's Royal Suites & Residences: More Than Just a Fancy Facade? (A Messy, Honest Review)
Alright, folks, buckle up. You're not getting a sterile, copy-and-paste hotel review here. This is real life, my life (or at least, my very recent experience) at Davao's supposed jewel: Royal Suites & Residences. I'm talking messy hair, questionable decisions regarding the mini-bar, and a whole lot of opinions. Let's dive in, shall we?
First Impressions: The Glamour… and the Glitches.
Walking into the lobby, you’re immediately smacked in the face with… well, luxury. Gleaming marble, chandeliers that could bankrupt a small country, and more staff than I have friends. It’s undeniably impressive. This place screams opulence. But, and this is a big "but," even the fanciest facade can crack.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag.
Let's start with accessibility. I was not there for a mobility-impaired experience, so I can't personally vouch. But visually, it looked promising. Elevators. Check. Facilities for disabled guests noted. Check. I did see signage, so they at least attempt to cater to varying needs. Still, I’d recommend calling ahead if you need specific accommodations to confirm it's a truly accessible stay. I did observe that the entrance wasn't exactly flat flat. Some slight elevation changes.
Getting Around: The Ups and Downs of Arrival.
They did offer Airport transfer, which was a godsend after my flight. Smooth and efficient. Valet parking was a welcome touch, because, honestly, I would have hated to navigate the parking on my own after a long flight. There's also Car park [free of charge] and car park [on-site] if you're driving yourself. Taxi service is readily available, as you'd expect. I didn't see any obvious bicycle parking, which is a shame in a city that could really benefit from more eco-friendly transport options.
Check-in/out [express] . Hmm. They say express, but it still felt… drawn out. They had plenty of staff, but the process felt a little clunky. Contactless check-in/out? Yes, but not perfectly executed. The technology had a few hiccups. Honestly, I miss the days of a simple key card and a friendly "Welcome!"
The Room: Royal, But at What Cost?
Okay, let's talk rooms. I went big. Opted for the "Royal" Suite (duh!). Air conditioning? Mandatory and, thank heavens, effective. Blackout curtains? Crucial for fighting off the tropical sun (and my hangover). Alarm clock? Present and accounted for. Extra long bed? Yes! Thank goodness because I need space to spread out after the flights. In-room safe box? Sure, felt safe. Mini bar? Oh, the mini-bar. More on that later.
Available in all rooms: Ah, the details. Bathrobes, slippers, hair dryer, complimentary tea, coffee/tea maker, free bottled water (a blessing in the Davao heat!), desk, internet access – wireless, mirror, scale (judgemental, but appreciated), satellite/cable channels, seating area, telephone, toiletries, towels – all the basics were there, and well-stocked.
The real gems in the room: Separate shower/bathtub – a must for a truly luxurious escape. The soundproofing was excellent. I didn't hear a thing, even with the city buzzing outside. The room was very well lit, from the reading light to various lamps.
The "meh" factors: Ironing facilities? Present, but the iron was a bit… tired. Laptop workspace? Functional, but cramped. Non-smoking? Yes, except the lingering smell of stale smoke in the hallway. And that nagging feeling of price. It's undeniably expensive, and you're consistently reminded of that.
The Food & Drink Odyssey (or, "Why Did I Order That?")
Restaurants: They have a few, all with that air of polished elegance. Room service [24-hour] is a lifesaver, especially at 3 AM when you're regretting that extra cocktail. Poolside bar is fun, but the drinks are overpriced.
The breakfast buffet: A sprawling array of options. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant – the works. Coffee/tea in restaurant flowed freely. My issue? It felt overwhelming. Too much choice. I ended up with a plate of lukewarm scrambled eggs and a vague sense of disappointment. I did enjoy a soup in restaurant once, although I can't recall the name - it was quite good!
I did enjoy the bottle of water that was placed in the room.
The mini-bar situation: Ah, the mini-bar. I mentioned it. This is where the real story lies. Everything is ridiculously expensive. I mean, water? Seriously? I swear I saw a can of Coke for the price of a small car. And the snacks? Forget about it. I think I spent more on a single bag of peanuts than I did on my taxi ride. It felt like highway robbery. The moral of the story? Stock up on snacks at the little convenience store before you check in.
Things to Do/Ways to Relax: Spa Day Dreams (and Maybe Nightmares?)
Spa/Spa/Sauna: The spa is where Royal Suites really shines. Body scrub, body wrap, a massage to melt away the stress. Foot bath? Heaven. The pool with view is stunning. Seriously, the views are incredible. Just floating in the pool, looking at the city – pure bliss. They have a swimming pool [outdoor]. And a steamroom.
However, I did have a bit of a… situation during my massage. Let's just say that the therapist and I had a slight miscommunication regarding the definition of "gentle." It ended with me feeling like I had been through a boxing match. I opted out of a second session.
Cleanliness & Safety: The Germ-Free Zone?
Cleanliness and safety: They try hard. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, individually-wrapped food options. They are attempting the COVID game. Hand sanitizer stations everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol. Rooms sanitized between stays. They are taking the steps in the COVID game. They're taking the steps.
Other Notes:
- Internet: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! And the internet access – LAN for the nerds!
- Business Facilities: Business facilities, meeting/banquet facilities, meetings, seminars. If you're there for work, you're covered.
- For The Kids: Didn't see much. Babysitting service available, which is good.
- Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, cash withdrawal, concierge, daily housekeeping, elevator, luggage storage, safe deposit boxes. Lots of bases covered.
The Final Verdict: Is it Worth the Splurge?
Royal Suites & Residences is undeniably… impressive. The rooms are gorgeous, the spa is divine, and the views are killer. But it's also expensive, the service has some kinks to work out, and it can feel a little too polished, a little too perfect. Would I recommend it? Maybe. If you're looking for pure luxury and don't mind the price tag, go for it. Just be prepared for a few bumps along the road. If you're on a budget, or you prefer a more relaxed, less pretentious experience, you might want to look elsewhere. The Royal Suites are not always what they appear. The place is nice. Would go back? Maybe, but with a lot of pre-planned snack runs.
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sterile, pre-packaged itinerary. This is my Davao Royal Suites & Residences adventure, and trust me, it's going to be a wild ride. Prepare for feels, questionable life choices, and a whole lotta lumpia.
Davao Royal Suites & Residences: A Messy, Magnificent Mess
(Day 1: Arrival & the Glorious Aircon – or, "My Face Finally Melted Off")
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Davao International Airport. Okay, first impressions? HOT. Like, "I could fry an egg on my forehead" hot. Thank God for the pre-booked transfer to the Royal Suites. Seriously, I would have died of heatstroke waiting for a taxi.
- (Anecdote Alert!) The airport was a blur of friendly faces. Filipinos are the masters of hospitality. From the bag handlers (who seemed genuinely EXCITED to help) to the security guards who smiled and waved (even when they were, you know, searching my bag for contraband). It was a nice change of pace from my usual grumpy airport routine.
- 2:00 PM: Check-in at Davao Royal Suites. Immediate reaction? AIR CONDITIONING. Pure, blessed, arctic-level air conditioning. I swear, I could feel my internal organs sigh with relief. The lobby? Elegant, a bit formal, but who cares, I was cool! Found my room, which was surprisingly spacious and clean. I immediately dived onto the bed and played dead for a solid five minutes.
- 2:30 PM: Room reconnaissance. Standard hotel stuff: big bed, tiny bathroom, slightly ominous minibar. I’ll get to that later. Then, the real discovery: A BALCONY. Overlooking… well, something. Didn't delve into it too much, because, again: heat.
- 3:00 PM: Attempt to order room service. The menu was… extensive. Okay, maybe too extensive. I ended up ordering a club sandwich, which was a classic and safe bet. Which is pretty much my M.O. when I'm tired and overwhelmed.
- 4:00 PM: Club sandwich devoured. It was… decent. Nothing to write home about, but hey, it filled the hole.
- 4:30 PM: Contemplating life. Also, the minibar. Should I? Shouldn’t I? The siren song of overpriced snacks and drinks is strong. Holding out for the supermarket run tomorrow.
- 5:00 PM: Nap. (Necessary. See: Heat and General Existential Dread).
- 7:00 PM: Woke up, feeling groggy. Decided to explore the hotel a bit. Found the pool. It looked… inviting. But the thought of actually putting on a swimsuit felt like a Herculean task. Maybe tomorrow. (Spoiler: Probably not).
- 8:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Okay, here's where things went a little… sideways. I went for the Filipino classic, "Adobo." Unfortunately, it tasted like disappointment. Dry, bland and probably cooked yesterday. A definite LOW point.
- 9:00 PM: Back in the room, watching whatever was on TV. Feeling vaguely homesick (even though I'm not that far from home). The hotel felt a little… empty tonight.
- 10:00 PM: Attempting to create a useful to-do list for Day 2. Fail.
- 11:00 PM: Curled up in bed. Survived.
(Day 2: Samal Island… and the Great Banana Boat Debacle)
- 8:00 AM: Woke up. Surprisingly, I was alive. And hungry. Decided to skip the hotel breakfast. It was probably as sad as the adobo.
- 9:00 AM: The real adventure begins: Samal Island! Booked a private boat tour. I'd heard it was paradise.
- (Quirky Observation): The drive to the pier was an experience. The tricycles, the jeepneys, the sheer vibrant chaos of the traffic… it was like being thrown into a living, breathing artwork. I loved it.
- 10:00 AM: Arrived at the pier. The boat looked… okay. A little rickety, but a boat is a boat, right? (Famous last words).
- 10:30 AM: Samal Island bliss! The water was crystal clear, the sand was blindingly white, and the sun was… well, it was present. I had a glorious two hours snorkeling. The colours of the coral and all the fishes were magnificent. I even saw a sea turtle!
- 12:30 PM: Okay, the "Debacle" part. They offer a banana boat ride. Foolishly (and after having copious amounts of beer so I had to go), I agreed. The "ride" was… terrifying. We were flung around, whipped around, and I'm pretty sure I swallowed half the ocean. I clung on for dear life, convinced I was going to be launched into the stratosphere.
- (Emotional Reaction): At one point, I honestly thought I was going to die. It was the most exhilarating, terrifying, and utterly ridiculous thing I’ve ever done. I was a screaming idiot who nearly fell off the boat, but it was something I'll never forget. I'm still not sure if I enjoyed it.
- 1:00 PM: After the banana boat, went for lunch at a beachside restaurant. I ate an unhealthy amount of grilled fish. I figured I deserved it.
- 2:00 PM: Back in the water, this time just floating. The ocean was my happy place.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the Royal Suites. Exhausted but exhilarated. I had a shower, a lot of water and a nap.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner: Went for some street food. I found a lumpia stall. I ate about fifteen. No regrets. The lumpia was heaven. I want to die eating lumpia.
- (Anecdote): There was a local guy who insisted on buying me a lumpia. He was so incredibly friendly, and that’s the beauty of Davao. It makes you feel safe.
- 8:00 PM: Back at the hotel, I decided to try that minibar. And I gave in.
- 9:00 PM: Watching TV, thinking about my life choices (mostly the banana boat). At least the aircon remained perfect, and I had a belly full of lumpia.
- 10:00 PM: Sleep.
(Day 3: Davao City Exploration and the Final Lumpia Fiesta)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast! Finally went for the hotel breakfast, and to my shock, it was pretty good! Not amazing, but edible. Scrambled eggs and pandesal (Filipino bread rolls) were surprisingly comforting.
- 10:00 AM: Explored Davao City: Went to the Museo Dabawenyo, which was an interesting glimpse into the history of the region.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a small, local restaurant. Tasted and loved a delicious plate of kinilaw (Filipino ceviche). My stomach thanked me.
- 1:00 PM: Shopping for souvenirs. Found some nice crafts and a lot of cheap t-shirts.
- 3:00 PM: Relaxed at the hotel. This was my final day, so I savoured every moment.
- 5:00 PM: One last lumpia run.
- (Rambling): Maybe I should have done more. Maybe I should have seen that park. Maybe I should have tried that restaurant. But hey, that's just the way I travel. It's an imperfect, messy, and ultimately, incredibly satisfying experience. I’ve learned that the best memories always come from the unexpected moments.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a nice restaurant. Tried a new dish: sinigang (Filipino sour soup). Surprisingly nice.
- 8:00 PM: Packed, watched TV, and felt a pang of sadness at the thought of leaving.
- 10:00 PM: Prepared myself for the flight home. (With the minibar emptied. And a secret stash of lumpia from the friendly stall).
- 11:00 PM: Goodnight.
**(Day 4: Departure)
- 6:00 AM: Woke up. Time to leave.
- **7:00
Davao's "Best" Luxury Suites: Royal Suites & Residences - The Unfiltered Truth (and a LOT of Opinions)
Okay, spill the tea! Are Royal Suites & Residences REALLY luxurious? I mean, REALLY?
Alright, alright, let's be real. "Luxury" is subjective, right? What one person finds opulent, another might call…over-the-top, I guess? Royal Suites & Residences...they definitely *aim* for luxurious. Think marble, plush carpets, and enough space to play a game of badminton in the living room (if you’re THAT inclined).
My Verdict: Mostly, yes. BUT... (and there's always a but, isn't there?). The devil's in the details. You're paying a premium, so expectations are HIGH. More on that later. It's like...they *want* to be the best, and sometimes they nail it. Other times? Well, let’s just say my expectations, as someone who loves a comfy bed and a decent espresso, weren't ALWAYS met.
What kind of rooms are available? Give me the lowdown!
Okay, so they've got Suites (obviously) and Residences. Think smaller suites (think a REALLY nice hotel room, but usually with a separate living area) and then sprawling, full-blown apartments with kitchens and all the trimmings. They've got studios, one-bedrooms, and going all the way up to these massive three-bedroom behemoths. I saw one that was, genuinely, bigger than my first apartment. And I'm not even exaggerating – I could've hosted a small wedding in that thing.
My Specific Experience Story: I stayed in a one-bedroom suite. It was beautiful – seriously. The view was stunning (more on that later), the bed was ridiculously comfortable, and the bathroom… oh, the bathroom. Marble. Rainfall shower. The works. But… and here's where the imperfections creep in… I had a slight issue with the air conditioning. It was one of those things where I kept fiddling with the thermostat and never quite got it right. It was either a polar vortex, or a tropical sauna! Minor, yeah, but noticeable when you're trying to chill in your "luxury" suite.
The Location, location, location! Where is it? Is it convenient?
They're usually in a pretty central, desirable part of Davao City. You'll be close to malls, restaurants, and all those vital things like…well…malls! Seriously though, good location is one HUGE advantage. Makes getting around Davao a breeze. No one wants to spend half their vacation stuck in traffic, right?
Pro-Tip: I believe the best location is around the Abreeza or SM Ecoland area. So check which of their branches is at this spot.
The View! What's the view like? Because, let's face it, the view is important!
Okay, folks, here's where Royal Suites really shines. The view. Oh, the view! Depending on the suite, you're looking at either the lush green mountains surrounding Davao or a panoramic cityscape that sparkles at night. I was in heaven. I spent a stupid amount of time just staring out the window, daydreaming. I swear, I saw a freaking eagle soar by while I was drinking my coffee one morning. (Okay, maybe it was a large hawk, but it *felt* like an eagle!).
Food & Dining? Are there restaurants or room service? Because I get hangry. Fast.
Yes, darling, there IS food! They usually have an on-site restaurant or two, and room service, of course. The restaurant offerings vary depending on the complex. I remember one had a fantastic buffet breakfast – absolutely worth getting out of that ridiculously comfy bed for. Another… well, let’s just say the room service was a little slow one evening. Like, *really* slow. I almost ate the complimentary fruit basket. Almost. Just kidding, but hunger makes people do crazy things.
My Room Service Saga: I ordered the *Adobo* (because, Philippines, right?). It took close to an hour. Was the adobo good when it finally arrived? Yes! Absolutely delicious. But the wait… oh, the wait! I, a person who usually has the patience of a saint, became a hangry, pacing, anxious wreck. Luxury should be seamless, and that definitely wasn't. But hey, at least the adobo was worth it!
What about the amenities? Pool, gym, etc.?
Yes! Usually a rooftop pool – or a very nice pool situation – with stunning views. Gym? Yup. They usually have a decent, if not spectacular, gym. The key is to CHECK. Don't assume. Call ahead, look at photos. Some of them have all the bells and whistles (saunas, spas, the works), while others are a bit more "basic."
My Poolside Revelation: Poolside is a MUST. I spent a whole afternoon lounging by the pool. The water was perfect, the sun was shining… I even managed to read a book (that I'd been putting off for months!). Complete bliss. It reinforced the feeling of being on holiday, truly.
Price? Let's be honest, are we talking budget-friendly?
Nope. This is luxury, remember? You’re paying a premium. Prices vary WILDLY depending on the suite, the time of year, and how far in advance you book. But, yeah, be prepared to open your wallet. Think of it as an investment in your comfort and sanity, because escaping to a swanky suite is PRICELESS... right? (Okay, not *priceless*, but you get the idea.)
Staff & Service: How's the customer service? Are they helpful?
Service is generally good. They're usually polite, attentive, and try their best to cater to your needs. Now, "good" can sometimes mean "slightly inconsistent." You might get a super-star staff member one day and someone who seems a bit…less enthusiastic the next.
My Staff Anecdote A couple of times, I had a request that took a little longer than expected to fulfill (more of my hangry moments!). It's usually nothing major, but worth keeping in mind... but most of the time, they are friendly and eager to help.
