Read: Crimson Hotel in Alabang
Last month, while I was planning for our Cebu itinerary; I decided to have a Day Trip at Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan. I inquired about the rates and they immediately replied. But a few days before our trip, our plan changed and my husband called Crimson Mactan to reserve a room. If we can’t go to Bantayan Island then go to Mactan.
After our breakfast in Cebu Parklane International Hotel, we already checked out, and off we went to Crimson. We arrived past 10AM, my husband gave us our confirmation voucher and our IDs; while waiting they served our welcome drinks and we played sungka. We had fun playing sungka, it’s been a long time since I played this game and I’m really looking for this toy.
Read: Cebu Parklane International Hotel
As expected, the room was not available yet but we are allowed to use the facilities. The staff gave us a resort map. We left our luggage with the concierge and went to the locker room so we can put our valuables.P500 deposit is refundable.
We roamed around the resort looking for an available beach chair but unfortunately, no available chair. We decided to have lunch at Azure Beach Club. While waiting for our food bill, the staff called and informed my husband that our room is already available. Yey! Early check-in (past 1PM).
We paid (via credit card) for our reservation before we went to Cebu because pre-payment (one night stay) is required to reserve a room. Additional P3000 for incidental deposit upon check-in. The staff gave us a key card and we went back to the concierge to get our luggage. We rode a golf cart on our way to our room.
Let us have a room tour.
The bathroom has this folding door/window that you can open, I love this because I can see my son while playing in the bathtub or you can also watch TV while inside the tub. They provided basic toiletries like shampoo, soap, bath gel, lotion and a dental kit.
The fridge has complimentary drinks and snacks (one time only). Two softdrinks in the can, 2 beers in the can, 2 bottled water, 1 Peanut Kisses, and 1 Kitkat.
We just took a rest first and off we went to the beach. The beach was still packed, ang hirap makahanap ng bakante. Don't forget the swimming shoes at mabato yung beach. We all know that the sand was imported somewhere just like in other resorts in Mactan. We transferred to the pool because the beach was closed already.
The following day, we were surprised to see a note in front of our door. It was a piece of paper where the time and activities of the day were listed. This is nice because you can plan your stay.
Then we went to Saffron Cafe for our free buffet breakfast. The buffet spread is better than the Crimson Hotel because they have more choices here.
After eating we went straight to the beach, I was glad that it was not packed as yesterday. It’s Monday so I guess, most of the guests have already checked out. We killed our time here while waiting for check-out. There are beach toys that you can borrow.
We stayed in the CrimZone so my son can play and join different activities like face painting, figurine painting, Amazing Kid’s Race, and bracelet making. I will share it in a separate post.
Read: CrimZone
We prefer Filipino foods so we had lunch at Saffron Cafe. After our hearty meal, we went back to CrimZone again. :)
Read: Restaurant in Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan
Before going to the airport, we had a quick shower. So if you want to visit Crimson for a day, don’t worry because the bathroom is clean.
On our way to the airport, the concierge staff asked about our flight time because taxis are not always available, and he gave us 3 options. But thank God at may napadpad na taxi. Hehehe!
Likes
1. We like the room because we have enough space to move around.
2. We have complimentary drinks and snacks.
3. The service is good, especially in the restaurant, CrimZone, and reception. They are all friendly, approachable and they always smile. Some even volunteered to take our family picture. Even the housekeeping staffs and gardeners greet us.
"There is one lang in the concierge na medyo off sumagot. He said, “Paano kayo papasok kung wala kayo key card”. Hmm, di lang agad napakita yung keycard at namisplace, may side comment na ganun. We stayed in other luxury hotels and resorts and first time ito.
He even stayed in our room na pagkatagal-tagal na parang waiting for tip. My husband just said that he left his bag at the locker (which is true) so wala siya maabot but the truth is kahit may wallet because of your attitude, no tip."
Other concierge staff naman are good. :)
4. The waves on the beach are unpredictable but they provided life vests for guests. I did not bring any toys so I was glad that there are available beach toys that we can borrow.
5. There are so many activities for both adults and kids every day so you will not get bored.
Dislikes
Hmm, the staycation is almost perfect kung hindi lang doon sa isang staff sa concierge. The only thing I don’t like here is the price, hehehe! It is expensive so even if we want to stay long, nakakabutas ng budget.
I suggest that they have staffs in the beach or pool area that will supervise, we experienced that in Shangri-la Mactan Resort and Spa. After the guests left, they will immediately pick up the used towels and prepare the beach chair for the next guests. So guests have an idea that the beach chair is really available. In Crimson, di mo alam kung wala na ba tao o pang reserve nila yung used towels dun.
Read: Shangri-la Mactan Resort and Spa
We really had a great time in Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan, I even told my husband na bitin ang 2 days and 1-night namin. I hope next time kahit 3 days and 2 nights stay. That’s the end of our Cebu trip, back to reality. Click here for video
Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan
Seascapes Resort Town, Soong,
Lapu-Lapu City, 6015 Cebu
I miss Crimson! =). Weird pero nung visit namin last January may nagmomonitor sa beach and pool area. Kinukuha agad nila yung used towels hehe.
ReplyDeleteOh, baka super busy ng staff at dami tao kasi that time. :)
DeleteBaka nga kasi nung nandun kami last January hindi ganun kadami tao haha
DeleteIt has been ages since I have last been to Cebu. The place looks so peaceful perfect for real relaxation. We are planning a return to Cebu and will include this in our hotel choices.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice that they provide you with their itinerary so you can plan your day ahead. I think most nice hotels in Cebu are pricey naman talaga ,it's like Manila the last time I visited. :) That's why I plan to ask Jhanis regarding transient houses (or lower cost hotels) when we visit again.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's like Manila but the restaurants in Cebu are affordable compared in Manila. :) Oh yes, Jhanis lives in Cebu nga pala, she can really help you.
DeleteThe bed looks big. Is that a king-sized bed? I like that they have a play area for kids outdoors and that they gave you a list of activities for the day. I'll check out their rates and consider this hotel next time we visit Cebu.
ReplyDeleteYes, king-sized bed. Not only kids but they also have prepared activities for adults. :)
DeleteSaya ng summer getaway na medyo malayo sa Manila 'no? It's more relaxing if you look outside your window and see the vast seas and clear skies, far from the busy streets of Manila! I think there's a store in Cubao expo which sells sungka. If you're near the area, check it out. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWe don't have seascape view, the cottages are long walk from the beach. Thanks for suggesting Cubao, need nga lang namin dayuhin. :)
DeleteThat view is breathtaking. I am planning to buy tickets to Cebu and surprise my husband on our wedding anniversary. Thanks for making a review. Additional option for our tour if ever. *crossfinger*
ReplyDeleteI think they also have special packages for celebration, malay mo may romantic dinner by the beach pa.
DeleteExperiencing good customer service sometimes makes the his/her stay worthwhile even though magbayad sya ng pagka mahal mahal.
ReplyDeleteI like the hotel room - big enough for the three of you. Good to hear that there are other activities that you can do in that hotel resort... Kasi pag swimming lang, your child easily gets bored.
True, iba pa rin pag superb ang service. Yes, nakakapagod din pag puro swimming lang.
DeleteGreat photos! The sand was so white, wonder where it's from? Hehe! And why is it mabaho kaya? Hehehe! ;) Nakaka-off nga talaga kapag may isang staff na ganun ugali, they may had a bad experience from the previous guest pero that is not right na pati sa ibang guests ay ganun siya. At least you had a good stay parin naman, and the place looks great ;) Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteTrue, he could just say, sir nasan po yung key card? Kung isipin namin yung staff, nakakaimbiyerna, buti na lang nung pauwi na lang ulit namin siya nakita. hehehe!
DeleteAw. My son would love the CrimZone! We're looking for places to stay for his coming 1st birthday. We're not into the party-sort. More of the let's-travel-to-celebrate kind of family. How sad naman on that concierge staff. I used to work in a hotel kaya when we stay in a hotel I cringe talaga on snide remarks.
ReplyDeleteSame here, we prefer staycation or travel than party. If may party naman, very limited guests. hehehe! Nakkaainit ng tenga. :D
DeleteI like the bed. Its too big that It may accommodate all my boys. Ihihi. And yes, it would really be a plus if there would be staff on designated places to easily answer queries or concerns. I just hope the hotel was undermanned that time considering the many guests.
ReplyDeleteSummer kasi but I think they need more staffs if peak season.
DeleteWhat's not to love about this place? The pool looks great, the beach pristine, and your hotel room is modern, clean and spacious. We'd love to have a vacation here, too.
ReplyDeleteHi there Katukayo! :) I never know na merong Crimson in Cebu! What I am familiar with kasi is the one in Alabang which took a lot years yata bago natapos. Haha! Anyway, I will consider Crimson branch in Cebu once we had a chance to visit the place. 😊
ReplyDeleteHi! Halos lahat yata ng hotel sa Alabang may branch sa province na mas ok kasi may beach. :)
DeleteWonderful! The last time I've been in Cebu, we were so busy travelling that we really didn't get to relax. I'm jealous!
ReplyDeleteWe try to squeeze our activities for a very short time kaya siguro nakakalimutan mag relax. Ganyan kami madalas. hehehe!
DeleteThat room is oh so big! :) I would suggest this to husband nga next time he goes there for a business trip. Maybe we can tag along. Hihihihi
ReplyDeleteI like reading your hotel review ang dami nyo ng napuntahan. That open window to the CR/bathtub is unique I like it.
ReplyDeleteThanks! True, open talaga ni wala glass. hehehe!
DeleteAng ganda naman ng sand sobrang puti!!!!!! I hope maitravel ko ang small family ko hanggang cebu!
ReplyDeleteJudging from your photos, it really does look like the place is expensive. But at least you enjoyed your stay and the service was good, except for that one guy. Hopefully he's the only one who's not okay.
ReplyDeleteI hope so, pero sana matrain ng good customer service. hehehe!
DeleteNakakaintriga yung Saffron Cafe ha. Haha But the pools look so luxurious and nice! White beach ba?
ReplyDeleteMas prefer lang kasi namin Filipino foods kaya Saffron lagi. Yes, white pero hindi tulad ng sand ng Boracay. :)
DeleteI super miss Cebu! I have been there lots of times before, but never took my kids with me. They love the beach so definitely bringing them there!
ReplyDelete