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Waterfront Insular Hotel

Charming Small Hotels in Davao

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I once came across a book intended for tourists and travellers in France. The book title says, “France (Charming Small Hotels Guide).” The material is a Hotels Directory type with specific listings of small and at the same time charming hotels in all parts of the country.

I began to wonder if they have such kind of book listing small hotels in the Philippines. I think it would be very helpful and useful for the travelers and tourists who are looking for alternative accommodation offered by larger hotels. A small hotel is supposed to offer a kind of “personalized touch” to their customers — something that would make them want to come back some other time; and something that is not present in overly commercialized big, chain hotel outlets.

Well, I could not find a version of that book targeting small hotels in the Philippines.

This article takes its inspiration from that book. But we’re going to be very specific here listing only those hotels in Davao City.
Here is our hand-picked list of Charming Small Hotels in Davao.

1. Humberto’s Hotel

Humbertos Hotel in Davao City, PhilippinesThe name of this small hotel was derived from first name of the owner, Mr Humberto Santos. Since it first started operating in 1997, the hotel has always positioned its business as “Charming Small Hotel” in Davao. And I think, they deserve in carrying that tag-line. That’s the reason why it is on top of our list.

Humberto’s Hotel Highlights:

  • Location: Palma Gil Street, right in downtown Davao
  • Number of Guest Rooms: 20
  • Amenities / Facilities : coffee shop, laundry service, restaurant, safety deposit boxes.
  • Hotel Service : Laundry, salon, room service, massage

Click here to book a reservation at Humberto’s Hotel.

2. Home Crest Residences

Home Crest Residences in Davao, PhilippinesThis Zen-inspired hotel is among the newest additions to the growing number of small hotels. The location of the hotel itself is already very advantageous to travelers. It is a walking distance to the SM City Davao, in Ecoland Subdivsion.

Home Crest Residences Hotel Highlights:

  • Location: Tulip Drive, Ecoland Subdivision, Davao City
  • Number of Guestrooms: 28
  • Amenities and Facilities: Coffee shop and bar, Digital TV, electronic door-locks, CCTV Camera, power generator
  • Hotel Services: Reception and Concierge Service, Airport Transfer (charges apply), Guided Tours, Room Service, Housekeeping, Laundry Service, Massage

Click here for online booking information and other details of Home Crest Residences.

3. Las Casitas de Angela

Las Casitas Hotel in Davao, Philippines
This hotel has a convenient location right along the Rizal Street. Commercial establishments like bank, restaurants, department stores, convenience outlets, and government offices are just close by the hotel.

Las Casitas de Angela Hotel Highlights:

  • Location: Rizal Street
  • Guestrooms: 37
  • Amenities /Facilities: In-room facilities (complimentary bottled water, bathtub, desk), coffe shop, restaurant, function room
  • Hotel Service: room service, massage, hotel-airport pickup service

Click here for online booking information and other details of Las Casitas Hotel.

You may also want to check out, Las Casitas II, which has an apartelle setup and perfect for those who are looking for a longer term (3 months or so) accommodation.

4. La Anclar Hometel

Located right at the downtown area, this small hotel was established by the mom-and-pop team, Mr. Pedro Anino and his wife Ester. “Comfort comes first,” is the resounding mantra for the operators of this small hotel.

La Anclar Hotel Highlights:

  • Location: Bonifacio Street
  • Number of Guest Rooms: 22
  • Facilities and Amenities: WiFi Common areas, Breakfast To Go, In-room: Wifi, Phone, TV, Airconditioning
  • Hotel Service: Airport Shuttle, 24 Hour Room Service, Massage, Beauty Salon/Manicure, Wake Up Call

Click here to book at La Anclar Hometel.

5. Viajeros Economy Inn

The term “viajero” is derived from Spanish, which translates to traveller in English. Viajeros Inn has successfully branded itself as a hotel of choice for transients, backpackers, and city traveller looking for cheap accommodation without compromising the service.
The hotel is very close to the Ecoland Bus Terminal in Davao City. The terminal is the central point for all land-based travellers going to the neighboring provincial places.

Viajeros Economy Inn Highlights:

  • Location: Juna Sudivision, Matina, Davao City (very close to the Ecoland Transport Terminal)
  • Number of guestrooms: 23
  • Amenities / Facilities: car park, family room
  • Hotel Service: 24-hour room service, airport-hotel transfer service, etc

    • Click here for online booking and other hotel reviews by other guests.

    Other Hotel Options in Davao

    There are many other small hotels in Davao, but the ones mentioned above top our list in terms of charm factor.

    If you are looking for more hotels in Davao, you may want to click the link below and you will be redirected to the page HotelsCombined.com where you can view their 80 plus (and growing) list of hotels in Davao, including the big names like the Marco Polo Hotel and the Waterfront Insular Hotel.

    The nice thing about that website is that you can read reviews from other users. They also have an online booking facility so you can reserve a room right away especially in times when travellers and tourists are coming to Davao for some special events.

    The Best Places to Hold Christmas Party Bash in Davao

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    It’s party time!

    Yes, it is! As family and friends gather together during these holidays, sharing a whole bunch of laughter and stories amidst sumptuous meals and drinks, Christmas has almost become synonymous with the word party.

    Food, drinks, games, gifts and more is what Christmas parties constitute every year making it one of the most anticipated activities as the year comes to a close. The very reason why it now becomes part of the Christmas traditions here in the country.

    But like every happy, enjoyable and fun gathering, Christmas parties have to be planned carefully to satisfy the attendees’ party craving.

    In holding a Christmas party, the venue is always one of the first things being considered and you will be glad to know that the most exquisite places to hold parties hast great Christmas offers for you.

    The Marco Polo Hotel Davao

    The towering Marco Polo hotel, the perfect party venue for people who has a quite bigger budget. Feel the Marco Polo party experience this Christmas as they offer an affordable Php 600 per person Christmas package with your choice of Western Buffet or Oriental Set menu. Nothing could be memorable than holding your party in the hotel’s function room with other offers to highlight your celebration such as their sing-along party equipment and admirable Christmas decorations.

    The Waterfront Insular Hotel in Davao

    An alternative venue, far from the hustle and bustle of the city street is the Waterfront Insular Hotel in Lanang, Davao City. The entrance towards the hotel is already inviting, giving you the feel of Christmas Spirit with Christmas lights illuminating the pathway.

    This year, the Waterfront also offers good Christmas packages with your choice of Php 450, Php 650, and Php 750 per person with wide array of meals to choose from. While its function room is best for parties, you can also try their garden tent for a more close to nature, outdoor party experience or their La Prilla Grill, Pirata bar or Vinta bar inclusive with an inhouse singer, pianist and videoke equipment. All of these are available with a 4-hour use of function rooms, sound system, decorations and dance floor.

    Casa Leticia

    For only Php 20,000 pesos, up to 70 people could enjoy an exclusive indoor party at Casa Leticia’s Toto’s Grill while 40 people could satisfy their party craving with only Php 15,000 at Sagay Ilongo at Casa Leticia’s Ecoland Branch. All these offers complete with TV with player, decorations, and standby waiters.

    The Grand Regal Hotel

    Four choices of Christmas package is available at the Grand Regal Hotel also in Lanang. Offers range from Php 440.00, Php 480.00, Php 520, and Php 560 per person package all with the use of well decirated function room, sound system, two-set menus to choose from and many more add-ons with complementary freebies.

    Dencio’s Sa Hilltop

    If you want to try other exciting venues, you may visit the Dencio’s at Hilltop or Jack’s Ridge both at Maa Diversion Road which offer a breath-taking sight of the city with its dazzling lights during nighttime. You may also try Jack’s Ridge specialties of the month like the delectable Hawaiian Pork Hamonado only available for the month of December.

    The Pearl Farm Resort

    Luxurious it may seem, but nothing beats a holiday over at the Pearl Farm Resort. Pearl Farm offers packages suited for families and couples alike. Their family package worth Php 15,000 for parents and 2 kids – 12 years old and below with the complementary use of the resort’s facilities. A Dream Honeymoon Package for couples worth Php 24,000 with lots of freebies.

    BlueJaz Resort and Waterpark

    If party guests love the waters, its best to try BlueJaz Resort and Waterpark located at the Island Garden City of Samal. If party means water adventure to you and your friends, the resort is perfect with its facilities like water skis, kayaks, wakeboards, waterslides and even zipline which now offers a panoramic view of Davao City. It also offers a wide array of international cuisine for you to choose from and enjoy. Blue Jazz now boasts to be one of the best resort destinations in the city.

    K1 KTV and Music Bar

    Love singing? Turn your party into a whole night singing and dancing spree with a lot of places to choose from here in the city. For one, there is the K1 KTV and music Bar at Prime Square in Torres St., which offers an exclusive KTV room for you to party on. World Palace along Quimpo Blvd. offers differently themed rooms for you to enjoy. This place is perfect for group of friends no more than 10 people.

    Wherever you may hold your Christmas party, just keep in mind to enjoy every minute of it. After all, there are a lot of reasons to be merry this Christmas.

    ~~~

    There you have it, Matt Regis’s guide on the best places in Davao to hold your Christmas Party.

    Kadayawan Festival 2009: The Fever Continues

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    The South’s most extravagant and celebrated festivity is here again and once more Davao City will unravel the very reasons why it is considered a land of bountiful harvest and melting pot of people of diverse backgrounds.

    The streets will once again show the colors, the sights, the sounds and the experience of Kadayawan sa Dabaw. This week-long annual festival speaks of the beauty of the Dabawenyo culture that made name throughout the globe and earned the admiration of millions.

    From exquisite ethnic crafts, exciting destinations, beauty and glamour of the waling-waling and the majestic Philippine eagle — these and more is what Davao offers to local and foreign tourists and visitors who would take the time and have a glimpse of this cultural haven.

    What To Expect In Kadayawan 2009

    17th August. This year’s celebration of the Kadayawan sa Dabaw has the same texture and appeal that made the former celebrations a thing to keep on coming back to for many tourists. On the opening day August 17, the celebration will feature Davao’s best fashion designers and creations at the Gaisano Mall in “Moda Mindanaw“.

    18th August will as ever be exciting with an exhibit of Indigenous People’s photos to be shown in Hulagway sa Kaliwatan at the Museo Dabawenyo with the festival’s grand opening at the People’s Park during the afternoon followed by the Indigenous People’s Festival Opening themed “Lumadnong Kasaulogan” at night.

    19th August. A thorough peek into the lives of the tribes will compose the whole day of August 19 with an exhibit of their crafts and traditions at Rizal Park that will last until the 24th, while beauty and brains continue to battle at the Search for the Hiyas ng Kadayawan during the evening to be held at the CAP Auditorium in Anda Street.

    20th to 21 August. The World Music Competition will be staged August 20 at the NCCC Mall of Davao in Matina. SM City Davao will be the host venue for the World Dance Competition which will be staged the following day.

    22nd August. The traditional Davao River Festival will be held on August 22 after which fashion designers will again set ramps on fire with Moda Minadaw’s Fashion Night in the evening at the Venue or music lovers may find the Evening Tugtogan at Rizal and People’s Parks more interesting.

    23rd August. The popular Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan or the Street Dancing Competition will take place August 23. “Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan” has been flocked by people because of display of Davao’s rich culture depicted in colorful costumes and feisty music in which performers turned the highway to a dance floor despite the heat of the midday sun or haste of falling rains.

    24th August. Beautiful and colorful floats will parade the street on the 24th with the Floral Float Parade and Competition dubbed as “Pamulak sa Kadalanan“. The festivity will be concluded with Mayor Rodrig Duterte’s free concert treat for the people.

    Suggested Davao Hotels

    In preparation for this momentous event, hotels, inns and suites have prepared the best for every visitor and are more than willing and ready to give you the care like you have never been far from home.

    The Marco Polo Hotel. You may try the most luxurious hotel in Davao, The Marco Polo Davao — with its world class hotel service, amenities and facilities that is sure to give you the best of staying in Davao. Marco Polo is located at corner Roxas Avenue and Claveria Street and is the best place to witness the happenings, even when you are just inside your room.

    The Waterfront Insular Hotel. If you want to enjoy the celebration but opt to stay away from the noise during the night to give you a more relaxing rest, try the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao at Lanang. They have the same amenities and facilities that are truly world class.

    Other Small Hotels: Las Casitas, La Anclar, Microtel Inn and Suites

    Staying in Davao for the Kadayawan festival does not have to be that expensive. If your budget is tight but still want to experience the thrills of the festivities, there are inns and suites that offer comfortable stay in less the cost. You may try Las Casitas along Rizal Avenue or La Anclar Hometel in Bonifacio and there are a lot more.

    Another spot where big activities for the festival will be held is at the Damosa Gateway. Concerts, live band performances and night parties will be held there — the best for all the party people out there. If you wish to be stay at the Damosa Gateway, you may try the excellent service being offered by Microtel Inns and Suites, the best place to stay for young professionals and tourists who want a modern experience in Davao.

    These exciting activities could only be seen and experienced in Kadayawan, so step in to Davao and indulge yourself with the Kadayawan fever.

    ~~~

    This Kadayawan Festival 2009 article is written by Matt Regis.

    Savor Davao’s Fine Dining Options

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    Metro Davao prides itself with various food venues that truly appeals to both our appetite and cravings; truly a Land of Promise for Filipinos and foreigners alike. Title absolutely justified! Ask anyone from the city for their favorite restaurants and you’ll surely get excited to try every food destination being suggested.

    There are several classifications of restaurants based on the menu style, pricing, preparation, as well as the way the customers are being served and certainly, one of the sought after restaurants in Southern Mindanao are the fine dining restaurants.

    Defined as full service restaurants with a specific meal course, interiors of fine dining restaurants showcase higher quality and sophistication. The restaurateur employs highly trained staff featuring a more formal and decent attire. Fine dining is perceived to be a privilege of a select few, unlike fast-food, family style, and casual dining restaurants because of the classy ambiance and highly satisfying food choices.

    Below are the three highly recommended fine dining spots in Davao:

    Lotus Court, Marco Polo Davao

    Located in the heart of the city; at the junction of Claro M. Recto Street and Manuel Roxas Avenue, is the Marco Polo Davao. Winning the 2007 Hotel of the Year Award, besting all other Marco Polo hotels in Cebu, and Beijing, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Xiamen and Wuhan in China, proves that Marco Polo Davao emerges as a true-world class hotel. You may choose any of the five restaurants serving exquisite cuisines from international buffet at Café Marco to Cantonese delight at Lotus Court.

    Lotus Court, Marco Polo’s premier fine dining Cantonese restaurant offers the finest choices of fresh quality seafood, served in an elegant and stylish setting, highlighted with warm Filipino hospitality. With four private rooms that are truly perfect for private parties, family or social gatherings, and business meetings, the restaurant is located at the 3rd floor of the hotel. Also, it has a total seating capacity of 228 persons.

    Lotus Court is open on:

    Lunch: 11:00 am to 2:30 pm
    Dinner: 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm

    For inquiries and reservations you may reach them at (082) 221-0888 local 7232.

    La Parilla, Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao

    Relax and dine at the La Parilla Grill and Restaurant, as you treat yourself to sumptuous food creations. Located at Lanang, Davao City and nestled all along the picturesque Davao Gulf, La Parilla never fails to satisfy every guests of the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao. The modernly designed Filipiniana interiors with luxurious amenities and of course a tropical taste to the flavors of Davao welcome every foreign and local guest to an exceptionally Davao dining experience.

    The open-air Seafood Restaurant offers seasoned-inspired menus and signature entreés. Anticipation rises to a new level as everyone looks forward for the Lobster Night. Yes! Have your stomachs ready for a mouth-watering lobster dinner; great with chili sauce. Other well-remembered options are tuna kinilaw and the grilled prawns, among other savory specialties in the midst of a nightly live entertainment. A 90-person total seating capacity restaurant, La Parilla is open from Tuesdays to Saturdays, 5:00 PM – 11:00 pm. Dining at the “al fresco“, La Parilla will certainly bring the fond friendships and close family ties together and bolder.

    For further information and queries, La Parilla Grill and Restaurant can be reached at (082) 233-2881 loc. 8701

    Claude’s Café de Ville

    In a quest for a more private and romantic restaurant, one can dine in a relative silence to complete the highly adored French and Continental fine dining. Davao takes pride for having Claude’s Café de Ville as the well-loved restaurant for French Provencal and Mediterranean Cuisine. Now on its 15th year of operations, Claude’s Café de Ville remains to enjoy a regular patronage from businessmen, executives, and tourists with Chef Claude Le Neindre and his wife Theresa Villanueva Le Neindre taking the role as the primary drivers of its success and legacy.

    It’s a crowd-drawer for their steaks and Ceasar salad; remarkably the best in town. Few of the top favorites include the rib eye in mushroom sauce, Lamb Chops Vert Pré, shrimp cocktail smothered with light dressing, tomatoes and avocado, Crepe Samurai, Roast Chicken Forrestierre, and salmon patae with a slice of a lightly toasted French bread. Because of its quality food offerings marked with classiness and variety, Maurice Arcache, a well-known social arbiter and columnist featured Claude’s Café de Ville in his book entitled Cosmo Dine in 1997. Feature write-ups in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine F and B Magazine and other lifestyle magazines proves that it’s a dining place worthy to be regarded as the first and only authentic French and Mediterranean Cuisine in the South.

    Claude’s Café de Ville is located at 29 Rizal St, Paseo de Habana, Davao City. You may call them at (082) 222-4287.

    Other Options

    Categorized as semi-fine dining restaurants, below are a few to consider:

    Café Mediterranean
    Chimes Bldg., Gov. Sales St. Chinatown District Davao City
    (082) 225-0975

    Bigby’s Café and Restaurant
    Metro Lifestyle Center, Jacinto Extension, Davao City
    (082) 221-0111

    Ground Flr. SM City Davao
    (082) 298-0111

    Polo Bistro
    4th Flr. Marco Polo Hotel Davao
    (082) 221-0888

    Swiss Deli Davao
    Lanang, Davao City
    (082) 2340271

    Hola España Bodega de Vinos y Deli
    Damosa Gateway, Lanang, Davao City
    (082) 2346877

    Above is just a part and parcel of what Davaoeños are adept of doing. Davao City has a lot more to offer to the Filipinos and to the rest of the world. Culinary expertise along with the much valued and appreciated services speaks something of Davao’s dedication in providing global productivity and efficiency.

    ~~~

    This article is written by Julius Neil Piala. A true-blooded Davaoneo, Julius has earned a degree in Communications Arts from the prestigious Santo Tomas University in Manila. He has traveled extensively around the Philippines.

    Mutant Carabao in Davao

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    Carabao in Davao PhilippinesIt looks like a Teenage Mutant Ninja Carabao, but it’s not. As a frequent traveler to Davao, you have probably seen it in one of the best hotels in Davao.

    Can you guess where it is?

    Hint: The place is a little farther from the city center, but only a few minutes drive from the Davao International Airport. Perhaps it the hotel in Davao with the most number of coconut trees in the surroundings.

    Where can you find that carabao?

    Hotel Review: The Waterfront Insular Hotel

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    Davao Waterfront Insular Hotel

    The Waterfront Insular Hotel is located in a secuded area in Davao allowing you to experience peace and serenity with its beautiful garden that feels like an ancient Davao. It is also accessible enough that getting a taxi heading to downtown Davao is never a problem.

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