Davao's Hidden Gem: Anisabel Suites' Luxury RedDoorz Experience!
Davao's Hidden Gem: Anisabel Suites' Luxury RedDoorz Experience – A Whirlwind Review! (Seriously, buckle up!)
Okay, so I'm just back from Davao, and you know what? I need to spill the beans. Specifically, the ones that grow in the secret garden of… Anisabel Suites! (Yes, it’s a RedDoorz, but trust me, it felt like a whole other level.) This "Hidden Gem" is what they call it, and after my stay… okay, maybe it deserves that title, let's get into it!
First off, accessibility. This is HUGE for me, always. Honestly, finding a genuinely accessible place in the Philippines can be like searching for a unicorn. Anisabel Suites? Thumbs up! I'm not wheelchair-bound, but I did notice (and appreciate) the ramps, the elevators, and the general ease of movement. That's a win right there.
Room Review (Because Duh!)
My room? Dude, it was a sanctuary! Seriously, I needed a chill-out space after dodging traffic and the general chaos of getting around Davao. The air conditioning was a gift from the gods. And the blackout curtains? GAME CHANGER. I slept like a log – a really well-rested log. They also had free Wi-Fi – which, let's be honest, is a necessity. And Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – bonus! I mean, who wants to get caught up in LAN cables and complicated setups in this day and age?
Now, let's break it down room by room.
- Comfort: The bed was comfy, the pillows were fluffy, and the air conditioning was a saving grace against the Davao heat. The mirror seemed to get the best of me every morning and every night.
- Functionality: The room had a desk and laptop workspace, which were perfect for someone who needs to work. The internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN were a huge plus.
- Amenities: The in-room safe box was a nice touch, as were the bathrobes and slippers. However, the additional toilet was a bit odd. I mean, extra facilities are always useful.
- Cleanliness and Safety: I was very appreciative of the cleanliness of the rooms. The room sanitization opt-out available seemed like a thoughtful touch. The smoke alarms and smoke detector put me at ease, as well.
Let's Talk Food (Because, Priorities!)
Listen, I'm a real sucker for good food. Anisabel Suites has got you covered, big time. The restaurants were… chef's kiss. The buffet in restaurant was a glorious sight, but let's be real, I stuck to the Asian cuisine in restaurant most of the time. Okay, I practically lived on their Asian breakfast. The coffee/tea in restaurant was spot-on. My morning fuel!
And, bless their hearts, they had Breakfast in room! Talk about starting the day right! This was an unexpected game-changer! Imagine, you in your robe, and your favorite meal in front of you. I may have stayed a bit longer in bed because of that.
The poolside bar? Now, that was a highlight. Sipping a cocktail while watching the sunset. Pure bliss. Don't expect fancy cocktails though. Some of the drinks were so-so. But hey, it was the pool with view that mattered! Made my day!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Or Try To!)
Okay, this is where things got interesting. I attempted the fitness center. "Attempted" being the operative word. Let's just say my gym routine is… more of a suggestion than a commitment. But it was clean and well-equipped, if you're actually into that sort of thing.
They also had a spa, and I’m not gonna lie, I treated myself to a massage. Worth. Every. Penny. Seriously, after all the adventures of the day, getting a massage was the perfect way to decompress. Pure heaven. And if you are into it, there are Body scrub and Body wrap available.
The (Sort Of) Important Stuff
- Cleanliness and safety are clearly a priority. I saw staff constantly cleaning, and they had all the anti-viral cleaning products and hand sanitizer you could shake a stick at. They even offered room sanitization opt-out available. I felt genuinely safe.
- Services and conveniences – they had everything! Doorman, concierge, the works. The daily housekeeping was super efficient.
- Food delivery was available.
- There was a convenience store attached.
- There was a car park [free of charge].
The Weird Stuff (But in a Good Way)
- The elevator was a little slow sometimes, but hey, you're on holiday!
- The shrine was something I did not expect.
- Okay, the exterior corridor wasn't the prettiest thing in the world.
My Overall Vibe
Would I recommend Anisabel Suites? 100%. It's not flawless, sure. Like, the "hotel chain" thing may be a tad misleading, but the staff were lovely, the rooms were comfortable, and the food was amazing. It's a great base for exploring Davao.
But most importantly…
…it felt real. It felt like a genuine experience, not a sterile, cookie-cutter hotel. It was like staying at a friend's place, only your friend has amazing cooks, a sparkling pool, and knows how to make a killer massage.
Now, Here's My "Book Now!" Pitch
Stop scrolling, you fabulous traveler! Are you craving a Davao escape that's more "authentic Davao" and less "generic resort"? Then Anisabel Suites is your answer!
Here’s why you NEED to book NOW for your luxurious RedDoorz experience:
- Unbeatable Value: Luxury doesn't have to break the bank! Experience premium comfort and amenities, with a price tag that will make you smile.
- Foodie Paradise: From the moment you wake up to the late-night snacks, you'll be treated to a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Relax & Recharge: Ditch the stress! Unwind in the spa, take a dip in the pool, and let the world melt away.
- Accessibility Ace: Freedom to enjoy your holiday without the stress for everyone.
- Location, Location, Location: Explore Davao with ease! Anisabel Suites is perfectly positioned for exploring all the sites, the experiences, and culture that Davao has to offer.
Don't Wait!
Anisabel Suites is the perfect experience to your dream vacation. Don't be that person who misses out! Book your Davao escape today! I swear, you won't regret it. And if you see me there, buy me a drink! I recommend the iced coffee from the poolside bar! Oh, and you’ll be thanking me later. You're welcome.
Luxury Voskresensk Apartment: Unwind in Chic City Center
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. We're going to Davao, specifically the RedDoorz Premium @ Anisabel Suites, and trust me, with my track record, things are going to get…interesting.
Davao City Discombobulation: A "Plan" That's Probably Going to Implode
Day 1: Arrival and the All-Important "Find the Coffee/Don't Die of Exhaustion" Mission
Morning (Let's be real, more like mid-afternoon): Landing in Davao. The flight was…a flight. Standard issue seat-belt-and-crying-baby scenario. Found my luggage, which is a minor miracle. The heat hits you like a wall the moment you step out of the airport. Seriously, it’s a whole body hug of humidity. I'm instantly glistening. First order of business: get to Anisabel Suites. Hopefully, the driver I arranged through Grab (fingers crossed he actually shows up) knows where he's going.
Afternoon (Anisabel Arrival & The Room Reveal): Successfully navigated the traffic (which was a mini-adventure in itself – a symphony of horns and jeepneys seemingly defying the laws of physics). Arrived at Anisabel. The lobby is…ok. Decently clean, staff is polite, but the lighting is that slightly-too-bright-fluorescent-tube-that-makes-everyone-look-slightly-ghoulish kind. Check-in was a breeze, though, thankfully. They've got free wifi, which is crucial.
The room? Okay, here's the thing. The pictures online? Always lie. This one's not terrible, though. It's clean enough. Bed looks comfy. Aircon is blasting, which is a life-saver. First impression is a bit clinical, but hey, at least I can crash here.
(Quick tangent: Pro-Tip, people: Always check the toilet paper situation. Don't want to learn that lesson the hard way.)
Early Evening: The Coffee Quest & Trying Not to Sweat My Face Off: Okay, so I'm basically a caffeine-deprived, sweat-glistened, slightly-disoriented blob at this point. Need. Coffee. Immediately. I’ve got a vague idea of a coffee shop called "Yellow Hauz Coffee shop" that's supposedly nearby. Walking to it? A mistake. The sun is still raging. I feel like butter slowly melting on a hot sidewalk. Finally, I found it! The coffee was a glorious, dark, caffeinated hug. I swear, that iced coffee was the single best thing that happened to me that day. Sat there for a good hour, just people-watching and basking in the blessed air conditioning. This is the dream.
Night: Dinner Disaster (and Redemption?): Decided to be adventurous and try a local eatery. Bad decision. The place was loud, the service was slow, and the food…well, let's just say my stomach is currently staging a protest. The only good thing? Saw a group of kids playing some casual basketball in the courtyard. Pure, unadulterated joy. Then I walked to 7/11 for some junk food.
Day 2: Diving Deep into the Samal Island Shenanigans
- Morning: Ferry Fiascos and Island Anticipation: Woohoo! Island day! The plan is to take a ferry to Samal Island. Found a cab. The driver was chatty, giving me a crash course in Davao history, which was actually quite fascinating. The ferry? Let's just say it's an experience. Chaotic, crowded, and filled with a cacophony of languages. But hey, we're moving!
- Mid-Morning: Paradise Found (Maybe?): Reached Samal! The air is immediately different, cleaner. It's also HOTTER, somehow. We hired a trike to take us around. The driver was a local, a true character. He kept pointing out everything, cracking jokes, and generally making me feel like I was in a bad travel movie. The first beach we hit was gorgeous. Clear blue water, white sand (which somehow still managed to get everywhere), and not too crowded. Bliss. Swam. Sunbathed. Ate some grilled seafood from a beachside shack. Life. Is. Good.
- Afternoon: My Dive into the Island Life (Literally): I wanted to try snorkelling. I'm not the best swimmer, but how bad can it be, right? Turns out, pretty bad. The waves were choppy, the current strong, and my mask kept fogging up. I may have swallowed half the ocean. BUT! For a few glorious moments, I saw coral. I saw fish. Colors I didn't know existed. It was magical. It was also terrifying. But mostly magical. The experience was a whole emotional cocktail. Pure joy, and a dash of near-death experience. Worth it.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Sunset & Seafood (Round 2, Hopefully Successful): Watched an incredible sunset on the beach. Ate more seafood (this time, at a recommended place - much better!). The end of the day was the relief, the bliss. I'd do it all again tomorrow.
- The Island Afterglow (The Good and the Hilarious): Back at the hotel, exhaustion hit. Showers were a good moment, and then crashed. I even did a little "mental review" of the day. The good: Island. The bad: swallowing the salt water. The hilarious: Watching me struggling.
Day 3: City Adventures & the Search for Authentic Souvenirs (Plus, a Random Meltdown)
- Morning: Local Market Exploration Started the day with a visit to a local market (Bangkerohan Public Market). Pure sensory overload. The smells, the sounds, the colors… it was a whirlwind. Found some amazing durian (I’m one of those people).
- Late Morning A bit of Retail Therapy The markets and malls are just fine, nothing special, but a few cool shops. Found a nice shirt. Strolled, shopped, and relaxed.
- Lunch: Fail and Redemption? Back at Anisabel Suites, ate something at the coffee shop.
- Afternoon: The Great Souvenir Hunt & Emotional Collapse (Part 1): The souvenir hunt wasn't going well. Every shop seemed to be selling the same generic trinkets. I was starting to get overwhelmed, a little homesick, and just generally cranky. Cue the meltdown. It wasn't pretty. I may have dramatically declared that I was going to buy nothing, destroy every Davao-themed item I saw, and fly home immediately.
- Late Afternoon: The Discovery of the "Real" Davao & Emotional Reset: After my little breakdown, I decided to just stop. I walked around the streets and found a really cute little local shop. It wasn't about souvenirs at all. Ended up buying a small, hand-painted piece of Davao art. Small and Simple, but felt REAL. It was the reset I desperately needed.
- Night: Farewell Dinner (and a Plea for My Stomach's Survival): Had a simple dinner at a restaurant. Praying that this meal doesn't trigger another digestive war. Seriously. Just hoping for a quiet night with my stomach at this point.
Day 4: Departure and an Unfinished Story
- Morning: Last-Minute Scramble & Airport Chaos: Packed. Checked out. Airport traffic. The usual.
- Afternoon: The Flight Home: The flight was… a flight.
- Epilogue (Because Honestly, I Don't Even Know What Happened): This trip was a mixed bag. The heat, the traffic, the occasional food poisoning scare… all part of the adventure. I'm leaving Davao with a tan, a few souvenirs (despite my best efforts), and a whole lot of stories. Would I go back? Absolutely. Because, let's be honest, the imperfect memories are always the best ones. My Davao chapter isn't closed. Not by a long shot. Davao, you weird, wild, wonderful place, I’ll be back!
Okay, spill it! What *exactly* is Anisabel Suites and why are you calling it a "Hidden Gem"? I've heard the phrase a million times and my ears are starting to bleed!
Alright, alright, settle down, drama queen. Look, Anisabel Suites is a RedDoorz property in Davao City. I know, I know "RedDoorz," but hear me out! This *isn't* your typical, cookie-cutter RedDoorz experience. Think slightly higher-end, cleaner, and with a surprising amount of personality. It's hidden, not because it's *literally* invisible (though, getting there can be an adventure, more on that later), but because it doesn't get the same buzz as some of the mega-resorts. And that, my friend, is a *massive* plus. Keeps the crowds away, you know?
Think... a relatively quiet haven amidst the Davao chaos. Let's just say, I needed that more than I realized after battling the traffic on the way there. Ugh.
So, is this place actually *luxurious*? Or just... pretending? Because those online photos are always so deceptive.
Okay, luxurious might be stretching it, but! It’s definitely *nicer* than most RedDoorz places I've encountered. The rooms are surprisingly spacious. Now, spacious doesn’t mean *palatial*, mind you. I wouldn't throw a ball in there (unless I *really* wanted to, and I suppose I could), but I didn't feel cramped, which is a win in my book. The beds? Comfortable. And the air conditioning? A godsend. Davao heat is no joke. I actually appreciated the soft pillows as I was recovering from some of the other experiences of my Davao trip, and they were an oasis for my sore face. The bathroom was clean (thank goodness), that's always a big one for me. The water pressure was... adequate. Not the best, not the worst. Just... there.
Honestly though, don't expect like, gold-plated faucets or anything. It's more of a "comfortable and well-maintained" kind of luxury. Which, you know, after a long day of walking around and seeing the sights, is exactly what I needed.
Tell me about the location. Is it easy to get to? Because I *hate* figuring out transportation.
Okay, buckle up, buttercup! This is where it gets *slightly* less idyllic. The location isn't exactly smack dab in the city center. It's a little bit off the beaten path, which, again, adds to the "hidden gem" vibe... and also means getting there requires some planning. I took a taxi (Grab wasn't quite as reliable in that area, at least when I went). Finding the place can be tricky the first time, even with Google Maps, because the streets surrounding it can be a bit...well, let's just say they're not exactly marked with neon signs. I almost missed it. I was actually getting a little bit frustrated, a little bit scared I was lost when the taxi driver just *knew*. He'd obviously been there before. That's reassuring.
Once you're *there*, though, it's fairly easy to get around. Tricycles are readily available, and taxis (if you can find them) can take you to the main attractions. Just be prepared for a bit of a commute, especially during rush hour. But hey, what's a little driving when you're looking for a place a little more quiet?
What kind of rooms are available? Like, are we talking basic or bougie?
Mostly a variety of rooms. I think there's a standard, a deluxe... and... I don't quite recall what the top-tier one was called. Seriously, I'm useless with labels and often just stare at the descriptions trying to figure it out. But the options were pretty good! Again, they were clean, had aircon, and comfy beds. My room had a decent-sized window, so I could see the street. I *really* liked that. I'm a sucker for natural light. There's no view of anything spectacular, though. Just... the street and the occasional motorbike zooming past. But that's Davao for ya.
What about breakfast? Is it included? And is it worth eating? (Because hotel breakfasts are often the biggest disappointment.)
Breakfast is... included. But listen to me, this is where it gets a little bit... mixed. The breakfast is fairly basic. Rice, eggs, sausage, the usual. It's not *bad*, but it's not going to win any culinary awards. Think of it as fuel to get you going for the day. Do I recommend it? Depends. I'm not a huge breakfast person, so I was perfectly fine with it. If you're a breakfast snob (you know who you are), maybe skip it and grab something at a local cafe. Because trust me: Davao has some amazing cafes.
Alright, alright. So, what's the *best* thing about Anisabel Suites? Get to the point already!
The *best* thing? For me, it was the peace. The quiet. The fact that I wasn't surrounded by a million other tourists. After a long day of navigating the crowded city, it was a relief to come back to a place that felt... calm. The staff were friendly, too, and did their best to help with any questions I had which was a lifesaver. And the prices were pretty reasonable which gave it a boost as well.
What about the *worst* thing? Because everything has a downside, right?
Hmm. Besides the location thing I mentioned earlier? Yeah, I guess the view from my window wasn’t exactly postcard-worthy. But look, I wasn't in Davao to stare out the window. The view? Meh. The location? Worth the slight hassle, for the quiet. As for the rest, the only real downside was that I was alone... which, to be fair, is more of a *me* problem!
Final verdict? Would you recommend Anisabel Suites?
Yes, I would! Especially if you're looking for a clean, comfortable, and budget-friendly option that's a little bit off the beaten path. It won't blow your mind, but it will give you a much-needed refuge from the Davao chaos. Just be prepared for the slight inconvenience of the location, and don't expect gourmet breakfasts. But if you, like me, value peace and quiet, then Anisabel Suites deserves a place on your Davao shortlist – *with* a grain of salt, of course. Always do your own research, folks! But honestly, I’d happily stay there again.
This sounds great. But I’m a high-maintenance traveler. What doMountain Stay
