Kay Hotel & Residences

Zero stars would be my rating if that were an option.

The staff were friendly, but I wouldn't go back. There were lots of cockroaches around the building, and my room had mold and bugs. The facilities were extremely outdated, the TV was small, and the water pressure was weak. After reading other people's reviews, I wouldn't have booked it. Calling it a hotel doesn't feel right.

The food was a big part of what made my stay good. Portions were satisfying, the presentation was clean, and it was always delicious. Pampanga is known for sisig, and you'd miss out if you haven't tried it. The staff were respectful and helpful whenever I needed something, at least in my experience. There's a nice view of the zambales mountains when I wake up, plus a comfortable bed, working toilet, enough room and privacy, and a peaceful feel with the door closed. You can still hear highway motorists if you focus on the noise. The facility could use an update to meet the standards of guests used to first world hotels. But since my stay was free, I felt grateful to the people who made it pleasant. Home is what you make it, after all. How much you'd be willing to pay probably depends on what you expect. I'd give the staff five stars and the facility three. Four stars seems fair for a free stay.

The aircon worked well and my room was clean, but there was no hot water in the shower. Like a lot of places I've stayed in the Philippines, it could use some care and modernization. The staff, as with everywhere in the Philippines, were amazingly friendly and helpful.