Marlim Hotel

My fifth-floor room had a lovely volcano view, and I really enjoyed the luxurious stay. It cost just over $100 CAD a night, with lots of amenities and very high-quality air conditioning. The buffet breakfast, atrium, gym, and infinity pool were included. The elevator was fancy, and the hallway carpet was soft. I first meant to stay only two nights, but my hotel in Manila ghosted me, so I took a Genesis bus to Angeles and arrived here at 4:30 in the morning. This hotel is close to the cemetery where my wife is resting. The staff were friendly, apart from a couple of security guys who opened a car's passenger door before I was done talking to my Grab driver. The Japanese restaurant was okay, though Cactus Jack restaurant was much better. The rooftop bar by the infinity pool had a poor soda selection, just Coca Cola and Sprite.

We booked an executive suite, and the room was 10 out of 10. Everyone was welcoming, and the service is why I rate the hotel five stars. We were charged twice because the POS malfunctioned, but staff jumped in to sort it out. Front office manager Mr. Oliver made sure it was handled properly. It wasn't entirely their fault, we were assured it would be resolved, and it was. The parking could use cleaning. It was raining heavily last Saturday, and when I checked my truck in the steel parking area, it was super dirty, probably from dirt blown down from the upper floors. The rain and strong winds may have caused it, so it wasn't their fault. Still, it was a great experience.

The presidential suite was really nice, with two bedrooms with huge beds, a living room, and three toilets. We had a nice time overall, but the room delay took away a star. We arrived around 1:20 during Valentine week to avoid the check-in rush. They asked us to wait while the room was being prepared, which was fine since check-in was at 2. The receptionist said she'd call when it was ready, but at 2 she still hadn't called. When I went back, I was told it wasn't ready and had to ask why. A fixture was leaking and needed repair, and she said the room would be ready by 2:40. We waited until 2:50 without hearing anything, then had to go ask again. She still couldn't say how much longer it would take. We asked what needed repairing and whether we could check in while one area was being worked on. We were with a senior citizen who wanted to rest after the long drive, and the suite was big enough that we wouldn't have minded. Eventually we got in, but it was a long wait, and nobody offered a solution or alternative beyond “please wait.” The room came with two free breakfasts, so we bought two more for our group of four. The buffet cost over 800 and didn't feel worth it.

Whenever my husband and I visit the Philippines for vacation or business, we stick to two hotels. In Manila, it's Best Western LA Corona. In Pampanga, Best Western Plus Metro Clark is the best, and I highly recommend it. From the entrance and front desk to the hotel staff, people make sure we have what we need. We love the place and its friendly, accommodating people.