Circle Inn - Hotel & Suites

We loved how close the hotel was to the port, since we needed easy access for our trip to Ilo-Ilo. There are also some mininarts and a 7/11 within walking distance, which was a big plus. Try the restaurant if you like dining out, the dishes were great for a fair price. The attendants were friendly and accommodating too. The pool, bar, restaurant, parking, and mini ref in the room all added to a very satisfying stay in Bacolod. For a lower price, I suggest booking through the hotel's website, which offers better rates than other booking platforms. Just check which bed type you select. If you’re okay sharing a twin bed as a couple, go for it. We stayed in Room 217, got a good price, and couldn’t hear noise even though it was above the pool. Definitely a steal!

I came away feeling judged and looked down on. Hospitality should mean that every guest is treated with the same respect, regardless of appearance, status, or who paid the bill. Instead, I felt small and uncomfortable rather than valued, and I hope management takes the feedback seriously and reminds staff to show everyone genuine courtesy. I visited with my partner. The staff were attentive and polite to him, but I often felt ignored when I was beside him. Even simple gestures like greeting guests, opening doors, or saying thank you seemed inconsistent. The difference in how some guests were treated based on appearance or who was paying left me disappointed.

The pool is nice, especially for rooms with direct access, and the room itself had a clean bed, hot and cold shower, bidet, and huge windows. But there was no shower cap, and the dental kit and slippers were only available on request. There also wasn’t a convenient outlet for the kettle. If you just want free Wi-Fi, go tambay, thank me later. For business use, it’s no good. Food options were limited, most weren’t available, and what we got was mediocre. Housekeeping wouldn’t clean the room until asked. When an event was on, guests could use the pool without supervision. I saw people washing their hands and their kids’ feet in the pool. Dining had just one trainee doing both waiting and clearing, with another person behind the counter. Bell service and room service were handled by that same solo guy too. The front office staff still badly need customer service 101. I booked here in 2022 and gave it another chance in 2025, but dealing with them was unpleasant, frustrating to listen to, and a huge waste of time. Rianne at the front office argues and wrestles better than she acts hospitable and warm. If you have no other choice, it’s good enough. If you’re on business and need reliable internet, leave. If you have a health condition and can’t risk higher blood pressure or stress, run. Hotel of frowns in the city of smiles. Legendary Filipino hospitality is an urban legend here. I ordered a couple of dishes and sweet potato fries. When the phone rang, I said it was the fries, and I was right. The next forecast was a litany of excuses. Miles, I hope that really is his name, was the trainee. He worked so hard and handled several roles at once. Kudos to him. If this hotel doesn’t regularize him, other hotels should hire him.

The food was a real highlight, especially the chicken tinola and pork adobo. I also felt secure throughout my two weeks there, and Noah was always a welcome face at the front door. My room was roomy, clean, and comfortable, set far enough back from the road that traffic wasn't an issue. The place is a bit dated, the hot water took a minute to come through, and the sliding door needed some effort, but for the price I had no complaints. The staff were very friendly and helpful, and most spoke English well, which was a bonus for me. I'd be happy to stay at Circle Inn again when I return to Bacolod.