Chateau Del Mar

The drawback is the location. Chateau Del Mar sits at the end of a small, dusty local road, with little nearby for an average traveller or tourist. Its secluded setting means you'll need a taxi if you don't have your own transport, though SM Lanang mall, the Pagcor Casino, and the many places to eat around Damosa Gateway are only a short ride away. It's a mid-priced hotel with more than average facilities: 23 fully furnished rooms, a swimming pool, Cafe Isabella, Gabriels bar and grill, and spa services. The quiet spot is close to the sea, and some rooms have balconies facing Samal Island, so it could be a nice place to relax. As of June 2106, rates started at 2200 peso, with breakfast and airport pickup included. There's also WIFI, cable TV, and a function room for gatherings, parties, or seminars.

You can hear birds in the early morning, watch the sun rise over the ocean, and enjoy the cool breeze and fresh air. It's a beautiful place, good for a budget traveller or a couple staying a shorter time, around 1-2 weeks. The condotel-style rooms cost 2.5k peso a day including breakfast, but there are no kitchen utensils. It's away from downtown, so walking to stores to buy food or drinks is difficult.

The hotel is rather old and mid-priced. We stayed there during Davao's first IronMan. The air-conditioning units in our rooms were somewhat noisy, and they were quite strict about checkout time. It's a fair walk from the main road, but you can ask reception to call a taxi, or walk out and catch a passing tricycle.

A nice, affordable place, and the function rooms are nice too.