Casa Kalaw

The shuttle is public, so it isn’t just for resort guests. The resort is a little way out of town, and the staff are friendly. Rooms are basic but comfortable. We found a couple of huge dead bugs in the pool in the evening, so it could be checked and cleaned more often during the day.

The location was a highlight: the hotel is in Lio place by the Ayala developments, in a secure-feeling area with good choices of bars, restaurants, and boutique shops. The beachfront is a two-minute walk, and the airport is only five minutes away. Our room was spacious, but the AC dripped onto the floor. Breakfast wasn’t very good and could use some improvement.

We really enjoyed staying here. The pool was a decent size, with both shaded loungers and sunny spots, and the all-day happy hour was great. The restaurant had a good buffet breakfast spread. Staff were friendly and accommodating when we had trouble with our door card. The rooms were kept clean and tidy, though a hand towel would have been useful. Our room was near some kind of generator, which could get quite noisy. I’m sure you could ask for one farther away.

We spent almost two weeks at Casa Kalaw some time ago, and it wasn’t an enjoyable stay. The hotel looks nice, the restaurant food is good, and the breakfast has a satisfying variety, but it wasn’t worth the price. Staff woke guests in the middle of the night to offer trips. Sewage was taken out by the swimming pool while people were swimming or sunbathing, and we were charged for broken glass shampoo containers, even though they were dangerous and could cut someone. Maybe things have improved since then, but at the time I’d avoid this place.