Vela Hotel

Our room was above a bar, and the music and people talking carried late into the night through poor soundproofing. Sleeping was nearly impossible. The breakfast choice was very limited for what we paid, and didn't feel worth the price. There were basic room problems too: the drain was completely blocked and the shower heater didn't work. Staff got the heater fixed in about half an hour, but left the room open while working, so it became uncomfortably warm. They should have offered us another room of the same type instead of making us wait. Staff did respond, but the stay was still a letdown. The hotel needs to keep basic things working, consider room assignments, and put guest comfort first. I wouldn't recommend it unless those issues and service improve.

The property is new and clean, with decent facilities for the price, but the service was inflexible. We asked to switch rooms between two people because plans changed on the spot, and staff simply refused. They didn't try to understand or help. Small reservation changes happen, and staff should be able to adapt. We had been impressed by the reviews, but most seemed to be about the lovely rooftop view of Mt. Apo rather than the hospitality, so perhaps our expectations were misplaced. Still, we arrived at 1:40 PM, before the 2 PM check-in, and waited in the lobby. Even after 2, we couldn't check in because, they said, the previous guests hadn't checked out. We finally got a room at 3:11 PM, over an hour late. The hotel should manage its reservations and room turnover better.

There was no working restaurant or food service, despite it being listed as an amenity. Nobody told us before or during the stay that the bistro was closed. At the premium rate they charge, that isn't acceptable. We paid AUD $176.17 (6595.23 Pesos) for one sleepless night, and have emailed the hotel asking for compensation. We’re still waiting to hear back. The noise was awful too. The walls were paper-thin, and it sounded like a bar or karaoke place was just above or beside us. It went on for hours. On top of that, the electrical system was faulty. The lights flickered and the power kept cutting in and out all night. We called reception at 2:30 AM. Someone came, but all they did was unplug the emergency light, a temporary and unsafe fix that left us even more uneasy. A hotel that can't provide steady power, quiet rooms, or basic food service shouldn't be taking guests. Avoid it until these serious problems are fixed.

A handy spot for coffee or a meeting, and the restaurant staff looked after us well. The location is good. We ordered Calamares, Hototay soup, and Beef Stroganoff, but the food could use work. Prices felt a bit high for the value.