AltaVista Beach Resort Samal powered by Cocotel

We had paid and reserved our room months ahead, but it was given to someone else. The front desk staff sighed, rolled her eyes, and acted as if the problem were our fault. We did eventually get a room, but weren't allowed to use the second bed, which I'd never encountered before. As an Ironman participant, I also felt we weren't welcomed the way other participants were. This treatment from the front desk made the stay unpleasant. Staff need training in basic manners and customer service so future guests, especially visiting participants, have a better experience.

The room they eventually gave us was called a VIP room, but we were told not to use its second bed even though there were two of us staying in the same unit. That was part of a poor check-in experience, and I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone looking for a cozy stay on samal island. We'd booked back in June 2025, months before arriving around 3-4pm, only to be told our room wasn't available because it had been double booked and assigned to another group. I don't understand how that happened when we'd reserved so far ahead. They also had weeks or months to let us know, but never did. I'd rather try club samal or discovery samal for a more pampered island stay.

Beautiful views and a lovely place to spend the night by the beach. ALTAVISTA BEACH RESORT felt safest and cleanest to me, with a gate and a security guard on duty 24 hours. The bathrooms were clean too, including the showers, with no urine smell. I've seen plenty of pretty beaches with dirty bathrooms, so this stood out. Come enjoy it! May Ruttman, from California🥰

One of the three large huts we'd booked was still occupied by other guests when we arrived. Service was horrible. I'd give zero stars if that were an option. You guys should close.