SMAK's Hotel

The family room was big enough for five, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a kitchen for cooking or heating meals. The AC worked well and the shower pressure was strong. Staff were super nice and accommodating, and the accommodation had a very cozy feel. The free breakfast was yummy, and there’s an in-house resto bar, so even if you want dinner around 8 p.m., you don’t have to go out. It was quiet for a residential area and within walking distance of most restaurants and Kota Beach. Really good value! The only problem was the internet. It wasn’t strong enough to work from inside the rooms. I hope they can fix that for guests who need to work.

The staff were friendly, including the security guard at the entrance, the receptionists, and the other employees. The restobar food was good, and the room was clean and had a fridge, though it was small. But I don’t think the price matched the quality. We paid above the average accommodation price in Bantayan expecting some comfort and a decent breakfast. Breakfast was a real disappointment. It was three slices of the cheapest bread, so stiff it felt like Styrofoam, a little jam and butter, powdered juice or coffee, and a tiny slice of watermelon, almost like carpaccio. They listed it at 220 PHP, which is outrageous. One day they swapped the watermelon for a banana and cut the bread down from three slices to two 🤣. That’s not enough for an adult, let alone a child. You end up paying extra for a decent breakfast, and on one day, depending on the waitress, I got watered-down coffee instead of real coffee. You can find much better breakfasts outside for the same price. The bathroom had serious problems too. It leaked, and every shower left water pooled everywhere, like a mini bathtub. They display a sign saying cards are accepted, but in practice they don’t take them, which was misleading and inconvenient. Even though we stayed four days, we had to pay for breakfast and meals on the spot, which felt unwelcoming. There was another unpleasant thing: someone I believe was the hotel owner often parked next to the restaurant and left the engine running for more than half an hour. Gasoline fumes filled the dining area, making breakfast or dinner unpleasant.

It’s a comfortable, clean guesthouse, and this was our second stay. The owners are really friendly, the food is delicious, and the bar serves great drinks throughout the day. The complimentary breakfast has to be the best on the island. We love coming here to unwind, and wouldn’t stay anywhere else! 😊

We loved how quiet and nicely decorated the hotel felt, especially with its lovely garden. Our room was comfortable and spotless, with a TV and kettle, and the food was delicious. Breakfast was included and really good. The owners were warm and ready to help, and there’s a bar for a relaxed evening drink. It was great value and better than we expected. I’d happily recommend it. 😊