VL Garden Suites

The location is a real plus, close to BQ Mall, Alturas Mall, Galleria Luisa Complex, GCGMMC Hospital, and Hotel John. There’s also a 7/11 nearby, along with Watsons, Mercury, and 360 Pharmacy. Since it sits by a major road, though, the outside noise is pretty loud, which is to be expected.

The clean rooms and bathrooms are a plus, and the towels were nicely washed and good quality. If all you need is somewhere to sleep, a room without a “window” is quieter. The name suggests a garden, but there’s nothing garden-like about the place. The rooms have plastic plants, and from there things get worse. Rooms facing one of the city’s busiest streets get constant horn and engine noise, day and night. It comes through a “window” covered with something, with cracked, cloudy glass that doesn’t seal. The air conditioner is old and noisy, though it does work if you adjust the fan and thermostat manually. Some sockets and fittings are coming out of the walls and are so worn that plugging things in can be a problem. The main square and church are within walking distance, and the sights can be covered quickly, in half an hour rather than half a day. There are no scooter rentals nearby. The malls mostly have familiar Filipino chain restaurants, so don’t expect much culinary excitement. For food, I recommend the place on the first floor of Luisa Mall Gallery. The food and service were great, the bay view was sensational, and the prices were reasonable. Good luck!

The receptionist was warm and welcoming, and the place is clean and cared for despite looking a bit worn. It’s in the middle of Tagbilaran City’s business and shopping area, which is convenient, though there’s no parking. It used to be known as Gie Gardens Hotel, and I think many people still call it that. The room interiors are bright and cheerful, but the dim hallways and reception area feel drab and could use some improvement. The rooms are on what seems to be the third floor, which could be a challenge for people with disabilities, older guests, or anyone with physical difficulties. It’s a suitable option for travelers passing through who don’t need to stay on Panglao Island.

What would you charge for a stay of 3-4 hours?