Rufina's Leisure Center

Being close to Robinsons Mall was the main plus at Rufina's Leisure Centre in Tagum City, but the stay felt underwhelming for ₱1,299 a night. The room was dated, with basic, worn furniture and an old smell. Even the single pillow smelled stale, and I expected a fresher, more comfortable room for that price. Noise from inside the hotel or the street made it hard to relax. The bathroom had a chemical smell that lingered through my two-day stay, which made me question the cleanliness. Soap and shampoo were provided, but only in very small amounts. The air conditioner and small TV worked adequately, but those basics didn’t make up for the lack of comfort or value. There was no complimentary bottled water either, something I’d expect at most hotels. It might do for a very short visit if being near Robinsons Mall is your main priority. With the dated facilities, cleanliness concerns, noise and missing basic amenities, I found the cost hard to justify.

The rooms are great, with comfortable beds and clean washrooms, and the staff are really friendly. The pools are fantastic for kids, and you can have your own BBQ if you want. Most places are within walking distance.

The staff were kind and even offered a refund, but getting there wasn't an option since my driver had left, I had no other transport, and it was getting dark. They moved me to another room, much worse than the first. I asked about a larger room they called "the wedding room"; at first they said it cost more, but I said they should at least make up for the trouble. The water there looked clearer, until about twenty minutes later when roaches seemed to have moved in with us. We'd rented what they called a "matrimonial suite." Its fridge wasn't plugged in and there was no toilet paper. I showered before realizing the water was murky. My wife turned on the sink and saw water so dirty it looked like urine mixed with mud. We ran it full blast for five minutes and the color stayed the same. By then I was itching all over. Worst hotel I've ever stayed in anywhere. Five stars for the staff, minus one for the hotel.

The parking and security are good, and the location worked well for us. Our sleep was harder, though: the sheets were thin and we only got one pillow each. The cable also stopped working while we were staying there.