Microtel by Wyndham Tarlac

The hotel advertises transport to a golf course nearly 3 km away, but says it won't provide the car and instead charges to run it each day. The service is a mess. Our tee time was 8 a.m., yet they said transport wasn't possible until 6 p.m. Is this really proper hotel service? I'm very disappointed.

Dear Microtel Tarlac Management, Your staff were professional and the hotel was clean during my stay. What surprised me was that complimentary bottled water is reserved for suite guests. I see a small bottle at check-in as a basic courtesy for standard rooms too, especially after traveling. I realize this may be your policy, but please consider offering water to everyone, whatever their room type. It would make the welcome feel more hospitable. I hope to notice a change on my next visit. Thank you for your attention, Geoff

The plated breakfast was much better than expected, especially after the pricey, disappointing lunch we'd had the day before. The staff were gracious and respectful, too. Our room was otherwise okay, but the shower's hot water came and went. My husband tried three times; it was hot on his last shower. I rushed in, but the hot water had disappeared. When I went back later, it was there again. We paid good money for the room, and I don't want that kind of uncertainty. We also had to ask before they brought slippers, dental kits, and toiletries.

The room stayed nice and cool thanks to an air conditioner that looked new, and the view of the trees was pleasant. The hotel front looked clean and decent. Still, this felt like an average stay for the price, with room to improve. Supplies and toiletries came only after we asked, and we didn't check whether slippers were available. There wasn't a breakfast buffet, though the plated meal was good. The linens weren't very soft or comfortable, and the TV was tiny and difficult to use.