03/02/2019
HOTEL REVIEW: Potipot Gateway Resort
Date Stayed: Jan 12-14, 2019
Room Type: Beachfront Villa, Room 4
Average Stars: 3.4 out of 5
Having the word “gateway” in its name, will make you think that the resort was just built as a temporary lodging for the grand adventure which is Potipot Island. Staying there for 3 days and 2 nights, I have found that it has enough merits to be worth going to on its own
HOTEL: 4/5
1) Room: We booked one of the Japanese rooms but was upgraded to the beachfront villa (Room A4) there were just like 4 groups in the hotel at the time. The room we stayed at was spacious and clean. Mattress, sheets and pillows were impeccable. The room fixtures were a bit dated, but we did not find anything that needs repair.
2) Shared Bathroom: While booking, I noticed that some reviews have pointed out their dismay that they were surprised that they had to share a bathroom. The accommodation we had also had a shared bathroom. The weird thing is, the layout is set up in such a way that each room is adjacent to its own bathroom, with a sliding door you can close. You basically get your own bathroom, they are just outside your room (if that makes sense). And when you close the sliding door, you essentially have the BR cordoned off from other people. The bathroom we got though was a bit dirty. Some molds here and there, but nothing to be alarmed about. Cabinets are intact. Toilet has a bidet. The light though, is a bit dim, so you get a sense of a little creepiness.
3) PWD: the place is not suitable for people with mobility problems. If you will be traveling with a person who uses a wheelchair, I noticed that the resort lacks ramps on most of the important locations.
4) Kids: the beach area has a gate, so your kids won’t be able to just wonder off the coast at night. The pool though is open, and can easily be accessed. I did not notice any lifeguards. If traveling with children, you have to watch out for them.
5) Amenities: aside from the listed basic amenities like the convention center, pool, restaurant and gift shop, they also have a half court for basketball, small space for football/soccer and a dedicated private dining are for large groups. The hotel grounds is really spacious, you can walk around aimlessly for photographs for half a day if you want to kill time.
6) Smoking: Resort has several smoking areas around. For non-smokers, it is an open resort. You won’t smell it.
7) Parking: Resort has a an ample parking space. It is outside the resort (you have to cross a hanging bridge to get to the resort proper). The parking lot is gated.
LOCATION & ATTRACTIONS: 3/5
Location here means its proximity to other interesting places and local attractions. Basically, the only interesting place you can go to is Potipot Island. Sadly, Candelaria, does NOT have any other noteworthy places to go to (we asked the locals). Potipot is an interesting place to go to, don’t get me wrong, but that’s about it. There are no bars, no clubs, no markets, no karaoke - nothing! The only other happening place according to locals is another resort which has a live band on Saturdays.
FOOD: 2/5
Price was bordering on ridiculous. Viands average about 500.00 PHP with serving size to around 2 persons. I am not stingy. I can pay a an exorbitant price for food IF it warrants it. For some reason, I felt like I was eating hospital food. Every meal we ordered (except for sinigang na hipon) was thrown with a fistful of Spanish Paprika to add color. Ok, that was a hyperbole, but you get what I mean - we saw Paprika everywhere. The only order That was worth suggesting to others is the boodle fight bundle - that’s it.
STAFF: 4/5
The staff are really friendly and will try to answer your question as best as they can. If they could not provide it, they will try to find another staff who can. The missing star is from the fact that sometimes, you will overhear some of the staff talking about sensitive information about their (and other people’s) lives amongst themselves.
VALUE FOR MONEY: 4/5
The hotel rate was really good for a peak season booking that we had. You may bring in food and drinks (alcoholic included) if you will consume them inside your room. The gift shop prices are insane! 200PHP for a generic flip-flops. The good good thing is, you are a tryke / 10min drive away from their “kapitolyo” (town proper).
Tips:
1. One of he guest services suggested to book via Agoda as it is the cheapest option. Although not stipulated, all bookings include a free breakfast for 2.
2. Bring lots of mosquito repellent. Lots of it!
3. The resort will charge you 1,500 PHP for the speed boat going to Potipot Island. This is for the whole boat. You can look for other guests so you can share the expense. My estimate is, the boat can fit around 10 pax.
