BIGBEN'S APARTELLE Davao: Your Dream City Getaway Awaits!
BIGBEN'S APARTELLE Davao: Your Dream City Getaway Awaits!
BIGBEN'S APARTELLE Davao: My Davao City Dream… Mostly! (A Messy, Honest Review)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on BIGBEN'S APARTELLE Davao. They say it's your "Dream City Getaway." Well, let's just say my dream had a few… snags. But hey, that's life, right? And frankly, a pristine, perfect review feels… suspicious. So, here's the real deal, unfiltered and, well, me!
Accessibility - The Good, the Eh, and the Pray-For-the-Best:
Okay, first things first: Accessibility. This is super important. They claim to have Facilities for disabled guests, which is fantastic to hear, but I didn't personally get to test it. Based on my observations, getting around the main areas (reception, some restaurants) seemed alright. There is an Elevator, which is definitely a plus. Car park [free of charge] and car park [on-site] are both there, so that's convenient. Airport transfer is available – a godsend after a long flight. I would strongly advise contacting the hotel directly to confirm specific accessibility details before you book if you have specific needs. Don't rely on my "seeming" assessment!
On-Site Grub and Guzzle - Food, Glorious… Mostly Good Food!
Listen, a hotel lives or dies by its food, in my humble opinion! BIGBEN'S has some serious potential here. They've got Restaurants, a Coffee shop, and a Poolside bar. The Bar itself? Solid. Good for a pre-dinner drink (or five). I spent a whole afternoon parked there, people-watching, and nursing a surprisingly good cocktail. Pure bliss.
Now, the Asian breakfast… Okay, here’s where things get a tiny bit messy. The buffet looked enticing (especially the fruit!), and I was starving. But let's just say I may have grabbed a slightly dried-out piece of… something. My fault entirely, I'm a picky eater. But the fresh coffee? Chef's kiss. They did offer Alternative meal arrangement options… but you know what? I stuck to the buffet, imperfections and all. It’s part of the adventure, right? And the Buffet in restaurant did have a good selection. [Asian cuisine in restaurant] had the usual suspects the food was decent. The Western cuisine in restaurant, which I tried for dinner, was actually pretty decent. There was a Salad in restaurant and a Soup in restaurant to choose from for a lighter meal.
Room Service [24-hour]? YES!
This is a massive win. That late-night craving for noodles? Solved. The menu was extensive enough to satisfy even my midnight whims.
Cleanliness & Security - Feeling Safe and (Mostly) Squeaky Clean
This is where BIGBEN'S really shines, especially in this post-pandemic world. Hand sanitizer everywhere? Check. Staff trained in safety protocol? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas and Rooms sanitized between stays? Double check. They're taking it seriously. And that's a HUGE comfort. Anti-viral cleaning products were mentioned, and I felt safe. The Security [24-hour] was visible and reassuring. The Smoke alarms and Fire extinguisher are present. It's clear they've put a lot of thought into making guests feel secure.
Things to Do/Ways to Relax - The Spa… and Maybe a Little Regret!
Alright, this is where I went full-on "treat yo' self." They have a Spa, a Sauna, and a Steamroom. Now, let me tell you about my Body scrub. I, a somewhat hairy human, decided to go for the full spa experience. I even got a Body wrap! My skin has never felt so smooth. The massage? Heavenly. The Pool with view was gorgeous. You could just melt into those views. This was my favorite experience.
However, I did not get to try the Fitness center. My apologies. I, uh… chose relaxation over exertion. Maybe next time!
The Rooms - Cozy, Comfy, with a Few Wee Annoyances
The rooms are where things get "interesting." The Air conditioning worked beautifully. The Blackout curtains are a lifesaver for sleeping in. The Bed was comfortable. There are Free bottled water and Complimentary tea. But…
Here's the realness: My room had a slightly… musty smell when I first arrived. Not a huge deal, but noticeable. And the cable channels were a little… limited. Definitely no Netflix and chill happening here. I did take advantage of the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!.
The Little Extras - The Devil's in the Details… Or Not?
There's a Convenience store in the lobby – perfect for snacks, because you know you'll want snacks. They had Cashless payment service.
Other Stuff (The Rambles…)
- I loved the Doorman. Always friendly and helpful.
- There's a Shrine (or a place of worship) on the property, which is a nice touch.
- They offer Laundry service, thank goodness!
- I'm not sure what the Couple's room is, but if I had one I would be sure to mention it.
- The Family/child friendly rating is legit. I saw lots of happy kids. And a lot of happy parents, too.
- The Car park [on-site] was free! This is a big win.
The Offer – Your Davao City Escape Awaits!
Okay, here's the deal. BIGBEN'S APARTELLE Davao: it's not perfect. But it's good. It’s safe, comfortable, conveniently located, and has some truly amazing experiences.
Here’s the unfiltered truth – I'm giving it a solid A-!
Here’s my offer to YOU:
Book your getaway at BIGBEN'S APARTELLE Davao today and get:
- 2 Nights for the Price of 1! (Subject to availability and some conditions. Sorry, not for peak season!)
- A complimentary spa treatment (Because you deserve it!).
- Discounted Airport Transfers (Get to the good stuff without the stress).
- Guaranteed 24-hour room service
How to Book:
Visit [insert a website here or call them] and use the code DAVAODREAM at checkout.
Why You Should Book Now:
Because life's too short for boring hotel rooms. Book now and experience the magic (and the minor quirks) of BIGBEN'S APARTELLE Davao! Trust me, you won't regret it. And you might just find yourself with an irresistible story to tell!
**CyberCity Dream! Stunning 2BHK Balcony, Lift & Parking - Delhi NCR**
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into a chaotic, slightly-organized, and probably delicious adventure through Davao City, Philippines! This isn't your sanitized travel brochure; this is me – a rumbling tummy, a caffeine fiend, and a chronic over-packer – hitting the streets of Davao. We're going BIGBENSAPARTELLE, baby! Let's get lost (and maybe find ourselves) together.
Davao City Delight: The Big Ben's Adventure (and Probably Some Regrets) - A Very Human Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Durian Dilemma
Morning (aka, Whenever I Actually Drag Myself Out of Bed After That Ridiculously Long Flight): Arrive at Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO). Okay, first impressions? HOT. HUMID. And blessedly efficient, thankfully. Grab a cab. The driver, bless his heart, probably thought I was a total space cadet. Apparently, I kept asking him about the "durian situation" every five minutes. More on that later…
Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Check-in at Big Ben's Apartelle. (The Actual Reason We're Here!) Honestly, finding the entrance was a mini-adventure. Turns out I was looking in the WRONG place, good job me! Eventually, SUCCESS! The front desk staff? Sweet as could be. My room? Cozy. Clean. AND it had air conditioning that actually WORKED. Score! Unpack. Immediately realize I packed way too many shoes. Sigh. A classic.
Afternoon: The Durian Dare (And My Possible Demise). Ugh, Durian. The king of fruits. The smelly, spiky, controversial king. The cab driver was not amused at all. I had to try it, everyone said. So, I found a street vendor. He gave me the speech about how it's an acquired taste, a gamble, a culinary adventure, and… well, it just smells like old gym socks left out in the sun. (Or worse!) I took a bite. My face? Well, I'll just say it… it was a reaction. It was strong. Really strong. I may have gagged. I did manage a few more bites (brave or stupid? You decide). Conclusion: I'm not a durian person. At least not yet. I feel I owe it to my self to go back.
Evening: Dinner at a Local Eatery (Hopefully Something Less Controversial). Found a little place called "Penong's". Locals loved it. I ordered grilled squid, garlic rice, and of course, a cold San Miguel. The squid was fantastic! The garlic rice… Oh, the garlic rice! I will probably need a garlic breath mint for the next few days, but worth it. Perfect after the durian catastrophe. A couple of beers and then a good night's sleep, needed after the day.
Day 2: Island Hopping and a Sunset That Almost Made Me Cry (in a Good Way!)
Morning: Island Hopping to Samal Island. This was the "postcard" part of the trip. Booked a boat. Beautiful! The boat? Not so glamorous. Luckily, the destination made up for it big time. Used a local tour guide. One of the best tour guides I have ever had! We were able to see the beautiful white sand beaches, the crystal-clear water. This was the real deal! The beaches were breathtaking. Snorkeled around the coral reefs, (the water was cold but clear as could be!).
Afternoon: Lunch & Relaxation on the Beach. Ah, the life! Ate fresh seafood on the beach. Freshly caught and cooked, still warm and melting in my mouth. Spent a couple of hours just zoning out, listening to the waves, and feeling the sand between my toes.
Late Afternoon/Evening: Sunset at Paradise Island. We arrived at Paradise Island. Had one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever witnessed. The sky was ON FIRE! Reds, oranges, purples… everything. Okay, I confess. I might have teared up a little. It was just… perfect. Pure magic. Watched from a beautiful spot with a cocktail in hand.
Evening: Dinner and Drinks at a Beachfront Restaurant. Enjoyed the sunset with dinner and drinks at a beachfront restaurant on Samal Island. The food was great, the atmosphere was amazing. It would have been perfect. Until I realized I'd left my phone in the bathroom… but I didn't care! The moment was already etched into my memory.
Day 3: Chocolate Hills, The Davao Crocodile Park, and a Bittersweet Farewell
Morning: The Davao Crocodile Park. We visited the Davao Crocodile Park! What a place it was! I don't know how, but I could get up close to the crocodiles. Some of them were massive! I had a tour guide with me but I was enjoying it so much, I didn't need any help at all! I have never seen the like. I think I will have nightmares for weeks!
Afternoon: Travel To The Chocolate Hills. We had another long trip to the Chocolate Hills. Wow, words cannot describe just how beautiful it was. The travel was long and tiring but the scenery was worth the trip.
Late Afternoon/Evening: Final Dinner and Packing (Ugh!). Had to go back to Big Ben's. Back to reality, or back to the real me? I guess I would never know. I went to have my last dinner. More seafood, of course! (I’m on a seafood binge, clearly). Had to pack. The worst part of any trip. Said goodbye to the lovely staff at Big Ben’s. Now I'm heading back home. This trip made me feel like a million dollars.
Day 4: Going Home
- Morning: Departure. Drag myself out of bed (again, probably a late start) and head to the airport. Reflecting on the trip and already missing Davao. I’m certain I will be soon back!
- Anecdote: Got a weird look from the airport security because I was carrying a bag of dried mangoes AND a suspiciously large amount of mosquito repellent. Hey, a girl's gotta be prepared!
- Quirky Observation: The sheer variety of jeepneys will keep me entertained for LIFE. Each one a miniature piece of moving art.
- Emotional Reaction: A bittersweet mixture of sadness at leaving and excitement for future adventures.
- Messier Structure: Okay, so maybe I didn't stick to the schedule exactly. But hey, that's life, right?
The Final Verdict:
Davao City, you absolute gem! The food was amazing, the people were incredibly kind, and the experiences (even the durian-related ones) will stay with me forever. I’m already dreaming of a return trip. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a mountain of laundry to tackle and a serious craving for more garlic rice. And maybe… just maybe… I’ll give that durian another shot. (Definitely maybe not.)
This is what I would do, on my own. What I would see. How I would feel. And how I would document it.
Seychelles Paradise Found: Belle des Iles Hotel Awaits!
BIGBEN'S APARTELLE Davao: Your Dream City Getaway...Or Is It? A Messy FAQ
Okay, so, what *actually* is BIGBEN'S APARTELLE? Like, beyond the glossy website photos?
Alright, listen. It's not *quite* the shimmering paradise the brochure promises. Think of it as… a collection of apartments in Davao. Some are shiny, some are… well, let's just say they've seen things. It's a mixed bag, honestly. I've stayed there twice. First time? Amazing view, felt like a queen (for a week anyway). Second time? Neighbor's karaoke machine vibrated my brain. So, yeah, a mixed bag indeed.
How's the location? Is it actually ‘close to everything’?
"Close to everything"? Well, that depends on your definition of "close." It's *relatively* central. You can get to the city center, malls, and even some beaches (eventually). But, and this is a BIG but, Davao traffic is a beast. Factor in at least an hour to get anywhere during rush hour. Seriously. One time, I thought I'd run to a specific restaurant, and I was stuck in traffic for... four hours. Four hours! I ended up eating instant noodles in my room. Not the "dream city getaway" I'd envisioned. But the proximity to hospitals if the karaoke does get to you, also makes it, ok I guess.
The rooms! Are they clean? Modern? Do they actually look like the pictures?
Okay, here's the lowdown. The pictures? They’re… carefully curated. Some rooms are definitely updated, sleek even. You'll get that "Instagram-worthy" vibe. Others… well, let's just say they might have a slight vintage charm. Cleanliness? Generally, yes. But, and this is another *big* but, I did find one tiny, almost-invisible cockroach, once, during my second stay. I shrieked. Like, a proper, operatic shriek. So, yeah... your mileage may vary. Check for 'em. I mean, I'm not a bug person!!
What about the amenities? Swimming pool? Gym? Is there actual Wi-Fi?
Amenities! Yes, there's a pool. Usually clean, but sometimes crowded. Good for a quick dip. Gym? Yes, but it's… compact. Think less *gym* and more… a collection of fitness equipment crammed into a small space. But hey, it's there. Wi-Fi? Mostly works. Sometimes goes out. Prepare to tether yourself to your phone. Seriously, bring a robust data plan. I had to tether to my phone for an entire week. Let me tell you, watching Netflix then was a very very painful experience.
Is it family-friendly? Are there things to do for kids?
Totally! Bigben's is pretty ok with families. There's a park (though not much), and the pool is kid-friendly. The staff is generally super accommodating. However, the "things to do for kids," are limited. The main attractions are a close distance away but the traffic! It takes forever! I have a nephew, who was getting quite bored within the first hour of stay. You better bring some toys and games or risk getting stuck in a situation.
What about the staff? Are they helpful?
Okay, this is where BIGBEN'S shines! The staff? They are ANGELS! They are genuinely warm, friendly, and go above and beyond. I locked myself out of my room at 3 AM (don’t ask), and the security guard, bless his heart, was there in minutes with a smile. I genuinely adore them. They're the saving grace of the place, honestly, because they are so accommodating. They're the ones who *make* the experience. Seriously, tip them well. They deserve it.
Alright, so, what's the *worst* thing about staying there? Be honest.
Oh dear. The worst? Okay, I have to say the *noise*. It can be… intense. That karaoke machine! The traffic outside. The neighbors who party until 3 AM. It's the price you pay for that "central location," I guess. You need earplugs, maybe a noise-canceling headset, and maybe even some serious meditation skills. Or, you know, move in with the staff… since they seem to live a quiet life.
Would you stay there again? Seriously?
See, this is tough. Honestly? Yes, I probably would. Davao is awesome, and BIGBEN'S has its perks. The staff! The generally good location! (traffic aside). But… I’d go in with realistic expectations. It's not a perfect paradise. It’s a bit… messy. But it's got character. And sometimes, a little bit of messy is okay, right? Just bring earplugs. And maybe a cockroach-repelling spray… just in case.
Anything else I should know? Like, any secret tips?
Secret tips! Okay. Ask for a room on a higher floor – less noise. Bring your own snacks and drinks because the mini-fridge is limited. Explore the local food scene – it's amazing! And… be patient. Davao time is a thing. Things might not happen exactly when you expect, but that's part of the charm, right? (Maybe not when you're hangry and stuck in traffic…) And for the love of all things holy, pack earplugs! The sound of that darn karaoke machine is forever etched into my memory. Shudder.
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