Dumaguete Dream Home: Triple Suite + Kitchenette in Siaton Plaza!
Okay, buckle up, because this isn't your average hotel review. This is me, spilling the tea (maybe with some free, in-room Wi-Fi, wink wink) on Dumaguete Dream Home: Triple Suite + Kitchenette in Siaton Plaza! Get ready for a rollercoaster of opinions, scattered thoughts, and hopefully, enough info to make you book or run screaming. Let's GO!
Dumaguete Dream Home: Triple Suite + Kitchenette in Siaton Plaza! - The Good, the Bad, and the Surprisingly Sanitized
Right, let's be honest. "Dumaguete Dream Home" sounds like some cheesy real estate ad, but hey, the name is catchy. I was REALLY intrigued by the "Triple Suite + Kitchenette" though. I mean, a kitchenette? In Dumaguete? That's promising, especially if you're like me and enjoy a late-night instant noodle adventure.
Accessibility - The Real Deal?
Okay, so the review starts a bit technical, but it's important. Accessibility. Dumaguete isn't exactly known for being a wheelchair-friendly paradise, and honestly, I didn’t personally need this, but I noticed a few details during my hunt for more info. The listing doesn't explicitly scream "wheelchair accessible," which is a bit of a red flag. Always, always call ahead or email if accessibility is a priority. (I'm mentally picturing a frantic phone call, "Uh, hello? Is your elevator… uh… wide enough for… you know… a thing?")
(Rambling Interlude: The Lumpy Mattress of Life) Okay, quick rant: Finding truly accessible travel can be a nightmare. You see those perfect travel blogs? "Here's how to navigate Europe with a wheelchair!" Yeah, right. They probably got a free trip. It’s a real struggle, sometimes you just have to roll with it.
Back to the Dream Home…
Let's move onto the stuff that makes a hotel a hotel:
Internet Access - Praise the Wi-Fi Gods!
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! HALLELUJAH! Seriously, that's a major win. I'm a digital nomad, so bad Wi-Fi is my kryptonite. The listing also mentions Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN. I’m old-school, so LAN feels almost quaint, in a nostalgic way. Think of it, a wired connection! Like something from the 90s, but I still use and love it.
Internet Services: Nothing specific is said, but hey, free Wi-Fi is a great service! Important note: I'd still test the speed as soon as you check in. Don't be shy; do the speed test!
Wi-Fi in public areas: Good to know, for the Instagramming in the lobby crowd. You know who you are.
Things to Do/Ways to Relax - Spa Day Dreams (or Nightmares?)
Alright, here's where things get interesting. They list off a lot of potential ways to unwind, which is great.
Spa/Sauna, Massage, Foot bath, Body scrub, Body wrap, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Pool, Pool with view, Fitness Center, Gym/fitness… that… that's a lot. Is it actual luxury luxury, though? That’s my question. I envision lots of things, so you just have to see. The website, the pics.
Swimming pool [outdoor]: Okay, a pool! Definitely needed in the Dumaguete heat. Pool with a view? Now we're talking. I’m picturing myself, lounging by the pool, maybe with a (complimentary, hopefully) cocktail.
Cleanliness and Safety - The Sanitization Station
Given the current climate, this is critical.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out (nice!), Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.
Wow. That's a lot of effort. It sounds like they're really taking the whole COVID thing seriously. This definitely eases my mind a bit. Look, I'm not a germaphobe, but I also like not getting the plague.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Let's Eat!
This is where a hotel can truly win me over. Dumaguete Dream Home sounds promising:
- A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
Okay, that's a lot of options. The variety is great, though! And the pool bar? Yes, please.
- Anecdote: I stayed at a hotel in Vietnam once that promised "Western breakfast." Turns out it was just toast, instant coffee, and a slice of processed cheese. So, yeah, I'm cautiously optimistic here.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things Matter
Air conditioning in public area… Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests… the usual suspects there. Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes… This is what makes a hotel enjoyable!
Anecdote: I once checked in to a hotel in Jakarta and realized my luggage was gone. Thank goodness for the concierge! They practically moved mountains to find it (turns out, I'd left it on the airport shuttle).
For the Kids - Family-Friendly?
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, and Kids meal. Good to know if you're traveling with little ones. I'm not a parent, but I appreciate hotels catering to families. It means less screaming in the halls (hopefully).
Available in All Rooms - The Essentials (and Not-So-Essentials)
- Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
Standard stuff, for the most part. I'm a sucker for a bathtub, and blackout curtains are a godsend. I love a well-stocked mini-bar, but I'm also a cheapskate.
Getting Around - Ease of Access
- Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking. Very convenient indeed. I'm a big fan of free parking.
The Quirks and the Imperfections
Look, no place is perfect. I'd be more interested in the following:
- Room decorations! I want some style, not a bland beige box.
- Couple's room. This is a must-know to plan dates with a loved one.
- Proposals spot. This is what it is. A must
- Smoking area. If you are a smoker, this is extremely important.
- Pet allowed available. I hope they can add this.
The Verdict & My Stream-of-Consciousness Recommendation
Okay, so here's the deal. Dumaguete Dream Home: Triple Suite + Kitchenette in Siaton Plaza! sounds promising. The emphasis on cleanliness and the plethora of dining options are major pluses. The free Wi-Fi is a definite win. I'm also intrigued by that kitchenette. Picture this: a late-night snack of instant noodles, a cold drink from the mini-bar, and some mindless TV. Bliss.
BUT
I'd still want more details. I'd call and double-check the accessibility situation. I'd check the pictures of the pool. I'd verify the Wi-Fi speed. And I'd scope out the restaurants beforehand.
My Recommendation if I was to make a decision and this hotel would be right for me:
Book it! If you're looking for a clean, convenient, and
Shenzhen's BEST Sea World Hotel? (Shekou Grade Hotel Review!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my Siaton Plaza Residences:Triple Suite + Kitchenette adventure in Dumaguete. This isn't your pristine, perfectly-planned itinerary. This is real life, folks. Prepare for chaos. And maybe some questionable food choices.
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Kitchenette Confrontation (and a Near-Disaster with the Rice Cooker)
1:00 PM: Touchdown in Dumaguete! Gods, the humidity hits you like a warm, sticky hug. I'm instantly regretting not packing that travel-sized deodorant. The airport is tiny, bless its heart, and getting a tricycle to Siaton Plaza is a breeze. The driver looks like he's seen a ghost, I swear, but he gets me there safe and sound.
1:30 PM: Check-in. The receptionist is sweet, but the AC in the lobby is clearly on a power-saving setting. I'm already sweating through my shirt. Finally in the room! Triple Suite…sounds fancy! It's…actually pretty good, especially for the price. The kitchenette is the real sell, because you know I'm on a budget.
2:00 PM: Kitchenette inspection. Oh, the possibilities! Ok, let's get down to business. First priority: rice. Because, Philippines. I struggle with the rice cooker for about five minutes – honestly, I'm not sure which button does what. Eventually, I manage to get it going… and a small plume of smoke billows from the thing before the electric breaker shuts off. Great start. I'm ready to throw it out the window.
2:30 PM: I finally get the rice cooker to work, after consulting the instruction manual (which is in Filipino, naturally). I have to get more rice.
3:00 PM: I head out to the supermarket. I wander aimlessly for half an hour, overwhelmed by the sheer variety of… everything. I end up buying a bag of rice, some instant noodles (a backup plan, clearly), and a bright green fruit that vaguely resembles a mango. I have no idea what it is, but I'm intrigued.
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Exploring Dumaguete. Walking the streets.
- 6:00 PM: The Rizal Boulevard. It's a gorgeous scene but I get distracted by a street vendor selling grilled corn. It's smoky, it's buttery, it's perfect. I eat two, and make a mental note to never eat anything before that.
7:30 PM: Dinner at a local eatery. I decide to be "adventurous" and order something called "kinilaw" (raw fish marinated in vinegar and spices). It's… intensely vinegary. I manage to eat most of it, but my face looks like it's permanently stuck in a grimace. It's an adventure, I told myself.
9:00 PM: Back at the hotel. I finally collapse into bed, exhausted and slightly regretting the kinilaw. I set an alarm for tomorrow, mostly because I can't remember to do so.
Day 2: Apo Island Dreams & Snorkel Shenanigans (and a near-death experience with a sea turtle)
6:00 AM: The alarm goes off! (And, surprisingly, I wake up!) I drag myself out of bed. The kitchenette calls to me, and I make instant coffee and toast. (I'm using the toaster, don't worry.)
7:00 AM: Off to Apo Island! I'm meeting a group for a day trip. The tricycle ride to the pier is an ordeal. I swear, the drivers here have a death wish. We hit every pothole, and I'm pretty sure my internal organs are rearranged by the time we arrive.
9:00 AM: Finally on the boat! The water is ridiculously clear, and the anticipation is building. Apo Island is supposed to be a snorkeling paradise, and I’m ready.
10:00 AM: Snorkeling! The reef is gorgeous: the colors are vibrant, and fish of a million varieties dart around. I manage to stay afloat, which is an accomplishment in itself. Then, I see it. A sea turtle! It's majestic, gliding effortlessly through the water, and I'm grinning like an idiot behind my snorkel. I try to follow it, and then I see it.
11:00 AM: I chase after the sea turtle I almost die in the process. I forget about the current, get separated from the group, panic a little, and end up swallowing half the ocean. A stern-eyed boatman fished me out and dragged me back to the surface. I live to tell the tale.
12:00 PM: Back on the boat, shaky but alive. I gorge myself on the provided lunch (grilled fish, rice, and some mystery vegetables). The lunch tastes amazing after nearly drowning.
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: More snorkeling (albeit with a healthy respect for the ocean). I spend the afternoon recovering from my near-death experience, and appreciating the beauty around me, while also quietly judging the people who seem to be effortlessly gliding through the water.
5:00 PM: Back to Dumaguete. The tricycle ride is somehow even more harrowing than the one in the morning. I swear, the driver is trying to break a land speed record.
6:00 PM: Dinner. I'm not going to risk anything too adventurous. I settle for a simple chicken and rice from a nearby restaurant.
8:00 PM: I finally write this down. It's late. My face is still red. My body is sore. And I have a feeling the next few days will hold their own brand of insanity.
Day 3: Silliman University & The Search for the Perfect Halo-Halo (and a sudden downpour)
9:00 AM: Sleep in. I deserve it. I finally take a shower.
11:00 AM: Silliman University. The campus is beautiful, with old buildings and tree-lined streets. It’s full of students, couples, and it’s overall buzzing with life.
12:00 PM: I decide to search for the best halo-halo in Dumaguete. This is a serious undertaking.
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: My halo-halo quest begins. I try three places, rating them on a scale of "refreshing" to "pure sugary bliss." I walk for miles. I am sweating. I am fueled by sugar. The quest is exhausting.
4:00 PM: The skies open up. A torrential downpour erupts. I take shelter under the awning. I make friends with a local stray cat, who is also thoroughly drenched. We bond.
5:00 PM: The rain eventually lets up. I am slightly less drenched, and I finally found my favorite halo-halo place.
6:00 PM: Dinner. I swear, it will be light. I order a simple salad.
7:00 PM: I decide to book a bus ticket for my next destination.
Day 4 (and beyond):
I have no idea. I'm going with the flow. This itinerary is a suggestion, not a law. Who knows what weird adventures the next few days will hold. All I know is I'll embrace the chaos, and make sure to keep my snorkel handy.
Escape to Paradise: Villa the Divine, Unawatuna's Jewel
Dumaguete Dream Home: Triple Suite + Kitchenette - Yeah, About That... FAQs
So, "Dream Home" huh? Is it actually a dream, or more of a... mildly pleasant nap?
Okay, let's be honest. "Dream Home" is a bit… optimistic. It's more like a perfectly adequate home, perfectly situated for some serious Siaton exploring. The Triple Suite itself? Three beds! Plenty of space, right? Well, *technically*, yes. Practically? It's functional! You're not tripping over each other, which is a win when you're traveling with friends (or trying to *avoid* your family, which is sometimes the real dream, am I right?).
The kitchenette? That's where the dream gets a little... blurry. Picture this: you, fueled by instant noodles and a singular can of tuna, attempting to conquer your own culinary adventure. Success is not guaranteed. I once tried to make toast. The smoke alarm nearly took out the electricity for the whole building. (Turns out, the toaster was a little… temperamental. Or maybe it was me. Let's go with the toaster.)
Right, the Kitchenette. What exactly *is* "kitchenette" defined as? Just a sink and a microwave? (Please say no!)
Okay, buckle up, because the kitchenette is a microcosm of life: you get what you get, and you don't throw a fit (at least, not until after you've finished that second cup of instant coffee). You're generally lookin' at a sink, a microwave (that might or might not melt plastic), a small refrigerator that's seen better days, and usually just *enough* counter space to precariously balance your instant coffee, some packets of *ketsup* (I'm in the Philippines), and a plate of pre-cooked rice that has been there for as long as I can remember.
I’m not going to lie, I'm still traumatized by the time I tried to cook eggs. The pan was… well, let’s just say it was a relic from a bygone era. The eggs formed a semi-solid, vaguely yellow mass that resembled something found in a paleontologist's excavation site. It tasted better than it looked, though. Small victories, folks. Small victories.
What's this "Siaton Plaza" thing all about? Is it like, actual Plaza level amazing, or... a bit more modest?
Siaton Plaza. It's the heart of Siaton, and trust me, it's a heart that beats with a slightly different rhythm than, say, Times Square. It's not bustling, it’s not overflowing with flashing lights, or even any lights at all most of the time. It’s simpler. Picture this: a central area, some benches, maybe a vendor slinging *halo-halo* (that's Filipino shaved ice with everything delicious), and the general ambiance of a laid-back afternoon. It’s the perfect place to people-watch, to breathe, to soak in the slow pace of life. It is more than what it seems to be.
Okay Okay, What's the WiFi situation? I need to Instagram my *ketsup* with the best of them.
Prepare yourself. WiFi in the Philippines is, shall we say, *aspirational.* It exists. It *mostly* works. But don't count on streaming HD movies or conducting complex international business deals. Think of it more as a suggestion of connectivity. You might be able to upload that *ketsup* shot, but it could take a while. Patience is a virtue, my friend. And a good data plan on your phone is a LIFESAVER.
I learned this the hard way. I tried to FaceTime my mom. It took us like, 20 minutes just to even connect, and then it kept cutting out. I should've just written her a letter. (Who even *writes* letters anymore?)
Let's talk location. Is it actually a good base for exploring the area, or am I going to be stuck playing 'Where's Waldo?' with transportation?
The location? That's the *real* dream. Siaton is a great base camp for exploring the surrounding areas. You're close to the beach, waterfalls, and other hidden gems. (You'll need to ask the locals for the best secret spots, though - I can't give away *all* the secrets!). Tricycles and habal-habals (motorcycle taxis) are your friends. They're cheap, readily available, and an adventure in themselves! Just be prepared for the occasional bumpy ride and the feeling that you're defying gravity.
My best memory? Getting completely lost in the backroads while trying to find a waterfall. We finally found it. It was beautiful. And the people there? Even better. The entire experience just gave me a burst of adrenaline from the experience from having to constantly keep track of the terrain and the sudden drops of the road. Talk about a fun time!
Honestly, what's the *worst* part about this place? Be brutally honest.
Okay, buckle up, because here's some truth, truth hurts : The occasional... let's say *unpredictable* water pressure. And the air conditioning, sometimes, is a little… ambitious. You might find yourself sweating a little, even if the AC is *on*. Power outages happen. Embrace the charm. Or buy a powerful fan.
And honestly, the biggest issue? The lack of a decent coffee maker. I *desperately* needed a proper coffee maker! The instant coffee, my friends, is a necessary evil. And trust me, after a long day of exploring, a decent cup of coffee can make all the difference in the world.
Overall, would you recommend it? Like, REALLY recommend it?
Absolutely. With caveats. It's not luxurious, it's not perfect, but it's authentic It's a solid base for an adventure. If you're looking for a five-star experience, this isn't it. If you're looking for a place to relax, explore, and experience the *real* Philippines, then, yeah. Absolutely, a hundred percent, go for it. Just bring your own coffee. And maybe a good book. You will love it, or you will learn to love it.
It's an experience. You'll remember it. You'll probably have some stories to tell. And who knows, you might even find a hidden waterfall or two on the way.
