It was my first time to set foot at Dumaguete, Negros Oriental. Known as City of Gentle People, I knew we're in for a treat. We decided to check in at Hotel Essencia since I've read many good reviews about the same. It felt like home. Lush surroundings, barely one-year old, very accommodating staff, and so much more.
The Bedroom
Who wouldn't want to wake up with clouds and greens all over? I love their bedding, curtains, chairs, bed side table, everything! Pillows are so-so but in general, it was such a joy to lie down like a boss in this side of the world! Wee! Can we go here once a month? :)
I appreciate the side table since I had this habit of reading before going to sleep. I was randomly reading Francis Kong's BEING THE BEST YOU CAN EVER BE (Thoughts HERE) during the trip. Very nice read. Specially when you're in a serene place like this.
Some Room Details
It's a pretty much a basic hotel with bare necessities like complimentary coffee, water, heater, phone and flat screen TV. Bathroom are nice though their towels did not pass my sniff test. There's some weird smell on one of the towels but I guess that's only a one-off scenario. They also don't have bidet (FYI). Their shower room is clean and okay too.
Food wise, their breakfast package was so nice! Try their Home Made Ham with Fried Rice and Egg. Note that they don't have brewed coffee though. Good thing I had a Kopiko Brown as my baon. TIP: Let the waiter know that you're an in-house guest; from Php 165.00, your breakfast tab is discounted to Php 90.00. ☺
Hotel Essencia Spa
Aaaand now, this is my FAVORITE part! I got their promo that includes WHOLE BODY MASSAGE plus FOOT SPA for... drum rolls please... PHP 400. I mean, for a hotel rate, this is a real steal! Mom and Jay got a Foot Spa and Back Massage for PHP 300 each. Another happy thought is the masseuses were not in a rush.
Our treatment started with a foot soak, then foot scrub, then foot spa. After that, I was led to a room for my Swedish body massage. The strokes were no different from Manila's Swedish body massage. That morning after - all my muscles are loosened and relaxed from its stiffness. Body love, here we go!
The Whole Experience
If I'll encapsulate the whole experience into one word, it would be: RELAXING! You wake up with soft rays of sunshine. Eat your breakfast sans the feeling of rush. Traverse the city for the first time. Carry on a conversation with complete strangers. However truthfully, I sort of miss my usual routine after the third day. Maybe that's a good indication of me being completely refreshed!
Price point starts at Php 1,500 for a standard room (like ours). We got it at a promo rate worth Php 1,200. Catch more of Hotel Essencia by visiting their website HERE. If you're looking for a quick weekend getaway somewhere in Visayas - Dumaguete is a good and budget friendly choice! Enjoy! -CMK
ReplyDeleteNice post.............