There are many great places to stay when visiting Davao, but this time around my travels brought me to new hotels and finds that I’ve never stayed at before as well as visiting an old favorite. Here’s a little run down and review of a few accommodations I’ve recently stayed at.
Let’s start with a place that is a little more familiar. The first hotel I stayed at during my travels is probably my favorite place in Davao. It is a beach front property with lush green gardens and a welcoming atmosphere. If you are looking to get away from the city without having to leave the city at all, then look no further than the Waterfront Insular Hotel.
I will admit, I may be a little biased since I’ve been staying at the Waterfront since I was a kid. However, I will say, there is a reason why my family and I always come back. There’s something nice about being able to get away from it all. As much as it’s nice to partake in all the activities Davao has to offer, there’s also something great about being able to relax under the coconut trees and breathe in the fresh air. Although you can’t swim at the beach, it is still nice to just be by the water and take in the nice view. There are no buildings or giant skyscrapers in sight, and you can’t hear any of the traffic or hustle and bustle of the city. It’s almost as if you’re in your own little tropical paradise bubble.
The rooms are a decent size and they have comfortable beds, as well as a little balcony where you can sit and have coffee and take in either the view of the gardens and pool, or the surrounding coconut trees. When it comes to food, you may order room service if you really want to lay around and relax, or you can also eat by the pool. One of my favorite things to do is take a dip in their fairly deep pool and then order a fresh plate of kinilaw and laze around in one of their poolside cabanas. They also have other poolside favorites like pizzas and sandwiches. If you are with your family, they have a kiddie pool and jacuzzi as well, so everyone is sure to enjoy at this hotel no matter the age.
The hotel is well secured since it has its own gate and guardhouse at the entrance of the property. From the gate it's a few minutes walk into the grounds to get to the hotel lobby. However, you don’t have to worry so much about transportation if you want to visit the nearby mall or go out to eat since they can always call a taxi for you, or you may opt to use the hotel car service. Personally, it is very convenient that they have a 24 hour car service that can drop you off or pick you up anywhere in the city. Especially if you have a very late or early flight to catch, it is much easier to use the hotel’s spacious van and friendly set of drivers than to find transportation on your own.
If you are looking to get away and find some peace and quiet with the perfect tropical background then make sure to book a few nights at the Waterfront Insular Hotel. The staff are always kind and helpful, and the scenery never disappoints. Even on a stormy night, you can watch a thunderstorm from the bar cafe by the lobby. One evening, my family and I grabbed a beer and just listened to the rain and watched the lightning light up the sky every now and then. Whether it rained or shined, our stay was always comfortable and relaxing. If you ever find yourself in Davao, make sure to check out this beautiful establishment hidden in plain sight within the city.
