Let me get things straight, all my travels and food trips that you
read here are self-paid from our own pockets
so its only fitting that I demand to get my money's worth and there's no way I'm
settling for something less. Whenever I book a hotel whether thru Agoda
or directly to the property, I specify my requests and more often than
not, follow up on them before I arrive. This time however, I was not
able to check with Misibis Bay if my requests such as a large bed, early
check-in and the room's location have been accommodated. This was actually my second time in Misibis Bay having traveled with my friends back in 2012
when the resort was barely new so I knew what to expect. After scoring a great deal with
Philippine Airlines' 75th Anniversary Sale to Legaspi last March, I knew
it was the perfect time to revisit Albay's premier and only luxury resort.
Check-in was a breeze partly because we were the only guests there but went downhill from the minute we were brought to our garden view room. All praises from my previous stay in Misibis Bay, which was like a dream, went down the drain as my recent stay seemed like a nightmare! I've never been so disappointed and regretful of my hotel choice during my trips because I do my research beforehand. Well, there's always a first time in everything and after our recent trip, I don't see myself going back to Misibis in the next few years. Read on why.
Dirty and poorly maintained rooms. Misibis Bay prides itself as a 5-star resort so guests would expect the rooms to be as beautiful as depicted on the resort's website. To say that I was disappointed was an understatement. I didn't travel all the way here and paid premium to sleep in a room with soiled linens, pillows that needed new covers, even dirtier day bed, stained walls and toilet that was obviously cleaned in a rush. To make things worst, we had to wait for 3 hours for a new room to become available only to be brought to a slightly better and cleaner one but with half empty bottles of toiletries situated at an even farther location.
When I first stayed in Misibis Bay, this part of the resort was non-existent so I'm assuming that the rooms here are newer than the villas located near the reception area. Unfortunately, both rooms we went to were poorly maintained and badly needed new linens. The garden view room that we booked thru Agoda at a little over Php5,500 per night is a 24sqm room with amenities such as your choice of a large or twin beds, air-conditioning, coffee and tea maker, bathrobes and abaca slippers, an in-room safe, a separate toilet and bath, a cable television and mini refrigerator.
Limited food choices. One of the things that I recall from my previous trip to Misibis was the pricey and limited options for dining. With only one restaurant in a secluded resort, guests have no choice but to dine and hope that the high price tags equate to high quality and delicious meals.
Instead of staying in the room while we wait for the new one to be available, CS and I went to the restaurant for late lunch. We were not in the mood to eat heavy so we passed on the buffet and settled to order ala carte. The staff gave us complimentary breads as we browsed thru the menu.
Classic BLT - Php325.00 |
Spice Market's Classic BLT Sandwich was probably the best meal we ever tried during our stay. I love that they used ciabatta instead of an ordinary bread to level up the look and the taste of the sandwich. The bacon was extra crispy and the vegetables were fresh, a classic favorite if you like it simple but with varying flavors. The Spicy Tuna on the other hand, was the worst maki I have ever tasted! The rice that they used was no Japanese rice and the tuna was so small I can barely taste it was there. It was like eating rice with a hint of spicy mayo on top. Do not order at all costs.
Spicy Tuna - Php325.00 |
The staff convinced us to get buffet instead of ordering ala carte again for dinner. He was right that the Php700/person rate could only get us about 3 dishes that can either make or break our night while the buffet has more options that we can choose from. Besides, the quality of the food that they serve were average, some even below quality, so we thought that the grilled meats and seafood were the better and safer choice. The cheese and fresh fruits were welcome bonus as well.
Hotel facilities and paid resort activities. Another unfortunate surprise came to light upon learning that the resort activities that used to be complimentary are now all chargeable with a fee. Everything from snorkeling to the zip line and hobie cat that we used to enjoy for free can now be booked but expect your bill to rack up some few hundreds to a couple of thousands. To avoid paying more, we just lounged by the pool that used to have a visually stunning view until the resort decided to reclaim land so no more infinity pool and its gorgeous backdrop.
When Misibis Bay advertised the room that we booked with a garden view, I was expecting a lush garden to wake up to and not a view of the other building and a dead lawn. Maybe a few flowering plants and a lush green carpet of healthy grass can help liven up the place.
Bad customer service. I've been to numerous resorts and hotels within the Philippines and abroad and without a doubt, Misibis Bay bags the top spot of the worst customer service I have ever encountered! When we were first brought to our room and asked to be transferred to another, the staff on the other line insisted that we take it even if the room was dirty and had two single beds. From experience, when the room that we booked is not available upon arrival, the property usually offers a complimentary room upgrade and not let the guest wait for hours especially during off peak season. CS was willing to pay the upgrade fee of Php2,000 to a garden villa but I thought it was not worth paying more so we waited instead.
A few hours has passed and still no room, we went to the restaurant to eat and kill time. After that, we went straight to the reception to get the keys to our new room only to be met by an unapologetic staff who, upon learning my concerns, cannot hide her annoyance and even frowned when she thought I wasn't looking. I let it pass and just walked away because another minute I spend there would empty out the remaining patience I had that day. Besides, its not worth ruining the entire trip for the inconvenience Misibis Bay caused us. This was all charged to experience.
Not worth our time and definitely not worth our money. If you must, book at your own risk.
~o~o~o~
Misibis Bay
Cagraray Island, Bacacay
Albay Province, Bicol Region, Philippines
Manila Sales & Reservations Office
1202-B Tektite West Tower, Philippine Stock Exchange, Exchange Road,
Ortigas Center,1605 Pasig City, Phillippines
Ortigas Center,1605 Pasig City, Phillippines
Tel.: (632) 661-8888
Fax: (632) 470-3607
Website: www.misibisbay.com
Website: www.misibisbay.com
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