Room Rates at Philippine Resorts

A reader wrote to say that she was choosing between Plantation Bay and Maribago in Cebu and was asking which resort I would recommend. I told her that Plantation Bay, as I remember, was more expensive but I enjoyed the facilities, service and view more.

Maribago is more reasonable, price-wise, and its facilities are likewise okay. I also read in the newspapers recently that it now has a full-blown spa (same with Panglao Island Nature Resort in Bohol) so that should make it a better place to go to for people who want to get away and relax. During our visit to Maribago years ago, I remember that I had wanted to get a massage by the beach. According to the resort, you could get a massage as early as 8am or 9am in the morning. When I went though, there was no one there and they could not say what time that person would arrive.

On another note, the reader likewise mentioned that they were trying to save money and would USD 100 to USD 130 a night be pretty standard? From my experience, it is. More established resorts and those which offer a range of facilities and amenities would typically charge a minimum of USD 100. I am sure that there are less expensive resorts anywhere but I am not too sure what kind of service or place you would expect if the price were less than USD 100.

If any of our readers have information on great places (from your personal experience, okay?) which can be visited and which charges less than USD 100 a night, please let me know. I am sure that the other readers searching for affordable but nice resorts will be very thankful to you for sharing such information.