Hartman Beach

We had a couple of minor issues here, no wakeup call, which we'd booked for an early start tour and a lack of communication from hotel about the tour cancellation. They should have advised tour cancelled when we came down to breakfast and at a minimum, put a notice advising guests in reception, lifts, under guests door etc. Pool area was nice and drinks at happy hour are great value, 2 cocktails for about 200php. Beds are very comfy, but as noted by other guests, room smelt damp and mouldy. There is evidence of damp and mould on 3rd floor corridor ceiling. Massages are great here on 5th floor and good value. Aside from Robinsons there's not really anywhere you can walk to. We used to get the Jeepneys downtown to go out for food and drink, about 12-15 php per person one way, though it could be a challenge to get a Jeepneys back, they were often very full. Hotel staff and manager Karen are all lovely. We had to extend our stay a few times, first as river tour was cancelled, then because of typhoon kalmaegi. But Karen was very accommodating, letting us stay in same room. This place could be something very special with a few tweaks. For example at breakfast my eggs on 2 occasions weren't cooked as requested ( poached, well done) or mistakenly given to other guests... Solution have table numbers and slips of paper with tick boxes for type of eggs you want and how you want them cooked, with ingredients list too, omlettes, well done, ham, egg, cheese etc.