Gran Prix Econotel Cebu: Convenience meets Budget

Last week was pretty stressful for me. Aside from work, everything at home just felt so wrong. I couldn't sleep well and always felt restless. I honestly didn't know why, but I knew for sure that I needed a get away and leave (or it could just probably be the weather. lol!).

Gran Prix Econotel Cebu

I stayed at Gran Prix Econotel Cebu since they have good WIFI connection in all their rooms. (Trust me, it's awkward staying at the lobby area for hours with your boxers just to surf the net). Most people, like me, put this at the top of their checklist whenever they look for a place to stay. Money was never a question since Gran Prix has very affordable rates.

The front desk lady was very kind and accompanied me to my room while orienting me of their amenities:

Gran Prix Econotel Cebu has 39 rooms and recently upgraded their air-conditioning system as an action to their customers' comments and reviews. They are using a Smart-card door lock system to ensure customer security. They also highlight the importance of CCTV and placed cameras on every hallway. What I certainly adore most about Gran Prix is their value for time. Their staff is very responsive and do not show leniency (even their elevator shows value for time. Unlike elevators at the mall, it only takes 5-6 seconds to reach the the 4th floor from the ground. Most people probably didn't notice that. Hahaha!) 

By the time I saw my deem lighted, well air-conditioned room, a huge smile came into my face! Finally, a well-deserved deep long sleep!

The Deluxe Queen

The management's willingness to listen to their customers made a big impact not just to them,but to their customers. This is indeed something worth commending. It simply shows that the management listens and take action to improve their service. I've also heard that the management is planning to carpet the floor; this is to minimize the noise produced when walking and I am even more excited to visit them soon and see what changes they did to improve customer satisfaction.

Gran Prix Econotel Cebu

Address: Corner F. Ramos St. & General Maxilom Avenue, Cebu City
Website: www.granprixhotels.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GranPrixHotelCebu
Contact: 254-1294 to 95 | 0932-330-1043

Rates:
Superior Room - Php 1,399.00 / night
Deluxe Room - Php 1,699.00 / night
Suite Room - Php 1,999.00 / night
Family Room - Php 2,299 / night
(Extra Pax - Php 450.00 / night)


More photos with captions below:

L-R: Complimentary towels; Deem-light lamp shade; The hallway (photo taken from the door security viewer); The living area (located at the 3rd floor). 

Top Photo: The Superior Room
Bottom Photo: The Delux Room

One of the most "talked-about" room in Gran Prix Cebu is their Family Loft at Room 417 and 418. A 2 story room with great architectural design. It is very spacious and really well-thought of. For only Php 2,299.00 per night, this is definitely a good catch!

FAQ for Sinulog Reservation:
Do Gran Prix accept reservation for Sinulog?
- Yes, they do. They reach a full reservation for Sinulog by the month of August. First come/inquiry first serve basis.

 How much is the rate during Sinulog?
- Their standard rate usually get double during Sinulog. You need to pay in full to guarantee the reservation.

 Is there a minimum number of days?
- A minimum of 3 nights is required during Sinulog Reservation.

Into the Wild - Costabella Tropical Beach Hotel

I was a bit all around the place for the weekend. Friends, my partner and even myself was so busy that we were not able to catch up with each other. I had to do a hosting gig for the whole Saturday which made me sleep the entire Sunday.

Anyways, I went to this awesome resort named as Costabella Tropical Beach Hotel, which happened to receive the highest resort classification (AAA) award from the Philippine Department of Tourism. To top all of that, Costabella proudly flaunts their love for art, culture and family.

Click to zoom.

Look at the carving at the background. It is a Cebuano who carved those! See how amazing it is?
They say the EARTH without ART is just 'EH'. -- Photo by: Geezelle Tapangan

Yes, Costabella is a family oriented hotel that will give you the warmth of your own home. A lover of art and culture giving pride to local artists in Cebu promoting their masterpieces and the antiques that they have successfully took good care of.

Inside their Seaview Suite -- Photo by: Mark Monta
(Hoodie jacket from Foot Locker; Shirt from Markus; Thrifted jeans; Boots from Forever 21; Bracelet, necklace and watch from SM Accessories)

Hype my look above on LookBook (here).

As much as I really want to, I can't seem to express through writing how amazing this place is. I am completely in a trance just looking at every corner of the hotel. These art collection is magnificent! Kudos to all the staff and crew who made the hotel such a lovely place to live in.

There is so much to see in Costabella and I strongly suggest that you check the place out. They probably have more art than what you find in other museums. It is also a must to check out their lovely rooms (with its customized weaved bed cover) and amenities too.

Official Website: www.costabellaresort.com
Twitter: @CostabellaHotel
Tel. (6332) 495-1000; 238-2700
Fax (6332) 238-2705

See more photos below:

Click to zoom.

Swimming Pool

Seaview Suite Bed (good for 4 person)

Green Windows Dormitel at FTC Tower in Davao

It was last July 15 when I left Cebu for Davao. I needed to take a day off in a very busy city, so I decided to go to Davao for I heard of so many great things in this city of Durian.

Raissa (the 'X') is from Davao so I called her up and asked where can I actually stay there and she told me of Green Windows Dormitel. I googled them and find the dormitel very interesting.

Green Windows Dormitel

Green Windows Dormitel is located at FTC Tower, a walking distance to Davao Doctors Hospital and is very near the downtown area. There is also a walking distance convenient store where I always buy my fresh milk in the morning.

FTC Tower is more with clinics and review center. I think this is a medical facility building because most of the businesses in the building is medically inclined. They also have a drug store, a laundry shop and an ATM at the ground floor.

The taxi will cost you around Php 140.00 - Php 160.00 from the airport going to the Green Windows Dormitel and vice versa. Most of the places is just a ride trip from the dormitel like Abreeza, which is the new Ayala Mall in Davao, G Mall, Victoria Plaza, Matina Town Square, Sta. Ana Wharf and a lot more. They also have a cafeteria with a living room with a lovely sofa and a TV. Everything in the dormitel is new since they just opened recently. I hope they have good maintenance for a long term business like this because I AM DEFINTELY COMING BACK to Green Windows Dormitel the next time I go back to Davao.

Green Windows Dormitel is designed for backpackers or those travelers who prefer traveling solo (like me). Very suitable for back-packers, budget acomodation, bed spacers and for monthly stay.. They have this promo of Php 188.00 per night ONLY! You will be assigned to a room with 7 double deck beds, a working table with four chairs, a designated locker for your items (bring your own padlock) and a clean rest room. I forgot to mention that the lighting in the room and the rest room is pretty nice and eye friendly.

Location: FTC Tower, 5th Floor, 1034 Mt. Apo St., Davao City, 8000 Davao City, Philippines

PROMO RATES:
PHP 188 Night/Bed/Pax (Bed Spacer)
PHP 1100 6pax/Room
PHP 1440 8pax/Room
PHP 1750 10pax/Room
PHP 1400 Night/Room DELUXE KING (*)
PHP 1800 Night/Room DELUXE TWIN (*)

*Single or Double Occupancy with Filipino Breakfast (2pax)
**Double or Quad Occupancy w/ Filipino Breakfast (2pax)

PHP 5000 Month/Bed/Pax
PHP 38000 Month/Room 8-10 persons capacity
PHP 30000 Month/Room 6 persons capacity
PHP 32000 Month/Room DELUXE KING
PHP 38000 Month/Room DELUXE TWIN

Free Wi-fi Access, Airconditioned Room, Hot and Cold Shower, Separate Shower Room And Comfort Room, Living Room, Dining Room, Common Cafeteria, Laundry Service, 24 hours Security/CCTV System, 24 hours Check in Service.

You can send them an email at greenwindowsdormitel(at)gmail(dot)com
or call them at (082) 300-3893 for more info.