Luxury Getaway: Cagayan de Oro's Hidden Rich Manor Pension House!
Luxury Getaway: Cagayan de Oro's Hidden Rich Manor Pension House! - A Messy, Honest, and Occasionally Wonderful Review (and a Plea for YOU to Go!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't going to be your textbook hotel review. This is going to be real. We're talking the good, the bad, the "wait, did I actually leave the phone in the bathtub?" experiences of staying at Luxury Getaway: Cagayan de Oro's Hidden Rich Manor Pension House! Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, because let me tell you, this place… it's a thing.
First, the good stuff (because let's face it, that's why you're here, aren't you?):
Accessibility: Okay, so I'm not in a wheelchair, but I'm always impressed by hotels that get accessibility. While I didn't personally vet every inch, they say they have facilities for disabled guests, and that’s a huge plus. They get a gold star for acknowledging this isn't a monolith.
Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms! & Internet Access Generally: Praise the Wi-Fi gods! Seriously, in today's world, this is a non-negotiable. I needed to write, stalk my ex (just kidding… mostly), and generally be connected, and it was seamless and fast. So, huge win. (5/5 Stars for Wi-Fi) They also have LAN access, which, for anyone who still plugs in (are there any of you dinosaurs left?), is a nice touch.
Cleanliness and Pandemic Peace of Mind: Look – I'm a germaphobe. I won’t lie. This place gets serious bonus points for the anti-viral cleaning products and the daily disinfection. They had hand sanitizer everywhere. They even had this gigantic bottle of it by the elevator, which I found utterly fascinating. Like, am I supposed to bathe in it? (I didn't). And the room sanitization opt-out? Genius. You feel like you're actually safe. They also had individually wrapped food options (more on that later). Plus, safe dining setup, oh, the hygiene certification!
The Pool with a View (And the Spa!): This is where things get interesting. The view is genuinely stunning, particularly at sunset. I mean, postcard-worthy. The pool itself is lovely, and the surrounding area is well-maintained. But the experience that truly blew me away was the spa. Okay, so I usually find spas a bit…meh. Overpriced massages, mediocre steam rooms, the works. But this? This was different. I booked the Body Scrub. Let me tell you about this body scrub.
- The Body Scrub Experience (or, How I Became a New Human): The therapist was this tiny, incredibly strong woman who, I swear, could have sanded a mountain. First, the smell! It was this amazing blend of something floral and something earthy, like a perfume crafted by a forest nymph. And the scrub itself…oh my god. It was this gritty, grainy, unbelievably delicious-smelling concoction that felt fantastic on my skin. It was like having all the years of dead skin scraped away, leaving me feeling smooth, invigorated, and… strangely emotional? After the scrub, there was a body wrap, which was equally relaxing.
I walked out feeling like I'd shed a layer of my old self. It was that good. I'm not even exaggerating. (5/5 Stars for the Spa, and a special 6/5 for the Body Scrub). Seriously, go get the body scrub. You won't regret it.
The Rooms (Theoretically): Okay, so in theory, the rooms have all the bells and whistles. Air conditioning? Check. Blackout curtains? Check. Free bottled water? Check. And there's internet (duh!). The room itself was comfortable enough, and they do give you bathrobes (yay!). But it's a pension house, so temper your expectations. It's not the Ritz. But it's nice.
Now, let's get messy (because that's what makes this review worth reading):
The Food (A Tale of Two Breakfasts): Breakfast is included, which is always a win. They had this buffet, which was, well, a buffet. It’s safe to say the food was serviceable. The Asian breakfast option was quite intriguing. However, I ordered room service one night. I had the weirdest encounter. I ordered the dessert… twice. Now, it wasn't a bad dessert. It just was… a mystery. I’m still not sure what it was, but it was sweet, and it was… there.
The "Stuff to Do" (or, Where's the Fun?): Okay, so there's a fitness center. I didn't go. Let's be honest, I'm on vacation. The hotel offers things like a "Foot Bath" (huh?) and a sauna, which I found tempting. They also have a coffee shop, a bar, and a poolside bar. Here's the thing – it's a bit quiet. Now, if you're looking for a chill, relaxing getaway, this is perfect. But if you're expecting the bustling nightlife of, say, Vegas, you're in the wrong place. This is more like a quiet evening reading by the pool.
Service and Conveniences - The Elevator Saga: I swear, I thought the elevator was going to eat me alive. It's an older elevator, and it makes a sound that combines a groan with a wheeze. You have to watch your step too, as it would sometimes jolt around a bit. But, the staff were incredibly lovely. The concierge was super helpful. They had a doorman. They even offered a doctor on call and a daily housekeeping. That's the thing about this place – even with the occasional quirk, the staff is genuinely trying to make your experience enjoyable.
The "Luxury" Factor (or, Where's the Rich Manor?): This is a pension house, folks. It's not a palace. The name is slightly misleading. There's no butler service. However, it is luxurious in its own way. It’s luxurious in its serenity, in the care they put into the spa, and in its ability to offer a comfortable, relaxing stay without the pretension.
The Verdict (and the Emotional Rollercoaster Finale):
Look, Luxury Getaway: Cagayan de Oro's Hidden Rich Manor Pension House! isn't perfect. It has its quirks. It's not a five-star resort. But it's got soul. I adored the spa. I appreciated the peace. I was genuinely surprised by the level of care the staff put into making my stay pleasant.
So, should you go? YES!
Here's my pitch. You should book this pension house if:
- You want a genuinely relaxing getaway.
- You crave a phenomenal spa experience. (Seriously, book the body scrub now.)
- You value peace and quiet.
- You appreciate a hotel that prioritizes cleanliness and safety.
- You're looking for a comfortable, affordable stay with a touch of unexpected charm.
And here’s my special offer:
- Book now and get a Complimentary Body Scrub! (Okay, I can't actually offer that, but you should definitely treat yourself to one, it's worth it).
Don't go expecting a perfect experience. Embrace the quirks. Laugh at the elevator. Surrender to the spa. This place might surprise you. It certainly surprised me. And I'm already planning my return.
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Holiday Awaits at Ankerherz, Butjadingen!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's travel itinerary. We're talking about the REAL Cagayan de Oro, Rich Manor Pension House style, and trust me, it's going to get messy, opinionated, and probably involve a questionable amount of adobo.
Cagayan de Oro: A Chaotic Chronicle (of Sorts)
Accommodation: Rich Manor Pension House (Pray for me, and for the aircon)
Day 1: Arrival and Adobo Anxiety (and Okay-ish Aircon)
- 9:00 AM: Land in Laguindingan Airport. Okay, so first impressions. Airport is… compact. Let's just say it's efficiently sized. Finding a taxi? Surprisingly easy. The driver, bless his soul, blasted some incredibly upbeat Filipino pop. Immediately relaxed, despite the pre-trip anxiety.
- 10:00 AM: Arrive at Rich Manor. The lobby isn't exactly the Four Seasons, but hey, it's got a certain…rustic charm. The check-in process was a little slow, mostly because the receptionist seemed more interested in gossiping with a local than actually processing my paperwork. (Secretly, I loved it.)
- 11:00 AM: Settling into the room. And, oh boy, the aircon. Pray for me. (UPDATE: The aircon is… on. And functional. For now. Cross your fingers, because I'm already sweating.)
- 12:00 PM: The Adobo hunt begins! (This is my life's mission, I decided yesterday.) First stop - a local carinderia. The place was packed. Which is always a good sign, right? I ordered the adobo, and it was… decent. Not the BEST adobo, mind you. There was a little too much vinegar for my taste, but the pork was melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- 1:00-3:00 PM: Post-adobo siesta. The kind where you wake up questioning your life choices and the origins of that strange stain on the bedsheet. (Don't judge me. It's the humidity, I swear.) The aircon is still humming. Success.
- 3:00 PM: A walk around the neighborhood. It was hotter than the surface of the sun, but I need to feel the chaos of CDO at least one time. Saw a group of kids playing basketball in the street, loud motorbikes, beautiful flowers, and a lot of smiles. CDO has a good vibe.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner - Went back to the carinderia craving the same adobo but it ran out. Devastated. I opted for the next best thing, sinigang (tamarind-based soup). It was okay, but the absence of adobo created a deep, dark hole in my soul.
- 7:00-9:00 PM: Attempt to watch TV. Failed. The cable channels were a confusing mix of Tagalog soap operas and infomercials. I ended up just staring at the ceiling and considering the meaning of life (and the persistent buzzing sound coming from the air conditioning unit).
- 9:00 PM: Sleep. (Or, at least, I hope so. Wish me luck with the aircon and the potential of a rogue cockroach.)
Day 2: The White Water Rafting Revelation! (and a near-death experience)
- 7:00 AM: Woke up. Miraculously, the aircon held.
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast attempt. The breakfast options are… limited. I opt for the canned fruit cocktail.
- 9:00 AM: WHITE WATER RAFTING TIME! This is why I came to CDO. This is where I truly feel alive. The drive to the start point was pretty. The nervous giggles were almost non-stop. I'm scared of heights, but this is different. The river is the boss.
- 10:00 AM: The guides are amazing. These guys are pros. Their calm demeanor contrasted with the roaring water and the sharp rocks.
- 10:30 AM: We're in! We made it through! Oh my God, that was exhilarating! The first rapid hit me like a cold slap of the chaos, and I loved it. Soaked to the bone, adrenaline pumping, and grinning like a maniac.
- 11:30 AM: And then… THE BIG ONE. "Rampage" they called it. It was terrifying. The water was churning, and we lurched, and I was pretty sure I was going to get launched into the churning water. The guides were shouting instructions I didn't understand. I remember holding on for dear life. I was in the water. Then dragged back in. And then… it was over. I survived. I. ACTUALLY. SURVIVED. The relief was almost as powerful as the fear.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. It was a basic rice and grilled meat. But after that, it was the best food I've ever tasted.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Floating down the river, high on adrenaline and still shivering from the cold water. The guides pointed out birds and, at one point, even a small waterfall we could swim under. It was breathtaking. I felt like I had truly joined the river.
- 5:00 PM: Exhausted but exhilarated, I'm back at Rich Manor. The aircon is still holding! I have to hug the walls, to show my gratitude. Showered, and now contemplating life, death, and the best way to enjoy the sunset (which is nowhere in sight).
- 7:00 PM: Dinner - I was craving something, anything. And was too lazy to move. I ordered the chicken fried rice from the kitchen. It was okay. I now needed the adobo from yesterday.
- 9:00 PM: Sleep. Now I'm exhausted, and I want to wake up and do it again.
Day 3: A Market Mishap and Farewell Adobo (Maybe?)
- 8:00 AM: Sleep, I woke up. And was sad.
- 9:00 AM: Went to eat breakfast from the local market. It was a sensory overload - the smell of fresh fruits, the buzz of people chattering, the colorful displays of produce. I tried kinilaw, a raw fish dish marinated in vinegar and chilies. It was… bracing. (And I'm pretty sure I saw a vendor selling… something. Let's just say, not for this tourist.)
- 10:00 AM: The market was so hot it made me realize that I was already exhausted. No energy at all.
- 11:00 AM: I attempted to find the best adobo in CDO. But everyone said that the best adobo is the one you have at home.
- 1:00 PM: One last lunch, and a final, hopeful search for some adobo. I can't find any.
- 2:00 PM: Checking out of Rich Manor. And hugging the receptionist for the hell of it.
- 4:00 PM: Head to the airport to go back.
Final Thoughts:
Cagayan de Oro. A chaotic, beautiful, slightly baffling place. The accommodation might not be luxurious, but the people are warm, the adventure is real, and the adobo search… continues. I'll be back. I have to find that perfect adobo. And maybe the aircon will actually last next time.
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Luxury Getaway: Cagayan de Oro's Hidden Rich Manor Pension House – Spill the Tea! (and the Ube Halaya...)
Okay, spill it! Is the 'Hidden Rich Manor' *really* luxurious? Because, you know, 'pension house' usually screams budget, right?
Alright, look. I went in expecting, and I'm just being honest, a slightly upgraded version of a roadside inn. You know, clean sheets, maybe a functioning air conditioner, and hopefully no questionable stains. Then... I walked in. And my jaw *dropped*. It's not just "luxurious," it's like they took every opulent cliché and threw it in a blender with Filipino hospitality. Think velvet, chandeliers (actual functioning ones!), and more marble than my auntie's bathroom.
The "pension house" part? Don't let it fool you. It's a cleverly disguised treasure chest. I felt like a character in a telenovela, waiting for my long-lost relative to reveal they actually *own the mansion*. It’s definitely NOT your typical backpacker hostel, thank goodness!
The Food! Tell me about the food! (Because let’s be real, Filipino food is life.)
Oh. My. Goodness. The food. Okay, deep breath. So, the breakfast buffet… I may or may not have eaten my weight in longganisa and garlic rice. Several times. They had an omelet station, fresh fruits (mangoes that were basically sunshine in edible form!), and this Ube Halaya that I *still* dream about. Seriously, I've considered flying back just for that Ube Halaya. It was… a religious experience.
One slight hiccup (and I’m being honest, it’s a minor one): the lunch/dinner menu was a little… predictable. Filipino classics done *very* well, but maybe a touch conservative. I was itching for a little adventure! But the portions? MASSIVE. Like, “are you sure I didn’t order for the entire table?” kind of massive. Couldn't be mad about that!
Seriously, no downsides? There's always *something*...
Okay, fine. Here we go. There was a tiny, TINY issue with the Wi-Fi. It was… a bit spotty. Like, you could check your email, but streaming Netflix? Forget it. But honestly? I welcomed the digital detox. I mean, surrounded by all that beauty, I really needed that break. I mean, I *did* kinda have to sneak out to get some work done, but let's not tell anyone!
Also, the location is a bit off the beaten path. You'll need a car or grab a taxi. But that's also why it's 'hidden,' right? And honestly, the peace and quiet was worth the extra bit of travel. Trust me. Just pack a good book, or you know, take the time to actually *talk* to people!
Okay, what about the rooms? Are they really as glam as the photos? (I'm a sucker for a good room.)
The rooms. Oh, the rooms! Okay, the photos are pretty accurate, but they don't prepare you for the feeling of walking in. I booked the 'Deluxe' room and... well, let's just say I felt a pang of guilt for not choosing the Presidential Suite. The bed was *huge* and cloud-like, the air-conditioning worked perfectly (a big win!), and the bathroom had a bathtub that practically begged you to soak in it with bubbles and a glass of wine. Which, naturally, is exactly what I did.
It screamed romance. It screamed relaxation. It screamed, "Take a picture for your Instagram!" (I probably *did* overdo it on the photos...) The only downside? Leaving. Trust me, I really, *really* didn't want to leave.
Service - what was the vibe? Filipino hospitality often means someone is always trying to take care of you. Is that accurate?
Filipino hospitality? Absolutely. They're *obsessed* with making you feel welcome and comfortable. The staff were genuinely lovely, always smiling, always helpful. They remembered my name (creepy, but appreciated!), and they were so eager to assist with anything I needed. Like, I dropped a fork and *poof*! A new one magically appeared.
I had a minor… uh… *incident* with the shower (I’m not going to go into graphic detail, let's just say I flooded the bathroom). The staff handled it with such grace and efficiency, I actually felt *less* embarrassed. That's saying something. Everyone was just so friendly, you felt like you were staying with family, albeit extremely wealthy, impeccable-taste, well-trained family.
So, would you go back? (Be honest!)
Without a doubt. Absolutely. Give me all the longganisa, the Ube Halaya, the fluffy beds, and the attentive staff. I'm already planning my return visit, seriously. I might even start saving up for the Presidential Suite this time. Because, you know, a girl can dream. Plus, I *have* to find out if the rumors about the secret garden are true!
Look, I went in with a skeptical eye, and I left a total convert. If you're looking for a truly special experience in Cagayan de Oro, this is it. Just, uh, don't tell *everyone* about it. Let's keep it our little secret... for now!
