By Lauren Wise
Blue Coral Beach Resort Review
The Blue Coral
beach resort offers an array of 19 rooms directed towards middle-income individuals and families visiting the Philippines. The staff is very accommodating (as long as they can understand your foreign language request!), the facilities are clean and the food is native-flavored and fresh. Although the facilities are older and could use a hardware overhaul, the decor is simple and provides you with the basics of what you need, such as shower, a bed and a closet. Surrounded by beautiful
beaches and a peaceful atmosphere, this resort is simple and relaxing. It is not for people who are looking for numerous activities and adventure, but it is ideal for a family with teenagers (not small children) and groups of friends traveling.
Insider Tips
Ask the front desk what beaches they recommend, depending on what you want to experience. They offer clothing-optional beaches, family beaches or more romantic beaches. Bring your own supplies if possible (snorkeling gear, scuba gear, sunscreen, towels) as they may be hard to find at the resort. There is a ping pong table, darts, badminton and a pool table room, which is nice for teenagers and rainy days, if any.
Make sure to check your bill upon check-out, as the front desk may charge you for things such as extra towels that they otherwise say are included. If they do this, ask to speak to a manager. The showering area is open-air, so it is noisy and does not allow you much privacy. Get there early in the morning or midday if you want more privacy.
Pros and Cons
The facilities such as the pool, grounds and rooms are always clean and sparkling, and the staff members seem to be wearing smiles all the time. The beach is beautiful with white sand and clear water. The food choices are many and the food fresh. It is mostly buffets, which are included in the price, that are offered to guests. There is also a poolside bar.
The resort does not have a jacuzzi or spa. They do not offer packages or discounts for customers for any reason. The pathways that lead to the resort are dirt roads and nothing around it is paved. The rooms are a little outdated, as the hardware in the bathrooms is old and rusty, and there are no places to set up a rack for suitcases. The room rates are high-priced, around $160, considering the hotel is older and does not offer many amenities or activities. The staff try their best to be accommodating, but many of them do not speak English so it is hard to communicate and the requests often go unresolved.
Bottom Line
The room rates are a little too high for the accommodations, but if you enjoy buffets it evens out financially. It is a place for groups or families with teenagers to visit, but children would not be suitable for the resort. The staff are courteous but could be more accommodating without the language barrier, and the open-air showers may be a turn-off to some. The food is fresh and provides you with insight into the native culture. Blue Coral Beach Resort could stand to have an upgrade on their bathroom facilities, but if you prefer native resorts that are meant for beach time and relaxation, it is right up your alley.
Resources
About the Author:
Lauren Wise has more than eight years' experience as a writer, editor, copywriter and columnist. She specializes in food, wine, music and pop culture. Her writing has appeared in various magazines, including "Runway," "A2Z," "Scottsdale Luxury Living" and "True West." Wise holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Arizona State University.
