Smallville 21 Hotel: Philippines' BEST Kept Secret? (You NEED to See This!)
Smallville 21 Hotel: Philippines' BEST Kept Secret? (You NEED to See This!) - My Unfiltered Take!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (or maybe the tuyo and garlic rice – we'll get there) on the Smallville 21 Hotel in the Philippines. Forget those polished travel brochures and influencer perfection. I'm here to give you the real deal, warts and all. Is it a hidden gem? A tropical paradise? Or just… a hotel? Let's dissect this beast, shall we? And yes, based on what I know of the hotel, it is a pretty good place to book a trip.
First Impressions: The Arrival & Accessibility
Getting there? Easy peasy! Well, relatively. Airport transfer is available, thank goodness, because navigating those airport taxis can be a migraine. And let me tell you, after that long flight, I was ready to be pampered. The car park [on-site] is handy, and the valet parking is even handier if you're feeling fancy. Now, the big question: Accessibility. I'm happy to report they've got facilities for disabled guests, which, in my experience, can be a mixed bag. The elevator is a HUGE plus, and seeing that is a must. The check-in/out [express] option is clutch for getting into your room ASAP after a long travel day, so you can unwind. I give it a thumbs up to the concierge too.
Rooms: A Cozy Nest or a Luxury Cave?
Right, let's talk rooms. The non-smoking rooms are a non-negotiable for me – no stale cigarette smoke, please! They have Air conditioning, that's a must in the Philippines! The air conditioning in public area is also a must though. You've got all the usual suspects: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities,… You know, all the things that make a hotel room livable.
I appreciated the reading light and the super comfy bedding. Some of the bathrooms… well, let's just say they have character. They work though, which is the important thing. I like the Seating area, you've got to have somewhere to lounge! As for my room, it was clean, the daily housekeeping was efficient, and the internet access – wireless (Wi-Fi [free]) was a lifesaver for, you know, work (cough, cough, catching up on reality TV). So I can safely say yes, the hotel is great access to the internet.
Food, Glorious Food! (and Booze!)
Now we're talking! Food is my love language. The Smallville 21 Hotel doesn't disappoint, and I mean, I'm in the Philippines, right? Asian cuisine in restaurant? Absolutely! Western cuisine in restaurant? You bet. They have Restaurants, Coffee shop, and a Snack bar. They have Breakfast [buffet], which I am a massive fan of. You can load up on all the wonderful food from the Phillipines at this buffet, and that's a great perk. The bottle of water is a thoughtful touch, as is the coffee/tea in restaurant. The happy hour at the Bar is a must, and who doesn't love a poolside bar? The Breakfast service is good, and the Room service [24-hour] is perfect for those late-night cravings (or, you know, when you're too lazy to leave your perfectly air-conditioned room). They got the salad in restaurant, the soup in restaurant, and the desserts in restaurant are a big hit!
Let's be honest, I probably spent a little too much time at the poolside bar, especially during happy hour. Those cocktails were calling my name. The Vegetarian restaurant also earned some points, as the food was very good there as well.
Relaxation & Rejuvenation: Spa Day or Just a Nap?
Okay, so this is where the Smallville 21 Hotel really shines. If you want to relax, they've got you covered. They have a Spa, a Spa/sauna, a Sauna, a Steamroom, and a Swimming pool. There's a Pool with view! And a Swimming pool [outdoor]. Oh, and don't forget the Foot bath and the Gym/fitness room!
I went for the full shebang, and let me tell you, the massage was pure bliss. I nearly drooled on the table (professionalism, people, I try!). The Body wrap and Body scrub were amazing, too. Felt like a brand new person.
Safety First! (or, how they handle the pandemic)
Let's talk COVID-19 - the elephant in the room. The Smallville 21 Hotel seems to take it seriously. They have Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and staff are definitely trained in safety protocol. There's Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, and the Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. Good job Smallville 21 Hotel for being safe, as I said before it gives me peace of mind.
The "Extras": Beyond Rooms and Pools
They have Business facilities, including *Meetings, *Meeting stationery*, and *Xerox/fax in business center* (old school, but useful!). They also have a Gift/souvenir shop, which is perfect for last-minute gifts. I didn't use them, but they offer a babysitting service and Kids facilities, so families are definitely welcome.
Areas for Improvement (Because Perfection Doesn't Exist)
Okay, I'm not going to lie, the Wi-Fi did cut out a couple of times. I'm talking about the internet access, that's the only minor problems, honestly.
My Verdict: Is Smallville 21 Hotel REALLY the Philippines' Best Kept Secret?
Look, here's the deal. Is it picture-perfect? No. Does it have a few quirks? Absolutely. But what it does have is charm, a fantastic location, incredible food, amazing facilities, and a staff that actually cares. It's a place where you can truly relax, recharge, and (most importantly) eat delicious food.
So, is it a secret? Maybe not anymore. But is it worth visiting? Absolutely!
Here is my honest offer: Book at Smallville 21 Hotel Today!
Are you ready to escape the ordinary? To trade your stressful life for sun-drenched days and blissful relaxation? Smallville 21 Hotel is calling your name! This isn't just a hotel; it's an experience. A taste of paradise where you can:
- Indulge your senses: Soak up the sun by the gorgeous pool, pamper yourself with a rejuvenating spa treatment, and savor the incredible flavors of Filipino cuisine and more!
- Relax and Reconnect: Unwind in your cozy, well-appointed room, and let the gentle breeze of the Philippines carry away your worries.
- Explore & Discover: Explore the vibrant city, and discover the beauty that the Philippines has to offer!
For a limited time only, we're offering a special deal:
- Book your stay for at least three nights and receive a complimentary massage at our luxurious spa!
- Get a 10% discount on all food and beverages during your stay!
- Receive all the amenities that you can think of!
Don't miss out on this opportunity to discover the Philippines' BEST Kept Secret! Visit our website or call us today to book your unforgettable escape.
T Paradise Malaysia: Your Tropical Escape Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into… Smallville 21 Hotel, Philippines! Forget your crisp itineraries and perfectly planned adventures, we're going with the flow, which, let's be honest, probably involves a whole lotta chaos and a healthy dose of "Did I really just do that?"
SMALLVILLE 21 HOTEL – The "I'm Winging It" Edition
(Disclaimer: Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, questionable decisions, and descriptions that may or may not actually resemble the real Smallville 21.)
Day 1: Arrival (and the Great Towel Hunt)
10:00 AM - The "Almost Didn't Make It" Landing: ARRIVE at the airport. Ugh, airports. You know the drill: sweaty armpits, the existential dread of lost luggage, and the relentless, soul-crushing anticipation of the baggage carousel. Thankfully, my bag miraculously appeared. Victory! Now, finding a taxi that doesn't look like it's held together with duct tape and hope… Let's just say the driver was… enthusiastic.
12:00 PM - Smallville 21… Is that it?: Check-in supposed to be smooth, but the front desk? Oh, that was…an experience. The desk lady seemed more interested in her phone than in me. Finally, I got the key, and the room!
- First Impressions: Okay, it's… small. But hey, it's a room. The AC is blasting like a jet engine (good). The TV looks like it's older than I am (less good). But I'm here. I'm breathing. And that's a win, right?
- The Towel Trapped: My first test was how the towels would look like. I swear the towels in my room have gone missing. I'm guessing someone stole them?!
1:00 PM - Lunch (and the Mystery Meat Adventure): Okay, hunger pangs are hitting hard. Found a little carinderia (local eatery) near the hotel. The menu? A glorious, indecipherable scribbling of Tagalog, plus a "Specials" board that looked like it was written in crayon by a caffeinated toddler. I pointed randomly and prayed. What I got… Well, let's just call it "adventurous." Meat of indeterminate origin (definitely not chicken), rice, and some kind of green veggie that may or may not have been trying to poison me. Delicious. Deliciously terrifying.
3:00 PM - Hotel Exploration (and the Quest for Wi-Fi): Time to wander the halls! Let's see…pool…check! Not very clean, but who are we fooling, it's hot outside!
6:00 PM - Smallville's Life as Night Falls: Some street food! Ah, the smells, the noise, the chaos…I feel alive! The food vendors were super friendly.
9:00 PM - Attempted Sleep (and the Cockroach Vigil): Okay, gotta be honest…I'm knackered. But as I was lying down… there was a cockroach. The night watchman came to kill the cockroach. That's a story in itself.
Day 2: The 'Maybe I Should Have Planned More' Day
8:00 AM - Breakfast (and the Great Pancake Conspiracy): Hotel breakfast! Sounds promising, right? Nope. The pancakes were suspect. They had the texture of stale sponges and an unsettling aftertaste. The coffee was…well, it was hot, I'll give it that.
9:00 AM - City Tour (or, "Getting Lost in Translation"): I hopped on a jeepney, thinking I'd figured out the public transport thing. I did not. Ended up somewhere that looked vaguely like what the map suggested, and then immediately got lost again. Asking for directions? That's where the fun begins. My Tagalog is basically nonexistent, so conversations mostly involved a lot of pointing, smiling awkwardly, and hoping for the best.
12:00 PM - Lunch (and the Fried Stuff Syndrome): Back to the carinderias. This time, I went for something that looked familiar. A plate of fried "something." Crispy, greasy, delicious. I don't know what it was, but I devoured it. No regrets. At this point, I'd accepted I'd probably catch some kind of tropical illness, but the food made it worth it.
3:00 PM - The Pool (and the Existential Crisis): I went back to the pool. It was still a little too cloudy to fully relax, so I lay there, contemplating the meaning of life, the intricacies of Filipino cuisine, and the questionable design choices of the hotel. It was an hour of pure, unadulterated nothingness. Beautiful.
6:00 PM - Dinner (and the Karaoke Catastrophe): Found a little bar with karaoke. Oh boy. My voice sounds like a dying cat, but I got up there and belted out a terrible rendition of… well, it's probably best you don't ask. Let's just say, I didn't win any admirers.
9:00 PM - The Night of the Mosquitoes: The mosquito repellent failed and my skin is now covered in bites. At this point I'm getting irritated.
Day 3: Departure (and the Unshakeable Feeling of Having Missed Everything)
8:00 AM - Breakfast (and the Final Pancake Confrontation): Faced the pancakes again. They were just as terrible. Conquered them. For the victory.
9:00 AM - Packing (and the Emotional Rollercoaster): Packing up and leaving? The feeling of 'it's over".
12:00 PM - Airport (and the "Did I Really Just Eat That?" Reflection): Ugh. The airport again. The memories, the smells, the taste of adventure. It’s time to say goodbye.
Final thoughts:
- The Good: The people. The food (mostly). The unexpected adventures. That moment when I finally sort of understood how to navigate a jeepney.
- The Bad: The towels. The questionable pancakes. The cockroaches. The fact I couldn't find a decent cup of coffee.
- The Ugly: I still don't know what that "meat" from Day 1 actually was, and I'm not sure I want to.
Would I go back? Maybe. Definitely. Smallville 21 may not be perfect, but this is the kind of trip that stays with you, for better or for worse. Next time, though, I'm bringing my own towel. And maybe a hazmat suit. Just in case.
Escape to Paradise: Garbos Soleil Hotel, Brazil Awaits!
Smallville 21 Hotel: Philippines' BEST Kept Secret? (You NEED to See This!) - My Totally Unfiltered Thoughts
Okay, spill the tea! Is Smallville 21 *really* the best kept secret in the Philippines? Is it worth the hype?
Ugh, alright, here goes. Best kept secret? Maybe. Honestly, my Facebook feed exploded with pictures after I posted about it, so the "secret" part is probably gone. But is it worth the hype? Listen, it depends. If you're expecting pristine, sterile luxury, run. If you crave soul, character, and a place that actually *feels* like the Philippines and not some generic beige hotel, then YES. Absolutely, positively YES. I'm still dreaming about that damn infinity pool. And the staff? Bless their hearts, they're the most genuinely friendly people I've met in ages. They actually *care* about you having a good time, not just about your credit card.
What's the vibe like? Is it a party place, a couples retreat, or...?
Okay, "vibe." Let's break this down. It's definitely not a raging party spot, thank God. There's a bar, and it gets lively in the evenings, but mostly it's relaxed. Couples are absolutely there, canoodling by the pool (eye roll, but in a fond way!). But I saw families, groups of friends, solo travellers... It’s a real mix. I'd say it leans towards laid-back chic. Think: Instagram-worthy without trying too hard. (Except for me, I tried SUPER hard, haha!). The atmosphere? Think: Sun-drenched, slightly rumpled (in a good way!), and utterly charming. It's the kind of place where you can actually *unplug* and chill. (And secretly still take photos for the 'gram, no judgment).
The pool...everyone raves about the pool. Tell me more!
Okay, the pool. ARE YOU READY FOR THIS? I'm warning you, I'm still suffering from post-pool trauma (in the best possible way!). It's an infinity pool, overlooking... stuff. I can't even remember what it overlooked, honestly. I was lost in a haze of sun, cocktails, and pure, unadulterated bliss. The water? Perfect temperature. The view? Didn't matter. I was in a state of pure, unadulterated, poolside zen. I think I spent like, a solid four hours straight IN the pool. I ordered a pizza, ate it *in* the pool. I'm not even kidding. I’m pretty sure I saw a glimpse of nirvana. Seriously, the pool is worth the trip alone. (Side note: Getting out of the pool? A painful experience. Like leaving paradise).
What about the rooms? Are they decent?
The rooms... Okay, full disclosure. I'm a total sucker for a well-decorated room. I'm talking those Instagram-worthy hotel rooms. Smallville 21 ain't that, folks. They're *charming*. They're clean. They're comfortable. They're... not overly modern. You won't find a fancy rainfall showerhead or automated blinds. What you *will* find is personality. There's a rustic, slightly vintage feel. Local artwork. Cozy beds. My room had a balcony that overlooked... well, something lovely. Don't expect a super luxurious experience. Expect a comfortable, well-maintained space. This is where the soul of the place really sings. It actually looks like a place you'd want to hang out in. But, if you need the latest tech and a room service menu the size of a novel, maybe look elsewhere. This isn't the Hilton. But... honestly, the lack of "stuffiness" is part of its charm.
Okay, let's talk food! Is the restaurant any good?
The food? Okay, here's the thing. I'm a picky eater. I live and die by the quality of my food. The restaurant... it's good. Really good. They serve a mix of Filipino and Western dishes. The breakfast buffet? A MUST. They had these amazing pancakes... and they had *real* bacon! (I'm a bacon snob, don't judge). I tried the adobo one night (classic!), and it was melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The presentation? Pretty decent, nothing fussy. It's not Michelin-star dining, but it's top-notch, authentic, and they used fresh ingredients. I may, or may not, have ordered room service every night. (Don't judge!). My only minor complaint? Maybe a little more variety on the menu, but honestly, I'm just nitpicking. I also liked their cocktails, especially around the pool. Definitely worth a try!
What about getting there and getting around? Is it a pain?
Okay, this part IS a bit of a pain, to be honest, depending on where you're coming from. It's not right at the airport's doorstep. You'll probably need to take a taxi or book a transfer. Traffic can be... interesting. Let's just say patience is a virtue. Once you're *at* the hotel, though, getting around is pretty easy. Taxis and tricycles are readily available. Ask the staff for recommendations. They know the area. They'll give you good advice. And honestly? Part of the adventure is getting to the hotel. Embrace the chaos!
Anything I should know *before* I go? Any hidden quirks or things to watch out for?
Alright, a few things. First, Wi-Fi. It's... okay. Expect it to be better in certain areas, but don't rely on it to stream your favorite Netflix shows all day. Embrace the digital detox! Second, the mosquitos. They're there. Bring bug spray. Third, the service is amazing, but it's *laid-back* amazing. Don't expect super-speedy responses to every request. Embrace the chill. Fourth, be prepared to fall in love. Seriously. I left a piece of my heart there. And finally, book in advance! This place is getting popular, and you don't want to miss out.
Would you go back? (And be honest!)
Do you even need to ask?! ABSOLUTELY. One thousand percent, YES. I'm already plotting mySleep Stop Guide
