What Every Traveller Must Bring- Even When They’re Staying In The Best Hotel In Davao

Whether it’s peak season or off-season, it’s always a good time to come and visit Davao City. First-timers are always in awe, while regular visitors always find something to keep coming back for more. Indeed, you’ll never run out of exciting things to do and beautiful places to see.

But just like what any seasoned traveller will tell you, securing a good Davao hotel is always a good idea to make your stay even more enjoyable.  Fortunately, Davao hotels come in a wide variety to suit your individual budget and preference. But whether you plan to stay at the most luxurious accommodation, or prefer a budget hotel in Davao, you will find one thing in common: the warm and friendly service offered by the Davaoenos.

So, if you’re ready to pack your bags and book your flight, remember these travel essentials  because you’re definitely going to need them.

·         Travel light. Pick half as many clothes as you think you’re going to need and twice as much money. You’ll be happy you did.

·         Never leave your hotel without your sunglasses and a folding umbrella because the weather is always unpredictable. You go out and it’s sunny in the morning, the next thing you know it’s drizzling, and soon it will turn into heavy rain.

·         Have comfortable, well-broken-in shoes with you, especially if you plan to see the city by foot.

·         Forget bringing your gold, diamonds, gold bracelets, and other valuables with you. If you do need to bring something with you and you’re not wearing them, make sure you have them secured in your hotel’s safe. Never make the mistake of hiding it in your room because hotel thieves know every hiding place you can possibly think of.

·         Veteran travellers will also recommend you bring a first aid kit, a travel tool kit with a swiss knife, screwdriver, stapler, scotch tape, packing tape, and string. A flashlight with extra batteries will also come in handy in case of emergencies.

There you go. This travel essential list is not exhaustive but it’s best to keep it mind because it will definitely save you from a lot of trouble. If you’re still searching for a cheap hotel in Davao, please check out the Apo View Hotel- a place where luxury meets affordability.

Making your Health Care a Priority when Travelling to Davao City

Anybody who’s been to the Philippines will recommend Davao City as one of the country’s best travel destinations, along with Boracay, Baguio, Puerto Princessa, Palawan, Bohol, Tagaytay, and Cebu. But just like any other planned travel across the globe, there are important things to consider, and preparations to be made to ensure that you have a fun, safe, and pleasurable stay.

On Going through Davao Hotel Listings

Davao hotels can be found almost anywhere in the city. From the most expensive to a budget hotel in Davao, you will surely find something to suit your preference. As most seasoned travellers are well aware of, the most expensive is not necessarily the best, and in here, it may surprise you that the best hotel in Davao may be reasonably priced, and even gives discounts and promo packages when you ask for them. It is recommended however that you confirm your reservations especially during peak seasons like the Araw ng Dabaw in March and the Kadayawan Festival in August. At this time even Inns and Motels are fully booked.

Making your Health Care a Top Priority

During travels you normally imagine historical sights, endless beaches, exotic foods, romantic dinners. Rarely do you think about kidney stones, appendicitis, lost baggage, theft, hospital fees, or emergency evacuations due to earth quakes, flooding, typhoons- well, you get the idea.

So it’s best that you be well-prepared prior to your trip abroad. If you have any pre-existing medical issues, it’s better to carry a letter from your physician summarizing your condition/s. The most recent consultation letters and lab reports must be included. While you’re at it, list all the names and numbers of your doctors in case you or somebody else has to get in touch with them. A MedicAlert bracelet is one of the most effective ways of informing the local doctor if you have fatal allergies, diabetes, a pacemaker, epilepsy, artificial hips, or other bionic body parts.  Also make sure that you learn all your medication’s names and have this list with you at all times.

Vigilance is the key to safety and your health must always be top priority when visiting new places like Davao City. A stay in a cheap hotel in Davao will still be fun and exciting especially when you are fully prepared and have peace of mind. While you’re in the city, please come and visit The Apo View Hotel, where luxury and affordability meet.

Make a Debutant’s Dream come true at The Apo View

A debutante ball is celebrated with different meanings depending on the country you’re in. But generally, this is a “coming out” event of a young woman (and in some cultures a young man) in society. It used to be that such celebrations were limited to wealthy and influential families who can afford to throw lavish parties for their guests and make a big public impression.

As the years passed however, this highly anticipated event became a symbol of love and appreciation of family members, particularly the parents, for their dear daughter. This is something that can be possible even in a budget hotel in Davao. Thus, the advent of the debutant’s dream.

A lot of people consider this a major event in their lives, something that is planned out ahead of time, well in advance to accommodate even the smallest details to make it a night to remember. In Davao City, picking among the numerous Davao hotels can be a bit of a challenge. Back in 1948 it was a piece of cake, since there was only one Davao hotel, the first of its kind in the city, and the second oldest hotel in the whole country( next to the Manila Hotel)- The Apo View Hotel. Six decades later it is considered as one of the best, if not the best hotel in Davao.

Debut Package, Buffet, and Amenities

It is a perfect location for lavish occasions because it can accommodate up to 900 persons. The Grand Ballroom for instance (that can be divided into ballroom A and B) offers total flexibility when it comes to conventions and banquet arrangements.

Buffet rate is at P525net per person (minimum of 100 persons) and includes amenities such as:

·         18 long stemmed roses

·         18 candles

·         3 dozen balloons

·         1 bowl of punch

·         Wristlet for Debutante

·         Overnight stay in the De Luxe Room

·         2 hours use of Function Room for rehearsals (subject to availability)

·         Backdrop

·         Sound system

·         Directional signages

·         Use of Function Room for 4 hours

·         Floral Centerpiece per table

·         Assistance of In-House Artist

·         Standby Technician

Practically everything you’re going to need to make a debutant’s evening memorable can be found here at The Apo View Hotel. To be truly honest however, the location is only secondary to the experience. Whether it’s a grand or cheap hotel in Davao is beside the point. Even if there are a lot of things that money can buy, the joy of a magical experience of an 18-year old girl with the people who loves her is priceless.

Have a Prom Blast at the Top of the Apo

Teens practically go nuts a few weeks and days leading to their prom night. Indeed, it is one of the most anticipated events in a high-schooler’s life. Great expectations, lavish preparations, outfits, painstakingly made-up faces of the girls (for the boys), and boys trying their best to impress the girls by putting their best foot forward. So exactly what does it take to make a perfect prom night? Read on to find out.

The Right Company

Be careful in choosing the kind of company you hang out with. A lot of kids are so anxious to get with the cool kids that they’re willing to do almost anything just to belong. Sex, drugs, and alcohol are the killer combos that have serious consequences. A few minutes or hours of pleasure can sometimes end up in a lifetime of misery. Consider this before you jump into anything you might regret later on.

The Right Mentality

Be sensible when choosing your outfits (especially for the ladies). It’s so easy to get carried away and some girls end up choosing the sexiest and most revealing outfits hoping to be crowned Prom Queen on that special night. It’s not going to happen. Be pretty yet classy at the same time. Don’t try too hard, keep your cool, and your natural beauty and confidence will surely be noticed.

The Right Location

Nothing can be a more perfect location for this special occasion than the Top of the Apo. With a scenic view of Davao city, this newly renovated function room of the Apo View Hotel will definitely make your prom night worth remembering. Having been in the hotel business for the past 65 years, this oldest Davao hotel definitely knows what it means to give high-quality customer service.

A lot of Davao hotels have sprung up the past six decades, yet the Apo View have managed to stay on top of their game through continuous research, innovations and listening to the very people who matter the most- their valued clients. It is no wonder then that so many people consider it as the best hotel in Davao. Again, the most expensive isn’t necessarily the best. As a matter of fact, even a budget hotel in Davao manages to put a smile on their client’s face. A true testimony that even a cheap hotel in Davao can give first class customer service.

Have a fun-filled Kiddie Party at the Apo View’s Garden Pavilion

Tired of the usual kiddie party venues for your child’s birthday? Does it seem like everybody’s doing the same gig at the same places each and every time? Why not try the Garden Pavilion at the Apo View Hotel for a change? It is a fully-managed function room completely equipped with state-of-the-art-facilities to make sure this special event flows seamlessly without a glitch.

The Art of Service Mastered through Years of Experience

Compared with the other Davao hotels in existence today, the Apo View boasts of over sixty-five years of experience in the industry, making it the oldest Davao hotel and the second oldest in the country next to Manila Hotel.

For years, the hotel has been known for personalized, top-notch service from the management and staff, something that has been consistent throughout these years. This is the reason the most important occasions become even more special when it’s held amidst the elegance and functionality of the Garden Pavilion, making you feel you are indeed in the best hotel in Davao.

Helping you with a Hassle and Worry- Free Birthday Party

With a minimum of 30 persons at P425 net each; you can already enjoy their sumptuous buffet and awesome amenities. Everything is taken cared of from the carefully planned menu the kids will enjoy, to  the loot bags to take home, four dozen pearl balloons, pabitin, personalized tarp and so much more! So exactly what is there left to do? Show up and enjoy the party! That’s how incredibly simple it will be.

Finding a budget hotel in Davao isn’t really that hard to do, especially one that is flexible and dedicated to give you customized service to suit your every need. But when you really think about it, a cheap hotel in Davao or a five star hotel in Vegas will not make that much a difference to your child, because you are the one that really matters to them. The time you spend with your kid on their birthday will always be priceless, and these precious memories will be cherished in their hearts and minds... long after they have grown up. 

Getting The Best Out Of Davao Hotels, Shopping, And Dining

One of the best ways to experience Davao City is on foot. Once you step out of your Davao hotel, your sneakers and your wallet are basically what you need to enjoy this exotic place. This is one of the reasons why backpackers keep coming back again and again. There’s no need to worry about you getting lost, because you can always ride a jeep or hail a cab, better yet- ask! Davaoenos are the warmest and friendliest people on earth. After all, Filipinos are known worldwide for their hospitality.

Tips for a Great Shopping Experience

Aside from finding a cheap hotel in Davao, there are also lots of fun places to shop. Forget the malls for a while (there are numerous, by way), instead, hit the streets. Hit the stalls, the tiangge, and the bazaars where you can grab amazing finds.

When buying from an antiques dealer or street merchant, remember that cash is king, not plastic! So no credit card, guys.

Buy for the pleasure an item will give you, and not the long-term investment qualities the merchant may put emphasis on. Why? Because if you like it, you will never want to part with it.

Try things on as much as possible, and when you’re buying clothing for family and friends, make sure you bring their measurements with you, just to make sure they will absolutely fit.

Tips for a Great Dining Experience

If you want to make the most out of the best hotel in Davao and taste what they have to offer, that’s perfectly fine, but try not to miss out on the opportunity to try the city’s other exotic cuisines as well. For a first-timer, the world-famous Durian smells, well, out of the ordinary, but once you get past the smell, it’s really good, and a great aphrodisiac too! Fruits and seafoods are abundant, and relatively cheap, compared to other parts of the country. That’s why people from Manila and Cebu and other places never miss out on the chance of having to dig in on a sea foods buffet.

Looking for a Budget Hotel in Davao

There are so many things to do and places to explore, so you won’t need a very expensive hotel if you’ll hardly spend time in it. So try to find something that is reasonably priced that can still provide excellent quality service. While you’re at it, please come and visit the Apo View Hotel at Bonifacio St., Davao City. Your home away from home.

Davao Hotels and Money-Savers: A Traveller’s Guide to an Amazing Stay in the South

Both foreign and local tourists have fallen in love with Davao City, and for good reason. Great attractions, rich cultural heritage, deliciously exotic food, world-class beach resorts, , and of course, the warmth and hospitality that naturally exudes from the Davaoenos.

So if you’re one of those people who wish to satisfy their curiosity by coming to visit this tourist hot spot, read on to find out how you can get the best deals for your money especially on Davao hotel accommodations and make your stay the best vacation experience ever.

On Getting a Cheap hotel in Davao

If you’re more of the adventurous type who don’t really care about fancy hotels and will rather spend your money on water tubing, scuba diving, and other exciting activities in the city, then perhaps you will not mind sleeping on the cheapest room available also, which happens to be the one in the back of your hotel, without any private facilities. Regardless where it is located, a room with a shower and a double bed will be relatively smaller and will be much cheaper compared with something that has a tub and twin beds.

Discovering great Discounts or Promo Packages

As some of you may know by now, the most expensive hotel does not necessarily mean the best hotel in Davao. As a matter of fact, a budget hotel in Davao may give you discounts- but only if you ask. For example, you may ask about the price of breakfast being deducted from your room rate; ask about special holiday or weekend rates; if your kids stay in your room, can they do so for free? There are even small B&B who might give you a price break on certain seasons if you stay longer than a week and pay in cash.

On doing your own Laundry

Some people try to cut costs by doing it themselves or going to the laundromat in the neighbourhood. Understandably, laundry charges in hotels can be quite expensive and unnecessarily ruin your budget. If you really need to wash your clothes in the hotel room, please be considerate by not allowing your clothes to drip-dry onto their carpeting.

For excellent service and accommodation at an affordable price, please come and visit the Apo View Hotel, located at Bonifacio St., Davao City.

The Apo View Hotel: A Wedding Couple’s Reception Haven

There is nothing more exciting than the weeks or months following your engagement. Having your best kept secret all to yourself seem like an eternity, then you can finally break the news to your family and friends, exploding with thrill and anticipation in the process. There are a lot of things to attend to, but right now you’re on cloud nine you can barely think straight!

Finding the Perfect Location

These days, more and more people are choosing Davao City as a premiere destination for main events such as weddings and receptions. Aside from the city’s natural beauty and grandeur, Davao hotels can easily compete with top-notch hotels in the country, and even around the world. One of them is The Apo View Hotel. This premiere Davao hotel boasts of more than 65 years in the industry, the first hotel in Davao City, and the second oldest operating hotel in the country, next to the Manila Hotel.

You can choose from various packages for your reception to suit your budget. Price ranges from P695-P995 per person. This already comes in with a bridal car with floral arrangement, complimentary two- night stay in a suite with buffet breakfast for two, a bottle of champagne for toasting, decorated cage with a pair of doves, four swimming pool passes(valid for one month), among others.

The Bridal Suite

After a wonderful experience in the Bridal Suite as guests, most couples decide that this is one of the best, if not the best hotel in Davao. This spacious suite has a living room, dining area, separate bedroom, bathroom with separate shower and bath tub. Some of the perks include a free welcome drink for two at the Blue Room, net access in the guest rooms and public areas, free use of swimming and free buffet breakfast for two at the Entrée Restaurant.

On Looking for a Budget Hotel in Davao

Again, the most expensive isn’t necessarily the best. You’ll even be surprised to find a relatively cheap hotel in Davao that also offers the same warmth, hospitality and quality service the way luxury hotels do. The next time you come and visit the South, feel free to check out The Apo View Hotel- a class on its own.

Do’s and Don’ts in Choosing the Best Hotel in Davao

These days, more and more travellers are learning that big hotels with steep price tags do not automatically mean that they’re better. So you can basically expect the same thing when you’re going through the list of available Davao hotels. The sad fact is that for a lot of tourists (and locals alike) the so-called budget-friendly accommodations are not that reasonably-priced at all. So if you want to get your money’s worth you need to be a bit more creative and find the best packages that are being offered.

Here are some do’s and don’ts to remember so you can get real value for your money in search for your ideal Davao hotel:

·         To cut costs, check out their weekend packages, off-season rates, and in smaller places, pay using cash instead of credit cards.

·         If you plan to stay for about a week or more, try negotiating to get the seventh night for free. If you know where to look, you’ll find that a budget hotel in Davao allows your children to sleep in your room for half the price, and some, even totally free.

·         Your primarily guidelines must always be cleanliness and value for your money, next is the location and management attitude, all of which are easily found at the Apo View Hotel located at the heart of Davao City.

·         Find one that is strategically located at the downtown area so you can save valuable vacation energy and time you will be spending when commuting to the places you want to visit. Keep this in mind because you don’t want to leave your lodging at the crack of dawn and be unable to go back, rest and freshen up for supper just because you spent too much time in transit.

·         Try to get feedback from previous guests of the hotel to see if the management is warm, friendly and helpful, something that is expected from everyone in the service industry, regardless whether you are a first class or cheap hotel in Davao. That’s SOP, no excuses.

Finally, learn to take things in stride. After all, you’re here to relax and unwind, you deserve nothing but the best.

Have a Prom Blast at the Top of the Apo

Teens practically go nuts a few weeks and days leading to their prom night. Indeed, it is one of the most anticipated events in a high-schooler’s life. Great expectations, lavish preparations, outfits, painstakingly made-up faces of the girls (for the boys), and boys trying their best to impress the girls by putting their best foot forward. So exactly what does it take to make a perfect prom night? Read on to find out.

The Right Company

Be careful in choosing the kind of company you hang out with. A lot of kids are so anxious to get with the cool kids that they’re willing to do almost anything just to belong. Sex, drugs, and alcohol are the killer combos that have serious consequences. A few minutes or hours of pleasure can sometimes end up in a lifetime of misery. Consider this before you jump into anything you might regret later on.

The Right Mentality

Be sensible when choosing your outfits (especially for the ladies). It’s so easy to get carried away and some girls end up choosing the sexiest and most revealing outfits hoping to be crowned Prom Queen on that special night. It’s not going to happen. Be pretty yet classy at the same time. Don’t try too hard, keep your cool, and your natural beauty and confidence will surely be noticed.

The Right Location

Nothing can be a more perfect location for this special occasion than the Top of the Apo. With a scenic view of Davao city, this newly renovated function room of the Apo View Hotel will definitely make your prom night worth remembering. Having been in the hotel business for the past 65 years, this oldest Davao hotel definitely knows what it means to give high-quality customer service.

A lot of Davao hotels have sprung up the past six decades, yet the Apo View have managed to stay on top of their game through continuous research, innovations and listening to the very people who matter the most- their valued clients. It is no wonder then that so many people consider it as the best hotel in Davao. Again, the most expensive isn’t necessarily the best. As a matter of fact, even a budget hotel in Davao manages to put a smile on their client’s face. A true testimony that even a cheap hotel in Davao can give first class customer service.

www.apoview.com

Davao Hotel Reservations Guide and Other Word to the Wise

Are reservations in Davao hotels necessary? Yes! Confirmed reservations are crucial to the success of a trip to this exotic city, and any other world destination for that matter, that is, if you want to be the boss on how much you spend. Nowadays, it’s super easy to phone, fax, or email your reservations so long as you can guarantee them with your credit card.

So here are a few helpful reminders when making your reservations and inquiry at the best hotel in Davao:

·         The date of your stay, time of arrival and your flight number, and the total number of persons who will be staying with you.

·         The type and size of the room you will be needing. Whether they are double or twin beds, extra beds, you want adjoining rooms, non-smoking; you’re concerned about the quiet, and so on.

·         The facilities you want: shower and/or bathtub, private toilet, hall facilities, if there are any available and/or acceptable.

·         Room location: on the street, with a view, or at the back of the hotel.

·         The room rates: Find out what they’re nightly rate will be and if or not the VAT (value-added tax) is included, and the kind of breakfast they serve. This is your best chance to negotiate for discounts.

·         How much deposit is required and what form of payment is acceptable.

·         Note the time and date of your call, the name of the person you spoke with, and other particulars of your reservation. Make sure the rates are clearly spelled out, whether they will include breakfast, and if so, what kind and are there discounts that can be given. Take this with you together with your hotel’s confirmation.

·         Request that your hotel send you a confirmation of your reservation and bring this with you when you check in to avoid any possible mishaps. It doesn’t matter if it’s an expensive or cheap hotel in Davao, you’re better off doing this to save you from a ton of headaches.

Hopefully, these reminders can make your visit a fun and pleasurable stay. If you’re looking for a budget hotel in Davao, come and visit the Apo View Hotel. They offer excellent service and accommodation at very reasonable prices.