Escape to Paradise: Circle Inn's Bacolod Bliss Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Circle Inn's Bacolod Bliss Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Circle Inn's Bacolod Bliss… or Bust? (A Chaotic Review)
Alright, alright, buckle up buttercups! I'm back from Bacolod and I'm ready to spill the tsokolate (that's chocolate in Filipino, for the uninitiated) on my stay at Circle Inn. "Escape to Paradise" they called it. Well, let's just say my escape was more of a… stumble towards relaxation. But hey, that's life, right? And Circle Inn, for all its quirks, definitely lived.
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- Description: A brutally honest and detailed review of Circle Inn in Bacolod, Philippines. Covering everything from accessibility and cleanliness to the pool, food, and overall experience, with plenty of personal anecdotes and chaotic charm.
Arrival & First Impressions: The Elevator Trials
Okay, so the first thing that hit me? The heat. Bacolod is a scorcher! But the check-in? Seamless, thanks to the contactless check-in/out. Big win in the age of germophobia! The lobby was… clean. Sterile, almost. Which is a plus, considering the daily disinfection in common areas. And the staff? Super polite. Filipino hospitality is legendary, and they didn't disappoint.
Now for the elevator. Let's just say patience is a virtue I was forced to cultivate. It’s… not the swiftest. And honestly, considering the elevator, and the fact that I did not see facilities for disabled guests advertised like a flashing neon sign, I cannot declare with certainty that this is a truly Wheelchair accessible hotel. Which is a HUGE bummer if you need it. (Check with the hotel directly to be sure!)
But the terrace! Oh, the terrace was lovely. A little oasis where you could finally exhale after navigating the chaos of the airport.
Room Rundown: From Blackout Curtains to… Well, More Blackout Curtains
The room itself? Pretty standard. Not exactly palatial, but hey, I wasn't expecting Buckingham Palace. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver against the relentless sun. Seriously, they were magical. I slept like a log. Also a plus: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And it actually worked! Hallelujah! (Although, I did notice there was Internet access – LAN available too, for the techies.)
The air conditioning worked, thankfully. That's crucial in Bacolod. And there was a coffee/tea maker, which is essential for my survival. I’m one grumpy cat without caffeine, trust me. Free bottled water was a nice touch. They had bathrobes (I'm always a sucker for a bathrobe) and even slippers. The desk was handy for, you know, pretending I was actually going to work.
Now, a mild rant (it wouldn't be a review without one): the TV. Satellite channels were a bit… limited. But hey, I wasn't there to watch TV all day. (Unless I was nursing a hangover. Then all bets are off.)
The bathroom was functional. Hot water, a separate shower/bathtub, all the essentials. Toiletries were provided, which saved me from scavenging my travel-sized shampoo. And the mirror (I'm a very vain person). The additional toilet was a wonderful luxury, don't get me wrong.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe-R Than Sorry
Circle Inn really went the extra mile with cleanliness. The anti-viral cleaning products gave me a sense of security. The rooms sanitized between stays was a comfort, and the hotel had Hygiene certification. You could tell the staff was taking it seriously. The hand sanitizer was everywhere, and the fact that they had Staff trained in safety protocol meant you could breathe a little easier. Rooms sanitized between stays, I noticed the Smoke detector, and Fire extinguisher.
Dining & Drinking: A Buffet of Mixed Feelings
Now, the food. This is where things got… interesting.
The Breakfast [buffet] was decent. The Asian breakfast was good, especially the longganisa (Filipino sausage). The Western breakfast options were a bit… so-so. But the Coffee/tea in restaurant? Always a win. I had breakfast takeaway service one day, because I couldn't face the buffet. I was feeling the after-effects of a particularly enthusiastic happy hour.
The restaurants offer Asian cuisine in restaurant and International cuisine in restaurant, the menu had a **Soup in restaurant **, Salad in restaurant. I managed to snag a bottle of water and coffee/tea in restaurant. The happy hour at the bar was a definite highlight. Those cocktails? *Delicious* and dangerous.
And speaking of dangerous, I tried the desserts in restaurant. Let's just say my diet went out the window. Completely worth it.
The hotel also had a poolside bar that offers a pool with view.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Poolside Bliss (Mostly)
The swimming pool was… lovely. Swimming pool [outdoor], yes. It was clean, refreshing, and the perfect place to escape the Bacolod heat. The Poolside bar and I became very good friends.
I didn't make it to the Gym/fitness, but, you know, maybe next time. I did however indulge in a spa. Ah, the Body scrub with a Massage was absolutely divine. I felt like a new person. Seriously, best money I spent all trip. They also offer a Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter… Eventually
The concierge was helpful with arranging airport transfer. I did manage to take away Cash withdrawal. The daily housekeeping kept things shipshape. And the fact that they have Front desk [24-hour] is always a win in my book. They offer Laundry service and a Gift/souvenir shop. There is the convenience store.
For the Kids: (I Have No Kids, But…)
Circle Inn seems Family/child friendly, but I can't give a comprehensive review since I don't have kids. They had Kids facilities. they offer Babysitting service, Kids meal available.
Getting Around: Smooth Sailing (Mostly)
I used the Taxi service a couple of times. The hotel also offers Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site].
The Verdict: Paradise with a Pinch of Patience
Circle Inn isn't flawless. The elevator could be a bit faster, the TV choices could be more varied. But the staff is genuinely friendly, the rooms are comfy enough, the pool is a welcome respite, and the spa is heavenly! And the overall attitude toward cleanliness and safety in the present climate is admirable!
So, would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just pack your patience, your swimsuit, and your appetite for adventure (and maybe a good book for the elevator rides). Circle Inn offers a solid base for exploring the charms of Bacolod… even if the escape to paradise isn't always guaranteed. 7.5 out of 10 stars.
Mamaia Sun's Out, Fun's Out! ✨ Your Dream Apartment Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my Bacolod adventure, specifically nestled in the… ahem… “luxury” (air quotes, people, air quotes) of Circle Inn - Hotel & Suites. This isn't going to be some sterile, perfectly-curated travelogue. This is the real, sticky, sometimes-sweaty truth of my Bacolod escapade. Prepare yourselves.
Day 1: Arrival, the Unexpected Chicken Inasal Craving & Questionable WiFi
1:00 PM: Arrived at… well, eventually inside Circle Inn. The taxi driver seemed to think "Circle Inn" was a suggestion, not a destination. He zigzagged through Bacolod like a caffeinated bumblebee. Found the place eventually. First impression? Cleanish. The lobby smells faintly of… cleaning product and ambition. Mine, not the hotel's.
1:30 PM: Checked in. The receptionist, a lovely woman named Maria, greeted me with the forced cheerfulness of someone who's seen a thousand tourists. My room? Standard. Bed? Acceptable. View? The parking lot, which is apparently a very popular destination for cars.
2:00 PM: Unpacked. Or rather, tossed my stuff onto the bed and declared myself "settled." Hunger pangs started. Big hunger pangs. Chicken. Inasal. My stomach began demanding this… immediately. It was a primal need. Apparently, travel does that to you; it awakens your inner foodie.
2:30 PM - 4.00 PM: The hunt for Chicken Inasal began. Maria had pointed me to a place called Manokan Country, which sounded promisingly rustic. Walking there was an adventure in itself. Bacolod is HOT. Like, sweat-dripping-down-your-spine hot. Found Manokan Country, a hive of grilling activity. It was overwhelming in the best way. The smoky smell, the sizzling chicken, the general buzz… pure heaven. I gorged. I’m not proud. But I have no regrets.
4:00 PM: Back to the hotel. WiFi… sigh. It’s… intermittent. Let’s just say it’s practicing the art of disappearing just when you need it most. Sent a grumpy text to my sister.
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Attempted to take a nap, or was it a stupor? I don't recall. The incessant honking from the traffic outside was like a symphony of impatience.
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM: Back to the Chicken Inasal place. Yes, I know. Don't judge! It was just THAT good!
8:00 PM: Back to the hotel. I have been fighting the urge to snack. I did not prevail.
Day 2: The Ruins, Sweet Delights & a Near-Death Experience (Okay, Maybe Not That Dramatic)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at Circle Inn. Let's just say it was a "continental" experience. Think: lukewarm coffee, toast that could double as a weapon, and some kind of mystery "fruit" that I cautiously avoided.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: The Ruins. Oh, the Ruins! (Dramatic flourish). It’s a crumbling mansion, haunted by the ghosts of a sugar baron’s love and… probably a bunch of mosquitoes (I was correct). The architecture is stunning, even in its decay. The story is heartbreaking. The whole thing feels… romantic and melancholic. I took so many pictures. I'm going to bore people with my photos when I get back.
- 12:30 PM: Lunch. This time, I bravely strayed from the chicken trail and tried some local seafood. Delicious, and a welcome change. I have a feeling my cholesterol will be in for a rude awakening when I get home.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: The Sweet Tooth Challenge. Bacolod is known for its desserts. I decided to fully commit. First (and possibly most important): Calea. A cafe. A wonderland of cakes. I ate a slice of their chocolate cake. It was so good, I cried. I went back and bought three more slices. I have no self-control. Then, off to Felicia's. More cake. More sugar. More bliss. My dentist is going to hate me.
- 4:30 PM: The near-death experience. (Okay, maybe not). Almost got run over by a tricycle because I was too busy staring at a particularly vibrant mural. Bacolod's traffic is… lively.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Back to the Hotel - WiFi still having issues! Watched a show and tried to work while the download times were not available.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a place I can't even remember the name. It was alright. Not chicken inasal.
- 8:00 PM: Staring at the ceiling. Wondering about my life choices. (Mostly about the cake).
Day 3: The Museum, the Last Inasal, and the Goodbye (and maybe return)
9:30 AM: Decided to see the museum today.
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: The Negros Museum. Actually, it was better than I expected! Some really interesting exhibits on local history, culture, and the sugar industry. I learned stuff! (Which is always a good thing, right?).
1:30 PM: One last Inasal pilgrimage. I couldn't leave Bacolod without it. It was just as good as the first time. Maybe even better. The waiter recognized me! I feel like a local now.
3:00 PM: Back to the hotel to pack. The parking lot view is strangely comforting now, I admit.
4:00 PM: Taxi to the airport. Farewell, Bacolod. I'll be back. And I'm bringing my stretchy pants.
Overall impression of Circle Inn: It was… fine. It served its purpose. It was a clean, comfortable, and convenient basecamp for my Bacolod adventures. Nothing fancy, but good enough.
Lingering thoughts: I'm going to miss the Chicken Inasal. And the people of Bacolod are so friendly, and even when the WiFi was on strike!
Final Verdict: Would I recommend Circle Inn? Yeah, why not. It's affordable, and you'll be out exploring most of the time anyway. Just bring your own portable hotspot and a serious appreciation for good food.
Escape to Paradise: Circle Inn's Bacolod Bliss Awaits! - Your Messy, Honest, and Absolutely Human FAQs
Okay, spill it. Is Circle Inn REALLY "Paradise?" Like, actual paradise? Because my bar is set pretty high after that last "paradise" turned out to be a cockroach convention.
Alright, alright, let's get this straight. Paradise? Look, I wouldn't go THAT far. Nobody's got actual harps playing and you're not floating on clouds of mango-flavored air. But Circle Inn's Bacolod? It's *pretty darn close*. And honestly? A massive step up from that cockroach situation.
Let me paint a picture. Picture this: me, after a *brutal* red-eye flight, arriving at the hotel, bleary-eyed and grumpy. Immediately, the lobby is breezy, the staff are genuinely welcoming (no fake smiles here, folks!), and they *immediately* handed me a cold, refreshing dalandan juice. Pure, unadulterated bliss. Suddenly, my sleep-deprived grumpiness began to melt away. It's not paradise, but is close enough after the flight. And, you know what? No cockroaches. HUGE win.
What's the deal with the rooms? Are they all Insta-worthy, or do they have that slightly-musty-smelling charm of older hotels? (I'm judging, I'm sorry.)
Okay, so the rooms. They're… *good*. Not exactly magazine-cover material, but clean, comfortable, and actually well-maintained. Think "modern comfort" rather than "rustic chic." I'm obsessed with comfort.
I stayed in a standard room, and sure, it wasn't the Presidential Suite (obviously, I’m not *THAT* fancy), but it was perfectly adequate. The AC worked like a champ (essential in Bacolod heat!), the bed was comfy enough that I didn't wake up with a crick in my neck, and – and this is a big one for me – the shower actually had decent water pressure. I didn't immediately think about the old-school vibe in the bathroom. There was also a TV with a bunch of channels, which was great for passing the time while fighting jetlag.
My only minor gripe? The view from my room. Sadly, I didn't have this amazing panoramic view that some of the other rooms seemed to have. Instead, I was staring at another building. But hey, at least the noise was blocked out!
The food! Is it all just *kare-kare* and *lechon*? (Not that there's anything wrong with that...) And if so, how does the breakfast buffet stack up?
Look, Bacolod is a food paradise, right? And Circle Inn... it's *got* food. There were plenty of options.
Yes, there's definitely your fill of *kare-kare* and local delights. But the breakfast buffet? *That's* where it's at. Okay, okay, I'll admit it: I developed a deep and abiding affection for their *tapsilog*. Crispy, savory, and perfectly seasoned. I ate so much that I almost felt guilty. Almost.
The buffet itself is fairly standard, but with some lovely Filipino touches. There's a DIY *taho* station (essential!), a wide selection of bread and pastries, and the usual eggs-your-way situation. The coffee was strong, too, which is a vital requirement in my books.
Honest confession: I may have gotten up for seconds, nay, *thirds* of that *tapsilog*. Don't judge me. You would too.
Location, Location, Location! Is it a pain to get around from Circle Inn? Or a breeze?
Location is KEY, people. And Circle Inn nails it. It's smack-dab in the middle of Bacolod, which makes exploring a breeze.
Everything you could want to see seemed to be within a Tricycle or Taxi ride. Want to gorge yourself on chicken inasal? Just a short ride away. Want to explore the iconic Ruins? Easy peasy. The hotel staff can help you book a taxi or point you in the right direction; it's no worries. And, seriously, the taxis were cheap!
I even walked around at night. It was a little dark, as things tend to get in the Philippines, but felt safe and accessible.
Anything I should be wary of? Like hidden fees, or a super-annoying resident ghost?
Hidden fees? Nah, not really. They're pretty upfront about everything. The typical hotel shenanigans with the mini-bar (don't touch it unless you're prepared to pay) and the laundry service which seemed a little pricey, but other than that, no nasty surprises.
Resident ghost? Hmmm… I'm a skeptic, but… I *swear* I heard a faint giggle one night. Probably just the AC acting up. Okay, maybe the room felt a little chilly too, despite the heat. But, I'm choosing to believe it was my imagination working overtime after a day of exploring! So, probably no ghost (hopefully!).
The pool! It looks inviting. Is it crowded? Is it clean? And how's the vibe?
Oh, the pool. Let's talk pool. Because after a day of sweating in the Bacolod sun, the cool water is life.
Crowded? Not really. There was always a spot to lounge, which was nice. Maybe a couple of kids splashing around, but nothing major. Clean? Absolutely. The water was clear, and there was a decent number of pool attendants keeping things tidy.
The vibe? Relaxed. Peaceful. Perfect for unwinding with a book (or, let's be honest, scrolling through social media). I spent a good chunk of my time there, just chilling. Because sometimes, you just want to float around, and that’s okay!
Okay, you seem to like this place. But would you go back? And would you *recommend* it?
Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Honestly, I'm already planning my return trip. And would I recommend it? YES! If you're looking for a comfortable, conveniently located hotel in Bacolod with friendly staff and fantastic food (especially the breakfast!), then Circle Inn is a solid choice. It's not perfect, but it ticks all the important boxes and offers a genuinely pleasant experience.
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