RedDoorz @ Express Inn Lapu-Lapu: Cebu's BEST Kept Secret? (Unbelievable Deal!)
RedDoorz @ Express Inn Lapu-Lapu: Cebu's BEST Kept Secret? (Unbelievable Deal!)
RedDoorz @ Express Inn Lapu-Lapu: Cebu's BEST Kept Secret? (Unbelievable Deal!) - My Honest, Messy, and Surprisingly Pleasurable Stay
Alright, folks, let's be real. Finding a decent hotel in Cebu, especially near Lapu-Lapu, that won't make your wallet weep is a quest worthy of a seasoned treasure hunter. So, when I stumbled upon the "Unbelievable Deal!" promise of RedDoorz @ Express Inn Lapu-Lapu, my internal skepticism radar went into overdrive. Cheap hotels…they can be a gamble, right? But curiosity (and a budget) got the better of me. And you know what? I'm actually gonna rave a little.
First Impressions (and the Great Signage Debacle):
Getting there was a breeze. The website screams "Accessibility" - and it delivered here! Easy to find, even at night (though, I gotta be honest, the signage could be better. I briefly questioned if I'd wandered onto a private airfield). Airport transfer? Present and accounted for! Plus, they offer car park [free of charge] – a huge win in a city where parking is a mythical beast.
Inside the Fortress of…Affordable Comfort?
Entering, I braced myself for the usual budget hotel suspects: dingy hallways, flickering lights, the overwhelming aroma of "questionable cleaning products." Nope. Instead, the lobby was…well, it was functional. Think clean, well-lit, and more importantly, the "Front desk [24-hour]" was manned by a surprisingly friendly and helpful staff. Check-in/out [express] was a lifesaver, I was literally in and out in minutes.
The Room: My Sanctuary (Sort Of).
Okay, let's talk room specifics, because this is where RedDoorz had to prove itself. The room itself was…a pleasant surprise. I had a nice "Air conditioning," "Internet access – wireless (aka Wi-Fi [free]) flowing like water (and pretty strong! I was worried about the connection being spotty and it was not, ever) . "Blackout curtains"? YES! "Extra long bed"? Score! (I’m tall, people!). And the "Daily housekeeping" actually, well, happened. They didn't get the memo to be invisible though. Seriously, they were a little enthusiastic with the cleaning one day, but, hey, at least it was clean, right?
There was a "Refrigerator," "mini bar"…which I, being cheap, did not touch. But the essentials were there: "Coffee/tea maker," "Complimentary tea," "Free bottled water," and my personal savior: "Socket near the bed." This is a small thing, but let me TELL you, in this day and age, it's a lifesaver. I was able to chill with my phone and not have to crawl to the other side of the room.
What About the Other Stuff? (And the Occasional Crumby Experience)
Now, for the "Amenities" section, and here's where things get a little…uneven, but mostly better than expected, because let's just say that, on paper, this place has it all. I mean, "Fitness center," "Spa," "Swimming pool [outdoor]"? Yeah, okay. The gym…was functional. Think compact, but with the basics. The pool…well, it was a welcome relief from the Cebu humidity and an absolute heaven to chill in, even if the "view" was of the surrounding buildings, not the breathtaking ocean vista of some fancy hotels.
Then there's the "Spa." This is where my expectations, admittedly, hit the ground and stayed there. I envisioned something I would book a massage or body wrap, but it wasn't really a spa, not a full on "spa" experience. It was more like, well… I'll get to that.
The Food: Fueling the Adventure (and the Occasional Regret)
"Dining, drinking, and snacking"? Alright. The "Restaurant"…was the main one, the one where the "Asian breakfast" in the morning was, well, decent. The "Coffee/tea in restaurant" was a bit weak, but you can't win 'em all. The "Snack bar" kept me well-fed, and I appreciated the "Bottle of water" that was given to me upon arrival.
Now, the "Room service [24-hour]" was a godsend after a long day. The pizza? Mediocre. But hey, it was there, and I was starving. I've had worse. The "Vegetarian restaurant" was a godsend, there weren't that many items to choose from, but it's better than nothing.
Cleanliness and Safety: A Comforting Reality (Because…COVID)
Okay, the pandemic era has us all paranoid, right? I was actually impressed. The "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," "Hand sanitizer" everywhere, and the staff, they all seemed very intent on maintaining their "Hygiene certification." They had a "Physical distancing of at least 1 meter". I also noticed the "Rooms sanitized between stays." I mean, they even had one of those UV sanitization things in the lobby, which is quite the commitment.
My Unforgettable, and Almost Unbelievable, Poolside Flop and Sauna Experience (Yeah, It’s a Story)
Alright, real talk time. I was tired, the sun was beating down, and all I wanted was to relax by the pool and then, perhaps, get away with a nice sauna. So I got my swim suit and ventured to the pool. It was a beautiful day, and the water was a perfect temperature.
I finally saw the sauna, which, to my mild shock, was, like, not really a sauna. It was kind of…a large, enclosed cabinet. I was expecting something more…sauna-like. I opened the door, it smelled like newly-cut wood, and I thought of getting in and maybe it would be okay, but I wasn’t really in the mood for a DIY sauna experiment.
It was more of a … a potential sauna? I was disappointed, but decided to not to mention it. This wasn't a deal breaker. This place already was an absolute steal.
The Verdict: Cebu's Unsung Hero?
Look, RedDoorz @ Express Inn Lapu-Lapu isn't a five-star luxury resort. But for the price? It's an absolute steal. It's clean, comfortable, conveniently located, and the staff are genuinely friendly. It's a great base for exploring Lapu-Lapu and nearby Cebu. I think the pool saved my life. I might actually have booked another night if had not been for a flight.
Quirks & Quirks & Quirks:
- The elevator. It's small, but it works. Embrace it.
- The "Happy Hour" at the bar…was a little hard to find. Keep looking.
- The "Couple's rooms," (as advertised) definitely sound like a solid choice.
Final Assessment (and that Unbelievable Deal!)
Is it a "best kept secret"? Absolutely.
Would I return? In a heartbeat.
My Recommendation: This place is a no-brainer for budget travelers, solo adventurers, and anyone who wants a clean, comfortable, and safe stay without having to take out a second mortgage.
The "Unbelievable Deal!" (and How to Book It):
Here's the deal, folks. I'm not being paid to say this. But the value for money here is genuinely impressive. The prices are incredibly competitive, especially compared to the big-brand hotels. Keep an eye out for special promotions and discounts (they seem to have them frequently). Book directly through the RedDoorz website or app for the best rates.
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My final thought? Go. Just go. You won't regret it.
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Croatian Villa Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your average sterile travel itinerary. This is… well, it's my attempted escape to RedDoorz @ Express Inn Lapu Lapu in Cebu, and knowing me, it's bound to be a glorious, chaotic, and utterly unpredictable mess. Here goes nothing… (deep breath).
The "Operation: Sun-Kissed Sanity" Itinerary (Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Mangoes)
Day 1: Arrival - Cebu, Here I Come (Maybe!)
Morning (7:00 AM -ish): Wake up. Or, more accurately, try to wake up. The incessant buzzing of my alarm clock (set to the most aggressive, soul-crushing tone imaginable) finally penetrates the fog of pre-vacation exhaustion. Scramble out of bed. Realize I haven't packed anything. Panic momentarily. Then, a surge of adrenaline (and sheer dread) kicks in. Okay, pack! Pack! Pack!
Departure (10:00 AM -ish): Finally, everything (and by everything, I mean the bare minimum – toothbrush, phone charger, a crumpled t-shirt that might pass as presentable) crammed into my backpack. Hail a Grab taxi. Traffic. Naturally. Start silently cursing myself for not leaving earlier.
Flight (Noon -ish): Made it! Whew. Smooth(ish) flight. Managed to avoid the screaming toddler (miracle!), and devoured a bag of airplane pretzels. The flight attendants smiled a lot and their smiles felt fake. I felt like a fake too.
Arrival (3:00 PM local time -ish): Cebu Airport. Breathe in the humid air, mixed with the scent of something… unfamiliar. Excitement bubbling up despite myself. Find a local driver, agree on the rate, (probably overpaid) and head to RedDoorz.
Check-in (4:00 PM -ish): RedDoorz @ Express Inn. The lobby is… functional. Let's call it that. The air conditioning definitely works. The staff are… polite. "Welcome, ma'am!" Always make me feel so old. Room check. First impressions? Cleanish. Basic. Definitely not the luxury resort I'd fantasized about (okay, I knew it wouldn't be, but still…). The TV… wait, is that channel selection even working? Nope!
Immediate Reaction: "Okay, okay. It's fine. It's just a place to sleep." (Said with forced optimism).
- (Anecdote Alert!) Inside the room, I immediately dropped my bag and just crashed on the bed. It was surprisingly hard. I had a small panic attack and I wasn't sure why, so I just decided to sleep.
Pre-Dinner Exploration (6:00 PM -ish): Force myself out of the room. Gotta explore, gotta get a feel for things. Quick stroll around the hotel. Find a small sari-sari store (local shop) nearby to get water and snacks. Notice all the motorbikes. Consider renting one. Immediately dismiss the idea. I'd probably die.
Dinner (7:30 PM -ish): Hunt down a local eatery. Find a karinderia (casual dining place). This is where the real adventure begins!
- (Rambling & Observation) Karinderia food. So cheap and so good. This is what I love about travel. The chaotic life. I don't even know what I ordered. Spicy, yes. Delicious, absolutely. The people watching is even better. I watch one of the workers with a huge grin on his face and I feel happy for him. I feel happy to be alive. I'm just happy.
Evening Reflection (9:00 PM -ish): Back in the room. Trying (and failing) to connect to the Wi-Fi. Sigh. Journaling. The day was a long one. So. Long. I'm already incredibly exhausted. But there's something… something about the humidity, the chaos, the taste of that unknown spicy dish that’s already making me feel alive. Maybe this will be okay. Maybe I'm actually excited? God, what is happening to me?
Day 2: Island Hopping and a Brush with Disaster (Probably My Fault)
Morning (8:00 AM -ish): Wake up. The bed is still hard. The AC is still blasting. The TV still doesn't work. But, surprisingly, I feel… rested. Maybe. Sort of. Plan to go island hopping. Read some reviews. I'm sure it will be amazing. I'm a little scared of the ocean.
Island Hopping Tour (9:00 AM - late afternoon): Organized a trip with a local operator. The boat is small but surprisingly durable-looking. The journey is bumpy. The sea is a dazzling azure. The first island: breathtaking. Snorkelling! The coral is beautiful. The fish are colourful. I accidentally swallowed some saltwater. It's salty.
(Downfall) My attempt at staying fit went down the drain.
(Quirky Observation) The sun. Damn. I'm getting sunburned. Note to self: SPF 50, and apply it frequently. I'm already starting to look like a lobster.
(Emotional Reaction) Pure, unadulterated joy. I love this. This is why I travel. The beauty, the silence, the freedom. I just need to buy more sunblock and learn to swim!
(Messier Structure) Lunch on a secluded beach. Grilled seafood. More mangoes. So many mangoes! I'm pretty sure I've eaten my weight in mangoes already. The other tourists are chatty. I'm not feeling the vibe. I smile politely.
(Brush with Disaster: My Fault!) Okay, so… I may have gotten a little too close to the edge of the boat while taking a selfie. I may have slipped. I may have dropped my phone into the ocean as a result. And may had a mini-panic attack as a result due to being unable to retrieve it. It was a close call, and a valuable lesson (wear a phone strap!).
Evening (6:00 PM -ish): Sunburned, slightly shell-shocked (thanks, ocean water!) and phone-less but with a newfound appreciation for the ocean. Back to the hotel. Shower. Try to scrub the salt out of my hair. Fail.
Dinner (7:30 PM -ish): Find a different restaurant, one with a proper English menu this time, and, more importantly, air conditioning. Order something fancy. Feel like I've earned it after nearly drowning myself.
Evening Wrap-up (9:00 PM -ish): Back in my room. Reflecting on the day. The ocean. The islands. The mangoes. The near-death experience. Actually, a pretty good day. I'm exhausted, but content. Maybe I have to buy a new phone in the morning.
Day 3: Markets, Memories, and The Day I Almost Missed My Flight
Morning (9:00 AM -ish): Slept in a bit. The bed is still hard. The TV still broken. The air conditioning is still…blasting. Breakfast at the hotel. Coffee? Don’t think so.
Morning Exploration (10:00 AM-ish): Decide to venture out. Experience the market. The chaos, the smells, the colours, the energy. Negotiate on prices. Bought some souvenirs. Probably overpaid. But it’s okay.
- (Doubling Down on Experience): I got a street massage! It was quick. I could hear people talking in loud voices. I was happy.
Lunch (Noon-ish): Found a restaurant to try. It’s good stuff.
Daytime Reflections (2:00 PM-ish): It has been amazing. I don't know why I get nervous when traveling. This is what I like. The freedom. The spontaneity.
Flight Disaster (5:00 PM-ish): This is where the utter messiness of my life truly shines. Headed back to the hotel, and saw that traffic looked bad, so I decided to postpone my flight and explore more. Head to the airport. Somehow, I managed to get my flight mixed up. I am late. I panic. I RUN.
Recovery (6:30 PM-ish): I made it. Barely. Boarding the plane, I’m exhausted and grateful.
Departure (7:00 PM-ish): Looking out the window and seeing Cebu for the last time.
I know, it’s rough, disorganized, and probably riddled with grammatical errors. But that’s me. That’s the reality of any travel experience, it's not easy and smooth like every travel vlog ever shows. It’s messy, unpredictable, and filled with moments of pure brilliance, moments of utter idiocy, and a whole lot of mangoes. And that’s the best part of
Golem's Hidden Gem: Stunning Mara Beach Apartment Awaits!
Okay, spill the beans! Is RedDoorz @ Express Inn Lapu-Lapu ACTUALLY a "secret"? Because I've seen the ads...
Hah! Secret? Maybe in the way that your aunt’s fruitcake is a “secret ingredient” to Christmas. Kinda. The name does sound… well, exciting. My initial reaction? Skepticism. "Best Kept Secret?!?" I've *seen* the billboards, the pop-ups... It felt like an overused marketing trope. But hey, I’m always up for an adventure, especially when it involves cheap accommodation. Plus, I’m a sucker for a good deal, right? So, I booked. And that’s where things... *started*.
What's the deal with the "unbelievable deal" aspect? Is it REALLY cheap? Like, REALLY cheap?
Alright, here's the lowdown: *yes*, it’s cheap. Really cheap. Think... budget-friendly. Like, "can I afford that questionable street food vendor later?" cheap. Let’s put it this way: I went in with the expectation of scraping the absolute bottom of the barrel and… well, it felt *surprisingly* better than I thought it would. But here's a little side anecdote: my friend, bless her heart, she booked a place in Manila with a similar budget, and let's just say she spent the entire night swatting away something she *vaguely* described as 'flying things'. So, the affordability is a *significant* plus, but lower expectations.
What's the ROOM situation like? Give me the REAL tea! Is it clean? Because I'm a clean freak. (Kinda.)
Okay, this is where things get... *interesting*. The room? Well. It depends, I reckon. Overall, it was reasonably clean, which, honestly, I was relieved about. I saw no 'flying things', although I did give my bed a thorough inspection upon arrival, just in case. One time though, (that's where the "kinda" comes in) my towels weren’t exactly fresh. But hey, at that price, I wasn't expecting a five-star hotel experience. More like a clean-ish, functional space. On a scale of "sterile operating room" to "abandoned warehouse," it's somewhere in the middle. It's not a place you'd host a dinner party, but for a night or two? Manageable. Bring your own hand sanitizer! Seriously.
Location, Location, Location! Is it actually in a good spot for exploring Lapu-Lapu?
Okay, now we're talking! The location is… *decent*. It’s close enough to some of the key attractions – the beaches, the Mactan Shrine, the airport (very important for catching that flight!). Getting around is relatively easy, thanks to taxis and, if you’re brave, the local jeepneys. However, I wouldn't say it's in the *heart* of the action. You'll likely need a short ride to get to the really buzzing areas, which is a small price to pay. It's close to convenience stores and restaurants, so that's GREAT. Because, let's be honest, when you're travelling, instant noodles are a life saver.
Let's talk amenities. What's included? What's missing? (Because, let's be honest, I need Wi-Fi.)
Wi-Fi? Check! (Most of the time. Sometimes it's a bit... spotty.) Air conditioning? Absolutely essential for surviving the Cebu heat! The basics are all there: a bed, a bathroom, a TV (though the channel selection is… limited). The extras, however, are few and far between. Don't expect a swimming pool or a fancy restaurant. This is a budget place, remember? I managed to find a place to park my car, and that was HUGE. Some extras include bottled water, but not always. Again, manage your expectations!
What's The Vibe? Is it loud? Quiet? Party central? Relaxing? Give it to me straight!
Honestly? It's a bit of a mixed bag. The vibe is... functional. It's not a place you'd go to for a romantic getaway. There might be noise from other rooms – you can hear everything, so if you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs! But overall, it's not a party zone. More "people coming and going" than a full-blown rager. I thought it was pretty quiet, most of the time. And at night, mostly, just the distant sounds of cicadas and car horns.
Alright, the Big Question: Would You Stay at RedDoorz @ Express Inn Lapu-Lapu again?
Okay, here’s the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth: It depends. If I'm on a *tight* budget and need a clean-ish, functional place to crash for a night or two? Absolutely. It's a solid option for the price. If I want a luxurious, pampering experience? HELL NO. However, if I'm just looking for somewhere to sleep and maybe explore the area, it's perfectly fine. I mean, it's not perfect, it's maybe a little… rough around the edges. But for the price, it's hard to beat.
Okay, so one last question. What should I REALLY REALLY bring?
Okay, here’s the survival kit for RedDoorz @ Express Inn Lapu-Lapu, Cebu:
- Lots of disinfectant wipes. Seriously.
- Earplugs (if you value sleep).
- Eye mask (for the aforementioned light sleepers).
- A power bank (for your phone, because the Wi-Fi… you know).
- Flip-flops for the showers (just in case).
- A sense of humor. Because you'll need it.
- Hand sanitizer.
- A bottle water.
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