Unbelievable Kingston Lodge: Your Cagayan de Oro Paradise Awaits!
Unbelievable Kingston Lodge: My Cagayan de Oro Paradise (with a few bumps!) - A Review That’s Actually Real
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (and maybe a little bit of my mojito) on Unbelievable Kingston Lodge. They billed it as a "Cagayan de Oro Paradise," and honestly? They weren't totally lying. But, like any paradise, it had its quirks. Let's dive in, shall we?
(Metadata & SEO stuff, because, you know, keywords!)
- Keywords: Unbelievable Kingston Lodge, Cagayan de Oro, CDO, Hotel Review, Philippines Travel, Accessible Hotel, Spa, Swimming Pool, Restaurant, Free Wi-Fi, Family Friendly, Safety, Cleanliness, Cagayan de Oro Hotels, Mindanao.
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of Unbelievable Kingston Lodge in Cagayan de Oro! From thrilling spa days and delicious food to the nitty-gritty of accessibility and safety. Is it really paradise? Find out here!
First Impressions & Getting Around (or, the Great Arrival Shenanigans)
So, picture this: scorching Cagayan de Oro sun, the airport shuttle (yes, they have one – Airport Transfer! – which is a huge plus) finally drops me off, and I’m immediately hit with that hotel-lobby smell. You know the one? A mix of something floral, air conditioning, and maybe a hint of… well, something else. Anyway. Check-in/out [express] was thankfully, actually express. Efficient, a little brisk, but hey, I wasn't complaining. Quick and they even got the Luggage Storage handled. Big tick. Doorman was a nice touch.
Getting Around: The Car park [free of charge] was a lifesaver, especially for exploring the area. The Car park [on-site] meant I was just steps away from my car. No complaints about the taxi service either. A+ for easy exploration.
Unfortunately, I didn't come across the Car power charging station but good on them for the intent!
Accessibility – The Good, The Okay, and the "Could Be Better"
Okay, let's talk accessibility. This is crucial for me, and Kingston Lodge made a decent effort, but… look, perfection isn't reality, right?
- Wheelchair accessible: Yes, generally speaking. Ramps were available, and the Elevator was a godsend.
- Facilities for disabled guests: While the basics were covered, it wasn’t exactly seamless. The occasional tight doorways, perhaps a slightly awkward ramp here or there, made navigating the place a bit of a workout.
- Bathroom Situation (Accessibility): The accessible rooms were available, and, while functionally fine, there are areas the hotel could work on.
Room with a View (and Free Wi-Fi… Praise Be!)
My room! Ah, my sanctuary. And yes, glory be, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Absolutely essential for a digital nomad like myself. Plus, you bet I used the Ironing facilities – wrinkles are the enemy of a good vacation photo. The Air conditioning was a godsend. I really appreciated the Desk and Laptop workspace for getting some work done.
The bed was comfy, the pillows were fluffy, and I definitely made use of the Bathtub for a good soak after a long day of… well, mostly lounging. Extra long bed: Score! There was a Coffee/tea maker and Coffee/tea in restaurant which was a must and the Free bottled water was a lovely touch.
The one tiny, tiny complaint: the window. It opened. Yes, really. But the view? Not so "unbelievable." More like "vaguely courtyard-ish."
Let's get a bit more specific on that room…
- Available in all rooms: Additional toilet, 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, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens
Eats, Drinks, & Shenanigans: The Restaurant Roundup
Food, glorious food! The Asian breakfast was actually really good, with a wide selection. The Breakfast [buffet] made it easy to get my fill. The Buffet in restaurant was nice to start the day with.
I definitely recommend trying the A la carte in restaurant. The Desserts in restaurant were particularly tempting.
Things that made me smile:
- The Poolside bar was a godsend. Nothing beats sipping a cocktail while staring at the pool (which had a Pool with view, though not, it has to be said, a breathtaking view). However I did love that there were Poolside bar for my relaxation!
- Coffee/tea in restaurant was a must. And the Snack bar was fantastic for those little in-between hunger pangs.
Things that could be better:
- The Western cuisine in restaurant was fine, but nothing to write home about.
- The Vegetarian restaurant was there, but it was more of a limited section of dishes.
Relaxation Station – The Spa & Other Wonders
Okay, listen up, because the spa was where Kingston Lodge really shone.
- Massage: Absolutely heavenly. The masseuses were skilled, the room was serene, and I almost forgot all my worries.
- Spa: They had one!
- Sauna: Yes. Delightful.
- Steamroom: Also yes, and a welcome steamy treat.
Cleanliness & Safety: A Post-Pandemic Perspective
This is important, and I paid close attention to it.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere! Which is a BIG relief.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Visible and reassuring.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They seemed genuinely concerned.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Yes, confirmed.
- Air conditioning in public area: A nice touch.
The security team was visible (and friendly!), and although I didn't need them, it made me feel safe.
Things to do (Beyond Lounging by the Pool):
Okay, Cagayan de Oro isn't exactly known for its vibrant nightlife, but there are still options:
- Meeting/banquet facilities: For events.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Always a good stop, and also for the little extras.
My Final Verdict: Worth It? Absolutely!
Unbelievable Kingston Lodge isn't perfect. It's got a few quirks and a few areas where it could improve. But overall? The friendly staff, the amazing spa, the decent food, plus the generally good safety protocols and cleanliness, make it a worthwhile stay.
Would I recommend it? Yes! Just be prepared for a few minor imperfections, embrace the chaos, and get ready to relax. And maybe, just maybe, pack a better view for your window!
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Green Hotel in Vung Tau Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups! This isn't your average, sterile itinerary. We're diving headfirst into the messy, beautiful chaos that is me in Cagayan de Oro, specifically around Kingston Lodge. Prepare for a ride.
KINGSTON LODGE CHAOS: A Cagayan de Oro Adventure (Prepare for Improv!)
Day 1: Arrival of the Clumsy Tourist & the First Spicy Surprise
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Land! Okay, so technically, I landed. More like, I was deposited in Laguindingan Airport, looking like a lost walrus. The humidity hit me like a warm, damp hug. And not the good kind. Immediately, I snag a habal-habal – a motorcycle taxi – even though I'm pretty sure my sanity would've preferred an actual taxi. Wish me luck on the seat that feels like a sharpened cheese grater! (Seriously, I wonder if I'll still be able to walk by the end of this!).
- (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM): The glorious, bumpy ride to Kingston Lodge. I'm pretty sure our driver took a detour through a rice paddy, but hey, adventure, right? Kingston Lodge: initial impressions? Cozy. The air smells like sunshine and… maybe a hint of the sea? (I’m probably imagining the sea. Can't be too far from the coast?) I check in, and the friendly staff is a definite highlight. They smile at me even though I'm probably radiating "exhausted tourist" vibes.
- (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Room exploration! Ah, a safe haven. I unpacked, which mostly involved wrestling with my suitcase. I swear, my socks multiplied in the last two hours. I think I may have brought to many pairs of socks. Anyway, I'm pretty sure I made a mess.
- (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch! Okay, time for the real adventure – FOOD. I'm starving. I ventured out to find a local carinderia. (No idea what I'm ordering, but I'm so ready.) Ordered something that looked like chicken and rice. Turns out, it was a chili bomb. My mouth is on FIRE. Tears are streaming. But you know what? It's DELICIOUS. Painfully delicious. This is the Philippines, people! I'm either going to love it, or die from spice. No middle ground.
- (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Afternoon nap/Recovery from Chili Mayhem. Needed that nap! So good. (And now I'm craving chili again…)
- (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Exploration of the immediate area - I'm going to attempt a walk around the neighborhood, soaking in the sounds, the smells, the energy. But first, a bottle of water. The heat is relentless!
- (6:00 PM - onwards): Early dinner, trying to find something less spicy! Also, I'm wondering if the Lodge has a bar…perhaps to wash down the chili. Evening reflections and blog writing (yes, really!).
Day 2: White Water Rafting: The Near Death Experience (Probably Exaggerated)
- Morning (7:00 AM - 8:00 AM): Breakfast at the lodge. Coffee. Lots of it. I need to stay awake, because today is the day. White water rafting. I signed up for a tour, and now I'm having second thoughts. Am I really cut out for this? Probably not, but I'm here.
- (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Commute and pre-rafting instructions. The drive itself was beautiful. Green hills, the river snaking its way through the valley. But the pre-rafting briefing – "Hold on tight!" "Paddle!" "Don't fall out!" – well, it only solidified my fear. My palms are sweating.
- (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): The Raft! Oh my god. It was exhilarating! Terrifying! I screamed. I paddled like a maniac. I thought I was going to die. I felt alive in a primal way I'd never experienced. There were moments of sheer terror, flailing in the rapids, and moments of awe at the sheer power of the river. I took a picture of the guide. The scenery was beautiful. (No pictures of me, though, because I was too busy clinging for dear life.)
- (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Post-Rafting Meal! I've never been so glad to eat a simple grilled fish and rice. My arms ached, my legs were wobbly, and I was buzzing with adrenaline. I felt like conquering the world. Or, at least, a large portion of grilled fish.
- (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Rest and recover/reflect on the rafting. I need to lay down. Did that really happen? It's hard to believe.
- (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Afternoon stroll, attempting to find a local market. Probably just going to find a good place to sit down and enjoy the sunset.
- (6:00 PM - onwards): Dinner, back at the lodge, and then maybe a massage. My muscles will thank me. Early night tonight, because I'm exhausted.
Day 3: (Potentially) Moving Past the Sunburn
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Attempt to get out of bed. Seriously. Rafting. Ouch. The sunburn is starting to make itself known. Breakfast: slow-motion style. Coffee, because it's essential. I'm starting to feel less like a soggy biscuit and more like…well, less soggy.
- (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Time for a visit to the Macahambus Hill Cave and the nearby Mapawa Nature Park. I've heard the cave is spooky and the park is beautiful. This should either be relaxing or require a lot of emergency breathing. I'll find out!
- (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Lunch! Hopefully something light and easy to digest. I'm thinking soup. Or, maybe more chili. Who am I kidding?
- (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Mapawa Nature Park - I managed to get myself out. The falls are amazing. So are the monkeys. These primates are cute, but I did manage to lose my bag of chips. Maybe next time.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Back to Kingston Lodge.
- 6:00 PM - onwards: A final meal, maybe something comforting, like pizza (if I can find it). Packing. Reflecting. Did I enjoy Cagayan de Oro? Absolutely. Did I get the messiest, most wonderful experience? Yes. Maybe I'll return, with a better sense of humor, or maybe better at packing.
Important Considerations:
- Embrace the Unexpected: Things will go wrong. Get lost. Order the wrong food. It's part of the adventure.
- Be Respectful: This is someone else's home. Be mindful of local customs and traditions.
- Stay Hydrated: The heat and humidity are no joke. Water, water, water!
- Have Fun! Don't take any of this too seriously.
This is just a rough outline, a skeleton. The real fun will be the messy, unpredictable adventure that unfolds in Cagayan de Oro. I can't wait! (And maybe I'll learn how to pack my suitcase properly.)
Amiens' Hidden Gem: Hotel Central Anzac – Unforgettable Stay!
Unbelievable Kingston Lodge: Spill the Tea (and the Coffee!) - Your Cagayan de Oro Adventure!
Okay, so... Kingston Lodge – is it *actually* "unbelievable"? I'm skeptical.
Alright, alright, let's be real. "Unbelievable" is a bold claim, right? And look, I'm a jaded traveler; I've seen a lot of "paradises" that were more like purgatories with questionable plumbing. But... Kingston Lodge? Okay, *mostly* believable. Listen, the first thing that hit me wasn't some perfectly manicured lawn (though the greenery *is* nice). It was the *smell*. Fresh-brewed coffee wafting through the lobby. Seriously, you could get fully addicted to that aroma. And the staff? Not your robotic hotel drones. They were genuinely friendly. One of them, a girl named Luna, actually *remembered* my name, which is a small miracle considering I'm terrible at remembering *hers* (sorry, Luna!). So, "unbelievable"? Close enough, especially after surviving a horrific flight delay and a screaming baby on the plane.
What are the rooms like? 'Cause dingy rooms are my personal nightmare.
Okay, room quality: the make-or-break deal, I get it. I've stayed in rooms that looked like they hadn't seen a dusting since the dinosaurs. Thankfully Kingston Lodge is not one of them. I stayed in a "Superior Room" (because, well, I'm not *that* cheap). And honestly, it was spacious! Clean, bright, and the air conditioning actually *worked*. That's a huge win in the Cagayan de Oro heat. The decor? Not exactly minimalist, but a pleasant mix of modern and… well, stuff. The bed? Comfortable enough that I didn't immediately fling myself onto the floor screaming (which I've been known to do with bad hotel beds). And the best part? (Don't laugh). The shower pressure was *amazing*. Seriously, after a day of exploring the city, that was a lifesaver. My only minor gripe? More power outlets! I'm a digital nomad. My phone, my laptop, my portable espresso maker need to be juiced up, baby! But hey, I lived.
How's the food? Because "hotel breakfast buffet" can be a scary gamble.
The food. Ah, the glorious, often-disappointing food. Let me tell you, I've witnessed hotel buffet atrocities that would make Hannibal Lecter blush. So, I approached the Kingston Lodge breakfast buffet with *extreme* caution. But… it was surprisingly good! Okay, okay, it wasn't Michelin-star quality, but it was fresh, varied, and actually *tasty*. They had the staples: eggs (made to order!), bacon (crispy!), toast, fruit. But they also had some local options: longganisa (Filipino sausage) – delicious, pandesal (Filipino bread rolls) – addictive; and some kind of rice porridge that fueled my adrenaline for a whole day of white water rafting. Now, the coffee at breakfast? Still amazing. I may have had three cups. Don’t judge me. The lunch and dinner options were also good. They had a pretty good selection of local dishes. My favorite? Adobo! I ate it every chance I got
What's there to *do* around the hotel? Or am I stuck staring at the walls?
Staring at walls? Absolutely NOT! Cagayan de Oro is a city of adventure! Now, the hotel isn't exactly *in* the thick of the action, but it's a good base. White water rafting (a must!), zip-lining, exploring waterfalls, visiting the local markets... You name it, it's probably available. The hotel can help you arrange tours, and bless their hearts, they did a decent job of pointing me in the right direction. My biggest adventure? White water rafting. Seriously, I almost died. (Dramatic? Maybe.) But also, exhilarating. The rapids were insane! At one point, I thought I was going to be swallowed by the river. But hey, I lived to tell the tale. And the hotel? They were more than happy to help me find a place to wash my clothes (they were covered in river water and mud), and get my heart rate back down to human levels. After that, I needed some downtime. The pool was perfect for some relaxation. The pool isn't huge, but clean. I needed it.
Is it a good place for families? Or more of a romantic getaway kind of vibe?
Families? Absolutely! Romantic getaway? Also yes! The hotel really manages to cater to both. I saw families with kids running around (and occasionally being a bit loud, but hey, that's kids!). The pool is a great draw for kids. I also saw couples enjoying a quiet dinner at the restaurant. It’s a good balance. There's a sense of space, so you don't feel crammed, even when it's busy.
Speaking of service, how's the staff? Do they actually care?
The staff? That was a huge plus. They cared. Truly. Remember Luna? Always smiling, always helpful. They remembered my coffee order (black, no sugar). That's dedication, folks! One time, I somehow managed to lock myself out of my room (don't ask). The staff was on the scene in minutes, helping me out with a genuine smile. They didn't roll their eyes, they just fixed the problem. It's the small things, you know? They always greeted me, made sure I was enjoying my stay. On more than one occasion I had to ask them for assistance, and they were always quick to deliver. I even gave them a small tip for their kindness, and they were so grateful! That speaks volumes. So yeah, the staff? Above average. A genuinely positive experience.
Any major downsides? Be honest!
Okay, full disclosure: Nothing is perfect. The location is great for accessing the city, but there's also traffic. Sometimes it took forever to be get a taxi to get a taxi. Also, I needed more power outlets. And honestly, the Wi-Fi... sometimes it was super fast. Other times, it felt like I was connecting via carrier pigeon. But really, those are minor quibbles. Another thing is the pool, it might not be for everyone. It's a pretty nice size and well kept. But if you are looking for a massive pool, this might not be your place. Still, the biggest downside? Leaving. Cagayan de Oro is a fantastic city, and the Kingston Lodge made the whole experience utterly enjoyable. I almost missed my flight because I was too busy enjoying myself. Seriously.
So, overall? Back in a heartbeat?
HECKHotel Radar Map
