Alona Princess Suites: Bohol's BEST Luxury Getaway? (Jaw-Dropping Views!)
Alona Princess Suites: Bohol - My (Not-So-Perfectly-Polished) Take on Paradise (with Jaw-Dropping Views!)
Okay, so you’re looking at Alona Princess Suites, huh? The "BEST Luxury Getaway" in Bohol? Well, let me tell you, the marketing machine definitely has its work cut out for it. Because while it is bloody beautiful, and the views… mother of pearl, the views!… things aren't always perfectly pristine, you know? This isn't one of those sterile, cookie-cutter reviews. This is the REAL deal. Prepare yourself for a bit of a bumpy ride, because I'm about to dive deep.
First Impressions & That Dang Accessibility (or Lack Thereof)
Pulling up, you are immediately hit with that "wow" factor. The architecture is stunning, all clean lines and gleaming white. The clifftop location? Absolutely breathtaking. But here's the first REALITY CHECK: accessibility is not a strong point. This place is built on the edge of paradise… and it's a paradise that likes its stairs. There's an elevator, but if you're relying on a wheelchair or have mobility issues, getting around the property could be a Herculean effort. They do list "Facilities for disabled guests," but from what I could see, it's more about a few adapted rooms than truly seamless access. So, a big caveat here. Think of it as a romantic getaway for the young, the agile… or those who don't mind a good stair workout.
The Room (Slightly Less Pristine Than Expected)
We snagged a room with, as promised, a "Jaw-Dropping View." And it was jaw-dropping, especially at sunrise. But let's get real: the "luxury" wasn't quite as… luxe as the brochure promised. Think… luxurious-ish? The decor was pleasant, the bed comfy enough (though my wife, bless her heart, thought the pillows were a tad too fluffy), and the bathroom… well, the bathroom was clean. Mostly. There were a couple of minor scuffs on the walls, and the grout in the shower could use a bit of a scrub. Small things, yes, but when you're paying a premium for "luxury," you notice.
On the plus side: Fantastic Wi-Fi (yay, free in all rooms!), a super comfy bed, a decent sized TV with satellite channels (for those late night movie binges). The blackout curtains were a Godsend. I need my sleep, ya know, and these things blocked out the sun like my wife blocks out my attempts to discuss finances. And the free bottled water? Much appreciated. Hydration is KEY, especially when you're navigating the Bohol heat.
Amenities & Activities (Some Good, Some… Meh)
Okay, let's talk about the fun stuff. The pool? Gorgeous. Seriously, that view from the infinity pool is worth the price of admission alone. The Poolside Bar?? Happy Hour is a necessity!!… and that mojito… chef’s kiss. The Fitness Center? Didn’t go. (Hello, vacation!) The Spa? Now that was a highlight. The massage was divine (highly recommend the Balinese massage!), and the atmosphere felt… peaceful. Though, be warned the 'sauna' was a bit lacking but the steamroom wasn't bad at all. Speaking of relaxation, the steamroom was great to unwind after a long day.
There's also a gym/fitness center, for those of you who are more disciplined than I am. And a few other ways to relax and unwind – a footbath would've been lovely!
Food, Glorious Food (and a Few Minor Hiccups)
The Asian breakfast was a triumph. Seriously, the noodles! The International cuisine in restaurant was solid, with some absolutely delicious options. The Breakfast [buffet] was decent, especially with its location. And the coffee/tea in restaurant was consistently hot and flavorful.
But… and there’s always a but, isn't there? The service in the restaurant was a little slow at times. And there was one evening when my steak arrived… well, let’s just say it was well-done when I requested medium-rare. They were quick to fix it, though. Gotta give them credit for that. The poolside bar was good, but could've benefited from a few more options.
A final note, there's also a snack bar for those quick bites.
Crucial Category: Cleanliness & Safety (The Good, The Great and The 'Wait, What?')
Okay, this is important, especially in the current climate. Alona Princess Suites scores pretty well here. They're obviously trying hard. Lots of hand sanitizer, staff trained in safety protocol, and daily disinfection in common areas. Everything is pretty well organized. The rooms are getting rooms sanitized between stays and you can even opt-out of room sanitization, which is a nice touch, too. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter is enforced, and the dining setup is safe, which is a relief.
But, and this might just be me being overly cautious, the fact that they offer room sanitization opt-out available after a year of dealing with a pandemic worried me slightly. But given the fact, they still have anti-viral cleaning products available, it could be just me.
But I really appreciated the Doctor/nurse on call, the First aid kit, and the fact that they utilize Professional-grade sanitizing services.
The Little Things (The Details That Matter)
- Daily housekeeping: Excellent. Rooms were always cleaned to an acceptable standard.
- Room service [24-hour]? Yes! Perfect for those late-night cravings.
- Concierge: Super helpful with booking tours and arranging taxis.
- Cash withdrawal – a bonus, very helpful, as is the Currency exchange!
The "Things to Do" & "Getting Around" Section (because I'm a Good Reviewer… Sometimes)
Okay, so the hotel itself is amazing, but what to do outside it? The hotel can arrange an Airport transfer, which is a lifesaver. There's also car park [free of charge] and car park [on-site] options.
- Tours: The concierge can arrange tours to the Chocolate Hills (a must!), the tarsier sanctuary (adorable!), and snorkeling in the clear waters.
- Alona Beach: The hotel is close to Alona Beach, with its bars, restaurants and, well, beach!
- Getting Around: While there's a taxi service, you’ll want to explore. The bicycle parking option is a good choice.
The Final Verdict (With a Sprinkle of Honesty)
So, is Alona Princess Suites the "BEST Luxury Getaway" in Bohol? It depends. If you prioritize breathtaking views, a stunning pool, and a generally laid-back atmosphere, then yes. If you’re expecting perfection in every detail (and easy access), then maybe manage your expectations a little. It's a beautiful place, with some minor imperfections. The staff are attentive, the food is generally good, and the location is incredible. Just be prepared to navigate a few stairs and… lower your expectations slightly for "luxury" in terms of meticulousness. I'd absolutely recommend it.
But… (because I have a sneaky idea!)
Here's my offer to you:
Book your stay at Alona Princess Suites directly through this review (using a unique link - wink wink) and I'll throw in a complimentary list of local MUST-DOs & MUST-EATS!
That's right, I'll give you the inside scoop — the hidden gems that the brochures WON'T tell you about.
You'll get:
- A list of the best local restaurants (and which dishes to order!).
- Secret spots for the most Instagrammable photos.
- Insider tips on how to avoid the tourist traps.
- My personal recommendations for the most amazing experiences Bohol has to offer!
Because let's be honest, you're going to spend a good amount on this, you deserve more than just a room and a view. You deserve the experience.
So, are you ready to book your (slightly imperfect, but undeniably awesome) getaway to Alona Princess Suites? Click this link (insert fake link here - I wish it was real!) and let's make it happen!
P.S. Don't forget to pack your swimsuit, your sunscreen, and your sense of humor! You'll need them all.
Bibione Beach Bliss: Your Dreamy 1-Bedroom Condo Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's boring, bullet-point travel itinerary. This is a chaotic, hilarious, and hopefully vaguely-helpful guide to conquering (or at least surviving) a trip to Alona Princess Suites in Bohol, Philippines. Prepare for emotional whiplash and the potential to judge my travel choices (I'm already judging them!).
Title: Alona Blues & Bohol Boo-Boos: My Semi-Professional Guide to Paradise (with a lot of Wine-Induced Regret)
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Island Panic
- Morning (5:00 AM - 8:00 AM): Alarm clock screams. Flight delay whispers. This is how it starts. I somehow made it to the airport, fueled by lukewarm coffee and the fervent belief I'd packed everything. Spoiler alert: I hadn't. Always forget the toothbrush. Every. Single. Time. AirAsia flight… let's just say the legroom was an intimate embrace with the seat in front of me. Think tiny airplane, happy baby, and a flight attendant who looked utterly done with life.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Arrival in Tagbilaran (finally!). Panglao airport – cute, tiny, and my first (minor) panic attack of the trip. Finding a trustworthy (and non-scammy) tricycle to Alona Beach felt like a scavenger hunt. Negotiating the price with the driver? Forget it, I just smiled like I agreed with the price and he was a nice person. He probably hated me.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Check-in at Alona Princess Suites! Pretty decent. My room? Spacious, with a balcony that hinted at the glorious sunsets to come. I also made friends with a gecko the size of my hand. It was a love-hate relationship. (Mainly hate. He kept staring.) Room tip request a room by the ocean if you are scared of the gecko's.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 6:00 PM): The Alona Beach Orientation and Near-Disaster. First impressions: Alona Beach is even more beautiful in person. Turquoise water, powdery sand… and a sea of people. Found a beach chair, promptly fell asleep from jet lag. Suddenly, I was jolted from my sand slumber by a rogue wave that nearly swallowed me and my novel whole. Lesson learned: never underestimate the ocean.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner and sunset drinks at a restaurant on the beach. Ordered way too much seafood (because, priorities). Watching the sunset over the ocean, I had a sudden, overwhelming feeling of: Wow, I actually made it here. Followed by the realization that I'd forgotten to bring sunscreen. Oh dear.
- Night (9:00 PM - Whenever): Drinks at a beachfront bar. Karaoke (terrible singing encouraged). Met a guy who claimed to be a direct descendant of Ferdinand Magellan. Doubtful, but entertaining. My first encounter with Tanduay rum. Let's just say the night ended with a slightly blurry, but mostly positive, impression of Bohol and my very own song "I love karaoke".
Day 2: Chocolate Hills, Tarsiers & the Tourist Trap Tango
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): The early bird catches the worm, or in my case, the tour van full of tourists. Started with a decent breakfast and an enormous bottle of water. Headed out on a full day tour.
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Chocolate Hills! They're ridiculously charming. Took approximately 100 photos. Almost broke an ankle on the way up to the viewing deck. Moral of the story: wear sensible shoes, even when you're desperately trying to look good for Instagram.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Lunch stop at a restaurant that looked like it was designed by a committee of overly enthusiastic Pinterest users. Buffet was okay. The singing waiters were… well, they were enthusiastic. I also got a sunburn I'm pretty sure my mother will bring up for years.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Tarsier Sanctuary. These guys are adorable. So tiny! So grumpy-looking! Absolutely no flash photography allowed, which I, of course, almost forgot. Spent a solid 2 minutes trying not to burst out laughing at their tiny, bewildered faces. Pure joy.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Loboc River Cruise! Very touristy, yes, but the food was tasty, and the scenery was undeniably gorgeous. The music was… well, it was loud. My observations?: I wish I could have seen the tarsiers more and the cruise could be a little bit better
- Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Back to Alona Beach. Seafood again (because, again, priorities). Tried to learn some basic Cebuano from a local. Ended up mostly just saying "Salamat" (thank you) and "Mao na" (that's it). They laughed. I laughed. Good times.
- Night (9:00 PM - Whenever): More Tanduay. More karaoke. More questionable life choices. Woke up the next morning with a vague memory of winning a dance-off. I suspect this is a fabricated memory. However, my memory of the lovely ocean outside my room is still clear.
Day 3: Island Hopping, Snorkeling & the Sea Turtle Showdown
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Island hopping adventure! Quick breakfast, slathered on sunscreen (finally!). Found a boat. Met some other tourists who were just as clueless as me. Shared a boat where we had a lot of fun.
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Balicasag Island for snorkeling. Crystal-clear water, colourful fish. Saw a sea turtle! It was majestic. And then, in a moment of pure, unadulterated klutziness, I kicked it. Mortified face emoji. It was a glancing blow, I swear! I think the turtle mostly just rolled its eyes and swam away. I really hope it wasn't traumatized.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch on a sandbar (can't remember the name of the island – details, details). Simple, delicious grilled fish and rice. Sun was relentless. Realized I needed a hat. And a better level of personal endurance.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Virgin Island – another sandbar, even more Instagrammable than the last. Took a million photos. Almost lost my hat to the wind. Spent a surprisingly long time just staring out at the ocean. Thinking… hmm maybe the wind got my hat, but I won't worry.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Back to Alona Beach, exhausted but exhilarated. Tried to find a place for a massage. Got rejected (apparently they were all booked). Decided to just lie on the beach and stare at the waves.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Another seafood feast. Had a philosophical discussion with a local about the best way to cook adobo (still undecided). Played a game of beach volleyball with some strangers. Suffered a catastrophic loss.
- Night (9:00 PM - Whenever): Farewell drinks at a beachfront bar. Made a promise to myself to buy a hat. Tried to remember everything that happened that day. Failed miserably. Felt a pang of sadness at the thought of leaving. Also a pang of slightly relieved exhaustion.
Day 4: Departure & The Great Souvenir Hunt
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Final breakfast at Alona Princess Suites. Said goodbye to the gecko (sort of). Packed. Tried to figure out how to squeeze all my souvenirs into my suitcase (good luck!).
- Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): The Great Souvenir Hunt! Panic-bought some keychains, a carved wooden pig (don't ask), and a bag of dried mangoes. Realized I'd forgotten to buy anything for my mom. (Sorry, Mom!)
- Noon (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Check-out. Farewell to Alona Princess Suites. Definitely miss the ocean. Absolutely do not miss the mosquitoes.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Travelled to Tagbilaran airport
Alona Princess Suites: Bohol's BEST Luxury Getaway? (Jaw-Dropping Views! ...and Some Really Weird Stuff) - FAQ!
Okay, spill the beans! Is Alona Princess Suites *really* as amazing as it looks in those Instagram photos?
Ugh, alright, alright, let me tell you... Those photos? They're a *little* airbrushed. But the views? HONESTLY. Jaw-dropping. I mean, you wake up and you’re basically staring at the ocean. It’s the kind of view that makes you want to just chuck your phone and stare forever. I spent a good hour on my balcony, just... existing. Just breathing in the salty air and feeling... vaguely smug. (Don't judge! You would too!)
The suites themselves are pretty slick. Modern, comfy beds you could happily sink into for a week, seriously. And that infinity pool? Picture-perfect. However... I did find a tiny, rogue ant in my mango smoothie one morning. Tiny! But, you know, it’s enough to shatter the pristine bubble of luxury, isn't it?
My advice? Go. Just... go. Manage your expectations a *tiny* bit.
What kind of rooms are available? And which one is the *best*?
They've got various suites. Studios, one-bedrooms, the fancier ones… Honestly, I’m not going to pretend I remember all the names. They all have that ocean view thing going on, though, which is the MOST important factor.
The *best*? Okay, so I peeked -- okay, I *stole* a peak -- into one of the Penthouse suites *cough*. It was ridiculous! Two balconies! A jacuzzi! I probably wouldn't recommend it unless you're a trust fund baby or you've just won the lottery. But the standard suites? Still fantastic. Get one with a balcony. Trust me on this.
Is the food any good? Because let's be honest, hotel food can be a crapshoot.
Okay, the food… it’s… good. Fine. It's not going to blow your mind, but it's perfectly acceptable. Breakfast is a buffet and you'll find the standards: eggs, bacon, some slightly sad-looking fruit. The coffee? Meh. But honestly, after the view, that's all I needed.
They did have this *killer* mango shake, though. Seriously, I went through like five of those a day. Might have been the only thing that kept me from losing it during the occasional power outage (more on that later...). The restaurant has a decent selection of local and international dishes. My advice? Try the local stuff. The seafood is fresh! And the prices are… reasonable-ish for a hotel.
I'm just saying, focus on the mango shake. Life hack.
What is the location like? Is it easy to get around?
Alona Beach is THE spot in Panglao. The hotel is right on the beach, so literally steps away from sand and the ocean. It's a HUGE plus. It's super fun. Think restaurants, bars, dive shops – the whole shebang.
Getting around is pretty easy. You can grab a tricycle, rent a scooter (careful!), or the hotel can arrange for taxis. I actually preferred the tricycle, very local, very fun. Though, I did get a little lost one night and ended up on a road filled with chickens. Don't ask. Just... don't ask.
Speaking of which, are there any downsides I should know about? (Be honest!)
Okay, brace yourselves. Here's the messy truth bombs:
- Power Outages: Yep. They happen. Occasionally. They don't last *too* long, but when you’re used to perfect AC and a working phone, it feels like an eternity. Pack a portable charger. And maybe a book. (Gasp!)
- Street Noise: Ok, so it's right on the beach, amazing. But beachfront can be loud. Some of the bars play loud music at night. If light sleepers may want to pack earplugs.
- The Ants: See above. They're everywhere. (Just kidding... mostly)
- Customer Service: It's mostly good. Really. Most staff are lovely and helpful. But I did encounter one slightly grumpy waiter who clearly wanted to be anywhere BUT there. I think he might have hated tourists, because, well... (see above... mango/ant incident).
So, yeah. It's not perfect. But the good outweighs the bad. *Way* outweighs it.
What about the pool? Is it as gorgeous as it looks? Is it ever crowded?
The pool IS gorgeous. Seriously. Infinity edge, overlooking the ocean. It's basically a dream. And thankfully, not SUPER crowded. I mean, there were other people there, but it never felt like a total free-for-all. I spent a lot of time floating in that pool, pretending I was a mermaid. (Don’t judge me! Everyone does it!)
The only downside? The pool service wasn't always lightning fast. Sometimes I had to wait... a whole *10 minutes* to get a cocktail. (First world problems, I know). But hey, the view made up for it. Plus, the cocktail eventually arrived. And it was delicious.
Okay, let's get down to brass tacks: Would you recommend it? And if so, for whom?
YES! Absolutely, unequivocally, yes!
Who is this place for? Well...
- Anyone who loves a good view: Seriously. You'll spend half your time just staring.
- Couples looking for a romantic getaway: The sunsets are EPIC. Bring your significant other. Or not. Sometimes a solo trip is the best trip!
- People who want to be close to the action: Right on Alona Beach, you have everything!
- Those who want to splurge a little: It’s not budget travel, but you're paying for an experience.
Is it perfect? No. Is anything? But it's pretty darn close. Go. Just go. And have a mango shake for me.
