Elle's Place: Dumaguete's Hidden Gem Near the Airport!
Elle's Place: Dumaguete's Hidden Gem Near the Airport! - A Rambling Review From a Slightly Overwhelmed Traveler (and a Love Affair with the Jacuzzi)
Okay, let's get real. Finding a decent hotel near Dumaguete Airport isn't exactly a breeze. You're usually stuck with either something… basic, or something that feels like it hasn't been updated since the dawn of the internet. But then… Elle's Place. This place? It’s different. And let's be clear, I'm not exactly a hotel review expert, but I've stayed in enough dodgy places to know a gem when I see one. And, spoiler alert, Elle’s Place? Definitely a gem.
Accessibility & Safety First (Because, Let's Be Honest, It Matters):
- Accessibility: Now, I didn’t specifically need fully wheelchair-accessible accommodations, but the fact that they mention facilities for disabled guests (and it seems like a genuine consideration, not just a checkbox) is reassuring. They have an elevator, so that's a plus.
- Cleanliness and Safety (Important in These Times!): Okay, so, let's talk Covid. Elle's Place is serious about cleanliness. They’ve got the whole shebang – anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, professional-grade sanitizing services, hand sanitizers everywhere (thank GOD!). They even offer room sanitization opt-out, which I thought was a nice touch – gives you options! The staff, bless their hearts, are trained in safety protocol. And the whole "physical distancing of at least 1 meter" thing? Actually enforced. Felt… safe. Which, frankly, is priceless right now. They also have a doctor/nurse on call and first aid kit (always a good sign). They’ve pretty much covered the bases. Let's just say, I didn't spend my time worrying I was going to contract some plague. They also have fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, CCTV EVERYWHERE, and 24-hour security.
Tech & Convenience (Because, Adulting is Hard):
- Internet: Alright, let's get to the juicy stuff. FREE WI-FI IN ALL ROOMS! YES! And it actually works! I mean, I could stream Netflix without wanting to chuck my laptop out the window. They also (in the room) have Internet access – LAN, which, if you're a gamer or a serious workaholic, is a bonus. And it seems Wi-Fi is available in public areas too.
- Services and Conveniences: Elevator? Check. 24-hour front desk? Double-check. Luggage storage, laundry service, dry cleaning, cash withdrawal… you name it, they probably offer it. There's a convenience store too, which is a lifesaver when the late-night munchies hit. They have contactless check-in/out which is a lifesaver.
- For the Love of God: Air Conditioning! This is the Philippines, people. You need it. And yes, Elle's Place has it, both in your room and in public areas.
My Room: A Sanctuary (with a few delightful imperfections):
Okay, so, my room. It was pretty darn great. "Available in all rooms": Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, 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, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens
- The Bed: Massive, comfy, everything a weary traveler needs. And the blackout curtains? Glorious. Finally, a decent night's sleep.
- The Bathroom: Clean, modern, and that water pressure in the shower? Chef's kiss. (Separate shower/bathtub makes a difference
- Extra Touches: Free bottled water (always appreciated), a hairdryer that actually works, and, crucially, a coffee/tea maker so I could function before venturing out in the morning. Honestly they really pay attention to the details.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Because, Food.):
- Restaurants, Coffee Shop, Bar, and More: Okay, so Elle's Place has restaurants, a poolside bar, and even a snack bar.
- Food Options: The restaurant has Asian cuisine in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, and Western cuisine in restaurant. They also had a la carte, which is my jam. I will say the Asian breakfast was a bit… unique, but I'm adventurous, so I went with it.
- Breakfast: They have breakfast [buffet]. Breakfast [buffet]. Okay, I have to be honest, it wasn't the most extensive buffet I've ever seen, but the quality! And the coffee? Actually drinkable.
- Room Service and More: 24-hour room service? Yes, please! Sometimes, all you want is to curl up in bed with a movie and a mountain of snacks. It's a nice touch, I really think so.
The "Things to Do" (and the Unexpected Bliss of the Jacuzzi):
- Ways to Relax: This is where Elle's Place really shines. They have a spa, a pool with a view, and a sauna.
- Spa (I’m a Convert!): Okay, look. I AM NOT a spa person. I mean, I've always considered them a bit… frou-frou. But the spa at Elle's Place? Changed my mind. They offer Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, which all sounds amazing.
- The Jacuzzi (My Spiritual Experience): Okay, I have to be honest here. The jacuzzi was my life. I'm not sure if it's a standard feature in all rooms, so I recommend you specifically request one. But after a long day of… well, everything, sinking into that hot, bubbling water with a cocktail (from the poolside bar, naturally) was pure, unadulterated bliss. I swear, I could practically feel the stress melting away. It had a view, too. A freaking view. I'm not exaggerating when I say this jacuzzi experience alone is worth the price of admission. It was just… perfect. And the best part? I actually felt relaxed afterwards. Which, again, is rare.
- Fitness Center: If you're into that sort of thing, they have a gym. I peeked in. It looked… adequate. (I remained steadfastly on the jacuzzi plan).
- Other Stuff: They have Audio-visual equipment for special events, which is useful for corporate events or something. There's a Shrine (which is kind of cool, in a spiritual kind of way).
The Less-Than-Perfect Bits (Because No Place is Ever Perfect):
- The Location: Okay, so while it's near the airport, it's not right by it. It's a short (and cheap!) taxi ride.
- The Food (Minor Quibbles): While the food was good, it’s not Michelin-star stuff. It's solid, tasty, and convenient. No complaints, just… manage your expectations.
- The soundproofing: The room had soundproofing, but I still heard a few planes. (They are near the airport, after all.)
The Verdict:
Look, Elle's Place is not a five-star luxury resort. But it is a damn good hotel. It's clean, safe, comfortable, and the jacuzzi? Seriously, the jacuzzi. They've clearly put thought into making it a relaxing and enjoyable stay. And hey, if you're looking for a place near the airport that's a cut above the average, don't hesitate. It's a hidden gem, and you should absolutely book it. Just, you know, make sure you get that room with the jacuzzi! You can thank me later.
Here's the deal: Right now, Elle's Place is offering 15% off your stay if you book directly through their website and mention the code "DumagueteDreamer". Trust me, it's worth it. You deserve a jacuzzi, you deserve a stress-free escape, and you deserve to check out Elle's Place. GO!
Ko Tao's Tanote Bay: Paradise Found (Unbelievable Photos!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, pre-packaged itinerary. This is Elle's Place, Dumaguete, raw and unfiltered, viewed through my slightly-hungover, sun-drenched eyes. Prepare for a rollercoaster, because that's what this trip felt like.
Elle's Place – A Dumaguete Dumpster Fire (of the BEST kind) – My Itinerary (Maybe)
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Bungalow Brawl
- Morning: Landed at Dumaguete Airport (Hyacinth). The air hit me like a warm, humid hug. Honestly, after the purgatory that is airport security anywhere, the sheer lack of chaos was bliss. Found a tricycle – basically a motorcycle with a sidecar – and my driver, bless his heart, looked about 12, crammed me and my enormous backpack into it. We jiggled, we bounced, we got suspiciously close to a chicken. Victory! We arrived at Elle's Place.
- Check-in Chaos: Elle's Place, oh boy. Think "rustic charm" meets "slightly ramshackle". The photos online? Let's just say they were…generous. The staff (who were lovely, albeit constantly on “island time”) were clearly not expecting me. It was like they'd forgotten I existed. After a solid hour of frantic phone calls and much pointing and gesturing, I was finally assigned a bungalow. Which, as it turned out, was not the bungalow I thought I'd booked. Minor detail! This is where the "bungalow brawl" began in my mind.
- Afternoon: The "bungalow" (more like a glorified hut, let's be honest) was…basic. Mosquito netting with more holes than fabric, a shower that threatened to flood the entire floor, and a general feeling of "close to nature" that veered dangerously close to "living amongst nature". I spent a solid hour just inspecting the structural integrity of the roof. I swear I saw a gecko eyeing me with disdain.
- Evening: Dinner at the Elle's Place restaurant. The menu? Extensive! The food? Decent. The beer? Cold. The view? Stunning. Watching the sunset over the water felt like the universe was giving me a big, cheesy grin. It was the only thing that made the bungalow situation bearable.
- Pro-tip: order more beer than you think you need. Trust me. You'll need it.
Day 2: The Island, The Sea, and the Sea Food (and the Screaming)
- Morning: Woke up to the sound of roosters duking it out outside my window. Sleep? Not a thing. I had to get up and move. Breakfast was a plate of some kind of local fried bread and this sickly sweet jam. I need more caffeine I think. I then hired a tricycle (again) for a whirlwind island tour around Dumaguete. First stop: a supposedly epic waterfalls.
- Waterfall Fiasco: The trek to the waterfalls was… let's just say I was not prepared. Think muddy paths, slippery rocks, and a whole lot of sweating. By the time I reached the waterfall, I was less "zen" and more "drenched and questioning my life choices." The water was beautiful, but the sheer number of people trying to take selfies in front of it felt like an Instagram influencer convention. I was so exhausted, I didn't even bother wading in.
- Afternoon: Back to Elle's Place for a lunch and a nap because i was tired. I spent a good part of the afternoon by the pool. The pool was actually great. It was the most luxurious thing about the place.
- Evening: Dinner at a seafood restaurant on the beach. The fresh seafood was incredible. But let's be honest, I’d planned this trip to get away from the noise. But it was a real cacophony. From the restaurant owner shouting, to the table beside me screaming. One minute i was eating and the next i had moved to another table. It was a great. I was even going home feeling refreshed. I had a lovely time.
Day 3: Departure & The "Almost Left My Soul Behind" Moment
- Morning: The final breakfast. Decided to order pancakes again, although the fruit on the side was suspiciously reminiscent of yesterday's breakfast. Was the kitchen running on a recycling program?
- Departure Fiasco: Time to head back to the airport. As I was attempting to check out, confusion ensued. "What is it?" I asked. "Your bill sir". The bill was a total mystery.
- The Airport Dash: Got a tricycle, again. Got to the airport. Checked in, and the line was as I expected. I just had to wait in line.
- The Emotional Drain: As I sat there waiting to board, I think i finally understood how much i loved it. It suddenly hit me and i could feel the tears welling by the time I looked out the window. It felt as if that place was going to stay with me. They were all I had. The trip wasn't perfect, but the imperfections? They were what made it perfect. I knew I was going to miss the hell out of it.
- Epilogue: Back home. I’m already planning my return. Maybe next time I'll pack more mosquito spray and maybe book a bungalow that doesn’t require a HAZMAT suit just to inspect.
- Final Thought: Elle's Place isn't for the fainthearted. It's a little rough around the edges. You might get bitten. You might question your sanity. But, you'll also have an adventure. And that, my friends, is priceless.
This, my friends, is how my Dumaguete adventure played out. Consider it a cautionary tale, a love letter, and a slightly-tipsy reminder that sometimes, the greatest experiences are the ones you didn't plan. You won't regret it.
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Elle's Place: Dumaguete's Not-So-Secret Secret (Near the Airport!) - FAQs (and My Rants!)
Okay, Seriously, What *Is* Elle's Place? Is it WORTH the hype?
Alright, alright, let's get this straight. Elle's Place? Think less "hidden gem," more "slightly elusive haven for travelers who appreciate decent food and, let's be honest, a convenient pre-flight/post-flight chill session." I mean, it's *near* the airport. Like, you could practically smell the jet fuel (in a good way, maybe?).
Worth the hype? That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? Look, it’s not going to win any Michelin stars. But for Dumaguete, especially given the (sometimes) limited options near the airport, it's a solid contender. I'd say YES, it's usually worth the brief adventure.
And the "convenient" factor? GOLD. Seriously. Been stuck at that airport too many times already. So many delayed flights and lost luggage nightmares that I have, it became my go-to spot! Saves a potential meltdown (mostly).
What's the food like? 'Cause I'm hungry. (And maybe a little grumpy after my flight.)
Okay, hangry traveler, deep breaths. The food... it's good. Really, really good when I'm particularly needing it. They do a solid mix of Filipino dishes and some Western staples. The breakfast selection is strong.
I'm obsessed with their tapa. Seriously. I've dreamt of that tapa. Once, after a particularly horrific airline experience (lost bags! Delayed flight! The works!), I marched over to Elle's, ordered the tapa, and basically ate my sorrows away. It was magical. The rice was perfectly fluffy, the egg runny, and the tapa… oh, the tapa.
Their burgers are decent, the fries are… well, they're fries. They're there. Don't expect gourmet. Expect comfort. And maybe, just *maybe*, a small miracle to turn that post-flight grumpiness around.
The Atmosphere? Is it just a basic, boring place?
Nope! You're not just gonna get a basic, boring place. Elle's has character, for sure. It’s got that laid-back, slightly retro vibe that seems to permeate much of Dumaguete. Picture a little bit of open-air seating, a scattering of tables, and a general sense of ‘come as you are.’
Honestly, it’s the imperfections that make it charming. The mismatched chairs, the occasional stray cat wandering by (I love the cats!). It's not fancy, it's not pretentious; it's just… Elle's. When I say it makes it charming... it makes it charming! I love the openness of it, allowing for a breeze and chatting it up with other travelers.
I've also seen families, solo travelers nursing a coffee, and couples on dates (that felt a bit awkward to witness, I'm not gonna lie). It's a real mix, and that's part of the appeal, I think.
How's the Service? Because I've dealt with some TERRIBLE wait staff in the past...
Okay, service. It's… variable. Sometimes it's lightning-fast, and you're practically assaulted with plates of food before you even sit down. Other times… well, let's just say you might have had enough time for a casual stroll around the block before your drink arrives.
But here's the thing: the staff is generally friendly and trying their best. They're not robots, they're human beings. So, be patient. A smile and a little bit of understanding go a long way. And if you *really* need something, don't be afraid to flag someone down. (Pro-Tip: a tiny bit of friendly assertiveness works wonders.)
I once waited for about 40 minutes for a coffee and I almost lost it because I was running late for my flight. But I just kept saying, it would be worth it. Eventually, it was, and I was so thankful.
What about the Drinks? Do they have anything besides water? (And is there an airport cocktail, a "jet lag special" perhaps?)
The drinks! Yes, they have things beside water. Thank goodness. There's your usual suspects: sodas, juices, coffee (decent coffee, in my opinion), and a selection of beers (San Miguel, naturally).
The airport cocktail… now there's a thought! I've never heard of one, but I'm putting in a request. It should be something strong, something that erases the memory of screaming babies and cramped airplane seats. Maybe a rum and pineapple concoction? Let's get brainstorming!
I went with iced coffee one time. Perfectly made that day. I was sold.
Is it actually *near* the airport? 'Cause Google Maps lies sometimes...
Yes. Yes, it is. Google Maps seems to be pretty accurate on this one. You could probably walk there, if you're feeling particularly adventurous. But don't walk in the heat; take a tricycle or a cab. It's a short, easy ride. Seriously, it's not a trek. A few minutes, tops.
Okay, so, pros and cons? Just, like, lay it on me.
