Escape to Paradise: Ciriaco Hotel, Eastern Samar's Hidden Gem
Escape to Paradise: Ciriaco Hotel - My Honestly Messy Eastern Samar Adventure!
Okay, listen up, because I just got back from Ciriaco Hotel in Eastern Samar, and lemme tell you, it's a trip. Forget those glossy brochures; this is the real deal, and I'm about to spill the beans, good and… well, let's just say "interesting." Buckle up, buttercups, because this review is gonna be as raw and real as the fresh coconut you'll probably devour poolside.
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First Impressions: The Good, the Bad, and the "Wait, What?"
Getting to Ciriaco? Uh, definitely an adventure. Accessibility? Well, it says they're aiming for it. I’m using a wheelchair, so I immediately started my assessment. The initial entry was okay-ish. Ramps were present, which is a massive plus! But some pathways I would give another look.
Accessibility (The Real Deal):
- Wheelchair Accessible: Mostly. The main areas, restaurants, and the pool are accessible, which is brilliant. Some rooms too.
- Elevator: Yes, a godsend.
- Facilities for disabled guests: They try, bless their hearts. There's a genuine effort, but it’s not perfection. I felt like some rooms needed to be updated.
Okay, Let’s Talk Internet (Because We’re All Addicted):
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! And it actually works, which is HUGE for me.
- Internet Access, Internet [LAN]: Got both! For someone like me, stuck in the digital world for a while, this is a win.
- Wi-Fi in Public Areas: Also good, nice and stable, I could do my work
Rooms: My Little Paradise (Mostly!)
Alright, the rooms. They're spacious, that's a massive bonus. You've got your:
- Air conditioning: Essential in Eastern Samar, let's be real.
- Free bottled water: Hydration is key, folks!
- Coffee/tea maker: Because mornings without caffeine are a crime against humanity.
- Blackout curtains: Glorious sleep.
- Seating area, Sofa: Really good for relaxing, watching the TV and doing some work
Bathroom? Well, it's a private bathroom. Not as great as I wanted, but OK.
Let's Get Pampered (Or At Least Try To): The Spa and Relaxation Situation
Okay, this is where Ciriaco almost nails it. Almost.
Spa: Yes!
Massage: Had one. Actually, I had two. The first one was… interesting. The masseuse was clearly new, but bless her heart, she tried so hard. She was just a little, let’s say, enthusiastic with the pressure. The second one, though? GOLD! I walked in a stressed-out mess and floated out. Truly heavenly.
Swimming pool, Pool with view: And now the swimming pool. The view? Stunning. Overlooking the ocean. It's the kind of place where you can actually breathe. Pure bliss!
Sauna: Perfect for cleansing the body
Gym/fitness: Very minimal, but great if you want to have a fun day
Foot bath The perfect way to start the day. So peaceful and clean.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure
Food, glorious food! The hotel offers a diverse range of food.
- Asian breakfast, Western breakfast: Yes, both! The buffet was pretty decent.
- Restaurants:
- A la carte in restaurant: Very tasty.
- International cuisine in restaurant: Amazing
- Vegetarian restaurant: Great for my friend
- Poolside bar, Snack bar: Perfect for lazy afternoons.
- Breakfast [buffet]: OK.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: OK
Cleanliness and Safety: The Pandemic Edition
Okay, here's where Ciriaco shines. They are SERIOUS about safety.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Check.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Yes!
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Absolutely.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Yup. Very reassuring in these, you know, unusual times.
Things to Do (Beyond Just Lounging):
Honestly, I'm a lounger.
- Things to do:
- Swimming Pool: Amazing!
- Bicycle parking: OK.
- Car park [on-site]: Great.
- Terrace: Enjoy the view.
- Family/child friendly: OK.
- Kids meal: Good for families.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter):
- Air conditioning in public area: Yes.
- Luggage storage: Handy.
- Doorman, Concierge: Good support.
- Currency exchange, Cash withdrawal: Convenient.
Getting Around (Because You'll Want To Explore):
- Airport transfer, Taxi service: Available, although the details are a bit… Filipino. Be patient!
- Car park [free of charge]: A massive win!
- Valet parking: Convenient for some.
The Quirks, the Imperfections, and the Honest Truth
Okay, here’s the messy part. This isn't a perfectly polished resort. It's got charm, personality, and a whole HEAP of character. The service? Warm, friendly, and sometimes… a little slow. But honestly? I kinda loved it. It's the kind of place where you can truly switch off, where smiles are genuine, and where you'll likely end up chatting with the staff like they're your cousins.
The Verdict: Should YOU Escape to Paradise?
YES!** If you're looking for a cookie-cutter, ultra-luxe experience, maybe not. But if you crave authentic Filipino hospitality, a taste of the off-the-beaten-path beauty, stunning views, and a chance to actually relax, then Ciriaco Hotel is your place. It's a little rough around the edges, a little imperfect, but that's what makes it so damn charming.
My Rating: 4 out of 5 coconuts (would be 5 if the hotel was perfect)
Offer for You (Book Now & Get Away!):
Escape to Paradise: Ciriaco Hotel - Your Eastern Samar Adventure Awaits!
Tired of the same old boring vacations? Craving a getaway that's truly different? Head off the beaten path and discover Ciriaco Hotel in Eastern Samar. With stunning ocean views, a relaxing spa, and genuine Filipino hospitality, it's the perfect escape for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Here’s what you get:
- Unforgettable Memories: A chance to discover the hidden gems of Eastern Samar.
- Rooms with a View: Relaxing by the pool.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!
- Safety You Can Trust: We're committed to your well-being with top-notch cleanliness and safety protocols.
Book your escape today and experience the magic of Ciriaco Hotel!
(Call today or visit our website using the contact info below to secure a room!) (Don't wait - Paradise is calling!)
Luxury Oasis Awaits: Boudl Al Maidan Hotel, Hafar Al Batin
Okay, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're headed to Ciriaco Hotel, Eastern Samar. Prepare yourselves for a gloriously messy, opinionated, and probably slightly traumatizing trip down memory lane… or, well, a planned itinerary that will probably go off the rails. Let's just embrace the chaos, shall we?
The Ciriaco Capers: A "Plan" (More Like a Suggestions Box) For Eastern Samar
Day 1: Arrival and the Initial "Oh, This Is Nice" (Followed By Immediate Disappointment)
- Morning (Around 6:00 AM): Wake up! No, scratch that. Attempt to wake up. My alarm, bless its digital soul, is usually ignored until some internal panic switch flips on. Fly from Manila to Catarman (or Tacloban, if we're feeling ambitious – which we won't be). The flight experience should be a Masterclass in delayed gratification, a crash course in passive aggression, and the art of pretending you're not dying of thirst for the duration.
- Anecdote: Last time I flew PAL, the in-flight entertainment (a tiny screen) was showing a dubbed version of "Despicable Me" in Tagalog. I laughed so hard I almost choked on my free biscuit. (Which, by the way, was probably stale, but who's complaining?).
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon (11:00 AM, give or take a couple of hours): Arrive in Catarman/Tacloban! Breathe in the humid air, feel the "Welcome to the Philippines" embrace. We're in Eastern Samar, baby! Now, the fun begins. Negotiate a tricycle (or if we're feeling truly adventurous, a van rental) to the Ciriaco Hotel. This is where the initial "Oh, this is nice" quickly morphs into "Wait… where’s the AC again?"
- Quirky Observation: The drive will be an assault on the senses – a symphony of honking horns, the vibrant chaos of street vendors, and the persistent feeling someone is staring at you. Bonus points if we pass a carabao.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated excitement! (Followed by a deep, nagging fear of what the hotel room will actually be like).
- Afternoon (1:00 PM –ish): Check into Ciriaco Hotel. Pray for a working air conditioner and clean sheets. Also, pray for no creepy crawlies of any kind. The view from our window? Probably a concrete wall. But hey, it's the experience that counts, right? Right???
- Messy Structure: Okay, let's be real. I'm already craving a cold San Miguel by this point. This is where the "strict itinerary" begins to fall apart. We might just have to find the nearest carinderia and get our grub on.
- Late Afternoon/Evening (4:00 PM onwards): Explore the immediate vicinity of the hotel. Seek out a local sari-sari store. Scour the area for restaurants. (Expect the options to be limited.) Dinner and a few drinks – maybe a little karaoke if we're feeling particularly brave (or, you know, drunk).
- Opinionated Language: The food in the Philippines? Incredible. Especially when you're starving. And yes, karaoke is mandatory. It's practically a national sport.
- Natural Pacing: This whole day is about adjusting. Surviving the flight, figuring out transportation, getting settled. The initial shock of the new location is a feeling I embrace.
Day 2: The Beach, the Sun, and the Potential for Complete Disaster
- Morning (Wake-Up, Maybe 7:00 AM): Actually wake up early this time to greet the sun. (I've never been successful at waking up early, ever). Head to a nearby beach. I've heard Eastern Samar has some pretty stunning beaches.
- Doubling Down: Now, let's talk about the beach. I want sand. I want sun. I want to get utterly, ridiculously sunburned. This is my happy place.
- Stream-of-Consciousness: Okay, so beaches. I love them. Hate them. Love them again. The sun is my friend and enemy all rolled into one, a constant dance of sunscreen application and the inevitable feeling of my skin turning into a tomato. Maybe I'll learn to surf (highly doubtful). Maybe I'll just sit on the beach, stare at the ocean, and try to forget all my problems.
- Late Morning/Afternoon (10:00 AM onwards): Beach time! Swim, sunbathe, build (terrible) sandcastles, and generally embrace the bliss. Consider renting a boat to explore some of the smaller islands. Pack a picnic lunch (lots of water, and always, always sunscreen).
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: Ahhh, the feeling of sand between your toes, the salty air, the endless expanse of blue… pure, unadulterated joy! Unless a rogue wave decides to steal your towel and all your things. Then it's rage. Pure, unadulterated rage.
- Afternoon/Early Evening (4:00 PM): Return to the hotel. Shower off the sand. (Or at least attempt to). Dinner. Maybe a massage if we can find one. (Highly unlikely, but a girl can dream).
- Messy Structure: We have to be flexible with time. The beach might be amazing, or it might be a disappointment. We might get lost. We might accidentally eat something that disagrees with our digestive systems. That's part of the adventure, right?
- Evening (7:00 PM onwards): Another round of drinks and dinner. Hopefully, we’ll find some good seafood. Maybe even try some of the local delicacies (brace yourselves!).
Day 3: Adventures (Potentially Life-Threatening), and Departure
- Morning (7:00 AM, IF we can wake up): Time for an adventure! Research some of the local attractions beforehand. Depending on the location of the Ciriaco Hotel. Perhaps explore a local waterfall, a cave. Prepare for potentially sketchy roads and the possibility of getting lost.
- Anecdote: Once, while trying to find a waterfall in the Philippines, we ended up hiking for hours, getting rained on, and battling swarms of mosquitos, only to find the waterfall was just a trickle. We laughed so hard we almost cried. (And vowed to always pack bug spray).
- Late Morning/Afternoon: Adventure time! This is where the real fun begins. Embrace the unknown. Be prepared for anything. It might be amazing. It might be a disaster. Either way, it'll make for a good story.
- Afternoon/Late Afternoon (3:00 PM): Head back to the hotel. Pack our bags. Say farewell to the hotel staff (and the resident cockroaches).
- Evening (4:00 PM onwards): Go back toward the airport.
- Emotional Reaction: Sigh. The trip is ending. Part of me will be utterly relieved to return to a life with reliable Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Another part of me will be desperately clinging to the memories, Already planning the next escape.
- Night: Depending on the flight schedule, depart from Catarman/Tacloban back to Manila.
- Opinionated Language: Get ready for the inevitable flight delay. (It's the Philippine way).
Disclaimer: This itinerary is a suggestion, a whimsical guideline, a blueprint for potential chaos. Embrace the unexpected. Go with the flow. Be prepared to eat something weird, get lost, and laugh your head off. This is the Philippines, after all. And that's what makes it so freakin' awesome. Now go – and have fun!
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Escape to Paradise: Ciriaco Hotel - Uh... FAQs, I Guess? (Don't Judge Me)
Okay, So, Ciriaco Hotel... Is it REALLY paradise? Like, actual, legit paradise?
Alright, hold your horses. "Paradise" is a loaded word, yeah? I mean, I've seen *some* sunsets, okay? And Ciriaco's got 'em. Gorgeous ones, over that… uh… the sea. But paradise? Depends on what you're looking for. If you're expecting, you know, perfect sand, pristine cocktails magically appearing… maybe temper those expectations. It’s Eastern Samar, people. Things are... a little more *rustic*. Think less "Four Seasons" and more "Grandma's beach house with a phenomenal view and a slightly leaky tap." Actually, about that tap…
How do I even *get* to this "hidden gem"? Seems like a hassle...
Yeah, the journey's… an adventure, to say the least. You’re definitely not popping in for a quick afternoon swim. First, you fly to Tacloban. (Pro-tip: Fly in the morning. Trust me). Then, you’re on a winding road trip for what feels like a century (it's maybe 3 hours, but it *feels* like forever). Expect bumpy roads. Expect random stops. Expect to feel like you're officially off the beaten path. Oh, and the jeepney ride back? Don't ask. Let's just say I developed a deep respect for my own spine. Bring some snacks. And maybe a good book (or a strong stomach, 'cause the road *will* test you!). You know, the kind you bring on a hike in the mountains. That's what this trip has to offer.
What's the food situation at Ciriaco? Gotta know if I need to pack my own ramen...
Okay, food. This is where things get interesting. The restaurant is… well, it's there. And the food is… adequate. Look, it's not Michelin-star material. But it's fresh! And they try. They really do. The fish is probably the best bet – caught fresh, grilled beautifully. The adobo? Hit or miss, depending on the day (I swear, sometimes it was pure magic, other times… well, let’s leave it at “character-building”). Breakfast is… simple. Toast, eggs, maybe some fruit. Bring your own instant coffee if you're a caffeine snob like me. Also the staff is friendly, and makes up for the lack of amenities.
The rooms... Are they, like, actually livable? (And how much are they?)
Look, the rooms are basic. Think clean, comfortable, but not exactly luxurious. Don't expect a jacuzzi tub. Or a walk-in closet. Or even a mini-fridge (which, honestly, I missed terribly for those late-night cold drinks). But the beds are comfy enough, the air conditioning (if you're lucky enough to get a room with it) works, and most importantly, the view… oh, the view. It’s worth every single mosquito bite (and trust me, there will be mosquito bites. Bring repellent. Seriously, bring the heavy-duty stuff). As far as price goes, they're very reasonable. Definitely won't break the bank. Which helps because you'll probably spend all your extra money on…
What's there *to do* at Ciriaco? Like, besides sit and stare at the sea? (Which, ngl, sounds pretty good already.)
Okay, okay, I get it. Staring at the sea IS pretty darn fantastic. But… *action*! There’s snorkeling, if you're into that. The coral isn't the best, but it's there. You can swim. You can walk around the beach, which is a long sandy expanse, which I highly recommend. There's a small village nearby, you can visit. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can take a motorbike or tricycle and explore the surrounding areas. I went to a waterfall that was… breathtaking. I mean, truly. The water cascading, the air thick with the scent of… something amazing… and I was just sitting there, soaking it all in. Yeah. It was amazing. I felt like a new, better person, and that was probably the best thing that's ever happened to me. Other things to do: fishing, and swimming. Pretty great stuff all around!
Okay, spill the tea: What's the *worst* thing about Ciriaco? Be honest!
Alright... Okay. The *worst* thing? Okay, here we go. The power outages. Oh, the power outages! They happen. Sometimes for a few hours, sometimes overnight. Bring a flashlight (see, I'm learning!). Also, mosquitoes. (Already mentioned, but seriously, they’re relentless). And the Wi-Fi? Let's just say it’s… *aspirational*. Think "occasional flicker of connectivity that ultimately vanishes into the ether." You go there to disconnect, right? Yeah, maybe. But when you need to text someone, or maybe post a photo to Instagram to live the "island life", it's annoying. Also, again, the roads. Road trips in the area feels like a medieval torture device, don't say I didn't warn you!
Would you go back? Honestly!
Hmm… Honestly? Yeah. I would. (After an immediate shower back home). The imperfections, the challenges… they kind of become part of the charm. It's not a polished resort experience. It’s raw. It’s real. It’s… well, it’s Eastern Samar. And the people? Incredibly friendly, kind, welcoming. They make you feel like… you're actually *part* of something. The sunrises alone are worth the trip. The peace and quiet are priceless. And that feeling of being completely, utterly away from it all… yeah. I'd go back. Just… maybe with a truckload of bug spray and a portable power bank. And absolutely no expectations.
Any specific tips for a Ciriaco newbie?
Here's the lowdown, from a seasoned…ish… veteran:
- Pack light! Really. You’ll be carrying your own bags.
- Bring cash! ATMs are a mythical creature in that part of the world.
- Stock up on snacks! You’ll thank me later.
- Learn a few basic Filipino phrases. The locals appreciate it.
- Embrace the chaos! Things won’tBackpacker Hotel FindCiriaco Hotel Eastern Samar Philippines
Ciriaco Hotel Eastern Samar Philippines
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