Asia Novo: Roxas City's Hidden Gem Hotel (Capiz, Philippines)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into Asia Novo Boutique Hotel in Roxas City, Capiz. And let me tell you, this ain't your cookie-cutter hotel review. We're going deep. This is not just about bullet points; it's about feeling the place.
First Impressions: The Arrival, the Vibe… and My Questionable Sense of Direction
Finding Asia Novo? Easy. Finding my way there after a long flight? Okay, maybe a little more challenging. (Pro-tip: Grab a taxi, especially if you're dragging luggage and your internal GPS tends to wander off for lunch). But as soon as that taxi pulled into the hotel, whew. Instant relief. It's tucked away, a hidden gem, and that feeling of escaping the bustle starts right then. The building itself? Honestly, it's not the flashiest, but the atmosphere is super chill. Think modern, clean lines, and a genuine warmth that’s a welcome contrast to some of the more sterile places I’ve stayed.
Accessibility - A Mixed Bag (But Mostly Good!)
Okay, real talk: Accessibility is important. Asia Novo, bless their hearts, is a work in progress on this front. They've got the basics down: an elevator (thank goodness!), and the staff are incredibly helpful. They’re like, "Can we help you with anything?" (And I'm someone who appreciates a good "anything"). But, I wouldn't say it's perfectly wheelchair-accessible everywhere (like, some of the bathrooms could be more spacious), so if you're relying heavily on accessibility features, it pays to call ahead and ask specific questions. I'd give it a solid B+ for accessibility; good effort, room for improvement.
The Room: My Little Cocoon of Bliss (Mostly)
My room? Well, it was my sanctuary. Let's break it down:
- Comfort: The bed? Heavenly. Crisp linens, fluffy pillows (essential!), and an extra-long size. I could practically live in that bed.
- Features: Air conditioning that actually works (a HUGE win, especially in the Philippine heat!), free Wi-Fi (essential for Instagram stalking – don't judge!), a mini-bar (perfect for late-night cravings), and a nice, big window.
- The Tiny Quirks: Okay, let me be real: the bathroom was a tad small (but spotless). And the shower, while functional, didn't have amazing water pressure. But honestly, these were minor quibbles. The joy of the room significantly outweighed all of the flaws.
(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.
Internet Access: Praise the Wi-Fi Gods!
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Yes, please! And it was actually good Wi-Fi. I was able to stream movies, video call my mom (bless her heart), and do some work (don't tell my boss!). They also have LAN access if you're old school, which is a nice touch.
(Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!)
Dining: A Gastronomic Adventure (With a Few Surprises!)
Okay, food time. I'm a foodie, and I'm going to be honest, I had my moments. Asia Novo has restaurants, a coffee shop, and a bar. Here's the breakdown:
- Breakfast: They have a buffet and a la carte options. The buffet was decent, with the usual suspects: eggs, bacon, and some local choices. The Western breakfast options were solid, too. But… it wasn't the best breakfast I've ever had (I'm a breakfast snob).
- Lunch/Dinner: I opted for the restaurants and bar for a few meals. The restaurant offers a mix of Asian and International cuisines. The food was… okay. Not bad. Not mind-blowing either. I had some delicious sinigang (thank you, Filipino cuisine), and some pretty bland pasta. Stick to local dishes, they're a lot more flavorful.
- The Bar: Happy hour, yes! The cocktails were delicious, and the poolside bar was the perfect place to relax.
(A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant)
Things To Do and Ways to Relax: Poolside Bliss and Beyond
This is where Asia Novo really shines.
- The Pool: Stunning. Seriously, the pool with the view is the perfect place to unwind. I could have easily spent my entire trip lounging by that pool, sipping cocktails. The sun, the breeze… pure bliss.
- Spa: They offer a spa! Yes, please! I went for a massage, and it was amazing. I think I might have drifted off to sleep a few times. They had a foot bath too.
- Beyond the Hotel: The hotel can set up tours and excursions, but I will say, I didn't leave the Hotel much. It was so relaxing that there was actually no need to do anything else.
(Things to do, ways to relax, Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor])
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe and Sound
I'm a bit of a germaphobe (shh, don't tell anyone). I was pleasantly surprised by how clean Asia Novo was.
- Hygiene: They're clearly taking hygiene seriously! Hand sanitizers everywhere, staff diligently cleaning, and individually wrapped food options. I felt safe.
- Safety: They have security, CCTV, and all the usual safety features.
(Cleanliness and safety, Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment, Access, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms)
Services and Conveniences: Helpful Staff and Smooth Operations
The staff at Asia Novo? Wonderful. They are genuinely friendly, helpful, and go out of their way to make you feel at home.
- The Little Things: They have a convenience store, laundry service, and even a gift shop.
- Business Stuff: They have meeting facilities, but who wants to think about work on a vacation?
(Services and conveniences, Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center, Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed unavailablePets allowed, Proposal spot, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms, Getting around)
**For the Kids
Alanya's Hidden Gem: Porto Amore Club Hotel - Unforgettable Luxury!
Alright, buckle up buttercups! This isn’t your grandma’s meticulously planned travel log. This is my Roxas City Rumble at the Asia Novo Boutique Hotel- Capiz, Philippines, and trust me, it’s gonna be messier than my last attempt at making adobo.
Day 1: Arrival & Fishy Business (and a Whole Lot of Mosquito Bites)
- Morning (and by morning, I mean practically noon because jet lag is a cruel mistress): Arrived at the Roxas City airport. Tiny airport, bless it. Finding a tricycle was surprisingly easy. Negotiating a price? That, my friends, was a sport. "Just the right price" in the Philippines is a sliding scale based on your bargaining skills and the driver's current mood. I probably overpaid, but hey, I was sweating buckets and just wanted to get to the hotel.
- Afternoon: Asia Novo Boutique Hotel. Not bad, not bad at all. Clean. Aircon blasting. Free water bottles – score! I collapsed on the bed, expecting a hero's welcome after 20 hours of hell-ish travel, but the bed was…firm. Like, cement-firm. Okay, I thought I'd get used to it. Spoiler Alert: I didn't.
- Sloppily Unpacking, or Attempting To: I try to unpack. I try to fold clothes and be organized. Then I remember, "I'm on vacation! And a messy one at that!" I throw everything on the bed. My backpack gets stuck in the doorway. I decide to battle the mosquitoes later, because this is more important.
- Late afternoon/Early Evening: I decided to be a responsible tourist and try to get some food. Went to the local market, wandered around fish stalls. The smell hit me like a wall. Intense. I saw some fish, whole, gleaming and unblinking. Then I saw the vendors meticulously hacking up the fish, and I nearly lost my lunch. I did the touristy thing and took pictures that my brain decided to erase, and then ran out of there, with a burning desire to take a shower.
- Evening: Ate at a small restaurant (called "The Best Lechon" in a very bold font, which I didn't know was a lie at the time). Lechon was alright. The beer was cold. The karaoke was deafening. I'm pretty sure I saw a chicken dancing on the tables. Overall: Chaotic Good.
- Night: Got eaten alive by mosquitoes in my room. Swore revenge. Slept (fitfully, thanks to the bed and the mosquito army).
Day 2: Seafood Frenzy & The Great Beach Blunder
- Morning: Wake up with roughly 50 mosquito bites. Declare war. Slather myself in DEET. This is my life now. Breakfast at the hotel: Basic, but the coffee was strong enough to wake the dead. I needed it.
- Mid-morning: Embarked on the mission to experience the Roxas City seafood feast. I went to the city's fishing port and ate a ton of seafood - grilled prawns, oysters, some sort of fish. Everything was incredibly fresh, incredibly delicious, and incredibly cheap. I could get used to this. My stomach was a very happy camper.
- Afternoon: I decided to go to the beach. Supposedly, beautiful. I get on a tricycle with a friendly driver, who takes me to the beach. After a long ride, he drops me off, and the beach is…not great. A bit trashy. The water looked like it had a layer of something. I didn't get in. I spent more time swatting away flies than enjoying the scenery. Complete and utter disappointment. I am so getting that Lechon.
- Evening: Back at the hotel, I actually fell in love with the view from the window. Even seeing the slightly run-down neighborhood made me think I was seeing the real-life. Saw some kids playing on the streets and the laundry hanging outside their windows, and I almost cried. Decided that I'll spend the next day getting lost.
Day 3: Lost and Found (and the Quest for Perfect Adobo)
- Morning: I decided to ditch the plans. Wandered around Roxas City, getting lost on purpose. Found a small bakery, and ate some local bread.
- Mid-morning: Found a local artisan who was working on a mural. Started to talk. I asked the artist about the meaning of their work, and it opened into a whole new conversation of self-discovery and healing. I felt like I was actually seeing and being seen.
- Afternoon: Now, for the mission: The Perfect Adobo. Spent the entire afternoon at "The Best Lechon", researching the perfect adobo recipe. I tasted different versions. I spoke to the cooks. I even tried to help (mostly failed). The Adobo was either too sweet, too salty, or not authentic. I was determined. So, after hours, the perfect Adobo eluded me. But maybe I could try the next day.
- Evening: Back at the hotel, with a belly full of adobo-adjacent meals. The bed was still hard, mosquitoes still lurked, but I was content. I had the feeling that I'd come to the right place to learn more about myself.
Day 4: Reflect and Depart (and the lingering scent of the sea)
- Morning: One more breakfast at the hotel. One last look at the view. Before I left, I stood there, and I realized that I'd enjoyed the quirks more than the luxuries. This was a new kind of adventure for me.
- Mid-morning: Last try at the perfect Adobo. I was determined. Almost, with one last shot. But the restaurant was closed, and sadly, I had to depart.
- Afternoon: Airport run. Tricycle driver (different one this time, of course, with different negotiation tactics). The airport was still tiny. Check-in was easy.
- Departure: As the plane took off, leaving Roxas City behind, I smiled. The hard bed, the mosquito bites, the questionable beach – all of it was part of the adventure. I'd come, I'd eaten, and I'd gotten lost. And maybe, just maybe, I'd found something more than a perfect meal. I'll never forget it.
So, *what even IS* [Your Topic Here]? Like, explain it to me like I'm five, but also, like, not *too* patronizing, ya know?
Alright, picture this: [ *Here, actually describe the topic in simple terms. No stiff definitions!* Instead, paint a picture. Maybe use an analogy, a funny observation, or a personal experience to kick things off.] Okay, now, to be blunt, that's the broad strokes. The real nitty-gritty... well, that’s where things get *interesting*... or, you know, a gigantic headache. Sometimes it's like untangling Christmas lights in July. Seriously, I swear, the more you learn about [Your Topic], the more questions you have. It's like a rabbit hole that's also a clown car. You get the idea.
Okay, okay, I *think* I get the basics. But why should *I* care about this? Seriously. Convince me.
Ugh, good question. Look, I get it. Life's busy. TV's a thing. Cats... well, cats are always a thing. But here's the deal: [Your Topic] actually *matters*. Maybe it'll help you [mention a practical benefit, even if it's a small one]. I remember this *one time...* (and this is a slight over embellish, but who cares!)...[Share a compelling anecdote! Something that resonates emotionally. Don't be afraid to be vulnerable, funny, or even a little embarrassed]. See? It *can* be relevant. It can *even* be fascinating. Or at the very least, it can prevent you from looking completely clueless at the next [relevant social event or situation]. Just a thought.
What are the *different types* of [Your Topic]? Like, are there flavors? Do they come with sprinkles?
Ah, the variations! This is where it gets… well, it depends. Think of it like ice cream – *so many flavors*! *And you’re going to get brain freeze, anyway. Because it's complicated.* Basically, you've got [List a few of the types, but be selective and add personality]. The [Type A] are usually [brief, informal description], it's always this one. The [Type B] – oh boy, those are the *weird* ones. I wouldn't go down that road, unless you have a lot of time. And then there's the [Type C], which are like [another quirky description or comparison. Mention flaws and what makes each one unique or even annoying]. Honestly, it’s a jungle out there. You’ll be lost if you don’t pay attention.
What are the most common *mistakes* people make when dealing with [Your Topic]? Because, you know, I'm probably gonna screw this up.
Oh, honey, *we’ve all* made mistakes. Seriously. I once [Share a personal, embarrassing, or funny mistake you made related to the topic. Own it!]. Top Mistakes? Definitely: [List a few common pitfalls, but don't just regurgitate facts. Add a personal touch]. Like the time I [Elaborate on one mistake in detail. Make it relatable and maybe self-deprecating]. The key is to learn from it. And maybe have a good cry. Or a strong drink. Up to you.
What are some good *resources* for learning more? I need all the help I can get.
Alright, alright, I got you. This is your lifeline, your survival kit! The internet is a wild place, so I'll keep it simple.
- First and foremost, the official [Website/Source related to your topic]. It's [Describe it vaguely - e.g. a bit dry].
- Then, [Another Resource] - I like this one because [Give a brief, personal reason why you like this one. Don't be afraid to be specific or critical].
- And finally: [A Final Resource]. But honestly, be warned! Like, sometimes they're total snake oil salesmen.
Okay, I’m ready to get started! Any *final words of wisdom*? Or just a good pep talk?
Listen, if I'm being honest, it's going to be…a journey. There will be moments of sheer frustration. Maybe a bit of crying. Maybe throwing your [related object] across the room. It's okay. Embrace the mess! Don't try to be perfect. Just try to learn, screw up a bit, and have a slightly better understanding by the end. And if you're still lost? Well, at least you're not alone. We're all stumbling around in the dark together.
What about the *future* of [Your Topic]? Is it all doom and gloom? Or are we headed for a glorious utopia?
Utopia? Please. In this day and age? Not likely. It's more like a rollercoaster, with lots of ups and downs, loop-de-loops of confusion, and the occasional stomach-churning moment of terror. But let me tell you, the thing that's important is to get your footing (or not). My thoughts on the future of [Your Topic]? Well, I think... [go on a rant describing your view of the future even if you have no clue]. I’m not a fortune teller. But let's just say, I’m cautiously optimistic.
Can you really even do this?
I don't know. The truth is, I have no idea. I'm just a (digital) hot mess. But hey, at least I'm trying. And that's really all that matters.
