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About
4.0
#4 of 8 resorts in Lapu Lapu
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
WHY YOUR NEXT VACATION SHOULD BE WITH US. A vacation in Plantation Bay will be more prudent than in most resorts for the following reasons: A. Plantation Bay is a complete destination resort, where they can spend their entire holiday without ever going outside where they might be exposed at random to the virus. B. Plantation Bay is very spread out, and almost all its facilities are open-air. As now scientifically proven, most Covid-19 transmission occurs in close-contact indoor situations in which people stay close together for long periods. By its unique open-air design, Plantation Bay is inherently unconducive to catching Covid-19. There are no enclosed corridors and elevators where the virus may linger in the air up to 4 hours after someone coughed in that space, and we have vast lagoons and pools where people will not be tightly-packed. There are a lot of activities that guests can do inside the resort, so guests will not be tempted to go out where they might catch the virus in public markets or lower-end restaurants.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Lake View
Lagoon View
Languages Spoken
English, Filipino
Location
Lapu Lapu 6015 Philippines
Plantation Bay Resort and Spa
2,291 reviews
Getting there
Car recommended
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
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Plantation Bay Resort and Spa offers an eclectic atmosphere that guests find unique, with its safari themes and charming log cabin-style restaurant. The spa experience is described as unexpectedly magical, and the outdoor areas are well-maintained.
However, some travelers have raised concerns about room cleanliness and maintenance, and service quality appears to be hit or miss. While the amenities are varied, the additional charges for basics and the quality of services like the bathroom cleanliness have left many guests feeling the resort does not provide good value for money.
Atmosphere
Eclectic
Rooms
Uncomfortable
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Mixed
Service
Inconsistent
Amenities
Satisfactory
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Because of the Covid pandemic, my flight from San Francisco to Manila was cancelled 4 times. Finally Philippine Airlines advised my July 3 flight was moved to July 4 & redirected to Cebu Province instead of Manila. Testing for Covid & hotel Quarantine would be in Lapu Lapu City, Cebu Province. At first I was hesitant due to the rise of Covid infections in Cebu City. I was scared but decided to push through. Having had 4 previous cancellations, my return flight was long overdue.
God be praised! My odyssey went very well. San Francisco Airport was eerily empty except for PAL counters. I landed safely at 4:30AM July 6 in Mactan Airport, Lapu Lapu City. Deplaned at 4:40 & was done with all - immigration & Covid testing by 5:10 a record 30 minutes! Mactan Airport had their systems in place; the airport Bureau of Quarantine & Covid testing personnel were efficient.
Hotel liaison staff fetched me at 5:15AM & I was in Plantation Bay Resort & Spa in 20 min. The reservations desk gave me a gorgeous suite with a beautiful view of the lagoon. An ante room with powder room, bedroom with beautifully appointed bathroom with tub & top all these with a wonderful view of the lagoon! Everything was spotless & very clean. I will enjoy my quarantine here I thought to myself; the ambience is so relaxing. I had breakfast outside in the lanai with birds chirping, the warm sun to boost my immune system & a cool breeze.
I was pleasantly surprised as the Covid test result was released after 1 day, at 9AM July 7! The hotel front desk took care of printing my negative test result & my Quarantine Medical Clearance. July 8 noon flight to Manila left on time. My stay in Plantation Bay Resort & Spa was not only pleasant during this time of Covid, it was comforting as I knew the hotel passed all health & quarantine safety regulations.
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Date of stay: July 2020Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Efren Belarmino, General Manager at Plantation Bay Resort and Spa
Responded Jul 13, 2020
Dear Carmen S. Araneta, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa has implemented comprehensive precautionary measures to protect its guests while still allowing them to fully enjoy the resort experience. Thank you for being a testament to this, and for sharing your lovely photos. We are glad that you had such a wonderful experience as a returning overseas Filipino, and that you took the time to write a detailed review reporting many of the qualities that make Plantation Bay a one-of-kind resort. Our Housekeeping Department especially appreciates your compliments about your spotless suite. Thanks again for the kind sentiments. We look forward to welcoming you back! Sincerely, Efren P. Belarmino General Manager
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This was my second return visit to this wonderful and comfortable resort. Although it’s struggling to recover from the COVID crises and typhoon damage in December of 2021, the resort is gradually repairing or replacing all the cottage roofs. My room was much better than the one I had in 2016, particularly the new bathroom shower amenities which featured a “rain shower” and three other directional fountains, pointing toward higher and lower parts of the body. I never thought I could have so much fun in the shower! The beds were nice and comfy, but the resort should offer more firm pillows as mine were mushy. There was also a hot pot for boiling water but no Keurig machine…just Nescafé and tea options. The “Kilimanjaro restaurant served up an excellent breakfast with American and Filipino choices. My local Cebu guests really enjoyed themselves and we rode bikes and they did the climbing wall. We also loved the Fuji restaurant on the coast, sitting outside for one of our dinners. Another Filipino guest and I really enjoyed the wet pool bar and meeting new people as well as chatting with the friendly bartender. We also loved the game room with Pool, ping pong and fusbol options. Sadly, the game room closed at 5 pm each day…another victim of under -staffing. Oh, and in 2016 I got a wonderful massage at the spa…but not this year as I was too busy entertaining my friends from Butuan and Cebu City! I really love this place and will visit again, Lord-willing! It’s really worth the price and it’s literally an oasis on an island surrounded by roads crowded with motorbikes, tuk-tuks and dense city living. Although it’s a rough ride from the airport on roads strewn with humans and other obstacles, it’s worth it when you finally arrive at this oasis!
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Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, General Manager at Plantation Bay Resort and Spa
Responded Oct 9, 2022
Dear coloradoclimber, It was a delight to read your review. I am pretty sure you were singing while enjoying your “rain shower” experience. Seriously, we are glad to know you appreciated our new bath feature. We take pride in our breakfast buffets as we are probably the only hotel which offers different themes every day…Filipino, Manhattan, Italian, among others. It is nice to know that you and your guests enjoyed the various recreational activities that we have. Our game room now offers a wide range of arcade games. We appreciate your feedback as it is only through such honest comments that we are able to improve on our standards. Please be assured that your concern about the pillows has been reviewed with those concerned. Mogambo Springs, the spa at Plantation Bay, awaits your next visit. And good news, the resort is now only 30 minutes away from the city because of the Third bridge and the Cordova Bypass Freeway. We look forward to welcoming you back to Plantation Bay Resort and Spa. Sincerely, Cherry Allego General Manager
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Plantation Bay Resort and Spa has been our getaway place ever since for 16 years. My hubby and I found the place when we were still singles and when we got married, we had our honeymoon there as well. Through the years, our children look forward to family vacations in Plantation Bay; basking under the sun and enjoying the ambience, the vast lagoons, and the homemade ice cream. Our teens love the kayaks and the stand up paddle boards, while our youngest of 9 years likes the Tesla cars and the junior boot camp area. We love the great service rendered by the staff; respectful and courteous. You can truly tell they want to help and make our stay as enjoyable as possible. We did a recent stay and during that, I talked with some of the staff. I am glad to know that they are happy working at the resort. Several of them are the pioneering employees of the hotel while some others has been working there for 10 to 20 years already. JUST AMAZING! A good sign that they have been treated well, contrary to some comments I have read in social media. One of the staff I chatted with even shared that the resort paid their salary in full until June 30, 2020. Considering that this pandemic affected everyone very early this year, All I say is WOW! Some started losing business and their job as early as March. Anyways, I have satisfied my curiosity if this resort is worth our money and loyalty.
As a parent, I completely understand their policy on prolonged or repeated screaming since most of the rooms are quite close to the lagoons or pools. I can’t imagine hearing screams while relaxing, or in a deep sleep. I just love the serenity of the resort, stress free indeed. I kind of differ with the no phones in the restaurants but I see the value in it. I hate hearing someone elses loud phone conversation, much less audio devices playing rambunctiously in a public place. Makes me want to give them a headset. The no audible devices policy at the restaurant is ultimately appropriate. This is rare in Cebu as I mostly see this in Europe. With the phones not in use, we can talk more with our family while waiting for our food; more reason to be closer with my children. On several occasions, we made this into a learning opportunity for my kids, like trivia or personal talks.
We travel a lot and we abide by each hotel’s or country’s respective customs, practices and policies. This includes tipping, maximum room occupants, attire, noise, trash, dining etiquette and greetings. My children enjoyed all our travels and have fun experiencing different cultures and customs. This is what we call Learning through Experience. As the greeks say, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”.
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Date of stay: December 2020Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
As a business traveller who stays in 5 star hotels at least once a fortnight, I'm struggling to support the rating of this place beyond a generous 3.5.
On my first evening, I was disappointed to find the main bar closed by 7:30 pm. The only option was a peculiar, polygon-shaped, alien-themed bar above the café. Its karaoke-like setup, with fixed seating around an empty, uneventful center, made for an uncomfortable atmosphere. After a quick G&T—spent avoiding a crooked-neck conversation with my friend, we decided to give up on drinks and see if food at the only open restaurant at 10:00 would make amends. Sadly, the cafeteria style food from from the late night menu (the room service menu) arrived to our marble-esq plastic table cold and uninspiring.
Day two was an opportunity for a better start and the option between cold or cool shower proved to be a morning eye opener. I later learned from the staff that warm water is available if you run the sink tap and the shower on full for 5-10 mins before showering - not sure why I didnt think of that.
After a day of work and a 1 hour taxi ride I returned to the 5-star concrete contrived lagoon to find the bar once again shut. Thankfull, there is a prompt telephone in room dining service that will hurry an after work beverages to you within 35 minutes as long as you only want local beer (according to the person answering).
After an hour of clearing email, the growing hankering for a bite to eat remained insufficient to conquer the need to stear clear of the cold-food-school-dinner-cafe. But there must be something else..? the convenience store? A short walk to the reception lobby revealed that the hotel store was in darkness and the receptionist confirmed that 8:00pm is closing time for the inappropriately named 'Convenience" store, so off to school dinners for a club sandwich. You guessed it... closed... "please come back after 11:00 after we've finished cleaning".
A trip back to reception confirmed that while they don't have printed menus, there is a QR code link to the room service menu here on this piece of menu sized paper. After scanning and perusing the digital offering, I was guided back to my room phone-menu-in-hand to where the only room ordering service must be obtained from the bedside telephone.
The lack of basic amenities was also puzzling. There was no iron, ironing board, or shower cap in the room—standard for a hotel in Asia. Even a mini bar was absent. The experience reached an unexpected low when I encountered a 6-inch centipede in my bathroom, though I understand this was not the hotel’s fault.
In summary, it wasn’t just the unavailability of a decent place to relax with a drink or the subpar food options that contributed to my skepticism about this hotel’s 5-star status. Rather, it’s the overall lack of essential services and attention to detail that left me questioning the inflated rating.
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Date of stay: September 2024Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Memorable resort with great comfortable and clean rooms. Beds are great and bathrooms are adequate. Lots to do here and pools everywhere - attentive pool attendants ensure everyone is well behaved. Food is fairly expensive - variety and quality is good.
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Date of stay: January 2020
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from PlantationBayGM, General Manager at Plantation Bay Resort and Spa
Responded Feb 3, 2020
Dear markwI6918VT We’re delighted to learn that you consider Plantation Bay an excellent resort with comfortable rooms & bathrooms and good food at reasonable prices. The resort is truly unique and offers a wide variety of activities and swimming facilities for couples and families. We also maintain a quiet and relaxing atmosphere for everyone. We look forward to welcoming you back to Plantation Bay Resort & Spa. Sincerely, Efren P Belarmino General Manager
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The man made lagoons were just perfect, and its very refreshing feeling to stroll around the resort. I happened also to have my drink at pool bar and they just have the most entertaining bartenders. Hoping to be back real soon.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from PlantationBayGM, General Manager at Plantation Bay Resort and Spa
Responded Mar 3, 2020
Dear zedekiahdaniels Plantation Bay's primary form of landscaping is water, and we're happy to hear that you found our saltwater lagoons perfect. We’re also glad that you had an enjoyable time with our bartenders. We look forward to your next stay with us. Sincerely Efren P Belarmino General Manager
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Had stayed here multiple times because of the clean and serene place but my most recent stay was not up to par. As always, staff were amazing and the lagoons are stunning. However, the room we had this time wasn't that clean. The floor is dirty (see photos), the first time I entered this room I walked barefoot just to not to leave dirt from my shoes but was surprised that the floor was dusty, it left the soles of my feet black. There were stains on the room and bathroom floor that could be wiped off with a damp cloth. This made me question about the cleanliness in the other parts of the room. :( Weekend was very crowded with lots of unruly guests not minding social distancing, also don't know how they all fit in one room - that's what we get for a cheap rate I guess. Food in Kilimanjaro was the same - pasta and some of the meat dishes are too sweet. Even the breakfast tapa is too sweet. Fruit shakes were too expensive for the quality which is watered-down. Fried pork belly was delicious though. I really hope the management could bring back the good quality of the resort. Will definitely go back but maybe when things get better.
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Date of stay: May 2021Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We would not go anywhere else for a relaxing time. The Mogambo Springs spa is a class all its own. It's my happy place. The resort staff is very accommodating, friendly and always willing to assist. Despite its size and the number of guests, it did not feel cramped, hectic or crowded. The room was spotless - not a strand of hair in the tub or shower area. My husband and I availed of their long term rate which came with a VIP package that included a private transportation straight to our room - no lobby check-in or out. It was a very nice experience all around.
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Date of stay: December 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It was a great stay with you, Plantation Bay. As always, great staff and good food! My son and the entire family really enjoyed our stay with you. Although the air-conditioning in our room was not working well, you really fixed it that day (even it took you until night time). You even provided kits like alcohol, mask and gloves. Overall, it was nice and relaxing stay!
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Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Efren Belarmino, General Manager at Plantation Bay Resort and Spa
Responded Oct 28, 2020
Dear Michelle C, It is always nice to read about returning guests like you having another great stay at Plantation Bay! Our staff and chefs loved your feedback and were ecstatic to hear that your son especially enjoyed his time with you here in the resort. Like you, most recent guests appreciate the comprehensive precautionary measures we've taken to protect everyone during this pandemic; they find these safeguards responsible, meticulous, but reasonable while still allowing them to fully enjoy the resort experience. Thanks again for the kind sentiments. Sincerely, Efren Belarmino General Manager
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Let me get to the point. The facilities are great. The Jacuzzi experience in Mogambo spring was refreshing and the staff was accommodating & attentive.
Food in Fiji restaurant is terrible. Their 4pcs tempura was priced at P1480 was overcooked, too salty and too messy to eat— its tempura bits were everywhere each time you take a bite. It was even served with a food flag captioned as “Worlds Best Tempura”, oh well. When you dine in Fiji, you’d be so confuse. Their logo is in safari theme, some of their staff wears safari uniform, the restaurant interior is like a log cabin, but the food they serve is in japanese and some random food cuisine that tastes I dont know. The chicken in the carenderia tastes way better than their P680 chicken. Hehe
And the worst part of our main stay was that the ac works like fan. Now i get it why they never bother to upgrade their sheets to comforter for an 11k per night room, because they know how warm their old ac’s are actually working. I thought i’d be more happy & satisfied to sleep in my own room at home. Trust me. And yes, they don't have bidets.
You can hear the walking of the guests in the 2nd floor even at 2am. That means, no sound proofing was even installed in the first place. Goodbye 11k per night I just paid for a complete stay of inconvenience.
By the way, your every move inside the hotel is being watched like a hawk and every move is with a corresponding additional payment. They don't have complimentary room slippers. What they have are beach/toilet slippers that they sell inside the room for an additional P100, room service is additional P300. Now I understand why this place survived through the years.
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Date of stay: November 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The resort does provide a shuttle bus to and from the airport but only at certain times and you have to notify them ahead of time. You can send a message to them on Facebook.
Obviously too late for this traveler, but for any transportation or other pre-check in needs with Plantation Bay just email them. They are very responsive and provide great service
Email is rsvns at Plantation bay , won’t allow me to enter as an email but hopefully you can figure it out
Not for spoiled rowdy uncontrollable toddlers. They have a strict rules regarding this. There's a vlogger in youtube who actually expressed her frustration since the staff asked them to go outside because of her daughter being loud inside the restaurant. I actually booked the resort because of that policy - I truly want some peace and quiet which is why I'm pouring so much monies in getting a place like this.
There are more places to choose from in the Lapu Lapu area.
PRICE RANGE
₱9,524 - ₱12,717 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
plantation bay resort and hotel lapu lapu, plantation bay hotel
LOCATION
PhilippinesVisayasCebu IslandMactan IslandLapu Lapu
NUMBER OF ROOMS
255
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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