My second stay was even better than my first, since I have become accustomed to the strengths and weaknesses of the hotel.
This is my first review.
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g60678-d310956-r197559626-Tumon_Bay_Capital_Hotel-Tumon_Guam.html
Strengths
The Filipina ladies on the counter are really nice kind and friendly. Thank you!
Spacious rooms with two queen sized beds.
Ocean view on 6th floor, probably 3rd or above with that iconic sunset. Beautiful!
Big fridge (go to Micronesia Mall on first day and stock up)
Really central but far enough away from the screamers on the "Sling Shot"
Reasonably priced especially if 3 persons per room
Free inside parking.
Microwave oven in foyer.
Drinks including beer, and noodles on sale at counter.
Large washing machine 7USD a load.
Kettles 4USD for the week
Good desk space. Good place to work.
Cheap Taxi to airport (4 people large bags, at past midnight 25USD)
Weaknesses
The young guy on the counter does not do greetings and gesticulates towards the return key box, plugged into this ipod, as if to say "don't bother me!" Likewise the Chinese (?) boss is a bit taciturn, but they are both fine if you accept that, and don't wait for greetings from them. Their manner is really weird (this is the hospitality industry! Ha!) but fine once you get used to them. The boss also is willing to do deals (He accepted my offer of half price for an extra 12 hours till midnight - Thank you).
No rope for hanging washing over bath -> Bring a rope and hang on balcony
Rental bikes are unserviced -> Hire from Convenience Store Osaka
Bugs in the bathroom (not cockroaches, but not ideal)! -> Bring bug glue boxes (gokiburi hoi hoi) AND stick a label on it to the cleaner saying "Dear Cleaner Do NOT throw this box away until I have checked out" (I didn't do this this time, but I will the next).
The road to the hotel is steep -> Bet fit and rent a car from the airport driving yourself to the door (saving about 35 on the taxi, so the next day is almost free) and so that you can can go to Micronesia Mall to get supplies the next day (water, coke, wine, beer, and as much ham and vegetables as will fit in the large refrigerator. I also purchased apples, mustard and salad dressing).
Beer not sold after 12pm on Guam -> No comment
Soft beds -> Be a thin person
Fair walk to the beach -> Bring good beach/swim shoes (the coral hurts anyway)
Distant from public beaches -> Walk through the Mall and Outrigger Hotel to the beach! (I am assuming that, upon advice from a local, this is not illegal. If it is, do not do it.)
No hotel bar (closed down) -> Nice pub/bar in basement of Guam Plaza Hotel next door to Tarza, which is next door to the Tumon Bay Capital, and 50 yards down the (steep) road.
Noisy air conditioner did not work (this is rare) -> Did not need one in Guam!
Toilet flush malfunction -> Soon fixed
Thank you. I really enjoyed my stay. I will be coming again with Japanese students next year. My Japanese students loved it too. You have to be prepared, and know what to expect but if you are then why pay double to be 200 yards nearer the ocean?
Timothy Takemoto
Bald English Chaperone of Japanese Students
Yamaguchi University
