Riverhouse Philippines: Unbelievable Luxury You Won't Believe Exists!
Riverhouse Philippines: Where Luxury Goes Off the Damn Chart (and Might Just Ruin You for Other Hotels)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a stay at Riverhouse Philippines, and honestly? I'm still reeling. This place isn't just "nice," it's the kind of escapade that makes you question every other hotel you've ever graced with your presence. Forget those predictable, cookie-cutter stays; prepare for a sensory overload of pampering, tranquility, and enough eye-rolling opulence to make even the most jaded traveler blush.
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Accessibility: A Smooth Ride, Mostly.
Let's start with the basics, because, hello, everyone deserves a slice of this pie. Accessibility is present, and I give them kudos for trying. They claim to have wheelchair accessible features, I can't speak to the experience of a wheelchair traveler, but the layout seems to have taken accessibility into thought. The website and staff weren't quite crystal clear on the specifics, so if this is your main concern, call ahead and get the nitty-gritty. Elevators are present (thank the heavens, because this place is sprawling), and the public areas are generally easy to navigate.
Internet: Wi-Fi That Actually Works (Bless.)
In a world of spotty Wi-Fi, Riverhouse is a godsend. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Seriously, glorious, strong, dependable Wi-Fi. I was streaming movies, video-calling home, and uploading Instagram stories with zero lag. Internet access - wireless is available in the rooms, and Internet access – LAN is an option. I loved this. The Internet services are great and Wi-Fi in public areas is readily available.
Cleanliness & Safety: They're Serious About This.
This is where Riverhouse REALLY shines. Especially after the last few years, I was thrilled. Cleanliness and safety are clearly top priorities. Expect anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection of common areas, and professional-grade sanitizing services. They even had room sanitization opt-out available, which is a nice touch. The staff, bless their hearts, were constantly sanitizing surfaces, wearing masks, and generally being vigilant. Hygiene certification is in place, and they've truly nailed the Safe dining setup, ensuring your meals are worry-free. Rooms sanitized between stays are done too. Individually-wrapped food options are a thing, and they've implemented Physical distancing of at least 1 meter easily.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Okay, Take My Money.
Alright, this is the good stuff. Let's just get it all out there: Pool with view, Swimming pool [outdoor], Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Sauna, Gym/fitness, Fitness center, Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath - and I'm probably forgetting some.
I'm gonna be honest: I spent a solid chunk of my vacation swimming pool time. That infinity pool with a view? Yeah, it’s as ridiculously Instagrammable as it sounds. Floating there, looking out at the landscape, I swear I could feel my stress melting away. Do you like me? The answer is probably yes because the pool looked that amazing. Then, after sun-drenched bliss, I hit the spa. The massage was so heavenly, I nearly fell asleep during it (which, let's be real, probably made the masseuse's job a little harder). I opted for a body scrub because, hey, why not? My skin hasn't felt this smooth since I was, like, five. I regret nothing.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Fit for a King (and Queen, and Regular Folk)
The food situation at Riverhouse is legit. I'm a foodie, and I was thoroughly impressed. Restaurants are everywhere on-site. And not just any restaurants, but restaurants serving everything from Asian cuisine in restaurant to Western cuisine in restaurant. There's a coffee shop that's perfect for a morning pick-me-up, and a poolside bar where you can sip cocktails while basking in the sun. I mean, what more could you want? They offer Breakfast [buffet], Asian breakfast, and Western breakfast too. And if you are not feeling like going out, enjoy the Room service [24-hour]. Coffee/tea in restaurant is provided. They even offer Desserts in restaurant.
I was particularly fond of the Happy hour. A great place to sit down and relax with friends, drinks, and snacks. Bar is also available.
They even had a Snack bar for when you're feeling peckish between meals. Also, you can opt for Alternative meal arrangement, if you have specific diet requirements.
Services and Conveniences: They Thought of Everything (and Then Some)
Okay, get ready for the list! The Services and conveniences are endless! The hotel offers 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, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
Seriously, folks. They've thought of EVERYTHING. From the moment you arrive with your Airport transfer, to when you're whisked away with Taxi service, they cater to your every whim.
For the Kids: Family Fun Guaranteed!
They're even Family/child friendly. They have Babysitting service, and Kids meal.
In-Room Amenities: Pure Bliss, Basically.
The rooms at Riverhouse, are, in a word, incredible. The Additional toilet is perfect. Air conditioning is also available. I loved the Bathrobes, and the Blackout curtains made sleep easy. The Coffee/tea maker was a lifesaver in the morning. My room had a Desk, because I was working. The Free bottled water, was a nice touch. The Hair dryer and Ironing facilities were also a plus. Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN are available. They have a Laptop workspace and a Mini bar and I never had problems with the Non-smoking. Also, Private bathroom with Separate shower/bathtub. It had a Shower and Smoke detector. There were Slippers available. There was a Sofa. And the Telephone was available. There were Toiletries and Towels. Wake-up service was great. And of course, Wi-Fi [free].
Rooms: Pure Perfection.
My room? Oh, my room. It was a Non-smoking room with Air conditioning and Alarm clock. I had access to Bathrobes, a great Bathtub and Blackout curtains. They have Carpeting and a Closet. There was a Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, and Daily housekeeping. Also, a Desk. There was a Extra long bed to sleep in. And Free bottled water. The Hair dryer was amazing, and there was a High floor too. I felt very safe with the In-room safe box, and there are Interconnecting room(s) available. The Internet access – LAN and Internet access – wireless was spot on. There were Ironing facilities and a Laptop workspace. Linens were available and a Mini bar. The Mirror was perfect. The room was fully Non-smoking. There were On-demand movies so boredom was never an option. It had a Private bathroom with Reading light, and a Refrigerator. It had a Safety/security feature, a Satellite/cable channels. And a Scale. There was a Seating area with a Separate shower/bathtub and a Shower. Slippers were awesome. It had a Smoke detector and a Socket near the bed. The Sofa was great. Also, Soundproofing was available. There was a Telephone and Toiletries. The Towels were great. It had a Umbrella, and a Visual alarm. You can Wake-up service and enjoy Wi-Fi [free], and a Window that opens.
**Getting
Gwangan Beach Paradise: Sweet Home 1min from Station!
Alright, buckle up Buttercup, because we're diving headfirst into my potential Riverhouse Philippines itinerary. Let's be honest, this isn't some perfectly curated Instagram post. This is real life, with all its messy glory.
Day 1: Arrival and the "OMG, This is Paradise (Maybe)" Phase
Morning (or, What's a Time Zone Anyway?): Land at Manila (probably bleary-eyed and smelling subtly of airplane peanuts). The real adventure begins at the airport, already dreading the potential for traffic chaos. "Okay, taxi, Riverhouse, please don't be one of those drivers…" (internal monologue, laced with anxiety).
Afternoon (The Drive From Hell…or Manila): Assuming I survive the taxi ride – and the inevitable bargaining session – we're heading to Riverhouse. The drive itself is going to be an experience. I'm picturing myself gazing out the window, alternating between wide-eyed wonder at the Philippine scenery and a desperate need for a bathroom break. "Is that a rooster? A giant rooster?! Oh, and the traffic… Dear God, the traffic…"
- Anecdote Alert! Once, in Bangkok, I was stuck in traffic for four hours, fueled only by questionable street food and pure, unadulterated rage. I swore I would never endure such torture again. Famous last words, right?
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: (Check-in, Dropping Bags, and the "Is This Real Life?" Moment): Finally! Arriving at Riverhouse. Check-in…smoothly? (crossing fingers). Dropping my bags in a room with a view, hopefully. And then, the moment of truth: stepping out onto the balcony. The emotional rollercoaster begins.
"Okay, this is…wow. Like, seriously wow. The river… the trees… the peace and quiet. For a second I want to just cry. Is this how the rich people feel?"
- Action: Start unpacking, finding all the important things (snacks and a good book and the bottle opener). I vow to embrace the slow life… until I get hangry, of course.
Dinner: Finding a good restaurant. "I hope the menus are in English!"
Day 2: River Adventures and Questionable Decisions
Morning: Waking up feeling vaguely like a Disney princess, with birds chirping and sunshine streaming through the room (hopefully). Breakfast, and coffee. Essential.
- Activity: Kayaking! I'm picturing myself gliding effortlessly down the river, looking graceful and serene. The reality? Probably a slightly less-than-graceful struggle against the current, possibly capsizing, and definitely yelling at the mosquitoes.
Mid-Morning: A little relaxation. A book. A nap. The whole shebang!
Lunch: Trying some authentic local cuisine. I'm going to be brave. I will try the balut. (Just kidding. Though, maybe…nah).
Afternoon: Doubling Down on the River Experience (and Questionable Decisions) :
I'm going all in on the river experience. This is where the stream-of-consciousness starts to flow freely. Okay, kayaking was fun, but… what about a boat trip? Like, one of those bamboo raft things! It's a cliché, I know, but doesn't that sound amazing? The slow sway, the fresh air, the feeling of being utterly, gloriously disconnected…
- Problem: I get seasick sometimes. Big problem. But still, the allure is strong. What if I take some Dramamine and just… deal with it?
- Quirky Observation: Wonder if river currents can carry thoughts? Like I'm drifting down the river, the worries and anxieties of everyday life start to float away with the tide. Almost like all the accumulated mental baggage, the frustrations of work, the petty arguments… just gone.
- Emotional Reaction: This is it. This is why I travel. To escape the mundane, to feel the freedom, a true sense of self. If I die trying, so be it?
- Messier Structure: But oh, wait…the sun is blazing. Hydration is key. Did I bring enough sunscreen? Crap, I probably forgot it. Better bring a hat too. And a book…and definitely the Dramamine. And a waterproof phone case for pictures… this is gonna be one hell of a decision.
Evening: I have succeeded. Or I failed miserably. Dinner. I'm starving.
Day 3: Exploring the Area and "Oh God, Is My Bank Account Okay?"
Morning: Sleep in! Maybe. The lingering effects of yesterday's river adventures might dictate the pace. Okay, time to explore the local town/village. "Are there any markets? I need to find some souvenirs, even if they are cheesy. and I'm gonna haggle. I am a warrior."
- Anecdote: I once tried to barter for a rug in Turkey. I got so flustered, I ended up paying more than the original asking price. Lesson learned. (Maybe).
Afternoon: The real adventure: a hike, a visit to a waterfall, or, if I'm feeling particularly adventurous, some off-the-beaten-path exploration. "Okay, let's embrace the chaos. Maybe I'll get lost. Maybe it'll rain. Maybe I'll run into a monkey. Who knows!"
Late Afternoon/Evening: This could go two ways. 1. Total bliss and gratitude. 2. Total exhaustion and a craving for a massage and a very strong drink.
Day 4: Farewell to Paradise (Sobbing Quietly)
Morning: Last breakfast. Savoring every bite, soaking in the view one last time. "I don't want to leave! I'm actually kind of getting used to this whole paradise thing."
Mid-Morning: One last swim in the river (if there is a pool). Pack, check out, and the dreaded taxi ride back to the airport.
Afternoon: (Airport Blues): Sitting in the airport lounge, staring out the window, and mentally calculating when I can come back. "Goodbye, Riverhouse. You were beautiful. And I will be back, or I'll die trying."
Evening: Takeoff. Back home. To Real life, with all its ups and downs. Ready for more adventures? Probably .
Riverhouse Philippines: FAQs - Brace Yourselves, This Ain't Your Grandma's Getaway!
Okay, spill! What *is* this "Riverhouse" thing? Seriously, is it real? Because the photos... they look Photoshopped.
Alright, deep breaths. Yes, it's real. Unbelievably real. I initially thought the same thing. Like, "Oh, another IG-filter paradise that'll disappoint in person." Nope. Riverhouse Philippines is a hidden gem, a secret whispered only amongst the most fortunate (and connected). Think: secluded luxury built into the side of a river, with architecture that’ll make your jaw hit the floor. Imagine a blend of Balinese vibes, modern minimalism, and a healthy dose of "Holy crap, I can't believe I'm actually *here*." Trust me, the photos don't even *begin* to capture the magic.
So, about that Jaw-Dropping Architecture... What's the vibe? Is it stuffy? Pretensious?
Nope. Thankfully, no. Okay, it's undeniably luxurious, let's get that straight, the kind of luxury where you feel a pang of guilt for even *touching* the furniture. (I may have nervously hovered my hand over a ridiculously expensive sofa for a solid five minutes). But the vibe is… warm, genuinely inviting. There's this airiness, a lightness to it all. The design just pulls you in. You can lounge by the pool (which, side note, is like something out of a James Bond film), wander through the pavilions, or just curl up with a book on a plush daybed, feeling totally at peace. It's more "effortlessly chic" than "stuffy hotel." The staff, bless their hearts, are absolutely lovely, always smiling, always helpful, and never, EVER make you feel like you don't belong, even if you're wearing your oldest, most hole-ridden t-shirt (don't judge me, it's comfy!).
Alright, but what about the food? I'm a foodie. Do I need to bring my own microwave?
Oh, the food. *Sighs dramatically*. It's phenomenal. Honestly, I think I gained five pounds just from the sheer deliciousness. The chef is a genius. Breakfast is a glorious affair: fresh fruit, perfectly flaky pastries, and eggs cooked *exactly* how you like them. Lunch and dinner? Expect creative dishes, locally sourced ingredients, and flavors that explode in your mouth. The menu changes daily, so you're always in for a surprise. The presentation is beautiful, but it's not "style over substance," thankfully. This is food that makes you *happy*. The only issue? You'll want to try absolutely everything. And you probably should.
How do I even *get* there? Is it like, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom levels of adventure?
Okay, so it's not *quite* that dramatic. But it does involve a boat ride, which adds to the whole enchanting experience. You can arrange transport through Riverhouse; they’re pros at whisking you away from the airport and straight to this little slice of paradise. Once you reach the dock, prepare for the scenery to knock your socks off. But, be warned, the journey is beautiful, but not exactly smooth. I had a minor freak-out moment, convinced we were going to tip over, but the boatman just chuckled, and here comes the best bit, and the view. Trust me, the journey is *worth it*. Just pack some Dramamine if you're prone to seasickness (speaking from experience!).
Okay, let's talk about the cost. Prepare me for heartbreak...
Yes, it's definitely not budget-friendly. Let's not sugarcoat it. This is a splurge. A serious splurge. But honestly? It's worth it. You are paying for an entire experience, not just a room. Think of it as an investment in memories, in relaxation, in a serious dose of "Oh my God, I can't believe this is real." It's a destination that you'll remember for the rest of your life. I had to save up for a while, no shame in that game, but I'd happily do it again. And maybe, just maybe, it's a good excuse to treat yourself every now and then. You deserve it.
What's there *to do*? (Besides, you know, drool and eat.)
Depends on your vibe. You can laze by the pool, swim in the river (it's crystal clear!), get a massage (they do the best ones, I swear!), or go for a hike to explore the surrounding area. They offer water activities too, like kayaking or paddleboarding. Actually, I took the kayak out. It was all sunshine and rainbows, paddling along, enjoying the peace, until I got stuck in a thicket of something. The only way out involved a lot of clumsy maneuvering and the faint hope nobody saw me and my utter lack of kayaking skills. Let's just say, a graceful exit wasn't in the cards. But hey, even the mishaps are part of the fun, right?
Are there any downsides? Be honest!
Alright, alright, I'll be real. There are a few tiny things. Maybe. It's expensive, like I said, that's probably the biggest one. Cell service can be spotty (which, honestly, is also a plus, depending on how much you need to disconnect). And... okay, this is nit-picky, but one tiny thing: I kept getting *slightly* lost. It's a sprawling property. Signage is minimal. I did manage to end up in the wrong place a few times. But hey, more exploration! And the staff are quick to point you in the right direction.
What kind of people does this place attract? I don't want to be surrounded by *those* people.
Ah, the million-dollar question! Okay, look, I'm not going to lie and tell you it's all rainbows and unicorns and perfect strangers. You'll find a mix of folks, mostly couples, some small groups of friends, and the occasional solo traveler looking for some seriously good R&R. Think of it as a place where people are generally happy, relaxed, and looking to escape the everyday grind. It's not the kind of place that attracts show-offs or people who are overly concerned with appearances. Everyone is there to enjoy the surroundings, and to relax by the pool, or in the river. I'm not going to paint an unrealistically rosy picture, but, from *my* experience, the people there are generally pretty cool. One evening, I ended up chatting with a lovely couple from somewhere in Europe, and another time I almost joined a game of cards with an old man who was reading a book. And here's the thing: If you donUrban Hotel Search
