La Grande Residence — Hotel in Angeles

I recently spent two weeks at this hotel in March 2025. My general impression was mixed because I had booked this through Booking.com last year and assumed it was a straightforward booking, as you would find in any other hotel. However, as I was staying there for two weeks and four days, I asked reception about a change of towels and was informed that I would need to speak with my “host.” Up until that moment, I had never been informed that I had a host. When I asked who this host was, I was told I should already have known and that they could not provide me with their details.

So, we reached a stalemate, where apparently, I was supposed to already know my host, but four days into my stay was the first time I had been introduced to this information. The problem was not so much the host but the fact that I was being told about this retrospectively, and on top of that, the reception staff could not provide me with their contact details due to some privacy issue. But apparently, for my two-week stay, was I expected to use just one set of towels and bed sheets for the entire 13 days? And if I wanted a fresh change of towels and bed sheets, I would have to pay extra for this?

On top of all this, I had issues with the small safe box, which was not working and remained unusable throughout my stay. Again, I was told I would need to speak with my host. The hotel staff did come out after I had contacted the host. I put in a test code of 123, closed the box with two hotel staff as witnesses, and it would not open again—that was how it remained. When I contacted the host later, he was told the problem had been resolved and that there had never been an issue with this safe box.

Now, I could go on and on, but as someone who has worked in a job that required extensive travel and as a veteran of visiting fifty-plus countries, this was the first time in my life I had ever experienced anything like this. I am not sure who is at fault here, but I would suggest that, moving forward, they make the terms and conditions clear upfront and provide guests with the host’s name early on. Whether this is a hotel or an Airbnb, clarity would be much appreciated.

Apart from all that, La Grande is a modern establishment with a range of typical facilities you would expect in a hotel of this sort. The room is generally a good size with some basic cooking facilities. However, I have a couple of suggestions. The portion sizes at La Grande are ridiculous. I tried the burger and fries in the Sky Lounge and thought some onion rings would be a nice side, given that there was no salad. However, the supposed side dish was sufficient for two people. Another morning, I ordered croissants and thought a side of fresh fruit would complement them nicely. Again, I was served with an enormous fruit bowl, so I asked the waitress to put half in a container to take away while I ate the other half. I appreciate that food is generally cheap, but I do not believe in such waste. I am European, not American, and I thought this was a Swiss-owned hotel that should know better.

My final gripe concerns the sauna and steam room, which not only charges 500 pesos to use but also only opens at 4 pm. The gym opens at 6 am, but typically, people who work out—like myself—want to use the sauna or steam...

If I could give this hotel ZERO star, I absolutely would. Going there was the most humiliating and disrespectful experience I’ve ever had in a so-called “hotel.”

First of all, the treatment of female guests is completely unacceptable. If you are a woman with a foreign partner, be prepared to be treated like you’re some kind of prostitute just because of the hotel’s location in the red district. It is degrading, insulting, and beyond embarrassing. Instead of hospitality, you get judgment and discrimination. For a place that claims to be a proper hotel, this behavior is disgusting. The owner seriously needs to rethink who they hire, because their staff clearly has no understanding of customer service, respect, or professionalism.

The worst part was what happened at their rooftop pool on the 15th floor. My boyfriend and I actually spent good money here — we bought drinks, we supported their business — yet when we tried to relax at the pool, we were kicked out like criminals. A guard named Allain was extremely rude, acting like we were trespassers abusing the amenities, when in reality we were paying customers who did nothing wrong. The way he spoke to us was hostile and humiliating. I have stayed in many hotels around the Philippines, but I have NEVER been treated this way.

To make matters worse, when we brought this issue to his supervisor, instead of resolving the situation or even acknowledging the problem, the supervisor doubled down — treating us like liars, dismissing everything we said, and siding with the rude guard. There was zero accountability, zero empathy, and zero respect for me and my bf.

Honestly, this hotel should be ashamed of the way they operate. Staff members here act like they own the guests, not like they are here to serve them. The entire atmosphere is unwelcoming, judgmental, and toxic. Of all the hotels in Angeles City, this one easily has the WORST staff and the worst attitude.

If you value being treated with basic human respect, avoid this place at all costs. There are plenty of other hotels in Angeles that will happily take your business without insulting you, humiliating you, or kicking you out for no reason. This is my honest review.

Thank you...

During a recent staycation, we discovered La Grande Residence in Angeles, Pampanga, and it exceeded our expectations. Despite its unassuming location in the quieter area of Malabanias, the establishment offers exceptional value for its price.

Our studio-type room was impressively spacious, featuring a comfortable queen-size bed, a cozy living area with a small sofa, and a fully functional kitchenette. Notably, the kitchen appliances were spotless and free from rust, a detail that stood out compared to other condo units we’ve visited. The provision of potable water within the room was a convenient touch, eliminating the need to purchase bottled water.

Situated on the 9th floor, our room included a balcony that offered stunning views of Angeles City and the distant Mount Arayat. The 11th-floor rooftop pool provided an even more breathtaking panorama, making it an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the scenery. While the rooftop features an honesty bar—a concept we appreciated—we would have preferred staff assistance for a more personalized experience. Additionally, the pool water was quite cold in the late afternoon and evening, likely due to the elevation and lack of heating.

The ground floor houses another bar adjacent to the reception area, offering a more traditional setting for guests. For those seeking activities, La Grande Residence boasts a gaming room equipped with facilities like foosball and billiards, available for a fee of ₱350. There’s also a well-maintained gym and a sauna for guests’ use.

One thing that we didn’t quite like was the thin walls. Unfortunately, we could hear noise from the neighboring rooms, which became a bit of an issue during our stay. It seemed like a family with kids was staying next door, and their children were quite loud—screaming, banging on doors, and slamming them shut. This happened even at night when we were hoping to relax. If you’re a light sleeper or looking for a quiet staycation, this might be something to consider.

Overall, despite that minor downside, our experience at La Grande Residence was delightful, and we look forward to returning to this hidden gem in...