Iloilo Grand Hotel — Hotel in Iloilo City

We recently held our 52nd Grand Reunion last May 28–29, 2024, in Iloilo City, where our group of retired military personnel from the 14th Infantry Battalion stayed at Iloilo Grand Hotel for 3 days and 2 nights.

While we appreciated the overall quality of the hotel — the rooms were clean, spacious, and comfortable — and it was ideal for our group's size, there were several issues during our stay that caused confusion and disappointment.

Here are some concerns we encountered:

Miscommunication About Breakfast Inclusions

-During our initial visits to the hotel, we were clearly informed by Ms. Thea Perez that all rooms come with free breakfast for all occupants. This was a major deciding factor in choosing this hotel for our entire group. However, upon check-in on May 28, we were surprised to learn that only two guests per premium room were entitled to breakfast. This unexpected change caused us to exceed our budget and pay Php 350 per additional guest for breakfast.

-Adding to the confusion, we were later told that the breakfast value was only Php 200 per head when requesting a refund for early check-outs. This inconsistency was disappointing and felt misleading. Clear, upfront communication would have helped avoid this issue entirely.

Unfair Policy on Unoccupied Paid Room

-We also paid for a matrimonial room intended for two guests, but unfortunately, the assigned participant wasn’t able to attend. Since the room was already paid in full, we requested to claim the breakfast for that day — a reasonable request — but were denied because “no one checked in.”

-This felt unfair. Whether the guest arrived or not, the room and its inclusions (including breakfast) were paid for. The hotel policy in this regard needs better flexibility or at least clearer explanation at the outset.

Last-Minute Changes to Event Time

-For our “Avengers Night” on May 29, we were told via email that the function hall would be available from 7 PM, as it was still in use until 5 PM. We informed all participants accordingly. However, at around 6 PM, Ms. Perez called to insist that we start earlier because we were “only allowed 3 hours.” This last-minute demand caused confusion, especially since we had guests from other hotels and had made fixed arrangements. It felt unprofessional and gave the impression that our group wasn’t being valued — despite the fact that our attendees were retired military officers and personnel.

Final Thoughts:

We still appreciate the courteous staff and the overall condition of the hotel. However, the lack of clarity and the inconsistencies in handling our group’s needs led to negative feedback from many of our attendees. We hope management takes this as constructive criticism and works toward improving transparency in communication and flexibility when dealing with organized group events.

Few additions for the food.

Disappointing Buffet Experience with Food Quality and Senior Citizen Discount Not Honored.

First, the quality of the food was below expectations. The chicken teriyaki was undercooked, with visible traces of blood — a serious food safety concern. Additionally, the pork dish was extremely salty, making it barely edible. For a hotel-hosted buffet at this price point, we expected better standards in both preparation and taste.

Secondly, and equally concerning, was the denial of the Senior Citizen discount and VAT exemption, which we are legally entitled to under Republic Act No. 9994 (Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010). The law clearly states that senior citizens are entitled to a 20% discount and VAT exemption on food and beverages for personal consumption, including buffets.

Other hotels we’ve dined at have honored this without issue — why not here?

We sincerely hope that the management reviews RA 9994, ensures proper staff training, and takes these matters seriously. Senior citizens deserve fair treatment, and all guests deserve safe, properly prepared food — especially at a premium price.

We look forward to seeing improvements and a response...

I rarely leave negative reviews, but I feel it's important to share our recent dining experience in hopes that the team can learn and improve.||Unfortunately, our visit was far from enjoyable. It took nearly an hour for our food to be served, and when it finally arrived, it was already cold. For the price point, we expected better service and quality — and cold food after such a long wait just didn’t justify the cost.||What made it more frustrating was the complete lack of communication. No one approached us to inform us of the delay or provide any updates. Even a simple heads-up could have helped manage our expectations. It would’ve made a big difference to at least feel seen and considered while waiting.||They did eventually offer complimentary drinks, but even those came more than 30 minutes into the wait. Later, they also gave a complimentary slice of cake, which I genuinely appreciated — it was a kind gesture and helped end the meal on a slightly better note.||Still, the overall experience was disappointing. What could’ve made this better was simply better communication. If there’s an issue in the kitchen or unexpected delays, letting guests know upfront makes a world of difference.||I hope this feedback is taken constructively, because there’s potential here — but the way situations like this are handled makes all the difference between a forgettable visit and one that builds loyalty. Hoping to see improvements...

One of the best hotels in Iloilo. It is known for offering quality yet cheap services. Grand Hotel has also been one of the old hotels located in the downtown area in front of the Iloilo Central Market. This hotel has been one of the hotels who accepts OJT students from SUCs which I think is great because they are helping the people in Iloilo. They have a wide function room that's why it is often times the venue for large gatherings of both public and private organizations. Last Dinagyang Festival 2017, one of the judging areas in the Ati Tribe Dance Competition was located just in front of the hotel. It is also walking distance to Robinsons Mall and Unibersity of Iloilo. I recommend this as a place to stay in...