ESPRUTINGKLE BUSINESS HOTEL — Hotel in San Jose

I am writing to express my disappointment regarding a fraudulent incident that occurred during my stay at your hotel on OCTOBER 11, 2025. We checked in around 11:00 PM, almost midnight. Upon our arrival, the front desk receptionist asked if we knew the mayor of San Jose, saying that the “mayor” wanted to speak with us through a call. We found it unusual, but we thought perhaps he was connected to the hotel or possibly the owner. We are not from here, we don’t know anyone who’s in politics here.

During the phone call, the person who claimed to be the mayor instructed us to send my payment directly to him. The receptionist even returned the cash we had paid to her, which made us believe that she knew the person or that it was part of your hotel’s process.

However, when we checked out the following morning, police officers were already present at the reception area. The staffs began questioning us about the incident, asking why we spoke to that person and sent the payment. It was only then that I realized the entire situation was a scam, the “mayor” was an impostor, and your staff had been deceived.

While I understand that this was an unfortunate incident, I find it unfair that we, as guests, were questioned as if we were involved. We were merely following the receptionist’s instructions. It should be the staff’s responsibility to verify any transaction and ensure that all payments are made properly. Why did the receptionist not question why the payment was being sent to someone outside the hotel? Why did she not report the suspicious call immediately?

This experience completely ruined what was supposed to be a stress-free trip. We were even supposed to buy groceries the next morning, but we had to cancel because of the incident. It caused us unnecessary stress and inconvenience. Frankly, it also raises concerns that this could have been an inside job, or at least an operation involving people familiar with your hotel’s procedures.

I sincerely hope your management takes this matter seriously and conducts a thorough internal investigation to identify how this scam happened and who may be responsible. As a paying guest, I trusted that your staff would handle all transactions safely and professionally. What happened was not only inconvenient but also distressing. I believe your hotel should take full accountability for this incident and ensure that stricter verification and communication protocols are implemented moving forward.

And about the room — it’s too expensive for ₱2000 overnight, especially with no amenities...

I gave all 5 stars because value of the price. The staff is friendly and helpful. Even the security guards are willing to lend a hand. This was my first stay in the Philippines ( I'm from Florida USA) and I really enjoyed San Jose De Buena Vista. As far as Esprutinkle goes in hotel stay it was great, the rooms are basic and just enough to sleep take showers and relax for a bit. I could not ask more for the per-night stay price.The only drawback was the range on WIFI, it was very weak inside the rooms and also the rooms could use some caulk seal to keep the ants and other pests out. Other than that it was a good stay. The Fitness café has a great variety of food selection and easly caters to American taste. It's a place that I'd stay again...

This place is AWFUL. Bad food. Plus my first menu choice was unavoidable. My bedsheet had spots of what looked like blood on it. The shower apparatus fell apart in my hands. The shower expressed no more than a lukewarm dribble. There was no rod in the closet. No place to hang my clothes. No blanket. Only a bedsheet. No blanket available. The AC too hot or too...