Garden Orchid Hotel & Resort Corp. — Hotel in Zamboanga City

A promising resort hotel right in the city center that sadly failed to deliver on fronts.

Garden Orchid Hotel has a rich history as the top hotel in the city. Given its expansive property boasting a 200 room, 10-storey garden wing than dominates the city skyline, a pool and modern conference facilities thats located just a few meters from the international airport, I had high expectations of the property. Renovations were ongoing and these were considered for this review.

Room: We got a double deluxe room at the Garden Wing. Despite being opened over 10 years ago, the room did not show much signs of wear and tear and its design is still curent though very minimalist in terms of looks. The double beds can comfortably accommodate 2 adults and the long work desk provides ample workspace. The en suite bathroom had a working tub (no drain issues and I felt safe using it). Honestly it looked better than most hotel bathrooms that Ive seen but the only miss was the dirty mirror which spoiled the great lighting inside. Also bathroom amenities was adequate but no shower gel just hard soaps. The room also had a mini ref (zero stock inside sadly which was the same case with the mini bar where two lonely sachet of instant coffee stood).

Interiors and Facilities: the property has 2 wings. The main wing where the Cafe (main dining F&B outlet) is located and the lobby with the working check-in counters are has not moved on from that 90's grand hotel vibe. The low ceiling pf the lobby area opened up to a 2 level, high-ceiling dining area with a great view of the garden wing, pool and garden. Furnitures and fixtures were quite dated which really affected the whole vibe of this main convergence point. The garden wing on the other hand was more current amd quite grand. It has a separate lobby and drop-off area which are not being utilized due to the renovation. The garden wing also houses most of the conference rooms and convention centers as well as a bar (also unmanned) and the hotel gym. The equipments were also very dated with a few out of order ones. One would not miss the grand bi-level lobby that boasts these huge chandeliers and the winding spiral staircases. Its a beautiful lobby that can compete with many top properties in the country but the whole ground and 2nd floor are almost dead since AC was not turned on and no hotel were around leaving it as a mere transient point for guests. Such a waste. The garden where the pool was located had well maintained landscaping. An urban oasis providing much needed greenery. The pool was adequate and quite deep which is not as common with most hotel pools. Biggest drawback was that guests had to bring their own room towels when using the pool. I find this quite ridiculous but they make up for it by allowing you to request additional room towels.

Location: being located a few meters from the airport, the property has unbeatable location and public transportaion is very accessible.

Dining: The property offers buffet breakfast but there is not much tp be excited about it. Choices were very limited and food was salty not just for my tast but for the rest of my family as well. The free flowing coffee was okay but along with the iced tea, those were the only drinks available. Not really the best breakfast experience but at least the view was good.

Service: This is the biggest opportunity for the property. My check-in expereince was not warm. I felt like I was transacting at a government office. The 1500 peso extra person charge felt like a scam as this did not even include an extra bed or amenities. I followed up several times for the amenities to no avail. They do allow extra pillows upon request. Whenever I called the front desk, my requests never got to the right team for delivery so I had to specifically reach out to the right department. When we ordered food at the poolside bar, it took over an hour to get...

Our stay was only for 1 evening. I had just arrived in from the USA. The staff helped us with our luggage and we went to the reception desk. The young lady helping us spoke perfect English however was refusing to speak to me. She instead spoke to my girlfriend whom is Philippina. I told the lady that I was paying the bill and she needed to speak to me. This went on and on. Finally my girlfriend left the area. The woman had a real attitude with me. She insinuated I could not afford their 6,000 pesos room. She lied and said this was their last room available. ( I had to return b to desk later and she was renting out 2 other new guests). I am retired U.S. Military, then a retired Police Officer. and a 100 % service connected disabled veteran for degeberative hearing loss.. I asked the receptionest to please speak slower because of my hearing. I asked if she could lift her mask and I could read her lips as help. She refused and continued her rapid speaking. I asked about the date of the3 star rating plaque displayed behind the reception desk. The lady said it was either1996 or 1999. At least 24 years ago! We went to room #512. I saw the common area carpets to be heavily worn, hanging crystal lights dirty, woodwork was definatly showing its age with buckling and splits. When this property was new it was probably beautiful but not now. We noticed the T.V. was inoperative, the hair dryer inoperative, the toilet bodet was continiously leaking and filling the bathroom floor, and the hot water boilers do not start heating water until about 5:00 am. An afternoon warm shower is out. We had maintenance come and they stated they were aware of this room. The receptionist obviously put us in the trash room. Maintenance did bring a small portable replacement desktop TV. He tried his best. The employees that attended to the outside plants and grass and pool areas did a nice job! The breakfast was amazing. Staff and all food was spot on. I must say that with the exception of the receptionest, all staff were very attentive and polite. It is sad that the first person I met here was her. There is no excuse to treat paying customers...

Our 43rd Annual Grand Session of the THE GRAND COURT OF THE PHILIPPINES ORDER OF THE AMARANTH held May 5-7 ,2019 was just concluded. I wish to relay to you the experiences of all the delegates billeted at GARDEN ORCHID HOTEL as follows

That upon landing they were impressed on the fast service of transpo that ferried them from the airport to the the hotel. They did not take long to wait for their turn. That upon registration at the front desk the staff attending were all so competent, efficient and courteous and they were impressed on the fast service. The room is wide and clean and the housekeeping section is fast to respond the need of the guest The foods is superb because it served different menu everyday. 5 0ur first fellowship dinner was made May 4 held at the pool side at La Azotea were all delegates of almost 500 impressed not only on the beautiful venue but also best fitted on the event that has production numbers 6.During our 3rd night May 6 our fellowship theme was AMARANTH GOES BROADWAY held at the 9th floor at the theater .They all impressed on the venue because the delegates by District were able to perform assigned production numbers at spacious stage. and the spectators has seated comfortably The delegates number is more than 500 and we have no problem to go up and down as it has 4 elevators available. They were also impressed on the location of the hotel as its so near at the airport. considering the services rendered , competent staff and the facilities of the hotel and with all their praises loaded at the FACEBOOK I doubt upon their coming back they will preferably booked not to others but to this hotel. . Thank you so much GARDEN ORCHID HOTEL for accommodating us because of YOU our GRAND SESSION was culminated in a...