Unbelievable Luxury at RedDoorz Plus Lhexlyn: Subic Bay Getaway!
Unbelievable Luxury at RedDoorz Plus Lhexlyn: Subic Bay Getaway!
Unbelievable Luxury at RedDoorz Plus Lhexlyn: Subic Bay Getaway! – My Whirlwind Romance (and occasional grumbles) with a Hotel
Okay, let's be real. Hotels are a crapshoot. You go in with Pinterest-perfect expectations, and sometimes you end up with a room that smells faintly of sadness and regret. But, and this is a BIG but, my stay at RedDoorz Plus Lhexlyn: Subic Bay Getaway!… well, it was…complicated. Let’s just say my emotional rollercoaster was as chaotic as my luggage after that slightly aggressive taxi ride.
SEO & Metadata Stuff (Don't worry, I'll get to the juicy bits):
- Keywords: RedDoorz, Lhexlyn, Subic Bay, Hotel Review, Philippines, Luxury, Beach, Pool, Spa, Restaurant, Accessibility, Wi-Fi, Cleanliness, Service, Affordable, Travel, Vacation, Subic Bay Freeport Zone.
- Meta Description: Honest & detailed review of RedDoorz Plus Lhexlyn in Subic Bay! Discover its pros & cons, spa treatments, dining, and overall experience. Is it worth the stay? Find out!
- Categories: Hotels, Resorts, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Philippines, Family-Friendly, Spa Hotels, Beach Hotels.
Accessibility: The Good, The Bad, and the "Oh Dear"
Right off the bat, this is where things got a little…muddy. The listing claimed accessibility, but I'm not totally sure it lived up to that promise. While there's an elevator (thank god!), and I think some of the public areas were relatively navigable, I'm not sure if the restaurant setup was all that great for wheelchair users . I didn't have a physical impediment myself, and I couldn't see any obvious accessibility features in the restaurant, but I'd honestly recommend contacting the hotel directly before booking if accessibility is a major concern. It's something they should really improve upon, honestly.
On-Site Grub & Tipples: My Stomach's Adventure
Okay, let's dive into the good stuff: the food! (Because let's face it, I’m fueled by snacks.)
- Restaurants: They had a couple of restaurants on site. One with Asian AND Western Cuisine and another with a more chill vibe. I tried both, and I’m happy to report they’re both pretty nice.
- Asian & International Delights: The Asian restaurant was good, really good! I'm a sucker for good Pad Thai, and oh boy, did they deliver! The international cusine on the other hand…it was hit or miss. The steak was overcooked, but the pasta was divine.
- Bar: Happy Hour Happiness! The bar… oh, the bar! They had a happy hour with unbelievable prices. The cocktails were pretty good, too. I spent way too much time there, but no regrets.
- Poolside Bar & Snack Attacks: Always a winner! Nothing beats sinking into a lounger with a cocktail and a quick snack. And they had a decent selection of snacks.
- Breakfast Bonanza! The buffet was okay… the usual suspects; fried rice, scrambled eggs, etc. Nothing groundbreaking, but it was certainly convenient. And the coffee was strong.
Spa & Relaxation – My Inner Zen (and Occasional Grumbling)
This is where the "Unbelievable Luxury" really kicked in.
- The Pool with a View: Seriously, the pool was stunning. And the view? Gorgeous! I spent a good chunk of my time floating around, occasionally letting out little noises of contentedness.
- Spa Time! The spa was heavenly. I got a massage (the best one of my life, perhaps?) and a body wrap that made me feel like I’d been wrapped in a cloud of pure relaxation. The whole spa experience was genuinely amazing; I went back the next day because what else am I supposed to do?
- Sauna & Steam Room: Yep, they had those too. Which was nice.
- Fitness Center: I, uh… I saw it. It looked nice. I did not, however, use it. Okay?
- Other ways to Relax: They offered foot baths and other stuff too, which definitely added to the sense of escapism.
Cleanliness & Safety: Germs, Be Gone! (Mostly)
Okay, this is a big deal for me right now. I appreciated the lengths they went to with cleanliness.
- Anti-Viral Cleaning: They were clearly taking things seriously, with all the talk of anti-viral cleaning.
- Daily Disinfection: Common areas were clearly sprayed down and cleaned.
- Hand Sanitizer Galore: I never had to search for hand sanitizer (another huge win).
- Other Sanitizing Stuff: They had hygiene certificates, and I saw staff practicing social distancing. They took the whole COVID thing very seriously.
Room Review: My Sweet-ish Sanctuary
Okay, let's get nit-picky about the rooms. (I am that person.)
- Air Conditioning: Bless You, AC! The air conditioning worked wonders during the humid, tropical days.
- The Bed Situation: Comfortable, but slightly on the firm side.
- Blackout Curtains: Nap Time All Day, Everyday! Yes. Just yes.
- The Bathroom: Clean, functional, and with a decent shower.
- Wi-Fi: The Real Star! It worked perfectly. I was able to work without any hiccups.
- TV: Not a bad selection of channels.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter (and Some That Don't)
- Air Conditioning Everywhere: Fantastic.
- 24-hour Front Desk: They Always Seemed to Be There!
- Concierge: Helpful, friendly, and very willing to assist.
- Daily Housekeeping: My room seemed to get cleaner every time I left it!
- Laundry Service: Convenient and reasonably priced.
- Car Park: Yup.
- Wi-Fi: Always working!
Getting Around: My Taxi Tango
- Airport Transfer: I didn’t use the hotel airport transfer, but there are cabs available from the airport and around the area.
- Taxi Service: Not gonna lie, the taxi situation was a bit of a wild west. Some drivers were amazing, some were…less so. Be prepared to haggle.
For the Kids: I Don't Have Kids (But…)
While I don't have kids, they seemed to be geared to be family-friendly.
- Family/Child Friendly
- Babysitting offered
My Verdict…?
Overall? RedDoorz Plus Lhexlyn: Subic Bay Getaway! was a solid choice. It wasn't perfect, and there were a few minor wrinkles, but the good FAR outweighed the bad. I left feeling relaxed and pampered. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Would I go back? Absolutely. The only reason this isn’t a perfect score is because I'm a hard grader and there is always room for improvement.
Hefei Wanda Plaza Hotel: Luxury Stay Near Chaohu Lake!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly manicured travel itinerary. This is the real, messy, sunburned truth of a weekend at RedDoorz Plus @ Lhexlyn Resort in San Narciso, Subic. Consider yourselves warned.
Subject: Operation: San Narciso, or How I Survived a Weekend by the Beach (Almost)
Day 1: Arrival, Reality Check, and the Mystery of the Missing Towel
10:00 AM: Depart Manila. (Okay, technically supposed to depart. Reality? My phone was dead, I'd forgotten to charge my travel pillow – a crucial comfort item for me, people! – and I spent a frantic hour battling traffic before finally getting on the bus. That’s my starting point. Already, a late start. My plans will be messed up already)
1:00 PM (ish): Finally Arrived in San Narciso. The bus ride was a mix of sweaty tourists and the usual Filipino chaos: a crying baby, non-stop karaoke emanating from someone's phone (bless them), and a guy who kept attempting to sell me "lucky charms" made from seashells. I was already feeling a little…fragile. Needed a swim.
2:00 PM: Check-in at RedDoorz Plus @ Lhexlyn Resort. First impression? Decent. Clean-ish. The aircon was a godsend. The lobby smelled faintly of chlorine and…sunscreen, which I guess is appropriate. The staff was super friendly, but…my room? Let’s just say the "plus" element of "RedDoorz Plus" was… subtle. I spotted a few small, friendly cockroaches. I'm not sure if I'll like to spend time there.
2:30 PM: The Great Towel Debacle. I unpacked, ready to hit the pool. And then… no towel. None. Zilch. Zero. I mean, how does someone forget a towel? It's the cornerstone of a beach trip! I marched back to reception, feeling like Liam Neeson in Taken, but instead of finding my daughter, I was on a quest for terrycloth. They gave me a replacement, but the incident set a tone.
3:00 PM: Pool Time, with a side of Doubts. The pool was small but clean. Took a moment to just float to enjoy the moment. The water felt divine, and the sun, surprisingly, wasn't trying to murder me. I spent a really solid hour just floating, people-watching, and wondering if I should have brought a more sophisticated book than my chosen airport thriller. (The answer was yes.)
4:00 PM: Beach Exploration. Okay, so San Narciso beach is… a vibe. Not exactly white sand paradise, more like…golden-brown with a mix of pebbles and seashells. But the waves were fantastic! I spent ages watching surfers, dreaming of being brave enough to try it. The water was warm, and the ocean breeze was the best.
6:00 PM: Dinner Dilemma. The resort restaurant had a limited menu. I ordered something that was supposed to be grilled chicken, and… well, let's just say it wasn't exactly the culinary masterpiece I'd hoped for. Needed a drink after that.
7:00 PM: Sunset Drinks (and existential dread). Sat on the beach with a beer, watching the sunset. It was beautiful, no lie. But the whole experience made me think of my life. That thought made me finish my beer quickly.
8:00 PM: Early Night. Went to sleep early, exhausted from the travel and the mild culture shock. Praying for a better tomorrow.
Day 2: Surfing Dreams, Sunburn Realities, and a Pizza Epiphany
7:00 AM: Wake up. This is the best thing ever. The aircon had conked out overnight, so I was already warm and sweaty. I figured it wasn't the worst way to start the day.
8:00 AM: Beach Workout (Attempted). Tried to be all "healthy travel" and stretch on the beach. Immediately got attacked by sandflies. My fitness routine lasted about five minutes. Decided to consider it a win, because I survived.
9:00 AM: Surfing Lesson (The Big Deal). Let's be honest, this was the main reason I came. Found a local surf school, and the instructor, a dude named Jun, was super chill. He was patient, probably because I kept falling off the board. I felt like a beached whale for the first half hour. But then… I stood up! For like, two whole seconds! The feeling was incredible! Like riding a wave in life. The sheer exhilarated made me forget about any other problems. Amazing!
12:00 PM: Sunburn Time. Spent too much time in the water, forgot to reapply sunscreen (rookie mistake!), and now I was a lobster. My skin was screaming, so I retreated to the shade.
1:00 PM: Pizza Intervention. Discovered a little pizza place down the road. The pizza was wood-fired, cheesy, and utterly divine. It was the kind of pizza that makes you question every life choice you've ever made. My craving was satisfied.
2:00 PM: Back to the Beach (Cautiously). I decided to walk slowly on the beach, avoiding direct sunlight. I wandered, watched surfers, and generally soaked up the atmosphere. It was a mellow, perfect way to spend the afternoon.
4:00 PM: Pool Time (Avoiding the Burns). Jumped in the pool for a quick dip to cool off. Felt revitalized.
5:00 PM: Packing. It's the worst part of every trip, but soon I'll be going back. I was sad to leave; I spent some time reflecting on the little adventures I had last day.
6:00 PM: Dinner and Drinks. Found a nicer restaurant this time. Ate some seafood, and started to feel pretty good.
7:00 PM: Another Sunset Appreciation Session. Took a walk on the beach.
8:00 PM: Early Night (Again!). Needed to recover from the sunburn and the surfing.
Day 3: Departure and the lingering smell of chlorine
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast.
- 9:00 AM: Check out.
- 10:00 AM: Travel back to Manila.
Overall Impression of RedDoorz Plus @ Lhexlyn Resort:
Look, it's not the Ritz. It's not perfect. But the staff tries their best, the pool is clean, and the beach is right there. It's a perfectly acceptable base for a weekend of surfing, sun, and questionable pizza choices. Would I go back? Maybe. But I'll definitely remember the sunscreen next time. And maybe bring my own towel.
And now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go slather myself in aloe vera. Until next time, San Narciso!
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RedDoorz Plus Lhexlyn: Subic Bay Getaway - Let's Get Real (and Maybe a Little Tipsy) FAQs
Okay, So... Is This Place *Actually* Luxurious? Like, Worth Trading My Ramen Budget For?
Alright, let's be honest, shall we? "Luxury" is a slippery slope, isn't it? Especially after a particularly brutal month where my bank account whispered, "Dude, you're eating *air* this week." Lhexlyn? It *leans* into luxury. It's not the Ritz, okay? Don't expect a personal butler to fluff your pillows while you're getting a caviar facial. But, for the RedDoorz Plus price point? **YES.** It's a serious upgrade. Think comfortable beds (that *finally* aren't making that "sproing" sound every time you move!), a decent pool, and a general feeling of... well, *not* squalor. Honestly, after some of the dives I've survived in the past, it felt like I'd won the lottery. My first thought when I walked in? "Woah, they actually *clean* this place!" And the aircon? Glorious. Just... glorious. I nearly cried tears of joy. It's a solid "Treat Yo' Self" kinda situation, without requiring you to sell a kidney.
The Pool! Is It Instagrammable? And Is It Clean? (My Main Concerns)
Oh, the pool. The *blessed* pool. Okay, let's address the elephant in the room: is it Instagram-worthy? Um... maybe. It's certainly *photogenic*. It's not exactly a shimmering infinity pool overlooking a volcanic vista, but it’s pleasant enough. I saw a few people trying to pull off some influencer-esque poses, and, you know, good for them. I was too busy trying not to splash the people reading their books to participate, though. The *real* question is, is it clean? And the answer, thankfully, is *mostly* yes! I’m a bit of a germophobe (blame a childhood spent trying to avoid the dreaded playground sand), so I'm always on high alert. It looked well-maintained, and I didn't emerge with any mysterious rashes. Bonus points: they seemed to actually keep an eye on it. I didn't see a rogue inflatable flamingo, which, trust me, is a sign of a well-managed pool. I did, however, see a kid with a *very* enthusiastic dog paddling alongside them... but hey, that's life! You gotta embrace the chaos.
About the Breakfast... Is It Just Toast and Regret?
Okay, the breakfast situation. This is where things get... interesting. Don't go expecting a Michelin-star spread. It’s not the kind of place you write home about because it had a *scrumptious* omelet. It's included, which is a win in my book. It's basic, but serviceable. Think: eggs (cooked to your liking!), some sort of breakfast meat (could be a sausage or two, sometimes they had bacon!), and toast. Fruit, if you're lucky. Coffee, of varying levels of quality. It's enough to get you going. I wouldn’t call it a *culinary experience*, but it's far from repulsive. One morning, the eggs were a little... rubbery, but hey, I was in Subic Bay. My expectations were already adjusted down from, say, Paris. You’re getting free food, folks! Don't be too picky! (Unless, of course, you're allergic to something. Then, by all means, be *very* picky.) Bring your own coffee if you are a coffee snob. And maybe some hot sauce. Always bring hot sauce. It is a life skill really.
How's the Location? Is It Walkable? Anything To Do Nearby?
Location, location, location! Lhexlyn's fairly well-situated. It's in Subic Bay, so you're close to all the... Subic Bay things! The beach, the shops, the restaurants, the... um... historical sites. I walked to a few places, but honestly, it's not the *most* walkable area. Especially in the midday sun. (Pro tip: bring a hat, for the love of all that is holy. And sunscreen! Seriously, I forgot sunscreen on *one* trip to the beach... and now I have a new shadow-puppet shaped burn I am carrying with me.) Taxis and tricycles are plentiful and relatively cheap. You can hop in one and be at the main tourist spots fairly quickly. There's a mall nearby, which is always a plus. I spent a solid afternoon there, dodging the rain, trying to decide if I *really* needed another t-shirt. (I did. I always do.) So, yes, there's stuff to do, but be prepared to move around a bit. Don't be a hermit. Go explore! Take advantage of it! That's my motto. Embrace the chaos. Just... bring water. Always bring water.
The Rooms: Are They Clean? And Do They Have... *Things*?
Okay, the rooms. This is the bread and butter. Are they clean? Yes! (Again, this is a *major* victory. I’ve told you, I’ve seen some things…) The beds are comfortable, and the aircon works. That's the trifecta, right there. They also have the usual amenities: a TV, a mini-fridge (which, if you're like me, is immediately commandeered for snacks and beverage storage), and a bathroom. The bathroom! Ah, the bathroom. Clean, with the usual toiletries. I did have a *slight* issue once with the water pressure in the shower being a little… anemic, but hey, at least it *had* hot water. And really, who can complain when you're getting lukewarm, lukewarm-ish water, versus the kind of freezing water you’d get in other places? I once had a shower with *no* water! Another time the toilet looked like a science experiment gone wrong. Lhexlyn is a godsend! The rooms are also a decent size; I didn’t feel like I was shoehorned into a closet, which is always a plus. There was ample space to spread out... and contemplate the meaning of life. Or at least, the meaning of my next snack.
Let's Talk About the Staff. Are They *Actually* Friendly? Or Just… Present?
The staff! This is another *crucial* aspect of the experience. Are they friendly? Yes! Generally speaking, they were all incredibly helpful and kind. They smiled, they said hello, they tried to understand my bizarre requests. I once needed help figuring out the TV remote (I have no shame). I’m terrible with technology. They helped! They were patient! They didn’t even laugh (out loud). They seemed genuinely happy to help. There were a few times they went above and beyond. I once managed to lock myself out of my room (don'Escape to Paradise: Luxury Awaits at Lime Tree Hotels & Resorts, Jamnagar
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