I have modified my Valentine’s Day plan since we have a long weekend for the Chinese New Year on February 16, so I just decided to book for an overnight stay in a hotel. In blogs and reviews that I have read, Discovery Shores Boracay is often compared to The Lind Boracay so I am quite curious about this property. If DSB has Discovery Suites in Ortigas Center, the Lind has the Linden Suites. Last October, we have already spent our wedding anniversary in Discovery Suites, so for the Post Valentine Celebration, I have settled to the Linden Suites. I booked a one-bedroom suite via Booking.com for about P5,00 inclusive of taxes.
My excitement was replaced with disappointment when we have reached the hotel’s lobby. It wasn’t what I expected–I was visualizing the same large lobby as what they have in Discovery Suites. There weren’t enough chairs for the people and while I was on queue for the check-in, my hubby and kids were standing and after about 20 minutes, they were able to find vacant seats. It took me about 30 minutes or more to check in (which was another disappointment 🙁 ) When finally it was my turn, I was pleased with the professionalism of the receptionist. She asked for my ID and the credit card that I used in booking. She has explained clearly why we need to give a security deposit of P2,000 which can be refunded upon check out. She also explained about the rules of the hotel.
Upon checking in, we got 2 keycards (for the elevator and room) , 1 power card, the WIFI password details good for 2 devices and 2 breakfast coupons.
When we got our keycards, we waited for few minutes AGAIN for the elevator. Our one bedroom suite was located in Tower 2 and our assigned suite number was 2107. When we opened the door, I was quite pleased because the room was spacious.
I liked the kitchen–it is already complete with almost everything that you need. You can cook there- no need to bring pans and other utensils. They have provided liquid soap and soap dish, but there is no sponge.
What I like about Linden Suites is that they permit the guests to hold parties inside the room/suite but the limit of the number of guests is only up to 15 and they need to leave before 11pm.
Our living room has a small sofa and working table ideal for small family.
In the dining area, we have a welcome fruit plate and a complimentary tumbler courtesy of the hotel. I was appreciative and thankful, but I couldn’t help but to compare with Discovery Suites. With the latter, we were able to feel at home and special because they have carefully done their research. There was a welcome banner, dessert and more freebies.
A hotel stay is not complete without COFFEE, so I was thankful enough for these basic freebies (but I was not impressed).
Anyway, we enjoyed our spacious bedroom. The kids rested for a while while we have scrutinized every detail of the suite.
The floor was carpeted so even if our kids were super hyper, they were safe.
This is our Post Valentine Date, so we just decided not to go out and just enjoy the room and other facilities.
There were two closets equipped with ironing board and iron (a plus for me!), but we were not able to use it during our stay. We just noticed that there were only 1 bathrobe and 1 pair of slippers. The one-bedroom suite is supposed to be for two people so they should have provided supplies for two. I just let hubby used the slippers since we brought sandals with us.
What I liked most about our stay is the spacious bathroom. Literally, you can sleep inside! It was really convenient because there is enough room for you to change and there is even a vanity inside. This is my ideal bathroom– so far, one of the best bathrooms alongside with Estacio Uno Boracay Seaside Suite.
The free toiletries
Seeing the view made me realize that we shouln’t waste our time and we should enoy, enjoy and enjoy!
In my trips, most of the time, I bring my kids because BONDING with them is a very important moment that I have to treasure. My daughter Shane loves to swim so she was looking forward to our swimming time.
When i told her that we were going to swim, she immediately changed in her swimming outfit!
The indoor pool was located on the 9th floor inside the Health Club. You need to sign first in the reception area and you will be given towels to use. To my dismay, the pool was crowded with people 🙁
We went to the jacuzzi first since the pool was crowded with guests, but Shane immediately jumped to the pool.
I didn’t swim in the swimming pool and just stayed in the jacuzzi.
After few minutes, hubby and Bruce tried the swimming pool.
It was bonding time for hubby and our four-year old son Bruce. It was pretty obvious they have enjoyed the temperature-controlled swimming pool.
We didn’t notice that it was past 6pm already and we decided to just go back to our suite. My plan was to head to the gym right after swimming, but since we wasted more or less 30 minutes waiting for the elevator, I just cancelled my plan. I was planning also to go to their spa, but was disappointed because they do not offer body scrub. (Body scrub is what I was looking for to get ready for my summer-ready skin )
Out of desperation, we were about to use the stairs to reach the 21st floor but then the elevator door opened, and when we were able to reach our suite, we were already exhausted of standing and waiting. We just opted to have room delivery service from the Happy Chef.
While watching TV and waiting for the food, Shane offered me a mug of coffee. (How sweet!)
We ordered Margarita pizza for P395 and Chicken a la Pobre for P355. We loved the pizza but the chicken was too pricey.
We slept early because we would like to enjoy more of the hotel. I brought my lappy with me but I wasn’t able to use it– I had my beauty rest instead.
DAY 2
We woke up at 4:30am. Hubby and I had coffee and planned how we are going to spend the rest of the morning in Linden Suites.
I thought of going to the gym since I wasn’t able to go there the previous night due to the elevator problem. Bruce was also sleeping at that time, so we just asked Shane to look after him while we were working out.
And yes, we were ready to hit the gym!
At 6am, we were already in the gym and yay! We had the gym only to ourselves! That’s what I really like–PRIVACY 🙂
Well, it wasn’t big as the Balance Lifestyle Fitness Club. I was looking forward to use the jacuzzi and the sauna in their female wet area right after working out.
Working out with sweetie 🙂
After working out, I went to the restroom and asked if I can use the sauna. UNFORTUNATELY, they haven’t prepared it yet 🙁 There was no jacuzzi also in the female’s wet area. The jacuzzi was in the indoor pool, so another X for me 🙁
There were locker rooms and the shower area is quite old and worn out– it needs remodelling. For a spa and beauty blogger like me, it would be a PLUS if the hotel has convenient and modern amenities like the gym and spa, but I wasn’t pleased with the female wet area and the spa services.
We peeked in the indoor pool area and was tempted to have a dip in the pool while it was not crowded yet.
We decided to have our breakfast first becaise we have sensed that the restaurant will be crowded also at that time. When we reached the suite, Bruce was still sleeping, so we took advantage of the time to enjoy the hot tub bath.
After the hot bath, we got ready for the breakfast buffet.
The Happy Chef is located in the 2nd floor. Our room rate includes the breakfast buffet already except for Shane. (We paid P275 for her.)
As what we were expecting, we waited for about 20 minutes outside and the reason for this is because they have small space for their restaurant and limited choices of food. I didn’t bother to feature their food because there’s nothing much to show.
I just had garlic rice, chicken adobo, chicken hotdogs, chocolate cupcake, pancake with choco syrup, choco flake cereals and a slice of chocolate cake for dessert. I had a cup of hot choco but I didn’t like the taste 🙁
After the breakfast, we went to the 14th floor, so we used the bridgeway to Tower 2.
It was time to go back to the suite and get ready to check out. While we were preparing our things, Bruce was having his hot bath in the tub.
So, there… my final selfies before we go.
I got a call from the reception 30 minutes before the check out time, reminding me about their standard time of check out which is 12nn. We left the suite before 12nn and as usual, the same scenario… crowded lobby.
Hehehe, I realized I couldn’t compare it to Discovery Suites because they are NOT comparable– with the personalized service, professionalism, and the modern facilities/amenities. Well, at least, we wouldn;t know if we haven’t experienced to stay there.
Would I recommend this to a friend who is also very particular with quality service like me? NO.
The Linden Suites
Great review – it covers everything that a traveler would need to know!
Thank you, Carly 😊