Unbelievable Cebu Getaway: OYO 739 Cornerstone Manor Awaits!
Unbelievable Cebu Getaway: OYO 739 Cornerstone Manor Awaits!
Unbelievable Cebu Getaway: OYO 739 Cornerstone Manor - Did It Actually Live Up to the Hype?! (A Messy Review)
Okay, folks, buckle up. Because this isn't your average TripAdvisor review. This is me, fresh off the heels (or, you know, flip-flops) of my Cebu adventure, here to dissect OYO 739 Cornerstone Manor. And let me tell you, it was…an experience. One I'm still kind of sorting out, truth be told. So, let's dive in, shall we? Grab a coffee (or maybe a Tanduay and coke – Cebu style!), because this might take a while…
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First off, the name… "Cornerstone Manor." Sounds grand, doesn't it? Like some ancient castle holding secrets. In reality? Well, it’s… a bit more approachable. But hey, expectations are a dangerous game, right?
The Nitty-Gritty: Accessibility & Getting Settled In
- Accessibility: Now, I'm not in a wheelchair, but access is always something I look at. The website implied there's a lift. This is a HUGE plus. Elevators in the Philippines can be… well, let's just say they have stories. Seriously, the hotel’s not hugely accessible, which is a bummer, but the elevator is a huge plus. Plus, "Facilities for disabled guests" is listed. Details? Not so much. More on this later, because I think I saw a ramp somewhere.
- Check-In/Out (and the Lack of Contactless Cheer): Okay, so I'm all about convenience. The website touted "Contactless check-in/out." Nope. Not happening. It was a proper, old-school check-in. Nice people, but "contactless" wasn't in their vocabulary, unless they were really good at avoiding eye contact. I mean, I'm guessing they’re trying. Anyway, Check-in/out [Express] is mentioned in the amenities, so I guess I'm just unlucky.
The Room: My Personal Sanctuary… Sort Of
So, you wanna know about my room? Let's just say, the pictures online… flattered it. The "Blackout curtains"? Yeah, they tried. The "Extra long bed"? I’m tall, and it was decent, but not quite "extra long." And the "Soundproofing"? Well, that really depends on how loud the karaoke is next door… which, spoiler alert, was loud. In any case, the bed was comfy enough after a long trip, so I can't complain.
- Essentials & The Less-Than-Essential: We’re talking "Air conditioning" – checks. "Free bottled water" – checks. "Coffee/tea maker" – yessss. (Though the coffee tasted vaguely of… disappointment. But hey, free is free!) "Internet access – wireless" – absolutely! And it was generally pretty reliable. "In-room safe box"? Definitely a plus. "Hair dryer" – thank the gods! Still, I'd be lying if I said the room's "design" was very modern. It's very… functional. Which, after a day of exploring, is what you really want.
The Spa & Relaxation Gambit: Does It Really Relax?
Okay, here's where things get… interesting.
- The Promise! The Spa! : I had big plans for the "Spa/sauna," the "Pool with view," the "Massage." My dreams involved me in a fluffy robe, sipping something tropical, and being kneaded into oblivion.
- The Reality… Mostly Meh: The pool, yeah, okay. Pretty. But "pool with a view?" Nah. More like "pool in front of some buildings." The "Sauna" I'm not really sure about. The spa was "Spa/sauna," but I didn’t go to it. The massage, though? One of the many things to do! They were decent, which is good enough for me.
Dining, Drinking, and Fueling the Adventure
- Food Glorious Food? The hotel offers "Asian breakfast," "Asian cuisine in restaurant," "Western breakfast," "Western cuisine in restaurant," and a "Breakfast [buffet]". Let's just say the buffet was…a buffet. Expect the usual suspects. The Asian cuisine was pretty good, though. The coffee shop? Definitely a hit.
- Bar? Yes! I am all about happy hour. I was so tired that I just wanted a beer and I was happy.
The Important Bits: Cleanliness, Safety, and Peace of Mind
- Sanitation & the Times: "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," "Rooms sanitized between stays." They seemed to be taking the pandemic seriously, which I appreciate. There were hand sanitizers everywhere, and the staff wore masks religiously. Made me feel safe.
- And the Security: "CCTV in common areas," "CCTV outside property," "Front desk [24-hour]," "Safety/security feature." Seemed pretty secure, which is always a good thing.
The "Things To Do" & "Getting Around" Lowdown
- Around Cebu?: They had "Airport transfer." Again, good! "Taxi service" too. Parking appeared to be "Car park [free of charge]," which is always a bonus.
- Shops: "Convenience store," "Souvenir shop." Good for emergencies and that "I forgot to buy a present" feeling.
The Quirks & Imperfections: Because Life Isn't Perfect (& Neither is This Review!)
Okay, so here's the real meat of it. The stuff they don't tell you. The stuff that makes a place memorable (for better or worse).
- The Karaoke Curse: The karaoke. Oh, the karaoke. It sometimes sounded like a cat being strangled by a dial-up modem. The "Soundproofing" of my room was definitely challenged.
- Service with a Smile (Most of the Time). The staff were genuinely friendly and helpful. But there was the occasional mix-up. The guy at the front desk couldn't tell me where the nearest laundry was, which I really needed. But, you know, small potatoes.
- The "Shrine" (Random but Awesome). There was a little shrine. Completely random, but it gave the place a unique, local vibe. I loved it.
- Room Service. At 3 am. They were always available to help.
The Verdict: Would I Return?
Listen. It wasn't flawless. It had its quirks. Its imperfections. It wasn't perfect. But for the price? The location? The mostly-friendly staff? Yeah… I'd probably go back. I'd arm myself with some serious earplugs, and I'd probably order up a second massage. And maybe, just maybe, I'd finally get to experience that "Pool with a View."
Plus, I'm still dreaming of all the things I didn't do. This hotel is very, very accessible for travelers needing a hotel that is "Family/child friendly," "Couple's room", or "Non-smoking rooms."
Overall Rating: A solid 7.5/10. (Minus points for the karaoke)
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Luxury Stays & Shoe Shopping: Taiyuan's Chaoyang Street Gem!
Alright, strap yourselves in, buttercups! This isn’t your perfectly-curated Instagram travel feed. This is the REAL DEAL. My chaotic, caffeine-fueled, and possibly slightly sunburnt itinerary for… wait for it… OYO 739 Cornerstone Manor in the glorious (and possibly humid) Cebu, Philippines. Buckle up, it’s gonna be a bumpy ride.
Day 1: Arrival, Jet Lag, and Questionable Chicken Adobo
- Morning (or, you know, whenever my body clock decides to cooperate): Landed at Mactan-Cebu International Airport. The chaos was immediately apparent. A glorious, noisy, sweaty chaos. Navigating the baggage claim felt like a competitive sport, dodging rogue luggage wheels and the persistent (but charming) tricycle touts. Found my pre-booked Grab (thank the heavens for technology!), and endured a thrilling 45-minute ride to Cornerstone Manor. "Manor" is a strong word. Let's just call it… charmingly rustic. The aircon was… a little optimistic. Already sweating, and questioning my life choices.
- Afternoon: Unpacked (which, let's be honest, mostly involved throwing things onto the bed) and attempted a nap. Jet lag, you magnificent beast. Woke up an hour later, feeling like a wrung-out sponge. That delicious Filipino sun was calling my name.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Adventured out. First stop: a local carinderia (small, local eatery). Ordered chicken adobo. The flavour? …Let's just say it was unique. Let's be honest, it wasn't my grandma's chicken adobo. It was an experience. One that left me with a vague sense of… both satisfaction and bewilderment. Did I like it? I don't know. Did it fill a hole? Absolutely. Did it cost me, like, three dollars? You betcha!
- Evening: Wandering around the neighbourhood, taking in the sounds and smells. The aroma of grilled food mixed with motorbike exhaust. The laughter of children. The karaoke emanating from a nearby establishment. This is REAL life. This is raw. Fell into bed, listening to the karaoke. I think I almost enjoyed it. Almost.
Day 2: Temple, Tears, and Traumatic Transportation
- Morning: The siren song of the sun woke me up. Forced myself out of the sheets and made my way to the Temple of Leah. Now, this is where the magic started. The sheer grandeur, the beauty, the way the light played on the white stone… It gave me goosebumps. I may or may not have gotten misty-eyed. Don't judge me, the view was spectacular!
- Early Afternoon: Onto a jeepney (those crazy, colourful public buses) for a ride to the Taoist Temple. The “jeepney” experience was… memorable. Crammed like sardines with a chorus of locals and expats. And it was a free, wild ride.
- Anecdote: I swear, I saw a chicken on this jeepney. A live, clucking chicken. I didn't know where to look, but it was real. This is when the 'I'm in the Philippines' feeling truly sank in.
- Late Afternoon: I'm currently holed up in my room after a frankly terrible interaction with a habal-habal driver. This is when the chaos met reality. First off, the driver was 20 minutes late, which is fine. He sped like a maniac, I was gripping on for dear life, and then, at some point, he took a wrong turn and ended up in the middle of nowhere. And instead of apologizing when we were back on the right track, he acted as if it was my fault, and wanted more money. I fought him and I won, but I'm still shaking. This is when travel is really, really hard.
- Evening: Recovering over some ice cream. Still slightly traumatized. Trying to find the humour in the situation. It's in there somewhere. The day ended up with a bowl of Halo-Halo (a Filipino dessert with mixed ingredients) - it was utter perfection. Needed that.
Day 3: Swimming with Giants, and a Lesson in Humility
- Morning: It's early, the air is thick with humidity. Today, I'm swimming with whale sharks in Oslob. Seriously. The thought of this makes me squeal a little with excitement.
- All Day: So, swimming with whale sharks. WOW. Just… wow. Imagine the most gentle, graceful giants imaginable. Picture yourself, small and insignificant, gliding alongside them. It was pure magic. The water was clear, they were magnificent, and I was completely, utterly humbled. Seriously, the whale sharks are HUGE. They're bigger than my expectations.
- Anecdote: I was so mesmerized, I nearly swam straight into a whale shark’s tail. Almost had a close encounter. It was slightly terrifying, but the most beautiful mistake I have ever made.
- Evening: Exhausted, sun-kissed, and filled with wonder. Currently, I'm sitting on my bed, and I am covered in sand and saltwater. The thought of showering is daunting. The memory of the whale sharks, perfection.
Day 4: Unexpected Delights and Departure Dread
- Morning: Wandering around the local market (or, more accurately, getting completely lost in the maze of stalls). The colours, the smells… the chaos. Bought some rambutan (a wonderfully weird fruit). The vendors were so friendly, even when I butchered my attempts at Tagalog.
- Afternoon: A visit to a locally-owned bakery. Found the best ensaymada (a soft, sweet bread) I've ever tasted. Seriously, melt-in-your-mouth delicious. They were still warm from the oven. It was heaven.
- Evening: Packing. The dreaded packing. The suitcases are a mess, I don't want to leave. Every corner and every face I met here has been a memory. Trying to reconcile the bittersweet emotion of departure with the anticipation of returning home.
- Night: One last San Miguel beer on the veranda of the OYO 739. The karaoke down the street is almost… comforting now. The city lights twinkle, and the air smells of adventure. This is a moment. This is what travel is all about: messy, emotional, and undeniably human. Goodbye, Cebu. Until next time. And you know what? I can't wait.
Epilogue: Did I have a perfect time? Absolutely not. Did things go wrong? Yes, many, many times. But would I trade those experiences for a perfectly curated postcard moment? Never. Cebu, you beautiful, chaotic, sometimes-terrifying, always-memorable place. You've got a piece of my heart.
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Unbelievable Cebu Getaway: OYO 739 Cornerstone Manor Awaits! - Yeah, Let's Dive In... (or Maybe Dip a Toe First)
Okay, so... Cornerstone Manor. Is it actually "manor"-y? Like, Downton Abbey vibes? Because I'm expecting a butler, not a broken aircon.
Hahaha! Downton Abbey? Bless your heart. Let's just say, "manor" is used... *very* loosely. Think more "functional building," maybe a touch of "slightly-aged-charm"... with a healthy dose of "budget-friendly realities." Look, I'm no architectural critic, alright? But when I saw the place, I was like, "Okay, this isn't *quite* the sprawling estate I was picturing." It's definitely not swanky, but it's... *livable*. And honestly? The broken aircon? Yeah, that happened. We survived. (Mostly.) I'll get into *that* saga later... But no, no butler. Though I did find a *very* friendly gecko in the bathroom. Close enough, right?
Is it actually *in* Cebu City, or is it, like, "near Cebu City" in the same way my ex-boyfriend was "near commitment"?
Alright, good question. I was worried about this too. Location, location, location, y'know? Basically, Cornerstone Manor is *in* Cebu City. But...and there's a big but... it's kind of... *in an area*. It's not smack-dab in the touristy hustle and bustle. You'll need a tricycle, Grab (the local Uber), or be prepared to walk a bit to get to the major attractions. Which, honestly, isn't always a bad thing! It felt more genuinely local, away from the super-touristy crowds. I actually kinda liked it. It gave you a *feel* for the real Cebu. Although, one night, trying to navigate a dimly lit street at 10 PM after a few San Miguels… let’s just say Google Maps became my best friend. My *only* friend.
The website photos... are they, uh, accurate? Because hotel websites have been known to *stretch the truth* a tad.
Ugh, the website photos. The bane of every budget traveler's existence! Okay, so here's the *honest* answer: they're… *filtered*. Let's leave it at that. They're not *lying*, per se. The rooms *do* resemble the pictures. But, picture a Facebook profile photo where someone's used about seven different filters… and then maybe a little Photoshop. The reality is... a little more lived in. The sheets *probably* weren't quite that crisp white. And yeah, the paint might have a *tiny* hint of "been there, done that." But it was clean enough, which, honestly, is the most important thing. (And, hey, I survived. Twice.)
Let's talk about the *rooms*. Size? Amenities? Does it have a working TV? Because, let's be honest, sometimes that's all I need after a long day.
Okay, room specifics. Size-wise, they're manageable. Not palatial, by any means. Think… a decent-sized double bed, a small table, maybe a wardrobe. Enough space to move around, which is all you really need, right? Amenities... there's AC (or, well, *there's supposed to be* AC, which brings me back to the broken aircon incident). A TV. And here, let's talk about the glorious, occasionally-working TV. I spent a *significant* amount of time figuring out how to get reception. It was a quest. A quest worthy of Indiana Jones, only with less snakes and more pixelated images. Eventually I succumbed to the allure of local channels and let go of the streaming service. Oh! And the wifi... well, it was there. Sometimes. At random times... during the day. It was better to assume it wasn't working and be pleasantly surprised. And… the bathrooms? Functional. Clean. And, blessedly, usually hot water. Small victories, people, small victories.
Okay, fine, let's talk about the air conditioning. The elephant (or, more accurately, the malfunctioning compressor) in the room. What was *actually* wrong with it? And how did you survive?
*Deep breath.* The air conditioning. Oh, the air conditioning. First of all, the room got *hot*. Cebu is hot anyway, and you can’t expect a cool breeze at three in the morning. On the first night, the aircon sounded like a dying walrus. I'm not even kidding. *Whirr, clunk, groan... silence.* Then heat. And sweat. Lots and lots of sweat. I called reception – bless their hearts, they're trying! – and someone came up. He fiddled with some things. "Okay, miss, now it *working*." It wasn't. It actually got *worse*. It started spitting out lukewarm air mixed with questionable smells. It was either the smell of desperation or, possibly, the aircon's own internal breakdown. I eventually just gave up, drank a lot of water, and learned to appreciate the subtle art of strategically placed fans. Survival tip: buy a handheld fan. Seriously. And also, plan to spend a lot of time in the lobby, where *decent* AC exists. It’s a trial, but hey, it built character. And a healthy respect for the power of a properly functioning air conditioner.
Is there breakfast? Because I'm a person who needs to eat. And if so, is it any good? Or am I better off hitting up a local eatery?
Breakfast! Okay, this is where Cornerstone Manor actually *shines*... relatively speaking. Yeah, they *do* have breakfast. And it's included. It's a basic, no-frills affair. Expect rice (a Filipino staple!), maybe some eggs, some kind of meat (usually hotdogs or longganisa), and maybe some fruit. Coffee is plentiful. It's not gourmet, mind you. But it's fuel. And it's free. And let's be honest, after surviving the air conditioning situation, a free, warm meal is a beautiful thing. I usually supplemented with some fruit from the nearby markets, because, hey, a little extra nutrition never hurt. So: yes, breakfast. It's edible. It fills the void. And it *is* better than being hungry. Though there are plenty of great places to get local food nearby if you're feeling adventurous. (Lechon, anyone?)
The staff... are they friendly? Because sometimes a friendly face can make all the difference.
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