RLJ Beach House: Your Dream Naval Philippines Getaway Awaits!
RLJ Beach House: Your Dream Naval Philippines Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive HEADFIRST into the shimmering, turquoise world of RLJ Beach House – Your Dream Naval Philippines Getaway Awaits! And let me tell you, awaiting it is EXACTLY what I was doing before I got here. I’m going to be brutally honest (because, let’s face it, you want REAL reviews), with maybe a little bit of side-eye sprinkled in.
First Impressions & the Nitty Gritty (and I mean nitty)
So, the website promised paradise, right? And, well, mostly it delivered. Getting there? Okay, let's talk accessibility. It's in Naval, which is an island. That means a ferry or a flight, then probably a tricycle or taxi. The website mentioned "airport transfer," which thankfully was true, because after a long flight I was NOT in the mood to haggle with a tricycle driver. The car park? Free! Which, hey, in this economy, I'll take it. Even if I’m taking a taxi, it saves a headache.
Now, for the all-important accessibility within the hotel… they claim "facilities for disabled guests." I'm not a wheelchair user myself (phew!), but I did see an elevator, which is a HUGE plus. But I honestly didn't see a lot of other concrete evidence. I always appreciate the effort, though!
Rooms vs. Reality (Spoiler: It's Mostly Good)
My room? Ah, the room. Let's just say I spent a lot of time in it. First, the good: Air conditioning? Glorious. Blackout curtains? Essential for recovering from those sunset cocktails. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? HOORAY! Seriously, the Wi-Fi was a lifesaver. Fast, reliable, thank you, RLJ, for keeping me connected to the real world (or at least, my Instagram feed).
The room was clean, which, you know, basic requirement, but still appreciated. And there was a bathtub! Now, I'm not usually a bath person, but after a day of salty air and sun, a soak in the tub was pure heaven. The "additional toilet" was a bonus, if you’re traveling with a friend. I mean, who really needs them? But appreciated nonetheless.
The "In-room safe box" was a little tiny, but it did the job for my passport and some cash. The "mini bar" was modestly equipped, well stocked.
The Food, Glorious Food (with a few hiccups)
Okay, food. This is where things get interesting.
Dining Options? Let's just say I spent a lot of time eating. Restaurants? Plural! There's a main restaurant which serves a mix of local and international cuisine. I recommend the seafood, because, well, you're on a freaking island! They had "Asian breakfast" (noodle soup, yum!), a "Western breakfast" (eggs, bacon, etc.) - so, basically, it had everything. There’s a coffee shop on site, serving all sorts of caffeine-fueled goodness, which is always a plus in my book. The "poolside bar" was a must-visit, especially during happy hour, which by the way, it's a whole different experience than I expected.
Cleanliness & Safety (COVID-era Edition): This is where RLJ Beach House actually really shines. They're taking this whole COVID thing seriously. Hand sanitizer everywhere, staff wearing masks, and a general air of cleanliness that really put me at ease. I noticed they had "Anti-viral cleaning products," "rooms sanitized between stays" and "Staff trained in safety protocol." Plus, lots of "Individually wrapped food options," which is a good thing, too. They also had daily disinfection, which is great!
The little hiccup? The service, sometimes. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't always lightning-fast. Sometimes my coffee took a while, I think there were some staffing issues.
Relaxation & Rejuvenation: My Spa Saga
So, the website touts a "Spa." My brain, already fried from travel, immediately jumped to "massage." And oh, did I get a massage!
The spa itself was beautiful, serene, and smelled like a tropical rainforest. I opted for the "Body scrub" and the "Hot Stone Massage". Pure bliss, I'm talking, I drifted off into a whole different realm. The masseuse was incredibly skilled. When I came out, I was pretty much a puddle of happy human.
The "Fitness center"? I peeked. Looked decent. I’m personally not that inclined to a gym during vacation, so I passed.
Things To Do (Besides Eat and Get Massaged)
Okay, so you're probably thinking, "What else did you do?" Naval is a slice of tropical paradise, and besides soaking up the rays, there's a few things to do. They have a "Swimming pool." I did! They had "Swimming pool [outdoor]," yep, and a "Pool with view," you guessed it! They also offer a "Concierge" which is great!
The Emotional Verdict:
Look, RLJ Beach House isn’t perfect. It's got some quirky bits. But for the price? It's REALLY, REALLY good. It's got charm, it’s got a great location, and it offers a genuine escape. I left feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and, most importantly, happy. Would I go back? Absolutely.
Final Verdict & An Offer You Can't Refuse (Probably)
Here's my pitch, the "Dream Naval Philippines Getaway Awaits" deal:
Book your stay at RLJ Beach House now and get:
- A FREE welcome cocktail – You deserve to start your vacation with a smile (and a delicious drink).
- Complimentary access to the pool and gym: I mean, it's a vacation, people! Relax.
- 15% off any spa treatment – Trust me on this one. Get the massage. You'll thank me later.
- Early check-in (subject to availability) – Because let’s be honest, we all want to get to paradise ASAP!
- Free Wi-Fi throughout your stay! (As if you weren't already getting that!)
Why choose RLJ Beach House?
- The Vibe: It's relaxed, friendly, and authentically Filipino.
- The Location: Beachside bliss, close to everything.
- The Value: You get a lot for your money.
- The Spa: Just trust me. Go.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your escape today! You deserve a break!
Escape to Paradise: Greece Meets Taiwan in Kenting!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your sanitized travel brochure itinerary. We're going full-on, sweaty, sunburnt, and probably slightly tipsy at the RLJ Beach House in Naval, Philippines. This is gonna be less "structured itinerary" and more "chaos with a purpose," if that makes any sense.
Day 1: Arrival - Or, The Mythic Quest for Adobo
Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Oh, the joys of connecting flights! (I hate connecting flights.) Land in Tacloban (TAC). Did I mention I have a deathly fear of flying? Right. Deep breaths, people. Baggage claim… Praying to the travel gods my giant suitcase with all my "essential" (read: ridiculous) beachy hats made it.
- Anecdote: Last time, I got a tiny bit lost in the airport and ended up in the cargo hold. True story. Let's avoid that this time.
Mid-Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The infamous van ride. Remember "comfortable"? Forget about it. We're squeezing into a van, probably blasting some karaoke, and trying not to vomit from the winding roads. Praying to the heavens it takes less than 3 hours.
- Quirky Observation: Filipino drivers… they're a whole different breed. They drive like they're auditioning for a Fast & Furious movie. And everyone honks constantly. It's a symphony of chaos.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Finally, at RLJ! Check in. Find my room. Immediately judge the bed. (Is it comfy? Is it clean? Is there a really persistent mosquito buzzing around?). Then - the most important mission: FIND ADOBO. This is non-negotiable. Adobo is vital to my survival. I’m craving that salty, vinegary goodness.
- Emotional Reaction: The first bite of Adobo will be a religious experience. I'm already salivating.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Beach, beach, BEACH! Unpack (ish). Slap on sunscreen (multiple layers, people! Don't be like me). Wander the beach. Find a good spot. Read a book. Or try to. Because, let's be honest, I'll probably be too busy gawking at the turquoise water and the ridiculously photogenic palm trees to actually focus on the words.
- Messier Structure: Maybe a quick dip in the water. Probably won't swim, I might be afraid of what's beneath the surface. It's probably fine.
Evening (5:00 PM - onwards): Sunset cocktails! (mandatory). More Adobo? (Highly probable). Meet other guests (hopefully they're not annoying). Attempt to form a coherent thought after drinking one too many San Miguels. Try to stay awake past 9 pm. Failure is almost guaranteed.
- Opinionated Language: The sunset better be epic. If it's not, I'm complaining.
Day 2: Water, Water Everywhere (and Mostly Not To Drink)
Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Wake up (if I haven't passed out). Coffee. Stare dramatically out the window at the ocean. Debate whether to put on actual clothes or live in a swimsuit forever.
- Anecdote: Packing? I am going to tell you guys a story. I once packed for a week-long trip and brought, like, one swimsuit. I spent the whole time wishing I had more swimsuits. Mistakes were made.
Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Island Hopping Tour! (Hopefully, no more van rides!). I'm told there are some amazing islands around here. Caves, waterfalls, snorkeling… Theoretically, these are all things I enjoy. But I've got a very low tolerance for boat drama. So, praying the boat doesn't sink.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: Okay, I'm slightly terrified of boats, so wishing to survive this unscathed is an understatement.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Hopefully on the trip there'll be a nice picnic on a stunning beach. Or maybe a grilled fish with some coconut rice. I dream of idyllic meals… but let's be real, it'll probably involve sand getting everywhere. And flies. Lots of flies.
- Messier Structure: Did I mention I can't swim?
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): More island exploration. Snorkeling attempt (wish me luck with that - need a good mask). Hike to that waterfall. Take a million photos. Become "that person" on the trip who's always taking photos. Apologize profusely to anyone I annoy.
- Quirky Observation: I will probably take a photo of every single coconut I see. Judging by the amount of the photos I've taken already for this entire trip.
Evening (5:00 PM - onwards): Back to RLJ. Shower (hopefully the water is hot!). Relax. Eat all the seafood. Reflect on the day. Contemplate the meaning of life while staring at the stars (if the light pollution isn't too bad).
- Rambling: Maybe I can finally figure out the best way of taking the perfect picture. I may also try to learn some basic Filipino.
Day 3: The Deep Dive (Into My Stomach)
Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Coffee! (vital). Breakfast (negotiable). Consider another beach stroll. Decide I'm too lazy. Contemplate the sheer audacity of the sun.
- Anecdote: I always overeat on vacation because I'm trying to prove that I'm enjoying myself. Like, if I'm not constantly stuffing my face, I'm not "doing travel" right, apparently.
Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Okay, serious business: Exploring the town of Naval. Talk is that there are interesting sights to be seen. Markets? Local crafts? More food stalls? This is where I'll probably get my souvenirs (and maybe a life-sized paper-mache dog, I'll have to see what they're selling)
- Opinionated Language: I'm expecting genuine, authentic experiences. No tourist traps. No overpriced trinkets. (Unless they're really cute.)
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Local food. More local food. I'm probably going to have to try everything. Then I'll spend the rest of the day regretting it.
- Messier Structure: It's time to start drinking more water or I will dehydrated.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): MASSAGE! (Finally!). I need to relax. My shoulders are screaming from carrying my giant suitcase, my back is screaming from all the boat rides. So the plan is to find a massage place and just melt into a puddle of relaxation.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: I'm so excited, I might cry.
- Doubling Down: Okay so the truth is sometimes, the stress of travel makes the vacation an even bigger need for a massage. And that's exactly what's happening on this trip. Let's assume I end up having another appointment later on.
Evening (5:00 PM - onwards): Farewell dinner or just another delicious meal. Reflect on my travel experiences. Try to recall the names of all the beaches. Probably fail. Vow to come back. And spend the next year dreaming of Adobo.
- Rambling: I am pretty sure I want to make this the last destination of my vacation. What else could be better?
Day 4: Departure - Tears and Textures
- Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Pack. (The hardest part. Why did I bring so many clothes?). Last-minute beach walk. Squeeze in as much sun as humanly possible.
- Quirky Observation: I am pretty sure that I'll forget something.
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Bangkok Condo Steal: Free WiFi & Steps from BTS!
So, what *is* this thing anyway? (And why am I here?)
Ugh, good question. Honestly, I'm not entirely sure *what* this is besides a slightly unhinged attempt to answer hypothetical questions. But I'm here because... well, you're here, reading this. So, welcome! I'm hoping some human will find this slightly amusing and maybe even somewhat useful. It's all about the mess, isn't it? Life’s a glorious, sprawling mess, and this is my attempt to document it from a couch cushion.
How do I deal with that feeling of just… emptiness? You know?
Oh, the void. Yeah, I know it intimately. Sometimes it feels like a bottomless pit that swallows everything good. Here’s my incredibly flawed, probably not-very-helpful, yet somehow still-true advice: First, *acknowledge* it. Don’t pretend it's not there. Then, try small things. A walk? A phone call to someone who might *actually* be happy to hear from you, instead of the usual “So, what do you want?” I found a tiny, insignificant joy in reorganizing my spice rack the other day. It felt... good. Pathetic? Maybe. But good. The thing is, it's not about filling the void completely; it's about finding the tiny cracks of light peeking through. And that's a *process*, honey, not a quick fix. And sometimes the fix is a really, really big bag of chocolate chips. Don't judge.
Okay, alright. But seriously, how do you cope with crushing self-doubt? It's a beast.
Oh, that whiny little gremlin?! Ugh, I *hate* him. He lives rent-free in my brain, whispering insidious things about my worth. Honestly? Some days I don't. Sometimes, I just curl up in a ball and binge-watch terrible reality TV. Other days? I try to trick him. I write down *one* thing I'm good at. Maybe that I kept the plants alive this week (miracle!). Maybe that I remembered to take the trash out. Small victories, people. Small victories. Then, I try to remember that everyone feels this way. *Everyone*. Even the supermodels on Instagram, I'm sure they're screaming inside. So, if a little self-doubt creeps in, just remember you are human, and like all humans, you're still worthy. You're probably doing okay. Give yourself a break. And tell that gremlin to shut up. It's worth a try, anyway.
What's your *biggest* life regret? Spill it!
Okay, deep breath. This one stings a little. It's not some grand, sweeping gesture, no. It's small. Stupid. But it sticks with me. I was in college. I had a crush on this absolute angel of a human being. He was kind, funny, and ridiculously intelligent. We hung out, we laughed, we were *this* close... and I was an idiot. I chickened out. I overthought *everything*. I was terrified of rejection. So, I did nothing. Absolutely nothing. And I watch him now from afar, happily married with adorable kids, and I think...damn, that was a missed opportunity. And I still wake up in the middle of the night, absolutely horrified that I was so painfully awkward and scared. God, the things I would say now. It's like, grow a pair, past me! Ugh. So, yeah. Don't be me.
What's the point of it all, anyway? (I feel like I should ask that.)
Oh, you want the cosmic truth? The meaning of life? Haha! Look, if I had that answer, I’d be sitting on a beach somewhere sipping something fancy. I don’t. And frankly, I think anyone who claims to have the *definitive* answer is probably selling something. My current, highly unstable, and probably temporary philosophy is: Find joy in the small things. Love fiercely. Apologize when you mess up. Try not to be a complete jerk. And eat the damn cake. Seriously, eat the cake. Because, truly and honestly, that's all we can do. And let's be honest, that's enough.
I feel so overwhelmed all the time! Advice?
Ugh, the overwhelm. It's like a tidal wave of to-do lists, responsibilities, and that nagging feeling that you're never doing *enough*. Okay, first, BREATH. Deep breaths. In through the nose, out through the mouth. Repeat until you don't want to scream. Then, the only thing that actually works for me is to break things down. I mean, *really* break them down. Instead of "Clean the house," it's "Wash dishes. Wipe counter. Put one thing away." Tiny, manageable steps. And then, and I can't stress this enough, *prioritize*. What *absolutely* needs to get done? What can wait? What can you ditch entirely? And, please, for the love of all that is holy, schedule in time to do *nothing*. Actual, blissful, guilt-free nothing. Because if you don’t, you'll burn out. Believe me, I know. Oh, and turn off the damn phone sometimes. Just… do it. It helps.
Okay, tell me about a time you completely messed up. Give me a *good* story.
Alright, buckle up. This one involves a work conference, an open bar, and a truly mortifying encounter that still makes me cringe. Picture it: me, slightly tipsy, at a conference, feeling…important (which, let's face if, I wasn't). I was networking and thought I might impress this executive, let's call him… Mr. Important. I was boasting, as you do when slightly tipsy. I talked about, I don't know, my "groundbreaking ideas" and my "vision for the future." Then, I spilled red wine *all* over his crisp white shirt. Horrific. I tried to play it cool ("Oh, that's not a big deal!"). It was a big deal. I attempted to *wipe* it. It made it worse. Then, and this is the kicker, in my flustered state, I started, *loudly*, trying to order him a replacement shirt from room service. At 10 pm. He looked horrified. I eventually slunk off, mortified. The next morning? I avoided him like the plague. I’d seen him giving a speech. I hid in the bathroom. And now, even now, years later, I still getHotels Near Your
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