Hotel and Inn Review: The Oriental Legazpi (Legazpi City, Albay)

Date of Stay: June 18-19, 2016

RATING (Scale of 1 to 10)

Location: *******

Rooms: ******

Condition and Cleanliness: ******

Staff Performance: *****

Room Comfort: *******

Food and Beverage: *******

Other Amenities: ******

Value for Money: ******

The Oriental Legazpi

Overlooking the city on the top of Taysan Hill, this modern, upscale, serene and exceedingly intimate, 6-storey destination hotel, owned by renowned real estate company LKY Group, offers spectacular views of Mayon Volcano from its infinity pool deck and each room’s balcony. Formerly the Mayon Imperial Hotel which dates back to the 1970's, it has seen some upgrades and changed the name to The Oriental in 2009. 

Skylight ceilings and expansive glass windows, in the big lobby, light up the space but there is no airconditioning and it can get very hot in the afternoon. Its 115 trendy and very spacious rooms and suites, with chic colors reminiscent of boutique hotels, are classified  into the 34-36 sq. m. De Luxe Twin Countryside, the 34-36 sq. m. De Luxe Twin Mayon, the 34-36 sq. m. De Luxe Queen Countryside, the 34-36 sq. m.  Luxe Queen Mayon, the 72.5 sq. m. Executive Suite, Executive Suite Mayon and the 112 sq. m. Governor’s Suite.  

Rooms feature private toilet and bath with rain head shower, hair 
dryer and complete bath amenities (their bathroom has no lock though); 32”” LCD/plasma screen cable TV; centralized air-conditioning, minibar; tea and coffee making facility, electronic key card access, IDD and NDD phone; executive work desk, electronic in-room safe; and  balconies or terraces with scenic city views while some have volcano views. Suites include reception and dining rooms. The beds were very comfortable but the rooms need a pesticide run as there were baby cockroaches in the cabinet and table.

There’s also complimentary bottled mineral water, newspaper and Filipino breakfast for 2 (6 - 10 AM). 

The free high-speed broadband internet was good in public areas in the rooms but can be frustrating inside the room. People at the front desk were not very helpful.  Rollaway/extra beds are available and extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on hotel policy

Jasmine, the hotel’s contemporary ground floor restaurant, serves local homegrown cuisine alongside international favorites. The buffet for breakfast (daily) and dinner (Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays) was also good. Its 2 ballrooms and function rooms can be arranged to 5 types of set-up: cocktail, theater, banquet, classroom, and boardroom. There’s also a terrace and a sleek lobby lounge with a grand piano. 

Other equally impressive 4-star amenities include a second floor outdoor infinity pool with ay beds, tables and volcano view; a kids' pool; jacuzzi; pool bar; business center; a spa, souvenir shop, a fitness and wellness center and full back–up generator system. The Oriental Legazpi is a winner of the 2013 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.

They offer limousine service; tour assistance; secretarial service; concierge; laundry and dry cleaning services, babysitting; foreign currency exchange; daily maid service; airport and city transfers (available on request); 24-hour room service; wake-up call; car rental and valet parking service.

The hotel is located 7 kms. from Ligñon Hill Nature Park (a 14-min. drive) and 8 kms. from the Cagsawa Ruins (a 14-min. drive). It is also a 15-min. drive from Legazpi Domestic Airport, a 20-min. drive from the city proper, a 10-min. drive from LCC Mall and the lifestyle hub of Embarcadero de Legazpi, a 9-min. drive from Daraga Church and a 9-min. drive from Albay Park and Wildlife.

The Oriental Legazpi: Taysan Hill, Sto. Niño Village, City, Albay, Legazpi Blvd, Legazpi City, 4500 Albay. Tel: 63-52-742-8888, +63-52-4800383 and +63-53-4800385.  E-mail: inquiry@theorientalhotels.com. Manila Sales Office: 4/F PCCI, Commerce an Industry Plaza (CIP) Bldg., Campus cor. Park Aves.,  McKinley Hill Town Center, Brgy. Pinagsama, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.  Tel: (02) 536-9999, (02) 536-1111 loc. 206, (02) 856-4116 and (02) 994-5644. Website: www.theoriental-legazpi.com.