Davao's Royale House Hotel: Cocotel Luxury Redefined!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the Royale House Hotel: Cocotel Luxury Redefined! in Davao. This isn't your dry, overly-polished review. This is the real deal, warts and all, from a seasoned traveler who's seen her fair share of hotel lobbies and questionable continental breakfasts. Let's get messy, shall we?
First Impressions: So, Is This Luxury? (And is it Worth It?)
Okay, the "Luxury Redefined" tagline? It does raise an eyebrow. "Redefined" how exactly? My expectations were, shall we say, cautiously optimistic. The building itself? Sleek enough. The lobby? Clean, thankfully devoid of aggressively perfumed air freshener (always a plus). Check-in was blessedly quick, thanks to their contactless check-in/out – major points for that in these times. And yes, there's an elevator, which is a godsend when you're lugging around a suitcase that's seen more continents than you have.
Accessibility: Navigating the Territory
Right off the bat, they’ve got facilities for disabled guests. That's a massive win. I didn’t personally need them, but knowing they're there for others makes me feel better about the whole operation. I didn't see explicit mentions of hearing assistance inside the rooms, but the visual alarm on the amenities list seems like the most pertinent and important thing to add to this conversation of facilities.
Rooms: The Sanctuary (Hopefully)
My room? (I'll go off on a tangent here: they're smart to have safe/security features including smoke detectors, soundproofing. This is crucial, and in a city, knowing you're secure is comforting) It had a blackout curtain. Oh, glorious blackout curtains. They are the unsung heroes of the hotel world. You get a proper night's sleep, and that's all you need. The bed? Comfy. Not the "sinking into quicksand" kind of comfy, but the "ahhh, I could stay here all day" kind of comfy. Air conditioning, of course (essential in Davao’s heat), and thankfully, the internet access was solid. They boast free Wi-Fi in all rooms - and it actually worked. Miracle! They've also got air conditioning in the public area which is also important. Now, I'm a sucker for a good desk, and theirs was functional. The complimentary tea and coffee/tea maker? Always appreciated. I mean, who doesn't love starting their day with a cuppa?
Cleanliness and Safety: The Covid-Era Factor (and Did They Nail It?)
Let's be real, the pandemic has changed everything. How did Royale House handle it? Pretty darn well, I'd say. They've got hand sanitizer everywhere, and it FEELS like they're taking it seriously. Daily disinfection in common areas, rooms sanitized between stays, and staff trained in safety protocol are all huge ticks in my book. Individual-wrapped food options added a layer of confidence. My room itself was clean-clean, and I didn't spot any dust bunnies plotting world domination. They provide Anti-viral cleaning products, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Professional-grade sanitizing services, and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items.
Breakfast: The Buffet, The Verdict
Oh, the breakfast. I love breakfast. The Asian breakfast was my jam - a decent array of local dishes, and the Western breakfast options were there too (bacon, eggs, the usual suspects). I tried the breakfast buffet once and it was decent. I did appreciate the breakfast takeaway service one morning since I had an early trip to catch. A la carte in restaurant is available! If you're a cereal fanatic, they have it. If you're a fruitarian, they have that too. Coffee/tea in the restaurant and a coffee shop!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure
The restaurants are good! I went to the poolside bar a few times, and the cocktails weren’t half bad. I do wish they had a wider variety of beers other than just the local ones. Poolside bar and Happy Hour! The bar is great for a drink. There's also a snack bar, which is a lifesaver when those afternoon hunger pangs hit. They also offer room service [24-hour], and I may or may not have indulged in that at 2 AM one night. And they have a vegetarian restaurant. They also have bottle of water which is a must. And because they have so much on offer, the soup in restaurant and even desserts in restaurant are available.
Relaxation and Recreation: Pool, Spa, and Beyond
The swimming pool [outdoor] is lovely. There really is nothing like a refreshing dip after a day of exploring. And the pool with a view is just magical for pictures, to say the least. I didn't partake in any of the spa services (Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom), but I peeked at the spa menu and it all looked very tempting. They also have a fitness center if you're into that sort of thing. The gym is very equipped, which is an important factor for me. Having a good gym is a must.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
Concierge, check. Daily housekeeping, check. Laundry service? Also, check. They have car park [free of charge]! They have a convenience store on-site which is great! Currency exchange too, which is super handy. There’s a cash withdrawal, if you're short on cash. And if you feel like shopping, they also have a gift/souvenir shop. Dry cleaning, ironing service, and luggage storage are also available. They also do car park [on-site] and give you the option to do Valet parking if you want to be extra.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly?
While I didn't travel with kids, it seems quite family-friendly. They mention babysitting service and kids facilities.
Getting Around: Transportation Tidbits
They have Airport transfer, which is a huge plus. Makes the arrival and departure process so much smoother. Taxi service is also available.
Other amenities:
They offer Additional toilet, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Complimentary tea, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Window that opens.
Now, the Quirks (Because Every Hotel Has Them)
Okay, here’s the real life part:
- The room decorations were a bit bland, but perfectly functional.
- The view from my window wasn’t exactly breathtaking, but hey, I wasn’t there to stare at the scenery.
- Sometimes the elevator took its sweet time. Patience, people!
The Verdict: Worth Your Time?
Would I recommend the Royale House Hotel? Absolutely. The location is convenient, the staff is friendly and helpful, the rooms are comfortable, and the safety measures are reassuring. It's not perfect (no hotel is!), but it’s solid, reliable, and a good value for the price. It's perfect for a trip to Davao, and I'll be back.
My Emotional Reaction:
So, my feelings of disappointment were soon replaced by complete contentment. I didn't have to give up sleep or relaxation just to ensure the cleanliness and overall safety. I was able to experience the hotel as a whole and make an informed decision.
The Offer: Book Now and Experience Davao's "Royal" Treatment!
Tired of the same old hotel experience? Crave a getaway that blends comfort, convenience, and safety with a touch of Davao charm? Then look no further than the Royale House Hotel: Cocotel Luxury Redefined!
Why Book Now?
- Unbeatable Value: Luxurious accommodations, delicious dining options, and top-notch amenities – all without breaking the bank.
- Peace of Mind: Relax and unwind knowing that your health and safety are our top priorities.
- Unforgettable Experience: Enjoy your stay.
- Convenience: From easy access to Davao's top attractions to seamless transportation, we've got you covered.
- Exclusive Offer: Get a free complimentary drink at any of our restaurants when you book directly on our website! Use promo code "DAVAOESCAPE"
**Don't miss out! Book
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is a raw, unfiltered, probably-gonna-make-you-laugh-and-maybe-cringe-a-little journey through the Royale House Hotel in Davao, Philippines, powered by… Cocotel? Okay, whatever, let's roll.
Royale House Hotel: My Davao Diary of Discombobulation (and maybe, just maybe, some joy)
(Day 1: Arrival and Awkward First Impressions)
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: The Great Davao Descent (and the Battle for the Luggage Carousel). Arrived at Davao International Airport. Let's just say the baggage handlers there are… efficient. My suitcase, which I'd meticulously packed with everything I needed for my "inner peace retreat" (lol, me and inner peace), took a scenic tour of the carousel before finally spitting it out near a gaggle of laughing teens. First impression: Humidity level: Expert.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: The Hotel Hustle. Taxi ride to Royale House. Okay, the hotel… it’s… there. The lobby is… functional? Let's call it "charmingly dated." The check-in process was a symphony of paperwork and mumbled greetings. I swear, the receptionist gave me a look that said, "Another one?" (Later, I'd realize everyone at the hotel gave that look. Part of their charm, or so I told myself.)
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Room Revelation (and the Search for the Remote). My room. Okay, the AC works, which is crucial. The bed is… a bed. Nothing fancy, but it would do. The TV remote, however, proved to be my nemesis. This became a running joke, a personal quest to conquer the mystery buttons. I ended up Googling "How to use a TV remote in Davao" feeling the despair of the missing manual. Finally conquered the remote!
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: First Meal: The 'Maybe This Will Get Better' Lunch. Ordered room service. The menu promised "authentic Filipino cuisine." What arrived? Well, let's just say the "authentic" part was debatable. The adobo was…interesting. Texture was a bit off, too much vinegar, but hey, carbs are always a win in my book. Ate the whole thing, trying, oh so hard, not to feel disappointed. Then, I promptly fell asleep.
(Day 2: Day Trip to Island (and the Inner Turmoil)
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast Buffet Bonanza (or, the Scramble for Scrambled Eggs). Okay, the buffet. The savior! The scrambled eggs were… edible. The coffee was… coffee. The view of the breakfast area gave me the feeling of the sun in the morning. So, overall, positive.
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: The Island Adventure. Headed out for a scheduled island trip. This was the main draw of the trip! The boat ride was gorgeous. The water, crystal clear. The sun, scorching. Feeling pretty damn good about life until…
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Island, Sand, and Existential Dread. Okay, the beach. Beautiful. Stunning. But… I am not a beach person. I get sand everywhere. I'm a sweaty mess within minutes. And, the worst part? I started thinking. Really thinking, the kind of thinking that leads to the question: "What am I doing with my life?" This is Davao's fault, I swear. The island's beauty, the sun, the ocean, all of it, triggered an existential crisis I wasn’t prepared for. Had to take a walk on the beach and get it all out to sea.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch on the Island (and the Re-Evaluation of Adobo). Beachside lunch. Grilled fish was amazing. The adobo, weirdly, was back on the menu? Decided to try it anyway. I'm embracing change! Still not sold. But the view was amazing.
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Back to the Hotel and the Post-Traumatic Stress Reaction. Back at the hotel, I just… crashed. Exhausted from the sun, the sand, and the overwhelming tide of my own thoughts. Had to check to see if the remote still worked (it did! I'm a genius). Watched some truly awful TV and fell asleep. I woke up feeling… weirdly okay. The existential crisis had passed. For now.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: A Quiet Moment of Self-Reflection (or, Watching TV Again). I sat on the balcony, watching the sunset with a cheap beer from a nearby store. There’s something about the golden light that makes everything feel less dire. The hotel room was cool, it was a nice respite from the heat outside.
(Day 3: A Dive into the City and a Farewell (For Now))
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast Repeat (Scrambled Egg Edition). Yep. The buffet. Eggs, coffee. A routine had formed. I was starting to feel like a local. Which, in this context, means… not quite knowing what's going on but being mostly okay with it.
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: City Exploration (and the Search for the Good Coffee). Davao City. Busy, bustling. Found a coffee shop with amazing coffee. Seriously, this coffee saved my whole trip. Wandered through a local market, bought some souvenirs (mostly for the people back home I love, but a little for me too), and soaked up the city's energy. It's chaotic, but in a way that's surprisingly vibrant.
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: The Hotel Pool (and the Moment of Peace). Back at the hotel, I decided to try the pool. It wasn't fancy, but it was clean and cool. Actually, the pool was surprisingly wonderful, the best part of my trip. I swam, I floated, I stared at the sky. I think I actually found a moment of that "inner peace" I was hoping for.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Farewell Meal and the Reflection. The last adobo, still as strange as the first, with mixed feelings. It's not really about the adobo, it's about the adventure.
- 2:00 PM onwards: Departure. Leaving the hotel. Okay, it wasn't perfect, but the Royale House Hotel, in all its charmingly dated glory, had grown on me. Davao, with its beauty and its chaos, with its weird food and its good coffee, had also grown on me. Maybe I'll be back. Maybe I'll find that inner peace I was searching for. Maybe not. But, hey, it was a trip. And that's what really matters.

Davao's Royale House Hotel: Cocotel Luxury...Redefined? (Let's Be Real)
Okay, so, what *is* Cocotel Luxury Redefined? Sounds fancy... or like a marketing gimmick?
The rooms! Are they as pretty as the photos? Because… photos lie.
How's the staff at Royale House? Are they actually helpful? And do they speak good English?
Tell me about the location. Is it convenient for getting around Davao?
The food! What's the breakfast situation like? Is it worth waking up for?
Is there a pool? I love a good pool.
Value for money? Would you stay here again?
Were there any issues? Anything that drove you absolutely crazy?
Is there anythingHotels With Kitchenettes

