Mactan Island Resort Shangrila

Disappointing 5-star hotel

I stayed in this hotel for 5 nights because of a poker tournament held there so the decision was based on convenience. When we booked this hotel online, we were offered a shuttle ride from the airport to hotel for a steep price of Php600.00. We declined that of course and took a metered taxi which cost only Php175.00. The hotel is pretty much isolated, 15 minutes from the airport, 20-25 minutes to downtown Cebu depending on traffic.
Kind of surprise when the lobby was open-air meaning it was not airconditioned because it was open on one side. I knew it was going to be muggy and humid when there is no wind. It is really uncomfortable drinking your high priced alcoholic drink in a bar lounge when there is no breeze. The ceiling fans were no help either because they were too high to even deliver a cool breeze down below.
The complimentary buffet breakfast was good on the first day but then it gets old after a while. They serve the same menu every morning so it is really up to you to schedule what you want to eat that particular morning. When you ask for water, please specify that you want it in a big glass otherwise you will get it in a very small juice glass. The hamburger/cheeseburger is less to be desired because it breaks apart easily maybe due to too much meat extender in it.
The room was comfortable which is a big plus when you are tired. The gym has an excellent equipment. The only negative thing to say is that it was kind of cold for a place that you want to workout. Had to turn off the fan inside since the airconditioning was a little bit cold.
There were several swimming pools and my favorite is near the beach, the infinity pool. Too bad, all of them are only 4.5 feet deep and still have a lifeguard on duty just in case.

Despite all of these negatives mentioned above, I was willing to ignore them and still had a good and relaxing time in this hotel. Until after I just checked out. I asked to call a taxi for me to take us to the airport. I waited for more than 10 minutes only to find out that they don't allow taxis to enter the property unless they are dropping off guests. I was wondering why the security person did not make any attempt to flag down the empty taxi driving out of the property after I yelled to stop it. I was a little upset about this because I have no option but to wait for a taxi dropping off a guest or pay Php700.00 (remember it was offered to me online for Php600.00) for their shuttle van. Since I don't have plenty of time to waste, I had no choice but to give in to their expensive shuttle service. I already felt cheated when I paid Php700.00 when it will only cost me only Php175.00. As the hotel van was exiting the main entrance, there were available taxis parked right out of the gate. I don't understand they force their guest to take their high priced shuttle service by not letting taxis to enter the property to pick up guests. It would have been a nice stay but this forced expensive shuttle ride destroyed all of it! I left with disgust and will never stay in this hotel again!

Unique Quality: Infinity pool with a great view. Excellent gym equipment.

• Opinion of Price: most expensive
• Related to: Romantic Travel and Honeymoons, Family Travel, Spa and Resort

Mactan Island Resort Shangrila Photo: Infinity Pool

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