Lewis Grand Hotel

With a palm tree-flanked driveway leading to its columned entrance, arched windows on its white facade, and chandelier-laden reception with intricate staircases, the Lewis Grand Hotel certainly lives up to its name. The palatial building and tranquil, well-kept gardens are clearly geared to impress international tourists, and also make for a popular choice for wedding parties and honeymooning couples. In fact, videos of weddings that took place on-site are played on loop in the lobby. Welcome drinks on arrival are a hospitable touch. The overall ambience is both relaxing and quiet, though some may find the interior decor to be on the dated side.

The property is both quiet and conveniently located within walking distance to nearby restaurants and nightclubs, yet far enough away to escape the noise and somewhat sketchy nature of the nearby red light district. While the busy main road isn’t accessible for pedestrians, the hotel provides free shuttles to and from the SM City Clark mall across the street and to the popular Walking Street. Shuttle service to other downtown sites is available, but fees can apply.  The historical sites in Clark Freeport Zone are a 13-minute drive away. The Holy Rosary Parish Church is 16 minutes away by car. Dinosaur Island is an 18-minute drive away. The Puning Hot Spring Station 1 is 30 minutes away by car. The hotel provides free shuttles to and from Clark International Airport, a 12-minute drive away.

While the old-fashioned grandeur of the rest of the hotel is charming, it doesn’t translate as well into rooms. They’re clean, but their decor could use a good deal of updating, as the old carpets and drapes, reddish wood furniture, and drab suede armchairs feel trapped in time. Special King Rooms are also on the small side at 215 square feet, and their lack of windows makes them dark. All rooms have desks, 32-inch flat-screen TVs with DVD players, and decently sized closets with electronic safes. They also include minibars with free bottled water, plus tea- and coffee-making equipment. Several larger Deluxe Rooms feature large sofas and small balconies with seating and pleasant pool views. Suites come with ironing equipment and extra living space. All rooms have air-conditioning, but guests note that it’s often not strong enough to adequately chill the room, which can be frustrating in hot weather. Wi-Fi in all rooms is free.Granite bathrooms are spacious but simple. Apart from Special King Rooms, which only have walk-in showers with fixed rainfall showerheads, all other rooms have separate, large bathtubs as well. Some suites also come with hot tubs. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided in all bathrooms. Guests should note that some rooms permit smoking, and requests for non-smoking rooms can’t always be accommodated.

The Avenue is the hotel’s only restaurant, and it's open 24 hours a day for a basic menu of various international items. The restaurant is adjacent to the pool, and the partially open space’s classic wooden counter bar, black leather booth seating, and a billiards table, could do with a facelift. Room rates include a breakfast buffet for two people, but a la carte meals can be pricey, and food gets mixed reviews. The outdoor pool is a lovely place for lounging, as the surrounding garden offers several deck chairs underneath large umbrellas. Palm trees instantly put guests into a holiday mode. The pool is also clean and includes a swim-up bar and a separate whirlpool tub. Live music usually plays in the evenings. Nearby, a pavilion tent can accommodate several hundred people for weddings and other events. Unlike most hotels in the area, this one has a 24-hour gym. While small, it’s equipped with weights and a few cardio machines. An indoor meeting room is also available, but looks dated. Wi-Fi throughout the property is free, and so is parking, but spots are limited.