Matabungkay Beach Resort and Hotel

This mid-range hotel sits on beachfront grounds dotted with palm trees and greenery. Rustic-style architecture, some of it open-air, features sloped wooden roofs, while interiors also reflect the island vibe. The lobby's crosshatch of wooden ceiling beams are interspersed with large eye-catching lamps suspended from above. A seating area of comfy curvy chairs surrounding wooden tables offers a space to wait or linger. Dining spaces have a similar look, full of rustic, beachy elements like wicker and bamboo that fit right into the tropical feel. This is not a modern property though, and definitely looks a bit tired here and there, but nevertheless it attracts travelers seeking a good value. Guests tend to spend most of their time outside anyway, and there are some lovely areas to do so here, namely at the attractive outdoor pools; the beach gets some mixed reviews in terms of cleanliness and maintenance.

Guests are tourists seeking a sunny beachside vacation, and the property particularly attracts many groups and families with kids seeking a good value. Corporate groups on team-building retreats come here too, which can be a nuisance for vacationers looking for quiet. 

The hotel is situated on the beach in Matabungkay, a resort area with a beautiful white-sand beach. The coast is lined with several other beachfront properties, but besides these hotels, there's not much else in terms of dining options or shops. Nasugbu, a 30-minute drive up the coast, offers more restaurants, cafes, and shops. Area attractions include Lake Taal and its Taal Volcano Island (about an hour's drive away); Mount Batulao (about an hour and 15 minutes away); and Mount Talamitam (a one-hour drive). Manila is a about a two-and-a-half hour drive from here, as is its airport.

Rooms feature a fairly plain and simple style, but are pleasant. Cream and beige hues on walls and tile floors contrast dark wicker furnishings and framed black-and-white photos on the walls. Furniture is spare and includes desks. Potted plants add a touch of greenery to the spaces.

There are a couple of different room categories offered, from entry-level Deluxe Rooms, which measure 376.7 square feet (35 square meters) and have balconies that overlook the pool, to the slightly larger Deluxe Suites (490 square feet or 45.59 square meters) that add living and dining areas to the 1022.5-square-foot (95 square meters) One-Bedroom Family rooms that offer living and dining rooms. Other options include Sunset Studios that have patios with beach views; Beachside Villas that can sleep up to five and have garden areas and terraces; and Water Villas which sit on stilts over the water, plus some of these units have whirlpool tubs.

Amenities are a bit limited, but all units have flat-screen TVs, minibars, and air-conditioning. Wi-Fi is not available in rooms, which garners a lot of complaints. It's available for free in the lobby. Bathrooms are small, and feature a contemporary style that includes walk-in rainfall showers. Toiletries are provided. Many guests complain of maintenance issues though, like problems with the water and drainage.

One of the highlights here are the two outdoor pools. They're both attractive freeform pools surrounded by greenery and palm trees. Pool decks are lined with shaded seating, both loungers and tables and chairs, and one of the pools has in-water loungers as well. There's also a smaller kids' pool with a slide. Guests have direct access to a pretty stretch of sandy beach, which also features some seating. Beach volleyball courts are available here, and there are showers. Water sports are available for a fee, including Jet Skis, banana boats, stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, pedal and motorized boats, and snorkeling.

The hotel's restaurant, Cafe Caballero, offers local and international fare (including Italian, Spanish, Japanese, and Chinese options) for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but food gets mixed reviews. Breakfast is included in rates. There's also a bar by the restaurant, as well as a poolside bar that serves cocktails and other drinks. The Wave Sports Bar has pool tables and darts, plus it offers karaoke.

Wellness features include a spa that offers reflexology, aromatherapy, and facials, plus there's a sauna. Other amenities include a shop that sells clothing, beach gear, souvenirs, and sundries. Free Wi-Fi is available in the lobby. The hotel also offers meeting/event space, including for weddings, and it attracts corporate travelers on team-building retreats as well.