Unbelievable La Union Getaway: RedDoorz @ Camp Saint John Hotel!
Alright, buckle up buttercups! We're diving headfirst into the swirling, sandy, and sometimes-a-little-sticky world of Unbelievable La Union Getaway: RedDoorz @ Camp Saint John Hotel! (Whew, that's a mouthful!). Forget those clinical, perfectly polished reviews – this is the real deal, from a weary traveler who's seen some things (and smelled a few things she'd rather forget). This is for anyone searching for La Union hotels, beach hotels in La Union, or just a darn good, albeit potentially flawed, vacation.
First Impression: Accessibility (Or Lack Thereof, Honestly)
Okay, so, let's be upfront. Accessibility feels more like an afterthought than a priority here. There's an elevator, which is a win, but things like ramps and truly accessible bathrooms? Hmm… I’m not saying it's impossible, but definitely call ahead and verify if you have specific accessibility needs. Don't be shy and ask. Honestly, for a coastal place, it could use a little more… giving a damn in this department.
Wheelchair Accessible: See above. I'd tread with caution and call before booking, I'm not sure.
Getting Around & Parking: Mostly Smooth Sailing
Now, the good news: Car park [free of charge] is a huge plus! Finding free parking in La Union can be a blood sport. Car park [on-site] is also there so you got options. Airport transfer is available, too (thank heavens!), because navigating Luzon traffic solo is a special kind of hell I'd rather avoid. Taxi service is an option, and if you REALLY want to feel fancy, you could go for Valet parking. Don't think I saw a Bicycle parking but that's not really the vibe in La Union (or maybe I'm not seeing them).
The "Unbelievable" Part: Things to Do & Ways to Relax (And My Thoughts On Those!)
This is where the "Unbelievable La Union Getaway" starts to make sense. The swimming pool [outdoor] is a massive draw. It’s not Olympic-sized, but it’s a refreshing escape, especially after a day spent battling the waves. They have a Pool with view which is nice.
- Anecdote Alert! I spent an ENTIRE afternoon just floating, staring at the sky. It was bliss. Until some kid decided my inflatable flamingo was his new best friend. (Grrr…)
Let's talk spa/sauna. Now, I'm not a huge spa person – more of a "sand, sun, and maybe a nap" kind of gal. But the option is there. I wandered in, peeked at the sauna (didn't try it, too hot!), and mentally bookmarked it in case I ever decide to embrace my inner zen. I did indulge in a massage. Oh, the massage… it was decent. Nothing life-altering, but definitely worth it after the long drive. They do have Body scrub and Body wrap and a Foot bath to choose from.
Then there’s the Fitness center and Gym/fitness. Kudos to them for having it! Me? Nope. Still, the option’s there if you're one of those crazies who works out on vacation.
Food, Glorious Food (and the occasional letdown)
Okay, let's break down the dining situation. They have Restaurants so you can be happy. You can get Breakfast [buffet] but expect typical hotel buffet stuff. There's Asian breakfast if you're craving some local flair. And, of course, Western breakfast.
- Quirky Observation: The coffee at the buffet was… let's just say it needed a little love. I ended up sneaking into the Coffee shop and getting a proper caffeine injection.
They have a Bar and Poolside bar. They've got Happy hour so be happy, and it's nice to sip something after a scorching day! They have Snack bar if you are a snacker like me. They will give you Bottle of water and you can order Room service [24-hour]. And they have options for Vegetarian restaurant. They have Desserts in restaurant and Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant and A la carte in restaurant.
Anecdote and Opinion Time: One night, I ordered room service (because, why not?). The food was… okay. Perfectly acceptable, not mind-blowing. But hey, I was in my PJs, on vacation, and didn't have to cook. Small victories, people!
Cleanliness and Safety: A Mixed Bag
Alright, let's talk about the stuff that really matters. Cleanliness and safety are important right? Here’s what I've gathered. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check (hopefully!). Daily disinfection in common areas? I'm gonna assume yes. Rooms sanitized between stays? I sure hope so. They offer Room sanitization opt-out available. They have Hand sanitizer but I highly suggest you bring your own. They have First aid kit, Fire extinguisher, and Front desk [24-hour] to keep things safe. They've got CCTV in common areas and Security [24-hour], which is always reassuring. They have Smoke alarms. They have Doctor/nurse on call. They have Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment, and Hot water linen and laundry washing. They remove Shared stationery. Phew! That's a lot!
Internet Access & Tech Stuff:
Internet access – wireless (aka Wi-Fi [free]) is a lifesaver. I think it was actually pretty good (for a hotel). They have Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! so that's great. Internet is listed, and maybe if I had tried to use Internet [LAN] (haha, who does that anymore??) it worked. They have Wi-Fi for special events which is useful.
The Rooms: Cozy…ish?
Alright, let's get real about the rooms. They have the basics. Air conditioning in public area and Air conditioning in your room. They have Additional toilet, which… I don't think I saw. Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, 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. They have Satellite/cable channels. They're clean. They're comfortable enough. Some of them feel a little… basic, I'm not gonna lie. Depends on what you've booked.
- Stream-of-Consciousness Digression: My room had some… interesting… art. Abstract blobs of paint. I spent a good 10 minutes trying to figure out if it was supposed to be a seagull or… something else entirely. Never did get it.
They have Non-smoking rooms. They have Couple's room. And that, if you're lucky, can make your trip a bit more memorable, even if the room decorations are a little… questionable.
Services and Conveniences (The Stuff That Makes Life Easier)
They've got a bunch of stuff to help you. Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning. Elevator is great if you hate stairs like me. They have Laundry service. They have Luggage storage.
Services and Conveniences (Cont.)
There’s Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars. They have Xerox/fax in business center, so if you have to do work, it's there.
For the Kids (and the Kid in All of Us):
They have Babysitting service, they are Family/child friendly, they have Kids facilities, and Kids meal. Nice.
The Verdict: Is It "Unbelievable"?
Okay, so is it "unbelievable"? Not in a five-star, luxury kind of way. But is it a solid option for a La Union getaway
Unbelievable Deals! Hanting Hotel Yuyao: Your Ningbo Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're not just planning a trip to RedDoorz @ Camp Saint John in La Union, we're living this itinerary. This isn't some sterile, perfectly curated travel brochure – this is me, unfiltered, possibly rambling, and definitely caffeinated, experiencing La Union.
The "OMG I Need This" La Union Escape - A Messy Love Story (Potentially Involving Sand and Sunburn)
Day 1: Arrival & Mild Panic (Because Travel).
Morning (Maybe… if I can drag myself out of bed): Flight or bus from Manila (depending on how spontaneous I feel/how crippling my procrastination has been). The usual chaos of airport security/bus terminal pandemonium. Will I remember my charger? My sanity? My… sunscreen? (Important question, people.)
- Anecdote: Last time I flew, I swear I left my favorite socks in the overhead compartment on a flight from Manila. I'm still mourning the loss. This time, I'm triple-checking everything. Okay, quadruple.
Afternoon: Arrival and the Great Hotel Search (God, Please Let it Be Clean). Arrive at RedDoorz @ Camp Saint John. Check-in: Praying its as easy as it looks online.
Quirky Observation: The Philippines has this amazing way of making you feel like you're already on vacation, even during the pre-trip chaos. The anticipation, the slightly sweaty palms… it's all part of the charm. (Or maybe I just haven't had enough coffee yet.)
Emotional Reaction: Relief! Thank God the place doesn't look like a crime scene from the photos. If the aircon's good, I'm happy. If the bed is clean and relatively free of suspicious stains, I'm ecstatic.
Afternoon (Beach Time): First thoughts after dropping bags: "OMG, beach time!" Walk to the beach, finding spot to settle, putting bags down, and enjoying ocean view.
- Opinionated Language: Okay, I have to say, there's nothing like that first glimpse of the ocean after a long journey. It's pure, unadulterated bliss. The chaos of getting here? Forgotten. The baggage fees? Irrelevant. This view makes everything worth it. (I might also be very easily pleased.)
Evening: Dinner & Sunset Shenanigans. Sunset over the sea? Definitely going to be Instagram-worthy, especially if I can get a decent filter on. Dinner at somewhere nearby.
- Anecdote #2: Last time I was at a beach, I tried to be cool and order something fancy. Ended up with a plate of food I couldn't identify and a stomachache. I'm sticking to simple, delicious food this time. And definitely ordering extra rice. Always extra rice.
Day 2: Surfing & Humbling Experiences (Probably Involving Sand in Places It Shouldn't Be).
Morning: Surfing Lessons (Prepare for Humiliation). This is the big one, guys! I'm going to try surfing. I have visions of myself as a graceful water goddess, but I'm fully prepared to look like a beached whale. Location: surf lessons.
- Messier Structure: Okay, this is where things get messy. I'm a complete klutz. Balance is not my strong suit. I suspect I'll spend more time under the waves than on them. But hey, at least I'll have a story, right? And hopefully avoid shark attacks.
Afternoon: Post-Surf Recovery & Beach Bumming. Because after surfing, you need to recover.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: Oh. My. God. Surfing is hard. Like, really, really hard. I fell. A lot. I swallowed a gallon of saltwater. But… I also stood up. For like, three seconds. And that feeling? Pure, unadulterated adrenaline rush and joy. It's like you conquered the ocean. (Then the ocean promptly threw you back down but that's beside the point).
Rambling Section: Okay, okay, let's be real. I'm probably going to need a massage after all that. All that core workout. I'm thinking of going to a spa. A nice massage parlor. Maybe some snacks. Maybe just sleep. Maybe all of the above.
Evening: Dinner & Possible Regrets. Dinner somewhere cute. Regret: eating too much.
Day 3: Chasing Waterfalls (Or at Least Trying To), and Maybe Some Shopping.
Morning: Waterfalls or not (Deciding). Okay, so, waterfalls. They sound good, right? Probably a nice hike. But I'm also exhausted from surfing. And the thought of driving there in the Philippines traffic gives me anxiety. Let's decide in the morning haha!
- Stream-of-Consciousness: Ugh, the traffic. It's either waterfalls or just another day at the beach. Waterfalls sound amazing, but what if it's crowded? What if the hike is too hard? What if I get lost? Wait, I'm already lost. I think I'll just stay here and enjoy the beach, that will be safer.
Afternoon: Shopping (If I Have Energy). Shopping for souvenirs! Souvenirs for everyone!
- Anecdote/Imperfection: I'm the worst souvenir shopper. I always wait until the last minute and end up buying something ridiculous. Maybe a t-shirt that says "I Surfed in La Union and Survived!" (Even if I didn't.)
Evening: Last Sunset & Farewell Feast. One last sunset. One last dinner. One last opportunity to eat EVERYTHING.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: Wow. I can't believe this is over. It went so fast. I'm going to miss the beach. I'm going to miss the food. I'm going to miss the total lack of responsibilities. Ugh, I'm already planning my return.
Day 4: Departure & Post-Vacation Blues (The REAL Adventure).
- Morning: Breakfast & Maybe a Sad Stroll on the Beach.
- Afternoon: Travel back to Manila. The plane, the bus… whatever will take me back.
- Opinionated Language: The worst part of travel: the return home. It's the inevitable reality check. But hey, at least I have memories. And photos. And a slightly sunburnt nose.
- Evening: Back Home.
Notes to Self (aka, My Disaster Prevention Plan):
- Sunscreen. Seriously. Apply it. Constantly.
- Bring multiple chargers.
- Learn a few basic Tagalog phrases. (Yes, that's probably happening.
- Pace Yourself. Don't try to do everything. Relax. Be a beach bum or do what you want to do. Try new things.
- Expect the unexpected. (Especially in the Philippines.)
- Embrace the mess. That's where the real fun is.
- Most importantly: Have fun!
And that, my friends, is the plan. Wish me luck. I'm gonna need it.
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Unbelievable La Union Getaway: RedDoorz @ Camp Saint John Hotel - The Real Deal FAQs (Brace Yourself!)
So, is this Camp Saint John place REALLY as cool as all the Instagram photos make it seem?
Okay, let's be real. Instagram is a highlight reel. Camp Saint John? Well, it's got its moments. The sunsets? Absolutely breathtaking. I mean, I almost cried the first night – full ugly-cry mode, mascara running, the whole nine yards. But the rooms… alright, let's get into that later. It's photogenic, yes, but remember, beauty is skin deep, and sometimes, that skin is… well, let's just say it's seen better days. Basically, yes, it's cool. But manage your expectations. (More on that later, trust me.)
What's the deal with the surfing? Is it actually good for beginners like me?
Okay, surfing. This is La Union's bread and butter, right? And Camp Saint John *is* practically on the beach. The waves are… well, they're definitely *there*. As a beginner? YES, it's a decent spot. Though, and this is a big BUT, be prepared to eat some sand. LOTS of sand. I spent like, half my time underwater. Getting tossed around like a rag doll. My first lesson? Totally epic fail. Ended up with a face full of salt water and a bruised ego. And a hilarious video my friend STILL won't let me delete. (Seriously, they're blackmailing me with it). But hey, that's part of the fun, right? Right?!
The room situation… I've heard whispers. What's the truth about the rooms? Are they "insta-worthy" or... not so much?
Deep breath. Okay. The rooms. Let's be frank: the rooms *are* definitely not what you see on those curated travel blogs. Think… slightly worn. Think… basic. Think… (and this is the important bit) don’t expect fancy. My room? The aircon worked, which was a godsend because, hello, Philippine heat! But the walls… well, they'd seen some things. Chips, some questionable stains (I don't even want to know), okay, I admit it I'm a bit of germaphobe, I brought my own sheets, because you never know. But hey, you're not spending your life there, right? You're there for the beach, the vibes, the… wait, where was I? Right, manage your expectations. The location makes up for it, I promise. Especially at sunset. Oh and the shower pressure? Pray.
How's the food? Any recommendations? (Because, let's be serious, food is important.)
Okay, food. Crucial. Camp Saint John itself doesn't have much in the way of in-house dining, which is a bit of a bummer, but honestly? That's a GOOD thing. Because the surrounding area? FOOD HEAVEN! El Union Coffee is mandatory (and I mean MANDATORY, seriously, don't even think about skipping it), Tagpuan for sinigang (comfort food alert!), and order the Dirty Bird – *chef's kiss*. Be warned: you might gain a few pounds. I, for one, have no regrets. The food is worth it, hands down. Just… try to pace yourself.
What’s the Wi-Fi like? Because, you know, adulting.
Wi-Fi… HA! Okay, let's be honest. It's… patchy. Think of it as a time to disconnect. Seriously. Embrace it. You *will* get frustrated. You *will* want to throw your phone into the sea. But then you'll look up, and see that insane sunset, and remember why you came. It's good for emails… *sometimes*. But if you need to work, maybe download your stuff beforehand.
Is there a pool at Camp Saint John? And if so, is it actually usable? Because I've seen some sad hotel pools in my time...
Okay, here’s a slightly messy confession. I AM NOT A POOL PERSON. In my defense, the ocean is just right there! The *pool* situation? Well, there is a pool. I think. I was so focused on the waves, the food and the sunsets that I didn't even... explore the pool. I *think* it was there. (Sorry, brain fart!) Judging from the photos, it seemed clean enough. But honestly? I spent all my time at the beach. Embrace the salty goodness of the ocean. Way more fun. So, uh, sorry, I can't provide any insightful pool commentary. Next question!
What's the overall VIBE? Is it chill? Party-hardy? Something in between?
Vibe check: Totally chill. But with a bit of buzz. It's not a raging party scene, thank goodness. Think: laid-back surfers, some backpackers, a few families, a scattering of influencers (eye roll). The evenings are super relaxed. Think bonfires, beers, and conversations that somehow last until the wee hours. You can find your own space, or easily join the group. I met some of the *coolest* people there. Seriously. (I'm thinking of going back just to hang out with them!) It’s a good balance. If you're looking for a rowdy, loud, crowded place, this ain't it. If you're looking for a relaxed, slightly messy, and undeniably fun time, then you're in the right place.
Is it worth it? Honestly. Would you go back?
YES. ABSOLUTELY. Despite the slightly worn rooms, the iffy Wi-Fi, and the numerous times I almost drowned while surfing, YES. I would go back in a heartbeat. The sunsets are worth it alone. The food is incredible. The people are awesome. The vibe is just… right. It's not perfect. It's a little rough around the edges. But that's part of the charm. It's real. It's raw. And for me, it was pretty damn near perfect.
Any secret tips? Insider knowledge? Spill the beans!
