Summer this year was so hot and humid that even the thought of going to the beach to cool down didn’t really entice me. But what is summer without at least one out of town escapade! I wanted a toned down travel. One over the weekend. And when I chose to explore Cabanatuan City, it turned out that I found the perfect hotel which perfectly suited all my needs.
The Hotel
The 4-star Harvest Hotel was built in a very good location near the heart of the city. Standing along the busy Del Pilar St., the hotel is just within walking distance from some of the city’s landmarks such as the old Capitol Building, Freedom Park and Antonio Luna’s Death Marker.
Upon arrival at Cabanatuan City, I hailed a trike for me and my companions to take us to the property. The bus terminal was a good ten to fifteen minutes away from the hotel. The time of our arrival was so hot (past 1 PM) that being welcomed by the smiling staff and air-conditioned lobby instantly relaxed us. The manager on duty was quite thoughtful too as when she saw our discomfort, she immediately offered us cool glasses of water for refreshments. Our check-in was quick and we were handed our room key card in a matter of minutes.
Our Room
We were given a Standard Twin Room for our weekend stay. Prior to our arrival, I was already thinking of requesting an extra bed as I was sure that the bed would only fit a single person. But I was surprised that the beds could actually fit two persons comfortably, though it would be not so if your companion is on the bigger side.
Our room has the standards of a hotel room of this caliber. The bathroom has a hot and cold shower separated by glass walls from the toilet. Complimentary toiletries were provided like towels, bathroom tissue, soap, shampoo and dental kit which were all replenished every day.
A cable TV was hung on the wall. Though my mom commented that it was not hanging right in the middle. I told her that maybe it was due to the wiring. It maybe wasn’t long enough to be placed where she pictured it to be. Or it was purposefully designed that way.
Facilities/Amenities
The hotel offers complimentary buffet breakfast served at the hotel’s Cafe Ecija. This is also where you redeem your complimentary welcome drinks given at check-in. The restaurant serves Filipino and International dishes everyday.
The waiting lounge was where us and other guests waited while our rooms were being prepared. The hotel pool can also be easily viewed from the restaurant.
This property is also ideal for events. Harvest Hotel has a function room for bigger events like weddings and meeting rooms suited for smaller and private business gatherings. Ample complimentary parking space is available for guests with vehicles but is on a first come first served basis. I was unable to do my workout routine in the fitness center. But health buffs can easily access the gym and spa which was located on the third floor.
I was glad that me and my family stayed at this hotel when we visited our relatives. We were quite comfortable all throughout our stay. The staff were all warm and attentive. A special shout out to Danny at Cafe Ecija for he was always making small talks and made sure we got everything we needed.
The overall service, from check-in, to room orders, to check-out was efficient. The only thing I took note of was when we were advised that delivery of outside food would cost us as much as what we would purchase. A consultation with the manager confirmed this ruling but she was quick to add that it can be waived on a case to case basis e.g. if guest has food restrictions.
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How To Get Here
Cabanatuan City is about 3-4 hours from Manila by bus. Different bus companies pass by Cabanatuan City: Baliwag Transit, Five Star, ES Transport, Genesis (Baler-bound) and Victory Liner (Tuguegarao-bound). From Cabanatuan City terminal, you can hail a trike to take you to the hotel. From Cubao, regular fare is currently at Php 185 per person.
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The Harvest Hotel
theharvesthotel.com
Book here for discounted rates
T: (044) 950 8888
M: (63917) 639 61 25
info@theharvesthotel.com
