Roxas City's BEST Kept Secret: MVW Hotel & Restaurant! ✨
Alright, alright, alright… let’s talk MVW Hotel & Restaurant in Roxas City. This place is supposed to be the “best kept secret,” and after my stay… well, let's just say the secret's out…at least, it should be! Strap in folks, because this review is gonna get…real. And maybe a little weird.
First Impressions & Accessibility (or, How Easily Can I Get There And…Around?)
Getting to MVW? Pretty straightforward. Roxas Airport isn't exactly Heathrow, thank god. Airport transfer? Yep, they’ve got it. Taxi service is also readily available, and they have car park [free of charge] plus car park [on-site], which is a huge plus if you’re like me and travel with enough luggage to start a small boutique. Car power charging station too, for the eco-conscious traveler!
Accessibility. Okay, this is important. They list Facilities for disabled guests and an Elevator. That’s good. I didn’t specifically test it, but I did see ramps and level access in many areas, which is definitely a step up from what I've experienced in some other PH hotspots. I wish I could be a full-on accessibility guru, but I'm not. But seeing it on the list makes me think it's decent. I'm not sure I noticed the Exterior corridor though, meaning it's likely a closed building.
Rooms: My Little Sanctuary (And the Occasional Quirky Annoyance)
Let me tell you, the Air conditioning in my room was a godsend. Roxas City? Hot, hot, HOT. My room had Air conditioning, Additional toilet, Alarm clock, Bathrobes (yes!), Bathtub (ahhh, the bliss!), Blackout curtains (essential!), Closet, Coffee/tea maker (vital for a caffeine addict like myself), and Complimentary tea (a nice touch!). Daily housekeeping? Absolutely, and they did a fantastic job. Desk, Extra long bed (bonus!), Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless (thank you, sweet baby Jesus!), Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar (for those sneaky evening treats), Non-smoking (thank the stars!), Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers (comfy!), Smoke detector, Socket near the bed (crucial for charging all my devices!), Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, and Wake-up service. Basically, all the things.
Now, here’s where it gets a little…human. The Internet access – LAN? Internet access – wireless was available, and in all rooms, they promise Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! But… it had its moments. Sometimes it was lightning fast, perfect for streaming. Other times? I'm talking dial-up circa 1998. You know, the “waiting-for-a-website-to-load-while-you-stare-at-a-spinning-wheel” scenario, which felt amplified when I really needed to upload something. A minor gripe, sure, but a noticeable one. AND… the Rooms sanitized between stays Room sanitization opt-out available are reassuring.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: Food Glorious Food (And a Near-Disaster with a Cocktail)
Restaurants? Yes, plural! MVW boasts a Coffee shop, Poolside bar, and multiple Restaurants serving A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant… basically, you won't starve. They also offer Room service [24-hour] which is pure luxury after a long day.
I loved the Breakfast [buffet]. Seriously, the Asian breakfast was fantastic, with so many choices. And the Coffee/tea in restaurant was always on point. The Desserts in restaurant… let's just say my willpower was tested. I think I gained five pounds purely from the desserts. The Salad in restaurant was surprisingly fresh, and the Soup in restaurant was incredibly comforting. Not a big fan of the Happy hour which was a bit slow, so I didn't hang around too long.
Now, for the near-disaster. One evening, I ordered a cocktail at the Poolside bar. Beautiful view, gorgeous sunset… and then…the drink. It tasted…off. Really off. I cautiously took a sip, then another, and my face must have registered my disgust. I flagged down a staff member, who thankfully took my feedback seriously and replaced the drink. Score one for good customer service.
Ways to Relax (And Maybe Over-Indulge): Spa & Leisure
They've got the works! A Gym/fitness room (which I, ahem, used…once), a Spa, Jacuzzi (I'm pretty sure), Massage, Sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool (and the Pool with view is stunning), and Swimming pool [outdoor]– basically, you could spend your entire vacation just blissing out. They also have Body scrub and Body wrap, and, get this…a Foot bath. I’m not sure I've ever seen a foot bath offered in a hotel spa, but I'm intrigued. This is the kind of place where you go to relax, and you actually can!
Cleanliness & Safety: More Important Than Ever…But Realistically…
Okay, let's be honest. We all want to feel safe these days. MVW seems to be taking it seriously. They have Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter. Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, and Sterilizing equipment. I saw CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property which is reassuring. I didn't see any Fire extinguisher that were clearly marked but that's probably because I'm not looking for it, and I would hope that they have them! There are Smoke alarms…all good things. The Front desk [24-hour] and Security [24-hour] made me feel safe.
BUT…and this is where the “honest” part comes in… I didn’t walk around with a microscope, checking every surface. Cleanliness is an ongoing process. And while they seem to be trying their best, no place is perfect. I gave them a good rating for cleanliness.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
Cash withdrawal? Yep. Concierge? Definitely. Contactless check-in/out? They've got it. Convenience store? Yes (for those midnight snack attacks!). Daily housekeeping? As mentioned, Doorman? Yes, helpful people. Dry cleaning, Elevator… all the good stuff. They even provide Essential condiments! Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, and Taxi service. Honestly, they seem to have thought of everything.
For the Kids (If You Have 'Em):
Babysitting service is a huge plus. Family/child friendly. They have Kids facilities, and Kids meal. They have Family/child friendly accommodation and services. This all seems like a good place to bring the littles.
Business Travelers (If You’re That Person):
They have Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Invoice provided, Meetings, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Projector/LED display, Seminars, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center. So, yes, you CAN work here!
Getting Around
They offer Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, and Taxi service. Getting around Roxas City from MVW is pretty easy. I didn’t attempt the Bicycle parking but they’ll probably let you park there.
The Verdict
MVW Hotel & Restaurant is a real gem. It isn't perfect – the Wi-Fi had its moments, and there’s always room for minor improvements – but honestly, it’s a great place to stay. The staff are friendly and helpful, the rooms are comfortable, the food is delicious (mostly!), and the facilities are top-notch. The location is convenient to
Penang Paradise: Rooftop Pool, Smart TV, & Sunshine Views from Komtar!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my Roxas City adventure at the MVW Hotel & Restaurant. Forget pristine itineraries, this is a messy, real-life, possibly slightly regretful (but mostly hilarious) account of my time there. Consider this my digital travel diary, complete with spilled coffee stains and questionable decisions!
MVW Hotel & Restaurant: Roxas City - A Messy, But Mostly Delightful, Adventure
Day 1: Arrival and Questionable First Impression (The Room…oh, the Room)
1:00 PM - Arrival at Roxas City Airport: Let's just say the airport is…intimate. Think smaller than some living rooms. Found a tricycle driver who, after a spirited bargaining session (I swear, I'm getting better at this!), whisked me off to the MVW. The heat hit you like a wall the second you stepped out of the terminal. I'm already sweating. This is going to be fun.
1:30 PM - Check-in and the Great Room Reveal: Walked into the lobby of MVW. It had that classic "slightly faded elegance" vibe going on. The staff were super friendly, bless their hearts. Check-in was a breeze. Then came the room. Oh, the room. I booked a "deluxe" room. "Deluxe" in Roxas City seems to have a different definition than "deluxe" in, say, a Manhattan boutique hotel. Let's just say the air conditioning was doing its best (a valiant, but slightly failing, best), and the bedsheets were… well, they were there. BUT, and this is a big BUT: the balcony! It overlooked something that resembled a quiet street, maybe some stray cats, and a hint of something that could possibly be the sea in the distance. Score.
3:00 PM - Lunch at the MVW Restaurant (The Adobo Chronicles): Okay, so I was starving. Dropped my bags (or rather, my bag, I travel light… mostly) and immediately headed down to the restaurant. The menu was extensive, and being in the Philippines, I HAD to get adobo. I mean, it's practically a national requirement. The adobo was… interesting. The meat was a bit, let's say, "chewy," but the sauce! Glorious, vinegary, garlicky sauce. I practically licked the plate clean. No regrets. Except maybe the extra rice I ordered. I'm already regretting it.
4:00 PM - The Great Nap of Despair (A/C Version): The A/C was still struggling, but I was also exhausted. Decided a nap was in order. Woke up an hour later, slightly more refreshed, and with a new appreciation for the invention of air conditioning.
6:00 PM - Stroll Around the MVW and Surrounding Area - (The Search for the Perfect Sunset): Okay, the hotel itself is quite lovely. Did some recon around the hotel, as well as a little further away. Found a small corner store to hunt for some water. The streets felt safe, and the locals were friendly. Sunset? Attempted to capture the perfect sunset from a bridge. Failed. Hard. Sunsets are just cruel like that. All I got was a somewhat washed-out photo and a mosquito bite.
7:30 PM - Dinner at the MVW Restaurant (The Sinigang Saga): Back at the MVW restaurant again. Couldn't help myself. This time I went for the sinigang. This was the comfort food I needed. The sour and savory flavors were pure bliss. Feeling much better now.
9:00 PM - The Wifi Struggle and Bedtime Debrief: The Wifi… well, let's just say it was adventurous. I spent about an hour juggling between my phone, my hotel wifi log in, and my VPN and trying to connect to the internet. Ended up giving up on the internet. Time for sleep. Bedtime debrief over. The room felt a little less intimidating now that the sun had set. Tomorrow, onto the sights!
Day 2: Seafood Extravaganza and Baywalk Revelations (The Day of Glorious Grub)
7:00 AM - Wake Up & Morning Brew: Woke up, and surprisingly, the A/C actually worked this morning! Made myself some instant coffee (what, you expect me to be fancy?) on the balcony. Not much of a view to speak of, but hey, I had my coffee. This morning, I had to get my bearings.
8:00 AM - Breakfast at the MVW (The Longganisa Lament): Breakfast at the MVW was included. More of the same: decent, if not spectacular. Ordered longganisa. It was tasty, but a bit on the sweet side. Still, can't complain about free breakfast.
9:00 AM - Roxas City Public Market Tour (The Smells, Oh The Smells!): Called a tricycle to take me to the public market. This was an experience! Fresh seafood galore. So many types of fish and squid and…things I couldn't identify. The smells were a bit intense (let's call it "rustic"), but the energy was fantastic. Picked up a few mangoes. They were the sweetest, juiciest mangoes I've ever tasted.
11:00 AM - Baywalk and The People of Roxas: Walked along the Baywalk. This stretch along the water was very beautiful. Saw families enjoying the fresh air, vendors selling food, and kids playing.
12:00 PM - Lunch at a Local Eatery (The Seafood Bonanza): Found a small local place. This place was the real deal. Freshly grilled seafood, rice, and ice-cold drinks. I ordered way too much, and was so full that I could barely walk.
2:00 PM - Rest at MVW Hotel (The Post Food Coma): Returned to the hotel. Needed to rest from all the food.
6:00 PM - Dinner at the MVW Restaurant (The Seafood Medley): Yep, back at the MVW spot for dinner! The hotel kitchen did not disappoint. Tried a seafood medley which included fresh shrimps, grilled fish, and some other amazing food.
8:00 PM - Final Thoughts and Sleep: Thinking about the trip and getting ready for sleep. Getting a sound sleep.
Day 3: Departure (Goodbye, Roxas, You Messy, Wonderful Thing)
- 7:00 AM - Last Breakfast (The Everything Bagel from the 7-11): Last breakfast at MVW. It was okay. The A/C in the restaurant was blasting, which was a nice change. Then I grabbed some pastries at a local 7-11.
- 9:00 AM - Checking Out and Saying Goodbye - The checkout was quick and simple. Thanked the staff (still impressed by their consistent friendliness). Time to say goodbye and move on.
- 10:00 AM - Heading to the Airport: Another tricycle ride. The heat was already building.
- 11:00 AM - Departure: Goodbye, Roxas City! You were messy, you were sometimes frustrating, but you were also incredibly charming and full of delicious food. I'll be back to explore more. Maybe I'll even master the art of bargaining with tricycle drivers by then.
Final Thoughts:
The MVW Hotel was perfectly fine. It wasn't a luxury resort, but it was comfortable, the staff were lovely, and the restaurant served some seriously good food (that adobo!). My trip was a little rough around the edges, a little disorganized, and definitely involved more sweating than I anticipated. But that's the beauty of travel, right? It's not about perfection, it's about embracing the mess, laughing at the unexpected, and stuffing your face with delicious food (mostly adobo). Roxas City, you were a delight. Till next time!
Georgia's Hidden Gem: Stunning Gudauri Loft (Twins 441)!
MVW Hotel & Restaurant: Your (Potentially) New Favorite Secret in Roxas City (Maybe?) - FAQs From a Slightly-Biased Traveler
Okay, spill. Is MVW Hotel & Restaurant *really* the best-kept secret? I've heard whispers...
Alright, alright, settle down, Nancy Drew. "Best-kept"? Look, Roxas City isn't exactly bursting with international hotel chains, so 'best' is relative, right? But honestly? Yeah, it's pretty darn good. Picture this: you're tired, you're sweaty from the tricycle ride from the airport (pro tip: haggle HARD), and you just want a cold drink and a comfy bed. MVW delivers. It might not be the Ritz, people, but it's got a certain charm. More importantly: its food is good. REALLY good. More on that later, though... trust me, you *will* want to hear this.
The location. Give me the deets. Is it a pain to get to?
Nope! It's actually pretty central. Not *right* in the thick of things, which is a blessing, really. You're close enough to everything – the cathedral, the market for fresh seafood (OH MY GOD, the seafood!), and the beaches. Taxi's are available, or hop on a tricycle. It is very easy to get in and out of. Honestly the location is just right. It’s a peaceful enough that you don’t feel like you're stuck in the city.
Let's talk rooms. Are they nice? Clean? Do I need to bring my own hazmat suit?
Okay, real talk: the rooms are good. Clean? Absolutely. Hazmat suit? Absolutely not. They're not exactly luxury suites, mind you. Think comfortable, air-conditioned, and with all the basics. They're well-maintained, which is a BIG plus in places like the Philippines. I remember one time, I was staying in a budget hotel elsewhere, and I found... well, let's just say things that shouldn't be in a hotel room. MVW? No such drama. Just a good, solid room. I've stayed in worse (way worse), and I've stayed in better (obscene expensive), but for the price, it's fantastic. The beds are comfy and the AC works like a charm – crucial after a day in the Capiz heat.
The restaurant! I've heard tales of culinary wonders. Is the food *actually* good?
This is where MVW shines, folks. This is where it gets *really* good. Okay? The food is AMAZING. Listen, I'm not exaggerating when I say the food alone is worth the trip. The seafood is, obviously, fantastic. Because FRESH, you know? But the way they prepare it... Oooof! I had the grilled *tanigue* (Spanish mackerel) there. I can still taste it. Sweet, smoky, perfect. And the *kinilaw* (ceviche)? *Chef's kiss*. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. I had what can only be described as a spiritual experience around the table, when I was there last year. The portion, the taste, the *everything*. I'm not gonna lie, I was a little emotional!
Seriously, the restaurant is a MUST-TRY. Don't miss it. DON'T! Maybe the best restaurant in the city (I mean...).
Okay, okay, I'm sold on the food. But what about the service? Nice people? English speakers?
The staff is genuinely lovely. Filipinos are known for their hospitality, and MVW lives up to that. They're friendly, helpful, and always smiling (which I appreciate, because I probably look like a grumpy tourist most of the time). English is widely spoken, so you won't have communication issues. Even if you did have trouble, they would literally bend over backward to help you out. Seriously. I’m pretty sure they'd walk on fire for you as well.
Any downsides? Anything I should know before booking?
Okay, here's the slightly-less-perfect side:
- The internet can be a bit spotty (standard for the Philippines, tbh). Embrace the digital detox!
- The pool isn't Olympic-sized. It's a decent size for a dip, though. Don't expect to do laps.
- Noise levels during karaoke nights (which, let's be honest, are a Filipino staple) can vary. Bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper.
Value for Money? Is it overpriced?
Nope! It's actually a very good value. You're getting a comfortable stay, fantastic food, and great service for a reasonable price. It’s not the cheapest place in town, but it's worth every penny. Honestly, I’d happily pay more!
Anything else? Any specific tips or tricks for maximizing the MVW experience?
* **Eat the seafood!** Seriously, I can't stress this enough. * **Ask the staff for recommendations.** They know their stuff. * **Book in advance,** especially during peak season. * **Don't be afraid to explore Roxas City!** MVW is great, but there's more to see and do in this lovely little city. Go see the cathedral; take a beach walk, and immerse yourself in the local vibe. * **And most important: Relax and enjoy!** This is the Philippines, after all.
Final Verdict? Should I stay at MVW?
YES! Absolutely. Unless you're a total snob who only stays at five-star resorts, then YES. Go. Book it. You won't regret it. You will most likely have a great trip. And who knows? You might just fall in love with Roxas City, just like I did (and still do, tbh). Go and try the food!
