Escape to Scandinavian Chic: Your Bacolod Dream Flat Awaits!
Escape to Scandinavian Chic: Your Bacolod Dream Flat Awaits! A Review That's a Little Too Real
Okay, people, buckle up. I just got back from a stay at "Escape to Scandinavian Chic: Your Bacolod Dream Flat Awaits!" and, let's be honest, I have a lot of feelings. It's not just a review; it's a…therapeutic unloading. Because let's face it, hotels are either heaven, hell, or somewhere in between, and this one? Well, it's a mixed bag sprinkled with some serious Bacolod charm.
First Impressions (and the Agony of Arrival):
The phrase "Scandinavian Chic" conjures up images of pristine white walls, minimalist furniture, and…well, a whole lot of chic. And the flat does deliver on that aesthetic, mostly. The interiors are undeniably stylish – clean lines, light wood tones, and the kind of natural light that makes you feel like you've finally escaped the fluorescent prison of modern life. The air conditioning blasting blissfully the moment I opened the door was a welcome hug from the Bacolod heat. Thank GOODNESS, because the journey there? Let's just say the airport transfer made me question my life choices. The driver… bless his heart… got lost, twice. Twice! Fortunately, once we finally arrived there was a doorman waiting, and I was desperate enough for water that I was ready to sell my soul to the first person who offered it.
But hey, I digress. Let's talk about the good stuff.
Accessibility & Comfort (Because Let's Be Real, We All Need a Break):
Okay, so accessibility is a tricky one. The listing mentions "Facilities for disabled guests" but doesn't go into specifics. I'd recommend reaching out and asking for more details if this is a primary concern. However, once inside, the elevator was a godsend, and my room, a beautiful non-smoking haven, was a breath of fresh air, and, you know, everything functioned properly. The extra long bed was a dream (I’m a tall person, so it's a win!), and the blackout curtains meant I could truly chase away those lingering jet lag demons. The complimentary tea and coffee maker in the room was a definite plus, and the refrigerator was perfect for stashing those leftover inasal chicken cravings.
The Room Itself: Mostly Good, With a Few Quirks
Inside:
- Available in all rooms
- Additional toilet
- Air conditioning
- Alarm clock
- Bathrobes (fancy! Though…I’m not a bathrobe person)
- Bathroom phone (…for emergencies? I’m not sure I’d use it)
- Bathtub
- Blackout curtains (Praise be!)
- Carpeting
- Closet
- Coffee/tea maker (YES!)
- Complimentary tea
- Daily housekeeping (Thank you, angel!)
- Desk
- Extra long bed (Glorious!)
- Free bottled water (Essential!)
- Hair dryer
- High floor (Nice view!)
- In-room safe box
- Interconnecting room(s) available
- Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Internet access
- Ironing facilities
- Laptop workspace
- Linens
- Mini bar
- Mirror
- Non-smoking
- On-demand movies (I didn’t check it out)
- Private bathroom
- Reading light
- Refrigerator
- Safety/security feature
- Satellite/cable channels (the TV)
- Scale
- Seating area
- Separate shower/bathtub
- Shower
- Slippers
- Smoke detector
- Socket near the bed
- Sofa (Love the comfortable seating area)
- Soundproofing
- Telephone
- Toiletries
- Towels
- Umbrella (I think I was too lazy to use it)
- Visual alarm
- Wake-up service
- Wi-Fi [free] (Always a win!)
- Window that open
The Wi-Fi [free] was, thankfully, consistent, and I could finally catch up on all the cat videos I'd been missing. The slippers are a nice touch. They give you that sense of… pampering.
Food, Glorious Food (Or, The Bacolod Food Adventure):
This is where things get REALLY interesting.
Dining, drinking, and snacking are extremely amazing. The restaurants, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, coffee/tea in restaurant, desserts in restaurant and vegetarian restaurant are all in house restaurants. The bar, coffee shop, poolside bar, happy hour, snack bar, soup in restaurant and Western cuisine in restaurant are all amazing. There is also a A la carte in restaurant, alternative meal arrangement, breakfast [buffet], breakfast service, buffet in restaurant, international cuisine in restaurant, room service [24-hour], salad in restaurant and Western breakfast.
So, here's the good news: Bacolod is a food paradise. The bad news? I only ate at the flat a couple of times. Sure, there's a breakfast [buffet] but I spent the majority of my time outside of the flat getting lost in the different restaurants and trying out new things. It’s an experience!
The coffee shop was a lifesaver for those early morning caffeine cravings, and the poolside bar? Perfection. Sipping a cocktail by the pool (more on that later) was an actual dream.
The Pool: My Bacolod Sanctuary
Honestly, the swimming pool was the highlight of my trip. It's a perfectly sized swimming pool [outdoor] with a pool with view. The water was sparkling, the sun was perfect, and it felt like I'd stumbled into a postcard. It was everything. I spent hours there, just…breathing. It was pure, unadulterated bliss. This is why you come to Bacolod. The swimming pool makes me want to book again!
Relaxation & Rejuvenation (and the Occasional Spa Fiasco):
Okay, so body scrub, body wrap, foot bath, massage, sauna, spa, and steamroom are available. The Fitness center, Gym/fitness are also available.
My one splurge was a spa treatment to work out all the travel knots. I was really looking forward to this and was disappointed, The therapist was nice, but the massage? Let's just say it was more of a gentle tickle than a deep tissue experience. I wanted a full-on zen experience, not a… lukewarm attempt.
Cleanliness, Safety, and Sanitization (Because COVID is still a thing, sadly):
Alright, let's get this straight. I am a germaphobe at heart. So, I was thrilled to see how seriously this flat takes safety. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff were all masked up and ready to help. The emphasis on cleanliness and safety definitely put my mind at ease. I saw so many precautions to make me feel at ease, including rooms sanitized between stays and Staff trained in safety protocol. I just felt safe. All the hygiene certification and professional-grade sanitizing services was such a win.
The Little Things (The Services and Conveniences You Can Expect):
Here's another laundry list of all the stuff I didn’t have the time to touch but saw: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Babysitting service, Business facilities, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Cash withdrawal, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Family/child friendly, Food delivery, Front desk [24-hour], Gift/souvenir shop, Hotel chain, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, Non-smoking rooms, Outdoor venue for special events, Proposal spot, Safety/security feature, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Soundproof rooms, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center
The concierge was incredibly helpful, arranging tours and answering my endless questions. The luggage storage was a lifesaver, since I checked out and waited to get a flight
Escape to Paradise: OYO Posada Los Faroles Awaits in Villahermosa!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! We're ditching the pristine travel brochure and diving headfirst into the deliciously chaotic reality of a "Retreat to a Scandinavian Flat in Bacolod". Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions, questionable decisions, and the occasional existential crisis… all while hopefully, finding some good food.
The Bacolod Bacchanal: A Messy Itinerary
Pre-Arrival: The Anticipation-Induced Panic
Weeks Before: Panic sets in. "Scandinavian flat?" What does that even mean in Bacolod? I imagine Ikea furniture desperately clinging to existence in a humid climate. Book EVERYTHING. Flights are booked, I've vaguely googled "Negros Occidental history" (mostly for bragging rights), and I've downloaded a Tagalog phrasebook I'll probably never use. I might have also purchased more linen clothing than a sane person should own.
Days Before: The obsessive packing begins. Do I need a passport? (Yes). Sunscreen? (Duh). An emergency stash of dark chocolate? (ABSOLUTELY). Suddenly, I'm convinced I've forgotten something vital. Like, oxygen. Or maybe a translator. I swear, every time I try to pack a suitcase, it turns into a personal therapy session.
Hours Before: Airport chaos. Last-minute emails. Frantic calls to my mom. "Am I going to get malaria?" (She probably doesn't know). I'm pretty sure my anxiety is already on a flight to Bacolod before I am.
Day 1: The Arrival and the Great Pancake Debacle
Morning: Fly into Bacolod-Silay Airport. It's smaller than my local grocery store, which is oddly comforting. The immediate humidity hits like a warm, sticky hug… and I'm instantly craving a cold drink. The taxi driver, blessed soul, drives like a rally car driver, but in a good way!
Afternoon: Finally, the Scandinavian Flat. It’s… well, it's a flat. And it does have the aesthetic of Nordic minimalism, but with a charmingly Filipino twist. Think clean lines struggling against the tropical aesthetic. The air conditioning is glorious, thank goodness.
Mid-Afternoon: Attempt to make pancakes. Disaster. Pancake #1 is a burnt hockey puck. Pancake #2 is like a sad, deflated balloon. Pancake #3… well, let's just say the ants will be feasting tonight. My dreams of a perfect Scandinavian breakfast are dashed. I vow to find someone who sells proper pancakes.
Evening: Explore the area. The city is alive, and the smell of grilled food makes my stomach rumble. Dinner at a local restaurant recommended by the Airbnb host. The Chicken Inasal is a revelation! So delicious. The service? Let's just say efficiency isn't their main selling point. But who cares when the food is that good? Try to order some drinks, I ask for a Mojito… only it's too late, the bartender is out of mint and just laughs.
Day 2: The Ruins, Sugar, and the Search for Coffee
Morning: Visiting The Ruins! The remains of a grand mansion. It's stunning, even in its crumbling state. It feels like stepping into a movie set. I imagine the parties that would have been held here. The architecture is fascinating – it’s a poignant reminder of a bygone era. The sunlight is gorgeous. Taking so many pictures.
Mid-Morning: A slight existential crisis because I'm actually a tourist and the Ruins are basically just a fancier version of the broken swings in my local park.
Afternoon: A visit to a sugar plantation. Sugar, sugar everywhere! The land is vast, the history is complicated. Getting a glimpse into a different way of life. I try to learn a few phrases in Hiligaynon, only to butcher the pronunciation horribly. (I'm pretty sure I accidentally insulted a farmer).
Late Afternoon: The relentless quest for decent coffee begins. Finding a good cafe is akin to finding the Holy Grail. It's hot, it's humid, and I need caffeine. I stumble upon a cute little hipster coffee shop run by a barista with a beard, an attitude and an over-the-top name. The coffee? Surprisingly decent. The atmosphere? Instagram-worthy. I feel slightly judged, but the caffeine keeps me going.
Evening: Dinner at a restaurant recommended by the barista. My attempt at a conversation with the Uber driver involves more pointing and frantic hand gestures than actual language skills. He gives me a look that says "good luck", but he finds the restaurant.
Day 3: Island Hopping and the Great Seafood Feast
Morning: Island Hopping!!!! Finally!
All Day: I'm so excited. Everything is amazing from the moment the bangka (Filipino boat) leaves the shore. The water is crystal clear, the sand is blindingly white. I eat grilled seafood until I think I might explode. I spend all day laughing with the locals. A child gives me a sea shell, I can't stop smiling. I consider just becoming a permanent resident of this island. Best. Day. Ever.
Evening: The sunburn is real! Apply aloe vera until my skin resembles something resembling a well-cooked lobster. Dinner is a blur of seafood and happy exhaustion. I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.
Day 4: Market Madness and Mango Madness!
Morning: Explore local markets. So much vibrant chaos! The sounds, smells, and colors are overwhelming. I try to bargain for a bag, but my haggling skills are pathetic. I get ripped off. It's a humbling experience. But I bought a beautiful scarf, so it’s worth it.
Mid-Morning: Mangoes. Oh, the mangoes. They're everywhere. I eat so many mangoes I begin to dream of mangoes. I’m pretty sure I’m consuming my weight in mangoes daily.
Afternoon: Wander aimlessly, soaking in the atmosphere. The pace of life is slower here. It’s contagious, in a good way.
Evening: Another incredible meal. The waiter remembers my terrible attempts at speaking the language but is still very sweet. I feel like I’m starting to understand the city’s rhythm.
Day 5: Farewell (and a Promise to Return)
Morning: Last-minute souvenir shopping. (More mangoes!). A final, desperate attempt to find perfect pancakes. I fail. But honestly, at this point, I don’t even care.
Mid-Morning: The airport. The departure is bittersweet. I’m tired, sunburnt, slightly broke, and my stomach is about 50% mango. But also… I’m completely and utterly in love with this chaotic, beautiful place.
Afternoon: Flight home. I'm already planning my return!
Post-Trip: The Aftermath
- The memories are vivid. The taste of the food, the warmth of the people, the vibrant chaos of it all. And mostly, I'm left with a deep sense of gratitude.
This itinerary is less about ticking boxes and more about embracing the unpredictable reality of travel. It's about getting messy, getting lost, and discovering the magic that happens when you let go of control and surrender to the experience. Bacolod, you absolute gem, I’ll be back! And maybe, just maybe, I'll finally learn how to pronounce "Hiligaynon" correctly.
Sayang Sanur 205: Your Bali Dream Villa Awaits!
Escape to Scandinavian Chic: Your Bacolod Dream Flat Awaits! - Seriously, FAQ Time (and My Brain Dump)
Okay, spill the beans. Is it *really* "Scandinavian Chic"? Because I'm picturing minimalist hell, and frankly, I own too many throw pillows.
Alright, alright, let's get this straight. "Scandinavian Chic" is the *vibe*. Think light, bright, airy – like, imagine opening a window and suddenly Bacolod's famous (and sometimes suffocatingly humid) air feels… fresh. It's not a *museum* of Ikea. We've got clean lines, definitely, but also *soul*. We're talking warm wood accents, some strategically placed greenery (yes, REAL plants, not the plastic horrors), and okay, *maybe* a couple of throw pillows. Look, I wouldn't live somewhere I didn't think was cozy. And let me tell you, after a long day of navigating Bacolod traffic… cozy is KEY. It's more like a hug than a stark white gallery. Promise.
So, location, location, location: Where are we talking? And please, tell me it's not "far, far away from anything remotely interesting."
Location? Listen, finding the PERFECT location was a *saga*. One place, oh my god, it was gorgeous on paper, but the *smell*… I swear the previous tenant had fermented durian in the walls. Absolutely gag-inducing. We're talking a convenient spot in Bacolod, close(ish) to the bustling city center. Close enough for a quick tricycle ride to the main market (get your *piaya* fix!), or a jeepney hop for the foodie adventures. I even managed to *walk* to the bakery one morning (a *very* rare event, let me tell you – my running shoes wept). You're not going to be stranded in the boonies, I promise you that. I value my sanity too much for that!
Amenities? Because "basic" is my middle name (kidding… mostly).
"Basic" isn't what we're going for. We're aiming for "spoiled." Think... air conditioning that *actually works* (essential!), a reliable Wi-Fi connection (because, you know, the internet is life), and a fully equipped kitchen. Yes, a *functioning* kitchen! I'm talking refrigerator, microwave, stove… the whole shebang. And guess what? During a torrential downpour, I discovered *no* leaks! That was a HUGE win for my anxiety. The shower is… *amazing*. Hot water, decent water pressure. Believe me, I've lived in places where you were lucky to get lukewarm dribbles. Consider this your personal oasis after a day of battling traffic and the heat.
Can I bring my pet? My furbaby is basically my child. (Don't judge!)
Oh, the pet question! I absolutely get it. My own cat, Mr. Fluffernutter (yes, he's spoiled, I know), is basically royalty. I *love* pets, truly I do… but… (cue the slightly awkward pause). Okay. Let's talk about pets. In most cases, yes! We can consider furbabies on a case by case basis. But let's be real, it's got to be a good fit. We want to keep the place pristine, you know? So, tell me about your pet. Breed, size, temperament. If Mr. Fluffernutter is as well-behaved as I hope, it's a good sign. We'll see how the other applicants are.
What's the deal with parking? Because Bacolod parking is like a contact sport.
Parking… Oh, Bacolod parking! Ugh. Okay, so we DO have dedicated parking. Yes! You heard me right! Dedicated parking. Its not the Taj Mahal, but it's safe, and it's nearby and you don't need to go through the parking wars. It's not a guarantee that you'll *always* get a space right in front, but it's a darn sight better than circling the block for an hour. You know, when I was looking at the property, actually, the availability of parking was a HUGE deciding factor for me. Because honestly, dealing with a parking stress every day would have made me as grumpy as a wet cat. And I *hate* grumpy.
What if something breaks? Am I on my own, left to battle a broken washing machine like a lone warrior?
Absolutely NOT. Look, I'm a firm believer that things break. It's just life. If something goes wrong, you let me know. We'll get it fixed quickly and painlessly. I'm not going to leave you hanging. Because, trust me, I know the frustration of a broken appliance! That whole "lone warrior" thing? I've been there, done that, bought the (slightly rusty) t-shirt. You get a prompt response, and we will have you back to your Bacolod bliss ASAP. I'm here to make your life as comfortable as possible, not to add to your stress. That's just bad karma.
How do I book this slice of Scandi heaven? And... are there any catches? (Come on, there's *always* a catch!)
Booking? Easy-peasy. We'll get you your application forms by email, discuss your needs, and once your a happy camper, then the rental agreement. Catches? Well, let me be honest... there are always the usual suspects: a security deposit (because, well, life), references (so we know you're not planning to turn the place into a Durian-smelling disco), monthly rent, and a general agreement of tidiness (we're striving for 'Scandinavian Chic', not 'Horder's Paradise'). The small catches are all in the agreement. But the only *real* catch? You might not want to leave! I certainly struggled when I was moving in… and I'm still not really over it! This place… it really is special. Get ready to fall in love.
