The accommodation and facilities were A+ however the beach gets a "D" for Dirty. Great hotel in a subpar beach area. We stayed in the 2 Queen room with ocean view and had a private balcony. We can hear the waves while sleeping. Great working A/C, electric pot for hot water, robes, in room safe, strong shower pressure, clean pool, 2 min walk to baloy beach and other restaurants/resorts.
The restaurant was good for breakfast and shakes, NOT for lunch nor dinner. Mediocre Filipino food! The beach front is clean, but at low tide there is a visible pipe that drains out to the ocean from the hotel (sewage?? I don't know just smells like it). I don't know how people can swim in that murky water, best option is the pool. Although someone cleans the short beachfront, trash constantly floats and brought by incoming waves from other resort.
Front desk service, restaurant staff, and housekeeping was TOP NOTCH! All were friendly, professional, and greeted us every time (hence the 4 star). 2 min walk from baloy beach, however this is dirtiest active beach I've ever seen. A long stretch of trashy shores - empty trash bags, food wrappers, deadwood, dog-poop, and more.
Mangrove is great for the drinks, pool, and view of the bay - that's it! Try driving up north to Bolinao. read more