Lian Hotels

We booked 2 deluxe twin rooms for 8 pax at Cocotel El Pueblo Hermano, Batangas for a night on Dec 25-26. They had a good-looking place but very low quality of service. Let me share some comments regarding our experience. Pros: - instagrammable view same as published photos -rooms are spacious -beach is rich in marine life (starfish, mangroves, shellfish, sea grapes, crabs) Cons: -no wifi which is ok so guests can unplug -no hot water in the CR during our time (website says hot and cold water are available) -plenty of flies inside the rooms. I also found two dead red ants (antik) wrapped inside one of the bath towels -limited food choices in the restaurant -hidden charges (LGU environmental fee and unannounced corkage fee if you will bring food) -hotel employees were not in uniform -terrible front desk service, not 24/7 We arrived at the hotel late at around 4pm. From the main gate, no one stood to greet and guide us to the parking area and front desk. The receptionist gave us the keys to the room without asking for our hotel voucher or any identification card. No reminders whatsoever. No one assisted us to the rooms or offered help with our baggage. After we drop our bags inside the rooms, we went back to the front desk but the receptionist already left. So for our concerns, we had to ask one of the employees manning the kitchen. The next day, when we checked out to hand over the keys, the receptionist suddenly charged us a corkage fee of P500. She already assumed we brought in food from outside without confirming with us because she said we did not order from their restaurant. We are ok to pay the amount but it is not fair that she did not inform us about this rule beforehand during check-in and was not apologetic at all. The hotel manager was standing beside her. Eventually, I agreed to pay so we can already leave. The manager received the payment but did not issue a receipt so I had to remind him to provide one. It is not enough that the place is instagrammable to entice and keep guests. They should really improve their service.