Escape to Paradise: Ridgecrest Gardens Hotel's Subic Bay Bliss
Escape to Paradise: Ridgecrest Gardens Hotel's Subic Bay Bliss
Escape to Paradise: Ridgecrest Gardens Hotel - Subic Bay Bliss (Or, My Subic Bay Adventure, Messy & Honest)
Okay, listen up, because I'm about to tell you about the Ridgecrest Gardens Hotel in Subic Bay. And let me be clear, this isn't some perfectly polished travel brochure fluff. This is the real deal, the good, the slightly less good, and the downright glorious. Buckle up, because this review is gonna be a roller coaster, just like my stay.
First Impressions & Crucial Bits (Because, Let's Be Practical):
Right off the bat, I gotta say, accessibility seems…decent. I didn't personally need it, but I did spot an elevator and facilities for disabled guests. More importantly, it's got air conditioning in public areas (Subic Bay heat is NO JOKE). There's also a car park [free of charge], which is a lifesaver, because finding parking in Subic can feel like winning the lottery. And, they offer airport transfer – highly recommend, especially after a long flight.
The "Safety First" Stuff: Pandemic Edition
Look, we're still living in pandemic times. Ridgecrest gets it. They’re obsessed with cleanliness, in a good way. Think anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and rooms sanitized between stays. They even have Individually-wrapped food options, which, let's be honest, sometimes feels a little sad, but hey, safety first! Hand sanitizer stations are EVERYWHERE. Seriously, you trip, there's a hand sanitizer practically there to catch you. They also have Staff trained in safety protocol, and I witnessed them being super diligent. There's also a doctor/nurse on call and a first aid kit, so if you decide to eat street food and end up on the losing side of a tummy rumble, you're covered. They had Masks, Hand Sanitizers, and Temperature Checks available.
The Room: My Personal Sanctuary (Mostly)
Okay, the room. Let’s talk about the room. I requested a non-smoking room. Success! They have air conditioning, which is non - negotiable in Subic. The bed was comfy, had extra long bed which I needed. I had a window that opens, which I appreciated for some fresh air. The Wi-Fi [free] in the room worked like a charm– crucial for someone who's hopelessly addicted to social media. I had free bottled water, which I guzzled. And the blackout curtains were a godsend for sleeping in after a night of… well, let’s just say Subic Bay nightlife can be tempting. It was a soundproof rooms so no issues. The bathroom had a shower and separate shower/bathtub, which was nice. They also had bathrobes – felt fancy, didn't use them, but it was there.
Things that made me smile: Wake-up service, Daily housekeeping, and the occasional complimentary tea. The in-room safe box made me relax. It's got internet access – wireless and internet access – LAN, in case you're old school.
The "Could Be Better" Bits (Because, Honesty):
Okay, here’s where I get slightly critical. The decor was a little… dated. Let’s call it "classic". And the water pressure in the shower could be better. Just a little trickle sometimes, but not terrible. Also, the mini-bar pricing was a bit steep, so I went to the convenience store. No big deal, but mentioning it now.
Food, Glorious Food (and Drinks!):
Okay, this is where Ridgecrest really shines.
- Restaurants: Holy moly. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was outstanding. I had the best adobo of my life. Seriously. Western cuisine in restaurant was also great. I was very impressed by the dishes, food in the hotel was delicious
- Breakfast [buffet]: Yes! There's a breakfast buffet with Asian breakfast and Western breakfast, and it's a feast. Fresh fruit, pastries, the works. I was in heaven. They have coffee/tea in restaurant.
- Poolside bar – Absolutely! Perfect for sipping a cocktail while watching the sunset. They have Happy hour, and I took full advantage of it.
- Room service [24-hour]: Need a late-night snack? Done. Perfect for recovering from a night out dancing.
- Snack bar
- Poolside bar also.
They also have options for alternative meal arrangement and a vegetarian restaurant.
The Relaxation Factor: Escape to Paradise, Indeed!
Here's where the "bliss" part of "Subic Bay Bliss" really comes in.
- Swimming pool: It's HUGE, it's outdoor, and it's the perfect place to unwind.
- Pool with view: Absolutely, the view from the pool is stunning.
- Spa/sauna: Ah, this. I indulged in a spa treatment, and it was pure bliss.
- Massage: The massage was heavenly. I fell asleep. Twice. No shame.
- Spa: They have a full-service spa, where you can get a body scrub and a body wrap if you're feeling extra.
- Sauna and Steamroom.
Things To Do (Beyond Lounging by the Pool – If You Can Tear Yourself Away):
Subic Bay offers so much! You can have a bicycle parking, Car park [on-site]. Plus, the hotel can help arrange meetings, seminars, and there's a business center for work-related stuff. They also have outdoor venue for special events and indoor venue for special events, so if you're planning something – big or small – you’re in luck. There’s also a Gift/souvenir shop.
The Quirks & Anecdotes (Because Life Isn't Perfect):
Okay, here's a confession. On my first night, I locked myself out of my room. Luckily, the staff were super helpful, and got me back in lickety-split. Another time, I spent way too long at the poolside bar, chatting with a local. And honestly? That was the best part of the trip. I learned so much about the area, its history, and the people. That evening, I slept like a baby.
One thing that stood out? The staff. They were all friendly, helpful, and went out of their way to make sure I had a good time. That warmth and genuine hospitality made a huge difference.
The Verdict: Should You Book?
Absolutely, YES!
Here's Why You Should Book Ridgecrest Gardens Hotel:
- Subic Bay Bliss: It is the perfect base for exploring all that Subic Bay offers, from water sports to historical sites.
- Relaxation Redefined: The spa, pool, and delicious food will help you unwind and recharge.
- Clean & Safe Haven: The hotel's commitment to hygiene and guest safety provides peace of mind.
- Delicious Dining.
- Value for Money: The combination of amenities, service, and location make it a great deal.
But here's a caveat: If you're looking for a sterile, ultra-modern experience, this might not be it. If you want charm, a touch of nostalgia, and genuine Filipino hospitality, then Ridgecrest Gardens Hotel is perfect.
My Unsolicited Offer (You're Welcome!):
Book your stay at Ridgecrest Gardens Hotel in Subic Bay NOW!
Here's what you get:
- Guaranteed relaxation: Soothe your soul, enjoy amazing Asian and Western cuisine.
- Memory Maker: A chance to experience that real Filipino hospitality.
Don't wait! Escape to Paradise: Ridgecrest Gardens Hotel's Subic Bay Bliss… and tell them [Your Name] sent you!
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my attempt at a "relaxing" stay at the Ridgecrest Gardens Hotel in Subic. Relaxing is a strong word, by the way. I'm more of a "mildly panicked but with good intentions" kind of traveler. Here we go…
Ridgecrest Rumble: A Subic Adventure (Maybe!)
Day 1: Arrival and Immediate Panic
1:00 PM - Arrival at Clark Airport: Okay, so the flight was… an experience. Let's just say the screaming child in Row 17 and I had a bonding moment over our shared existential dread. Thankfully, the airport in Clark is mercifully small, which is a win for someone who's directionally challenged. Finding the pre-booked car? Triumph! Though I almost walked into a potted plant admiring the scenery and the heat.
2:30 PM - The Car Ride to Subic: The drive. Oh, the drive! Filipino traffic is a beast, a beautiful, chaotic beast! The jeepneys are vibrant, the drivers are fearless, and the horn is apparently the national instrument. We finally reached Subic at what felt like the end of the world!
3:30 PM - Check-in at Ridgecrest: The Promise of Bliss (Probably a Lie): The hotel lobby is… nice. Tropical, maybe? Definitely air-conditioned, which is a godsend after the car ride. The check-in process was relatively painless, which is a miracle. The room is…well, it's a room. A beige room. With a balcony. I can already feel the mosquitos plotting against me.
4:00 PM - Room Recon, Panic, and Immediate Regret About Packing: Okay, so the room is functional. The AC works, that's the main thing. The view from the balcony? Trees. Lots of trees. I feel like I’m inside a jungle, and insects are already checking that I haven’t left any food around. First order of business? Dump the contents of my backpack everywhere. I'm a disaster when it comes to unpacking. Finding the swim suit took me about a half-hour, in which I considered just wearing my PJs to the beach.
5:00 PM - First Swim and a Near-Drowning Experience (Kidding… Mostly): The pool looks inviting. The water's a little too chlorinated for my taste, but hey, it's a pool. I slowly lowered myself into the shallow end, the most daring thing I've done all week. Then, after feeling confident enough to go into the deep end, I almost drowned. Okay, I’m exaggerating. But I did stand up suddenly and find myself out of my depth, spluttering and desperately grabbing the side. Note to self: Learn to swim. Or at least, remember how to swim.
7:00 PM - Dinner at the Hotel Restaurant (Praying for Food Poisoning Immunity): The menu is as expected, so I ordered something I thought was safe. The food was alright. Nothing to make me jump for joy, but I’m still alive, so that's good. The service? Well, let's just say "island time" is a real thing. It took a while to get my bill. The most entertaining moment was watching a cat try to steal someone's chicken.
8:30 PM - Balcony Stargazing (and Mosquito Warfare): I tried to relax on the balcony to get some air and fresh air while catching some stars. I was eaten alive by mosquitos. So, I watched the stars for a little while, then retreated back to the room.
Day 2: Beach Day and the Search for Happiness (or at least, a good tan)
8:00 AM - Breakfast (Hopeful): Breakfast buffet at the hotel. Let's see what the options are. Okay, the breakfast actually wasn't half bad. I even managed to eat some of the local fruit, which wasn't horrifying!
9:00 AM - Beach Time! (The Sun is My Enemy): The hotel has beach access. The water is lovely. The sand is hot. The sun? The sun is a straight-up villain. I slathered on sunscreen like my life depended on it (it kind of does! I’m pale). And the beach is actually really pretty, which is the upside. I’ll get my tan on, I guess
11:00 AM - The Great Snorkeling Disaster: So, I tried snorkeling. Emphasis on tried. The equipment was… questionable. The water was murky. And after a few minutes of struggling with the mask and flippers, I gave up. Okay, fine. I'm not a water person. I give in.
12:00 PM - Lunch at a Beachside Shack (Potential Food Poison Alert): I decided to be adventurous. I ate something I couldn't entirely identify. The food was actually good. I am still alive, so that’s a win. The view was spectacular, though.
1:00 PM - The Nap That Never Was: I attempted to take a nap under the shade of a coconut tree. Attempted. Before my mind could even shut down, there were children, dogs, and a cacophony of noise. Oh, and I spent the whole time swatting at flies.
3:00 PM - Poolside Relaxation (Maybe This Time!): Back to the pool! This time, armed with a book and a healthy dose of optimism. Actually, I did read my book. I relaxed! I even got a decent tan. Success!
6:00 PM - Dinner and Drinks (The "I Deserve This" Meal): I decided to treat myself. I had a delicious seafood meal - I swear, my stress is just falling away!. Also, I may have had a few too many cocktails.
9:00 PM - Hotel Bar Blues (and Karaoke?): I stumbled into the hotel bar. Apparently, karaoke is a thing in Subic. I’m not usually a karaoke girl, but you can blame the cocktails. I sang. Horribly. People clapped. I’d like to think they were being polite.
Day 3: Exploring (or, Attempting To):
9:00 AM - Late Breakfast (Regret): I was a bit hungover. Breakfast was a blur. I think I ate something beige. Regret.
10:00 AM - The Plan is Simple (but Maybe Not): I am going to leave the hotel. This is a new challenge.
11:00 AM - The Subic Bay Experience (or, Looking at Boats): So, I walked toward the water. There were some boats. They were… okay. I guess I'm not the yacht-loving type.
12:00 PM - Lunch Somewhere (Food Poisoning Roulette, Part II): I wandered the streets, looking for some food. I saw a local place. I thought, “Why not?” The food was good. Maybe I’m just getting used to it.
2:00 PM - Back to the Hotel (Safety First): I decided to head back to the hotel. Staying safe is key.
3:00 PM - The Pool Coma: Back in the pool! With my book! It’s a pattern.
7:00 PM - The Goodbye Dinner (and a Promise): It's the final night. I had another good meal. I did a little more drinking. I have decided to keep this travel thing up!
Day 4: Departure (and Promise of a Return):
8:00 AM - Breakfast (Actually Kind of Sad): I had a final breakfast. It actually made me a little sad to leave.
9:00 AM - Check out (Easy Peasy!): Check-out was smooth. I guess the trip was good.
10:00 AM - The Journey Back: I hired a car, and we're on the way to Clark. The driver is chatting away in Tagalog. I have absolutely no idea what he's saying, but it's somehow comforting.
12:00 PM - Clark Airport and the End (For Now): I’m at the airport. I will miss the sun, the food, and the chaos. And, strangely, I’ll miss the mosquitos.
Final Thoughts: Subic wasn’t perfect. It was hot, a bit messy, and filled with moments where I felt like I was in way over my head. But it was an adventure. It was a fun one. And I’d totally go back. I would definitely be returning. (And I’ll definitely bring more bug spray next time.)
Escape to Paradise: Ridgecrest Gardens Hotel's Subic Bay Bliss - Uh...Yeah, About That... FAQ (Prepare Yourselves)
Okay, is "Paradise" really the right word here? I mean, Subic Bay is nice, right?
Listen, "Paradise" is highly subjective. My expectations were sky-high, fueled by those airbrushed brochure shots. Subic Bay? Beautiful. Gorgeous sunsets? Check. The Ridgecrest Gardens Hotel... well, let's just say it's got a certain... *charm*. (And by "charm," I mean the kind that whispers, "Expect the unexpected.") So, is it paradise? Depends. Do you consider paradise a place where the wifi drops out at the exact moment you're about to send that super-important email? Then, maybe. Do you consider paradise a place where the aircon in your room sounds like a dying swarm of angry bees? Again, maybe. But hey, the sunsets *were* killer.
What's the deal with the rooms? Are they...modern? Clean?
"Modern" is probably not the word I'd use. Let's go with "vintage." Think... maybe the rooms were last renovated when the Spice Girls were still a thing. Clean? Mostly. I spotted a rogue ant during my stay. Just one. He seemed to be inspecting the carpet. I'm pretty sure we made eye contact. I named him Anthony. He seemed content. The bathroom? Well, the water pressure in the shower was a bit...optimistic. Like, the little dribble of water was *trying* really hard to be a shower. But overall, the room was safe, except for that one time I stubbed my toe on the inexplicably placed bedside table... twice. (Note to self: don't navigate in the dark.)
Tell me about the food. Is it good? I'm a picky eater (aren't we all?).
Okay, the food. This is where things get…interesting. Breakfast was included. You know that thing where they say "a continental breakfast" and you picture tiny croissants and fresh fruit? Yeah, it wasn't quite that. There were eggs, (usually scrambled), some rice, and… something beige. I’m still not entirely sure what it was. Let’s just say it required a generous amount of hot sauce. They also served…wait for it…spaghetti. For breakfast. I tried it. I’m not saying it was bad, but it was definitely a choice. Dinner? Hit or miss. One night, I had a pretty decent adobo. The next, I ordered something that, and I’m being honest here, I couldn't identify. (I think it might have been a particularly adventurous piece of chicken? Maybe?) Look, just embrace the culinary adventure. Pack snacks. Seriously.
What about the pool? Is the pool area nice?
The pool...ah, the pool. This is where the "Bliss" part MIGHT start to kick in (*might*). The pool itself was...refreshing. Clean enough, I think. The surrounding area... well, it had character. Think, slightly faded sun loungers, kids screaming with unrestrained joy (bless them!), and the general air of "lived in." I spent a good chunk of my time by the pool. Read a book. Sipped a (questionable) cocktail from the bar. And watched the local kids do these insane dives into the deep end. Look, it wasn't the Four Seasons infinity pool. But it was a pool. And after a long day of… well, let’s call it “Navigating Life”, it was perfect. Especially that one afternoon when the sun hit the water just right, and I swear, the whole world felt a little bit…better. (Okay, the slightly-too-loud music from the bar was a bit distracting, but hey, you get what you pay for, right?)
Is it family-friendly? Because my kids... are a handful.
Oh boy. Family-friendly? Let's just say the Ridgecrest Gardens Hotel caters to the 'enthusiastically-charming-chaos' demographic. Kids running everywhere? Yep. Shrieking with delight? Double yep. Questionable behavior at the snack bar by unsupervised children? You betcha. The hotel's got a nice playground. It's... functional. They have a kids' pool (separate from the "actual" pool, thank god). Look, if you're the kind of parent who likes a structured, quiet vacation, run for the hills. But if you're okay with a bit of bedlam, bring the troops. They'll fit right in. Just make sure to pack earplugs (for you). and maybe a tranquilizer dart or two.
Are there activities? Things *to do*?
Activities… hmm. There was a vague brochure hinting at jet skis and banana boats. (I never actually *saw* any jet skis.) Subic Bay itself offers plenty. Diving, snorkeling, boat tours… The hotel itself? Not so much. Unless you consider “watching the sunrise over the bay” an activity. Which, to be fair, it *is*. And it's actually pretty spectacular. Okay, I did see someone playing pool once. And there were a couple of karaoke nights. I bravely avoided both. (My singing voice is best described as a dying seagull.) So, yeah. Pack your own entertainment. Or, just embrace the chill. Which, to be fair, is kind of… nice.
What about the service? Friendly? Attentive?
Ah, the service. It’s… complicated. The staff were, for the most part, friendly. Always a smile. Always a "good morning, ma'am/sir." But "attentive"? Let's just say I had to ask for a towel several times. And my room service order... well, let's just say it arrived approximately two hours after I’d placed it, and was… not quite what I ordered. (I think I ended up with someone else's breakfast.) But listen, they were trying. They *truly* were. And in the end, that matters. Just be patient. Embrace the chaos. And maybe pack a backup plan for meals.
Okay, so… should *I* go? Is it worth it?
Look, here's the truth. The Ridgecrest Gardens Hotel is not perfect. It's not luxurious. It might even be a *little* bit terrifying at times. But… there's a certain something. A certain… *charm*. It's the kind of place where you can relax, let your hair down (or at least *try* to), and just… be. AndGlobe Stay Finder
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