Fun and friendly, Park Inn by Radisson’s service concept in Davao suits my personality and I was excited to make it my base as this would be my first time exploring the Philippines.
Words: Danny Lau
Unfortunately the weather in Philippines had other plans for me as the typhoon grounded all flights once I landed in Manila and was unable to make the connecting flight to Davao. Even though my journey started in the wee hours of the morning, by the time I arrived at Park Inn by Radisson, it was already past midnight (as there were more hiccups along the way which included the taxi’s engine overheating while on our way to the hotel) and all I wanted to do was to get to my bed and call it a night. Arriving at the entrance of the hotel, I noticed the metal detectors and sniffer dogs and was impressed with the level of security, it’s like getting into an airport
As I approached the check-in counter, the first thing that greeted me was the warm smile of the staff which was a vast contrast to the negative experiences I’ve encountered throughout the day, a simple yet much appreciated gesture. Noticing how haggard I was the staff quickly checked me in and with key card in hand I was heading up to my room, getting ready for bed in the Standard Room where I booked into.
Park Inn by Radisson in Davao City operates using their signature Adding Color to Life service concept. So as I entered my room and turned on the lights, greeting me were warm and cool tones that provided a relaxing aura. In fact, this combination of green, red, yellow and blue could be found throughout the hotel and it was something I enjoyed looking at as it had a calming effect on me. This service concept isn’t just about coloured décor but the philosophy of being fresh, fun and uncomplicated is incorporated throughout the property from the staff to the food they serve. While admiring the interior design my eyelids became heavy from the days’ event and I quickly fell into a deep slumber.
I woke up feeling refreshed, like a blank canvas waiting for the Philippines to paint me over with its colourful experiences. But before venturing out, the tummy beckoned to be filled with food and I was looking forward to see what RBG (Restaurant Bar & Grill), the all-day dining restaurant had on its menu. I was glad to see the restaurant serves local breakfast alongside the Western varieties. The buffet spread includes tapsilog and danggit, and after trying them I must say I these dishes could be part of my daily diet.
I also love the convenience of having a mall attached to the hotel which in this case is the SM Lanang Premier Mall. Even though I had no reason to be, as I was eating my way through Davao, sampling the local delicacies, I felt peckish and would pop down to try the local desserts. Davao was spared of the typhoon and it was quite warm so I opted for a halo halo adventure as there were two restaurants that served this sweet goodness of ice shavings.
On the last day as I was packing, I realised that my passport had gone missing. I alerted the staff at the front desk and they promptly came to assist me. At one point there were five staff members going through everything from the trash to the bed linens looking for my passport. They even had the manager and the security personal come to investigate and explain to me in detail how they operate and how trash is rummaged through to make sure nothing important is thrown away. But with my flight boarding time fast approaching and still no success of locating my passport, they told me my best option was to take the flight to Manila and get a replacement there. Approaching the check-in counter at the airport and explaining my situation, I was told my passport had been waiting for me in the airport all along. Apparently I was so tired from my journey flying into Davao that I just left my passport at the counter once I landed.
As I recollect the series of events that have befallen me during my time in Davao, I can say that the colours of Park Inn certainly provided that shining beacon throughout the misfortunes that would have stained my memory of the Philippines.
Park Inn by Radisson
Address: J.P. Laurel Avenue Next to SM Lanang Premier Mall Davao Davao 8000 Philippines
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