Carlosta Hotel

Very friendly staff.

Carlosta is by all impressions, a locally owned and run hotel. Whilst initially quality seems ok… it’s the attention to detail that is so completely lacking, and provincial way of doing things that spoils the stay. The room rates are reasonable, but our room had no window, so it was like staying in a large cupboard. The continue playing of the same three Christmas songs over and over on a loop (6am to 10pm) was particularly annoying especially as the sound was too loud in the corridors for the guest rooms. I appreciate its a ‘Ber month but too much! However, the most annoying aspect was how the hotel blatantly tries to take advantage of its guests with extras. Transport to the airport I was quoted an eye watering P7500, in coming I paid P4000 so almost double. The front desk made no further suggestions to assist me. Fortunately I worked it out for myself and paid only P200, in a shared air conditioned mini bus, perfectly acceptable. Same with massage service 1000/hr for the house therapist, or 200/hr hotel surcharge if we sourced our own. Now today’s final twist, the hotel no longer wishes to issue hand towels? What gives? To end on a positive note, the staff are very helpful and polite, but of course can only be as accommodating as the management permits. Has the potential to be a lot better.

I am from Luzon and was organizing an event for my Dad's birthday. I had to rely on sending messages to FB pages of hotels/restaurants or finding contact info from the internet. Several of my messages didn't receive any reply. Some replied but weren't too helpful (or friendly). Only Carlosta's Jasmin Romo took my inquiry seriously. We communicated via mobile phone, viber and email. She took time to answer all my queries thoroughly. She was helpful, competent and clear about inclusions, exclusions, pricing, corkages, hotel policies, etc. I found this to be rare in Ormoc. I arrived in Ormoc 24 hours before the event but I was not a bit worried with our event/hotel booking because I was in constant communication with Jasmin. When there was a concern/clarification or a suggestion from the hotel such as the Chef, she would immediately message me. The venue itself was huge, very nice ambiance. The staff/crew assigned to the event were all wearing happy faces. That matters a lot. Everyone was courteous, helpful and efficient. Aside from Jasmin, they were led by Kristian who had a great personality and was coordinating everything from all over the room. Everyone did a good job that it really felt they wanted to give a great service and value for our money. It was great teamwork from Team Carlosta. The food, for its price, had great choices. What we chose for our dinner menu didn't disappoint. The projetor/screen, stage, sound system were all in good working condition. There were lights available but we didn't have a need anymore. Several of us who attended the event were from different cities from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao so we all booked rooms in Carlosta. My family booked an executive suite. It was spacious and clean. Bathroom also was spacious. Mattress and pillows were comfortable. We were in a corner room and had 2 windows which we loved. There was an iron and ironing board, a small ref, safety deposit box and hair dryer. Aircon was silent and cold which we appreciate. Free breakfast was great. We stayed 2 nights and breakfast for 2 mornings had different menus. Mostly Filipino dishes, of course but they did have breads and cereals. They also have an egg station. I loved the hot chocolate. We ate lunch once in the restaurant and had drinks in the cafe. Food was great as expected and drinks were cheap (buy 1 take 1 late at night!!). Everywhere you go - the entrance, the reception, lobby, restaurant, cafe - the staff would greet you and would offer their assistance. It's amazing how they do it so naturally (effortless) and sincerely. Team Carlosta definitely knows what serving from the heart means. It's easy for any business to have a motto or tagline but not everyone can follow through like Carlosta Hotel. This review shows how grateful I am for making my Dad's even successful and memorable.