Escape to Paradise: Iloilo's Zen Zone Avida Tower 3 Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Iloilo's Zen Zone Avida Tower 3 Awaits! - A Review That's Actually Real
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your typical, sterile hotel review. We're diving headfirst into Escape to Paradise: Iloilo's Zen Zone Avida Tower 3, and I'm gonna give you the real deal, warts and all. Because let's be honest, finding a hotel that truly delivers on the promise of "paradise" is like finding a unicorn that enjoys tax audits.
First Impressions & Accessibility (or, the Great Elevator Adventure)
The first thing that hits you (besides the Iloilo humidity, naturally) is the tower itself. It's modern, sleek, and… well, it looks promising. I'm happy to report that Accessibility is taken seriously here. The elevators are spacious, which is a godsend. I mean, I've been in hotels where the elevator felt like a sardine can designed by a sadist. This one? Plenty of room, even for my overstuffed luggage and my tendency to accidentally bump into people.
- Wheelchair accessible: Yes, thankfully. Ramps, wide doorways, the whole shebang. Makes a huge difference for anyone with mobility issues. And honestly, it makes everyone's life easier.
- Elevator: Check. Essential.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Seems like it, based on what I saw. I didn't personally experience needing any specific assistance, but the infrastructure is there.
Internet, Internet Everywhere… (and the Occasional Dropout)
Let's talk about the dreaded Internet. Because let's face it, in this day and age, a bad internet connection is a first-class ticket to a mental breakdown.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hooray! This is HUGE. Seriously, a hotel that charges extra for Wi-Fi is just… rude.
- Internet [LAN]: Available. Though, let's be honest, who uses a LAN cable anymore unless they're a hardcore gamer?
- Wi-Fi in public areas: Yep. Works pretty well.
- Internet services: All the usual suspects.
Now, the reality of the Wi-Fi? It was generally good. But, and this is a big but, there were moments. Moments where my Zoom call froze mid-sentence. Moments where I just wanted to throw my laptop out the window (metaphorically, of course. I needed it to write this review!). It wasn't consistently perfect, but it was usually reliable enough to get the job done. Just don't expect to stream 4K movies without a hiccup.
Cleanliness and Safety (because, you know, the world)
The pandemic has changed everything, and I was very curious about how Avida Tower 3 was handling things.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Good.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Excellent.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere. Like, everywhere.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Yes.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Seemed like it. They were all masked up, and there was a general air of caution, which I appreciated.
- First aid kit: Check.
- Doctor/nurse on call: Hopefully. I didn't need to test this one out!
The overall impression? They're taking it seriously, which is a huge relief. I felt safe, which is the most important thing.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (because food is life)
Okay, let's get to the good stuff. Food. Because what's a vacation without indulging?
- Restaurants: Multiple.
- Coffee shop: Present and accounted for.
- Poolside bar: Yes! Essential.
- Room service [24-hour]: Hallelujah!
- Breakfast [buffet]: Mostly buffet, with a few changes due to, you know, the times.
- A la carte in restaurant: Yep.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: Yes.
- Western cuisine in restaurant: Also yes.
- Desserts in restaurant: Uh, YES!
- Snack bar: For those mid-afternoon cravings.
- Bottle of water: Provided.
- Breakfast takeaway service: Available. Great for those early morning adventures.
- Alternative meal arrangement: They were flexible. I had a dietary request, and they were happy to accommodate it.
Now, the actual dining experience? The buffet was… well, it was a buffet. You know the drill. A little bit of everything, some things are amazing, some things are… less amazing. The coffee shop was a lifesaver. The poolside bar? Perfection. Sipping a cocktail while looking out at the pool with view? Pure bliss. The room service was prompt and the food was decent. Nothing Michelin-star worthy, but perfectly acceptable.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (the zen part!)
Alright, this is where the "Zen Zone" promise comes into play. Did they deliver? Mostly, yes.
- Swimming pool: Yes! And it's a beauty. The pool with view is stunning. Seriously, worth the price of admission alone.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Yep.
- Gym/fitness: Check. I didn't actually use it, because, well, vacation.
- Spa: Yes!
- Sauna: Yep.
- Steamroom: Also yep.
- Massage: Available. I did take advantage of this. And it was divine. Seriously, one of the best massages I've ever had. The masseuse was skilled, the room was tranquil, and I walked out feeling like a new person.
- Foot bath: I didn’t get around to this.
- Body scrub, Body wrap: Also available.
The pool area is the real star here. It's spacious, clean, and the view is incredible. It's the perfect place to relax and unwind. The spa is also excellent. If you're looking to de-stress, this is the place to do it.
Services and Conveniences (the little things that matter)
Let's cover the practical stuff.
- Concierge: Helpful and friendly.
- Daily housekeeping: Excellent. My room was always spotless.
- Laundry service: Available.
- Cash withdrawal: Present.
- Currency exchange: Yes.
- Elevator: Yep.
- Luggage storage: Check.
- Safety deposit boxes: Available.
- Air conditioning in public area: Yes, thank goodness.
- Air conditioning: Yes, also essential in the rooms.
- Convenience store: Yep.
- Room service: 24-hour, yes.
- Breakfast service: Yes.
- Car park [free of charge]: Yes. A massive bonus! Parking in Iloilo can be a nightmare.
- Airport transfer: Available.
Honestly, the service was consistently good. The staff were friendly, helpful, and went out of their way to make my stay enjoyable.
The Rooms (the heart of the matter)
Okay, let's talk about the actual rooms. This is where it all comes together (or falls apart).
- Available in all rooms:
- Additional toilet: Yes.
- Air conditioning: Yes.
- Alarm clock: Yep.
- Bathrobes: Yes!
- Bathroom phone: Really?
- Bathtub: Most rooms.
- Blackout curtains: Essential for sleeping in.
- Carpeting: Present.
- Closet: Plenty of storage.
- Coffee/tea maker: Yes!
- Complimentary tea: Yes.
- Daily housekeeping: Excellent.
- Desk: Perfect for laptop work.
- Extra long bed: Yes.
- Free bottled water: Yay!
- Hair dryer: Check.
- High floor: Yes, depending on the room.
- In-room safe box: Yep.
- Internet access – LAN: Yes.
- Internet access – wireless: Yes.
- Ironing facilities: Yep.
- Laptop workspace: Yes.
- Linens: Clean and comfortable.
- Mini bar: Yes.
- Mirror: Yes.
- Non-smoking: Yes.
- Private bathroom: Yes.
- Reading light: A godsend.
- Refrigerator: Yep.
- Satellite/cable channels: Yes.
- Seating area: Yes.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Most rooms.
- Shower: Yes.
- **Sli
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my Iloilo adventure. Forget those perfectly polished itineraries, this is the real, messy, sometimes-chaotic, and hopefully hilarious account of my time at the Iloilo Travellers Zen Zone, Avida Tower 3. Get ready for a ride!
Iloilo: A Whirlwind of Flavors, Faces, and Frustrations (and hopefully, Fun!)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Adobo Quest (Plus, a Tiny Meltdown)
Morning (Well, Mid-Morning): Landed at Iloilo International Airport. Smiled, took a deep breath, and was immediately hit with that humid, glorious Philippine air. Ugh, the heat! Okay, deep breaths. Got a Grab (thank God for Grab!) to the Zen Zone. The driver, bless his heart, was blasting some seriously questionable OPM (Original Pinoy Music). It set the tone, I guess.
Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Check-in at Avida Tower 3. The lobby was surprisingly chic, and the staff were genuinely friendly. My room? Okay, it's a studio, but the view…oh, the view! Sweeping cityscape, a glimpse of the river, and the promise of a thousand sunsets. Instantly made me feel like a tiny, overwhelmed queen.
Lunch (and the Search for Adobo): The mission: find the BEST adobo in Iloilo. I'd read all the blogs, seen the Instagram posts. The pressure was ON. First stop: a place called "Tatoy's Manokan and Seafoods." The place was packed! The adobo was…decent. Not mind-blowing. I even have to admit, I nearly had a mini-meltdown because I felt like I wasn't experiencing the "true" Iloilo. Stupid, I know. But travel can do that to you. You want perfection, authenticity, and when it doesn't quite deliver, you feel…slightly cheated?
Afternoon: Wandered around the Esplanade. It's beautiful, I'll give it that. Watched some kids playing basketball, some couples holding hands. Felt…lonely, for a minute. Travel can be a real head trip. But then I bought a mango shake from a street vendor, and the world felt right again.
Evening: Tried another restaurant, "Breakthrough Restaurant," famous for seafood. Ordered grilled fish. It was…overcooked. Sigh. Am I cursed? Did I offend the culinary gods? Ended the day with a beer on my balcony, watching the city lights twinkle. Maybe tomorrow will be better. Maybe.
Day 2: Churches, History, and a Very Un-Zen Moment
Morning: Woke up determined to have a good day. Visited the Jaro Cathedral. Stunning. The architecture is incredible, the energy is palpable. Took a moment to just breathe and appreciate the beauty of it all. Then, the Molo Church. Even more stunning. I'm not religious, but I love a good church.
Mid-Morning: I went to Nelly Garden. Wow. Beautiful house. The place is a testament to the wealth of the past. I imagined the lives of the people who lived there. Then, I got into a heated argument with a tricycle driver because he tried to overcharge me. My zen went straight out the window. I lost it. Yelled. Felt awful afterward. Travel is full of these little moments.
Lunch: Ate at a small, unassuming eatery near the church. The food was simple but delicious. I was hungry, and the food was good. I could have been more relaxed.
Afternoon: Found a coffee shop. The internet was slow. I needed to do some work. I ended up sitting there for hours, staring at my screen. The coffee was okay, but the Wi-Fi was terrible.
Evening: Headed back to the room, feeling utterly drained. Ordered room service. It was mediocre. Watched a terrible movie on TV. Went to bed early.
Day 3: La Paz Batchoy, Art, and the (Almost) Perfect Sunset
Morning: The day started with a mission: La Paz Batchoy. I'd heard legends. Got myself to Ted's Oldtimer Lapaz Batchoy. People were lined up. The broth…oh, the broth! It was a symphony of flavors, a warm, savory hug in a bowl. Finally! A food victory! I ate two bowls. No regrets.
Mid-Morning: Visited the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art (ILOMOCA). The art was interesting, thought-provoking. I actually felt something while looking at the paintings. It was a nice change of pace from the usual tourist stuff.
Afternoon: Decided to revisit the Esplanade. Walked slowly, took in the scenery, and tried to be present. It helped. Found a cute little cafe and had a coffee and a pastry.
Evening: The Sunset. Oh, the sunset. I sat on my balcony, watched the sky explode with color. Pink, orange, purple, all blending together. It was almost perfect. Then, a mosquito bit me. But still…it was beautiful. It felt like a reward for all the ups and downs.
Day 4: Departure and the Bitter-Sweet Goodbye
Morning: Packed my bags. Said goodbye to my room. Checked out of the Avida Tower 3. It was a nice place, and I'd grown fond of my little studio.
Late Morning: One last stroll through the city. Bought some souvenirs. Tried one last street food snack.
Afternoon: Headed to the airport. Waited for my flight.
Departure: As the plane took off, I looked out the window. Iloilo shrunk beneath me. I left with a mix of emotions: exhaustion, frustration, and a strange, unexpected fondness. It wasn't perfect, but it was real. And maybe, just maybe, that's what made it so special. I’ll be back, Iloilo. I will. And next time, I’m bringing extra mosquito repellent.
Escape to Paradise: Iloilo's Zen Zone (Avida Tower 3) - Or, My Brain's Ramblings on Concrete & Sunshine
Okay, so "Zen Zone"? Is this like, REALLY zen? Do I need to start chanting or something?
Alright, let's be real. "Zen Zone" is probably marketing-speak. I mean, it's not like you're going to find a monk offering guided meditations on the balcony. But... and this is a big BUT... there's a certain *something* about Avida Tower 3 in Iloilo. Maybe it's the way the light hits the pool in the morning (seriously, the way the sun reflects off the water is borderline religious). Or maybe it's just the fact that you're *away* from the hustle and bustle. I wouldn't say it's full-on enlightenment, but it's definitely a good spot to *try* to chill out. You probably won't need to chant. Unless, you know, you're trying to ward off the occasional mosquito. Those little guys are *not* zen.
What's the actual *place* like? I'm picturing... sterile? Modern?
Okay, so, "sterile"? Nah. "Modern"? Yes, absolutely. It's a modern condo, so expect clean lines, a decent-sized pool (which, again, is a major mood booster), and all the usual amenities. Think… slightly more polished than your average apartment. My first thought when I walked in was, "Wow, this is actually… nice." I mean, I'm used to places that smell vaguely of mildew, so the sheer *newness* of it was a shock. The finishes are decent, nothing overly fancy, but functional. The balconies are a godsend. I spent a lot of time just staring out, sipping coffee, and pretending I was Hemingway. (I'm probably closer to a Hemingway-esque *breakfast burrito* kind of person, but let's not split hairs.)
The pool... is it actually swim-worthy? Or just for Instagram?
Alright, the pool. This is where things get interesting. First off, yes, it's swim-worthy. I spent a solid afternoon just floating around, pretending I was a majestic water lily. The water's clean, and there are usually enough people around to make it feel lively without being crowded. But… and there's always a but, right? The sun can be *intense*. I'm talking, "lobster red" intense. So, bring sunscreen. Seriously. And maybe a giant floppy hat. Also, be prepared for the occasional kid cannonballing into the water. Embrace the chaos. It's part of the charm. (Or, you know, retreat to your balcony with your coffee and pretend you don't see it.)
What's the vibe like in the building? Are there a lot of people around?
The vibe? It's… friendly. Not overly chummy, mind you. You won't be forced into awkward elevator conversations (unless you *want* to be, in which case, go for it!). There are people around, but it never felt overly packed. I saw a mix of families, couples, and solo travelers. It's definitely not a party-all-night kind of place, which, honestly, is a plus for me. I'm more of a "Netflix and chill (literally, with the aircon)" kind of person. I also saw a few people doing yoga on the grass area (which, let's be honest, looked suspiciously like a marketing photo).
Okay, so what's *around* the building? Is it convenient? Do I need a car?
Convenience is key, right? And yeah, Avida Tower 3 is pretty well-situated. There are shops and restaurants within walking distance (hello, local food!). You definitely *don't* need a car to get around the immediate area. Taxis and tricycles are readily available. I walked to a local market one morning and the food was incredible! The smells alone were worth the trip. If you want to explore further afield, a car or taxi is probably a good idea, but for everyday stuff, you're golden. I even found a little coffee shop that made a *mean* iced latte. My mornings were saved.
The units themselves... are they cramped? Is there a good view?
Cramped? Not really. They're not palatial estates, but the ones I saw were well-designed. Enough space to move around without feeling like you're constantly bumping into things. The view… it depends on which unit you get. Some have amazing views of the city. I, unfortunately, got one with a slightly less impressive view of… another building. (Hey, you can't win 'em all.) But even the less-than-stellar views were still pretty decent. And hey, at least I wasn't staring at a brick wall. The balconies are a definite plus for taking in the air.
Okay, so, the *downsides*. What are the things I *won't* like? Be brutally honest!
Alright, here's the truth bomb. The WiFi can be a little… spotty. Sometimes it's blazing fast, sometimes it's slower than a snail in molasses. So, if you're relying on it for work, be prepared to get frustrated. Also, the air conditioning in my unit sounded like a jet engine taking off. (I swear, I thought I was going to need earplugs.) And, okay, here's a major personal pet peeve: the elevators. They can be a bit slow during peak times. I'm talking, "staring-at-your-phone-and-pretending-you're-not-impatient" slow. Oh, and the traffic getting in and out of the area can be a bit of a nightmare during rush hour. But honestly? These are minor quibbles.
You mentioned the pool a lot. Is it *really* that good? Tell me about a specific experience.
Okay, fine. The pool. Let me tell you about a *specific* experience. One afternoon, I was feeling particularly… blah. The world felt like it was made of concrete, and I was pretty sure my brain was going to melt. So, I dragged myself to the pool. The sun was beating down, the water was cool, and I just… floated. And then, this little kid, maybe five years old, started doing these *amazing* dives. Like, Olympic-level dives. I just watched him for a solid half hour. He was so joyful, so unselfconscious. And in that moment, all the "blah" just… evaporated. I felt a tiny little spark of joy myself. I’m not saying the pool cured my existential dread, but it helped. It really did. The simple things, you know? That kidStay Finder Blogs
