Text and Photos by Henrylito D. Tacio
Whenever I go to Davao City, I usually stay in a hotel. I have stayed in some of the city’s finest hotels. But there are hotels that are better than others. There are also hotels which are not really known – either because no one talks about them or they are completely unknown to those who are not from the city (like me).
Just recently, I discovered a hotel that really surprised me. It seems like a cliché but Alu Hotel in Davao City seems like a home away from home.
I arrived almost at lunch time and the front desk was very accommodating when I told her I had a reservation. After completing all the requirements (filling out the form), I was given the key and was accompanied to my room. Even the security guard was very friendly. All of them represent the hotel well; they took their work seriously and gave the best for their guests.
The first thing I observed was that the hotel is very clean (as it has been renovated). It was opened to the public in 2011 but due to the recent pandemic, it was closed. It reopened in November 2022.
If you are wondering what kind of a hotel is Alu, allow me to quote its brochure: “(It) is your urban comfort within your reach, centrally located at the heart of business district in downtown Davao. The hotel provides a cozy yet comfortable backdrop for both business and leisure in the metropolis.”
Its tagline is: “Your urban leisure with resident chick appeal.” How come? Well, Alu Hotel “provide a combined world-class service consolidated with traditional and personalized service – a unique balance of substance and style in a business boutique hotel.”
Experience maximum comfort with its 10 standard rooms (twin or matrimonial), 7 deluxe rooms (twin or queen-size beds), 3 junior suites (king-sized bed), 3 family rooms (queen-sized bed and one single bed which is good for 3 persons), and one presidential suite (good for 2 but maximum for 4 persons). Prices range from P2,600 to P6,000. You can also avail its promo rates.
Alu Hotel offers amenities that are worth your money. All rooms are non-smoking but there’s a WIFI (be sure to ask the front desk for the password). You can also avail concierge service, airline booking and reconfirmation, transportation and tour services, laundry service and pressing. Massage can be done upon request.
Other facilities include: business center, meeting and conference room, 24-hour service elevator, 24-hour front desk, 24-hour security service, 24-hour standby generator (in case there is brownout), room service (private dining service), and outdoor lounge (veranda).
Guestrooms features and amenities include cable satellite television, individually controlled air conditioning unit, telephone system, writing desk, private toilet and shower with hot and cold water, and complimentary bottled water. If you run out of water, you can always refill it with a water dispenser located at the lobby of each floor.
All of those mentioned features and amenities are also included in the suites plus coffee/tea making facilities and mini-refrigerator.
Situated in the heart of the city, Alu Hotel is an accessible destination that will make you feel like you can go anywhere. As it is located along M. Roxas Avenue and Padre Fauna Street (formerly called Artiaga Street), the hotel is accessible to countless shopping malls, galleries, trade and convention centers.
Museums, schools, hospitals and historical sites, including the famous People’s Park and Magsaysay Park are just a distance away. You can hire a taxi or even take a jeepney while going to these places.
If you arrive in Davao City from the Davao International Airport, Alu is just about 25 minutes away. If you want to visit tourist destinations like Philippine Eagle Center, Eden Nature Park, Davao Crocodile Park, and Malagos Garden Resort (don’t miss Chocolate Museum), you can always ask the front desk for directions.
Other nearby attractions include: Mandaya Weaving Center, Davao Candy Factory, and Davao Fruits Market. The nearest museums are Davao Museum, Bone Collector’s Museum, and Museo Dabawenyo).
If you are spiritually-inclined, you can visit the following: Buddhist Temple, San Pedro Cathedral, Davao Mission of Seventh-Day Adventists, and Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague.
What is a big bonus when you stay in Alu Hotel is that the famed Roxas Night Market is just a walking distance away. So, you need to hire a taxi or jeepney just to have fun and eat at night. It’s right in front of the hotel.
“Yes, you don’t have to worry about anything when you stay at Alu Hotel,” said Roxan M. Obregon, the general manager.
Chef Julian’s is a dining restaurant that offers Filipino dishes, American cuisine and other Asian foods. It also offers a Pay Day Buffet every 15-30 (or 31) of the month. It is open from 6 in the morning until 9 in the evening.
Aside from providing food for the hotel’s guests and visitors and to those who attend conferences and meetings at the hotel, Chef Julian’s also accept catering for special occasions like wedding, birthdays, anniversaries and reunions.
“We are ready to serve those who want to try our mouth-watering foods,” said Armi S. Braga, the restaurant’s general manager.
Alu Hotel is owned by the Association Labor Union and is managed by Associated Workers Realty Management Corporation. The current national president is Michael Mendoza with Gerard Seno as national vice president. – ###
