Escape to Paradise: Unforgettable Stay at Manado's Best Western Lagoon Hotel
Escape to Paradise (or at least, Manado's Best Western Lagoon): A Review with a Side of Seabreeze and Slightly Overcooked Eggs
Alright, folks, buckle up buttercups! I'm back from the depths of North Sulawesi and ready to spill the (slightly salty) tea on the Best Western Lagoon Hotel in Manado. Forget pristine travelogue prose, this is going to be a rambling, real-life experience, complete with shaky memories and the occasional OMG-that's-hilarious moment. Consider this your (hopefully) comprehensive (and potentially chaotic) guide!
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- Description: A brutally honest and hilariously detailed review of the Best Western Lagoon Hotel in Manado, Indonesia. Discover the good, the bad, and the gloriously messy bits of this tropical escape, from accessibility to the breakfast buffet. Prepare for opinions, anecdotes, and maybe a few slightly overcooked eggs (metaphorically speaking, of course).
Accessibility: (Let's Be Real, Important Stuff First)
Okay, so accessibility. This is a big deal, and I’m happy to report that the Lagoon mostly delivers here. Wheelchair accessible? YES! There are elevators (a Godsend!), ramps, and rooms designed with accessibility in mind. Now, the however: getting around the pool area could be tricky, especially if it's crowded. Think navigating a minefield of sunbathers. Still, a thumbs up overall.
Rooms (Ah, My Sanctuary…Or, You Know, Just a Room):
The rooms themselves? Decently spacious and clean. Air conditioning, check. Free Wi-Fi (yes, in all rooms!), HUGE check. Free bottled water, another check! (You gotta stay hydrated in the tropics, people.) The bed? Comfy enough. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver, helping me combat the sun and get some much-needed sleep. I'm a sucker for a good blackout curtain!
I had a room on a high floor, with a decent view of the sea. The bathtub, and separate shower, were nice too. However, I found the TV channels a bit limited. I mean, who needs a million channels when you have the ocean view? But still, it's something to consider.
Internet Access (Because, Reality!)
Let's dive deep here, folks. Free Wi-Fi in the rooms was a huge plus. Not so amazing was my work laptop, which kept being disconnected. I'd say the Internet [LAN] was a more reliable connection, but still needed some TLC.
Cleanliness and Safety (Priorities!)
This is where the Lagoon really shines. And it's important, especially now. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Double check. Staff trained in safety protocol? Absolutely. I felt genuinely safe, and that's a massive relief when you're in a foreign land. Hand sanitizer was everywhere, which I appreciated. Rooms sanitized between stays? You bet your bottom dollar.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Fueling the Adventure):
Okay, the food. The breakfast buffet… Ah, breakfast. The Asian breakfast options were on point -- delicious noodles, savory dishes, but the Western breakfast felt a bit…underwhelming. The Breakfast [buffet] was okay, if you’re okay with potentially overcooked eggs and bacon that was a bit on the chewy side. Coffee was a bit weak and needed serious help. Their Coffee/Tea in the restaurant was better.
The Asian cuisine in the restaurant was a highlight. The local dishes were flavorful and authentic. The Poolside bar was a godsend for sunset cocktails. Drinks were strong, which helped ease the travel anxiety.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (Spa Days and Sunset Views)
The Pool with view was the real deal – gorgeous, especially at sunset. The Swimming pool [outdoor] was clean. I spent HOURS just floating about, letting my worries melt away. Spa/sauna?? Okay so I can't speak for this personally. Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage were really good, apparently but I spent my time relaxing in the swimming pool [outdoor]
Services and Conveniences (Making Life Easier):
Airport transfer was well-organized and a huge relief after a long flight. The service for that was efficient – and a godsend. The Concierge was helpful, and spoke fluent English, which made a huge difference. The Laundry service was a lifesaver (traveling light ain’t a thing for me). The Gift/souvenir shop had some cute trinkets, perfect for bringing home.
For the Kids (Family Fun):
They had Babysitting service and were Family/child friendly.. Now, while I did not have any children with me, It's clear the Lagoon caters to families.
Getting Around (Navigating the City):
They had Taxi service available. A good idea to negotiate the price beforehand.
The "Meh" Moments (Because Nothing's Perfect):
- The gym was a bit basic. I’m not a fitness fanatic, but it could do with a bit of an upgrade.
- The front desk, while always polite, could sometimes be a little slow during peak check-in/check-out times. Patience is a virtue, people!
Quirky Observations and Random Ramblings:
- One morning, I swear I saw a monkey eyeing the breakfast buffet. No kidding. I mean, I think I saw a monkey. Probably a figment of my imagination after too much strong coffee.
- The soundproofing in my room was excellent. I could barely hear the ocean, which was both good (peaceful sleep!) and slightly disappointing (missed the lullaby of the waves).
- I loved the fact that they had a smoke detector and fire extinguisher. Safety first!
Emotional Reactions (Honest Thoughts):
Overall, I loved my stay. The Best Western Lagoon in Manado isn't perfect, but it's a solid choice, especially considering the price. The staff are genuinely friendly, the security is top-notch, and the pool is simply divine.
The Verdict?
Would I go back? ABSOLUTELY. The imperfections are part of the charm. If you're looking for a comfortable, safe, and reasonably priced base to explore Manado and its surrounding islands, the Best Western Lagoon is a winner. Just be prepared for potentially slightly overcooked eggs. And maybe, just maybe, keep an eye out for the monkeys. You never know!
Important Note: This review is based on my personal experience. Your mileage may vary, but hopefully, this gives you a good idea of what to expect. Go forth, and enjoy paradise!
Longboat Key Paradise: Luxury Awaits at the Club & Resort
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly polished travelogue. We're diving headfirst into the messy, glorious reality of a trip to Best Western The Lagoon Hotel in Manado, Indonesia. And trust me, it’s going to be… an experience.
Trip: A Messy Manado Misadventure
Theme Song: (Plays in my head constantly) “Kokomo” - The Beach Boys. Seriously, that song haunted me the entire damn trip.
Day 1: Arrival & Jet Lagged Delusions (and that awful coconut water)
- 6:00 AM (ish) - The Flight from Hell: Okay, so the flight was… long. Brutally long. And filled with a screaming baby who seemed to specialize in opera. I swear, I aged a decade just trying to get to Manado.
- 12:00 PM - Arrival (and the Great Baggage Carousel Battle): Finally! Landed! The air was thick, humid, and smelled faintly of… adventure? Or maybe just airplane exhaust. Finding my luggage was like a weird Hunger Games, except the prize was a slightly crumpled suitcase. I swear I saw a guy almost shove an elderly lady aside for a red, suspiciously oversized inflatable flamingo. Savage.
- 1:00 PM - Best Western Check-In (and the Illusion of Welcome): The lobby looked… nice. Pretty. Air-conditioned. Thank God. Check-in was painless, which is always a win. The staff were super smiley, which, I suspect, is part of their job description. But where are these smiles hiding those dark, tired eyes? (I get it, hotel life is rough; I salute you!)
- 2:00 PM - Room Reveal (and the Existential Crisis of Hotel Carpets): My room! Okay, it’s… clean. The view of the pool is… a view. The carpet? Oh, the carpet. It's one of those patterns that's trying very hard not to show dirt, and it's probably seen some things. Many, many things. I'm suddenly keenly aware of all the feet that have walked on it, and I start to question the life choices that led me here.
- 3:00 PM - The Coconut Water Debacle: Feeling brave (and dehydrated), I ordered fresh coconut water from the hotel bar. Big mistake. Sweet, and a bit… odd. Maybe it was the jet lag, or the intense humidity, but it tasted vaguely of sadness and disappointment. I think I managed to sip a quarter before giving up. I decided that coconut water and I were not meant to be (sadly, I'd be chasing this flavor for the following days)
- 3:30 PM - Naptime (aka, the body's desperate plea for survival): Slept for three hours. Woke up feeling like I’d been hit by a bus, but marginally less confused.
- 6:30 PM - Dinner (and the first actual food for the day): Tried the hotel restaurant. The food was… okay. The service, surprisingly, was impeccable. Maybe it was the language barrier, but I couldn’t find the humor.
Day 2: Bunaken Island & Underwater Wonders (and the Sea Sickness Blues)
- 7:00 AM - Breakfast (and the Dread of the Buffet): Okay, buffets are both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because, hello, FOOD. A curse because you end up eating everything and feeling like a bloated whale. The coffee, though, was surprisingly good.
- 8:00 AM - Bunaken Bound (and the Reality of Speedboats): The hotel arranged a boat trip to Bunaken Island, famous for its incredible diving and snorkeling. The speedboat ride was exhilarating. And by exhilarating, I mean terrifying. I was practically clinging to the seat, convinced we were going to flip over and become fish food.
- 9:00 AM - Snorkelling (and the Blurry Underwater Chaos): The water! The coral! The fish! It was absolutely stunning. Seriously, breathtaking. But I'm not a strong swimmer. I also forgot the life vest… So I spent a good chunk of my time flailing about, swallowing seawater (delicious) and trying not to panic. The fish, thankfully, were oblivious to my near-death experience.
- 11:00 AM - The Dive Trip From Hell (and the Sea Sickness): I should never have even considered diving. I'm not a diver. I'm not comfortable a few feet underwater, but I do not want to miss out on the experience. The dive was… well, an experience. The instructor was patient but firm. However, the second time I was in the water, I felt sick, and started vomiting. I had to return to the boat, where I suffered the consequences in the bathroom. Not recommended!
- 2:00 PM - Lunch on the Beach (and the Unbearable Sunlight): Back on Bunaken, for lunch. The grilled fish was good. The sun was brutal. I reapplied sunscreen about a million times. I think I'm now more burnt than some of the underwater coral.
- 4:00 PM - The Return (and the Revenge of the Speedboat): The ride back was even worse. I was feeling sick, and I spent the entire time praying to Poseidon to spare me. Let's just say I was very, very happy to be back on dry land.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner (and the Bitter Taste of Sea Water): Back at the hotel, I tried to eat something. My stomach, however, had other ideas. It was sushi, and it tasted salty, as if I were still swimming in the ocean.
Day 3: Poolside Bliss & Manado Town Wanderings (and the Quest for Decent Coffee)
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast (and the Coffee Crisis): The coffee at the hotel was… a disappointment. Weak. Bland. A total letdown. My mission for the rest of the trip became finding a decent cup of coffee. I'm not proud of it, but it became my life's purpose, haha.
- 9:00 AM - Pool Day (and the Art of Doing Absolutely Nothing): The pool was actually pretty great, and the pool staff where on point. Finally, some peace! I spent the morning reading a book, occasionally dipping in the water to cool off, and basically embracing the art of doing absolutely nothing. This is what vacations are all about, right?
- 12:00 PM - Manado Town Exploration (and the Traffic Nightmare): I ventured out to the city. The traffic was… intense. Like, crazy, Mad Max-esque. I saw scooters carrying families of five, and cars honking incessantly. It was a sensory overload.
- 1:00 PM - Shopping (and the Perils of Bargaining): Did some shopping at a local market. Bargaining is a whole other skill I don't possess. I probably overpaid for everything, but the people were so friendly, and I just wanted to get out of the sun.
- 2:00 PM - The Coffee Hunt (and the Golden Bean): After a long search, I FINALLY found some decent coffee at a small café. It was a life-affirming experience. I sat there, sipping my coffee, the world suddenly a brighter place.
- 3:00 PM - Back to the Hotel (and the Sweet Embrace of Air Conditioning): The heat was getting to me. I retreated to the air-conditioned sanctuary of my room.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner (and the realization that I'm eating alone): Back at the hotel restaurant, again. The food was… edible. I started to feel a bit lonely. But hey, it’s a journey of self-discovery, right? (Or maybe I just needed a friend? Sigh.)
Day 4: More Adventures…and the looming Departure.
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast (and the impending doom): The usual, but the anticipation of departure makes me feel a bit sad.
- 9:00 AM - Relaxation (and the slow realization that it is over): Sunbathing, and thinking of what I should pack before leaving.
- 12:00 PM - Check-out (and the dreaded goodbye): I left the hotel, and then to the airport.
Day 5: Departure & Farewell
- 6:00 AM - Departure (and the end of the adventure): Well, I am not feeling well. However, I made it, and I can say it's not the best of my trips, but I'm happy to have experienced all of this.
Final Thoughts (and the inevitable post-vacation blues):
Manado was… an experience. It was chaotic, beautiful, frustrating, and utterly unforgettable. It's not perfect. But it was real. And now that I'm back home, staring at a mountain of laundry and a serious lack of sunshine, I actually miss it. I miss the heat, the chaos, the slightly questionable coconut water (maybe).
So, if you're considering a trip to Manado, go. Embrace the mess. The fish. The humidity. The slightly underwhelming hotel food. And, for God'
Charleston Getaway: Unforgettable Stay at Holiday Inn Riverview!
Okay, Manado? Seriously? Why the Best Western Lagoon Hotel? Isn't that, like, the *default* hotel?
Alright, alright, I hear you. "Best Western? Sounds…generic." Trust me, I felt the same, especially after seeing all those Instagram-perfect bungalows and infinity pools. But here's the deal: I was on a budget (hello, reality!), and the photos looked decent. Plus, my friend, bless her heart, booked it without *fully* reading options. So, yeah…there I was. But plot twist! It wasn't *terrible*. Actually, it was kinda…good. Really good, at times. And hey, sometimes the default is a good default! Think of it as the comfy, reliable friend you can always count on, even if they’re not the life of the party. (Though the Lagoon *did* have a pretty decent pool bar…)
The Room: What was it *really* like? Spill the tea!
Okay, let's get specific. The room... it was clean. *Gasp*. And surprisingly spacious. I'm talking, enough space to actually unpack and not feel like you're living in a slightly upgraded shoebox. There was a balcony! Which was crucial for assessing the weather and generally feeling like I wasn't trapped inside. The air conditioning? A life-saver. Manado is *humid*. The bathroom…well, the shower was a bit… temperamental. Sometimes it'd be a gentle drizzle, sometimes a full-on monsoon. I learned to just embrace the chaos. Plus, the towels were fluffy! Small victories, people, small victories. Oh, and the view? Mostly the pool. Which, again, not complaining. I saw a few spectacular sunsets from that balcony, and those alone were worth the price of admission. And then, of course, there was the occasional, "what is that noise?" situation; sounds from the street, early morning roosters, etc, but again, reality is a messy thing. It keeps life interesting.
The Food! Did they have actual Indonesian food? And was it, you know, edible?
YES! Thank goodness. I'd have rioted otherwise. The breakfast buffet was…a *mixed bag*. There were the usual suspects – eggs, toast, some questionable pastries. But then! There was the Indonesian corner. Plates of Nasi Goreng, Mie Goreng, and (my personal obsession) spicy little sambal sauces that made my tastebuds sing! The first morning, I was so cautious, afraid of tourist tummy-trouble and everything. By the third day? I was piling it on! And absolutely loving every single bite. It was a culinary adventure, a delightful and slightly risky gamble that almost always paid off. The restaurant at the Lagoon Hotel was decent, too. Tried the *Cilp* (pork dish) which was something to die for. And the staff was so friendly – smiling, patient with my terrible Bahasa Indonesia, and always refilling my iced tea (a necessity in that heat!). Honestly, the food was a high point. Maybe even *the* high point. I'm still dreaming about those sambals…
What about the Pool? Was it *Instagrammable* at least?
Okay, the pool. This deserves its own section. (Or maybe a whole chapter!) The Lagoon's pool…was it *Instagrammable*? Well, it wasn’t *that* infinity pool overlooking a volcanic landscape. No. But, and this is important, it was clean! It was refreshing! And it had a swim-up bar! (See previous note about the pool bar). Which, let’s be honest, is the most important thing in life sometimes, after food and AC. The bar staff knew how to make a mean cocktail. I spent, ahem, a *significant* amount of time there. Floating, sipping my drink, and watching the world go by. There was one afternoon where I got caught in a sudden, torrential downpour while in the pool… and I swear, it was the best, most invigorating, and funny experience of the whole trip. I was the only one out there. Splashing around and laughing at the heavens above. That pool became my private oasis, my sanctuary. So, not necessarily "Instagrammable" in the perfectly sculpted way, but definitely "memory-making" in the messy, wonderful, slightly tipsy way. (Don’t tell anyone about that one!) The pool was a total highlight. And, in some ways, that’s what Manado is all about: embracing the unexpected, the imperfect, the absolutely wonderful.
Location, Location, Location! Was it central? Easy to walk around?
Um, well… let's say it wasn’t *in the center of everything*. It was close enough to the main road, easy to access taxis, and a short ride to the city center. But, you know, it wasn’t bang in the middle of the action. Walking around wasn't really an option, the sidewalks were mostly non-existent or downright treacherous. Taxis were readily available and crazy cheap, though. So, not ideal for spontaneous strolls, but perfectly fine for getting around. This could be a pro or a con, depending on your travel style. I’m a walker, but after a day of diving (more on that later!), I was happy to hop into a taxi! And honestly, the distance from the 'main drag' meant it was quieter. I appreciated that. So, slightly inconvenient but overall, not a deal-breaker.
The staff at the Lagoon Hotel: How were they? Grumpy or Gracious?
Oh my god, the staff! They were genuinely lovely. Like, ridiculously friendly. Always a smile, always helpful, always eager to go the extra mile. I swear the front desk guy remembered my name (or maybe he had everyone's names memorized – impressive either way!). Housekeeping was prompt and efficient. The restaurant staff, as mentioned before, were amazing, particularly when I was attempting to order something complicated in my broken Indonesian. There was this one bellhop as well, I don't recall his name, but he was always smiling, and seemed to know everything about everywhere. I'm a firm believer that good service can *make* a trip. They definitely made mine infinitely better. They were gracious, helpful, and made me feel truly welcome. They are the real treasures of the Best Western Lagoon and Manado.
Is the Best Western Lagoon actually 'Escape to Paradise'? Or is that just marketing fluff?
Okay, that's the million-dollar question, isn't it? "Escape to Paradise"...it's a bold claim, and frankly, I rolled my eyes a bit when I saw it. Was it pristine, perfectly polished paradise? Nah. Did it have a few quirks and imperfections? Absolutely. Did it offer a genuinely enjoyable, memorable, and yes, *relaxing* experience? Without a doubt. I'd say it was a slightly scuffed, pleasantly flawed paradise. It was a place where I could drink cocktails by the pool, eat delicious food I didn't have to cook, sleep in a comfortable bed, and explore the incredible natural beauty of Manado. And after all, isn't that kind of paradise? It wasn't the InstagramMountain Stay
