Dumaguete, Philippines is a coastal city on the island of Negros with a history that includes pirate attacks and the Philippine-American War in 1901. C & L Suites Inn overlooks the city’s most iconic building, the Dumaguete Belfry. The bell tower was constructed in 1871 as a watchtower to warn townspeople about pirate attacks. A few blocks away is Rizal Boulevard, a stretch of road along the coast that parallels Seaside Park. C & L Suites Inn is also close to historic Silliman University. Established in 1901, and on the list of National Landmarks, the university is a lovely spot of colonial style buildings and leafy acacia trees. The anthropology museum on campus is worth a visit.
The Dumaguete Bellfry that houses the bell that once warned of pirates
C&L Suites location places it in the midst of history, scenery and Dumaguete’s dining hot spots. The close proximity to the ferry terminal also makes the island Siguijor with its white sand beaches easily accessible. The hotel’s location is one reason why I picked it.
Because I was traveling with my dad, I also needed a two bed room. Our room had one twin and one double bed, and all that we needed for our four night stay. Although, on the last night, our luggage stayed by itself since we worked in a one-night trip to the island Siguijor. The $34 dollar a night price point, made the convenience of not hauling our luggage with us totally worth it. Plus, we were given a late check out which meant we had access to a shower once we arrived back at the hotel.
Our room was clean and comfortable with air-conditioning, cable and plenty of electric light sockets. The free Wi-Fi worked. The bathroom with its walk-in shower was roomy and spotless,and the hot water was reliable. Our early morning wake up call came right on time. When we asked for more towels and fresh pillow cases, they were delivered right away.
One thing I like about hotels like this one is the sense that one is traveling like a local, and it captures a sense of place. The bright paint colors and fish and coral motif did remind me a bit of 1950s style motels one might find in Florida, but the ambiance was definitely The Philippines.
Every time we left or arrived a doorman opened the door for us with a hello and a smile and the included breakfast had Filipino style breakfast items. My favorite is bangus (milk fish), that is fried and so delicious. I’m also a fan of the corned beef that’s typical to breakfast and was part of the C & L Suite’s hot buffet items. The coffee was okay but instead of cream there was powdered creamer.
The breakfast is served on the top floor in the restaurant that used to be a bar. There are great views of the mountains and of the streets of Dumaguete below.
The restaurant where breakfast is served on the top floor
The 7-11 across the street was convenient for buying snacks and a good cup of coffee with half and half for our road trip. Jollibee, The Philippines version of a fast food hamburger place was just two blocks away. I also found a place for a pedicure across the street from C & L Suites Inn. My dad liked C & L Suites Inn as much as I did.
I booked our room through Hotels.com. Room options include one queen bed and two twin beds. There are 27 guest rooms.
Post and photos courtesy of Jamie Rhein
