Marco Polo Davao

With tight security at the entrance, a manicured garden full of tropical plants and shrubs, and an imposing tower standing 20 stories tall, the Marco Polo Davao makes a strong first impression. While it doesn’t necessarily disappoint once inside, the interior design is a tad dated and conventional, with beige armchairs placed around wooden tables with glass tops in the lobby, seating with dark, old-fashioned upholstering in the bar, and a mix of contemporary and generic furniture in the main restaurant. There have been some attempts at updating spaces with modern lamps and wooden paneling on ceilings and walls, but carpets in some common spaces and rooms are frayed and stained, and the furniture looks slightly worn.  

The hotel caters to business travelers above all other types of guests, but there are a few perks that make this a surprisingly good pick for families as well, including a kids’ club, an outdoor pool, and spacious rooms that can sleep up to two adults and two kids below 12 years of age. With such a comprehensive list of amenities, the hotel draws a mixed crowd year-round, but the vibe is generally more business-oriented than kid-friendly. Families and vacationing couples may prefer the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao, which offers direct access to the bay and has a more relaxed atmosphere. Travelers attending events at the SMX Convention Center may want to consider the Park Inn by Radisson Davao, though it is a little bit more expensive. Red Planet Davao is a solid pick for those on a tighter budget, offering spotless rooms at great rates. 

The hotel is located on Roxas Avenue, a wide boulevard that goes almost all the way to the Davao Gulf. The area is busy and lively, with lots of local businesses, offices, and restaurants popular with locals, but there are few major attractions nearby. The Roxas night market, located a five-minute walk from the property, is the top sight in the neighborhood, and the People’s Park is a cute garden with an eye-catching durian-shaped building, many statues, and fountains just a 10-minute walk away. Other attractions, such as Long Hua Temple, the Upside Down House Museum, and the D’Bone Collector can all be reached within 15 minutes by car. The Davao Museum is a half-hour drive away, as is the Francisco Bangoy International Airport. The hotel offers airport transfers for a fee.

The hotel has 245 rooms, all spacious and light, with big windows offering view of the city, the mountains, or the Davao Gulf. Decor is business-like and mostly generic, with a largely earth-tone palette, a few pops of red, and white walls hung with one small painting above the bed. Entry-level units have more classic, slightly dated decor than upgraded units. Though lacking in charm and style, rooms are comfortable, with quality beds, big work desks, and seating areas with at least an armchair and small table. Stained, worn carpets are a common complaint among past guests, as is poor soundproofing between rooms. 

In-room amenities are good for a hotel in this price range, and include air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, and minibars. Additionally, Premier and higher-category rooms feature espresso machines, iPod docks, robes, and slippers. Travelers wanting a bit more luxury can book a Cabana Room or a suite, which come with a wide array of perks, including butlers, access to a private lounge with free breakfast, cocktails, and snacks, and personalized check-in. Bathrooms are classic in style, with green marble counters over dark-wood vanities, shower/tub combos, and antique-style taps. Cabana Suites have separate soaking tubs and showers. 

Located on the fourth floor, the 82-foot pool is surrounded by a narrow deck featuring a handful of padded loungers, umbrellas, and some tables and chairs. Directly adjacent is the Polo Bistro, a causal restaurant serving a tasty international menu for lunch and dinner, as well as drinks throughout the day. A well-reviewed breakfast is served at Cafe Marco, the hotel’s buffet, which offers a wide range of local and international options in a big dining room with show cooking stations. Additionally, the Lotus Court serves good Cantonese cuisine in a more formal atmosphere, while the lobby lounge is a laid-back spot for a snack and a drink. 

The spa is elegant and pleasant, with lots of wood accents, textured stone walls, and mood lighting. The menu includes private and couples’ treatments, as well as a range of salon services. The hotel also features a well-equipped fitness center with lots of cardio and strength-training machines, and a movement studio with a big mirror. The kids’ club hosts a range of daily activities for children between the ages of 3 and 12. There is also extensive event space on-site, including six meeting rooms and two ballrooms.