Canyon Cove Hotel & Spa

Canyon Cove Beach Club stands out for its beachfront location and large centralized pool surrounded by palm trees and red-roofed awnings shading picnic tables. Inside, the crown molding of the lobby walls are impressive, as are the dark gray glossy floors. There’s a sitting area with black chairs and tables lit by a darling chandelier. However, the area feels functional in design with lines of guests waiting to be checked in by way of poles with retractable belts -- something you might see in an airport. The queues are long here according to many guests, with some claiming up to an hour’s wait to check in. Families are the main clientele of the hotel, drawn to the pool and beachfront location. Past guests have also complained about cleanliness issues. 

Canyon Cove Beach Club sits in a remote beachfront location just off the Nasugbu - Ternate Highway. It’s a location that draws travelers for the many beaches and coves that dot the coast, which is about the full extent of the area’s draw. There’s not much around beyond other hotels, though a seven-minute drive will take travelers to the city center of Wawa which has restaurants and some shopping. Batangas City is an hour and 12-minute drive away. It takes just over two hours to reach the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. 

The rooms at Canyon Cove Beach are all similar, with a minimalist design that is both simple and dated. Bamboo or wooden furniture blends in with the tiled brown floors and wooden beds. The only hint of color is in the yellow or green bed runners. Rooms often have spacious terraces or balconies, and though some have ocean views, they’re all unfurnished. Amenities here include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, safes, refrigerators, and kettles. Some upper-level rooms have microwaves, but all rooms lack Wi-Fi. Bathrooms vary in datedness, though many have granite countertops and cream or white tiling. Showers, toiletries, and hairdryers are provided. Levels of cleanliness and maintenance are reportedly low with complaints concerning smells, mold, and scuffs on furniture.

Direct beach access and stunning swimming pools keep Canyon Cove Beach Club in the hotel game. The beach is a little rocky, but it draws many travelers here, as does the large outdoor swimming pool and children’s pool. Given that the hotel hosts a lot of visitors, it might come as a surprise that it only has one restaurant and a snack bar that serves all meals (Filipino and international dishes), so complaints concerning slow service, poor food quality, and buffets that run out, are not so surprising. The free breakfast is certainly part of the problem as it only provides basic Filipino options such as eggs, meats, and rice. Some even report the meal being served in coffee cups. However, travelers can pay for a breakfast upgrade which offers more options. As far as other amenities, there’s no gym or spa on-site, just sports activities like beach volleyball or kayaks to rent. A children’s playroom and playground are nice perks for families. Meeting spaces and a business center are available, as is free Wi-Fi in the lobby only. Free parking is provided. And for those who forgot any beach-related items, there’s a boutique that sells stuff like sunscreen, beach toys, and swimsuits.