Luxury Loop Tower Condo: 2BR Oasis in Cagayan de Oro!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the Luxury Loop Tower Condo: 2BR Oasis in Cagayan de Oro! – and trust me, I've got thoughts. This isn't your slick, sanitized travel review; this is the real deal, warts and all (hopefully not too many warts, because, you know, cleanliness and all that).
First Impressions: The Elevator and the "Oasis" Promise
Okay, so the website promised an "oasis." My first thought? Cagayan de Oro can get hot. An oasis sounds amazing. The Loop Tower itself? Shiny. Modern. Kinda intimidating. The elevator ride was… well, it was an elevator ride. Smooth, thankfully. No dramatic plunges that would ruin the "oasis" vibe right off the bat. The promise of a 2BR condo? Now we're talking. Space is key when you're trying to unwind, or, you know, avoid your travel companion for a few hours.
Accessibility: Navigating the Maze (and My Own Two Feet)
Let's be real, accessibility is HUGE. I'm not in a wheelchair, thank goodness, but knowing a place could accommodate someone who is? Huge plus. They say it's got facilities for disabled guests. I didn't personally test it out (again, thankfully), but it's on the list, which is a good start. The elevator, obviously, is a must. Getting around the lobby and common areas seemed pretty straightforward. No crazy stairs or treacherous inclines. So far, so good.
Inside the Fortress (or Condo): The 2BR Breakdown
The room itself? Okay, wow. Let's start with the good: space. Glorious, glorious space. Two bedrooms meant I could spread out my (admittedly excessive) travel gear. The decor? Modern, clean, maybe a little generic, but hey, I'm not here to judge interior design. (Though, I am judging the lack of a quirky local art piece. Missed opportunity, Loop Tower, missed opportunity).
- Available in all rooms: The Nitty Gritty
- Air conditioning: Absolutely necessary. Cagayan de Oro heat is no joke.
- Alarm clock: Useful. Unless you’re like me and rely on the internal panic of a looming deadline to wake you up.
- Bathrobes: Plush. Nice touch. Made me feel like a high-roller, even though I was just ordering room service.
- Bathroom phone: Seriously? Who uses a bathroom phone anymore? (I did not).
- Bathtub: Yes! Perfect for soaking away the day.
- Blackout curtains: YES! Slept like a baby. Or, you know, a relatively well-rested adult.
- Carpeting: Fine. Not my favorite, but it's clean, so I'm okay.
- Closet: Plenty of space for my… stuff.
- Coffee/tea maker: Crucial for morning survival.
- Complimentary tea: Nice touch.
- Daily housekeeping: Excellent. My inner neat freak was thrilled.
- Desk: Useful for, you know, pretending to work.
- Extra long bed: Appreciated. (I'm tall-ish).
- Free bottled water: Hydration is key!
- Hair dryer: Essential. (Don’t judge my hair).
- High floor: The view! More on that later.
- In-room safe box: Peace of mind.
- Interconnecting room(s) available: Good for families, maybe.
- Internet access – LAN & Wireless: Reliable internet. No complaints.
- Ironing facilities: Didn't use them. I'm on vacation!
- Laptop workspace: See "Desk".
- Linens: Clean, crisp.
- Mini bar: Tempting. Resisted. (Mostly).
- Mirror: Lots of mirrors. Good for self-assessment.
- Non-smoking: Thank goodness.
- On-demand movies: Perfect for a chill night in.
- Private bathroom: Always a win.
- Reading light: Essential for late-night bookworms.
- Refrigerator: Useful for keeping drinks cold.
- Safety/security feature: Always appreciated.
- Satellite/cable channels: The usual suspects.
- Scale: Shudders. (I avoided).
- Seating area: Comfortable.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Luxury!
- Shower: Good water pressure.
- Slippers: Nice touch.
- Smoke detector: Safety first!
- Socket near the bed: Genius!
- Sofa: Comfy.
- Soundproofing: Worked! No hallway noise.
- Telephone: Didn't use.
- Toiletries: The basics.
- Towels: Fluffy.
- Umbrella: Didn't need it.
- Visual alarm: Important for accessibility.
- Wake-up service: Never used it. (See: Alarm clock).
- Wi-Fi [free]: Works perfectly.
- Window that opens: Fresh air!
The "Oasis" Factor: Things to Do (and Not Do)
Okay, the real test: does it feel like an oasis? Well, they've got a swimming pool (outdoor, with a view!), a fitness center (didn't go, but it looked well-equipped), and a spa (tempting! More on that later).
- Pool with View: The pool was… amazing. Infinity pool overlooking the city. Seriously Instagrammable. The view was breathtaking, especially at sunset. I spent a solid afternoon just floating around, pretending I was a mermaid.
- Spa: I did succumb to the spa. And, wow. I got a massage. It was heavenly. Seriously, the best massage I've had in ages. Pure bliss. They also offer body scrubs and body wraps. Maybe next time? I'm already planning my return.
- Fitness Center: I intended to go to the gym. I really did. But the pool won. And the massage. So, no report on the fitness center. Sorry!
- Sauna & Steamroom: Didn't try it. Too busy being pampered.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Oasis Experience
The Loop Tower offers a decent selection of dining options.
- Restaurants: They have a few restaurants. I sampled the Asian cuisine. It was pretty good, but not mind-blowing.
- Bar: Yes! Perfect for a pre-dinner cocktail. They do a happy hour, which is always a bonus.
- Poolside bar: Yes! You can sip cocktails while floating in the pool. Genius.
- Coffee shop: Didn't try it, but it's there for your caffeine needs.
- Room service [24-hour]: A lifesaver. Because sometimes, you just want to stay in your robe and eat a burger.
- Breakfast [buffet]: They have a breakfast buffet. It's got the usual suspects (Western and Asian options). The coffee was… okay.
- Snack bar: Handy for grabbing a quick bite.
- A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bottle of water, Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: All the usual suspects.
Cleanliness and Safety: The "Is This Actually Safe?" Factor
Okay, this is important. In the current climate, you want to feel safe. The Loop Tower gets major points here.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Check.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Hygiene certification: They have it.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Good for peace of mind.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Enforced.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Check.
- Room sanitization between stays: Check.
- Safe dining setup: Check.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Check.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Check.
- Sterilizing equipment: Check.
I felt safe. Seriously. They've clearly put a lot of effort into this.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
They've got all the usual services:
- Air conditioning in public area: Obviously
Okay, buckle up buttercups! This isn't your grandma's meticulously color-coded itinerary. This is… me trying to survive a trip to the Philippines, specifically The Loop Tower in Cagayan de Oro, and documenting the glorious mess of it all. Pray for me.
Trip Title: Operation: Loop-de-Loop (and Pray I Don't Lose My Mind)
Duration: 5 Glorious (and potentially disastrous) Days
Accommodation: Aesthetic 2 Bedroom The Loop Tower, Limketkai, Cagayan de Oro (fingers crossed it actually is aesthetic and not just a glorified shoebox)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Limketkai Orientation (aka, Where Did My Luggage Go?)
- Morning (a.k.a. the pre-dawn panic): Arrived at Laguindingan Airport (Laguindingan, not the fanciest name, but hey, it's the gateway to adventure, right?). Holy moly, the humidity hit me like a brick wall. Instantly regretted my "cute" linen pants. And… where IS my luggage?! Apparently, it's currently vacationing in Manila. Perfect. Just perfect. Cue the internal scream.
- Mid-Morning (the slow, agonizing wait): After wrestling with the airport staff (who were, bless their hearts, trying their best), managed to secure a taxi to The Loop Tower. The drive was… an experience. Dodging jeepneys, motorbikes carrying entire families, and the sheer, unadulterated chaos of Filipino traffic. My anxiety levels spiked. Good thing I brought my emergency stash of chocolate.
- Afternoon (the apartment reveal… and the fridge exploration): Finally, The Loop Tower! Okay, the lobby is kinda fancy. The apartment… well, it's definitely an apartment. Aesthetics? Debatable. Functional? Mostly. Two bedrooms, check. Air conditioning that works, double check! The view? Spectacular. Overlooking the city, with the mountains in the distance. Okay, maybe this won't be a complete disaster. First order of business: the fridge. Found some local snacks and a cold bottle of something bubbly. Instant mood lifter.
- Evening (Limketkai Center madness): Okay, Limketkai Center. It's HUGE. Like, I got lost twice. Found a decent restaurant (thank god for Google Maps!), and attempted to order something that wasn't deep-fried. Failed miserably. Ended up with some sort of fried chicken situation. Hey, at least it was delicious. Wandered around, people-watching, getting a feel for the place. Filipino hospitality is real, y’all! Everyone is so darn friendly.
Day 2: Adventures in Waterfalls and the Existential Dread of Tourist Traps
- Morning (Canyon de Oro): Booked a tour to Canyon de Oro. The drive was… long. And bumpy. And full of questionable music choices. The scenery, though? Breathtaking. The canyon itself was stunning, the water a brilliant turquoise. But the crowds… ugh. Tourist trap central. Still, jumping off a cliff into that water? Pure adrenaline rush. Worth it. Totally worth it.
- Afternoon (the art gallery that wasn't): Apparently, there's an art gallery in CDO. Found the building, but it was closed. Sigh. Decided to drown my sorrows in a mango shake. Best decision of the day.
- Evening (food coma and the power of a good book): Back at the apartment, exhausted and sunburnt. Ordered some delivery (thank you, technology!). Fell into a food coma. Read a book. Bliss.
Day 3: White Water Rafting – Because Why Not?! (and the Great Camera Sacrifice)
- Morning (The Rafting Experience): White water rafting! Okay, this was the real adventure. The Cagayan de Oro River is known for its rapids. The anticipation was KILLING me. Got geared up (felt like a total pro). The initial rapids were exhilarating! Screaming, paddling, getting soaked. Then… disaster. My camera, in its waterproof case, decided to take a dive. RIP, camera. You served me well.
- Afternoon (post-rafting existential crisis): Sore, bruised, and camera-less. Had a long, hard think about life choices. Maybe I should have invested in a better waterproof case. Maybe I should have just stayed in bed. But hey, at least I have the memories (and a few blurry photos from my phone). Went to a local eatery and ate something, and the taste was just divine.
- Evening (rest and reflection): Spent the evening nursing my aching body and my bruised ego. Ordered another delivery. Ate a lot of snacks. Watched a movie. Realized that sometimes, the best adventures are the ones that go a little… wrong.
Day 4: Exploring the City and the Quest for Authentic Filipino Food (and Finding it!)
- Morning (the city exploration): Decided to explore the city on foot. Found a local market. The smells, the chaos, the vibrant energy… sensory overload in the best possible way. Bought some souvenirs (because, you know, obligations).
- Afternoon (the food quest): The mission: find real Filipino food. Not the tourist-ified stuff. Asked a local for recommendations. Ended up in a tiny, unassuming eatery. The food? Unbelievable. Adobo, sinigang, lechon… my taste buds were in heaven. This is what I came for. This is why I travel.
- Evening (a night market and a moment of Zen): Wandered through a night market, surrounded by the delicious smells of street food. Found a quiet spot to sit and watch the world go by. Feeling surprisingly content. Maybe this trip isn't a disaster after all.
Day 5: Departure and the Bitter-Sweet Farewell (and the Dream of Returning)
- Morning (packing and the final breakfast): Packing. Ugh. The worst part of any trip. But at least I have a suitcase full of memories (and a slightly heavier one thanks to all the souvenirs). Enjoyed a final, delicious Filipino breakfast.
- Afternoon (the airport dash and the mental recap): Back to Laguindingan Airport. This time, thankfully, my luggage showed up. Reflecting on the trip. The highs, the lows, the camera-related tragedies. It was messy, imperfect, and utterly unforgettable.
- Evening (the flight home and the yearning): On the plane, already dreaming of my return. The Philippines, you beautiful, chaotic, delicious place. I'll be back.
Final Thoughts:
This trip was a rollercoaster. I laughed, I cried (mostly because I lost my camera), I ate way too much fried food. I got lost, I got sunburnt, and I learned a valuable lesson: embrace the chaos. The Philippines, and Cagayan de Oro in particular, is a place that gets under your skin. It's a place that challenges you, frustrates you, and ultimately, leaves you wanting more. And you know what? That’s exactly what I got. I'll be back. You can bet on it.
Luxury 2BR, 2BA Golfside Oasis in General Santos City! (Parking Included!)
Luxury Loop Tower Condo: 2BR Oasis in Cagayan de Oro - Let's Get Real, Shall We?
Okay, Seriously, Is This Place *Actually* Luxurious? Like, No Hidden Caveats?
Alright, alright, let's cut the marketing fluff. "Luxury"? It depends on your definition. Yeah, the lobby is all marble-y and the staff *seem* to know what they're doing. I mean, they even open the door for you, which is a nice touch after you've been battling the Cagayan de Oro traffic. But... is it *true* luxury? Well, the aircon in the master bedroom decided to give up the ghost on my first night. Right after I'd bragged to my friend about the "impeccable climate control." So, yeah. Impeccable. (Insert dramatic eye roll here.) But! They fixed it the next day. So, points for responsiveness, I guess. The view? Spectacular. Especially at sunset. Worth the price of admission, even with the rogue aircon incident. Let's call it "aspirational luxury" with a touch of Cagayan de Oro charm.
The "2BR Oasis" bit. Is that, like, a *real* oasis? Or just fancy marketing speak?
Okay, I was skeptical. "Oasis"? In the middle of a bustling city? Turns out... kinda. The pool area is actually pretty legit. It's not the sprawling, Olympic-sized pool you see in the brochures, but it's clean, well-maintained, and the water *doesn't* smell like a public toilet. Bonus! I spent a whole afternoon there, just floating around and pretending I was on a tropical vacation. The downside? Kids. Lots of kids. And their parents, who, bless their hearts, don't always seem to have the most effective strategies for keeping the noise level down. So, peaceful oasis? Maybe between the hours of 2 and 4 AM. Otherwise, it's more of a "family-friendly oasis with occasional moments of serenity." Still good, though. Especially after a long day of trying to navigate the jeepneys.
What's the deal with the location? Is it actually *convenient*?
Convenient? Define convenient. It's in a pretty central location, near the malls, and a short (ish) ride to the Divisoria market. Which is both a blessing and a curse. The blessing? You can get your shopping done, eat at your favorite restaurant, and even catch a movie. The curse? Traffic. Oh, the traffic. You'll need the patience of a saint (or at least someone who's had a strong cup of coffee) to deal with it. I once spent 45 minutes trying to get a Grab ride. Forty-five minutes! It's a gamble. Sometimes it's a breeze, sometimes you're stuck in a metal box, contemplating your life choices. So, yeah, convenient. But plan accordingly. And maybe invest in a good book.
The Kitchen... Is it actually *usable*? Or just for show? Because I *like* to cook.
Okay, this is important. The kitchen is… passable. It's not the gourmet kitchen of your dreams, but it has the basics. A decent-sized fridge (essential!), a cooktop, and enough counter space to chop an onion without feeling claustrophobic. I actually *cooked* a meal there! (Bragging rights, people!) It wasn't a Michelin-star masterpiece, mind you. More like, a simple pasta dish. But still. The point is: you *can* cook. They could have used a few more pots and pans, and maybe a better set of knives. But overall, I give it a solid B. And hey, if you’re lucky, the previous tenant might have left behind some soy sauce. (Fingers crossed!) Just be prepared to wash dishes by hand. No dishwasher. (Sad face.)
What about the internet? Because, you know, work. And Netflix. Priorities.
The internet... ah, the internet. It's... spotty. Let's be honest. It's Cagayan de Oro. The internet is a fickle beast here. Sometimes it's blazing fast, allowing you to stream your favorite shows in glorious HD. Other times? Well, let's just say I spent a good hour staring at a buffering wheel, wondering if I should just give up on life. It’s not the condo’s fault, really. It's a city-wide issue. The building provides internet, but be prepared to invest in a backup plan. Like, a *really* good data plan. Or a stash of actual books. You know, the paper kind. I’d recommend both. Just in case.
Is it noisy? I'm a light sleeper and I'm already stressed.
Noise... Ugh. Okay, so, it's a condo. You're going to hear things. The building itself is generally pretty well-soundproofed, but you can still hear your neighbors. One night, I swear, I heard someone practicing the drums. At 2 AM. (Insert angry emoji here.) And the street noise? Well, Cagayan de Oro is a lively city. Jeepneys honking, motorbikes roaring, the occasional karaoke session spilling out from a nearby bar. It's part of the charm, I guess? (Maybe not at 3 AM.) If you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs. Or consider moving to a remote island. Just saying.
Overall: Would you recommend it? Be honest!
Okay, deep breaths. Would I recommend it? That's the million-peso question, isn't it? Look, it's got its flaws. The internet can be a pain. The traffic can be brutal. The aircon might betray you. But... the view is stunning. The pool is (mostly) relaxing. The location is convenient (when the traffic gods are on your side). And it's a comfortable place to live. It's not perfect, but it's home. And after a while, those little imperfections become part of the charm. So, yeah. I'd recommend it. Just go in with your eyes open. And pack your earplugs. And maybe a good data plan. And a sense of humor. You'll need it.
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