Spending the Rainy Day at Thunderbird Resort – Rizal

Because, it was a long weekend I’m sure everyone had plans on how to best spend it, may it be on an out-of-town trip or a staycation at home.

Since I was really looking forward to the first long weekend of the year, I made sure that I get to maximize the weekend by doing some personal errands and having some R&R.

Now, let’s talk about the R&R part!

We had complimentary day tour tickets for two at Thunderbird Resort – Rizal from my sister. Of course, she didn’t just give it for free but in exchange of something with lesser value. Anyways, Erick and I decided to avail it since it’s the long weekend and it’s expiring on September.

Thunderbird Resort – Rizal is luxury resort nestled in a valley along the Sierra Madre range. It’s located in Binangonan Rizal which is almost a 2-hour drive from Manila. The resort boasts its well-designed 41-room suite overlooking Manila and Laguna de Bay which gives a relaxing view up in the mountains. They have themed restaurants namely KOI Restaurant, Pool Bar for outdoor dining and Cabana Bar for parties. There’s also a world-class casino and an 18-hole golf course inside their huge property. In the hotel facade, there’s an infinity pool and outdoor jacuzzi surrounded by lush green surroundings.

Thunderbird Resort in Rizal 

Reserving our day tour tickets

Two weeks ago, I called up their front desk office to reserve for our day tour. I immediately informed the receptionist that I was holding a gift certificate which is good for a day tour for two persons. I was told that they only accept GCs on weekdays and we can only use it on August 30. I clarified if it was really good on that day since it was a holiday and as far as I know most GCs/vouchers are not valid on holidays; but she said we can use it. So okay, we had it reserved that day. But eventually, we had to move it to August 29 because my dad will be arriving from abroad the next day. We called up once more to re-schedule it and it was another long conversation of explaining the validity of the voucher and even describing how it looked like..errrr. In the end, they asked us to send it via fax or email and provide our numbers for confirmation. We never got a call or a text message confirming our reservation so we called them up the day before our tour. The front desk was happy to confirm that we can have our day tour the next day. 

Our experience

We got to the resort around 10am and we presented our gift certificate upon our arrival. After checking some things, the receptionist said we can go ahead for our day stay. She politely informed us that they really don’t honor GCs on holidays but since we have reserved weeks before, they are able to accommodate us. With a smile, I told her that when I reserved the GC their front desk told me I can use it on weekdays even holidays so we went ahead. I got a little pissed because she made us feel that we are not paying customers, thus not a priority, because we are only using a gift certificate. Well, first off Miss, I didn’t ask for your GC. It was given by your marketing manager to my sister which she passed on to me. Of course, I didn’t say that to avoid any awkwardness which was evident already. She added that it was their first time to honor a GC. Well seriously? If you sell or give GCs you gotta have a process for that! But in all fairness, she delivered it in a courteous manner but I can’t help but feel belittled. I’ve never felt that way in many times I’ve used a voucher.

So anyways, they assisted us and helped us find a spot near the pool. They also provided us huge towels. We immediately changed to swimming clothes and just stayed near the pool.

Because words are not enough to describe that day, here are some pictures J

We really liked lounging in the outdoor jacuzzi. The weather was really cold because of the erratic rain and cool breeze and just soaking in the warm water was relaxing. There were many times that we saw the rain coming and we would just sit in the jacuzzi and stay there while the rain pours.

They also have lawn where you can play volleyball, soccer, or just laze around. A kiddie slide and swing is also found in the corner.

Contrary to what I’ve seen in their website, the hotel is not that big. The pool was really small which was crowded by hotel guests and day tour visitors. If there is one big part of their property, surely it was their 18-hole golf course.

There isn't much to do during a daytour but swim, eat, and laze around.

Food

Our day tour admission tickets includes food and drinks consumable worth Php1050.

We ordered from the Pool Bar and our order arrived thirty minutes after. Such a long wait but I didn't want to complain anymore so I let it pass. After our wait, the waiter arrived and apologized for the delay.

On our table.. 

Hainanese Ginger Chicken sautéed in ginger, soya, Saoshing wine, and Chinese herbs (Php335)

This was the blandest chicken rice I’ve ever tasted. For its price, we could have ordered something else. And I am wondering if Hainanese chicken is deboned because this one’s not.

Triple Decker Clubhouse Sandwich with bacon, grilled chicken, egg, lettuce, cheese, and cherry tomatoes (Php395)

Nothing to rave about the sandwich; I can even make something like that at home. And the bread wasn’t even toasted. 

There is also a 10% service charge. So yeah, we were disappointed with Thunderbird’s hotel food. 

Overall experience

Well, I couldn’t say I didn’t enjoy our trip at Thunderbird Rizal. After all, it was a complimentary day trip from my sister.

The things I loved about the resort:

-        - Its location high up in the Sierra Madre which gives a breathtaking view of Manila and Laguna de Bay

-       -  I love how green the surrounding is! It was a serene sanctuary in the mountain

-      -  Outdoor jacuzzi was a plus since it was very relaxing dipping there

-      -  Free shuttle service to- and from- the resort

    The things I didn’t like:

-        - Poor customer service especially for gift certificate holders

-        - Food was blah! I have high expectations of hotel food and theirs was unacceptable considering the expensive prices in the menu.

-      - Pool was really small. Yes it was an infinity pool but swimming with 10+ people on a small pool was not enticing at all.

-      - There weren’t much anything to do on a daytour. Our activity consisted of alternatelty dipping in the pool and outdoor jacuzzi, eating, taking pictures, and observing people for the lack of other activities to do. If you’re not into casino and golf and you’re not staying overnight, Im not sure if it you would enjoy such limited activities.

-       - Limited facilities i.e. there was only one changing room and it was common..errr

-      - There was no lounge area four day tour guests. You have to spot yourself a place near the pool.

We were thinking maybe our whole stay would have been pleasantly different if we were not using a GC and we were staying overnight. If you want a vacay where you can just lock up yourself in the room and get catch some sunshine and fresh air, then maybe this resort is for you. But if you’re a type of person who wants to engage in fun activities during a vacay, then maybe not. 

How to get there

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They have free shuttle services in various pick-up points. Below is the schedule. It's kinda blurry though so you may also call their front desk to check the schedule.

Shuttle schedule

I’m really hoping that our experience will be totally different when we book ourselves at Thunderbird Resort - Poro Point in La Union in October. Thunderbird, please don't fail us :)

Contact information:

Thunderbird Resorts - Rizal

Eastridge Avenue

Binangonan, Rizal

Philippines 1940

Email: rizalreservations@thunderbird-asia.com

Tel. No.: (+632) 651.6888

Fax No.: (+632) 651.6893

*The views written here are entirely based on my experience. It shouldn’t be used as a basis to decide whether you will book at Thunderbird Resort – Rizal or not. Last time I checked, we are still a free country and we are entitled to our own views and opinions. Peace :)