Altamare Dive and Leisure Resort Anilao0

For context: I love the ocean and I'm very familiar with the concept of "dive hotels" and "dive resorts" so I didn't go in expecting a Shangri-la-level experience. Dive hotels usually really have the B&B, family-owned vibe and don't have most of the frills -- they're for people who just love to be close to the deep blue sea. I loved the place. The staff is nice (but obviously not super trained in hospitality) but they did everything to accommodate our needs. The elder staff/manager (a mature lady) was quick to crack jokes but probably won't "baby" you when you have complaints. Loved her energy. Staff were helpful with my issues and offered to carry my bags up the 200+ steps. Didn't mind they didn't help going down. Again, read the first paragraph. Food was delicious! Not sure if they're pricey but they're around the price of restos in Metro Manila so couldn't complain. Chef was great on the pasta and the soups. Their signature cocktails were a bit sweet so you can request no syrup. The room was obvy not super new but it was very spacious. We booked a suite for 2 nights for 2 people. Obviously, overkill but they only had that available. It was on the "4th level" so a bit of a hike up but nothing too hard. 49 square meters of space, nicely decorated, and a big bathroom. Breakfast was ok; gets you started nicely but BRING YOUR OWN COFFEE. I like coffee and the ones they have are the gross instant ones or watered-down coffee from percolators. The most important part: the OCEAN! The reef was so alive close to shore, so many amazing animals! If you love the ocean, this is really a wonderful place to be in. I also noticed a lot of ocean-loving families go here vs just casual "resort" or "pool" people. Shore was small but I can't really describe in words just how nice the local reef is. As a freediver, this was very very nice. Also dog friendly.

AC in the room was VERY NOISY. It felt like there was an SUV idling inside our room. They couldn't fix it so boohoo but didn't ruin my stay. For light sleepers, be sure to check this ASAP or it will ruin your stay! Mini fridge was also not cool but the on-site engineer had a look and fixed it within minutes of my complaining. Lol. Water heater didn't work but we didn't mind or ask to have it checked. They could probably fix it. Idk. 200+ steps to the property could be a challenge so keep that in mind.

Service of parking assistant was great. He was very jolly and accommodating upon entry and exit from the facility. His jolly demeanor & personality was a pleasant surprise. Restaurant servers and lugagge carriers were also accommodating and willing to help despite the 7 storey trek to and from the facility. Room and bathroom were clean and well maintained considering it's a relatively old property.

No elevator from the parking area to the front desk area and rooms, making this facility non-PWD friendly. Unfortunately this detail was not indicated in the site booking details. Front desk personnel were not aware of my bookings and payments completed as early as March 2023. It resulted in my receiving multiple calls to present proof of payment even if I already showed it upon check in. Breakfast took over 40 minutes to be served even if we specified that we wanted to eat at 730 am. No ref inside the room and so water provided could not be cooled. Toiletries provided was only good for 1 person even if we were 2 persons checked into the room.

I liked the views you can enjoy from early morning until night. The staff is very friendly and helpful. The resort is very clean and well maintained. Great breakfast and enough choices of good food for lunch and dinner. I had my first experience with scuba diving during my stay and I would recommend the introductory dive package. Just in front of the resort you can find the most amazing corals and so many beautiful fish. I even had the luck to meet a sea turtle from up close. I think I have to start a new hobby 👌 A special thanks to divemaster Edwin for that. 👌

The steps from the parking to the office and to our room were a challenge. But it became easier the more we took them 😂 But if you are not in to steps, it is something to think about

The hotel was more than what we expected for the value that we paid for. The staff was very accommodating, and to owner took time to meet and greet the guests. The resto/bar and deck were great venues for both relaxation and work from beach. Their pizza and shakes were great! The rooms were big and the beds and pillows were comfortable. We had lots to do because the use of snorkeling gear and kayaks was free to all guests, and they even have a game room with darts, a billiard table and some board games you can use play to pass the time. But most of all the marine life was better than most Anilao resorts. The water was clear and corals and fishes were very much alive and colorful. You didn't have to go far to see them, and lucky for us we managed to see their resident pawikan while snorkeling! The location was worth the trip, the view and sunset was breathtaking.

The way leading down to the resort was very hard to traverse. May not be suitable for elderly or PWD. The menu was limited, should explore offering more assortment, dessert and pastries We slept at the first floor, the sound of movement in the second floor was quite loud. The room's T&B are due for an upgrade

the staff were friendly and accommodating, dinning area and pool were always clean. loved that local coffee and tea was being offered complimentary to guests all day. and they were very accommodating for early check in. we got our rooms as soon as it was freed up and readied by the staff. we did the introductory to diving and the instructors were nice and knowledgeable and made sure we had fun.

the dinning service is a bit too slow. you normally have to wait about 30-40 minutes from the time you ordered your food till it reach your table. suggest you order and go about doing a little bit of swimming after. upon check out keep about 40 minutes for waiting for your luggage to be brought out

STAFF and FOOD. These were the two things that really stood out. Their staff pay attention to guest movement, anticipated needs and were always accommodating. Props to Lawrence from the restaurant and the guard from the parking area--impressive service from these 2. Great buttered garlic shrimps and garlic rice! The breakfast had generous servings despite being free/included in the room rate. Their suite was spacious enough for 3 (add 1250/night/person) and the crisp white sheets were clean.

Cockroach in the room which we killed by ourselves since housekeeping only works till 8pm and Nick from the restaurant helped us with a Baygon spray. We also wish the staff didn't "tambay" in common areas especially at night. Kayaks and snorkel equipment can only be used until 5pm; guests could use an hour more for sunset. No big issues that would have us looking elsewhere the next time we're in the area.

The resort was great, not too far drive from Makati (2hrs, 20mins). Facilities were clean and the staff were superb, very friendly and very helpful. went for an intro dive and the corals were magnificent with lots of colorful fish around. I highly recommend this place should you wish to enjoy the beauty of nature under the waters.

Having 3 suits room and 1 standard room was great accomodation for family outing! As what I noted make the rooms near on each other, where they did it and make it as sea view, but it didn't make my expectations. Our room room was in 3rd floor so im seeing the roofdeck view of their one of facility. STAFFS ARE WELL ACCOMODATING!!! The pool in our first day not too dirty, but a lot of withered leaves coming from the tree. But on the second day, day cleaned well the pool.. The food was good during our dinner, but the amount of their breakfast especially the viand was not good enough. But overall we had a great experience with this resort!! And sure will come back again soon..

I like the view and the area is good for snorkeling. The staff are very accommodating and warm. Kudos to sir Ray! However the stairs going to the rooms are very steep and long..maybe an elevator for the elderlies? overall we loved our stay! Will definitely go back :)

The staircase is steep and not elderly-friendly :( and limited food choices.. Wifi connection was poor too. But the mobile data signals are okay.

I like the ambiance,view, the hospitality of the staffs, the activities,foods. I would actually recommend this resort to my friends and families. I also like that we were able to bond or include our pets during our stay

The way down the resort and our room was actually on the 6th floor which is difficult for us to traverse back and forth the dining area