Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation has lost its charm. We just had our worst experience in Lubi. I have always looked forward to going to Lubi despite the need to travel from Davao City. But over the weekend, it was no longer the same.
Few days prior our trip, I already noticed something off in the Dusit Site where there were other bookings linked to my account. I even called to raise this concern and to confirm our reservation - since no reply was made from an email I sent a month ago. I was asked to resend the email, and received a confirmation of the booking twice: 1) reply to the email I sent, and 2) an email reminder (but of the other booking that should have not been part of our reservation but because we were of the same group anyway, I did not mind as the confirmation numbers were correct. To our surprise, upon arrival — we were not part of the guest list and confirmed reservation. The one who received us even ARGUED that we did not have a reservation despite showing her the email confirmations. Just to find out that our details were compromised as it was linked to other reservations. And then when I asked the staff to look into our confirmation numbers — I was asked for the details of the reservation: guest names, room type, etc. I also found out that our credit card details were compromised as our card were also linked to other reservations! Despite the situation, the staff only said “its a system glitch”. I emphasized that its not a system glitch when we received confirmation several times, it was clearly a missed on the process.
Upon arrival, while we got some welcome drinks — we did not have any cold towel despite the hot weather. We were asked to immediately go to the rooms, were not even welcomed.
When we checked-in the rooms, we were told that someone will reach out to us to assist us for our stay — but that help never came.
We reserved for king beds, but we got the twin beds instead. When we requested to have the beds combined so we dont have to change rooms already, it took a while before the staff came so we were already preparing to go for a swim. Then someone knocked, and we asked if they could wait for a while since the kids were still changing - then the staff commented “dili pa man diay pwede”; thinking I did not hear it nor understood it. And when we went out, they gave us a smirk as if they waited for so long.
When we went to the pool, since we had a baby with us - we were changing the diapers. Then a staff went near us and told us, “palihug ug labay ug tarong sir kay makit-an mo sa cctv kami makasab-an”. Note that we were still changing the diapers, and did not make a mess. But we were given unnecessary remark such as that. Since the staff was carrying towels already, we asked if we can have some as there were no towels in the racks in the other side. And instead of offering the towels, he said “didto diay mo mukuha maam.” And i responded that “wala ganina”. He replied with a higher tone “karon naa na”. As I did not want to further ruin my mood, I just let it pass. But he said “naa man lagi mo towel na maam” referring to a towels in a chair near us - and i answered that it was not ours.
When we got back to the room, we realized that the rooms did not have any towels. When we requested for towels, we were given the beach towels but it had an bad smell — so we made use of our personal towels instead.
At around 6:30PM, our friend went to Ga-Ti Restaurant as we were planning to have dinner there. Our friends were told that they are full until 8:30PM. And we were being referred to the buffet instead. At around 7PM, we requested for the cart to bring us to the western restaurant, and the front desk confirmed. 30mins after still no cart, so we made a follow up and we were told that the its on its way already. 30mins after, still no sign of cart. So we called again and asked if we can dine in Ga-Ti since it was nearer and we dont need to wait for the cart anymore. We were connected to Ga-Ti and I asked if we can dine, and the staff confirmed and even said “madami naman po available tables maam” — considering we were a big group (8adults and 5kids). When we reached the restaurant, we were told that it was fully booked and we cannot be accommodated. I told them that I just called and we got a confirmation, but they responded “hindi naman kasi kami tinanong ng front desk maam, hindi naman nila alam” then I insisted that I was referred to the restaurant staff and it was the restaurant staff who confirmed that we can dine otherwise, we should have not walked our way to Ga-Ti. Since the kids were hungry already, we requested if the kids meal can be served first but the staff gave the remarks “Dapat kasi Maam Nag pre-order kayo.” We told them that no one assisted us from the very start, so how in the world will we know the restaurant processes.
During the breakfast, we noticed that plates were not properly cleaned - there were still dirt marks in some plates that we had to ask to have it changed. The bread area was also filled with flies —- another guest even complained how unsanitary the place looked like.
Since bacon was on order basis, we requested for bacon. We had to ask three times before it was served just about when we were already done eating.
During our entire stay, it was so hard to have a cart available - but when we were about to check out already, it did not even take 5minutes to have the cart available. Our friend even mentioned that just when they had their last bag out, someone came in to clean the room already (so instead of them being able to use the bathroom for the last time, they were not able to do so already as someone was cleaning already).
Just when we thought all the bad experience was done, when we were waiting for the boat. We were talking about how our previous experience in Dusit was, and asked why there was no ice cream served unlike the last time, the staff said that they already ran out of the popsicles but the guests prior us were served in glasses (which we saw by the way). So instead we requested for some water, and again - since we were a big group, we requested water for everyone but they only served two glasses. My friend asked if they can offer water to everyone else, the staff said “ito maam may isa pa” after serving the first glass.
The whole experience with Lubi disappointed me, and made me feel ashamed to even bring my friends and their families with us. And to the last few moments in the island, all I felt was I do not want to go back here.
Lubi has lost its place as an option. Definitely not worth coming back or visiting for first timers.
SA
PH
CA