Citilink Hotel

This hotel is highly regarded for its exceptional value and prime location directly across from SM City Lucena, making it a convenient hub for shopping and transportation. Guests consistently highlight the cleanliness of the rooms and the friendly, accommodating staff as standout features. It is particularly well-suited for backpackers, business travelers seeking an affordable and accessible base, road trippers needing an overnight stop, and families looking for convenience. To ensure a comfortable stay, it is advisable to request a room away from the main road to minimize traffic noise and to confirm specific room features like window availability or elevator access when booking.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides essential amenities for a comfortable stay, including effective air conditioning that keeps rooms cool, a television with cable channels, and Wi-Fi connectivity, though its speed can vary. Guests receive complimentary bottled water and basic toiletries. A significant point to note is the absence of an elevator, which means guests with heavy luggage will need to use the stairs, as the lobby itself is located on the second floor. Some rooms are described as having no windows, which can impact the sense of space, while others feature transparent window coverings that may compromise privacy.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean and well-maintained, with fresh linens and comfortable beds, though some note the mattresses are six-inch foams. While many appreciate the availability of hot water for showers, some reviews mention issues with the bathroom cleanliness, including stains and lime deposits, and concerns about the functionality of shower fixtures or sliding doors. Room sizes vary, with some guests finding them spacious and others describing them as quite small. A recurring concern is the significant noise levels from street traffic, particularly motorbikes, which can persist late into the night, and voices from the corridor are sometimes audible.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers a complimentary breakfast that receives mixed feedback. While some guests find it acceptable, many suggest there is room for improvement, describing it as ordinary or light. The breakfast typically includes a choice of three options, such as hotdog, smoked fish, or tapa, and is sourced from local fast-food establishments. Some guests expressed a desire for more variety, including local specialties, and noted an additional charge for basic condiments like sugar and creamer. There is no full-service restaurant or dedicated dining space within the hotel beyond the breakfast service.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a major advantage, situated directly across from SM City Lucena, providing immediate access to shopping, dining, and entertainment. It is also conveniently located near various public transportation options, including minivan terminals, UV Express Terminal, and points for long-distance buses, jeepneys, and tricycles, making travel around the city and to other destinations highly accessible. The hotel is positioned along the main road leading to the Port of Dalahican, which is beneficial for travelers catching ferries. While the location is generally praised for its convenience, some guests found the immediate area busy and noisy.

Staff & Service
The hotel consistently receives high praise for its friendly staff, who are described as accommodating, helpful, and professional. Guests appreciate their attentiveness and willingness to assist with various requests, contributing significantly to a positive stay. The security guards are also noted for their helpfulness and presence, providing a sense of safety. The overall service from check-in to breakfast is highlighted as very good, with staff always ready to help and demonstrating good communication skills, making guests feel welcome and well-cared for despite any minor shortcomings of the facilities.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel does not have an elevator, which is an important consideration for those with mobility issues or heavy luggage, as rooms are located on upper floors. Parking is available at the rear of the building, described as a wide and secured space, though some guests noted it is located about a block away and its security might not be consistently monitored. For those requiring an extra bed, there is an additional charge, and the bed may simply be a mattress placed on the floor. Some guests reported initial booking discrepancies regarding room capacity, requiring the addition of an extra bed upon arrival. The hotel also offers a corporate discount for eligible guests.