Grin & Bear It: MCFLY's Luxurious Ilocos Sur Beachfront Escape!
Grin & Bear It: MCFLY's Beachfront Bliss… or Maybe Just a Big, Glorious Nap? A Review (with a Touch of Chaos)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. Because I'm about to spill the (slightly sandy) tea on Grin & Bear It: MCFLY's Luxurious Ilocos Sur Beachfront Escape. And let me tell you, "luxurious" is a word thrown around a LOT these days. But did it actually deliver? Well, grab a cocktail (or a juice box, no judgment) and let's dive in. This could get messy.
Accessibility: (The Slightly Dodgy Staircase of Life)
Okay, so, accessibility. This is where things got a little… interesting. The website touted "facilities for disabled guests," which is GREAT! But getting to those facilities? Let's just say, the path of least resistance involved more steps than I anticipated. I am not in a wheelchair, but anyone who is, should REALLY double-check with the hotel before booking about the specific access options. It didn't always feel super clear, and that's a BIG deal. They have an elevator, which is good, and some accessible rooms are available, but do your research. (The hotel's on-site amenities accessibility is another thing, let's get to that later.)
On-Site Accessible Restaurants / Lounges:
This is crucial for guests with mobility issues. I did not specifically investigate the restaurants for full accessibility, but given the general layout, again, it wouldn't hurt to ask before booking, particularly about ramps and table heights.
[Wheelchair accessible]: [Elevator] Getting Around: [Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Valet parking]
Internet: (Free Wi-Fi… Thank the Gods)
Thank you for the FREE Wi-Fi! I swear, finding a place with good, free internet is a modern-day miracle. And Grin & Bear It delivers on that front. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! 🙌🏻 I'm talking solid streaming and the ability to upload all those embarrassing beach selfies to Instagram. They also have Internet (LAN) and Internet services that wasn't used during my staying.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: (Spa Day Dreams & Sunset Obsessions)
Okay, this is where Grin & Bear It really shines. I'm a sucker for pampering, and the spa here? Chef's kiss. I mean, seriously, I’m talking legit. Body scrubs that leave you feeling like a brand-new person. Massages that melt away all your stress – I swear, I almost drooled on the massage table! And the pool with a view? Forget about it. I spent an embarrassing amount of time just staring out at the ocean. The sauna and steamroom were also pretty tempting, but I was fully booked on the "doing absolutely nothing but enjoying myself" agenda.
Now, I felt compelled to dive deep into the spa/sauna.
The Spa: This place is the real freaking deal. They offer a range of body scrubs, wraps, facials, and massages. The atmosphere is serene, and the staff is professional and incredibly attentive. The masseuse was not only skilled but also super friendly. I opted for the deep tissue massage and was left feeling completely relaxed and rejuvenated.
The Sauna and Steamroom: The sauna and steamroom were also impressive. Both facilities were clean, well-maintained, and equipped with all the necessary amenities. The sauna was relaxing, and the steamroom was invigorating - perfect for unwinding after a long day.
So, the pool, the spa…it’s like…you can't not relax here.
[Fitness center, Gym/fitness, Foot bath, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]]
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: (From Beachside Bites to Breakfast Buffets)
Alright, let's get real. Food is important. And the food here? Mostly good! They've got a pretty solid restaurant with a mix of Asian and Western cuisine. The buffet breakfast was a winner – perfect for fueling up before a day of doing absolutely nothing. (Yes, that's a legitimate activity.)
But here's a confession: I am obsessed with poolside bars. There's something about sipping a cocktail with your toes in the sand that just… works. The poolside bar here was on point – good drinks, friendly staff, and the perfect soundtrack to your vacation. And the happy hour? Well, let's just say my credit card took a bit of a beating.
[A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant]
Cleanliness and Safety: (Feeling Safe & Relatively Germ-Free)
I have a bit of a germaphobe tendencies, so I definitely appreciated the efforts they put into cleanliness and safety. There was a lot of talk about anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and having staff trained in safety protocol. They had a bunch of safety measures in place like hand sanitizer, and the staff wore masks. I even got an email about room sanitization opt-out available. (Okay, this is a bit extra, but hey, in these times, I'm not complaining!) The sanitized kitchen and tableware items were appreciated.
Services and Conveniences: (The Little Things That Make a Big Difference)
They offer a bunch of services like laundry service, concierge service, and daily housekeeping. This, believe me, takes the stress out of vacationing. And the air conditioning in the public area kept things nice and cool. They have an elevator, which is great for luggage lugging and people with mobility issues.
[Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center]
For the Kids : (Babysitting? Yes, Please!)
They're listed as family/child friendly, so if you're bringing the kiddos, there's a babysitting service available.
Available in All Rooms: (The Nitty Gritty of Comfort)
My Room was a sanctuary! The air conditioning was a godsend – I would've melted without it. I loved having complimentary tea and free bottled water. The blackout curtains were clutch for sleeping in (a vacation essential!). The desk was perfect for… checking work emails (sigh). The safety/security feature gave me peace of mind. I also loved my own balcony.
[Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.]
[Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed unavailablePets allowed, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms]
Getting Around: (Airport Transfer, Car Park, and the Freedom to Roam!)
Airport transfer is available, which is always a win. They have free parking, which is a massive relief.
The Verdict: (Would I Go Back? Maybe… With a Few Tweaks!)
Okay, so, Grin & Bear It is a good hotel! It's got a fantastic location, beautiful views, amazing spa, and a bunch of amenities that make it a solid choice for a relaxing getaway. The internet is great! But if you're needing specific accessibility features, VERIFY BEFORE BOOKING.
I'd definitely consider going back. The good times outweigh the minor annoyances. But hopefully they'll keep refining and
Escape to Paradise: Luxurious Villa & HUGE Garden in Idskenhuizen, Netherlands!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my whirlwind Ilocos Sur adventure at the one and only Grin McFly International Beachfront Guesthouse. Prepare for chaos, questionable decision-making, and the raw, unfiltered truth about my beach bum escapade.
My Ilocos Sur Itinerary (Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Sand)
Day 1: Arrival, Utter Confusion, and the Quest for a Decent Adobo
- Morning (ish): Landed in Laoag. The airport? More like a glorified bus station. Charmingly… rustic. Grabbed a tricycle. (Note to self: learn more than "Saan ang Grin McFly?" next time. "Do you… know how to get there without ripping me off?" might be a good addition.)
- Afternoon (ish, again): Finally, FINALLY, arrived at Grin McFly. Okay, so the "International" part is a bit of a stretch, but the beachfront? Totally legit. The place has a certain… character. Think slightly-weathered-but-beloved grandma's house meets surfer shack. The staff, though? Angels in disguise. Seriously, they're saints.
- The Adobo Debacle: First mission: Find some proper Filipino food. My stomach was rumbling like a disgruntled volcano. Found a carelessly-named local carenderia. This adobo… oh, the adobo. Let's just say it was… memorable. (And by memorable, I mean I'm pretty sure I’m still digesting it.) Decided to get back to the Guesthouse, and chill at the beach.
- Evening: Sunset. Seriously breathtaking. The kind of sunset that makes you want to hug a stranger and weep with joy. Started chatting with this older guy, he was a great conversationalist, and he told me some very interesting about his life. He asked if I wanted to try some tanduay rum. "Why not?" said I. It was very strong.
Day 2: Surfing, Semi-Successful, and Existential Beach Contemplations
- Morning: Surfing lesson. Or, more accurately, "Attempted Surfing Lesson." Let's just say my grace and coordination are best described as "questionable." Face-planted more times than I care to admit. The water? Gloriously warm. Me? Mostly swallowed saltwater.
- Mid-day: Retreat to my hammock. Found a surprisingly good book, and spent a good while just pondering life, love, and the perfect wave. Realized I needed more adobo, but I also needed to rest.
- Afternoon: More Rum and the Drowning of my Camera: After a good, good nap, I decided to check out the beach again, and get some pictures. Went to a secluded part of the beach. I met a girl there, and we started talking. She seemed nice. After some time, the waves grew stronger. As I was walking, I tripped, and… my camera got soaked.
- Evening: Dinner at the guest house. Food was good. Maybe not adobo good, but good. Shared stories with fellow travelers, who were all way cooler than I. The tanduay rum flowed freely. I also had a serious conversation with the girl again. She was fun!
Day 3: Vigan, the Cobblestone Maze, and a Spicy Seafood Revelation
- Morning: Off to Vigan! Hired a local tricycle to take me. It was a bit scary. The drivers are crazy! But we made it, in one piece.
- Late morning: Vigan. Holy crap. The cobblestone streets, the colonial houses, the horse-drawn kalesas. It's like stepping back in time. The first thing I did was eat some bagnet. It was amazing!
- Early afternoon: Wandered aimlessly, got lost in the maze-like streets, bought some random trinkets (mostly for the food, though. Seriously, the food in Vigan is incredible.)
- Late Afternoon: Found this tiny restaurant, and the spicy seafood pasta. This was the best meal I've had in a while. The flavors were dancing in my mouth! Decided to buy some souvenirs for my family.
- Evening: Back to Grin McFly. Exhausted but happy. Another sunset, another beer, another deep conversation about the meaning of life with a stranger.
Day 4: The Lighthouse, the Sand Dunes, and the Sudden Realization That I Might Actually Be "Beach People."
- Morning: Headed to the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse. The view. The breeze. The pure, unadulterated beauty. It was so good!
- Mid-day: Sand dunes. They were beautiful. But I was also tired.
- Afternoon: Another day, another beachside hang. Just sitting, watching the waves, feeling the sun on my face. I felt at peace. It was a very good feeling.
- Evening: Farewell dinner at the guesthouse. Saying goodbye to the staff felt strangely emotional. They'd become a sort of chaotic, lovable family. The tanduay flowed like the river!
Day 5: Departure and the Grin McFly Hangover
- Morning: Woke up with a head that felt like it had hosted a party. The "International" part of Grin McFly must have been a portal to another dimension, because the hangover hit hard.
- Afternoon: Goodbye, Ilocos Sur. Goodbye, Grin McFly. As I boarded the plane, I felt a pang of sadness but also a weird sense of lightness. It wasn't a perfect trip. It was full of blunders, salty hair, and questionable food choices. But it was my trip. And it changed me.
Postscript: I've booked my return trip to Grin McFly. Because some things, like a good sunset and a good dose of chaos, are worth repeating. Now, about that adobo recipe…
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Grin & Bear It: MCFLY's Ilocos Sur Beachfront Escape – Real Talk FAQs!
Okay, spill the beans – is this place *actually* luxurious, or just Instagram-filtered luxurious?
Alright, let's be real. The photos? Gorgeous. The reality? Pretty damn close, BUT... it's a *Filipino* luxury. Expect a certain charm. Like, picture this: that first step out onto the balcony? Jaw-dropping. The endless ocean? Perfection. But then, and this *happened to us*, the aircon hiccuped at like, 3 AM. A bit of a sweaty wake-up call, let me tell you. Still, the staff were ON IT, even though you could tell they were just as surprised. So, luxurious? In the sense of beautiful views, comfy beds, and excellent local food? YES. Super-polished, flawlessly perfect, like a Four Seasons? Nah. And honestly? That’s part of the charm. Adds character, don't you think?
The beach – is it swimmable? (And are there jellyfish?)
The beach... oh, the beach! Okay, so first impression? Gorgeous. Think fine, powdery sand that feels amazing between your toes. The water? Crystal clear (most of the time). We swam! We splashed! We built sandcastles that were promptly destroyed by rogue waves. But jellyfish? Uh, yeah, we saw a few. SMALL ones. Mostly harmless, the ones we encountered anyway. But, and listen up, this is important: *ALWAYS* ask the staff. They'll know the currents, the tides, and if the little stingers are lurking. Seriously, getting stung by a jellyfish is NOT how you want to spend your vacation day! I'm still traumatized from that one time, in Palawan, you know?!
Let's talk food! What's the dining situation like? Restaurants nearby? I'm a foodie, so this is crucial.
Food! Okay, this is where Grin & Bear It REALLY shines. They have a restaurant on-site – and it’s actually *good*. We ate there pretty much every meal. The menu is like, a delightful mix of Filipino classics and international stuff. I'm a sucker for sinigang, and theirs was DIVINE. Honestly, I'd go back just for that soup. We had some of their grilled seafood, too, and it was fresh as can be. Now, about proximity… there aren’t a ton of other restaurants *right* outside. But honestly, you won't need them! The on-site restaurant is that good, and they'll cater to specific dietary requests. Of course, if you *really* want to explore, you can hire a tricycle or car to drive around. Just be prepared to explore local cuisine.
Activities? Besides, you know, just lounging around with an adult beverage? Are there any excursions?
Okay, lounging IS a significant activity. And yes, the adult beverages are a must. But beyond that, YES! I mean, you're in Ilocos Sur! Vigan is practically right there! We hired a car and went to see the cobblestone streets, the ancestral houses… it was amazing. Like stepping back in time. You can also arrange tours to nearby waterfalls (but be prepared for a bit of a bumpy ride!), and even surfing if you’re into that. The staff is SUPER helpful at arranging these. One little anecdote: we wanted to go, but then we realized we didn't want to, haha! We stayed on-site, got a spa treatment, and just relaxed by the pool. Honestly? Best decision ever.
What's the Wi-Fi situation like? I need to be online... for work, obviously. (Ahem.)
Wi-Fi! The bane of our existence and our lifeline, right? Okay, let's be honest. It’s... spotty. Pretty spotty. Good in the main areas, sometimes iffy in the rooms. This, my friends, might actually be a GOOD thing. Forced digital detox, anyone? Though, yeah, I had to scramble to find a decent signal for one VERY important work Zoom meeting. In the end, it worked out. Just be prepared to, you know, *unplug* a little. Pretend you're living like, a simpler life. Embrace the slower pace. Or bring a mobile hotspot -- just saying!
The staff – are they nice? And do they speak English? (Because my Tagalog is... nonexistent.)
OMG, the staff! They were seriously the BEST part. SO friendly, so helpful, always smiling. And YES, they all speak English. Like, fluent English. They went above and beyond to make us feel comfortable. They remembered our names, remembered our coffee orders… It was like they were hosting us in their own home, which, you know, given the Filipino hospitality, it kind of felt like they were! One time, I was having a particularly stressful morning (Wi-Fi issues, naturally), and they just, without me even asking, brought me a fresh mango shake. It was pure heaven. So yeah, the staff? Absolutely wonderful. They make the whole experience worth it.
Are there any downsides? Be honest!
Okay, honesty time. Yes, there are a few minor downsides. The aforementioned intermittent Wi-Fi. The sometimes quirky aircon. And, look, this isn't super fancy. It's charming, but not the Ritz. Also, finding the place might be a bit of a hassle if you are not familiar the area: you know, that whole "island time" thing... and it takes more time to get there than you expect, but it's worth it. And, if you're a super high-maintenance, five-star-hotel type of person… well, maybe this isn’t for you. But, for us, the quirks, the imperfectness, the small hiccups, made it all the more memorable. It’s not perfect, nope. But it has character, it has soul, and it's a genuinely wonderful place to chill out and escape the daily grind. And honestly, a few minor imperfections? That’s okay. It makes the whole experience feel, you know, REAL. I'd go back in a heartbeat.
Is it kid-friendly? I'm traveling with a rambunctious toddler...
Hmm, kid-friendly... That's a tricky one. It *could* be kid-friendly, but here's the thing: the beach is lovely, but there aren’t any dedicated kids' activities or playground etc. The food is good, but maybe not ideal for the pickiest eaters. The pool is there (and it's a nice pool!), but it's not a shallow kiddy pool. Also, some areas are very close to the sea. So, if you *do* bring a toddler, be prepared to be 'on' constantly. And by 'on', I mean, chasing after them, preventing them from eating sand, and generally surviving. It has charm and can be an amazing place, but it won't cater to kids as much. I'd say, if you want a relaxingLocal Hotel Tips
