Our Watergate Hotel Butuan Stay: A Classy Staycation Worth Sharing | Dee Mayang

Our Watergate Hotel Butuan Stay: A Classy Staycation Worth Sharing

There’s something about Butuan City that makes it the perfect place to slow down, breathe, and just enjoy life—lalo na if you know where to go. And just recently, my husband and I had a short but sweet escape at Watergate Hotel Butuan, and I’m super excited to share with you everything we experienced during our stay.

We booked our stay one month ahead through the Agoda App. We got the Deluxe Room, which usually costs ₱3,888 based on the current promo rate, but thanks to discounts and promos in Agoda, we only paid ₱3,738.50. For us, that’s already sulit for the kind of comfort and ambiance we experienced.

 

🌆 Location & First Impressions

Watergate Hotel is located right in the heart of Butuan City—literally in front of Amarah Hotel and just a few steps away from some of the city’s well-known establishments. It may look small on the outside, especially if you’re passing by the main road, but once you enter the premises, you’ll instantly be surprised at how stylish and inviting it feels inside.

From the moment we stepped in, we were greeted with the pool view. Yes, the swimming pool is right there—centerpiece style. It adds that relaxing vibe as soon as you enter the hotel, giving off that "instant vacation" feels even if you're just staying in the city.

🧼 Clean, Classy, and Comfortable

The lobby was super clean and nicely maintained. I really appreciate how well-lit and fresh-smelling the area is. The front desk attendants were warm, courteous, and very accommodating. They made us feel welcomed right away, which sets the tone for the entire staycation.

One thing to note is that Watergate Hotel is very strict when it comes to rules and maintaining cleanliness—which for me, is a big plus. They do require a ₱2,000 deposit upon check-in, but don’t worry—it’s refundable upon check-out, given that there are no issues or damages.

🛏️ Room Tour: Deluxe Room Experience

Now let’s talk about the room we booked: the Deluxe Room. The moment we opened the door, bam! ang bango! There’s something about the room’s scent that instantly makes you feel you're in a luxurious space. And the best part? The smell stays. Every time we enter the room, that relaxing scent welcomes us again and again.

Here are the amenities included in our Deluxe Room:

• Hair Dryer

• Bathrobe

• Ironing Board and Flat Iron

• 40-inch TV

• Hot & Cold Shower

• Working Table

• Safe / Safety Deposit Box

If you’re looking for slippers, you can just request them from the front desk. They’re happy to provide what you need, as long as it’s available.

Another thing that stood out for me was their body wash and shampoo. I swear, I’ve stayed in many hotels before, but this one? Ang bango talaga! The scent stays on your skin and feels so luxurious, like something you'd get from a high-end spa. It’s definitely one of the reasons why I’ll remember Watergate.

However, I was looking for cotton buds in their hygiene kit—unfortunately, it wasn’t included. The kit had the basics like dental items, but it would be great if they added a few more essentials.

🏊 Poolside Vibes

Although their pool isn’t as big compared to those in Hotel Oasis or Almont Inland, it’s definitely charming in its own way. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in ambiance. The lights surrounding the pool area during nighttime are just magical.

It’s perfect for chill swimming and hanging out. We initially planned to swim in the afternoon, but since the pool was a bit crowded at the time, we took a quick nap and went back at 7 PM. That was the best decision ever! The nighttime pool view was serene and relaxing.

🍽️ Dining Nearby: Fulcrum Coffee and More

After checking in, we started our staycation with a quick food trip at Fulcrum Coffee, which is conveniently near Watergate Hotel. We enjoyed a cozy meal while just talking and enjoying each other’s company—rare moments like this are gold for busy couples like us.

Later that night, after our swimming sesh, we went out again—this time looking for street food, which was actually part of our mini itinerary. Sadly, most stalls were closed due to the holiday, but we didn’t give up! Eventually, we found Shell Café in front of Gingona Park and ordered chicken wings from Wing Master. And again, the simplicity of that moment made the night even more special.

💸 Watergate Hotel Room Rates (As of 2025)

In case you’re planning your own staycation, here’s an updated list of Watergate’s room types and prices:

Lite Room

• Promo rate – ₱2,388

• Published rate – ₱2,888
  (Room + Floating Breakfast Promo – Not Available)

Standard Room

• Promo rate – ₱3,088

• Room + Floating Breakfast Promo – ₱3,588

• Published rate – ₱3,688

Deluxe Room

• Promo rate – ₱3,888

• Room + Floating Breakfast Promo – ₱4,388

• Published rate – ₱4,888

Suites

• Promo rate – ₱5,888

• Room + Floating Breakfast Promo – ₱6,388

• Published rate – ₱6,888

Again, we booked our Deluxe Room for only ₱3,738.50 via Agoda, and I really recommend checking travel apps like Agoda or Booking.com for promos—you can save a lot!

When it comes to breakfast, Watergate Hotel serves a buffet-style morning meal that’s simple yet satisfying. The dining area is set up right in front of the pool, just a few steps from the entrance door. While the space might feel a bit limited, especially during busy hours, the overall setup still feels cozy and inviting. The food selection may not be overwhelming, but it definitely hits the spot—with classic Filipino breakfast favorites, fresh fruits, and hot drinks to start your day right. It’s a great way to enjoy your meal with a view of the pool and the relaxing vibe of the hotel.

🧳 Why I Recommend Watergate Hotel Butuan

Here’s why Watergate is now part of my list of top Butuan hotels:

✅ Strategic Location – Walking distance to major landmarks and food spots
✅ Welcoming Staff – From the guards to the front desk, everyone was nice
✅ Clean & Well-Maintained – Their standards for cleanliness are impressive
✅ Luxury Vibes for Less – You get value for money without breaking the bank
✅ Relaxing Ambience – Perfect for couples or anyone needing a quick break
✅ Instagrammable Pool – Small but photogenic especially at night

💬 Final Thoughts

One day may seem short, pero sobrang sulit ang staycation namin. Watergate Hotel gave us the kind of rest we’ve been longing for. As someone who works online, and with our home doubling as our office, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why breaks like this—even just a night—are so important.

If you're in Butuan and looking for a clean, cozy, and classy place to stay that doesn’t break the budget, I highly recommend Watergate Hotel. Whether you’re with your significant other, family, or even on a solo trip, you’ll find peace and comfort here.

And now… back to hustle mode! Haha! But at least we’ve recharged, even for just a little while.

Until our next staycation! 💖


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A Much-Needed Staycation at Watergate Hotel Butuan