Imagine waking up to the gentle sea breeze of Pangasinan knowing that just a short boat ride away lies a sprawling labyrinth of over a hundred pristine islands waiting to be explored. A few years ago, a family of weary urban travelers arrived at the Lucap Wharf with little more than a backpack and a dream to witness the famous giant clams. Exhausted from the five hour journey, they happened upon a humble, family run property along San Jose Drive. Instead of the cold, clinical check in of big chain hotels, they were greeted by the owner with a warm smile, cold water, and immediate local tips on how to score the best boat rental deals. This small haven was RBR Hotel and Restaurant, a home away from home that turns a regular vacation into a series of unforgettable memories.
Holiday Getaways
This cozy three story hotel is best suited for large family reunions, budget conscious group excursions, and barking road trippers looking for pet friendly accommodation. With massive family rooms that can comfortably sleep six, nine, or even eleven guests using smart queen sized bunk bed configurations, it eliminates the need to book multiple separate rooms. It serves as an ideal base camp for long weekend holiday getaways where the focus is spending quality time island hopping rather than paying premium prices for luxury amenities you will not use during the day.
Pros
- Exceptionally friendly, family run hospitality with highly attentive staff
- Highly strategic location just a three to five minute drive to the Lucap Wharf jetty
- Generous room capacities with affordable bunk bed layouts for massive groups
- Delicious, freshly prepared local and Asian dishes at the on site restaurant
- Pet friendly policy allowing travelers to bring their fur babies along
Cons
- The property stands at three stories and does not feature an elevator
- On site self parking spaces are limited and operate on a first come basis
- Interior room amenities are highly basic with no dynamic modern upgrades
- The hotel accepts cash payments only for room bookings and incidental deposits
In-Depth Spotlights
When evaluating the financial value of your stay, RBR Hotel and Restaurant stands out as a highly economical choice. Standard rooms typically average between 22 USD to 27 USD per night, while the largest family suites range from 60 USD to 80 USD depending on the season.
In comparison with nearby alternatives like the premium PROXY Plus by The Oriental which features a swimming pool and premium modern rooms at a significantly higher price point, RBR focuses purely on essential utility. It matches the cost efficiency of local guesthouses like Carribean Transient House but edges them out by offering an active on site restaurant, 24 hour reception security, and professional daily housekeeping.
Customer Reviews
Overall Rating 8.4 Very Good
- Service 9.4 Outstanding and genuinely accommodating family run staff
- Facilities 8.1 Functional and clean but highly basic without luxury upgrades
- Value for money 8.5 Highly economical for budget travelers and large groups
- Cleanliness 8.8 Disinfected surfaces, fresh bed sheets, and tidy bathrooms
- Location 8.8 Convenient proximity to the marina, local eateries, and street food
Solving the Travelers Problem
The primary problem travelers face when visiting Alaminos City is balancing proximity to the Hundred Islands jetty with the soaring costs of coastal lodging. Staying too far inland means wasting precious early morning hours in transit, while staying directly on the boulevard often means cramped spaces or inflated rates. RBR Hotel and Restaurant resolves this dilemma perfectly. Positioned securely on the main highway of Barangay Lucap, it shields you from the noisy port crowds while keeping you less than five minutes away from the boat launches. Furthermore, their secure multi bed room options eliminate the logistical headache of splitting families across multiple rooms, saving you thousands of pesos.
Travel Guides Safety Scams Packing Guides
To make the most of your adventure, keep these essential travel parameters in mind.
Safety & Scams
- Always rent your island hopping boats directly through the official tourism office at the Lucap Wharf to avoid unauthorized freelance touts charging inflated fees.
- Ensure your boatman provides life vests for every single passenger and keep them fastened throughout the duration of your open water transits.
Packing Guides
- Bring a sturdy waterproof dry bag to safeguard your electronics, cameras, and cash from rogue waves and sea sprays during boat rides.
- Pack durable aqua shoes to protect your feet from sharp coral beds, sea urchins, and jagged rock formations at the various island stops.
Transportation Tips
- From Manila, take a direct public bus like Victory Liner or Five Star bound for Alaminos City, which takes roughly four to five hours. From the city proper terminal, hop onto a local tricycle directly to Barangay Lucap, which takes about ten to fifteen minutes.
Itinerary
- Day 1 Arrive at RBR Hotel and Restaurant in the afternoon, check into your room, and enjoy a hearty dinner of authentic local cuisine at the ground floor restaurant.
- Day 2 Wake up early at 6 AM, head straight to Lucap Wharf, rent a motorized outrigger boat, and spend the day exploring Governor Island, Childrens Island, and Marcos Island.
- Day 3 Enjoy a casual breakfast, buy local souvenirs at the port market, and pack your bags for the return trip home.
Local Food and Local Attractions
- Do not leave Alaminos without tasting Alaminos Longganisa, a famous garlicky local sausage distinctively held together by small wooden sticks. For natural sightseeing, explore the breathtaking views from the Governor Island viewing deck, zip line across the sea channels, or snorkel among the massive giant clams sanctuary.
Events & Festivals
Alaminos City comes alive every March during the annual Hundred Islands Festival. This vibrant, month long celebration honors the natural wonders of the region with grand street dancing competitions, colorful agricultural trade fairs, coastal cleanups, and spectacular nighttime musical concerts. Visiting during this window allows you to experience rich Pangasinan culture firsthand, though it requires booking your rooms weeks in advance due to the high volume of domestic tourists.
Things to Know and Trivia
- RBR Hotel and Restaurant requires a refundable cash damage deposit of 1000 PHP upon checking in, which is fully returned during checkout after a quick room inspection.
- The local standard check in time starts at 2 PM, and check out must be completed before 12 PM noon.
- Trivia The Hundred Islands National Park actually features 124 distinct small islands during low tide, but two of them hide beneath the surface when high tide comes in.
Frequently Ask Questions
- Is there a swimming pool available at RBR Hotel and Restaurant?No, the property does not feature an on site swimming pool as it relies on its close proximity to the natural beaches of the islands.
- Are pets permitted inside the guestrooms?Yes, pets are warmly allowed for an additional fee of 500 PHP per accommodation per stay.
- Does the hotel accept credit cards or digital wallets?No, the hotel operates on a cash only policy for all room rates, deposits, and restaurant meals.
- Is there an elevator inside the building?No, the hotel does not have elevators, meaning the upper floors are accessible solely by standard stairs.
- How far is the hotel from the actual Hundred Islands?The hotel sits roughly 4.3 kilometers from the Lucap Wharf jetty, which translates to a short three to five minute drive.
- What time does the on site restaurant serve breakfast?Cooked to order breakfasts are readily available daily from 7 AM to 9 AM for an additional fee.
- Can I request extra beds or rollaway mattresses?Yes, extra rollaway beds can be provided upon request for a fee of 500 PHP per night.
- Is wireless internet access available in the rooms?Yes, the hotel provides complimentary in room wireless internet with recorded speeds averaging over 50 Mbps.
- Do the rooms include private bathrooms and toiletries?Each room features a private bathroom with hot showers, bidets, and free basic toiletries, though bringing personal favorites is recommended.
- Is there secure parking available on the property?Yes, free self parking is available on site, though spaces are limited and distributed on a first arrival basis.
