Called the Tuna Capital of the Philippines, General Santos City is, you guessed it, well known for its tuna industry. It is the largest producer of sashimi-grade tuna all over the country and it accounts for having one of the largest daily catches of fish in the Philippines.
The city celebrates an annual week-long Tuna Festival during the month of September wherein festive float parades, street dancing, and other festivities take place.
General Santos isn’t just famous for its tuna though. It’s also famous for being the shopping center of the whole region of Socsksargen. Residents from nearby provinces flock towards Gen San to shop because of the numerous quantity of malls and shopping center in the city.
Whether it’s for tuna, seafood, or for shopping, General Santos is a must-visit place.
So, what are you waiting for, come and visit General Santos City! And if you’re looking for a place to stay, here is our list of the 10 best places to stay when in General Santos City.
10 RSG Mircohotel
RSG Microhotel is a hotel designed with convenience in mind. The hotel is located at the heart of the city making it convenient if you’re planning to tour the busy streets of General Santos City. Not only, is its location convenient, the hotel’s rates are also pretty convenient as it offers rooms that will amaze you with how cheap they cost considering that the place does not look bad at all. So, if what you seek is a budget-friendly place to stay, then RSG Microhotel will give you the best value for your money.
9 Dolores Tropicana Resort & Hotel
Dolores Tropicana Resort & Hotel is one of the premier resorts in General Santos City. It boasts of its wide beach area that can be the perfect spot to bask in the scenic beauty of the sunrise. Dolores Tropicana Resort & Hotel also offers amenities such as a relaxing spa and a kiddie pool, making it a perfect place to stay if you’re on a family weekend getaway in General Santos City.
8 Roadhaus Hotel
Owned by the only eight division world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao and his better half Ms. Jinkee Pacquiao, Roadhaus Hotel is a hotel that has a very convenient location. It is situated just 30 minutes away from the International and Domestic Airport, 15 minutes away from the pier and just a short ride to hospitals, shopping centers, convention areas and other recreational spots. Hotel guests can also park their cars right in front of their rooms which makes it a convenient place to stay if you’re bringing your own car. Because of this unique feature, staying at Roadhaus Hotel is highly recommended if you’re touring General Santos City with your own vehicle.
7 Alchan Suites
On a tight budget but need a place to crash in General Santos City? Don’t fret because Alchan Suites is here for you. The hotel advertises its rooms as priced reasonably. It’s not a gimmick. Its room rates are pretty affordable for such a decent place. With enough amenities for you to be comfortable and cozy, Alchan Suites is highly recommended for travelers who are looking to save money.
6 East Asia Royale Hotel
Embodying the classic essence of hotels from the façade down to the interior, East Asia Royale Hotel is a safe choice for most travelers. Don’t get this wrong, classic isn’t a bad thing. There are reasons why hotels have a common formula. It’s because it’s the most effective formula to pamper guests and have guests experience comfort. And comfort really is the strong suit of this hotel. With a wide range of amenities built with the guests’ comfort in mind, you will surely feel cozy when staying at this hotel. If comfort is your maximum priority in your trip to General Santos City, then give East Asia Royale Hotel a try.
5 Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham
Located right at the heart of General Santos City, Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham is a hotel that lives up to the world-class standards of the Microtel group. Upholding its standards, the hotel provides excellent service. The staff are amazing and truly epitomize the concept of Filipino hospitality. The hotel also provides the warm and cozy feeling that comes with all of the Microtel group’s hotels. If you want to play safe and stick with the trustworthy places, Microtel Inn & Suites will definitely not disappoint.
4 Hotel San Marco
Hotel San Marco is a newly built boutique hotel situated at the heart of General Santos City. Unlike most boutique hotels that bank on modern designs, Hotel San Marco is a boutique hotel that is more akin to the classic design of hotels. Despite the place being a bit as large as other classy hotels, it harnesses the strengths of classic design to produce this unique elegance that one might not expect upon entering the establishment. So, if you’re on a budget but still want to experience elegance and class, book your stay at Hotel San Marco.
3 3G Garden Hotel
3G Garden Hotel is a hotel that is all about relaxation. Upon arriving in this hotel, you will immediately feel the tranquil aura that the place emanates. The style, the architecture, the lighting – every aspect of this hotel just combines to give off a rejuvenating aura. Don’t get the wrong idea though. Yes, the hotel gives away a relaxing vibe but that doesn’t mean that the place isn’t stylish. The hotel’s design is actually very posh with artsy pieces that were carefully selected to fit into the tranquil theme. So, if rest and relaxation is a priority for you, go and check out the 3G Garden Hotel.
The hotel’s peaceful atmosphere extends to its recreational facilities which include a massage, garden. 3G Garden Hotel General Santos City is an excellent choice from which to explore General Santos or to simply relax and rejuvenate.
2 Q Citi Park Hotel
Q Citipark Hotel is also one of the new boutique hotels inGeneral Santos City. The hotel is conveniently located in front of the Carlos P. Garcia Freedom Park and is just a few minutes away from the malls. Being relatively new, the hotel boasts of its modern and up-to-date designs. It has furniture that accent the hotel’s architecture which help the hotel maintain how chic it is. If you’re searching for something new, then go ahead and book your stay at Q Citi Park Hotel.
1 Greenleaf Hotel
Claiming to be the most elegant hotel not only in General Santos City but in all of Mindanao, Greenleaf Hotel sure does walk the talk. The hotel offers luxury beyond what the eyes can see. Its luxurious feel blends amazingly well with its nature-inspired architecture that simply gazing at the place will make you wonder how they made this odd mix of design work. The elegance of the place alone is enough for this hotel to grab the number 1 spot in this list. If luxury is what you’re looking for, Greenleaf Hotel is undoubtedly the place to choose.
Editor’s Note: The author is the Vice President for Communications of TEAM Philippines (Tourism Educators And Movers of the Philippines), an organization of individuals and groups committed to promote the tourism industry in the Philippines.