Needs renovation for the huts in the back area. No hot water. No water water presure. Weak AC. Noisy behind Hut #1 as the staff live there. Most staff pretty clueless. Owners not at all in touch with daily operations. Staff complained about this and is evident. Dangerous wiring in the room. Restaurant is hopeless with food prices similiar to the Regency but not the quality or service.

I visited the SandCastles from April 14-16. My group rented 5 nipa huts and I stayed in the one named "Tausug", or hut number 8. Upon arrival, my group was greeted with fresh watermelon juice and smiles. The huts were rustic, but offered a clean bed, air conditioner, ceiling fan, TV with cable, refridgerator and a full bathroom. While not the Ritz-Carlton, it was a place to bathe and sleep, which is all you should be doing in your room when visting this magnificent place. The staff was always friendly and responsive to our requests. We ate breakfast in the lobby each day and the food was just as good as anything served elsewhere on the island. They also offer a free continental breakfast with certain bookings which was great if you like lighter fare like fruit plate, toast and coffee. I would certainly stay here again.

We booked our 3D/2N stay at the APARTMENTS, not Sandcastles beach resort. They are both owned by one company and are in the same location but they are not the same. The apartments were at the front, the nipa huts are at the back.

When we got there, we realized that their security were tight as they needed to open our bags before we were allowed to enter (we didn't mind). The staff were ok but not as friendly as I had hoped ( I think they were newly hired?). We waited for an hour before we got to our beachfront apartment (we arrived early, around 8am) but our friends got to their hotel rooms at another resort within 15 mins. Our apartment room looked very nice. The decor was modern. I liked the theme, specifically the toilet and bath. Ours is a 1 bedroom groundfloor apartment with kitchen/dining area, small area for a couch and sleeping area with a double bed. The glass door opens up to a front porch/ area where we can hang out/ eat on the table provided. There were 2 split type remote operated aircon units. There was a vault inside the room where we could keep our valuables. Some toiletries were provided. The kitchen had a fridge, microwave, coffee maker, plates, utensils, etc. The room was clean. As a whole, our room was very nice. Visit their website for the photos.

On the other hand, just before night time, we noticed that there were so many mosquitoes. I have heard about mosquitoes being one of the main things guests complain about sandcastles but I thought that was just a problem for the hut units. Apparently it was also the same for the apartments. We asked for a solution and they gave us a plug in that eliminates mosquitoes and we decided to spray Baygon while we had dinner. We slept soundly and were never bothered again.

We had a problem with the hot water as well. They tried to fix it and there was hot water for about 5 mins but there was none for the rest of our stay. That was probably the only thing we were bummed about. My mom said she would want to stay there again, perhaps rent a family unit.

There are about 3 security guards constantly monitoring the front of the apartments. That made us feel secure about leaving things on the tables outside.

The location was perfect. We loved going to D'Mall so it was very convenient for us. There were many restaurants and establishments close to us.

just returned from this "hole" it is absolutely filthy, not sure where the pictures on the web site originated from but they certainly dont represent what the rooms look like!!!!!!
All of us inc my husband and two children came home with over fifty bites each and I dont think they are from mossi's!!!, If you are staying here take my advice keep your wallet well hidden the area is full of the local gypsie commune, and take a tent you would be better of and safer sleeping in that than this hotel!!!