Baybay Beach & Grand Gazebo in Capiz

Baybay Beach in Roxas City, Capiz is popular weekend spot for locals and visitors from nearby towns and provinces. With its seven-kilometer long stretch of sugar-fine glittery black sand and relatively calm waters, the beach is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and skimboarding.

During a trip to Capiz last December, we had a jam-packed schedule, covering the Sinadya sa Halaran Festival, visiting waterfalls, caves and various pilgrimage sites. It was nice to take a breather and just enjoy the refreshing see breeze at the beach.

I envy Roxas City for having such a relaxing spot so close to business establishments. The beach is just three kilometers from the main city proper, and a mere 5-10 minute tricycle ride from the Roxas City Airport.

Lots of food stalls and restaurants are located along Baybay Beach and we got to try two beachfront restaurants, Bitoy’s Balay Barbekyuhan and RML Manokan Haus, during our food-tripping around the province.

During our stay in Roxas City, I got to stay in Grand Gazebo Events Place and Dormitel. I really liked the relaxing and homey vibe of the resort. There’s this huge frangipani tree just by the entrance that has apparently been in the property for three generations.

Situated just across the street from Baybay Beach, Grand Gazebo serves mainly as an events venue for wedding receptions, birthdays, reunions and corporate gatherings, but it also offers affordable rooms. We got great service from the staff and reception people in charge.

We even got to make use of the free Wifi from coffee shop since our room was just next to the reception area. They also have Family rooms that include a loft (P3,800/per night, good for 8 pax), De Luxe Rooms (P2,000/night good for 3), and Suite Rooms (P2,450/night, King Bed).

The in-house Coffee Shop, Rocco’s serves a variety of specialty coffee, Filipino dishes, and home-baked desserts and pastries. We also had the option of ordering fresh seafood specialties from Bitoy’s menu right across the street. The outdoor dining area was very cozy, with nice touches like a Foosball table and lots of travel magazines for visitors to browse through.

Overall, I really enjoyed my stay here. I liked the hotel’s location since it’s always great to start your day with a walk along the beach. Distance from the city center wasn’t really a problem and it was easy enough to get to and from the city by tricycle.

The Grand Gazebo Events Place & Dormitel. Lawis, Marcs, Baybay, Roxas City, Capiz, 5800. Tel: (036) 522-7726, (036) 643-0796. Price range: P1,800-P2,450/night. Website: http://grandgazebo.blogspot.com, Facebook: Grand Gazebo

For an idea of activities to do in Capiz, check out my article in ZestAir’s Inflight Magazine, A Piece of Capiz.

WHERE TO STAY IN CAPIZ:

• Baia Norte Beach Club. Baybay Beach, Roxas City, Capiz. Price range: P880-P2,080.
• Cler Grande Hotel. Brgy. Lawaan, Roxas City, Capiz. Price range: P1,200 – P3,500
• Hotel Veronica. Pueblo de Panay, Lawaan, Roxas City, Capiz. Price range: P1,600-P3,000
• La Hacienda Grande Hotel. Arnaldo Boulevard, Roxas City, Capiz.
• Lawaan Garden Inn Hotel. Brgy. Lawaan, Roxas City. Price range: P1,200-P2,000
• Roxas President’s Inn. Rizal cor. Lopez Jaena St. Roxas City, Capiz.
• Sky Garden Hotel. San Roque Ext., Roxas City. Price range: P1,200-P2,000
• Urban Manor Hotel. Pueblo de Panay, Lawaan, Roxas City P1,200-P1,800
• Villa Patria Cottages. Villa Patria, Baybay, Roxas City, Capiz. Price range: P900-P1,200
• Maribert Inland Resort. Brgy. Lantangan, Pontevedra, Capiz. Price range: P800-P4,000
• San Antonio Resort. Lawis, Baybay, Roxas City. Price range: P850-P2,400
• Spring Hills Resort and Garden. Malocloc Norte, Ivisan, Capiz. Price range: P999 – P2,900
• Sta. Ana Farm Resort. Brgy, Ilaya, Ivisan, Capiz.
• Suhot Cave and Spring Resort. Brgy. Dolores, Dumalag, Capiz.
• Villa Consorcia Resort. Malag-it, Potevedra, Capiz. Price range: P750-P1,950

Source for hotel listings and price range: The Portal: Capiz. First Edition, 2012.