We’ve always chosen Xenia as our “home away from home” when we’re in Clark, Angeles. It always has a very welcoming, comfortable air. This year, driving into the property, we were pleased that management has done a better job sprucing up the grounds and maintaining the overall cleanliness. When we stayed in Xenia in 2017, we were disappointed by the lack of upkeep and by the garbage strewn across the parking area. It was a big difference from the way the property looked when we first stayed there in 2015. 2017 was so disappointing and we figured that would be the last time we’d stay in Xenia. Fortunately, this year, we decided to give Xenia another chance. There are a lot of new hotels in Clark, but most of them are quite pricey, and we found the room rates of Xenia more to our liking and planned budget for a long weekend holiday. We noticed a few changes the moment we walked in through the main entrance. There are now conference halls on either side of the escalators leading to the main lobby. I didn’t care much for the aesthetics, because the conference halls looked a bit odd and ill-placed. Also, we were greeted by a funky smell which we initially thought was a bit moldy, perhaps from moist carpets left to dry on their own. But going up the escalator, the scent pervaded the entire lobby. It wasn’t really unpleasant. Just different, so unlike the usual floral scent that would welcome you in most other big hotels. We realized later on that it was from the air humidifier and freshener the property used. Quite a peculiar choice for a scent, but we got used to it after a few hours. The check-in process was quick and hassle-free, and the front desk staff were amiable and helpful. We were checked-in immediately but we were told our suite wasn’t available yet since we arrived an hour-and-a-half earlier than usual check-in time. It was understandable and quite fine since we did plan on going around Clark and check out the nearest duty-free shop (Parkson) which was just beside the property. When we got back at 2pm, everything was ready and we were ushered into our suite accompanied by luggage assist. Our suite was very comfortable. Three bedrooms, two queen-sized bed and a twin bed, which was just right for a group of three adults and a child. The air conditioning was wonderful, the facilities were nice, and it had a very homey feel, just as we remembered. The fixtures were a bit old and perhaps needed upgrading, and the kitchenette was smaller than we remembered and could use better lighting (it had none, in fact), but we got used to it after a while. Over all, the room was an excellent value for money. The breakfast area was much improved compared to our last stay in Xenia. The breakfast choices had more variety, and the taste was good. We stayed for three days and two nights and we did not really get to maximize the facilities like the fitness center and the outdoor pool. We were informed that there are now quite a few upgrades, but our stay in Clark was packed with so many activities we couldn’t squeeze any more into our itinerary. Over all, our stay in Xenia this year was light years better than our previous stay in 2017. I’m quite sure management listened to previous critiques from other clients, hence the massive improvement. I’m glad Xenia was able to recapture it’s previous charm. I hope it will continue to keep up with the times. We see ourselves going back to Xenia Hotel in future trips to Clark.