Guam may not be such a “hot” destination based on what I have heard from many…but I liked it! I guess it is all about expectations…and managing those expectations and just simply trying to appreciate the charm of a place. I enjoy seeing new places, observing different cities and cultures and just getting away once in awhile from home.
It is only 3 1/2 hours from Manila and you are already in the USA. The place is small and manageable. There is no traffic. Streets are not crowded. There is enough shopping for every member of the family to bring home. The food places we went to were very good! My kids enjoyed the beach, the pool and the waterpark. What more can I ask for?
30% of the population are Filipinos- you will see them in almost all restaurants, hotels, stores and everywhere. Almost all of the tourists are Japanese and they are in all the hotels and resorts which are fully booked! Mom and Quito say it reminds them of Daly City. As we drove around the island which will take probably an hour and a half or so – it reminds me of Subic where you drive around the coast line- and there are several beaches you can stop by and have picnics and swim. There are nice golf courses I heard.
Soon, the Okinawa troops are coming over and 9,000 families will be moving to Guam.
I will enjoy the city while it is still not as busy- it is quiet, peaceful, relaxing and definitely a nice family vacation where everyone can enjoy.
The main part of Guam for tourists is the town of Tumon where all the resorts are surrounding the beach
We stayed at the Hyatt Hotel
Love the view from the balcony of the room!!!
You can see the pools of the hotel, there are several of them. I like the hotel because though it was full, it did not seem crowded whether at the pool or at the beach
We went to the beach at around 4 pm
View of the beach on the left side from the beachfront of the Hyatt hotel
View on the right – hardly anyone on the beach! We had the beach all to ourselves!!!! Next time, we have to walk the whole beach from end to end!
The beach is not as nice as Boracay since everyone tends to compare to our beaches, but they are okay and very clean…with weeds/moss but relatively clean!
websites: Guam
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i love Guam too!!!! we’ve stayed at the Hyatt but if you bring the kids again….. you have to try the Pacific Islands club or the Hilton …. 1 week is not enough …. isnt it a glorified Subic??? did you try the Korean resto in front of the Hyatt??? and if you present your passport at Macys you get an additional 15% off !!! now im so excited to go again!!! 🙂
I like Guam too, LOVE!
Nikki!!!!! oh my gosh!! yes, we ate in that korean place across Hyatt!! we loved it- that was our first meal. And then we wanted to go back two times after that but it was always full!!
Yes we checked out Pacific Islands Club. We did not know about the 15% off at Macy’s- thanks for the tip! Next time!
Anton did tell us you guys love going to Guam with the kids!
let me know if and when you plan to go back…. i get great rates at PIC and Hilton!!! and they are more kid friendly than the Hyatt but Hyatt was great too …. just let me know…. and i have a great rent a car there too!!! fyi…. i was looking at your pictures from Hyatt and i think we had the same room …. hehehehe top floor and to the right huh??? 😉
theres a great steak place near the outlets too!!!
Nikki- We will definitely ask you next time about hotel and rent a car! You are so funny, i think our room was in the middle – right when you get out of the elevator.
Steak place near the outlets? What is the name?
Hi Rica.
Thank you for sharing this. Somehow, I had also been discouraged from exploring Guam because of what I heard in the past – that it is a boring place, nothing to do. This article changed that. I hope to plan something with my family in the near future.
🙂
Yvonne
Guam is a great shopping destination for the ladies( DFS, Kmart open for 24 hours, Tumon Sands, Ross Dress for Less, Macy’s ), sportsman’s paradise ( golf, hiking, scuba diving, deep sea fishing) and a tropical clean island with a ton of business opportunities ( $15 billion in military spending over the next 5 years due to the relocation of US Marines from Okinawa).
Population will surge by 30% due to the military build-up and job growth.
Only 3 hours away from Manila with lots of friendly Filipinos, mostly Cabalens from Pampanga.
Just follow the trail of Lucio Tan – he has business interests all over Guam.
And by the way, the Hyatt and the Westin are both excellent choices and located in the heart of Tumon.
The Philippines would look like Guam if we were still under the Americans and with US laws. He he.
Hafa Adai!
It is great reading the different comments about Guam! My dear friends Luli & Leo De Leon travel between Guam and Manila frequently. Yes, it is a great getaway just 3 hours away… The funny thing, is I live on Guam and my getaway is to run to the Shangri-la Makati or Ascott to relax, get pampered and then shop. What a great exchange….
We have had many Philippine Contractors visit with the hopes to get jobs during the Military Build-up. We have also had many Investors from the Philippines purchase properties or invest in different businesses.
If you are shopping for Name brand items – this is the place to Shop – Guam offers duty free prices….
Check out my website – BuyGuam.Com for investments….
Come to Guam – where America’s Day Begins……
I have the same sentiments when I came to Hawaii, it is East meets West with great weather. Looks like Guam would be something I would enjoy.
Great photos! I am sold on putting this on future travel.
Thank you!
For those of you planning to take a trip to Guam… the Westin Resort Guam is the most convenient hotel to stay in….
WHY? Cuz, we are just a hop, skip & a jump away from “shopping paradise”… as you cross the street outside the Westin, DFS Galleria, JP Superstore, The Plaza (with all the luxury brand names you could possibly think of…) & so many quaint, affordable restos, cafes nearby too!
So, if any of you are planning your next vacation to Guam, check out the Westin Resort Guam, we have the best hotel rooms in tumon bay & they are “heavenly”! I will give you a very good deal!!! Just contact me via email….. & yes , do check out our website too:
I would like permission to use one of your photos – the photo of the town looking across the bay (second from the top) for a university piece of research. Is that OK?
Yes sure, go ahead
I Love Guam! can I share some of your Guam picture? If you don’t mind? please? 🙂
Yes sure Alice