All about Rizal
DOT Accreditation in Rizal: How to Check a Resort, and City on a Hill's Status
To check a resort's DOT accreditation, search the Department of Tourism's list of accredited enterprises and ask for the certificate. City on a Hill is not DOT-accredited; here is what that means for your booking.
To check whether a Rizal resort is DOT-accredited, search the Department of Tourism's list of accredited enterprises on tourism.gov.ph and ask the resort for its current certificate. City on a Hill Private Villas is not DOT-accredited; if your company or event requires accreditation, choose an accredited property.
How accreditation works
| What to know | |
|---|---|
| Where to check | DOT list of accredited enterprises (tourism.gov.ph); applications via accreditation.tourism.gov.ph |
| Resorts | Need regular or premium/star accreditation, not basic registration |
| Validity | Regular: 2 years. Premium and star rating: 3 years |
| Region | Rizal is under DOT Region IV-A (CALABARZON) |
The Rizal provincial government also publishes resort directories by municipality; treat them as directories and confirm accreditation with the DOT list.
What City on a Hill offers instead
Clear published terms: rates on the availability page, a written cancellation policy (50% refund 30 days or more before check-in, 25% at 15 to 29 days), online payment through PayPal, PayMongo, Xendit, GCash, Maya or online banking (subject to availability), and a refundable security deposit. Read the house rules and the booking guide.
Questions to ask any resort
| Ask | Look for |
|---|---|
| Accreditation certificate | Current date, issued by DOT Region IV-A for Rizal |
| Business permit | Mayor's permit for the current year |
| Written terms | Rates, cancellation and deposit rules |
| Payment channel | Official accounts in the business name |
When accreditation matters
- Company events that require accredited venues for reimbursement or insurance.
- Government or school trips with procurement rules.
- Tour packages sold through accredited agencies.
City on a Hill's terms in writing
City on a Hill is not DOT-accredited. Its terms are published: ₱25,000 most nights for up to 20 guests, ₱500 per extra guest, a 50% downpayment, a ₱3,000 refundable security deposit, and refunds of 50% at 30 days or more and 25% at 15 to 29 days. Read them on the FAQ before deciding.
Compare the three villas or check open dates and rates.
Sources
- Manila Bulletin: Check the DOT list of accredited enterprises
- www.visitcentralluzon.com: Accreditation types and validity
- Rizal Provincial Government: Rizal provincial resort directory
Frequently asked questions
How do you check if a resort is DOT-accredited?
Search the Department of Tourism's list of accredited enterprises on tourism.gov.ph and ask the resort for its certificate. Regular accreditation lasts two years; premium and star-rating accreditation three.
Is City on a Hill DOT-accredited?
No. City on a Hill Private Villas is not DOT-accredited. If your company or event requires accreditation, choose an accredited property.
