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Budget Hotel: Meaco Hotel Valenzuela City

Posted on July 10, 2016August 6, 2017by One Armed Wanderer

Meaco Hotel in Valenzuela City is one of the newest hotel chain of Asia Novotel Incorporated. Located along McArthur highway in Baranggay Karuhatan, Meaco Hotel Valenzuela is strategically located as it is few meters away from SM Center Valenzuela and a few minute drive to Our Lady of Fatima University and Fatima Medical Center. If you love to try local restaurants, Meaco hotel is literally few steps away from Little Beijing and a few minute ride to Golden Crown food center.

The facade is simple and barely noticeable from McArthur highway. Parking area is right in front of the hotel building.

Meaco Hotel Lobby and Hallway

I should say that I was not expecting much from Meaco Hotel. As we arrived in the area, it was raining and we were greeted and assisted by the hotel’s security guard to the parking area of the hotel. As we entered the lobby, it was clean and well-maintained. There is nothing much to see except for the reception, small LCD TV, a couple of chairs and tables, dining area, a mini store where guests can buy snacks.

Mini store and dining area

Meaco Hotel Valenzuela reception

We informed the receptionist of our online booking. Unfortunately, it appears that they overlooked our booking for that day and reserved a deluxe room for us the next day. It was late night and we were advised to wait for an hour. Given that the hotel is quite new, we tried to understand the situation as the receptionists might not be used to online bookings and reservations. Surprisingly, unlike other hotels in Metro Manila where check-out time is 12 noon, Meaco Hotel allows literally 24 hour stay from your check-in time. So the delayed check-in was not issue to us. While waiting, we ordered their yummy longsilog (for only 80 Php each) and had our dinner in the hotel.

Come check-in, we took the stairs to the second floor as there is no elevator in this 3-storey hotel. Hallways are consistent with the lobby, very clean and well-maintained. The rooms are surprisingly powered by key-card locks.

Meaco Hotel Valenzuela Deluxe Room

The room is spacious. The queen size bed with a golden headboard is comfortable but surely not at par with that of upscale hotels in Metro Manila. Nonetheless, it was good enough for a good and sound sleep. There are also bedside tables with a hotel room phone on one table. There is a cable LCD TV screen with limited channels facing the bed. On the right of the LCD TV is stylish mirror in a golden frame. If you are bringing work to Meaco hotel, right below the TV is a long table that can serve as a work space. All rooms also come with free WiFi access.

Meaco hotel deluxe room

Meaco Hotel Room

LCD TV and work space area

Meaco hotel room’s toilet and bath is very clean and spacious. Fixtures look modern and new. The hot and cold shower is working perfectly. Toiletries such as bath towels, bath gel, shampoo and toothbrush are also provided. My only rants were the slightly clogged water drain in the shower and the very small slippers in the room. Nonetheless, issues like these can be reported to the reception.

Toilet and bath

Toiletries

Meaco Hotel Valenzuela Room Rates

Apart for the affordable room rates, Meaco Hotel also offer 12 hour rates for those who are visiting Valenzuela on short trips.

Deluxe 12 hours – 700 Php / 24 hours – 900 Php
Twin Deluxe 12 hours 800 Php / 24 hours 1,000 Php
Family 12 hours 1,100 Php / 24 1,400 Php
VIP Family 12 hours 1,500 / 24 hours – 1,800 Php

Tip: It is cheaper if you book online using a voucher. My girlfriend booked via asiatravel.com and used a voucher for our two night stay at Meaco Hotel Valenzuela. We paid 1,400 Php instead of 1,800 Php!

Affordable Hotel in Valenzuela City

Overall, we enjoyed our 2 night stay in Meaco Hotel Valenzuela. For the price, the hotel exceeded our expectations. The security guards and most of the staff were very friendly and helpful. The rooms are very decent and clean. The hotel is very accessible and strategically located. If you are visiting, travelling or backpacking Valenzuela, you would never go wrong if you stay in this budget hotel.

Meaco Hotel Contact Number – +63 2 4439021 / +63 916 3491030
Address – 349 McArthur highway, Karuhatan, Valenzuela City

Aside from Valenzuela City, Meaco Hotel chains are also available on the following Philippine provinces:

Legaspi, Albay
Solano, Nueva Vizcaya
Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte
Calbayog, Samar
Anilao, Batangas

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BRBlock Boutique and Residences Makati Review

Posted on July 3, 2016July 9, 2016by One Armed Wanderer

BRbock Boutique and Residences is one among the few affordable boutique hotels in Makati City. Situated in the Philippine’s central business district, BRBlock hotel is strategically located as it is just few minute taxi ride away from various shopping malls, bars, restaurants and offices. What sets BRblock apart from other Makati boutique hotels is that it is located in the heart of Santiago village, a peaceful and quiet Makati neighborhood.

Distance of BRblock Boutique & Residences from various landmarks:

SM Jazz Mall – 650 m
Century Mall – 750 m
Glorietta Mall – 2.9 km
Bonifacio High Street – 3.6 km
Ninoy Aquino International Airport- 7 km

Unique and Remarkable Minimalist Boutique Hotel in Makati

Opened in June 2015, BRbock Boutique and Residences building is fairly new. Not like any other boutique hotels in Makati, its facade is gray and humble but its architecture is carefully designed and truly remarkable. It is in fact one of the best boutique hotel facade I’ve seen in Makati.

This 4-storey Makati boutique hotel has an elevator. Each floor has a foyer where guests can hang-out and simply relax. The open-air industrial minimalist themed hallways are very clean and spacious for such a small hotel. From BRblock’s entrance up to the room, everything is unique and pleasing to the eye.

Deluxe Room at BRblock Boutique & Residences

The rooms are simple and very spacious. I love the minimalist but practical design of almost everything. Right after the room entrance, on the left is a mini bar with a couple of items and snacks for sale at a minimum price. Yes you heard it right! Minimum price! Unlike other boutique hotels, it was such a surprise that their snacks are quite cheap for an upscale boutique hotel.

The minibar also comes with an electric kettle, 2 coffee cups, sachets of coffee, creamer and sugar. If you are a coffee lover, BRblock Boutique & Residences offers unlimited coffee! Just call the reception and coffee sachets will be delivered right in front of your hotel room. Below the minibar is a personal refrigerator with 2 complimentary water bottles and sodas in can for sale. There is also an open closet with a vault to secure your money or valuable items. If you are bringing work to your BRblock hotel room, there is a long shelf with a mirror and a stylish lampshade that serves as the room’s work space.

Clean and stylish white linens and pillow cases cover the very comfortable bed and 4 pillows in BRblock hotel rooms. I should say that the quality of the bed and pillows can match that of expensive 5 star hotels in Makati. There is a huge cable LCD screen TV facing the bed. All rooms also come with a free Wifi.

Unlike a typical hotel, the curtain in BRblock are white roller blinds. This is perfect for the floor to ceiling sliding glass door which separates the room from the balcony. If you are a cigarette smoker, the balcony serves as the smoking area.

The simple and practical toilet and bath is very clean. The overall design complements to the minimalist theme of the hotel. Fixtures are stylish and look new. The hot and cold shower works perfectly and there are no issues with the water pressure. The toilet and bath come with toiletries such as soap, 2 toothbrush with toothpaste, cotton buds, bath shower and gel. I personally love the small soap wrapped with a BRblock branding.

BRBlock Boutique and Residences Room Rates

Compared to other Makati boutique hotels, room rates at BRblock are more affordable.

Deluxe Room for 2 persons- 1,989 Php (approx. $43)
Family room for 3 persons – 2,574 Php (approx. $55)

Tip: Room rates are cheaper if you book HERE (Agoda).

Security and Safety

As for the security, there is a security guard on duty 24/7. The entire BRBlock building is also equipped with cameras. Being in a peaceful and quiet environment, we felt very safe during our stay at BRblock.
Due to its limited real estate, BRblock boutique and residences can accommodate maximum of 6 cars and its parking space at the ground floor.

Exemplary Customer Service

Customer service is exemplary! The security guards, concierge and the rest of the staff are very welcoming, friendly and courteous. Steph, the front desk personnel welcomed us with a huge smile and even assisted us to our room upon check-in.

Other Services

24-hour front desk
luggage storage
laundry
fax/photocopying

If you are visiting Makati for a vacation or business, I would highly recommend BRblock Boutique and Residences. With its exemplary customer service, simple yet upscale atmosphere, minimalist and clean rooms, security and safety and most especially its affordability, BRblock is the best boutique hotel there is Makati.

How to Get to BRblock Boutique & Residences

Since BRblock is relatively new, most of the taxi drivers are not aware of the place yet. So make sure to have your Google map or Waze ready or just simply tell the below directions to the taxi driver.

From Kalayaan Avenue in Makati, turn left to Pililla Street. After a block, turn left to Baler Street and turn right on Penafrancia St.

BRblock Boutique & Residences Map

BRBlock Boutique and Residences Address, Contact Number and Online Booking

Address: 1631 Penafrancia St., Baranggay Valenzuela, Makati City
Contact Number: +63 2 8335121
Online Booking and Reservation: Unfortunatey, BRblock Makati does not have an official website. Alternatively, you may book your room HERE.

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Hotel
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- Metro Manila
- Motel

Orchids Hotel Pasig, Garage Room Review

Posted on June 25, 2016July 6, 2016by One Armed Wanderer

Orchids hotel is one among the wide array of hotels (or should I say motels) that are available for short-time stay in Pasig City. Located along Hillcrest drive, this affordable accommodation is just few minutes drive-away from various Pasig City establishments.

Orchids Hotel Pasig Garage Room

Orchids Hotel room interiors are modern and hip. I personally find the room a bit frayed. I was not just sure if it was just me or just the room itself (By the way, we checked-in at the garage room number 11). The quality of linens, bed and the pillows are the one you usually see in any affordable motels in the metro. Nonetheless, the room is clean.

The wall sized and ceiling mirrors create an illusion that the room is bigger than its actual size. There is a cable TV with a few available channels. The room comes with 2 bottled water and 2 pairs of slippers. The air-conditioning unit works perfectly. There is also a free Wifi with fast internet connection. If you are concerned about your security and privacy, all rooms in Orchids Hotel come with vestibule.

The toilet is spacious and clean but looked old to me. Except for the soap, the rest of the toiletries are for sale. There is a small plastic box nearby the toilet and bath containing the toiletries.

Tootbrush – 15 Php
Tootphase – 10 Php
Shampoo – 10 Php
conditioner – 10 Php
mouthwash – 55 Php

I’ve been to the garage room of the nearby Rosal Hotel and I must say that compared to Orchids hotel, the former has spacious garage. Nonetheless, any sedan car will fit in the garage (Unless you are bringing a limo with you).

Apart from the clean, private and secured rooms, Orchids Hotel is also popular for the food they serve. I’ve read several good blog reviews about their Pancit Canton.

Orchids Hotel Garage Room Rates

Short Time (3 hours) – 525 Php and 180 Php extra charge for every hour
Evening Special (from 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM) – 710 Php
Morning Special (check-in from 4:00 AM to 5:00 PM except Saturdays) – 525 Php
24 hours – 1, 950 Php

If you will be needing a place to stay overnight in Pasig and you are on a tight budget, I would recommend Orchids Hotel. Unlike in a typical hotel, guests can check-in at Orchids at any given of the day.

Orchids Drive In Hotel contact number: +63 2 6712235

Orchids Drive In Hotel Online booking here.

Alternatively, you may check other Pasig hotels here.

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Budget Hotel in Tagaytay: Crisanta’s Bed and Breakfast

Posted on June 12, 2016June 29, 2016by One Armed Wanderer

Crisanta's Bed and Breakfast Tagaytay Philippines

Since Jen (my Tagaytay travel buddy) and I were on a tight budget, we have set our target to book the cheapest yet decent accommodation for our overnight stay in Tagaytay. We started strolling around the city and came across a couple of hotels, inns and motels, ranging from 800 Php (non-airconditioned rooms) to 1,400 Php (airconditioned rooms). We tried to check as many inns as we could and soon decided that the most decent and cheapest place to stay was Crisanta’s Bed and Breakfast.

Location

Crisanta’s Bed and Breakfast is located along Nasugbu-Tagaytay road and is right across one of the tourist destination in Tagaytay, The Residence Inn Zoo or Zoori.

Due to its affordability, Crisanta’s Bed and Breakfast easily gets fully-booked during weekends. We arrived at Crisanta’s at noon and was advised by Che, the hotel’s receptionist, that rooms will be available at 5:00 PM. Since it was only our choice of accommodation, Jen and I decided to visit Twin Lakes while waiting for the check-in time.

Cheap tagaytay lodge hotel inn — Facade of Crisanta’s Bed and Breakfast (left- day shot, right-night shot)

Crisanta’s Bed and Breakfast Room Rates

Family Room (4 pax, airconditioned, breakfast for 2) – 2,000 Php
Family Room B (6 pax, non-airconditioned, breakfast for 2) – 1,500 Php
Standard Room A (2 pax, airconditioned, breakfast for 2) – 1,300 Php
Standard Room B (2 pax, airconditioned, breakfast for 2) – 1,100 Php
Standard Room C (2 pax, non-airconditioned, breakfast for 2) – 800 Php
Extra Person is charged 150 Php
Extra bed is charged 150 Php
Maximum of 2 children per room, age 7 and below are free of charge

The Room

Room at crisanta's bed and breakfast — Standard Room B

We took the Standard Room B for only 1,100 Php. It was very clean and fairly decent. It was a typical budget traveler/solo backpacker accommodation. There is a small LCD TV serving local channels. Also, there is no wifi in the hotel but mobile data in the area if fairly good. The toilet and bath is quite spacious and clean but will give you a rustic feel. It will not be an issue for budget travelers and backpackers. We always get what we pay for, right?

The Grand Surprise

When we checked-in at around 5:00 PM, the hotel’s common area looked ordinary to me. Well, except for the grand staircase situated on the right side of the ground floor.

Crisanta’s Bed and Breakfast was the cheapest yet decent accommodation we’ve found in Tagaytay and I was not really expecting something grand from it. And then the evening came. When Jen and I went out of our room, we were literally surprised by the elegance of the hotel’s common area.

Beautiful hotel lobby tagytay city

Who would have thought that a cheap hotel accommodation would have this elegant common area for their guests?

The hotel’s simple and ordinary ambiance during daytime surprisingly turns into an elegant and romantic area during the evening.

Complimentary Breakfast

All rooms come with 2 complimentary breakfast served from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM. As expected, just like any other hotels, the serving was not generous. Good thing we had a super early breakfast outside the hotel that morning before visiting Tagaytay’s People’s Park in the Sky. Nonetheless, the food was okay and I loved the kapeng barako they served along the meal.

Tagaytay city tour accommodation — Jen and I ordered corned beef for breakfast.

The hotel maybe understaffed but they try to do their best to serve the guests. I would commend Che, Crisanta’s Bed and Breakfast receptionist, for being friendly and accommodating to us.

If you are travelling Tagaytay on a budget, I should say that Crisanta’s Bed and Breakfast is the most decent among the few cheap accommodations in the city.

Crisanta’s Bed and Breakfast Tagaytay Contact Number: +63 932 8657165

Unfortunately, Crisanta’s Bed and Breakfast do not offer online booking. Alternatively, you can book and reserve other Tagaytay hotels here or here.

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- Hotel
- Quezon

Where to Stay in Lucena: Star Garden Tower Hotel

Posted on June 11, 2016July 6, 2016by One Armed Wanderer

twin bedroom star garden tower hotel lucena city

Star Garden Tower Hotel is situated right in the heart of Lucena City, Quezon Province. Located along Quezon Avenue, this nine-storey mid range hotel just few meters to convenience stores, fast foods, schools and a local shopping mall. Star Garden Tower Hotel is also a few minute jeepney ride away to various Lucena City landmarks such as the Lucena Perez Park, Quezon Convention Center and Quezon Provincial Government office.

It was during the Pahiyas Festival when we arrived in Lucena City. Me and Jen (my Pahiyas Festival travel buddy) who I met for the fist time didn’t reserve any hotel/lodge prior to our Lucban trip. I was too confident that everything will go well, just like my any other DIY trips where I did not bother to reserve accommodations. When we arrived in Lucena, I started calling hotels in Lucban inquiring for room availability. From one call to another, I was not getting not so good response from the attendants as all hotels were fully booked! Well, I did not anticipate that we are attending one of the biggest festivals in the Philippines and hotels in Lucban easily get fully booked during the season. Since we were already in Lucena, a gateway to Lucban, I decided to check Agoda and other hotel booking sites for hotels in Lucena. Unfortunately, all listed Lucena hotels were also also fully booked! Too my desperation, I continuously searched for hotels in the internet and found Mercado motel along Lucena’s Quezon Avenue.

Star Garden Tower Hotel Lucena Quezon — Facade of the Star Garden Hotel, Lucena City, Quezon Province

Since I was concerned of my company and I wouldn’t want her to experience sleeping in a cheap motel (especially that it was our first time to travel together), I was still hoping to see a decent accommodation where we could spend the night in Lucena. Luckily, on our way to Mercado motel, we passed by Star Garden Tower Hotel. We immediately alighted the jeepney and headed to the hotel.

As we entered the modern architecture of the hotel, we were greeted by Gladys, a very welcoming and pleasant attendant of Star Garden Tower Hotel. We immediately inquired and were informed that there will be one available twin bed room by noon time. Me and Jen did not hesitate to pay for the room to make sure that we’ll have a decent place to rest and sleep after visiting Lucban.

Since we were too early for check-in and we wanted to be in Lucban as early as possible, we left our backpacks to Glady’s and we immediately left for Lucban.

Star Garden Tower Hotel Lucena City Room Rates

Starndard (Single Bed) – 1,738 Php
Extra Standard (Queen sized bed) – 2,068 Php
Double (Queen size bed, mini bar) – 2,068 Php
Twin (2 single beds) – 2,508 Php
Junior Suite (Queen size bed, additional, Jacuzzi) – 3,828 Php (additional 1,000 for Jacuzzi use)
Sky Executive Suite (master’s bedroom, one twin room, living room and dining room) – 8,140 Php

After enjoying the Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, we headed back to Star Garden Tower Hotel in Lucena.

Twin Room at Star Garden Tower Hotel Lucena City

I was expecting that the room would be decent and it did not disappoint. The room was clean and spacious. The air conditioning unit was working perfectly. There was only a medium-sized pillow and a throw-pillow for each bed, nonetheless the bed was really comfortable. The room has an LCD cable TV and beneath it is a mini refrigerator that comes with a 2 complimentary bottled water. There was a fairly sized closet with a mirror right in the corner of the room. A frosted glass door separates the clean and spacious toilet and bath to the bedroom. The hotel wifi signal was strong and the internet speed was decent.

Since the hotel is in a province, Star Garden Tower hotel did not give me that rustic feel that I felt in some other hotels situated in provinces. A 2,500+ Php room is quite pricey for a budget traveler like me but I then realized that it is a twin bedroom and I have someone with me to share the room expense. A 1,250+ Php comfortable and decent room situated in the city center is not bad at all.

The customer service was excellent! the hotel staff were welcoming, friendly and accommodating. Gladys, the front desk was very pleasant. We asked her instructions and asked for her recommendations on how to get around and where to go around the city. She knows what customer service is!

Star Garden Tower Hotel’s Sky Lounge

Bar at star Garden Tower Hotel — Sky Bar/Star Lounge

The hotel also has a Sky Bar/Sky Lounge that offers fine drinks and sounds at night. In the morning, the lounge serves as the area for guests’ complimentary breakfast. Speaking of which, the complimentary breakfast was okay but may not be enough for those who eat heavy breakfast.

Being in a location where most of the business establishments in Lucena are situated, this is an ideal hotel for businessmen and travelling professionals who has transactions and business to do in Lucena city. If you are a budget traveler and is willing to pay for a minimum of 1,800 Php for a night, I would definitely recommend Star Garden Tower Hotel.

Star Garden Tower Hotel Location: 2948-B Quezon Avenue Lucena City
Star Garden Tower Hotel contact numbers: +63 42 7104437 / +63 932 4060362
Unfortunately, Star Garden Tower Hotel currently do not offer online booking. You may book other Lucena city hotels here.

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- capiz
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- roxas city

Cheap Accommodation in Roxas City: Premiere Inn

Posted on January 17, 2016June 2, 2016by One Armed Wanderer

Premiere Inn is probably the cheapest and most affordable accommodation in Roxas City. Located in Bangbang st., Premiere Inn is few minutes away from several Roxas City tourist attractions such as the People’s Park and Provincial capitol.

After my 2 night stay at Roxas President’s Inn, I decided to try a budget accommodation. I asked several locals where can I find the cheapest yet decent accommodation in Roxas City and I was advised to check out Premiere Inn.

I tried searching for the rates via Agoda while I was on my way to Premiere Inn. Unfortunately, this budget accommodation seemed to be unlisted in the hotel booking site. I then started to think that Premiere Inn might be a motel. Recalling my unforgettable experience in Iloilo where I unintentionally checked-in in a motel (Dragon Lodge Iloilo), the experience was not bad at all. For the sake of budget traveling, I was willing to stay in a motel for the second time.

Premiere Inn Roxas City

Entrance of Premiere Inn, Roxas City

Premiere Inn Roxas City Room Rates

Single bed (for 2 persons)
3 hours – 300 Php
12 hours – 500 Php
24 hours – 700 Php

Double bed (for 4 persons)
12 hours – 750 Php
24 hours – 1,000 Php

The room rates confirmed my suspicions. Premiere Inn is indeed a motel! Nonetheless, rates are very cheap and affordable! If you are on a tight budget, non-airconditioned rooms are available too!

The entire place is clean. The 2-storey building looked newly painted.

I took a single bed room for 24 hours for only 700 Php. I must say that the room is clean and quite spacious. The vibe is more of a pension house room than of a motel.

The room comes with a cable TV.

The toilet and bath has hot and cold shower. Faucets need some repair though. I was satisfied with the room itself but the toiled and bath is nothing to rave about. Nonetheless, this Roxas City accommodation is very affordable. Well, we at times get what we pay for.

Since this is a motel and most motels in the Philippines are built for short time pleasure, they do not issue room keys to guests. If you are leaving your room to tour Roxas City, once you return, you have to ask the counter to open the room door for you.

If you are looking for a cheap accommodation in Roxas City, Premiere Inn will definitely not empty your pocket. Don’t want to stay in Premiere Inn? You may check other Roxas City hotels here.

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capiz
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Capiz Hotel: Roxas President’s Inn

Posted on January 2, 2016June 2, 2016by One Armed Wanderer

Since I did not have any hotel reservations, I had to quickly research for a good and decent hotel the moment I arrived in Roxas City bus terminal. Well, Roxas President’s Inn must be a very popular accommodation in Capiz as there are countless of good reviews and feedback about this hotel.

Getting There

Note that there are no jeepneys or taxis in most of part of Roxas City. The only way to get around is via tricycles. If you are coming from the Roxas airport or Roxas city bus terminal, inform the tricycle driver to bring you to Roxas President’s Inn. I paid 50 Php/$1.00 for the tricycle ride from bus terminal to the hotel.

Located in Rizal street corner Lopez Jaena, Roxas’s President’s Inn is is situated in the center of Roxas City. It is few meters away from a number of tourist destinations in the city such as Manuel Roxas ancestral home, Capiz Museum, provincial capitol and the iconic Roxas City fountain. If you get hungry, this hotel is also nearby a number of restaurants such as Spanngo Cafe and Raffy’s Bistro.

The Spanish-Filipino architecture of Roxas President’s Inn

Dining are Roxas Inn

Dining area and concierge

At night, guests get to feel the traditional and warm ambiance of the hotel.

There are also elegant antique chandeliers. There are actually made in 1920s.

You also get to see a number of displays showcasing Spanish-Filipino culture. In fact, there is a rare finds art gallery beside the concierge (which I was unable to take a photo). By the way, the Machucha floor tiles reminds me of Hotel Felicidad in Vigan City.

All rooms in Roxas President’s Inn are named after Philippines presidents. I checked-in at Osmena Suite.

The room’s Spanish-Filipino interior makes this hotel unique. The bed partnered with a headboard made of Capiz shells is very comfortable. Room flooring is made of hardwood Molave.

Guests can also enjoy a high-speed Wifi internet access, cable TV, 24 hour room service, laundry service in-room massage service and daily newspaper.

Few minutes after entering the room, the bellboy served this as a complimentary welcome drink.

There is nothing special about the toilet except for its hold and cold shower. Nonetheless, it is very clean.

Roxas President’s Inn Rooms and Rates

Deluxe Single has 1 single bed and is good for one person (Aguinaldo Suite, Osmena Suite, Estrada Suite)
Deluxe Full has 1 full-sized bed and is good for one person (Laurel Suite)
Deluxe Matrimonial has a 1 queen sized bed and it good for two persons (Magsaysay Suite, Garcia Suite, Aquino Suite, Marcos Suite)
Deluxe Twin has 2 single beds and is good for 2 persons (Arroyo Suite. Quirino Suite, Macapagal Suite, Quezon Suite, Ramos Suite, Arroyo Suite)
Presidential Suite has 1 queen sized bed, 1 single bed and good for 3 persons (Dinglasan Suite, Roxas Suite)

I stayed in Osmena Suite and paid 2,217.00 Php/approx. $44.34 for a 2-night accommodation. I was given a PWD discount by the very welcoming and accommodating concierge. As for the rest of the rates, please contact Roxas President’s Inn toll free number – 1-800-843-4343 loc.3349 or (036) 6210-208 or e-mail them at [email protected].

You may also check the rates/book a room here.

Overall, I had a great time staying in Roxas President’s Roxas Inn. The staff from security guard to the concierge are very friendly. With the affordable room rates and superb customer service, I would highly recommend this Roxas City hotel.

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Hotel
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- Iloilo
- Solo Travels

Hotel in Iloilo: Injap Tower Hotel Review

Posted on January 1, 2016July 6, 2016by One Armed Wanderer

Injap Tower Hotel is located along Diversion road and is just across SM City Iloilo. This tower is actually the tallest structure in Western Visayas. Being the first and only high-rise building, this 21-storey hotel is considered as one of Iloilo’s notable modern landmarks.

I was originally dropped off by the van at Injap Tower Hotel during my first day at Iloilo City. I opted to look for a cheaper hotel instead and landed at the Dragon Lodge where I spent my first night in Iloilo. Upon reading good reviews about Injap Tower, I did not hesitate to transfer in this hotel for my second night in the City of Love.

The highest building in Western Visayas — Facade of Injap Tower Hotel

Modern Feel at Injap Tower Hotel Lobby

Injap Tower Hotel’s lobby has this simple yet modern feel. The lobby is simple, very clean and well maintained. The furniture and fixtures look very new and modern. However, the entire lobby and the reception area look a bit small for its towering size.

The hotel’s hallways are plain simple, clean and spacious. There is nothing much to see here except for the noticeable high-end key card door locks in as you pass by each room.

Hallway

Room Door with Key card lock

Hotel Room

All rooms are 21 square meter in size and come with a queen size and a standard bed. At 21 square meters, the room look spacious. It was surprising to see a mini kitchen with sink, microwave oven and a mini refrigerator in the room. Apart from these, rooms also come with a telephone with NDD and IDD calls, 46” LED cable TV with HDMI Capacity and a free Wifi access with strong internet connection.

Room at Injap Tower

Injap Tower Hotel

Mini kitchen area

The bed and pillows are very comfortable and are par with that high-end hotels in Manila. The air conditioning unit works perfectly. If you are bringing work at your Injap Tower Hotel room, there is a small table that can serve as your work space. As for the toilet and bath, it was very clean and fixtures look very new. Toiletries are provided on a mini pouch with Injap Tower Hotel branding. There is a glass partition separating the shower from the toilet. There are no issues with the water pressure. Hot and cold shower is works perfectly too.

Tip: Since Iloilo City is a smoke-free city, there are no smoking areas in this hotel. If you are smoker, I would suggest checking-in at Dragon Lodge Iloilo instead.

Injap Tower Hotel Room Rates

Room rates vary depending on the occupancy per day. In my case, I paid 1,800 Php ($36.00) for a night at the Injap Tower Hotel. Check room availability and prices HERE (Agoda).

The Horizon Cafe

The hotel is also famous for its Horizon Cafe located on the 21st floor, the highest floor in the hotel. Being the tallest building in Iloilo, Injap Tower Hotel’s Horizon Cafe provides a panoramic view of Iloilo City to its diners.

Horizon Cafe

Injap Tower Hotel’s Horizon Cafe

View of SM Iloilo from Horizon Cafe

Other facilities at Injap Tower Hotel

use of lap pool located in 5th floor
use of the gym at the Injap Fitness Center
Access to The Horizon Café at the 21st floor of the tower
Ample Parking space
3 high-speed elevator units
24/7 standby power generator

I should say that I enjoyed my overnight stay at Injap Tower Tower. The price may be a bit expensive for a budget traveller. Nonetheless, with the accessibility, clean-rooms and being the current tallest building in Western Visayas, Injap Tower Hotel is truly a must visit hotel.

Injap Tower Hotel
Contact number (+63 33) 330 7111.
Online booking HERE (Agoda)

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Hotel
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- Iloilo
- Solo Travels

Dragon Lodge Iloilo City

Posted on December 31, 2015March 14, 2016by One Armed Wanderer

After a long 4 hour van ride from Caticlan, I had no idea where to stay in Iloilo City. The van dropped me in front of Injap Tower Hotel. By merely looking at it’s facade, I told myself not to check the rates as my goal was to travel as thrifty as I can. With that in mind, I asked one of the cab drivers parked in front of Injap Tower to bring me to a cheaper accommodation in the city. He asked if I was fine with a lodge or an inn. I said yes since I don’t find anything wrong with an inn or a lodge.The driver brought me then in Dragon Lodge Drive-in Hotel.

The moment I arrived at Dragon Lodge, the set-up was like that of taxi room motels in Manila. Well, this explains why the cab driver asked me earlier if i was fine staying in a lodge or an inn. I later learned from locals that lodges and inns in Iloilo are actually motels. I didn’t mind and immediately checked-in as it was already 2:00 AM.

Formerly known by the locals as “The Green Dragon Lodge”, Dragon Lodge or DL Drive-in Hotel is located along Lopez Jaena St., Molo, Iloilo City. It is a 10-minute jeepney ride from SM City Iloilo.

Given that this is a motel, the room is very decent, clean and relatively new. The interior is modern minimalist. The toilet is separated from the room itself by a glass partition. There is also a cable TV!

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Dragon Lodge Iloilo Room Rates

3 hours 220 Php/$4.40
12 hours 770 Php/$15.40
24 hours 1300 Php/$26.00

If you will be staying here during your Iloilo City visit, here are the pros and cons:

Cons
All rooms are good for two persons only.

Since this is a motel, they do not issue the room key to their guests. Some motels in the Philippines do not issue room keys as places like this are actually built for short time accommodation.

There is a small vestibule in the room where the first and main door is always locked outside. With this, you will always have to call the operator when you want to go out of your room. Moreover, you will also have to ask the reception to open your room door if you are coming from outside.

Pros
The rates are very cheap. This place is a good choice if you are traveling on a budget.

Unlike with hotels where check-in time is usually at 12:00 PM, you can check-in here at any given time of the day. I actually checked-in at 2:00 AM. Check-out time depends on the room rate you have availed.

My Take
If you are a budget traveler, I would definitely recommend this place. Security might be an issue since you do not have the door key while you are out and you can not easily go out of the room in case of emergency. Nonetheless, I was assured by the staff that the place is very safe. During my 24 hour check-in period in Dragon Lodge, I was mostly outside wandering Iloilo City and all my stuffs were safe while I was out. If you do not want to stay at Dragon Lodge, you may also check and book your Iloilo City hotel here.

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[Updated] Where to Stay in Puerto Princesa: Lola Itang

Posted on March 22, 2013March 14, 2016by One Armed Wanderer

Lola Itang Pension & Restaurant is located in Roxas St. corner Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa, Palawan. This affordable accommodation is 15 minutes away from Puerto Princesa Airport and is walking distance to baywalk, plaza quartel, The Cathedral and other commercial areas. It is also very accessible to the city’s numerous tourist attractions.If you have booked prior to your vacation, Lola Itang will provide a free transfer from Puerto Princesa Airport to the pension/hotel.

January 3, 2016 – Updated the post title, room and rates.

Lola Itang Pension House in Puerto Princesa

Aside from being an affordable pension house/hotel, Lola Itang also has a restaurant which is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM except on Sundays. The restaurant is less fancy but very clean and decent.

Lola Itang restaurant in puerto prinsesa

The pension house area is very quiet and pleasantly comfortable and cozy. Unlike typical hotels or pension houses, Lola Itang’s unique atmosphere which I should say very “Filipiniana” makes it a must stay hotel in Puerto Prinsesa, Palawan.

Refreshing and relaxing athmosphere at lola itang pension house

Although the rooms we stayed in are a bit modern and deviate from the “Filipiniana” feel of the hotel, we were very satisfied for the cleanliness of the room and its toilet & bath.

All rooms are air conditioned and has Cable TV. Room service is also available. We even had our room cleaned while we were out touring the city.

Lola Itang Palawan Room Rates

Single Room (1 matrimonial bed): 950 Php per night for 1 person or 1,100 Php per night for 2 persons toilet does not include hot shower
Twin Room (2 single beds): 1,200 Php per night for 2 persons – toilet does not include hot shower
Executive Room (1 matrimonial bed and 1 single bed): 1,350 per night for 2 persons
Solo Villa (1 matrimonial bed): 1,500 Php per night for 2 persons – room includes refrigerator
Suite Room (1 matrimonial bed and 1 single bed): 1,500 per night for 2 persons

For inquiries, you may contact Lola Itang’s Pension house at this number, +63916-233-3652 or e-mail them at [email protected]

Lola Itang’s staff are very friendly and accommodating. During our 5 day stay at the pension, we experienced superb customer service – from the security guard, room cleaners, restaurant servers to front desk officers. Less fancy rooms but are reasonable for the price, very secured and homey. A must stay for budget travelers.