Month: November 2018

RedDoorz Philippines Blog Review + RedDoorz Poblacion & Katipunan

November 5, 2018 / One Armed Wanderer

RedDoorz Philippines is the newest platform offering budget accommodation for travelers. In 2015, the brand RedDoorz opened its very first property in Jakarta, Indonesia. It has then expanded in Singapore and Philippines in 2017 and 2018 respectively.

RedDoorz

What is RedDoorz?

Note that RedDoorz is not a hotel chain but a platform offering budget accommodation. RedDoorz acts as a middle man between hotels and travelers. They help hotels and property owners by handling distribution, pricing, sales & marketing. To date, RedDoorz can be found in more than 500 properties across Indonesia, Singapore and the Philippines. Meaning, there are more than 500 properties with RedDoorz rooms.

RedDoorz Service Guarantee

Unlike other budget accommodations, guests get to enjoy standardized services provided by RedDoorz. When you book a room at any RedDoorz property, they guarantee the following:

Free WiFi
Satellite Television
Mineral water
Spotless linen
Clean washrooms
Toiletries

RedDoorz Philippines Budget Friendly Accommodations

RedDoorz Philippines rooms are currently available in Manila, Cebu, Pampanga and Cavite. Here’s the complete list of properties with RedDoorz accommodations:

Manila

Tayuman, Manila
San Antonio, Makati
Banawe, Quezon City
near Capitol Commons
Bel Air, Makati
near Mckinley Hill, Taguig City
near Quirino Station, Manila
South Triangle, Quezon City
Project 6, Quezon City
Poblacion, Makati
EDSA Pasay
EDSA Congressional
near UST Hospital
near Arca South, Taguig City
EDSA shaw
near Trinoma

Cebu

V Rama, Cebu
Bonifacio St., Cebu
near JY Square Mall, Cebu
AS Fortuna, Cebu
Wireless Mandaue, Cebu
Hernan Cortes Cebu
Fuente Osmena, Cebu
Mabolo, Cebu

Pampanga

Balibago, Angeles City
Fields Avenue, Angeles City
Malabanias, Angeles City
Hensonville, Angeles City
near Angeles University Foundation
near McArthur Highway
Josefa Subdivision, Angeles City
Kore Town Angeles City

Cavite

The Ridge, Tagaytay
Sta. Rosa Tagaytay Road

RedDoorz Poblacion Makati Review (Nest Nano Suites Makati)

Our first time experience with RedDoorz Philippines was at Poblacion, Makati. We booked a room at Nest Nano Suites in Poblacion Makati via Agoda. We were clueless that the room we booked was actually a RedDoorz room.

Tip: I’m giving you a discounted room rate at RedDoorz Poblacion (Nest Nano Suites) by booking HERE.

RedDoorz Makati Philippines

Upon entering the room, we were surprised that the bed has the signature RedDoorz bed runner and RedDoorz pillow. There were also complimentary bottled water, WiFi and toiletries. The room is quite small. Nonetheless, it was very neat and clean. The room also comes with an airconditioning unit, LCD cable TV, service telephone, microwave oven, electric kettle and a mini refrigerator. If you are bringing work at Nest Nano Suites, there is also a mini work area for your convenience. Surprisingly, the toilet and bath is spacious. There is hot and cold shower with strong water pressure. Basic toiletries, liquid bath soap and shampoo are also provided.

The only downside is the parking. There is a limited parking on the basement of hotel and they charge 200 Php for it.

You would not get superb customer service at Nest Nano Suites. Receptionists were helpful but they need to more friendly and accommodating to get at par with other hotels in Poblacion, Makati. Nonetheless, we enjoyed our staycation at RedDoorz Poblacion (Nest Nano Suites).

RedDoorz Katipunan Review (The Studio 89 Residences)

Since RedDoorz Philippines’ cheap room rates are promising, we were convinced to book another RedDoorz room. We chose RedDoorz near Katipunan as we wanted to visit Maginhawa street and UP Diliman.

Here’s my VLOG of our RedDoorz Katipunan staycation plus UP Diliman and Maginhawa visit.

Located in Esteban Abada St, Quezon City, RedDoorz Katipunan rooms are in The Studio 89 Residences.

Upon arrival, we were immediately greeted by the security guard on duty. He even assisted us to secure a parking. The check-in was fast and the receptionists were very welcoming and accommodating.

I personally did not expect anything grand as we booked it at only 1,300 Php for two nights. However, we were surprised and couldn’t believe that we booked a spacious room with an executive vibe. Our room reminded me of F1 Hotel in BGC.

RedDoorz Katipunan Philippines

The double bed and the pillows are very comfortable. The room comes with a single sofa chair, mini refrigerator, electric kettle, LCD cable TV, cabinet, service telephone and safe deposit box. Just like any other RedDoorz room, 2 complimentary bottled water with 2 sachets of instant coffee are provided as well. The toilet and bath come with toiletries, liquid bath soap and shampoo. I love the glass partition separating the shower from the toilet. Apart from the executive feels in the room, what I liked the most is the strong WiFi and fast internet connection!

Overall, we enjoyed our stay at RedDoorz Katipunan. All the staff, from security guard, receptionists and housekeepers are very courteous, friendly and accommodating. The rooms are truly value for your money!

Recommended for Budget Travelers & Backpackers

If you are a budget traveler, a backpacker or simply on a tight budget, I would recommend booking a room with RedDoorz Philippines. Their rates are very affordable compared to other hotels and accommodations. Staying in a RedDoorz room is like staying in a 3-star hotel. You experience comfort and security at an affordable price!

RedDoorz Philippines Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/reddoorzph/

Me enjoying the beautiful beach front of Henann Prime Beach Resort

LATEST LIST of Accredited Boracay Island Resorts, Hotels & Establishments as of November 7, 2018

November 5, 2018 / One Armed Wanderer

After 6 months of closure, Boracay is finally open for tourists and visitors. The island started welcoming tourists last October 26, 2018. However, not all beach resorts, hotels, accommodations and establishments are given accreditation to operate. An establishment must first comply with the requirements by the Department of Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and must be accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT). As of 1st week of November 2018, a total of 192 Boracay hotels, beach resorts and accommodations have been given go signal to accept reservations and bookings. Thus, can operate business as usual.

If you are planning for a vacation in Boracay, before making your reservations or booking, make sure that your chosen accommodation is included in the list of accredited beach resorts and hotels. Wondering if your favorite Boracay hotel is legal to operate? See below for the updated list of Boracay establishments with permit to operate as of November 7, 2018:

SOURCE: The below list is from the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force and as announced Philippine Department of Tourism Facebook page.

Latest List of Accredited Boracay Island Resorts, Hotels & Establishments as of November 7, 2018

Important: You may be asked to present your hotel reservation slip before entering the island. This is to ensure your only booking with accredited Boracay beach resort or hotel and to prevent hassle upon arrival.

Tip: I am giving you huge discounts on your Boracay beach resort, hotel, accommodation if you book HERE.

Sadly, my favorite Boracay resort – Henann Prime Beach Resort is not yet included in the DOT list of accredited establishments. Hoping that Henann Group of Resorts in Boracay will soon open. I’ll be visiting Boracay this month (November 2018) and will accordingly update this blog post.

Cheap Accommodation in Batanes – DDD Habitat Lodging House Blog Review

November 3, 2018 / One Armed Wanderer

DDD Habitat Lodging House Batanes opened its doors in 2009 and is one among the few affordable accommodations in the heart of Basco, Batanes. This lodging house has a total of 7 rooms named after the islands of Batanes. Located along Lopez St. in Brgy. Kayvaluganan, DDD Habitat Batanes is just walking distance from Batanes’ center of trade where local shops, eateries and restaurants are located. It is also a 5 minute ride from Basco airport.

DDD Habitat Batanes Philippines

We booked 2 accommodations for our 4 days and 3 nights stay in Batanes. We wanted to try a mid range Batanes accommodation so we booked at Amboy Hometel Batanes for our first night. Since it’s a bit expensive for us, we also booked DDD Habitat Batanes for our succeeding nights in Batanes.

Small and Simple Lodging House

I should say that I did not expect anything from DDD Habitat Batanes as we only paid 2,556 Php (51 USD) for two nights stay. That is very cheap compared to the 2,880.54 Php (58 USD) we paid for an overnight stay in Amboy Hometel Batanes.

Tip: The room rates mentioned above are discounted rates. I’m giving you huge discounts if you book your DDD Habitat Batanes room HERE.

The entire building of DDD Habitat Lodging House is small and simple. The simple set up of DDD Habitat is a reflection of the simple life of Ivatans. Just like any other lodging or transient houses I’ve been to, DDD Habitat Batanes has a homey atmosphere. There is also a common area for dining and kitchen that guests can use.

Room Upgrade

We checked-in at DDD Habitat Lodging House late afternoon after our South Batan tour. The discounted room for 2 PAX we booked at DDD Habitat is no longer available when we checked-in. We were surprised that we were given the larger and more expensive room instead! Thanks to DDD Habitat for the free upgrade!

Itbayat room at DDD Habitat

We originally booked a Ditaram room which is good for 2 PAX but we were given Itbayat room which is good for 6 PAX!

The air-conditioned room is very clean and spacious. There are two double beds which are surprisingly comfortable for a budget accommodation. A side table with a mini lamp separates the two beds. There is also a small LCD TV with decent local channels. Basic toiletries are provided such as shampoo, soap and towels. As for the toilet and bath, there is a hot and cold shower. The toilet also comes with a bidet. What we loved the most is the strong water pressure.

Being in the heart of Basco, there is cellular signal in DDD Habitat. However, cellular data is intermittent. Note though that I’m a Smart telecom subscriber.

Highly Recommended Accommodation in Batanes

If you are visiting the breathtaking Batanes and on a tight budget, I would highly recommend DDD Habitat Lodging House. Its strategically located and is near to the airport and various restaurants. The rooms are very clean and of course are priced for budget travelers and backpackers!

DDD Habitat Lodging House Batanes Rooms Rates

Siayan Room – 1,400 Php (2 PAX), 1,600 Php (3 PAX), 1,800 (4 PAX)
Batan Room – 1,400 Php (2 PAX), 1,600 Php (3 PAX), 1,800 (4 PAX)

DDD Habitat Lodging House Batanes

Contact Number: 0932 165 9176
Discounted Room rates HERE.