Category: accommodation (Page 4 of 4)

Crisanta's Bed and Breakfast Tagaytay Philippines

Budget Hotel in Tagaytay: Crisanta’s Bed and Breakfast

June 12, 2016 / One Armed Wanderer

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

twin bedroom star garden tower hotel lucena city

Where to Stay in Lucena: Star Garden Tower Hotel

June 11, 2016 / One Armed Wanderer

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.

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

Twin bedroom at Start Garden Tower Hotel (2,508 Php)

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

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.

Cheap Accommodation in Davao City: Iron Inn

March 20, 2016 / One Armed Wanderer

Iron Inn Lodge is one among the many backpacker budget accommodation in Davao city.

After enjoying Glan in Sarangani Province, I immediately headed to Davao City. I arrived at Ecoland bus terminal around 8:00 PM and asked some locals where is the cheapest accommodation in the area. A street vendor pointed me to Iron Inn Lodge.

Iron Inn Lodge Location

If you are travelling by bus to General Santos, Tacurong, Bukidnon, Koronadal, Cotabato, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro or Matim, this budget accommodation is a perfect place to have a quick rest as it is just few meters away from the Ecoland Bus Terminal.

From outside, Iron Inn’s facade looks like a boutique hostel accommodation. The colorful stained glasses makes this affordable Davao accommodation more appealing.

When I arrived in the lodge, I was welcomed by an old lady along with their 2 grandchildren. The old lady is the owner of Iron Inn and her grandchildren help her accommodate guests.

Iron Inn Lodge Room Rates

2 hours = 200 Php
3 hours = 350 Php
4 hours = 300 Php
5 hours = 350 Php
6 hours = 400 Php
7 hours = 450 Php
8 hours = 500 Php
12 hours = 600 Php
24 hours = 700 Php

With their affordable rates, Iron Inn is undoubtedly a motel in Davao city. After my motel experiences in the past, (staying overnight in Iloilo’s Dragon Lodge and Roxas City’s Premiere Inn) the experience was not bad at all. Besides, safety was not an issue as I was in Davao City – the 8th safest city in the world!

For only 700 Php for 24 hours, I did not hesitate to check-in. I was a bit confused as the owner did not hand me the room key. Instead, she instructed her grandchild to open the room for me.

Iron Inn’s common area

The room itself is quite spacious for a solo backpacker. The bed is queen size and the room comes with an air-conditioning unit and a TV. It’s quite odd the room walls are tiles. I felt like I was inside a toilet. Nonetheless, the entire room and the toilet and bath is very clean.

The next morning, the owner offered me to simply add 300 Php for another night in Ironn Inn. Too bad it was my last day in Davao City.

Well, this is the cheapest accommodation I’ve been to during my Lake Sebu-Sarangani-Davao City DIY tour. With only less than 1,000 Pesos a night, the place is generally clean and truly a budget Davao city accommodation! Visiting Davao City? Check hotels HERE

Cheap Accommodation in Roxas City: Premiere Inn

January 17, 2016 / 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.

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.

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

March 22, 2013 / 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 lolaitang@yahoo.com

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.