Tag: accommodation (Page 3 of 3)

88 Plaza Hotel Double Room Iloilo — 88 Plaza Hotel Double Room

Budget Hotel in Iloilo City: 88 Plaza Hotel

February 24, 2017 / One Armed Wanderer

If you are backpacking The City of Love, there are a number of cheap yet decent accommodations in Iloilo city. For short time stay, check-in at Dragon Lodge for only 280 Pesos for a 3-hour stay. If you are staying overnight, at 560 Pesos, 88 Plaza Hotel Iloilo City probably has the cheapest and most affordable rates.

88 Plaza Hotel Iloilo City Room Rates

Single occupancy – 560 Php
Double occupancy – 690 Php
Triple occupancy – 760 Php

88 Plaza Hotel Iloilo City Location Map

Located in 88 Delgado street, the hotel is near to various landmarks in Iloilo City. It is few minute taxi ride away from the old Iloilo City hall, Iloilo Esplanade, Smallville and SM City Iloilo. Note that Iloilo airport is quite far from the city center. If you are visiting the city, do not expect hotels near the airport.

Due to the hotel’s cheap and affordable rates, their rooms easily get fully booked. I arrived in the hotel at around 10 AM there were no available single occupancy rooms. I had no choice but to book a double occupancy room at 690 Php. By the way, that was way cheaper that my last visit in Iloilo where I stayed in Injap Tower Hotel.

Facade of 88 Plaza Hotel

The hotel’s facade is simple. From outside, the building looks old to me. There is an ample parking space right in front of the hotel. As for the security, there is a guard manning at the entrance. Once you get inside, the reception is situated on the right side. On the left is a mini cafeteria which is open 24 hours.

Double Room at 88 Plaza Hotel

88 Plaza Hotel Double Room

For 690 Php, the room was good. Not something you get when you check-in in a more pricey Iloilo hotel like Injap Tower. Nonetheless, the room and the toilet with hold and cold shower are very clean. The air conditioning unit works perfectly. The hotel lacks WiFi facility but there is a space for work area. There is a mini cable television and a service phone. If you are a smoker, there are designated smoking areas in each level of the hotel.

As expected to a budget hotel, there is nothing special about 88 Plaza except for its affordable room rates. Nonetheless, the guard on the entrance was very welcoming. As for the receptionists, I just felt that they need to be more welcoming and accommodating. With their cheap room rates, I had no issues with their service. It was just getting the value of what you paid for. Overall, if you are a backpacker or a budget traveler visiting Iloilo city, I would highly recommend 88 Plaza Hotel!

Iloilo City Hotel Online Booking HERE

88 Plaza Hotel Iloilo City contact number: 0928 998 9925

Budget Hotel in Dumaguete City: Go Hotels Dumaguete

January 19, 2017 / One Armed Wanderer

If you are travelling to Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, there are a number of hotels and accommodations in the province. For budget travelers, comfort and affordability are important in choosing a hotel or accommodation. In Dumaguete, there is no other hotel aside from Go Hotels Dumaguete that offers comfort and good service at an affordable price.

Go Hotels Dumaguete Location

Go Hotels Dumaguete is located in Calindagan corner South Road in Dumaguete Central Business District Dumaguete City. The hotel is across various BPO offices and is also few meters away from Robinson’s Dumaguete mall. If you are coming from Dumaguete airport, Go Hotels Dumaguete can be reached via tricycle or habal-habal. Travel time from the airport to the hotel is 20 minutes and fare is approximately 120 Php. If you are coming from Ceres Bus Terminal in Dumaguete City, tricycle fare costs 40 Php.

I stayed in Go Hotels Dumaguete after my short day trip in Bacolod. I traveled from Bacolod to Dumaguete via ordinary bus which took roughly 7 long hours. Since I was not able to anticipate the long travel, I arrived in Dumaguete city at 11 PM and immediately took a tricycle to Go Hotels Dumaguete.

Check-in was a breeze

It was my first time to check-in in a Go Hotels chain. I was very excited as I’ve been reading good reviews about their hotels. When I arrived, I was surprised by its spacious open air lobby and reception area. It was simple and clean.

Go Hotels Dumaguete Reception area

Go Hotels Dumaguete Lobby

The check-in process was a breeze. Since I booked online prior to my trip, I just presented my Travelbook booking confirmation to the receptionist. She quickly verified my booking and immediately handed me the key card for my room.

Go Hotels Dumaguete room rates

Unfortunately, Go Hotels do not have published room rates. Their rates are more expensive if you will book closer to your check-in date. The below rates were generated via Go Hotels site as of this writing.

Room rates if you book via Go Hotels site 3 days prior to check-in date:

twin bedroom – 1220 Php
queen size bedroom – 1220 Php

Tip: Alternatively, hotel online booking sites such as Agoda and Travelbook offer cheaper Go Hotels Dumaguete rates.

Travelbook had this last-minute booking promo for twin room for only 710.12 Php instead of 900 Php. It was even cheaper than a queen size room. Being a budget traveler, I immediately booked the 710.12 Php promo rate.

Go Hotels Dumaguete twin room

I was assigned to a twin bedroom on the second level, just right beside the stairs. I should say that I did not really expect anything as I only paid 710.12 Php. Surprisingly, the room is spacious for a budget hotel. It was very clean and well maintained. The bed and pillows did not disappoint. It was good for the rates Go Hotels Dumaguete offers.

Room amenities include air-conditioning unit, cable TV, WiFi, soap and shampoo, in-room safe and hot and cold shower. Being a hotel for travelers and backpackers, the room does not have any work area. Nonetheless, if you are bringing work in Go Hotels, the fast internet connection will compensate the lack of work area. As for the toilet and bath, it was very clean. Aside from the soap and shampoo, bath towels and mats are provided.

Twin room

The interior is simple and has this hip and cool vibe.

A photo posted by Ed Puno (@onearmedwanderer) on Jan 19, 2017 at 8:12am PST

If you are a food lover or a smoker, eating inside your Go Hotels room is not allowed. There is this note in the room that eating areas are available at the hotel’s common areas. For smokers, there are designated smoking areas outside the ground lobby. If you dare to eat or smoke inside your room, prepare for a 1,000 Php cleaning charge. I do not have issues about these rules as these are for Go Hotels to maintain the quality of their rooms.

My Take on Go Hotels Dumaguete

Overall, I enjoyed my stay in Go Hotels Dumaguete. The receptionists were very accommodating and welcoming. I should say their approach and service are at par with receptionists of high-end hotels in Manila. For Go Hotels Dumaguete room rates, the room exceeded my expectations. It was spacious and clean. Dumaguete’s Go Hotels is indeed a budget friendly hotel in city!

Go Hotels Website: http://www.gohotels.ph
Cheap Go Hotels Dumaguete online booking: Agoda / Travelbook
Contact Numbers.: +63 (35) 5221100 | 5221102

Hotel in Bonifacio Global City: F1 Hotel Manila

December 27, 2016 / One Armed Wanderer

F1 Hotel Manila is the very first premier hotel in Bonifacio Global City or popularly known as BGC – a Philippine leisure, lifestyle and business hub situated in Taguig City. F1 Hotel Manila is located along the 32nd Street of Bonifacio Global City and is just a walking distance from various corporate offices, shopping malls, banks and a world-class hospital.

F1 Hotel Manila Facade

Since I will not be able to travel on Christmas, Jen and I decided to book a hotel for a holiday staycation instead. Since we did not want to go farther for our staycation, we considered hotels in BGC which is just a 10 minute drive from home. After comparing prices, we decided to book a room at F1 Hotel Manila.

Lobby

We arrived at F1 Hotel Manila at around 3:00 PM. The hotel’s parking was full, perhaps due to the holiday season where many guests visit F1 Hotel for their sumptuous lunch and dinner buffets. We had to temporarily park at Parkade 3 and soon transferred to the hotel’s parking later that day.

I should say that F1 Hotel Manila’s entrance is not like any other expensive hotels in Bonifacio Global City. It was simple yet modern. We approached the concierge at the hotel’s ground floor and we were courteously informed that the hotel lobby is on the 5^th level.

Lobby at the 5th level

Elevator area at the ground level

Concierge at the ground level

The lobby in the 5th level was simple and modern. The check-in process was a breeze. Special thanks to F1 Hotel Manila’s front desk officer Joanne! Unlike in other hotels, I was surprised that we were given 2 key cards for our room. Joanne also provided a personalized WiFi password for our internet needs throughout out stay. Just make sure to prepare your credit card or 3,000 Php cash for the hotel’s security deposit. Don’t worry as this is refundable after check-out.

F1 Hotel Manila Deluxe Room

We stayed at room 702 which is at the end of the hallway and appears to be corner unit. As we entered the room, there was an element of surprise as there is a mini hallway leading to the main room area. I should say that I was really surprised with the interiors! The room is stylish and has this executive and businessman vibe. The grays, reds and browns perfectly complement each other resulting to a modern and classy appeal of the room.

mini living room area

F1 Hotel Manila

The king size bed and pillows were very comfortable. Pillow cases, linens and comforter were of high quality and at par with that of 5-star hotels in the metro. I personally love the soft gray headboard.

There is a life-size gray wooden dresser that come with safety box, bathrobe, iron and even fire extinguisher. Beside the dresser are the complimentary tea, coffee and creamer sachets along with complimentary water bottles. Beneath is a personal refrigerator. Across the dresser is a mini living area with a high-end sofa and table.

work area

toilet & bath

The Deluxe room also comes with a 32 inch flat screen cable TV placed in a long desk paired with a comfortable stylish chair. The desk also serves as a work area in the room. On the other end of the desk is a stylish lamp, a welcome letter from F1 Hotel Manila, F1 Hotel Manila notepad and a booklet containing hotel’s menu and offerings.

The toilet and bath were also a surprise! The sink and the toilet are adjacent to one another. F1 Hotel Manila branded toiletries such as soaps, shampoo, conditioner, cotton buds, toothbrush, toothpaste and even a comb are provided. Just above the sink is a long mirror that covers the entire length of the bathroom. The shower area is separated by a glass door. The rainfall shower is my favorite!

Aside from the cozy and upscale ambiance, the floor to ceiling glass window sets this F1 Hotel Room apart from other upscale hotels I have been to. Despite of this, the room does not get hot during daytime due to the floor to ceiling curtains and not to mention the strategic location of its air-conditioning unit.

F1 Hotel Manila Published Room Rates

Deluxe Room – 10,000 Php a night

1 King-Size Bed
36-38.89 Sqm

City Suite – 11, 200 Php a night

2 Double-Size Bed
39-40 Sqm

Fort Suite – 13,600 Php a night

1 King-Size Bed
42.15-43.82 sqm

Tip: We booked a Deluxe Room and only paid 4,200 Php instead of the 10,000 Php published rate. Get huge discounts if you book your F1 Hotel Manila room HERE.

F1 Hotel Manila Facilities, Amenities and Services

F All Day Dining Restaurant – Located on the hotel’s 3^rd level, F All Day Dining Restaurant serves contemporary Filipino and international lunch and dinner buffet.

F All Day Restaurant

Breakfast buffet

Yummy breads at F All Day restaurant

Since our booking includes breakfast, we had our breakfast buffet at F1 All Day Dining Restaurant. Breakfast buffet is only served from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Swimming pools – Located in the 3rd level, F1 Hotel Manila has three pools – a kiddie pool, family pool and a lap pool. These pools are open daily from 7:00 AM until 8:00 PM.

One of the 3 pools in F1 Hotel

Jen enjoying the cabana

Fitness Center – If you are a regular gym goer, do need to worry about missing your daily gym regimen. F1 Hotel Manila has a fitness center fully equipped with treadmills, weights and many other gym equipment. The gym is located in 3rd level mezzanine and is open 24/7.
Spa and Wellness – To those who want to simply relax, F1 Hotel Manila offers a selection of signature and traditional massage services. The Spa and Wellness is located in 3rd level mezzanine and open from 1 PM to 5 AM during weekdays and 10 PM to 5 PM on weekends.

Other Facilities and Services

Complimentary Shuttle Service – Shuttle service going around Bonifacio Global City is available for in-house guests. Prior reservation is needed and maximum of 10 passengers per trip.
Airport transfers – Available upon request. Minimum rate of 1,500 for a sedan car and 2,200 Php for a van per way.
Make-Up Room – F1 Hotel Manila offers 1 complimentary make-up room service per day. To avail the service, simply tap to activate the make-up room icon near your room’s door. High-tech!
Concierge Services
Meetings and Events Facilities
4 level car park
Wi-Fi in all rooms and public areas
24-hour Guest Services
24 hour security
In-Room Dining
Laundry & Valet Service
Babysitting Services

Overall, we enjoyed our F1 Hotel Manila staycation. The hotel did not disappoint. The hotel staff, from the security guards to front desks are very welcoming and accommodating. The room was very stylish, classy and cozy. The breakfast buffet was good. I would highly recommend this hotel not just for a staycation but also for business and corporate travelers who are visiting Bonifacio Global City.

Discounted F1 Hotel Manila Rooms HERE

F1 Hotel Manila
Address: 32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City
Contact Number: 908.7888 / 928.9888
Email us at: inquiry@f1hotelsandresorts.com

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.

Capiz Hotel: Roxas President’s Inn

January 2, 2016 / 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 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 contact@roxaspresidentsinn.com.

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.

Room for three at Injap — Room at Injap Tower

Hotel in Iloilo: Injap Tower Hotel Review

January 1, 2016 / 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.

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)

Dragon Lodge Iloilo City

December 31, 2015 / 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.