Le Bungalow

The family were friendly and helpful, and the owners spoke a little English, which was nice. Our air-conditioned room worked really well. Two nights for two adults came to $28, good value. They can arrange bus tickets, but the bus company was no help at all. One man shouted in his own language, acted rudely, and stood on our bags even though there was breakable stuff inside.

For $7.50 (30000R), I had a single room with a fan right near the main market, and Capitol bus station was just a short walk away. The guesthouse has that dated 90s look, but the facilities worked, including the hot water. The TV didn’t, though I didn’t really need it. The detailed wooden headboard was my favorite part of the room, and it could suit Asian families well. The owner was fairly helpful too. He let me check the room before paying and said there was no need to hurry downstairs, even though payment is due at check-in.

We paid for a river-view room, but none were available when we got there. The owner said the listing only promised a view in some rooms, though that isn’t true. They put us at the back, looking onto a wall, which wasn’t what we’d booked or paid for. The rooms get far too hot without AC and were quite dusty. It’s very cheap, so I guess you get what you pay for.

The owner was very well-meaning and helpful. His English was acceptable, and when something wasn’t clear he called someone on the phone to help with the misunderstanding. There are balconies, though they’re bare, without even a chair. The rooms are clean, the bedding and towels smelled freshly laundered, and the fans are powerful. It’s a big old post-colonial building with lovely interior details and spacious rooms. It’s a bit run down now, but still charming. The location near the island boat pier and good food options is handy, and $7 is great value.