Residence Lodge

The wifi worked reliably, even out on the front patio. This lodge has six guest rooms and no soundproofing, so you’ll hear people coming and going and the owner talking. The beds are on the hard side, and there’s no pool, beach view, hair dryer, or anything beyond basic amenities. I didn’t find any washcloths, so bring your own. The hot water in the shower lasted about five minutes, which makes me think there may be an issue with the water heater. It’s tucked away and easy to miss if you’re not paying attention, but several restaurants, convenience stores, barbershops, and massage parlors are within walking distance. Check-in can be tricky: the owner knows about five English words, so you may end up using Google Translate or hand signals, or wish you’d taken Chinese lessons beforehand. I stayed two nights. This is my raw, unfiltered take to help you choose a hotel in Saipan.

A nice place to stay, and the caretaker is very kind. The bathrooms differ from room to room and are great. The beds are a bit stiff, though it varies by room. The biggest room is absolutely crazy and beautiful.

We felt secure behind the coded gate, and the owner was really welcoming. The Airbnb was comfortable and reasonably priced, so we'd happily book it again on a return to Saipan. There’s no cable, but that was fine since we were mostly out and only watched a little TV at night. No washer or dryer either, though a 24-hour laundromat is nearby.

The rooms are spacious and pleasant for the price, and the staff are friendly. It’s in central Garapan, though everything is on the ground floor, so there’s no view.