Baden Powell Hostel

Breakfast came with free bread, spread, and coffee, and backpackers share a bathroom here. It's a few minutes' walk from Joybus terminal, near local eateries with budget meals for 80 to 100 pesos, and also near SM Baguio if you want more choices or groceries. The rate is super affordable for a backpacker. I paid P1,200 on Agoda for 2 nights, Wednesday and Thursday. Just manage your expectations, since major renovations are still going on.

Be prepared to manage your expectations when booking. Agoda listed the room as “Max 1 person” with “1 double deck bed,” but I was placed in a shared dorm room with up to six occupants. I found that misleading. The shared comfort room wasn't functional during my stay. When I raised this with Agoda, they advised the property to consider a complimentary room upgrade because of the listing discrepancy. But supervisor Joan didn't seem guest-oriented. She repeatedly focused on the hotel's possible financial loss, saying “malulugi ang hotel nyan!”, and blamed Agoda for holding payments for 30 days. The conversation felt dismissive and unprofessional, more concerned with revenue than the guest experience. I paid PHP 1,628 through Agoda to upgrade to an economy room. The room was substandard, with no bed frame, just a foam mattress, and looked like a storage room, even though other rooms seemed available. I felt pressured to stay temporarily and leave late at night. I was there past 2PM, but the owner's final instruction only came past 9PM, when nearby hotels were already fully booked. I checked out early without completing my two-night booking and wasn't willing to pay extra. The supervisor and her superior spoke by phone, and their interactions felt ruthless and unaccommodating, adding to the discomfort. Other staff members, though, were kind and warm. The location is excellent, central and accessible near provincial terminals, SM, and the city proper. I hope the property improves its customer service and makes sure its online listings match the actual rooms, with more focus on guests. If I'd checked Google feedback first, I would have reconsidered booking.

The location is unbeatable, along session road beside the bus station, and the rooms are spacious. Staff were helpful and accommodating, and they provide free water, coffee, and bread. With economy, shared, and standard rooms, it's a top choice for budget travelers. I didn't even notice it was on soft opening. I'll definitely come back.

The location is the one decent thing about this place. The listing photos seem out of date, and everything feels old, from the facilities to the bedding. It comes across more like a boarding house than a hotel or hostel. The floor mat was wet, and they wouldn't provide slippers because they said they had only a limited number. The bathroom felt sticky and gave me chills, and the heater barely worked. I wouldn't recommend staying here.