Friendly's Guesthouse

I was put in room B facing the street, and couldn't sleep all night. There are two loud ceiling fans, but the ventilation is still poor and the humidity is really high. The restrooms are clean, at least. I'd only recommend this place if you're on a very tight budget. I'd rather pay extra to get a decent night's sleep.

We booked through booking.com for just 582php, so you get what you pay for. The room was tiny, like a jail cell, and only had a fan. The guy at reception wasn't very friendly, maybe because he was on the night shift, but a friendlier woman was there when we woke up. There are four showers and one toilet. I wouldn't recommend the place or come back.

The hostel was overpriced for what it offers, with rooms that are barely basic. Its photos show a much nicer picture than what you find when you arrive. This place fits a pattern I've encountered across Cebu and many parts of the Philippines: hotels that don't seem to be checked or regulated, with smelly, unhygienic rooms and little attention to cleanliness. They're often in rundown areas that smell, are noisy, and have mice, dogs, and unhealthy, uncontrolled street food stalls. People hang around smoking and drinking early in the day. Some hotels are exceptions, but there aren't many.

The price felt fair for Cebu, and the location is decent. Staff were helpful and friendly. Just avoid a top bunk in the dorm. There's no air conditioning, and the fan doesn't reach those beds, so you'll be hot all night.