Shejoje Poshtel Hostel

It smelled strongly of bleach or disinfectant even though the pods looked clean. There aren’t any lockers, so all your bags have to fit in your already very small capsule. Payment is cash only, which wasn’t mentioned online when booking. The reception area isn’t separated from the pods, so you hear everything. To use the bathrooms, you have to leave the building and go upstairs. Babies and children are allowed, despite the age guidance saying over 6, and there were babies crying and screaming. This place is horrific, nothing like the online photos. I don’t know how it has such high reviews.

The location is a strong point: Shejoje Poshtel Hostel is on D. Jakosalem Street in the Ramos/Cogon Ramos area, within walking distance of several local attractions. Free WiFi and a 24-hour reception are useful, and guest reviews mention friendly, helpful staff and responsive service. The bathrooms are shared rather than en-suite, so that’s worth knowing if you want your own. The fittings and amenities are basic, as you’d expect from a hostel rather than a full-service hotel. One review also mentioned that the bathrooms could be improved.

We’re back for the third time now. Whenever we return to Cebu before heading to another island, we stay here for a day or two. It’s always clean and the people are very friendly. There’s water and coffee, hot water, toilet paper, clean sheets, and air conditioning. You can ask the front desk for a lock, which helps you feel safe. We sleep well here, and it’s always a pleasant place to return to.

The hostel is affordable, with comfortable beds, good privacy in the pods, and air conditioning that’s always on and cool. The staff are friendly and approachable, and the toilets and bathrooms are clean and regularly maintained. It’s only 1.5 km from important tourist attractions, with good transport connections and a 7/11 just two buildings away. They have luggage storage, but it doesn’t have a way to close or lock it. You can lock belongings inside your pod, though, using the lock provision and privacy curtain. The main downside is that the toilets don’t have locks, so there’s no real privacy there. They should add locks.