Crisfil's Lodge

I paid ₱988 through Booking.com for a small room, and for that price I expected better. It looked old and poorly maintained, with rust in several spots and an unpleasant smell from the toilet. The bedsheet was the worst part: it felt itchy and made it hard to sleep. I got in very late and couldn’t ask for a replacement. I still find the room expensive for its quality.

The room is great value and comes with free wifi, though the connection is really only good for scrolling.

We were just looking for an affordable place to sleep during a Dumaguete stopover, and this was the cheapest option on Agoda. We arrived a little after 8pm, and the front desk staff was already expecting us and greeted us with a smile. While I filled in the forms, we chatted and he suggested somewhere for dinner. The security guy and cleaning staff were friendly and polite too. Our room had two twin beds and was simple, but the shower had hot water and the small bathroom worked fine. The mattress was thin, yet we slept surprisingly well. The blanket and towel felt rough, so softer material would have been nice. Wifi stayed stable the whole time. If you’re not too picky, it’s a good option.

This family-owned and managed lodge has been around since 1969, a hospitality pioneer on this side of Dumaguete. The people are friendly and offer a warm welcome, with very affordable places to stay. There are different room options, from budget rooms for two to ones for a family of four or more. It’s also next door to the area’s newest modern commercial developments.