RedDoorz Plus near Camella La Brisa Lapulapu

The reception staff are so welcoming that you feel at ease right away, and for the price, this is great value. My studio room was really spacious, the bed was comfortably firm, and all the standard amenities worked. The Android TV player did keep dropping its Wi-Fi connection, though.

There was plenty of street parking, and the room was roomy with a kitchen counter, though it had no appliances. The staff were excellent, and I thought it was well worth the price. The tap water did smell and taste salty, but that seems common across much of Mactan Island.

We stayed one night before catching a plane the next day. It’s a bit out in the sticks, but it’s a lovely place for the price, and the room was ice cold when we arrived, which was very welcome. The staff were really friendly and kind to us, even though I wasn’t in the best mood after a taxi at the port tried to fleece us. The bed was very hard and bothered my bad back, though I can’t blame them for that.

The neighborhood has plenty going on. Locals are friendly, the kids are adorable and want to play, and there are chickens, barking dogs, and cats around. It isn’t the quietest place, but I found it tolerable even as a light sleeper. There are little shops and food nearby, and it’s close to the public beach. Food camp is amazing, and NB is about a two-minute walk away, with lots of cheap, tasty choices that you can also have delivered free to the hotel. Plantation Bay has excellent food, but it’s expensive. The crossing down the street costs about 30 pesos and has more food and shopping options. This place is super cheap, with an even lower price for longer stays, and they really try to help when you need something. There are lots of rooms to choose from, and the night security guard, Apuya, is the nicest security guard in the universe. Get to know him. They can also arrange tours and guided activities for you. The rooftop lounge is a neat spot, with a glass room to sit in when it rains or when you want a better Wi-Fi signal. In that room, the connection was as fast as at the Plantation Bay resort. Wi-Fi elsewhere could be nonexistent or great depending on the room and what the nearby tower was doing. The AC blows cold and the room is quiet. There are definitely cockroaches, so protect your valuables and turn your plates upside down. The bathroom fan in our room didn’t work, and there was a lot of mold. I think it affected our lungs after a week. The shower pressure isn’t great, and the water doesn’t stay consistently hot, but it’s tolerable. A metered sedan AC taxi to town is about 400 pesos, and a tricycle to the beach is 30 pesos. I really like this place. It’s a great spot, I’d definitely recommend it, and I’d probably stay here again.