Oyo 203 Lelita Hotel

The bed was comfortable, and it was easy to book and check in. The kitchen has hot water for coffee and you can eat takeaway there. Utensils, plates and a fridge are free to use, which not every hostel offers. Mark, one of the service staff, carried my luggage up and down the stairs to the third floor. I came back from work to loud karaoke. The thin walls meant I could still hear people talking in the lobby, and it cut into my rest. Consideration for guests seemed lacking. The guy apologized, which was good, but this is a hostel, not a bar, so it shouldn’t have happened in the first place. I was surprised to be charged a P300 cleaning fee at check-in. Easy booking, enjoy your stay!

This place can suit very different guests. If you’re outgoing, it’s welcoming, and people are encouraged to eat together in the dining and kitchen area. There’s also a multipurpose space on the top floor for private family parties and other indoor activities. If you’re more introverted, look for a room with its own toilet, air conditioning, and a window for fresh air. It works for people on a tight budget who’d rather cook than buy prepared meals from local shops or restaurants. The items sold in-store are too expensive compared with a local supermarket, about a 15-20 minute walk away. The location is fairly convenient near the highway, and taxis are easy enough to get. I’d choose a taxi over Grab because Grab is too expensive, though commuters should watch out for taxi drivers taking advantage of the meter, especially if they don’t know the city well. One thing I disliked was tenants smoking at the dining table, by the window in front of the stairs, and in the common toilet. Sometimes the smoke gets into the rooms. Sleeping can also be difficult when there are parties upstairs or people hanging around the kitchen late at night. The rooms and common areas are clean, though the floors in the rooms could be mopped more often. The sheets, linens, and towels are thin but clean, and can be replaced on request. The mattresses and pillows are old and worn, with stains from use by many tenants, which makes cleanliness harder to maintain.

Ervoruto should be honest about the amenities in its description. The rooms only have bunk beds, with no single or twin beds as listed. I booked nine nights but lasted just two because there was no proper ventilation. It was at least better than sleeping on the street. I don’t know who designed the lodge, but the shower space is so tight you can hardly bend to scrub or soap your feet. There’s less than three feet between the bed and the wall. I saw it listed as a two-star hotel in the app, but it should be categorized as a transient house instead. Thank you.

My friends from Cebu and I stayed here last Christmas. We were dealing with unfortunate problems while processing our papers to go abroad, and thought we’d be sad not to spend the holidays with family. But the people working there, especially the owner, were awesome. They invited us to a Christmas Eve party and let us join a bingo game the day before. It’s still something we talk about, and an experience we’ll never forget. Our rooms were cozy and everything was good. Highly recommended.