Spot On Junction Hostel

The bathrooms were the worst part of my stay at One Junction Hostel Manila. Most were broken, filthy, and smelled awful. None of the sinks in the building worked, so there was practically nowhere to brush your teeth or wash properly. I saw cockroaches too, and mosquitoes seemed to be everywhere. There were no lockers for belongings, which made the place feel even less secure. I had paid in advance for a room for two, but was told none was available when I arrived. After a frustrating argument with the receptionist, they eventually gave me a dorm bed instead. Reception was empty at first, and I waited about 30 minutes before anyone showed up. The building looks nothing like the online photos. It feels neglected and dirty, and this was easily one of the worst hostel stays I've had. If you're thinking of staying here, I strongly suggest looking elsewhere in Manila.

It's dirty, and they don't change the sheets even when another person has used them. The rooms don't have locks, so anyone could walk in and steal your things. I was sexually assaulted here, and they wouldn't even help me call the police. Don't choose this place just because it's cheaper. Worst!

The online photos of the outside and inside are completely misleading. This is a run-down dump with terrible management, awful facilities, and customer service to match. There's construction inside the hostel, people fighting in the corridor, and the guests didn't seem to be backpackers. Avoid it at all costs. You can't lock the dorm room, and they don't give you a key. The receptionist takes a photo of your ID on their personal phone, which raises privacy and security concerns. There are no card payments, and manager Yani, who isn't even on site, expects foreigners to have the G-Cash app, which requires a Philippine SIM card and ID. Staff have no clue and no computer. The bathrooms are gross and poorly maintained, with no toilet paper, soap, bins, or toilet seats. There's no bin in the room either. One bunk is right beside an A/C that leaks dirty water onto the wall. The room was too cold and noisy from the A/C, and they had lost the remote so it couldn't be adjusted. Without A/C it gets too hot, since there's no window or ventilation. An electrical wall outlet was badly installed and looked like a safety hazard. My pillow was old and yellow-stained, with no protector, and its case was stained and smelled. There's no sign outside, so it took a long time to find the place. The narrow entrance steps were full of cigarette butts, and dirty water from a leaking A/C above was impossible to avoid.

There aren't many good things about the building itself. It's old, a shared hallway leaks, there's no common space to hang out, and the second floor has no Wi-Fi. Still, it's among the cheapest hostels in central Makati, with plenty of good restaurants and cafes nearby. Strange as it sounds, I'd come back and stay another two nights.