BuenaSentro Hostel

The beds were comfortable, and the privacy curtains made a real difference. After staying in hostels all over the Philippines, I’d say this is one of the cleanest I’ve come across. The front desk team were friendly, respectful, and happy to help. I also appreciated them arranging an early check-in after my trip. I had a good stay and would come back.

After two weeks here, I still couldn’t get a properly hot shower. I reported it several times and switched rooms twice, but the water temperature stayed much the same. Each time, I was told housekeeping would check it. I think I got to know the water heater situation pretty well after living there that long, and housekeeping staff aren’t electricians or repair technicians. The water in more than one room wasn’t warm enough to wash the oil from my hair with shampoo, so my hair never felt properly clean and went flat and greasy quickly the next day. Cold water can also raise the chance of catching a cold. For comfortable hair washing, I think it should be around 34°C or above. It felt as if the real issue kept getting put off instead of being fixed, perhaps to avoid maintenance costs, while guests’ basic needs were overlooked.

Sir Joel and his family were really welcoming. The rooms are clean and cool, with a nice hot and cold shower. There’s a balcony and a shared work table outside the rooms too. Best hostel I’ve stayed at so far in Manila.

The 24-hour front desk was handy, and the staff were professional. We stayed a couple of days during a short Manila layover. The hostel was in good condition, and our private room worked well for a brief visit. It had no windows, which actually helped us sleep and get over the jet lag. A solid short-stay option.