Casa Nicarosa Hotel

The rooms are more basic than the grand entrance and foyer, but they’re spacious and well furnished, with a bit of a provincial feel. There’s a small balcony looking onto the alley, which was pleasant, though the street can get busy and crowded. Inside, the decor and furniture made it feel like stepping a hundred years into the past. Casa Micarosa is classy and chic, with an exquisite entrance. The staff were friendly and attentive, and when we ran into a small booking problem, they sorted it out quickly and made us feel welcome. The bed was soft and the AC strong. I felt at home here and was very satisfied with my choice.

At check-in around 8 pm, there was nobody around except the guard, who handed me a Standard room even though I’d booked a deluxe. It was the most run-down place I’ve seen in the past year. Judging by how it’s being managed, I don’t think it’ll stay open much longer.

We found it quiet, with covered parking, good hot water, and solid Wi-Fi. The TV signal was patchy, though, and the street outside is poorly lit for walking. Getting in and out at night means buzzing security at the locked gate, and reception isn’t staffed around the clock. For a family or couple, it’s a good-value stay, especially if you’re here for the entertainment district, though it’s a bit far away.

We had our own kitchen, a little sala, and a place to eat, and the room was really nice. It was also surprisingly quiet for such a crowded area. We stayed for our LET examination, and the kuya guard was so accommodating when we had to check out at 4:45 am. He even wished us luck. I forgot to take a photo of the room.