Hotel Sogo Malate

I had no idea this was an escorts hotel when I booked. I’d specifically requested a non-smoking room, but the cigarettes smell in mine was really strong. They said they could spray air freshener, which was ridiculous. There was no toilet paper or blanket, and the room wasn’t soundproof.

The person I spoke with at 3:38PM November 1 barely knew anything and wouldn’t check with anyone to confirm. You need a receptionist who responds properly to calls and Viber inquiries.

The area has plenty of bars and places to eat, though there’s a seedier feel, with lots of escorts around, so it may not suit families. Room service arrived quickly, but the food was mediocre. My room was clean and really nice, and the front desk staff were friendly. Still, arriving at 3 AM and finding the room hadn’t been cleaned meant waiting another 30 minutes in the lobby before I could rest. Then, two hours before checkout, housekeepers came in and started cleaning. I asked them four times to leave, but they wouldn’t. The front desk said they’d confused my room with the one next door, where turn-down service had been requested. A knock is fine, but when I ask someone to leave, I expect them to go. Without the check-in wait and the housekeeper problem, the stay would have been perfect.

I was surprised by how much Sogo Hotel's Malate branch has changed from its old “sex hotel” image. It seems set up for all sorts of guests now, whether they need a place to work, unwind, or stay briefly. Being in the middle of Malate makes it handy for getting to restaurants, shops, and local attractions. The rooms were comfortable and clean, and the staff were accommodating. I also liked the flexible hourly rates, which let you book for just a few hours or stay overnight without the usual fixed hotel check-in and checkout schedule. It works well for a convenient short stay. If you want that flexibility, a different kind of hotel setup, and decent value, I’d recommend Sogo Hotel – Malate.